It was all a great mystery. Who was this man called Dan Thunden who claimed he was one hundred and thirty years old? Did he really have the secret of the fountain of youth? What was this island called Fear Cay that spelled horror and death? What was the strange thing that turned men to bone? These were the mysteries that Doc Savage and his fearless crew had to solve at peril of their very lives.

Who would have thought that a nearly cenutry old man would prove to be one of Doc's most difficult physical opponents? Old Dan Thunden wasn't too shabby in the brains department either! Notable story for the return of Pat as well.

I have to admit I love the Bantam cover of this one. Doc locked in a fight to the death with Thunden. I know one should not judge a book by its cover but one look at this one and I couldn't wait to start reading. And it's a Pat novel for those keeping score. And it's good to see Doc up against someone who can challenge him at his best, brains and brawn. And did I forget to mention the flesh-eating ants? A great Doc!

A Doc classic, for sure. After reading a few chapters, at about page 40, I realized there had been more action in just 40 pages than in many complete Doc stories. And it did not stop at page 40, either, it continued right to the end of the book!
Some Doc books I read quickly in just a few hours. But I read this book over a week period, a little each night, savoring each chapter. Doc is held prisoner for much of the last half, so the rest of the gang get lots of "screen" time, before Doc, of course, saves it all in the end. My "top ten" now has about TWENTY books in it, but I will have to find room for Fear Cay.

This is one of the very best Doc Savage novels. The action is non-stop throughout and Dan Thunden is wonderfully realized. And the fights on Fear Cay itself (and the fate of the villains) can't be beat. I'd put this easily in the top ten. You could do worse than start someone who is new to Doc with this book.

"Fear Cay" never really did it for me. I admit that it's an engaging, action-packed Doc adventure, but I guess the whole premise was a little low-tech for my tastes. The Dan Thunden character is fun, but hardly a John Sunlight-level menace, and the Santini gang is just another of Dent's patented groups of faceless thugs. However, I will admit that Dent's description of the cay is wonderfully crafted — you definitely feel like you're right there along side Doc and the gang.

Overall, I give it a "B" (but really wished it would have been an "A").

This is a pretty good one. It has some good moments with Pat and Dan Thunden is great. The villain could be a little stronger in this one but the story is good. This book picks up when they get to Fear Cay. This is a Doc Savage book that is good to read.

A good, solid, action-packed adventure that is very fun to read. Adding Pat in to the mix really added to the story as well. When Doc is nearly eaten alive by the then unknown ants creates a sense of dread that keeps you wondering throughout the rest of the story, exactly what the hell is it that would make Doc seemingly fear for his own life. The story is wrapped up very neatly as well. A must read for every Doc fan!