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_readerfromtheblacklagoon_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Grief, Car accident, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
petite_madeline's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 Stars
Deep in the mountains of West Virginia, Addy finds herself in a dark and horrifying reality.
This novella is not at all what I expected. I went into this book looking for a spooky story steeped in Mothman lore and horror. What I got was a spiraling dark and confusing trip through subterranean terror. I enjoyed it, but it's just not what I expected.
Initially, I was annoyed that all of Addy's internal dialog and advice was coming from the various men in her life. I kept thinking, "Why does she need these men to guide her? Why can't her character be strong on her own." But, without going into to much spoiling detail, by the end I realized that was the point of this story.
We love horror that has a deeper message!
Deep in the mountains of West Virginia, Addy finds herself in a dark and horrifying reality.
This novella is not at all what I expected. I went into this book looking for a spooky story steeped in Mothman lore and horror. What I got was a spiraling dark and confusing trip through subterranean terror. I enjoyed it, but it's just not what I expected.
Initially, I was annoyed that all of Addy's internal dialog and advice was coming from the various men in her life. I kept thinking, "Why does she need these men to guide her? Why can't her character be strong on her own." But, without going into to much spoiling detail, by the end I realized that was the point of this story.
We love horror that has a deeper message!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Car accident
Moderate: Toxic relationship
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
mermaidsherbet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Stalking, Car accident, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Gaslighting
Minor: Vomit and Medical content
killing_u95's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Perfect! Short read at just over 100 pages, but was written to feel like a full novel. Immediately you're drawn in to the characters and feel sympathetic for them, rooting everyone on. Lot of twists and mind breaking events. Can't recommend enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Murder
sdsmith80's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Brief yet brutal! ***Minor spoilers ahead***
This novella is a quick read, but really packs a punch! The dread and despair were palpable through most of it, which is something I really love. I want to be worried about the characters and whether or not they'll survive. This book came through beautifully.
I also kept wondering about Mads through the beginning. Although we get some insight later on, I'm still wondering just what the nature of his business was. Honestly, I would love to see that explored further. Maybe a prequel someday? Okay, really I just want to see more of this universe, period. I want to know what the creatures are, who else they may have targeted, and what Addy will do with her future. </Spoiler>
This novella is a quick read, but really packs a punch! The dread and despair were palpable through most of it, which is something I really love. I want to be worried about the characters and whether or not they'll survive. This book came through beautifully.
I also kept wondering about Mads through the beginning. Although we get some insight later on, I'm still wondering just what the nature of his business was. Honestly, I would love to see that explored further. Maybe a prequel someday? Okay, really I just want to see more of this universe, period. I want to know what the creatures are, who else they may have targeted,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Blood
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Emotional abuse
bbtea's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I went into “Below” incredibly excited, but unfortunately left my time in the caverns a bit disappointed. The elements of greatness were there; creepy, horrific creatures, the mystery of Mothman, hell on psyche of our main character. But some parts missed the mark of their potential for me, and I also wanted more of the man himself from the front cover in the story.
I’ve seen others love it though, and perhaps its execution just wasn’t for me!
I’ve seen others love it though, and perhaps its execution just wasn’t for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Vomit
kt_jams's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Blood
howlinglibraries's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
"Came outta nowhere, didn't it?"
There are four things that I love, all of which are present in this book: cryptids, feminist horror, Laurel Hightower's writing, and a story so action-packed I have to devour it in one sitting.
I love cryptid stories in general, and like many cryptid lovers, I have a soft spot for Mothman. (I'm a diehard member of the "Mothman isn't bad, actually, he's just trying to help" club, in case you were wondering.)
When I heard Laurel was writing a story involving him, I was immediately sold, though I did force myself to patiently wait a little while to read this because I knew one of my favorite bookish groups was planning to read it in October. It was so worth the wait!
I loved Addy's character and how angry and full of spite and pain she was over the misogyny she'd faced throughout her life, especially from her ex-husband. When we meet her, she's already jaded and mistrusting of men she meets, and honestly, it was very easy to relate to her concerns and wariness. But that element of the story takes a backseat pretty quickly because let me tell you, shit hits the fan fast in this novella, and once it does, it never lets up until the end.
I was totally captivated and loved every second of this. It would make such a fun horror movie adaptation (*cough cough, side-eyes streaming services*), and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes cryptids, creature features, and/or horror with badass, tough feminist heroines. I can't wait to see what Laurel comes out with next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Misogyny, Violence, and Car accident
Minor: Domestic abuse
mfrisk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As a fan of cryptids and psychological terror this book is a great quick read. Our main character delves deep into her own experiences and existence through being challenged to survive and take on the unknown. Highly recommend this read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Violence, Blood, and Car accident
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Vomit