The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings is an interesting book. Typically when I think of sea monsters, or dangers in the ocean, my immediate thought is Jaws. This book takes that same, deeply rooted fear of both the unknown and the creatures which might dwell there, and exploits them. Initially readers aren’t quite sure of what is going on. The initial chapter hooks you in, while the remaining content provides content and further draws you into the story. (No fishing puns were intended in the writing of this review… But reading back over it, several appear. I apologize in advance.)
Book Description:
There are places we were never meant to go…
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A woman searching for a sister lost at sea. A man bent on finding lost treasure. A mother who has lost all hope. A maniac who believes all life exists for his pleasure. The man who would keep them all safe.Together, they will all seek below the waves for treasures long buried, and riches beyond belief. But those treasures hide something. Something ancient, something dark. A creature that exists only to feed on those that would enter into its realm. A creature… of The Deep.
Review:
The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings is the first full-length book I’ve had the opportunity to read and review in a while, so it was already set to be a treat before I’d had the opportunity to turn the first page. This book, (not to be confused with several other titles with the same name – be sure the cover and author name matches!), begins with an incredibly unsettling account of a diver who fears for her life as she ascends from something she can’t see in the dark waters below. The narration shifts to a different character with each passing chapter, which helps to keep the approach to the story fresh as well as provide more unique information about each character.
The frightening/suspenseful scenes are by far Collings’ strong suit, which is why this title was nominated for a Bram Stoker award. Since the primary objective of most horror novels is to frighten the reader I was very pleased. The ratio to disturbing and mundane was sufficient to keep a reader interested and lull them into a false sense of security before reeling them back into another horrifying scene. Although I have never gone diving, I could easily imagine the threat of the bends and the fear of what may be lurking beneath the waves.
If you love Jaws and any other horror material which promises to keep you afraid of the water for a long time to come, I would highly recommend reading The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings. You’re sure to be hooked after the first chapter!
