Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
512 Pages
Synopsis: Seven years ago, the Altargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a “mockumentary” bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a maritime tragedy.
Now, a new crew has been assembled. But this time they’re not out to entertain. Some seek to validate their life’s work. Some seek the truth. But for the ambitious young scientist Victoria Stewart this is a voyage to uncover the fate of the sister she lost.
Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the waves.
But the secrets of the deep come with a price.
Mira Grant, who also writes urban fantasy under the name Seanan McGuire, is one of my favorite authors. I know I can always count on her for her lush and exquisitely detailed writing and imaginative storytelling. So when I saw this latest was going to be about mermaids, I immediately began drooling. How awesome would it be to find out that these legends of fairytales were true? Well, unfortunately, the mermaids in this scarefest are less like our favorite fishy Disney princess:
and more like this:
Yeah. Not something you’d EVER want to meet! Into the Drowning Deep is the literary equivalent of what I call a popcorn movie. It may not be perfect, but it’s so much fun, that you just don’t care.
The story begins seven years after the ill-fated voyage of the Atargatis set out for the Mariana Trench to film a mockumentary about these legendary sea creatures. The boat was eventually found, covered in blood, but with no crew. Also found was footage documenting what happened. The public has been led to believe the film is a hoax, but others know better. And now, The Imagine Network has decided it’s time to send out another ship filled with scientists to prove once and for all whether mermaids exist. I know what you’re thinking. “This is a seriously bad idea!” And you’re absolutely right!
There are quite literally a boatload of characters in this book, and the story is a little slow in the beginning, because there are several who tell this story from third person povs. There’s a lot of introductions and plot set-up. The main character is marine biologist Victoria Stewart, who has a deeply personal interest in this quest as her sister was among those who perished on the Atargatis. She’s made it her life’s mission to discover what happened and bring some sort of closure to her family. While she tends to be impulsive at times, I really liked her stubborn determination to get to the truth. She also shows a much more compassionate side than some of her fellow scientists who only care about their experiments and findings.
There is a lot of diversity among the crew. Victoria is bisexual and there’s a sweet little romance that develops between her and an autistic reporter. Two of the scientists are deaf twins and there’s an over-the-top husband and wife team of big game hunters who add an additional level of insanity to the mix.
The only other issue I had was with a technical problem with the ship. This was something that was put in place to safeguard everyone, yet wasn’t working when they embarked. While as a plot device it led to the reason why so many people get killed, I wound up obsessing over it because it didn’t make sense to me that after what happened to the first ship the company would be send out another where everything wasn’t working perfectly.
Once the ship arrives at the Mariana Trench, it doesn’t take long for the carnage to begin. Bloody and gory doesn’t begin to describe what goes on. I have a pretty strong stomach, but holy guacamole! There were scenes that had me squirming, gasping “Ewww!”, and wanting to cover my eyes!
One thing I’ve learned from reading Mira Grant’s previous books is that no one is safe. So of course one of my favorite characters is killed off in one of the scariest scenes I’ve read in quite awhile. Knowing the author’s predilection for killing off popular characters, this adds even more anxiety and unpredictability to an already frightening story.
Another thing I loved is that each chapter begins with quotes from the different characters, usually taken from interviews, books they’ve written or lectures they’ve given. They’re almost always these horrifying facts told in a droll manner.
Do I think they found mermaids?
Yes. Of course I do.
And I think the mermaids ate them all.
All righty then. I know this is dreadful, but there were several times I couldn’t stop laughing. The timing is always perfect and the dry humor gives the reader a break from all the mayhem.
Overall, Into the Drowning Deep is another brilliantly executed science-based horror story by Mira Grant. I even learned a few things about aquatic life and the environment that I didn’t know before. The ending isn’t a cliffhanger but it leaves some things open, so I’m thrilled that there’s going to be at least one more book. There’s also a short prequel to this called Rolling in the Deep which details what happened to the Atargatis and her crew. I’m going to be reading that ASAP! I HIGHLY recommend this to fans of horror who don’t mind loads of blood and gore and body parts being ripped off. I can’t wait for the next book!
beetleypete said:
Sounds like a real cracker of a novel Kim. And it is quite literally crying out to be made into a film too!
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This seriously needs to be made into a movie Pete!😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I agree Pete! This would make one helluva good film!😁🎬💖
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I can definitely see why this would be a perfect example of a popcorn film!💘🎬🍿This looks so fun and killer Mermaids!!!😱😱😱 This was an incredible review Book Sister with the perfect GIFs to go along with it.💯🏆🎊I laughed when I saw the Little Mermaid then the scary one and your writings to go along with it!😂 Just loved this review and definitely will make sure to read this one because of your awesome review!😁🤗😍😗 You’re the bee’s knees Kim!😍🐝💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Dani! You need to read this ASAP Book Sister! It’s another book I think would help you break your reading slump. And, it’s still available to request on NetGalley. Just sayin’😏
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
You had to and tempt me with the Killer Mermaids!!! Bad Kim! Lol.🤣 *Heads over to NetGalley*😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
BWAHAHAHA!😈😈😈😈😈😈😈
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I clicked it! 😁*crosses fingers for approval*🤞🤞🤞
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Fingers crossed!
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Did you see the news that someone’s bank account for subpoenas!😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m just reading it now. Do you feel a Twitter tantrum coming?😂
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Oh yes!!!!😂😂😂 Can’t wait to debate with some of the Colt 45s about this one! He is going to blow up about Democrats being obstructionist and whatnot and of course use the Hilary Card!😂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m expecting an attract against Mueller as well.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I’m shaking in my boots!
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fragglerocking said:
Killer mermaids!!?? Is nothing sacred ?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Right?! Poor Flounder and Sebastian never would have stood a chance!😱🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♂️
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I just love Flounder and Sebastian! They would have been an appetizer!😱😱😱
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😱😱😱😱
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Hehe!🤣 Fraggle your responses always make me giggle!🤣
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Fanna said:
This book sounds so good for being a unique horror. The horror genre can be scarce if I consider an interesting scenario but this one with mermaids and so much gore seems totally my cup of tea. Loved the review for the hilarious and honest tone! ❤ 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Fanna! I can’t recommend this enough!😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I agree with your comment Fanna! This sounds like quite the unique horror and Kim is fantastic at catching the essence with a story! This is a must read in my book!
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Fanna said:
IKR? This is definitely going to my TBR and not the first-line TBR so it does get into my hands sooner 😀
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Yay!!! I hope I get approved for my request!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Me too. Fingers crossed!😊
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Sophie @ Blame Chocolate said:
I was quite interested in trying this one because the premise sounded really cool and unique and because there were mermaids involved but after reading a couple reviews I realized it’s nothing like what I had imagined and I probably wouldn’t be able to stomach all the gore xD
Anyway, wonderful review, Kim! So glad you loved this one 🙂 I haven’t read anything by Mira Grant so far but it’s really cool that she’s one of your favorite authors.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Sophie. This is definitely a no holds barred splatterfest.
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
Love your review, Kim! I haven’t read this book yet but I’ve got it in my tbr. I’m so glad you loved it! It really sounds like a great read. I hope I get to it soon! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven! I feel twisted for saying this but it’s so much fun!😏
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Carrie said:
Is it bad that I would probably laugh at the mayhem and not even need the humor in between? 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I completely understand.🤣
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
hahaha oh gosh- those gifs alone are amazing- I actually really want to check this out- brilliant review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed them.😁
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome 😁
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Aislynn d'Merricksson said:
I wanna read this!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Aislynn, this is sooo good! And I believe you can still request it on NetGalley.😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I got approved for the killer mermaids!!!!😊 Yay!!!🙌🙌🙌
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
YES!😊😊😊😊😊 Happy Dancing!💃💃💃💃💃
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Yay!!! You are the BEST!!!💖💖💖💖💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Are you going to dive into it now? Sorry for the dreadful pun.😏
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Hahahaha! I loved it!🤣 I don’t think I can dive into it now. I have a few I got to finish up but hopefully I can dive in soon! I’m going to be so scared!!!😱😱😱
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You must read ASAP! Sorry. I just can’t wait to hear what you think of it!😙
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I will have to then!!! Yay!!! Killer Mermaids!!!!💖💖💖
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
What a splendid review, Kim!!! The GIFs are soooo on point and the puns!! The puns!! Boatload of characters hahaha I’m curious to see what the next book in this series is going to be about and if it’ll be able to stay this entertaining!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Lashaan! This was such a fun review to write. And thank you for laughing at my awful pun. I just couldn’t resist. I’m thinking the next book will be dealing with the captured merperson, and that surprise that Victoria found when she was in the water.
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Oh, I need more of that underwater surprise!!! 😛 I wonder how someone can deal with such a thing anyways. 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’ll be interesting!😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I see it’s available now so will try to work it in ASAP!😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
YAY!😁😁😁😁💃💃💃💃
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Happy dances!💖😘😗💃💃💃
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ignitedmoth said:
This sounds awesome! I love horror (and mermaids!) 😛 Great review. Definitely adding this one to my TBR list.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I promise you’re going to like it!😊
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Lelia T said:
Mira Grant strikes again—awesome!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh my gosh! Lelia, if you’re a fan of hers you’ve got to read this!😁🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♂️
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Jen said:
That picture of the scary mermaid was disturbing eeks *tries to scrub image from brain*. I’m so sorry your favorite character was killed off but I’m so glad you loved this story so much by one of your favorite authors. YAY! Fabulous review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jen! The whole killer mermaid thing kind of traumatized me! 😱
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Jen said:
Oh my gosh I’m traumatized for you!😨😩😱🙈
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m never going on a cruise!😱
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Jen said:
Oh no! Well I’ve never been on a cruise before BUT I’ve always wanted to do a cruise in Alaska. I would think that would be safe? They can’t live in those cold of waters right??
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Ha! I think you’re right Jen. Alaska should be safe, although I don’t think they mind cold water. They live way down in the Mariana Trench. We’ll just not go there!😊
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Jen said:
I’m good for not going there too lol *shakes on it!*. 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Pinky swear!😏
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tamaralowery said:
Belladonna is grinning over this one. I’ll have to remember to pick up a copy for my TBR pile.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yeah.mI think Belladonna would love these mermaids!🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♂️
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lostartofreadingblog said:
Hmm sounds interesting. I have a couple of books I have been given but have not picked up yet. What else have you read by her?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Under Mira Grant, The Parisitology trilogy. Under Seanan McGuire, The October Daye series.
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lostartofreadingblog said:
Did you like them?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Definitely! 😊
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lostartofreadingblog said:
Since one of them was a gift I really should pick it up…and since you have a stamp of approval sounds like I need to get too it 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Which ones do you have?
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lostartofreadingblog said:
Parasite and Feed
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to know what you think after you read them!😊
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lostartofreadingblog said:
Of course 🙂
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raistlin0903 said:
Okay…not that I am a bloodthirsty person or anything, but wow: this is my kind of book. I just love stuff like this. This reminds me of old horrorclassics such as Leviathan and Deep Star Six. I just have to check this one out. Thanks so much for sharing this: awesome review! 😀😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You should definitely read this Michel! I can’t wait for the sequel!😊🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♂️
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raistlin0903 said:
Well, trust me, this one is now very high on my to read list, that is for sure 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!🤗
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mlbradford said:
“and more like this”
Blimey! I think I went out w her once…
Yes, Kermit, that’s what I was thinking 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hahaha!🤣
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mlbradford said:
😉 🙂
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