Below

by Paul Skillen, Aaron Gray, Myanna Buring (Actor)

Ida Pederson was an executive at ‘Nyberg Shoreline’ when she was sent to the small Northern Irish village of Port Kriel to diffuse tensions between the company and the local community. When an unexploded bomb was identified on the seabed near Nyberg’s windfarm, Ida sent a local crew of eight men to investigate. That night, only two men returned home, barely alive and unable to speak of what had happened out at sea.

Now, corporate lawyer Michelle has driven in the torrential rain to a remote house on the Swedish Coast to question Ida, who seems determined to leave the past beneath the waves. Is it a case of corporate espionage or something altogether darker…and is the danger really over?

Below is a darkly tense thriller from Belfast based writers Aaron Gray and Paul Skillen, and is Executive Produced by Jed Mercurio with Sound Design by John Wakefield.

Starring: Atilla Akinci, Sophia Ally, Rakie Ayola, Myanna Buring, Robert Calvert, Elly Condron, John Cormack, Caoimhe Farren, Conor Gormally, Simon Kane, Paul Mallon, Gerard McCarthy, Fergal McElherron, Melanie McHugh, Declan Rodgers, Richard Sherwood and Roger Thomson.

This production contains scenes of attempted suicide which some listeners may find distressing.

Genres: Audiobook, Horror, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction, Novella

Audible Audio

Published March 23, 2023

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narration was fabulous. The other strong part of the story was the atmosphere, it was creepy and unsettling. Other than that, I’ll probably forget it easily.

[Debora DeSpain Greene · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars.

Thrilling but really underwhelming.

Here’s what my rating system means.

★☆☆☆☆ (1 star): Unforgettably bad. So bad that it stands as a lifelong 2 thumbs down.
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars): Memorably below average. Bad enough that you would recommend others seek out something else instead. PLEASE
★★★☆☆ (3 stars): Good. An average, competent work, perfectly enjoyable, but offering no reason to continue thinking of it afterward, and no reason to recommend that others either seek it out or avoid it.
★★★★☆ (4 stars): Memorably above average. Good enough that you would recommend others seek it out instead of something else. Additionally, provides important knowledge or fuel for reflection.
★★★★★ (5 stars): Unforgettably good. Life-changing insights or knowledge, or long-term cause for continuing reflection. Definitely make a great movie!

[MariaWitBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! More a play than a book but really really good

[Laura de Leon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fairly short book, and I couldn't wait for it to be over.

The audio production was way too much, and got in the way of the story.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is not anything new really when all is revealed BUT the production value for an audio drama was great fun and well done.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay take on a horror trope explored over 100 years ago by H.P. Lovecraft in his Dagon and Shadow Over Innsmouth stories. I found it thrilling especially if you have a great set of earphones. I figured out where the story was going about half-way through the first chapter and suspected it in the first few minutes.
Overall it was fun listen with great acting and sound effects but not the most original story.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

creepy feeling, but ultimately thought it didn't really go anywhere.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A full cast production, really well done - and incredibly creepy! There's something in the water...

[The Void Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

### Book Review: "Below" Audiobook by Paul Skillen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

#### Overview
"Below," authored by Paul Skillen, is a darkly tense thriller that intertwines corporate intrigue with elements of suspense and mystery. Set against the backdrop of a small Northern Irish village and the remote Swedish coast, the story explores the depths of human resilience and the shadows of past events.

#### Description
Ida Pederson, an executive at ‘Nyberg Shoreline,’ is dispatched to the quaint village of Port Kriel to mediate growing tensions between the company and the local community. The discovery of an unexploded bomb on the seabed near Nyberg’s windfarm sets off a chain of harrowing events. When Ida sends a local crew to investigate, only two men return, deeply traumatized and unable to recount their ordeal.

As the narrative shifts to the present, corporate lawyer Michelle braves a torrential storm to question Ida at a secluded house on the Swedish coast. Ida’s reluctance to delve into the past raises questions about whether the danger has truly subsided or if there’s a more sinister force at play.

#### Review
Paul Skillen masterfully crafts a story that grips the listener from start to finish. The plot's twists and turns, combined with a well-developed cast of characters, make for an engaging and suspenseful experience. The exploration of themes such as corporate greed, the haunting nature of past traumas, and the gray areas of morality adds depth to the narrative.

The audiobook's production is top-notch, with sound design by John Wakefield enhancing the immersive experience. The cast, featuring talents like Atilla Akinci, Rakie Ayola, and Myanna Buring, delivers stellar performances that bring the characters to life. Each actor's voice acting adds a unique dimension to the story, making it a truly captivating listen.

One of the standout aspects of "Below" is its ability to maintain a sense of tension and unease throughout. The cliffhanger ending leaves listeners eagerly anticipating a continuation, wondering what lies beyond the surface of the story.

However, the inclusion of scenes depicting attempted suicide may be distressing for some listeners, and it's important to approach this audiobook with that awareness.

#### Final Thoughts
"Below" is a thrilling and well-executed audiobook that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Paul Skillen's storytelling, combined with exceptional voice acting and sound design, creates an unforgettable experience. While the cliffhanger ending leaves one craving more, it also solidifies "Below" as a standout in the genre.

Highly recommended for fans of dark thrillers and suspenseful mysteries.

### Rating
4 out of 5 stars

Happy reading and stay out of the water 🌊📚

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧

Performance 4.25⭐️
Story 3.5⭐️

Available on audible plus

An audible full cast audio production with sound effects. I loved this aspect a lot, the production is the main draw for sure. The story is told using only dialogue.

Ida was a senior executive sent to Port Kriel to diffuse tensions between the residents and the wind farm company Nyberg Shoreline. A team of eight men went to investigate an unexploded bomb on the seabed, only two men returned. Neither men can talk about their experience, and are acting out of character. It’s got a creepy dark vibe. It’s a bit too out there for my liking.

Personally I’d prefer a full cast regular audiobook with each section read by the appropriate voice, I don’t feel the need for a full dialogue only performance which becomes something very different.
Another downside of this style of production is they are short as the costs are more.

[Angie M · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audio was rough at the very beginning, the background sounds were overpowering the voices, but as the story progressed it improved a lot and became much easier (and more enjoyable) to follow.

The story itself is dark, tense, and immersive. I don’t even watch TV, but this felt like that kind of experience… if I closed my eyes, I could literally see the movie playing out.

It leaves things open at the end, which I actually liked, it lingers with you.

Perfect for readers/listeners who want something quick, gripping, and who get bored easily.

Rating: solid, atmospheric thriller with strong cinematic vibes.

[Hunter Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really struggled with rating this I rounded up but easily could have been a 3 or 2.5 star. On the one hand I thought the voice actors and the sounds were great (I know some reviewers had a hard time hearing but it was fine for me with headphones). I think the sea sounds and environmental sounds really were immersive. However, the story was super predictable once the creatures came by you knew the ending and this was a body-snatchers kind of thing. Still, it is a quick listen and I overall enjoyed it. The ending was not my favorite (could have been more).

[Julier · Rating 3 out of 5]

You absolutely must listen to this production with good stereo headphones or a good stereo speaker system!!! The Dolby Atmos (immersion stereo) startled me more than once--turning to look for the source of the sound! Chapter Titles helped (some, at least). The sound effects were great, but overpowered the story. I think I figured out most of the story, but I could not visualize the actual location/scene of the final part.
1. UXO
2. Grief
3. Compulsion
4. Propagation
5. Head Count
6. Distortion
7. Whispers
8. Children
9. Coda

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable horror novel about a development project taking place at a small, seaside Irish town. The score was particularly unsettling; this was one of the most "horror"-feeling horror audiobooks I've ever listened to. I did feel that the explanation was given away a little earlier than I would have liked, and the mixing occasionally made it hard to understand a few lines, but in general, I enjoyed this. Additionally, note that there is a short after-credits scene, which made me wonder if a sequel is in the works. If so, I would definitely listen to it.

[Sheryl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and well-performed. This short story very quickly sets the stage and introduces characters that are easily known and identified. It is a small village setting and there is not much time spent on the surroundings, but it is not missed because the activity between the characters is so compelling. The story quickly moves through its phases and brings us to the point of anticipation to know what is going on. Some will be satisfied with the ending and some will not, but I think the majority will be suitably surprised.

[Angel Chiou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very simple story line. I thought it is a mermaid story, but it turned out to be more like the tv series "The Rig," with similar eerie atmosphere and pending ominousness. (I still think it could perhaps be a mermaid story though, with all the wailing and sound effects) Just like "The Rig," I hope there is more environmental criticism to really bring the point home.

[Pietro Striano · Rating 2 out of 5]

The actors delivered an outstanding performance, but unfortunately, the storyline of this audio drama by Audible fell short. While the sound effects were impressive, the overall content left much to be desired. The plot revolves around a mysterious entity dwelling in the depths of the water, providing a sense of intrigue. However, it doesn't introduce any groundbreaking elements or innovative concepts.

[Felicia B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Freebie
3.5 stars rounded up for the voice cast and their adorable Irish and Swedish accents.
Also kudos to Audible for not giving away too much with their synopsis, as is often the case.

This was a fun quick listen but not at all an unfamiliar premise. I won't spoil anything here, but by the time the divers get in the water in chapter 1 you know what kind of story you're listening to and how all of it will play out.

[ᒪᗴᗩᕼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

•sci-fi•deep sea•intense atmosphere•Audible Original•full dramatization•short story•

• The sound effects were too much for me because I couldn’t always hear what was being said. Also, it was difficult to follow who was talking because many voices were similar. Other than that this was quick and interesting for the most part. Very Invasion of Body Snatchers-esque.

•My Score 6.97/10•

[Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a hard one to rank because the storyline wasn't that bad, I just didn't have an enjoyable time consuming this "book" due to the audio-story layout. I know a lot of people really enjoy this format, so if you do then you might like this book. But I didn't appreciate this art style as much as I do a straight forward creature feature book.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit Lovecraftian. Interesting story but finishes abruptly so feels incomplete. The best part was the narration by MyAnna Burning. Wouldn’t mind it expanded in tv miniseries however. The potential to explore the relationships more between characters and the visuals would make it suited for the screen.

[Diana Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good thriller. It was the perfect mix of mystery and a like horror theme. Haunting but yet so beautiful too. I had no idea what exactly was gonna happen by the end because i really did not see that ending coming at all! So when I was at the end there and listening to it, my jaw dropped to the floor seriously!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

What did I just listen to? The production was well done but I found it more distracting than helpful. The story itself was all over the place and just bizarre. I know they were going for spooky or eerie but it was just confusing until it was bizarre. I think maybe it just wasn’t for me? Others might like it. But I didn’t.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Rakie Ayola as an actor and she made this book work for me. Other performances were good too however the overall storyline was not so much for me. Great to listen to as an audiobook, and quite immersive!

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling story about a fishing village being impacted by a new wind turbine project. Something was awakened below. Find out what happens and how the town copes. Fantastic cast and production. I had no trouble with sound effects. Needs a sequel. Loved the twists and turns.

[Holly Stoyanovich · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the premise but found the sound effects distracting. Sometimes they made dialogue difficult to hear. Missed the ending entirely. Even after a couple of playbacks. Some reviewed saying it was like listening to a recorded play. I say it’s more like watching a tv show with no picture.

[Quanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super short audio (3 + hours) with a lot of sound effects, sound effects that frequently drowned out the voices. The building of an ocean location wind farm causes the discovery of a unique creature. Creature unknown. Probably would be better in visual than in audio.

[Avid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fair. The story is so-so. However, the background sound effects are great. Even better... the narration is absolutely FANTASTIC!! Giving this a rating was very difficult. The story really was sorrily lacking, but the people who put the book together as a total project made a great project. 👍

[Renata Sutton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible and did not care for it.
Several I thought I would stop it and move on, but I didn't thinking it would get better.
I do believe I didn't like the way it was done more like old fashion radio and not like a book.

[Soo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2024/12/31 Notes:

On Audible +

Narration was good, but sound production was iffy. The story was boring. Lots of tension that didn't really go anywhere and ended up feeling flat.

Oh well, can't have a great story every time. XD