So, here’s the deal with this book. It’s a Jules Verne story most people never knew existed until recently. It’s called Abandoned, and it’s a tight, suspenseful little tale that’s different from his usual epic adventures.

The Story

The story follows Simon Hart, an engineer. He’s on a remote, icy island called Back Cup, somewhere near Bermuda. He’s not there by choice. He’s been essentially kidnapped by a mysterious and wealthy man named Count d’Artigas. The Count has set up a secret base inside the island’s volcano crater. Simon’s job is to maintain the machinery, but he’s really a prisoner, trying to piece together what the Count is actually doing.

The big secret? The Count and his brilliant, silent scientist, Dr. Sarokine, have discovered a new, incredibly powerful source of energy. They’re planning to use it to, well, take over the world’s seas. Simon is alone, cold, and completely cut off. The whole story is him trying to understand the technology, survive his captivity, and maybe find a way to stop this scheme before it’s too late. The island itself—harsh, isolated, and claustrophobic—is a huge part of the tension.

Why You Should Read It

This isn’t your typical Verne globe-trotting adventure. The fun here is in the mood. It’s a prototype of a techno-thriller. You get that classic Verne fascination with invention, but it’s wrapped in a layer of paranoia and isolation. Simon isn’t a swashbuckling hero; he’s an observer, a smart guy in a terrible situation, and that makes his fear feel real.

Reading it, you can’t help but think about how Verne predicted humanity’s obsession with new, world-altering energy sources and the dangers of that power in the wrong hands. The Count isn’t a cackling villain; he’s calm, calculated, and that makes him scarier. It’s a fascinating look at Verne working in a more psychological, confined space.

Final Verdict

This book is a must for Verne completists who want to see a different side of him. It’s also perfect for anyone who loves a quick, smart sci-fi thriller with a historical twist. If you enjoy stories about lone individuals against impossible odds, or if the idea of a “lost manuscript” by a famous author gives you a thrill, you’ll devour this. It’s a short, gripping snapshot of a master storyteller experimenting, and it absolutely holds up.