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lady_smith's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
I read this because it was on a list of fantasy books with excellent representation, but I cannot in good faith give it a star rating.
On the one hand, it is a very well-written book with detailed science, engaging and diverse characters, vivid descriptions, and a good plot. So objectively it should get at least 4 stars for all that.
But I'm writing this review 2 years after reading it and honestly cannot reread the SYNOPSIS without starting to hyperventilate because this book was so bloody terrifying (for me). I know there are people out there who would enjoy the stress offollowing worker dolphins' last thoughts before they are massacred by mermurdermaids but I'm not one of them. So in my heart I'd give this like -50 stars because I'll never be comfortable with mermaids again, except that it wouldn't be fair to the author, who clearly was writing this for an audience that isn't me.
So if you like mermaids, oceans, boating, or HEA... probably don't read this book.
If you like terrifying monsters attacking a bunch of characters that you're emotionally invested in... go for it??
On the one hand, it is a very well-written book with detailed science, engaging and diverse characters, vivid descriptions, and a good plot. So objectively it should get at least 4 stars for all that.
But I'm writing this review 2 years after reading it and honestly cannot reread the SYNOPSIS without starting to hyperventilate because this book was so bloody terrifying (for me). I know there are people out there who would enjoy the stress of
So if you like mermaids, oceans, boating, or HEA... probably don't read this book.
If you like terrifying monsters attacking a bunch of characters that you're emotionally invested in... go for it??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Animal death, Grief, and Violence
peachalie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Theres some unsolved mysteries I would have loved them to solve. Some plot lines went no where which was a shame because they were the more interesting ones. The book ends right as action picks up and seems sudden.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
kaleereads's review against another edition
4.0
for what this book is, it’s great. it’s basically like reading a syfy channel movie, but a good one! a great cast of characters, fun monsters, good lore. really enjoyed this. not scary or super gory. definitely a lighter intro to horror lit!
kaylananci's review against another edition
4.0
this was so good!!!! wlw relationship and sirens what more could i want (the ending could have made more sense but it’s okay)
ladylilyofold's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Exposition heavy in parts. Found myself skimming those sections. Solid deep sea horror story and very interesting take on “mermaids”.
vickymaldonado's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"The seas of the world were a vast and interconnected graveyard, every inch riddled with bones and haunted by the ghosts of the lost. Every mile of every ocean could be marked as the site of some “surprising” or “unexpected” death; humanity sailed, and the sea punished it for its hubris."
This is such an accomplishment of a novel. Combining horror and sci-fi elements, "Into the Drowning Deep" tells the story of a group of scientists and researchers who embark on a monster of a ship, The Melusine, to answer the question of whether mermaids are real or not. Years ago, another ship, with different aims and resources, entered the Mariana Trench, and its passengers succumbed to "something" from the sea, something that left no survivors. Apart from some video evidence found on board, families of the passengers were never given a full explanation, and the question remained unanswered. Now, the same company that made the original voyage happen, is trying to find out what really happened out there.
"Into the Drowning Deep" is as creepy and as wonderful as a horror tale about mermaids should be. It never feels long despite its 450 pages and the story flows naturally and without pacing issues. The characters feel fleshed-out and the interactions between them were fun to read. I really enjoyed the writing as well; the descriptions of the sea and of science were beautiful, and I wish I had a physical copy of this book to re-read and anotate.
This is such an accomplishment of a novel. Combining horror and sci-fi elements, "Into the Drowning Deep" tells the story of a group of scientists and researchers who embark on a monster of a ship, The Melusine, to answer the question of whether mermaids are real or not. Years ago, another ship, with different aims and resources, entered the Mariana Trench, and its passengers succumbed to "something" from the sea, something that left no survivors. Apart from some video evidence found on board, families of the passengers were never given a full explanation, and the question remained unanswered. Now, the same company that made the original voyage happen, is trying to find out what really happened out there.
"Into the Drowning Deep" is as creepy and as wonderful as a horror tale about mermaids should be. It never feels long despite its 450 pages and the story flows naturally and without pacing issues. The characters feel fleshed-out and the interactions between them were fun to read. I really enjoyed the writing as well; the descriptions of the sea and of science were beautiful, and I wish I had a physical copy of this book to re-read and anotate.
arrittlexiedwards's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
In a way, this was better than expected. I thought it was a short thriller, but the plot was much more scientific and character driven than anticipated. Almost every single supposedly climactic moment fell flat though, and at times the third person omniscient felt like an odd decision and left little to the imagination. Tension is what makes horror (and most books) really great, and so much of that is removed here. Although I enjoyed the writing style generally and the plot was interesting, the dives into each character's life were disjointed and, honestly, it did not seem necessary for a book like this. The final reveal in the end was so lackluster I just shrugged. Like okay guess that is a thing and the book is done...I definitely won't be reading any other books in this series.
jaelynq's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
amanduuuh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
carriehaven's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5