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Underneath
An ancient city, entombed beneath a museum that seeks to understand the brutal race that once inhabited the underground world.A young woman with special empathic powers offered a job to create an exhibit of the city's artifacts.Underneath, they wait for her.Underneath is a ten-thousand word novelette, approximately fifty pages.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2001
48 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Heather Marie Adkins
95 books589 followersHEATHER MARIE ADKINS writes too much but still too little. She also has too many cats, not enough tequila, and a torrid love affair with procrastination.
With a penchant for the paranormal, Heather spends her days fueled by coffee, Ancient Aliens, and true crime podcasts. She resides in an unfortunately-not-haunted Queen Anne in southern Indiana with a sarcastic husband who is entirely too dependent on puns.
When she’s not plotting her next book or herding felines, she's researching the spookier aspects of history for her podcast, Historically Weird. Find out more about her at heathermarieadkins.com.
With a penchant for the paranormal, Heather spends her days fueled by coffee, Ancient Aliens, and true crime podcasts. She resides in an unfortunately-not-haunted Queen Anne in southern Indiana with a sarcastic husband who is entirely too dependent on puns.
When she’s not plotting her next book or herding felines, she's researching the spookier aspects of history for her podcast, Historically Weird. Find out more about her at heathermarieadkins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 18, 2018
I think this was a really well written story, I just wish it was longer!
I will be checking out more by the author! :)
I will be checking out more by the author! :)
November 27, 2011
A short tale about the horrors waiting to unearthed in an underground city. The author grounds the narrative in the relationship between a mother and daughter, Rebecca and Adara, who are both empaths and practitioners of magic - an aspect which works well in building suspense during the earlier sections of the story as dark hints are alluded to about the nature of the unearthed city of Garneria, said hints carrying far more weight because we are aware of the gifts they possess. I also found both characters to be refreshingly intuitive rather than overtly masculinised as can sometimes happen with female protagonists. The story is well-paced with the scenes between Rebecca and Adara I believe being particularly worthy of note in their characterisation and dialogue. The climactic scene in Garneria is eerie and effectively written - it leaves the reader wanting more and I would hope that the writer either turns this into a fully-fledged novel in the future or pens a full-length sequel to it. There is much untapped potential for future stories in these characters and in the city of Garneria.
September 25, 2015
This is really a wonderful novella. It has a creepy atmosphere that looms over the story with the mystery of what the city underneath looks like and exactly what went on down there since the main character is too terror filled to bring herself to even get near the entrance of the place. The side characters are lovingly brought to life with wise beyond her years Adara with her adorable love of tarot and matchmaking and Darren with his alluring geekiness and attractive awkward shyness. The mystery and dread build consistently dragging the reader along for the ride with never a slow point.
I would easily recommend this to anyone looking for a good, creepy story with a dash of romance and a flavor of paranormal. At the very end it said there was a sequel planned. I definitely want to know when it’s coming out!
I would easily recommend this to anyone looking for a good, creepy story with a dash of romance and a flavor of paranormal. At the very end it said there was a sequel planned. I definitely want to know when it’s coming out!
November 5, 2011
Book was good, liked the directions she was taking with storyline and characters. My only negative remark is that it finished way to soon.
Later in the afternoon when I picked up my Kindle to cont. reading I was at 14%, then it was BAM!I was that I was at 72% then book was finished at 81%.
I think and feel that the author could have really taken the characters further and the storyline deeper.
The Book had a really great beginning, a mediocore ending and barely any middle.
I even arrowed back pages to see if I missed pages by accidently hitting arrow key one to many times.. but nope.
Later in the afternoon when I picked up my Kindle to cont. reading I was at 14%, then it was BAM!I was that I was at 72% then book was finished at 81%.
I think and feel that the author could have really taken the characters further and the storyline deeper.
The Book had a really great beginning, a mediocore ending and barely any middle.
I even arrowed back pages to see if I missed pages by accidently hitting arrow key one to many times.. but nope.
April 3, 2018
Very short story, not that great
December 9, 2011
Detailed, fast-paced action loaded with solid characters creating an book that I didn't want to put down. What exactly was so sinister about the Garneria exhibit that Rebecca had troubles with it? The author did a good job getting the action up to speed quickly and the suspense was building rapidly in the beginning chapters. I would have given it 5 stars as I like a quick-read with good suspense, good plot and also a read that leaves me as a reader hanging with some possiblities but....I thought the ending was rushed. Chapter 9 was the end of this story and a catch all: a huge wrap up, a "I am about to run-out-of-paper so I have to cram it all down to a couple paragraphs", to me, the last chapter was a disappointment.
October 20, 2014
This story has quite a bit of depth for a short piece. The plot plays out at a good pace, and the content offers us a convincing look at otherworldly possibilities.
Rebecca's character is well developed. I enjoyed the interplay between Rebecca and her daughter. Their abilities are handled in a way that is both believable and intriguing.
My only complaint is that the ending feels rushed. We are told about the aftermath, rather than being allowed to experience it along with the characters. Aside from that small issue, this is a highly entertaining story. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Rebecca's character is well developed. I enjoyed the interplay between Rebecca and her daughter. Their abilities are handled in a way that is both believable and intriguing.
My only complaint is that the ending feels rushed. We are told about the aftermath, rather than being allowed to experience it along with the characters. Aside from that small issue, this is a highly entertaining story. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 9, 2014
It was good
not high art or a hint of great literature, but it helped me pass an hour without boredom. it's a teaser for a future novel but it is still a complete story...no cliffhanger and I commend the author for that! I hate literature that leaves me hanging...I might buy the sequel if it's not overpriced as this one was entertaining, proofread and well written.
not high art or a hint of great literature, but it helped me pass an hour without boredom. it's a teaser for a future novel but it is still a complete story...no cliffhanger and I commend the author for that! I hate literature that leaves me hanging...I might buy the sequel if it's not overpriced as this one was entertaining, proofread and well written.
February 24, 2013
Not a bad short story but I think I need a bit more background for the characters. The ending lacked resolution but I guess that's what you get from a short story. Not bad for a free book from Amazon.
August 2, 2015
A short story that could completely become a novel. So much to learn about the what lies underneath. On my Nook it was 90 pages & I finished those in no time. I just wish there were more.
March 17, 2016
Well written short story...very short.
I thought there was a lot of potential to flesh it out more. I liked the author's writing style and will probably try some other books by her.
I thought there was a lot of potential to flesh it out more. I liked the author's writing style and will probably try some other books by her.
May 4, 2019
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
Underneath follows the story of a young, widowed mother who has been let go from her position at the Museum and is offered a position at another facility called the Ancient. The Ancient is home to Garneria, an underground city discovered after the mayor fell down a sinkhole and has been lost ever since. A city that Rebecca is terrified of going near due to her Empathic abilities. However, if she wants to keep a roof over her and her daughter's heads, she doesn't have a choice. Taking the job, she is relieved to find that majority of the terror and torture doesn't reach her in her normal day to day activities in the facility. But she knows that there is endless horror just waiting to break free.
Once again, I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I'm a sucker for any stories that revolve around ancient ruins, especially those with ties into Mayan and Incan history where we know human sacrifice was a staple ritual. So I was absolutely tickled pink when I discovered that's what this story centred around. Placing an Empath in the mix as well? A stroke of genius. I've often wondered myself, what would a place - where ritual human sacrifice happened - FEEL like. Yes I know, I'm sounding a little morbid, but I'm curious.
The characters of Darren, Rebecca, Adara and even George were super well written. Adkins definitely holds the ability to be able to write characters with a hell of a lot of depth for such a short story. I was super invested in ALL of them.
My only disappointment with this story is that it's not longer. I would've LOVED a full length novel with this story. I feel like it could have been done as well, but then maybe the pacing would have been off. The pacing for what it was worked perfectly. An absolute page-turner, and if I didn't have to start work so early this morning, I would've stayed up last night until I finished it in bed, in one sitting. But alas, work was calling. A full length novel would have made my millenia with this story. At the end, we are told that a sequel was meant to follow, but I've been unable to find any such story existing so far. Which I'm a little disappointed about. I'm really hoping that the author decides to revisit this world and it has strong characters, and amazing story line and a voice that is just wonderful.
Underneath follows the story of a young, widowed mother who has been let go from her position at the Museum and is offered a position at another facility called the Ancient. The Ancient is home to Garneria, an underground city discovered after the mayor fell down a sinkhole and has been lost ever since. A city that Rebecca is terrified of going near due to her Empathic abilities. However, if she wants to keep a roof over her and her daughter's heads, she doesn't have a choice. Taking the job, she is relieved to find that majority of the terror and torture doesn't reach her in her normal day to day activities in the facility. But she knows that there is endless horror just waiting to break free.
Once again, I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I'm a sucker for any stories that revolve around ancient ruins, especially those with ties into Mayan and Incan history where we know human sacrifice was a staple ritual. So I was absolutely tickled pink when I discovered that's what this story centred around. Placing an Empath in the mix as well? A stroke of genius. I've often wondered myself, what would a place - where ritual human sacrifice happened - FEEL like. Yes I know, I'm sounding a little morbid, but I'm curious.
The characters of Darren, Rebecca, Adara and even George were super well written. Adkins definitely holds the ability to be able to write characters with a hell of a lot of depth for such a short story. I was super invested in ALL of them.
My only disappointment with this story is that it's not longer. I would've LOVED a full length novel with this story. I feel like it could have been done as well, but then maybe the pacing would have been off. The pacing for what it was worked perfectly. An absolute page-turner, and if I didn't have to start work so early this morning, I would've stayed up last night until I finished it in bed, in one sitting. But alas, work was calling. A full length novel would have made my millenia with this story. At the end, we are told that a sequel was meant to follow, but I've been unable to find any such story existing so far. Which I'm a little disappointed about. I'm really hoping that the author decides to revisit this world and it has strong characters, and amazing story line and a voice that is just wonderful.
September 3, 2017
Underneath Was To Short
This was a very good story line but in the author's haste to end it there was too much left unfinished. Who were the things, where did they come from, why were they like they were. The list could go on and on. And yes, I know the answers will be revealed in Series 5 or 6 or 7. I can't call these books because they are just short stories that eventually answers some of the questions the reader has. The author never answers all the questions because it appears by the time they say "The End" in the last series they themselves have forgotten the beginning. I would rather pay more or the same price as all the series cost and get a real novel (a story line from start to finish) that answers all your questions.
This was a very good story line but in the author's haste to end it there was too much left unfinished. Who were the things, where did they come from, why were they like they were. The list could go on and on. And yes, I know the answers will be revealed in Series 5 or 6 or 7. I can't call these books because they are just short stories that eventually answers some of the questions the reader has. The author never answers all the questions because it appears by the time they say "The End" in the last series they themselves have forgotten the beginning. I would rather pay more or the same price as all the series cost and get a real novel (a story line from start to finish) that answers all your questions.
July 25, 2021
Adkins has a compelling style of writing; however, her protagonist is a terrible example / role model for any female who desires a happy, fulfilling life. Adkins' idea of a couple who are empaths with a daughter who is psychic is great; tons of story potential. If there is a sequel to Underground, I would like to read it.
September 5, 2017
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book. I'm has a very unique storyline and the characters were interesting. I think it might be better to make it longer instead of having a sequel since this felt short to me and parts could have been longer.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm has a very unique storyline and the characters were interesting. I think it might be better to make it longer instead of having a sequel since this felt short to me and parts could have been longer.
October 5, 2018
Underneath, by Heather Marie Adkins, is an interesting short story that can stand alone or act as a prequel to a new series. Although short, the storyline is fast-paced and unique. The characters are endearing. Definitely worth reading!
January 25, 2019
Worth the read
Nice short story about a mother, her daughter, her dream of creating her own exhibit in a museum of natural history...it touches on the loss of her husband and a promising new romance. It also has a short bit about a cruel and violent ancient civilization.
Nice short story about a mother, her daughter, her dream of creating her own exhibit in a museum of natural history...it touches on the loss of her husband and a promising new romance. It also has a short bit about a cruel and violent ancient civilization.
April 12, 2020
I like the characters already.
Before I got to the end of the book----I already wanted to read more.
OK I will admit it I am hooked.
It grabbed my attention from the start and just got better as I kept reading.
Before I got to the end of the book----I already wanted to read more.
OK I will admit it I am hooked.
It grabbed my attention from the start and just got better as I kept reading.
February 27, 2018
I enjoyed reading this story as it had a bit of a different undertone that most books. Trying to place yourself in the main characters shoes, creeps you out as things occur.
May 22, 2018
An excellent story!
You fall in love with the characters, and follow them eagerly. A HEA story with a door left open for a series. Since I loved the characters I can only hope.
You fall in love with the characters, and follow them eagerly. A HEA story with a door left open for a series. Since I loved the characters I can only hope.
January 20, 2019
It was ok. Too short for all that happened.
May 31, 2021
I like the first half better, it gives me a sense of dreading feeling. The latter half just so-so, it couldn't matched the anticipation that built previously.
February 7, 2017
For a short quick read this story was excellent.
September 23, 2011
Rebecca has just been offered an exhibit at the Museum of Ancient History. The idea is to promote the underground city that was found in a cavern below the museum. But something evil happened there. Rebecca is an empath and has no desire to even go near the city but in the end she goes.
Adara, Rebecca’s daughter, is excited about the new exhibit. And Rebecca’s new boss, Darren, is also thrill to have her there. Rebecca learns that Darren is also an empath when he talks about a bad feeling when he is around the underground city. But that doesn’t stop them from working on the exhibit.
While working together, Rebecca and Darren start a connection that goes to the next level. Then Darren doesn’t show up for work. Knowing something is wrong and with the urgings of Adara goes on the hunt for him.
This is a great story!! Way too short. I read it quickly and was left wanting more. The only thing negative I could say was I wish it was longer. I would like to know more about the underground city. I cannot wait to read Heather’s other stories.
Adara, Rebecca’s daughter, is excited about the new exhibit. And Rebecca’s new boss, Darren, is also thrill to have her there. Rebecca learns that Darren is also an empath when he talks about a bad feeling when he is around the underground city. But that doesn’t stop them from working on the exhibit.
While working together, Rebecca and Darren start a connection that goes to the next level. Then Darren doesn’t show up for work. Knowing something is wrong and with the urgings of Adara goes on the hunt for him.
This is a great story!! Way too short. I read it quickly and was left wanting more. The only thing negative I could say was I wish it was longer. I would like to know more about the underground city. I cannot wait to read Heather’s other stories.
December 29, 2015
I loved this short story it was fabulously haunting. I like reading paranormal type stories.
Rebecca is a widow and a mother who works in a museum as a technician but loses that job and goes to work for another museum called the Ancient and she becomes the curator for the Garneria exhibit which she really didn't was due to her being an Empath and Garneria has a lot of evil energy.
Rebecca's daughter Adara likes to read tarot cards and is a little psychic, she read her tarot cards 3 times for her mum and each time the lovers card came up, later on she read the cards and found that something bad was happening to her mums new lover.
Darren is Rebecca's new boyfriend who is the head curator at the Ancient, he like Rebecca doesn't like the Garneria exhibit and it turns out that he is also an Empath but he isn't as strong as Rebecca.
After a date with Rebecca Darren goes missing and he ends up inside Garneria and Rebecca has to rush to save his life putting herself at risk.
Rebecca is a widow and a mother who works in a museum as a technician but loses that job and goes to work for another museum called the Ancient and she becomes the curator for the Garneria exhibit which she really didn't was due to her being an Empath and Garneria has a lot of evil energy.
Rebecca's daughter Adara likes to read tarot cards and is a little psychic, she read her tarot cards 3 times for her mum and each time the lovers card came up, later on she read the cards and found that something bad was happening to her mums new lover.
Darren is Rebecca's new boyfriend who is the head curator at the Ancient, he like Rebecca doesn't like the Garneria exhibit and it turns out that he is also an Empath but he isn't as strong as Rebecca.
After a date with Rebecca Darren goes missing and he ends up inside Garneria and Rebecca has to rush to save his life putting herself at risk.
November 2, 2013
SPOILER ALERT! This was a free Kindle short when I got it. I got it a while ago, so when I started to read it, I had no idea what it was about. It was written extremely well. The characters were well rounded, the story moved and you really get a feeling of the horror of the underground city and its "people".
The reason I am not rating it higher than three stars is because it is without hope. The ending is left open-ended and the evil isn't defeated, it's waiting to be let free again. There is magic and empathic powers in this story, but no God. Just the evil "gods" being appeased by sacrifice of good.
Ok, in retrospect, this is getting two stars. It's very well written, but to me, it's a lie or at the very least misguided. I'm not into magic and personal power, I'm sorry. To me there is a higher power and I like Him in my fiction as well as my life.
The reason I am not rating it higher than three stars is because it is without hope. The ending is left open-ended and the evil isn't defeated, it's waiting to be let free again. There is magic and empathic powers in this story, but no God. Just the evil "gods" being appeased by sacrifice of good.
Ok, in retrospect, this is getting two stars. It's very well written, but to me, it's a lie or at the very least misguided. I'm not into magic and personal power, I'm sorry. To me there is a higher power and I like Him in my fiction as well as my life.
January 24, 2014
When I first started reading this I was a little wary are the author's writing style. It seemed abrupt and a bit juvenile in the beginning. After the first few short chapters I warmed to it and it was definitely worth the read. I don't know how much more I would read from this author but I would definitely read an extended version of this story. I think there was so, so much room for growth and so many places to fill out that it could make an excellent novel. One thing I would love to see in a longer version would be more back story, research/theories, and aspects of the characters personalities besides their romantic predilections. But that could just be me, I see more potential for sci-fi and fantasy with this story and would love to see that played up more than romance.
July 27, 2016
Free kindle download that did the job. I really loved this storyline and was excited anticipating how it would evolve. I even told hubby, this may be a book for him too! Then I looked to see how far I was into the book, knowing it wasn't very far and low & behold, I was 77%! Damn, I really HATE short stories.
This could have been a great 5+ star book if it was full length. Short stories almost always leave me disappointed.
But, I see the potential in this story and I get a feel for this author's talent of sucking you in, so I will be looking for one of her full length books to read.
This could have been a great 5+ star book if it was full length. Short stories almost always leave me disappointed.
But, I see the potential in this story and I get a feel for this author's talent of sucking you in, so I will be looking for one of her full length books to read.
October 25, 2011
I was kinda hooked on this from the very beginning. Imagine finding evidence of a lost civilization, under your Museum of Ancient History, when the ground-breaking mayor literally falls through the earth.
Rebecca is hired to curate the exhibit. Unfortunately, she is an empath and the waves of hatred, fear, and terror coming from underground cause her distinct pain. It seems the civilization thrived on human sacrifice.
This was a free short story for Kindle. Enjoyed it.
Rebecca is hired to curate the exhibit. Unfortunately, she is an empath and the waves of hatred, fear, and terror coming from underground cause her distinct pain. It seems the civilization thrived on human sacrifice.
This was a free short story for Kindle. Enjoyed it.
March 24, 2012
This short story was well-written, and it was an interesting story. The three stars are because of my personal preferences, not any lacking in the writing. The daughter of the main character was proficient in reading tarot cards and neither mother nor daughter gave a second thought to any reference to the daughter's other-wordly abilities. It doesn't really bother me to read about adults practicing such things, but for some reason, it unnerved me to think about a child doing it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews