Reviews

I picked this book to fulfill a requirement for one of my reading challenges, so I didn't really know what to expect going into it. Though it was short, it was still an excellent story. It was a haunting piece, and though I think my enjoyment of it had to do with the larger systems/world than individual characters, there was plenty of suspense and emotion borne of individual interactions as well.

chuckstafer's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I was very pleasantly surprised by this novella. Very cool alternative history story of a post cold war world and a group of religious fanatics trying to survive. Great twists and turns as well as character-building and growth. Very impressive the amount of story included in so few pages

hamohero's review

Go to review page

dark emotional tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.0

Beautifully written however not my cup of tea. Felt like it was a story I have read before.

wreathedinviolets's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

This book had so much packed into it for how short it was. I enjoyed the twisty turns plot and never knowing what was really happening. The whole deep dark submarine atmosphere was really working and done well, especially when emphasizing how utterly isolated they were. A quality deep sea horror plus culty religion.

Content Warnings

hngoodlett's review

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-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? Yes

4.0

ahawkin11's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

**Thank you to NetGalley and Tordotcom for the eARC copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback!**

At 160 pages this incredible story left me wanting more. Just the synopsis alone fully grabbed my interest and I knew I needed to read this book. What I DIDN'T know was the emotional rollercoaster I was in for.

The main character, Remy, is aboard a retired nuclear submarine run by an order of monks who believe women shouldn't exist and all boys must be castrated to "reach salvation." The ship is carrying a nuclear missile that the order of monks will release at the time of the "second coming," releasing all those worthy of salvation.

The monks tell Remy and the other children that they "rescued" from above the water, that the world is poisoned, and only evil doers live above the water. I found this story to be an incredible example of how extreme religious indoctrination can be in some cases, as the characters struggled with their own beliefs and desire for free will.

I don't want to say much else and risk spoiling anything, but if you're thinking about it - you should absolutely read this book. If you like post-apocalyptic themes, anything involving cults, or crying (a lot,) you should check this out.

More...