Into the Drowning Deep follows a new crew on a mission to uncover the truth, seven years after the Atargatis vanished during a controversial expedition into the Mariana Trench.
Among them is Victoria Stewart, a scientist determined to find her missing sister.
The ocean holds answers. But some questions should never be asked.
Publishing year: 2017
Page count: 496
Rating: 🧜🏻♀️ 4.5/5
The Reading Experience
I picked up Into the Drowning Deep because, honestly, I’m a sucker for anything to do with the ocean and mythology. This book was great, and it had a lot of existential dread. Mira Grant clearly shares my fascination with marine life, but unlike me, she also enjoys reminding readers that the deep sea is a total nightmare.
The research is impressive. Grant’s portrayal of marine biology feels super accurate, which makes the horror elements hit even harder. I didn’t see any obvious errors, but I did get the feeling that the ocean is huge, ancient, and full of things that would happily eat you. The setting is a key player in the story, but it’s not your ally.
The characters are what made the book so interesting to me. They’re flawed, complex, and most importantly, they can make me feel something. I rooted for some of the characters, wanted to strangle others, and felt sorry for a few. That’s exactly what I want from a book: characters who make me care, whether I like them or not. The best protagonists aren’t boring. I’d much rather work with messy, emotional people.
The pacing is great and it’ll keep you hooked. But, I have to say, Grant does have a habit of circling back to certain themes. It’s not a major issue, just a minor detail. Maybe she didn’t want anyone to forget what’s lurking behind the curtains.
What I loved most was how they took a classic horror story and made it so much more than just monsters. It’s all about how hard it is to deal with the unknown and the realization that humans aren’t the center of the universe. The ocean doesn’t care about you, and neither do the things in it. That’s the kind of horror that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Conclusion
Into the Drowning Deep is a great mix of science, mythology, and pure terror. It’s the kind of book that makes you question every beach vacation you’ve ever taken. If you’re into smart, chilling horror, this one’s a must-read.
Just don’t blame me if you start looking at the ocean with a different perspective after this. I did give you a heads-up.
Content Warning
This book includes body horror, graphic violence, death, grief, psychological distress, and intense survival scenarios.
