Thank you to Netglley for a copy of this ebook!

I am a sucker for found journal entries during expeditions and stuff like that in horror, so I did enjoy this even though the mystery of what's going on doesn't last that long.

For a short book, you get a good idea of who all the characters are, which I appreciated. It's not easy to do in a novella. The chapters are super quick and snappy, which made things go by quickly. I do wish there had been MORE in general--more action, more to the mystery, more creepiness. I appreciated what the author was doing with the storyline, but with comparison's to the movie "The Descent," I definitely expected a bit more bloody fun.

Below by Kev Harrison is a story of sheer determination in the face of the impossible. Every step of the way, this crew faces more and more horrific things, all while underground in an old mine.

Content Warnings: Cannibalism and Claustrophobia.

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on Below by Kevin Harrison –
On a mission to tell his grandfather’s story, a man and two female team members go into an old mine to find more information about what happened to the miners after the mine entrance collapsed. Gathering clues and filming as much as they can, they’re all excited about what the publication of this documentary will bring. But soon after the entrance is dug out and reinforced, the crew starts to get an eerie feeling about the mines… Unfortunately, it only gets more intense from there.

I was so connected to these characters from the start. I absolutely loved their relationships with one another and how much they looked out for one another.

With every new area they explored, I equally couldn’t wait to see what they found and was so nervous to see what they would uncover. Knowing loosely what happened there so many years ago, you knew the darkness was coming, but phew… you have no idea how dark it is.

My Favorites Passages from Below –
His ears began to ring and then he was falling, his eyes tricking him, as though he was watching someone else fall. He clattered to the ground and the darkness turned shade blacker.

Sofia emerged from the shadow with Jess close behind, their features being filled in, as though by a sketch artist, the closer they came to the flare.

My Final Thoughts on Below –
Readers will be completely captivated by this story. I was absolutely obsessed with seeing what was to happen next. By the time I reached the end, I was genuinely sad! But oh, how I wish I could see the footage from their adventure!

Below by Kev Harrison is a chilling, atmospheric thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Set in a hauntingly oppressive environment, Harrison expertly builds tension with every page, immersing the reader in a world filled with dark secrets and suspense. The pacing is tight, and the suspense mounts steadily, making it difficult to put down.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own struggles and motivations, which adds depth to the story. While the plot is engaging and full of twists, there are moments where the pacing slows, and some readers may find certain aspects of the story predictable. However, the eerie atmosphere and unexpected reveals make up for these minor flaws, and the book remains a highly enjoyable read.

Below is a solid thriller that combines mystery, horror, and psychological tension in a way that will keep fans of the genre captivated. Kev Harrison has crafted a compelling tale that will linger with readers long after they've finished the book. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys dark, atmospheric thrillers with plenty of twists.

This is a scary story that slowly leads to a gruesome but therefore also unavoidably predictable discovery. This was a fun and entertaining read, but not very original or amazingly written. There was some nice creepy atmosphere and for it being a short story. I did enjoy the book. I think the length of the story was perfect.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

Despite being as far away as possible from a cave or underwater explorer, I'm always drawn to these types of stories. Something about the trapped, claustrophobia seems to check a box for me in both books and film, and Below called out to me from the NetGalley offerings and didn't disappoint.

Clocking in around 120 pages, this is an extremely quick read. The three main characters are introduced, they start to investigate an old mine for an upcoming tv special, and things start to go wrong.

There's not much more time to expand the world, but I didn't feel that the characters were underdeveloped. The reader knows something is going to go awry from the moment they open the book, but it was fun to experience the twists and turns as they come.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was exactly what I expected (and hoped for) and was a fun read. I gave it 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!

Well, as you can see from my score, I did not enjoy this, which is a shame because it's pretty short. One thing to note is that I didn't notice it was this short originally—only because I seemed to be reading it very fast.

Nick Jones will co-present on a reality TV show where they try to discover what happened to his grandfather in the 1950s. All we know is that Nick's granddad died after a mine collapse in California, and he's known as a hero for saving most of the people and getting trapped.

I'm being serious when I say this is all we know about Nick. The only other thing we get told is that he's got a degree in some mining field and he's claustrophobic (which I don't believe because as someone with claustrophobia, there's no way you'd get me down a mine that's only just been opened up again without it being fully checked out).

His co-presenter is Jess...who is there for reasons, I guess? She's some sort of influencer, but nothing gets explained about her, either. Nick is Welsh; Jess is vaguely British. We also have Sofia, the camera operator, who is Mexican-American. Also, the only thing we learn about them is that they somehow are in a relationship after knowing each other, like...a day? Honestly, the characterisation is terrible here. With such a short book, we should feel emotionally connected to the characters quickly; instead, I was left wondering what the point was.

Nick was apparently searching for his grandfather or something (which is weird because we know he's in there). I was also baffled at how they're apparently filming all this with only three people. Even more so when the entrance caves in the first time, and they're still allowed to film after. Like, wtf—what show would let three people on their own continue filming after they almost died?

I get what the author was going for - which is a Descent style, creepy caving book with a twist being that it's being recorded for a show, but I just wondered what the point of everything was. Why did Nick suddenly pivot to becoming a presenter on a reality show, and why would they hire someone with no presenting skills? Why is there no director or...anyone else there?

Even the creepy stuff was a letdown—there was no attempt at explanations; we're just given weird stuff, and then it moves on. Even more bizarrely, it ends suddenly, with the epilogue being a few months later, and...nothing is really told there. Unfortunately, I felt like I'd wasted my time.

Now, there are some positives - the writer can write well, and there were creepy atmospheres occasionally. But this book could have been so much better if it was longer and the characters were given time to develop and grow.

While this may be a predictable story, it was still well written and entertaining. I think a bit more time spent on some scenes, to add more oomph, would have benefited this story. The concept is solid, just mediocre in the presentation. I see the potential!

#NetGalley #Below

I was super interested to read this book, as I love found footage movies. I wanted to know how it would translate into a book. I enjoyed this read although I was little bored with it until you get into the last 20% or so. Either way, I enjoyed the way the end built up and I was satisfied with the conclusion.

This uses the claustrophobic element perfectly and had the horror element that I was looking for. It uses a real feel and was invested in what was going on, the characters had that feel that I was looking for and was glad everything worked in this. Kev Harrison has a strong writing style and enjoyed the characters and plot on how it worked overall.

Below by Kev Harrison is a short but creepy story full of tension and suspense. Dr Nick Jones is a geologist intent on discovering the secrets of an abandoned Californian gold mine where his grandfather died. Working with adventure influencer Jess and a camera crew, Nick starts his journey to follow in his grandfather's footsteps while filming everything for a documentary. As the team venture deeper into the mine a lurking presence awaits.
This was a quick claustrophobic story! The setting is intense and gave off major ominous vibes. The main characters were pretty much fully developed but they did lack a little something. I'm not sure what though. The horror pieces were well constructed, playing off the claustrophobic / subterranean mine trope very well.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kev Harrison, and Brigid's Gate Press for this ARC. Released May 27th 2022.

Below by Kev Harrison delivers a chilling slice of horror that will have readers up at night. The story follows Nick Jones, a miner whose life has been shaped by tales of his grandfather, who perished in a mining disaster. At 28, Nick is determined to reopen the mine where his grandfather died over sixty years ago, hoping to recover his remains. Accompanied by influencer Jess and camerawoman Sophia, Nick descends into the mine, only to realize they’re not alone.

Harrison excels in crafting a claustrophobic, dark setting that pulls readers into the tension of the underground. As the explorers venture deeper, the suspense builds, creating a visceral sense of unease. The oppressive atmosphere grips the reader, making it hard to shake the feeling of impending danger.

This most definitely should be a movie—no questions asked. The eerie found footage vibe, combined with the documentary-style narrative and the hauntingly abandoned mines, creates an atmosphere thick with dread. The constant threat of another collapse adds a spine-chilling layer of danger, leaving you unsure of who—or what—might be buried next. The writing amps up the tension with every page, pulling you deeper into the suffocating darkness. It's a book that gnaws at you, and the suspense builds with a slow, relentless grip. I’d recommend this to any horror fan looking for a story that will linger long after the lights go out. Below is a fast-paced, atmospheric read that will leave you uneasy—best enjoyed with the lights on.

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy. Below is available now at major booksellers.

Below is a quick and entertaining read that will appeal to horror fans. Very well done and creepy.

Thanks to Netgalley.

Below by Kev Harrison
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an exciting and creepy shorter story.
This story follows Nick on a t.v. filming adventure down into an old mine. The same mine his grandfather had been in several years before, and he’s trying to follow the path his grandfather had taken.
The story is thrilling, intense and fast paced!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this entertaining book.

*thank you Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Uh, creature in a lost mine?? Yes please! You literally had me at the title! And just look at this beautiful cover work by Kealan Patrick Burke! How captivating.

Below is a very quick read. It doesn’t take long to set up the premise. It does take a bit for the creature to officially make an appearance though. I honestly didn’t mind the drawn out reveal too much because I was so caught up in the unraveling story of the 4 men who ended up being buried alive 50+ years ago.

That being said, it did feel like the creature didn’t get as much time to shine? Like, I kept waiting for more from it, you know? It felt like there were some real missed opportunities. It was a little odd feeling.

Overall, Below is a a quick and entertaining story. Very quick read. A fun cave creature story. I just wish the creature had a accomplished a little more.

Caves are one of the scariest things I know. This novel makes that trope into pure horror. Very good writing and the pacing is perfect. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Kev Harrison’s Below plunges readers into a claustrophobic descent into the unknown, blending adventure, horror, and family legacy in a gripping, fast-paced novella. The story follows Dr. Nick Jones, a geologist with a personal connection to the abandoned Californian gold mine where his grandfather met a chilling end. Teaming up with daring adventure influencer Jess, Nick embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his family’s tragic history and produce a documentary in the process.

What begins as an exciting venture quickly devolves into a heart-pounding nightmare. As the pair delves deeper underground, Harrison masterfully ratchets up the tension, transforming the mine’s dark, confining tunnels into a crucible of fear. The setting is vividly described, making every creak of timber and whisper of wind feel ominous, as if the mine itself is alive.

The novel’s strength lies in its atmosphere and pacing. Harrison weaves a tale that balances personal stakes with escalating dread. Nick’s quest is not just about unearthing his grandfather’s fate, but also about reconciling with the weight of familial history, adding an emotional core to the narrative. Jess, as a thrill-seeking influencer, brings modernity and a touch of levity, though her motivations occasionally feel secondary to the story’s central horror.

Harrison skillfully teases the lurking presence in the mine, keeping readers on edge as the line between man-made dangers and supernatural threats blurs. The mystery unfolds with just enough clues to keep the pages turning, culminating in a finale that is as shocking as it is satisfying.

Below is a tightly crafted tale that will appeal to fans of subterranean horror like The Descent and those who appreciate stories where the past refuses to stay buried. Kev Harrison expertly balances thrills with chills, delivering a story that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for horror fans looking for their next underground obsession.

This had really good bones (no pun intended but yeesh, accurate). The concept was really creepy, and there were elements that were utterly terrifying. The central core of the story was really interesting, and I liked how it unfolded.

I wish that the author had given everything more time to play out - the book is so short and the chapters so brief that it felt like it all went past in a whirlwind, and that weakened the horror elements for me. The plot would really benefit from slowing down and letting the horror of it dawn on the reader, I think. I also wish that the characters had been more well-developed - I liked them a lot, but their motivations and personalities were sort of vague, given the brevity of the story. I would happily read a series about them going on adventures and uncovering creepy stuff (especially with that surprising but delightfully welcome queer representation!) but I think that Nick will never be going anywhere even remotely creepy ever again. Which is fair, given what went down.

Overall, I enjoyed this, but it would have been better if there was more of it.

Thank you Brigids Gate Press, LLC Netgalley, and Kev Harrison for the eArc of Below.

Below is a fast paced story about Nick, who’s claustrophobic, going into a mine in search of what really happened to his grandfather after a cave in decades ago.
Accompanied by Jess and Sophia, they explore the cavern, finding tools and pages of a journal along the way.
For me, this story was more of a mystery instead of a horror. The “creature” wasn’t a surprise for me because I was fully expecting it to be exactly what it was.

Below by Kev Harrison follows a camera crew venturing down in the dark to tell the story of Nick's grandfather's heroic deeds decades ago. The set-up is great, the hook works, and they make it to the cave very quickly. The story moves fast from point to point - too fast, even.

I'm a huge fan of subterranean horror - the descent, as above so below & the luminous dead are some of my favorite pieces of media. So, I'm thrilled to see another book in the genre. However, I never felt immersed or had a clear vision of the setting other than 'big rock to scale'. To me, the scariest thing about this subgenre is the setting, and here the setting came second to the creature / the mystery behind the grandfather figure. I also felt the TV camera crew angle was very underdeveloped and underutilized. The cover is also . . . not great (a blinding white background for a novel that takes place mostly underground? mmmokay)

This one is more like the American remake of the REC than the Descent. More creature horror than atmospheric. I do see an audience for this, however, and it's a genre I'd like to see more of.

I’ll take a large order of claustrophobia with a side of sabotage and strange distant noises please. And I’ll wash it down with constant anxiety.
BELOW by Kev Harrison
Back in ‘57 Nick’s grandfather made a heroic sacrifice saving several miners from a cave in that trapped him and a couple others underground. Now Nick is going back into that cave with a camera crew to find what remains and dispel rumors that don’t paint as nice of a picture.
Tight and steep tunnels make you feel tense and vulnerable, while the near darkness of the setting mirrors the very dark plot.
The characters are young and mostly inexperienced with what they are doing but you quickly become enamored with them and hope they don’t end up getting themselves trapped.
My one gripe with the book was the cover. It is a gorgeous cover but it was misleading. If you see this cover you may expect to find a story with a gnarly creature that could rend the flesh from your bones with its powerful claws. This isn’t that story.
“Nick watched as the creature’s fingers flexed, flesh so tight to the bone they were almost indistinguishable from one another, fingernails missing altogether.”