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kkalicky94's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Blood, Violence, Body horror, Gore, and Physical abuse
craigmatthews87's review against another edition
4.0
A fantastic novella, brilliantly written and constantly taking turns into areas I didn't expect. This is my second book from the author after Burn The Plans, a short story collection, and if this quality is maintained through their bibliography I can see them becoming a very firm favourite author for me.
I listened to the audiobook version in one day at work, and immediately bought the ebook so I can revisit it soon. I can see my rating being bumped up even higher in future.
I listened to the audiobook version in one day at work, and immediately bought the ebook so I can revisit it soon. I can see my rating being bumped up even higher in future.
hazeyjane_2's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
It was decent and the writing was good, certainly not as execrable as many epic fantasies, but it didn't need to be a novella. Maybe a short story?
This is why eldritch horror is hit or miss for me. The plot doesn't really hang together here, and these characters are only in the same place due to an incident that starts off compelling but really doesn't have much of an impact beyond getting them out to sea in the first place.
There was a lot of space dedicated toEric's mental health - yes, we get it, no need to tell us ten times . The pacing suffered due to all the grindingly slow flashbacks, and the writing often lapsed into horror-movie theatrics like people clutching at their stomachs and groaning about how they were going to vomit. Multiple times.
The upshot of it all was "Eric is ill Because of Reasons and now these fish are out to get him Because of Reasons." That works well enough in a monster-of-the-week show, not so great in a novella. The pace picked up towards the end, but it all felt like very little payoff for no real reason. I would rather have read the story described in the epilogue, where a team of scientists is trying to contend with an alien threat to the ecosystem.
This is why eldritch horror is hit or miss for me. The plot doesn't really hang together here, and these characters are only in the same place due to an incident that starts off compelling but really doesn't have much of an impact beyond getting them out to sea in the first place.
There was a lot of space dedicated to
The upshot of it all was "
badseedgirl's review against another edition
4.0
This was an odd, creepy read. There are strong aspects of Lovecraftian horror in this book. Add to that how little we still know about the oceans and what is in it and this story becomes even more creepy.
In addition to the horror aspect there is a family drama the characters are experiencing in the beginning of the book. All of this leads to a read that feels longer and more interesting then the actual 162 page length of the book.
In addition to the horror aspect there is a family drama the characters are experiencing in the beginning of the book. All of this leads to a read that feels longer and more interesting then the actual 162 page length of the book.
beccammartin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
plumsdeify's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
silverdragon71's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
aevthomp's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
schuman3d's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! That was a trip, for sure.
The book opens with a mystery and quickly turns into what seems to be a grisly crime novel. But keep reading - not everything and everyone is what they appear to be.
I couldn't put this book down. Tyler Jones is an exceptional writer, and the story kept turning corners with another awesome (harrowing, bloody, stomach-turning) surprise waiting.
Grab this as soon as you can if you're a fan of dark, unsettling, supernatural stories that will keep you up reading past your bedtime.
The book opens with a mystery and quickly turns into what seems to be a grisly crime novel. But keep reading - not everything and everyone is what they appear to be.
I couldn't put this book down. Tyler Jones is an exceptional writer, and the story kept turning corners with another awesome (harrowing, bloody, stomach-turning) surprise waiting.
Grab this as soon as you can if you're a fan of dark, unsettling, supernatural stories that will keep you up reading past your bedtime.