I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would have to say it’s because of the writing. I usually prefer a book told in third person rather than first, but this is an exception. There are definitely creepy moments, although the thought of crawling through tiny tunnels many feet under the Earth is perhaps the most scary moments, expertly claustrophobia inducing. A rather strange atmospheric ghost story with a protagonist who is more of an anti-hero. Despite this, you can’t help following Simon’s journey and even rooting for… I’m not sure what. Not Simon as such — although I’m not sure he deserved all that happened to him — but you still want something good to come of this. The story contains several threats and battles, including the climbing of Everest and questioning mental health. Not everyone will find the ending perfect, but I’m not sure how else the author could have concluded the book; for me, the biggest negative is that it felt almost too abrupt. As Stephen King has said, some books are best enjoyed for the journey rather than the destination and I can’t help thinking perhaps this is one of those, but I’m glad to have spent time with it and will read more by this author. ( )

The writing wasn't that bad, but I didn't really find it scary or creepy or anything. It was a bit boring, in my opinion, but not bad. ( )

Based on a copy from NetGalley

This story was just as frightening and suspenseful as I expected, but I was surprised to find some rather touching moments as well. Simon is a complex character, and the horror that he goes through is rooted as much in the "real world" as it is in the supernatural. Two wishes I had for the novel: 1) that Juliet's story had been expanded a little more, 2) that the Thierry had a little bit deeper characterization. But the horror, which manifests both supernaturally and physically (claustrophobia, frostbite, heights, etc.), was rather good. Overall, can't wait to start recommending it to people. ( )

The thing I really dig about Sarah Lotz is her subtlety. She never goes for the big scares, and is more comfortable, more content in the area of that almost-seen grotesquery, that dark thing caught at the furthest part of your peripheral vision. And she absolutely loves to leave you guessing as to whether those half-glimpsed things are real or imagined.

At the same time, she never gives you an easy hero to love. Her characters are deeply flawed and mostly unlikable, but with a thin vein of goodness that is, if not enough to root for them, at least enough to care what happens.

Yeah, that's Sarah. That's this book. I love Sarah. ( )

This is an uncomfortable book for claustrophobes as it begins underground in Wales, in a cave so dangerous that it has been closed to explorers. Simon is hoping to take pictures of three men who had previously died in the cave to post on a website he is trying to launch, but he and his guide, a surly and creepy alcoholic named Ed, become trapped by sudden flooding, and Ed dies. Simon barely manages to escape but comes out haunted. His next expedition is to Mount Everest, where he again has a near-death experience. I won't say much more so as not to spoil, but I enjoyed this, although Simon is most emphatically not a sympathetic character. The story explores survival in extreme situations, the Third Man syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the sense of place in both the caves and on the mountains is excellent. ( )