What do you think?
Rate this book
The UnderCity Chronicles #1
Undertow
Lindsay Sterling’s niece has gone missing in the New York underground and the cops do nothing except pass along a name Jack Cole. Twenty years ago they were good buddies but horrors have changed them both. Lindsay lost her entire family except for her niece in a car accident, and Jack was held captive in New York’s underbelly for nearly two years by demented sub-humans. It was a soul-sucking experience that’s left him a shell of a man. He refuses to descend into that hell again, especially for a girl who’s probably dead anyway. But when Lindsay is nearly killed there after going it alone, Jack feels compelled to save her skin. Jack navigates Lindsay through a strange territory, populated with the eccentric, the insane and the desperate. Each encounter takes them closer to Lindsay’s niece but also closer into the clutches of the mad creatures that will enslave them.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2013
1 person is currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Stelmack
8 books22 followersS. M. Stelmack is our pen name, short for Serge & Moira Stelmack.
We aim to give what we like in a story— gutsy men and women, high stakes and LOL lines. Serge is the storymaster who blasts out the beginning, middle and end. Moira comes behind, clucking and hemming, as the story undergoes countless rewrites till it meets our vision. She's also the media relations manager, senior editor, marketing VP, director of operations (domestic and foreign), comptroller and the one who makes sure that Serge has a steady supply of cola while he works.
We live with our two kids, and several other strange pets, in a land of wintertime sunshine and snow and summertime mud and mosquitoes. Actually, it’s not that bad. The snakes in the local lake aren’t venomous.
We aim to give what we like in a story— gutsy men and women, high stakes and LOL lines. Serge is the storymaster who blasts out the beginning, middle and end. Moira comes behind, clucking and hemming, as the story undergoes countless rewrites till it meets our vision. She's also the media relations manager, senior editor, marketing VP, director of operations (domestic and foreign), comptroller and the one who makes sure that Serge has a steady supply of cola while he works.
We live with our two kids, and several other strange pets, in a land of wintertime sunshine and snow and summertime mud and mosquitoes. Actually, it’s not that bad. The snakes in the local lake aren’t venomous.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 21, 2014
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to this amazing author combo....this book is a finalist for the 2014 RONE awards!!!!!
http://indtale.com/2014-rone-awards
4.5 Stars
Have you ever heard of those forgotten tunnels under major cities...subways no longer in use, sewers that have been underground so long that no one remembers they're there? Well, someone does remember. A lot of someones...or should I say someTHINGS. They live there...and they resent us "topsiders". They want us...for a variety of reasons...but there is none they want as much as Jack. He's the one that got away.
MY SYNOPSIS
Jack has long been fascinated with not only the forgotten tunnels but also with the people who choose to live in them...without sunlight or most modern convenience, these people tend to turn slightly feral. And when he explores deeper into the vast caverns, deeper into the earth, he discovers another creature...one that certainly isn't human, as the prove to him over two years of captivity. In a world of complete blackness, he is tortured and stripped of identity until he nearly loses himself.
But he does escape, back to the surface where he is blinded by light and overcome with the weight of his actions while he was forced to be subhuman.
When Lindsay, a woman from his past, comes to him for help finding her niece in the underground, Jack suggests that they give her up for dead. Or just give up because she'll wish she was dead.
Of course, Lindsay knows who Jack used to be, and has faith that the strong, curious, and brilliant man is still hiding in the dirty, somewhat deranged man that she sees today.
With the help of Jack's friend Reggie, the three finally set out to discover what happened to Lindsay's only remaining family and to bring her back no matter what.
MY THOUGHTS
Once again, I am beyond impressed with this fairly new and vastly underread author. It's books like this that make me feel honored to read a copy that is offered to me by the author...
This novel is a wholly new idea, thought out to nearly every last detail...there isn't anything here that feels under-explained, nothing that leaves a question mark. This is one of those worlds that makes a reader realize why we are readers and not writers...we just don't think like this. It's beyond the scope of even my dreams to come up with a world this dark, this imaginative, and yet this REAL!!! This book feels real...as if I'd better watch myself when I go to the subway. Those manholes...lead to some scary places!!!
And amid the yuck and scare is a great love story that...while romantic and sexy as hell (Can you say Mirror love?), doesn't take away from the intensity of the horror aspect at all. In fact, it amplifies Jack's character because it just comes to show how dynamic he is, how much he has endured in life and how fragile his psyche is. He needs someone to ground him, and Lyndsay is perfect for the job, despite her need for his knowledge of this truly horrific place.
A huge thank you to this amazing husband/wife author duo for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I see amazing things for them, both in this Urban Fantasy/Horror romance and the Romantic Suspense genre. Their voice is unique and strong and I am very much looking forward to whatever they can throw out.
http://indtale.com/2014-rone-awards
4.5 Stars
Have you ever heard of those forgotten tunnels under major cities...subways no longer in use, sewers that have been underground so long that no one remembers they're there? Well, someone does remember. A lot of someones...or should I say someTHINGS. They live there...and they resent us "topsiders". They want us...for a variety of reasons...but there is none they want as much as Jack. He's the one that got away.
MY SYNOPSIS
Jack has long been fascinated with not only the forgotten tunnels but also with the people who choose to live in them...without sunlight or most modern convenience, these people tend to turn slightly feral. And when he explores deeper into the vast caverns, deeper into the earth, he discovers another creature...one that certainly isn't human, as the prove to him over two years of captivity. In a world of complete blackness, he is tortured and stripped of identity until he nearly loses himself.
But he does escape, back to the surface where he is blinded by light and overcome with the weight of his actions while he was forced to be subhuman.
When Lindsay, a woman from his past, comes to him for help finding her niece in the underground, Jack suggests that they give her up for dead. Or just give up because she'll wish she was dead.
Of course, Lindsay knows who Jack used to be, and has faith that the strong, curious, and brilliant man is still hiding in the dirty, somewhat deranged man that she sees today.
"You think if you ask enough questions you'll figure me out and fix me. Only what happens if you can't? You'll have taken me apart and left me in pieces, and I'm already broken enough without you making more of a mess."
With the help of Jack's friend Reggie, the three finally set out to discover what happened to Lindsay's only remaining family and to bring her back no matter what.
MY THOUGHTS
Once again, I am beyond impressed with this fairly new and vastly underread author. It's books like this that make me feel honored to read a copy that is offered to me by the author...
This novel is a wholly new idea, thought out to nearly every last detail...there isn't anything here that feels under-explained, nothing that leaves a question mark. This is one of those worlds that makes a reader realize why we are readers and not writers...we just don't think like this. It's beyond the scope of even my dreams to come up with a world this dark, this imaginative, and yet this REAL!!! This book feels real...as if I'd better watch myself when I go to the subway. Those manholes...lead to some scary places!!!
And amid the yuck and scare is a great love story that...while romantic and sexy as hell (Can you say Mirror love?), doesn't take away from the intensity of the horror aspect at all. In fact, it amplifies Jack's character because it just comes to show how dynamic he is, how much he has endured in life and how fragile his psyche is. He needs someone to ground him, and Lyndsay is perfect for the job, despite her need for his knowledge of this truly horrific place.
"Still not used to the light?" she said softly.
"Sometimes it still takes me by surprise."
"Because you expected it to be one thing and it's another."
He turned to her and the sun glowed warm on his face. "Because," he corrected quietly. "Because she burns so bright. Better than anything I could ever imagine."
A huge thank you to this amazing husband/wife author duo for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I see amazing things for them, both in this Urban Fantasy/Horror romance and the Romantic Suspense genre. Their voice is unique and strong and I am very much looking forward to whatever they can throw out.
May 7, 2015
Undertow is on sale at Amazon @ 99cents until 9/19.
Click here
This book is amazing. Is the perfect blend of romance, mystery and thriller. The writing is flawless and mature and had me hooked from the prologue until the epilogue. There isn't a dull moment in this and I finished it in one evening, sleepless night and all. I hope more people know about this amazing book, it definitely deserves more recognition.
The cover is a bit misleading as both the main characters are suppose to be in their 30s. The setting of the book is about the subterranean culture below New York City and I am amaze with the blend of facts and fictions revolving the underground community. I did a google to assure myself that some of these are indeed real.
Lindsay only surviving family member, Seline had gone missing after her recent trip to the underground tunnel for her research. After failing to get additional help from the police force, she ended up reunited with her high school crush, Jake Cole. He is deemed the ultimate urban spelunker and had quite a reputation in the academic field. But when she met him, he is living in a dingy basement with a black drifter, Reggie and appear to be at his lowest point of his life.
'Her teenage crush had turned into a brooding stranger, yet he still fascinated her, filling her heart with a cacophony of emotions.'
Jake Coleman had been fascinated with the underground since young and had dedicated his life and career into understanding the subterranean culture across the globe. But his last mission to the New York underground had left him captured and trapped below ground for two years. It had left him broken and scarred. We had some flashback scene on the tortured he had endured at the hands of The Moles.
I'm glad that we have dual POVs from both Lindsay and Jake because without it Jake will just appear as a brooding asshole most of the time. From his POV, I feels his vulnerability and insecurity due his past ordeal. Is lucky for him to still be sane despite some of his awful memories. He had some self loathing going on there, he felt worthless and disgusted with himself, but we know he is more of a man than anyone will ever be. He is honorable and selfless, he make sacrifices for his friend without a blink of an eye.
"You think if you ask enough questions you'll figure me out and fix me. Only what happens if you can't? You'll have taken me apart and left me in pieces, and I'm already broken without you making more of a mess."
The mystery surrounding Jake's past and Seline's current disappearance weave together perfectly. It kept me on the edge of my seat to find out all the missing puzzle. By half of the book, we were given a lot of explanation about what is happening and I wondered what is yet to come. Of course, things isn't as simple as it seem and large thing is at play. There are some twist and turn that keep us engage.
Reggie, Jake's best friend is such an endearing character, he is like the gentle giant. They both had a strong friendship built from overcoming life and death together. Reggie brings some fun and light moments in this otherwise a dark and gloomy setting.
Not only that Jake was quite an enigma in this book, the heroine Lindsay is absolutely amazing. Is a rare occasion that I had such a strong feeling for the heroine. You know, some author wants to make the heroine appear kickass and independent by making her contradicting and questioning everything that the hero said, sometimes that is very annoying. Lindsay is a very mature character, she knows when to listen, when to follow and never tried to question Jake's expertise. She is so patience in dealing with Jake because she understands him. At the same time, she isn't a doormat either. I like how she will put him in his place when he tested her patience too far. She will take charge when he appear indecisive. These two have an amazing chemistry together.
"Take me home, Linds. I can't be alone, anymore."
For such a serious tone of the book, the romantic in me didn't expect to be much smut here, but I was surprised. In the beginning there are some unrequited love and sexual tension between these two. Lindsay had a successful career and everything going in her life, while Jake is living like a bum. But these two had been having a crush on each other since they were young. I just can't wait for them to pour their soul out and get it going. There are also two sex scenes that were told in quite an explicit details,much to my absolute enjoyment.
"-a gorgeous, half-naked man was in the next room, sending off more mixed signals than a broken traffic light."
Despite being Book 1 of a series, the ending doesn't left us hanging. Things are pretty much resolve, but we know there are more that yet to come. I'm so desperate for Jake and Lindsay's HEA that we are treated to a HEA for now with is sweet and touching. It left me feeling anxious to read the next book because all I want is for Jake to be safe, happy and content with his life. He deserves this.
He turned to her and the sun glowed warm on his face. "Because she burns so bright. Better than anything I could ever imagine."
Click here
This book is amazing. Is the perfect blend of romance, mystery and thriller. The writing is flawless and mature and had me hooked from the prologue until the epilogue. There isn't a dull moment in this and I finished it in one evening, sleepless night and all. I hope more people know about this amazing book, it definitely deserves more recognition.
The cover is a bit misleading as both the main characters are suppose to be in their 30s. The setting of the book is about the subterranean culture below New York City and I am amaze with the blend of facts and fictions revolving the underground community. I did a google to assure myself that some of these are indeed real.
Lindsay only surviving family member, Seline had gone missing after her recent trip to the underground tunnel for her research. After failing to get additional help from the police force, she ended up reunited with her high school crush, Jake Cole. He is deemed the ultimate urban spelunker and had quite a reputation in the academic field. But when she met him, he is living in a dingy basement with a black drifter, Reggie and appear to be at his lowest point of his life.
'Her teenage crush had turned into a brooding stranger, yet he still fascinated her, filling her heart with a cacophony of emotions.'
Jake Coleman had been fascinated with the underground since young and had dedicated his life and career into understanding the subterranean culture across the globe. But his last mission to the New York underground had left him captured and trapped below ground for two years. It had left him broken and scarred. We had some flashback scene on the tortured he had endured at the hands of The Moles.
I'm glad that we have dual POVs from both Lindsay and Jake because without it Jake will just appear as a brooding asshole most of the time. From his POV, I feels his vulnerability and insecurity due his past ordeal. Is lucky for him to still be sane despite some of his awful memories. He had some self loathing going on there, he felt worthless and disgusted with himself, but we know he is more of a man than anyone will ever be. He is honorable and selfless, he make sacrifices for his friend without a blink of an eye.
"You think if you ask enough questions you'll figure me out and fix me. Only what happens if you can't? You'll have taken me apart and left me in pieces, and I'm already broken without you making more of a mess."
The mystery surrounding Jake's past and Seline's current disappearance weave together perfectly. It kept me on the edge of my seat to find out all the missing puzzle. By half of the book, we were given a lot of explanation about what is happening and I wondered what is yet to come. Of course, things isn't as simple as it seem and large thing is at play. There are some twist and turn that keep us engage.
Reggie, Jake's best friend is such an endearing character, he is like the gentle giant. They both had a strong friendship built from overcoming life and death together. Reggie brings some fun and light moments in this otherwise a dark and gloomy setting.
Not only that Jake was quite an enigma in this book, the heroine Lindsay is absolutely amazing. Is a rare occasion that I had such a strong feeling for the heroine. You know, some author wants to make the heroine appear kickass and independent by making her contradicting and questioning everything that the hero said, sometimes that is very annoying. Lindsay is a very mature character, she knows when to listen, when to follow and never tried to question Jake's expertise. She is so patience in dealing with Jake because she understands him. At the same time, she isn't a doormat either. I like how she will put him in his place when he tested her patience too far. She will take charge when he appear indecisive. These two have an amazing chemistry together.
"Take me home, Linds. I can't be alone, anymore."
For such a serious tone of the book, the romantic in me didn't expect to be much smut here, but I was surprised. In the beginning there are some unrequited love and sexual tension between these two. Lindsay had a successful career and everything going in her life, while Jake is living like a bum. But these two had been having a crush on each other since they were young. I just can't wait for them to pour their soul out and get it going. There are also two sex scenes that were told in quite an explicit details,much to my absolute enjoyment.
"-a gorgeous, half-naked man was in the next room, sending off more mixed signals than a broken traffic light."
Despite being Book 1 of a series, the ending doesn't left us hanging. Things are pretty much resolve, but we know there are more that yet to come. I'm so desperate for Jake and Lindsay's HEA that we are treated to a HEA for now with is sweet and touching. It left me feeling anxious to read the next book because all I want is for Jake to be safe, happy and content with his life. He deserves this.
He turned to her and the sun glowed warm on his face. "Because she burns so bright. Better than anything I could ever imagine."
July 12, 2016
Lindsay Sterling's niece, Seline, has gone missing in the tunnels under NYC and the police are no help. One name is given as the only person who could possibly help her, Jack Cole. Lindsay knew Jack years ago when she was a teenager but didn't keep in touch over the years. She now learns that Jack was kept prisoner below for nearly 2 years. When she goes to see him, she sees he is not the same boy she once knew. Jack is a tortured soul who refuses to go back to the horrors below. But Lindsay is determined to look for Seline, even if she must go herself. When Lindsay's parents and brother dies in an auto accident, she was left to raise Seline. Seline is her only family.
I didn't know what to expect when I got this book but I ended up pleasantly surprised. Lindsay turned out not to be the TSTL (To Stupid To Live) heroine I expected at first. And Jack, even with his issues turned out to be a worthy hero. While it has a darker feel to it than many of the romances that I read, it really wasn't as dark and horrific as I expected. Oh, it's not a fluffy romance by any means. It most certainly does have it's intense and horrific moments but not so much that I wasn't able to get through it. Horror is not a genre that I read. The romance itself wasn't entirely convincing to me at times but I wasn't disappointed in it. I feel confident that I will continue this series when it comes out.
I didn't know what to expect when I got this book but I ended up pleasantly surprised. Lindsay turned out not to be the TSTL (To Stupid To Live) heroine I expected at first. And Jack, even with his issues turned out to be a worthy hero. While it has a darker feel to it than many of the romances that I read, it really wasn't as dark and horrific as I expected. Oh, it's not a fluffy romance by any means. It most certainly does have it's intense and horrific moments but not so much that I wasn't able to get through it. Horror is not a genre that I read. The romance itself wasn't entirely convincing to me at times but I wasn't disappointed in it. I feel confident that I will continue this series when it comes out.
August 29, 2013
I guess the simple fact I have problem in tagging this book is a damn point in its favour: is it urban fantasy? Thriller/mystery? Romance? Or horror?
The answer is somewhat in the middle: all of the above. It's the urban you find in the urban legends (that perform heavily here), it's a thriller/mystery as it's a race to save a girl and possibly the world, it's a love story between two very different people with a common past, it's an horror that it's slowly taking over.
Undertow is a self-pubblished book, and I wish I could say it's not evident. Unfortunately a few editing problems make me unable to lie (nothing serious, but also nothing that a simple proof-reader couldn't have found either). < grin > What I can say is this: you won't care.
I loved the plot and the characters, even if not without problems. World-building is minimal, but maybe unnecessary too. The writing expand the pov of both the hero and the heroine, making them more real to me. It's well known I've a fondness for strong heroine and Lindsay doesn't disappoint. She's mature, intelligent, strong, able to understand her weaknesses and her strength. Well, ok, at times she did read too much perfect for my tastes. I prefer demons to angels ;P and simply she sounded too perfectly composed, where I would have expected a stronger reaction. You know feeling rage (or an other strong sentiment) and mastering it makes you more human.
The latest part of the book did a bit of a plunge for me: here were the (few) editing problems, some excessive twists and a dragged resolution. But overall I really enjoyed it.
The answer is somewhat in the middle: all of the above. It's the urban you find in the urban legends (that perform heavily here), it's a thriller/mystery as it's a race to save a girl and possibly the world, it's a love story between two very different people with a common past, it's an horror that it's slowly taking over.
Undertow is a self-pubblished book, and I wish I could say it's not evident. Unfortunately a few editing problems make me unable to lie (nothing serious, but also nothing that a simple proof-reader couldn't have found either). < grin > What I can say is this: you won't care.
I loved the plot and the characters, even if not without problems. World-building is minimal, but maybe unnecessary too. The writing expand the pov of both the hero and the heroine, making them more real to me. It's well known I've a fondness for strong heroine and Lindsay doesn't disappoint. She's mature, intelligent, strong, able to understand her weaknesses and her strength. Well, ok, at times she did read too much perfect for my tastes. I prefer demons to angels ;P and simply she sounded too perfectly composed, where I would have expected a stronger reaction. You know feeling rage (or an other strong sentiment) and mastering it makes you more human.
The latest part of the book did a bit of a plunge for me: here were the (few) editing problems, some excessive twists and a dragged resolution. But overall I really enjoyed it.
July 9, 2013
Rating 4.5 out of 5.
July 11, 2013
Eeeeek that was so creepy! But I totally loved it.
December 18, 2013
I had a real hard time getting into this book. It doesn't help that it takes so long to develop. At the quarter point, they still haven't gone underground. At the third point, they still haven't found out anything useful, and Jack is still an enigma. I think the real problem, though, is that I just wasn't that interested in the world underground and the characters didn't engage my sympathy. Both Lindsay and Jack had a few too many traits stereotyped for convenience and never really broke out of those shorthand characterizations.
August 10, 2014
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First off, let me tell you all that this is not my typical genre. I don't do sci-fi, paranormal, weird stuff....never. I was looking for something different and stumbled upon this and decided to put in a request for it.
This book is about a girl, Seline, lost to the world underground and the things that live there. It's hard for me to imagine because I am from a small town where we don't have subway tunnels and the like. The girl's aunt (Lindsey) and an old flame (Jack) from way back go down below to save her.
This book was very good and kept me pulled in to see what would happen next! The author also threw me a bone and put a few very erotic scenes in there between Lindsey and Jack. Wowza.
Undertow will also make me think twice before I walk across those grates in the sidewalk the next time that I am in a big city, lol.
First off, let me tell you all that this is not my typical genre. I don't do sci-fi, paranormal, weird stuff....never. I was looking for something different and stumbled upon this and decided to put in a request for it.
This book is about a girl, Seline, lost to the world underground and the things that live there. It's hard for me to imagine because I am from a small town where we don't have subway tunnels and the like. The girl's aunt (Lindsey) and an old flame (Jack) from way back go down below to save her.
This book was very good and kept me pulled in to see what would happen next! The author also threw me a bone and put a few very erotic scenes in there between Lindsey and Jack. Wowza.
Undertow will also make me think twice before I walk across those grates in the sidewalk the next time that I am in a big city, lol.
August 6, 2016
I enjoyed this book, it was not overpowering on the romance, but it was main part of the book. Although, without the romance portion of the book I think the book would have felt incomplete. I also really liked the concept of a secret world deep underground, it's something that hasn't been explored by many fantasy/paranormal writers.
June 6, 2013
~3.5~
This was not my usual read at all but I still enjoyed it. I usually want my romances hot and heavy but I saw this and decided to take a step back from the usual. The story was extremely unique and kept me guessing.
Lindsay was a good heroine, and for the most part I liked her. She was an awesome auntie who went to hell and back to save her niece, but she didn’t stop to think of what it would to Jack. She had one goal and for quite some try that was her only thought.
Jack was a very damaged hero who risked his own sanity and life to help an old friend rescue her niece. He saw and experienced things that tore parts of his soul away. It was a huge leap he took by helping and using his resources. That made him extremely sexy. I love a man who does his all to help save a damsel in distress.
There was more sexual tension and chemistry than actual sex but it worked. You could feel how much they wanted each other all the times. I kinda felt bad for Reggie because it would have sucked to been between those two. When the sex did happen it was a little spicy and very passionate!
This was for me a good read; I didn’t love it nor hate it. I had trouble in the beginning getting into it and there was so much information to take in. I had to re-read a few things to keep things straight, but even after all that it became a page turner at the end. I was like “No f-ing way!!” I didn’t see that coming at all. I will be reading the next book. I hope we get Seline’s story or maybe even Reggie’s! (hint hint)
This was not my usual read at all but I still enjoyed it. I usually want my romances hot and heavy but I saw this and decided to take a step back from the usual. The story was extremely unique and kept me guessing.
Lindsay was a good heroine, and for the most part I liked her. She was an awesome auntie who went to hell and back to save her niece, but she didn’t stop to think of what it would to Jack. She had one goal and for quite some try that was her only thought.
Jack was a very damaged hero who risked his own sanity and life to help an old friend rescue her niece. He saw and experienced things that tore parts of his soul away. It was a huge leap he took by helping and using his resources. That made him extremely sexy. I love a man who does his all to help save a damsel in distress.
There was more sexual tension and chemistry than actual sex but it worked. You could feel how much they wanted each other all the times. I kinda felt bad for Reggie because it would have sucked to been between those two. When the sex did happen it was a little spicy and very passionate!
This was for me a good read; I didn’t love it nor hate it. I had trouble in the beginning getting into it and there was so much information to take in. I had to re-read a few things to keep things straight, but even after all that it became a page turner at the end. I was like “No f-ing way!!” I didn’t see that coming at all. I will be reading the next book. I hope we get Seline’s story or maybe even Reggie’s! (hint hint)
August 19, 2014
The writing duo of S.M. Stelmack have mashed their creative talents and imaginative minds together to create this sc-fi, romantic suspense which has the ability to appeal to horror and paranormal fans alike.
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 24, 2015
Exciting!! But I think there was (can't believe I'm saying it) to much sexy-smexy for this type of book. Sex and love story with soul-mates surrounded by monsters...? Ok. But too much is too much ^^
But still I loved this one. :)
But still I loved this one. :)
May 27, 2013
3.5 stars
April 18, 2014
This is the third book I’ve read by S.M. Stelmack, and somehow each one keeps getting better than the last – and I gave the first one five stars!
The story’s set in the New York underground, a shadowy world where the law means nothing and only the desperate, insane and dedicated ever go. This really is a world where angels fear to tread, yet that’s exactly where the heroine must travel to save her niece – a young social worker who’s been snatched by the monsters that rule New York’s underbelly. The monsters are as unique as they are incredibly creepy, with their own culture based on unimaginable cruelty. Even their young are born as horrific little sadists, yet they possess an intelligence that, while not human, has a truly disturbing logic all its own. This is not a book to read at night!
The author has this way of making urban fantasy so realistic that you’re left not knowing what to believe. Like a well-crafted urban legend, the places and people of this novel seem larger than life, yet blend so well with reality that they seem completely plausible. The result is a deep immersion in the story that literally gave me goose bumps.
Lindsay Sterling, the heroine, is strong and independent without being bitchy, and the sheer strength of her character had me rooting for her from the very first page. Though her career as an interior designer couldn’t have made her less prepared for the filth and horror of the city’s underground, she makes up for it with pure dedication. It’s not that she’s not afraid. She’s terrified. But her love for those closest to her drives her on when any sane person would have turned back.
Likewise Jack Cole is an amazing hero. Once a prisoner of the monsters beneath the city, Jack managed to escape only by the narrowest of margins, his humanity and sanity almost stripped away by unimaginable physical and mental tortures. Yet despite the nightmare he endured he’s willing to return to the underground for the sake of Lindsay, his childhood friend. Jack is not the suave type. He’s a grizzled survivor who’s endured ten times more than any normal man could take. Yet at his core he’s still a deeply compassionate and intelligent person of truly unbreakable loyalty.
As with all the books by these authors the writing is tight and energetic and the characters are simply amazing. Even the minor characters – ones that only appear in a single scene – feel more alive than the heroines in most books. And their variety is stunning. The tunnel folk of the underground range from the benign to the vile, yet all of their personalities are appropriately edgy and weird. Best of all is Reggie, Jack Cole’s best friend, who’s at turns fearsome, vicious, kind and even funny. If there was ever a supporting character that deserved his own novel Reggie would be him.
What else can I say? S.M. Stelmack’s books have become some of my all time favorites, and I can’t wait to see what they come out with next. A very, very well deserved five stars. Can’t recommend this book enough.
Merged review:
This is the third book I’ve read by S.M. Stelmack, and somehow each one keeps getting better than the last – and I gave the first one five stars!
The story’s set in the New York underground, a shadowy world where the law means nothing and only the desperate, insane and dedicated ever go. This really is a world where angels fear to tread, yet that’s exactly where the heroine must travel to save her niece – a young social worker who’s been snatched by the monsters that rule New York’s underbelly. The monsters are as unique as they are incredibly creepy, with their own culture based on unimaginable cruelty. Even their young are born as horrific little sadists, yet they possess an intelligence that, while not human, has a truly disturbing logic all its own. This is not a book to read at night!
The author has this way of making urban fantasy so realistic that you’re left not knowing what to believe. Like a well-crafted urban legend, the places and people of this novel seem larger than life, yet blend so well with reality that they seem completely plausible. The result is a deep immersion in the story that literally gave me goose bumps.
Lindsay Sterling, the heroine, is strong and independent without being bitchy, and the sheer strength of her character had me rooting for her from the very first page. Though her career as an interior designer couldn’t have made her less prepared for the filth and horror of the city’s underground, she makes up for it with pure dedication. It’s not that she’s not afraid. She’s terrified. But her love for those closest to her drives her on when any sane person would have turned back.
Likewise Jack Cole is an amazing hero. Once a prisoner of the monsters beneath the city, Jack managed to escape only by the narrowest of margins, his humanity and sanity almost stripped away by unimaginable physical and mental tortures. Yet despite the nightmare he endured he’s willing to return to the underground for the sake of Lindsay, his childhood friend. Jack is not the suave type. He’s a grizzled survivor who’s endured ten times more than any normal man could take. Yet at his core he’s still a deeply compassionate and intelligent person of truly unbreakable loyalty.
As with all the books by these authors the writing is tight and energetic and the characters are simply amazing. Even the minor characters – ones that only appear in a single scene – feel more alive than the heroines in most books. And their variety is stunning. The tunnel folk of the underground range from the benign to the vile, yet all of their personalities are appropriately edgy and weird. Best of all is Reggie, Jack Cole’s best friend, who’s at turns fearsome, vicious, kind and even funny. If there was ever a supporting character that deserved his own novel Reggie would be him.
What else can I say? S.M. Stelmack’s books have become some of my all time favorites, and I can’t wait to see what they come out with next. A very, very well deserved five stars. Can’t recommend this book enough.
The story’s set in the New York underground, a shadowy world where the law means nothing and only the desperate, insane and dedicated ever go. This really is a world where angels fear to tread, yet that’s exactly where the heroine must travel to save her niece – a young social worker who’s been snatched by the monsters that rule New York’s underbelly. The monsters are as unique as they are incredibly creepy, with their own culture based on unimaginable cruelty. Even their young are born as horrific little sadists, yet they possess an intelligence that, while not human, has a truly disturbing logic all its own. This is not a book to read at night!
The author has this way of making urban fantasy so realistic that you’re left not knowing what to believe. Like a well-crafted urban legend, the places and people of this novel seem larger than life, yet blend so well with reality that they seem completely plausible. The result is a deep immersion in the story that literally gave me goose bumps.
Lindsay Sterling, the heroine, is strong and independent without being bitchy, and the sheer strength of her character had me rooting for her from the very first page. Though her career as an interior designer couldn’t have made her less prepared for the filth and horror of the city’s underground, she makes up for it with pure dedication. It’s not that she’s not afraid. She’s terrified. But her love for those closest to her drives her on when any sane person would have turned back.
Likewise Jack Cole is an amazing hero. Once a prisoner of the monsters beneath the city, Jack managed to escape only by the narrowest of margins, his humanity and sanity almost stripped away by unimaginable physical and mental tortures. Yet despite the nightmare he endured he’s willing to return to the underground for the sake of Lindsay, his childhood friend. Jack is not the suave type. He’s a grizzled survivor who’s endured ten times more than any normal man could take. Yet at his core he’s still a deeply compassionate and intelligent person of truly unbreakable loyalty.
As with all the books by these authors the writing is tight and energetic and the characters are simply amazing. Even the minor characters – ones that only appear in a single scene – feel more alive than the heroines in most books. And their variety is stunning. The tunnel folk of the underground range from the benign to the vile, yet all of their personalities are appropriately edgy and weird. Best of all is Reggie, Jack Cole’s best friend, who’s at turns fearsome, vicious, kind and even funny. If there was ever a supporting character that deserved his own novel Reggie would be him.
What else can I say? S.M. Stelmack’s books have become some of my all time favorites, and I can’t wait to see what they come out with next. A very, very well deserved five stars. Can’t recommend this book enough.
Merged review:
This is the third book I’ve read by S.M. Stelmack, and somehow each one keeps getting better than the last – and I gave the first one five stars!
The story’s set in the New York underground, a shadowy world where the law means nothing and only the desperate, insane and dedicated ever go. This really is a world where angels fear to tread, yet that’s exactly where the heroine must travel to save her niece – a young social worker who’s been snatched by the monsters that rule New York’s underbelly. The monsters are as unique as they are incredibly creepy, with their own culture based on unimaginable cruelty. Even their young are born as horrific little sadists, yet they possess an intelligence that, while not human, has a truly disturbing logic all its own. This is not a book to read at night!
The author has this way of making urban fantasy so realistic that you’re left not knowing what to believe. Like a well-crafted urban legend, the places and people of this novel seem larger than life, yet blend so well with reality that they seem completely plausible. The result is a deep immersion in the story that literally gave me goose bumps.
Lindsay Sterling, the heroine, is strong and independent without being bitchy, and the sheer strength of her character had me rooting for her from the very first page. Though her career as an interior designer couldn’t have made her less prepared for the filth and horror of the city’s underground, she makes up for it with pure dedication. It’s not that she’s not afraid. She’s terrified. But her love for those closest to her drives her on when any sane person would have turned back.
Likewise Jack Cole is an amazing hero. Once a prisoner of the monsters beneath the city, Jack managed to escape only by the narrowest of margins, his humanity and sanity almost stripped away by unimaginable physical and mental tortures. Yet despite the nightmare he endured he’s willing to return to the underground for the sake of Lindsay, his childhood friend. Jack is not the suave type. He’s a grizzled survivor who’s endured ten times more than any normal man could take. Yet at his core he’s still a deeply compassionate and intelligent person of truly unbreakable loyalty.
As with all the books by these authors the writing is tight and energetic and the characters are simply amazing. Even the minor characters – ones that only appear in a single scene – feel more alive than the heroines in most books. And their variety is stunning. The tunnel folk of the underground range from the benign to the vile, yet all of their personalities are appropriately edgy and weird. Best of all is Reggie, Jack Cole’s best friend, who’s at turns fearsome, vicious, kind and even funny. If there was ever a supporting character that deserved his own novel Reggie would be him.
What else can I say? S.M. Stelmack’s books have become some of my all time favorites, and I can’t wait to see what they come out with next. A very, very well deserved five stars. Can’t recommend this book enough.
May 20, 2016
Lindsay Sterling's niece has gone missing in the New York underground. The cops will do nothing about it, except pass along a name. Jack Cole. Back in High School they where best friends, but the death of Lindsay's entire family, and her subsequent guardianship of her Niece, not to mention the two years Jack spent held captive in New York's underbelly by sub-humans, more animal than human, has changed them both. Jack's experience was soul destroying and life changing, he's been left a shell of a man.
Jack refuses to descend in to that hell again, especially for a girl who's most likely dead already after being down there a week so far. But Lindsay will go down there with, or without him. When she attempts the latter, she's nearly killed, luckily Jack's friend Reggie showed up to help her out. Jack feels compelled by years of feelings to help her, and so he agrees to go down there and find her Niece. Jack navigates Lindsay through the strange territory, an entire underground civilization. It's populated by the eccentric, the insane and the desperate. Each encounter gets them closer to Lindsay's niece, but it also gets them closer to the insane creatures, determined to have their pet back, but Jack's found a reason to live again.
This book was insane! And I mean that in the good way, it was incredible! Right from the first page you're hooked by the plot and the prose. Then, when we first go into the UnderCity, Stelmack starts to weave an incredible world.
The world building is so incredible, that you can practically smell the rank air, hear the Moles scuttling about. The atmosphere created with words, glides off the page and surrounds you, your vision is fixed on the book, unable to put it down, and you're instantly transported straight in to the world, tagging along behind our characters, observing. I was oblivious to anything else, and that's a hard feat to accomplish with me these days.
The prose is incredible, it creates this incredible story, that's so unique, so different from anything else, it's a breath of fresh air and makes you sit up and pay attention, reluctant to put the book down. The flow is smooth, the past as fast as someone running from the Moles. There's never a dull moment, each word is carefully chosen to create the world, and keep you engaged, there's no pointless filler scenes at all.
Stelmack manages to create an entire world, believable, and incredibly detailed, with the different communities, and the names of the areas and passageways, not to mention the creatures living there, the myths and legends of the UnderCity and the intrigue surrounding the Gallery. I will never, in my life, be able to go on the tube again without wondering....what's really under London? What's down those "disused" passageways? What's through those secret doors? The story and the world sticks with you when you're finished reading, truly unforgettable.
Lindsay is an amazing character. I'm going to admit right off the bat that I would never have the lady balls to go down in to the UnderCity with Jack, let alone by myself. I'd be too terrified. Lindsay has so much drive, determination, and she is fearless. Yeah she has a fear of heights, but she overcomes it in the tunnels, doing what she has to do to get Seline back. What can I say about Jack? He's resilient. He's brave. He goes back to the place he barely escaped, the place that broke him, to help Lindsay. He's an incredible character.
All of the characters where so full of life, from our main characters, right down to the Moles themselves. Each unique. Each community in the UnderCity had their own beliefs, their own story. Each character had varying personalities, varying issues to deal with. They all jumped off the page and grabbed your heart, and your imagination. Even the tiny baby Mole who played with Jack.
The plot was fantastical. The idea of an underground City beneath New York, populated by different people, is unique. As I've said, I've never read anything like it, and I doubt I ever will. The plot was quite complex, we had different parts to it. Some of it was laid out straight away, providing the original engaging factor. Other parts where hinted at, Jack's past, what's down in the underground, and so on. You where kept intrigued the entire way through, and honestly, I don't even know how anyone would be able to guess the plot twists. Every twist totally blind sided me, and it's so so rare for me to find a book that can genuinely surprise me the whole way through!
Undertow is probably the most unique book you will ever read. Fast paced, intriguing plot, incredible world building, intense mythology and legends. I'm half convinced there's a portal in the book that sucked me in to the book, that's how great the world building is. The atmosphere, this sense of a dark, dank place overwhelms you. The romance was perfect. Absolutely perfect. We have an old relationship, that both wanted to be more at the time, and blossoms back. A damaged character needing that love to heal him.
Undertow is a smooth blend of romance, intrigue, pulse racing action and imagination. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. It was truly mind blowing for me.
Jack refuses to descend in to that hell again, especially for a girl who's most likely dead already after being down there a week so far. But Lindsay will go down there with, or without him. When she attempts the latter, she's nearly killed, luckily Jack's friend Reggie showed up to help her out. Jack feels compelled by years of feelings to help her, and so he agrees to go down there and find her Niece. Jack navigates Lindsay through the strange territory, an entire underground civilization. It's populated by the eccentric, the insane and the desperate. Each encounter gets them closer to Lindsay's niece, but it also gets them closer to the insane creatures, determined to have their pet back, but Jack's found a reason to live again.
This book was insane! And I mean that in the good way, it was incredible! Right from the first page you're hooked by the plot and the prose. Then, when we first go into the UnderCity, Stelmack starts to weave an incredible world.
The world building is so incredible, that you can practically smell the rank air, hear the Moles scuttling about. The atmosphere created with words, glides off the page and surrounds you, your vision is fixed on the book, unable to put it down, and you're instantly transported straight in to the world, tagging along behind our characters, observing. I was oblivious to anything else, and that's a hard feat to accomplish with me these days.
The prose is incredible, it creates this incredible story, that's so unique, so different from anything else, it's a breath of fresh air and makes you sit up and pay attention, reluctant to put the book down. The flow is smooth, the past as fast as someone running from the Moles. There's never a dull moment, each word is carefully chosen to create the world, and keep you engaged, there's no pointless filler scenes at all.
Stelmack manages to create an entire world, believable, and incredibly detailed, with the different communities, and the names of the areas and passageways, not to mention the creatures living there, the myths and legends of the UnderCity and the intrigue surrounding the Gallery. I will never, in my life, be able to go on the tube again without wondering....what's really under London? What's down those "disused" passageways? What's through those secret doors? The story and the world sticks with you when you're finished reading, truly unforgettable.
Lindsay is an amazing character. I'm going to admit right off the bat that I would never have the lady balls to go down in to the UnderCity with Jack, let alone by myself. I'd be too terrified. Lindsay has so much drive, determination, and she is fearless. Yeah she has a fear of heights, but she overcomes it in the tunnels, doing what she has to do to get Seline back. What can I say about Jack? He's resilient. He's brave. He goes back to the place he barely escaped, the place that broke him, to help Lindsay. He's an incredible character.
All of the characters where so full of life, from our main characters, right down to the Moles themselves. Each unique. Each community in the UnderCity had their own beliefs, their own story. Each character had varying personalities, varying issues to deal with. They all jumped off the page and grabbed your heart, and your imagination. Even the tiny baby Mole who played with Jack.
The plot was fantastical. The idea of an underground City beneath New York, populated by different people, is unique. As I've said, I've never read anything like it, and I doubt I ever will. The plot was quite complex, we had different parts to it. Some of it was laid out straight away, providing the original engaging factor. Other parts where hinted at, Jack's past, what's down in the underground, and so on. You where kept intrigued the entire way through, and honestly, I don't even know how anyone would be able to guess the plot twists. Every twist totally blind sided me, and it's so so rare for me to find a book that can genuinely surprise me the whole way through!
Undertow is probably the most unique book you will ever read. Fast paced, intriguing plot, incredible world building, intense mythology and legends. I'm half convinced there's a portal in the book that sucked me in to the book, that's how great the world building is. The atmosphere, this sense of a dark, dank place overwhelms you. The romance was perfect. Absolutely perfect. We have an old relationship, that both wanted to be more at the time, and blossoms back. A damaged character needing that love to heal him.
Undertow is a smooth blend of romance, intrigue, pulse racing action and imagination. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. It was truly mind blowing for me.
September 5, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
4.5 stars
Wow, I honestly have no idea what I should say about this book. To be honest, this was nothing like what I was expecting. I had thought (for some weird reason) that I was about to read a YA post-apocalyptic story in a society that is so warped there is nothing but destruction everywhere. To some degree, that is true because the tunnels are so vicious that it’s safe to assume if you go down far enough in them, you won’t be coming out. But as for the rest? YA? Post-apocalyptic? Definitely not.
This is more of an urban fantasy story where the tunnels under New York City are a whole other world. Not only are there people down there that have no other place to live but there’s also dangerous criminals and, worst of all, inhuman creatures that can rip you to shreds in seconds. When Lindsay’s niece, Seline, disappears in the tunnels, Lindsay will do anything she must to get her back including getting help from a long-lost friend who’s more bitter and broken than he was over a decade ago. Jack Cole spent two years underground and barely made it out alive. Holding onto life by a thread, he refuses to go back there… that is until Lindsay shows up and Jack’s long buried feelings for her mixed with Lindsay’s determination finally persuades him. Unfortunately, getting Seline back is not easy and might just cause them to go up against the inhuman monsters, the Moles. Can they get Seline back before it’s too late? Or will all their efforts to reclaim Seline prove pointless?
Oh my. What did I just read?! This book was so well developed I was immediately drawn into its depths. The sheer intensity at some moments just about killed me. I loved reading about Lindsay discovering the tunnels but also experiencing how much the tunnels pained Jack. Lindsay’s panic and desperation to get Seline back mixed with Jack’s raw pain and insanity gave the story a lot of emotional background. All the characters, not just Lindsay and Jack, were well developed (Reggie was totally a fav!) to the point that it was easy to connect with them. The situations they go through to get Seline back are sometimes easy but other times filled me with so much dread that I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next.
There’s a ton of suspense and action in this one so it moved the story along well. Not to mention there’s the underlying romance throughout the book that would appeal to those who want romance in their urban fantasy. I just loved, loved, loved how broken Jack was. His need for Lindsay and his hesitance to burden her with his insanity. It was hard to experience at times because Jack is so emotionally damaged that he’s not even sure what’s real and what’s not and sharing that with Lindsay almost kills him. Lindsay is like this lifeline for him. A beacon of hope that he can move past the shattered remains of his past and mind and finally live again. Lindsay gives him that opportunity and I loved seeing that play out. When the two get together, they were so freaking hot, it’s insane.
My only problem with this one is that there was a lot of head-hopping throughout the novel. I loved the writing because it was very smooth, captivating and there was a lot of suspenseful moments to it. Not to mention HOT ones between Lindsay and Jack. However, that didn’t stop me from noticing that throughout the passages, I’d be reading emotions or feelings from someone other than who the POV was from. It happened often enough that it became more and more noticeable as the story progressed. Besides that, I really want to know how Reggie and Tocat are doing! It was never mentioned.
All in all, this was still a phenomenally fascinating tale of reclaiming what’s yours and finding the courage to face one’s fears. The sheer complexity of the tunnels and all that lived down there was interesting to read about and I loved getting to explore that. It made me wonder if tunnels like that really exist and if creatures as horrific as the Moles are in them. Of course, I never want to find out! But these authors weaved an intriguing story that made it easy to read and fast-paced while successfully including a lovely romance between Jack and Lindsay.
I adored the story and I really cannot wait to read the sequel. I hope it has a few scenes with Jack and Lindsay again because I’d love to see more of them. As it is, if you like your urban fantasy with some romance and a heavy dose of a dangerous foreign society, definitely give this one a go because it’s worth it!
7/11/14 ETA: I’ve been made aware that since my review posted there’s been a new edition of Undertow released that addresses the head-hopping issues I mentioned above. I haven’t confirmed this but if you’ve purchased Undertow, there should be an update available that does not contain the POV switches. So, go update (or buy if you haven’t already!) and read the book!
4.5 stars
Wow, I honestly have no idea what I should say about this book. To be honest, this was nothing like what I was expecting. I had thought (for some weird reason) that I was about to read a YA post-apocalyptic story in a society that is so warped there is nothing but destruction everywhere. To some degree, that is true because the tunnels are so vicious that it’s safe to assume if you go down far enough in them, you won’t be coming out. But as for the rest? YA? Post-apocalyptic? Definitely not.
This is more of an urban fantasy story where the tunnels under New York City are a whole other world. Not only are there people down there that have no other place to live but there’s also dangerous criminals and, worst of all, inhuman creatures that can rip you to shreds in seconds. When Lindsay’s niece, Seline, disappears in the tunnels, Lindsay will do anything she must to get her back including getting help from a long-lost friend who’s more bitter and broken than he was over a decade ago. Jack Cole spent two years underground and barely made it out alive. Holding onto life by a thread, he refuses to go back there… that is until Lindsay shows up and Jack’s long buried feelings for her mixed with Lindsay’s determination finally persuades him. Unfortunately, getting Seline back is not easy and might just cause them to go up against the inhuman monsters, the Moles. Can they get Seline back before it’s too late? Or will all their efforts to reclaim Seline prove pointless?
Oh my. What did I just read?! This book was so well developed I was immediately drawn into its depths. The sheer intensity at some moments just about killed me. I loved reading about Lindsay discovering the tunnels but also experiencing how much the tunnels pained Jack. Lindsay’s panic and desperation to get Seline back mixed with Jack’s raw pain and insanity gave the story a lot of emotional background. All the characters, not just Lindsay and Jack, were well developed (Reggie was totally a fav!) to the point that it was easy to connect with them. The situations they go through to get Seline back are sometimes easy but other times filled me with so much dread that I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next.
There’s a ton of suspense and action in this one so it moved the story along well. Not to mention there’s the underlying romance throughout the book that would appeal to those who want romance in their urban fantasy. I just loved, loved, loved how broken Jack was. His need for Lindsay and his hesitance to burden her with his insanity. It was hard to experience at times because Jack is so emotionally damaged that he’s not even sure what’s real and what’s not and sharing that with Lindsay almost kills him. Lindsay is like this lifeline for him. A beacon of hope that he can move past the shattered remains of his past and mind and finally live again. Lindsay gives him that opportunity and I loved seeing that play out. When the two get together, they were so freaking hot, it’s insane.
My only problem with this one is that there was a lot of head-hopping throughout the novel. I loved the writing because it was very smooth, captivating and there was a lot of suspenseful moments to it. Not to mention HOT ones between Lindsay and Jack. However, that didn’t stop me from noticing that throughout the passages, I’d be reading emotions or feelings from someone other than who the POV was from. It happened often enough that it became more and more noticeable as the story progressed. Besides that, I really want to know how Reggie and Tocat are doing! It was never mentioned.
All in all, this was still a phenomenally fascinating tale of reclaiming what’s yours and finding the courage to face one’s fears. The sheer complexity of the tunnels and all that lived down there was interesting to read about and I loved getting to explore that. It made me wonder if tunnels like that really exist and if creatures as horrific as the Moles are in them. Of course, I never want to find out! But these authors weaved an intriguing story that made it easy to read and fast-paced while successfully including a lovely romance between Jack and Lindsay.
I adored the story and I really cannot wait to read the sequel. I hope it has a few scenes with Jack and Lindsay again because I’d love to see more of them. As it is, if you like your urban fantasy with some romance and a heavy dose of a dangerous foreign society, definitely give this one a go because it’s worth it!
7/11/14 ETA: I’ve been made aware that since my review posted there’s been a new edition of Undertow released that addresses the head-hopping issues I mentioned above. I haven’t confirmed this but if you’ve purchased Undertow, there should be an update available that does not contain the POV switches. So, go update (or buy if you haven’t already!) and read the book!
February 8, 2014
Undertow. The UnderCity Chronicles 1. S. M. Stelmack
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
It's difficult to categorise this book in a way. It is a beautiful tender romance, but that's almost a side issue to the suspense ridden, dangerous, and at times scary ( for me.. I'm a wimp OK!)journey to find Lindsey’s niece. Jack and Lindsey grew up together and were very close, but then tragedy hit them both, and they lost contact. Now Lindsey needs Jacks help but she's shocked at what she sees, he's no longer the confident, outgoing, fun-loving person he used to be, but has become a shadow, hiding from the horrors of his 23 months capture by the Moles, a demented groups of sub humans.
He can't face going back, he knows he was lucky to escape, and thinks Seline is probably dead. But...this is Lindsey, its clear she'll go alone if necessary and he finally steps up having always had feelings for her, though he's adamant she must do Exactly as he says once underground.
Lindsey is shocked at what they come across, many groups of people who've lived underground for years, with their own set of rules and norms. Some escaping from a criminal past, a group who have had past in mental hospitals but feel there's no place for them “topside”, some mothers who just want to protect their families, and many who are convinced the world above is going to implode, destroyed byu those who inhabit it, and that they will be the new generation once everyone on the surface is gone. They've stockpiled weapons, medical supplies and other necessities. Then there's the Moles, the ones who had Jack.... They're the real group to fear, capable of unimaginable cruelties, and when Jack had flashbacks I was really uncomfortable. Its not overly graphic, but just so well described that I could imagine it all happening. This group have been underground for generations and evolved past humanity into something very different. The authorities at the top have had suspicions, but the few reports have been dismissed as paranoia and imagined. Most people that disappear are at the bottom of the human pyramid, and no-one really bothers about where they are or what's happened. That's what Lindsey faced from the police, not enough manpower (or willpower) to go underground to search miles and miles of dangerous tunnels. They gave her Jack's name as someone who may help, and left it as an open case for which they couldn't do anything.
The people we met were a mix, life was harsh and cruel and they needed to be that way to survive. I felt for some, even though they were so different. Faced with what they'd undergone who knows what we'd do. But they don't want or need Topsider sympathy, they find it amusing that “do-gooders” want to help them – they're fine on their own. It needs a different mindset to see them as they see themselves. The dangers, they had me edge of seat and were so unexpected, the whole book was like that for me. I just didn't know what was coming next. I loved Jack, he'd been through unimaginable horrors, forced to do all sorts to survive life with the Moles and he knew they wanted him back, and would take any measures they could. His escape was an affront to them. His friend Reggie too was great, big bear of a man, gentle giant on the surface, and yet with a past in the tunnels that was pretty unsavoury he was more than he appeared. I couldn't help liking him though, somehow he's one of those people who just command respect. Him and Jack had been through much together. Lindsey – the time in the tunnels changed her so much, she learned about herself and slowly she learned about Jack, and his experiences. Together they needed to see if they could support each other and build a new life.
Overall a book I loved, but was pretty unsettling and disquieting. The tunnels and the people – well, there are groups that live in them and I guess many are much as portrayed. As for the Moles – who knows what lives where we can't see and don't go?For me it was a bit too close to what could be reality... I'm a wimp about horror, this wasn't as such, but was certainly very scary for me, partly because of the real;sim of the scenario, and yes, I had some unnerving dreams after reading it – the only reason I won't re read. Its got enough content that if you aren't a feeble stomached person like me you'll find more to mull on in subsequent re reads. A great book. Priced at £2.18 for 248 densely packed pages its a bargain if you like a realistic scary novel with a romantic edge.
Stars: Even though I won't/can't re read its still a cracking five star book.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
It's difficult to categorise this book in a way. It is a beautiful tender romance, but that's almost a side issue to the suspense ridden, dangerous, and at times scary ( for me.. I'm a wimp OK!)journey to find Lindsey’s niece. Jack and Lindsey grew up together and were very close, but then tragedy hit them both, and they lost contact. Now Lindsey needs Jacks help but she's shocked at what she sees, he's no longer the confident, outgoing, fun-loving person he used to be, but has become a shadow, hiding from the horrors of his 23 months capture by the Moles, a demented groups of sub humans.
He can't face going back, he knows he was lucky to escape, and thinks Seline is probably dead. But...this is Lindsey, its clear she'll go alone if necessary and he finally steps up having always had feelings for her, though he's adamant she must do Exactly as he says once underground.
Lindsey is shocked at what they come across, many groups of people who've lived underground for years, with their own set of rules and norms. Some escaping from a criminal past, a group who have had past in mental hospitals but feel there's no place for them “topside”, some mothers who just want to protect their families, and many who are convinced the world above is going to implode, destroyed byu those who inhabit it, and that they will be the new generation once everyone on the surface is gone. They've stockpiled weapons, medical supplies and other necessities. Then there's the Moles, the ones who had Jack.... They're the real group to fear, capable of unimaginable cruelties, and when Jack had flashbacks I was really uncomfortable. Its not overly graphic, but just so well described that I could imagine it all happening. This group have been underground for generations and evolved past humanity into something very different. The authorities at the top have had suspicions, but the few reports have been dismissed as paranoia and imagined. Most people that disappear are at the bottom of the human pyramid, and no-one really bothers about where they are or what's happened. That's what Lindsey faced from the police, not enough manpower (or willpower) to go underground to search miles and miles of dangerous tunnels. They gave her Jack's name as someone who may help, and left it as an open case for which they couldn't do anything.
The people we met were a mix, life was harsh and cruel and they needed to be that way to survive. I felt for some, even though they were so different. Faced with what they'd undergone who knows what we'd do. But they don't want or need Topsider sympathy, they find it amusing that “do-gooders” want to help them – they're fine on their own. It needs a different mindset to see them as they see themselves. The dangers, they had me edge of seat and were so unexpected, the whole book was like that for me. I just didn't know what was coming next. I loved Jack, he'd been through unimaginable horrors, forced to do all sorts to survive life with the Moles and he knew they wanted him back, and would take any measures they could. His escape was an affront to them. His friend Reggie too was great, big bear of a man, gentle giant on the surface, and yet with a past in the tunnels that was pretty unsavoury he was more than he appeared. I couldn't help liking him though, somehow he's one of those people who just command respect. Him and Jack had been through much together. Lindsey – the time in the tunnels changed her so much, she learned about herself and slowly she learned about Jack, and his experiences. Together they needed to see if they could support each other and build a new life.
Overall a book I loved, but was pretty unsettling and disquieting. The tunnels and the people – well, there are groups that live in them and I guess many are much as portrayed. As for the Moles – who knows what lives where we can't see and don't go?For me it was a bit too close to what could be reality... I'm a wimp about horror, this wasn't as such, but was certainly very scary for me, partly because of the real;sim of the scenario, and yes, I had some unnerving dreams after reading it – the only reason I won't re read. Its got enough content that if you aren't a feeble stomached person like me you'll find more to mull on in subsequent re reads. A great book. Priced at £2.18 for 248 densely packed pages its a bargain if you like a realistic scary novel with a romantic edge.
Stars: Even though I won't/can't re read its still a cracking five star book.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
March 4, 2019
Review done for Reading Café .....
Book Description:
Lindsay Sterling’s niece has gone missing in the New York underground and the cops do nothing except pass along a name. Jack Cole. Twenty years ago they were good buddies but horrors have changed them both. Lindsay lost her entire family except for her niece in a car accident, and Jack was held captive in New York’s underbelly for nearly two years by demented sub-humans. It was a soul-sucking experience that’s left him a shell of a man. He refuses to descend into that hell again, especially for a girl who’s probably dead anyway. But when Lindsay is nearly killed there after going it alone, Jack feels compelled to save her skin. Jack navigates Lindsay through a strange territory, populated with the eccentric, the insane and the desperate. Each encounter takes them closer to Lindsay’s niece but also closer into the clutches of the mad creatures that will enslave them.
Review:
Undertow by S.M. Stelmack was an excellent adventure. I give it a 4/5 rating This book is full of danger, intrigue and friendships. Imagine a city under a city, levels of this city divided, until we get to the lowest of the low. Each level has their hierarchy, rules and laws. At the top we have running water and electricity. Each level goes deeper and deeper, until we hit total darkness. And the monsters.
Lindsay once had a friend called Jack, they were inseparable. Jack was the ultimate adventurer, he would travel underground searching for treasures and stories to tell his avid follower. An incident in their past puts a strain on their friendship. Then Jack and his father have to move away, this is the end of the dynamic duo. But they keep in touch, postcards, letters and birthday phone calls. Then a blow rocks Lindsay’s world, and she cuts Jack out if her life forever…..
We jump ahead eighteen years. Lindsay’s worse nightmare comes true, she loses her remaining family member underground. The police can’t help, due to lack of funds and manpower. She is given a name and number to contact, to her shock, it’s Jack’s name looking back at her.
Tracking him down, she arrives at a rundown building, where she meets a mountain called Reggie. Getting past Reggie to see Jack is a challenge in it’s self.
Their meeting doesn’t go as planned. He is cold, distant and totally disinterested in her plight. Undeterred, Lindsay plans to go underground and look for her niece. Packing a rucksack full of things she will need, Lindsay ventures to Grand Central Station, in search of a guide, to take her underground. She meets a bunch of youths who promise to take her to the people she needs to see. Only trouble in the shape of a knife is what she gets. Reggie rescues her, and takes her back to Jack. Jack relents and tells her that he will take her underground, and to be ready the next morning.
Along the journey, we meet characters, who know of Jack the legend. (it seems Jack has his own underground story to tell, which we get to see in flash backs)
Jack has loved Lindsay since childhood, but Jack is broken. The moles (who are at the bottom of the underground social network, but are feared by everyone) broke him, tried to remould him into someone else. Jack’s flashbacks are very important to the story, we get to see them try to break him, and all the horrors he was forced to endure.
The moles want their property back (Jack being theirs), and will do anything to keep him from returning to the surface. Jack and Lindsay reconnect and their love for one another begins to grow, from the child worship to adult love. The story is fast paced and nail biting, right up to the ending.
What I liked about this book was the adventure, I could see this as a movie, the monsters scary enough for any horror fan. It flowed really well. And it felt like real time, as there was the sleep, eating, fighting and escape. Do they rescue her niece ? Do they find happiness, or will reality set in ? Well I’m afraid you will have to read this amazing book yourself.
My only niggle, the end felt a little rushed, I thought there would be a meeting, or a showdown. I see there is another book due out 2013, I will be putting it on my kindle list. I can’t recommend it enough. It really was a ride a minute.
Book Description:
Lindsay Sterling’s niece has gone missing in the New York underground and the cops do nothing except pass along a name. Jack Cole. Twenty years ago they were good buddies but horrors have changed them both. Lindsay lost her entire family except for her niece in a car accident, and Jack was held captive in New York’s underbelly for nearly two years by demented sub-humans. It was a soul-sucking experience that’s left him a shell of a man. He refuses to descend into that hell again, especially for a girl who’s probably dead anyway. But when Lindsay is nearly killed there after going it alone, Jack feels compelled to save her skin. Jack navigates Lindsay through a strange territory, populated with the eccentric, the insane and the desperate. Each encounter takes them closer to Lindsay’s niece but also closer into the clutches of the mad creatures that will enslave them.
Review:
Undertow by S.M. Stelmack was an excellent adventure. I give it a 4/5 rating This book is full of danger, intrigue and friendships. Imagine a city under a city, levels of this city divided, until we get to the lowest of the low. Each level has their hierarchy, rules and laws. At the top we have running water and electricity. Each level goes deeper and deeper, until we hit total darkness. And the monsters.
Lindsay once had a friend called Jack, they were inseparable. Jack was the ultimate adventurer, he would travel underground searching for treasures and stories to tell his avid follower. An incident in their past puts a strain on their friendship. Then Jack and his father have to move away, this is the end of the dynamic duo. But they keep in touch, postcards, letters and birthday phone calls. Then a blow rocks Lindsay’s world, and she cuts Jack out if her life forever…..
We jump ahead eighteen years. Lindsay’s worse nightmare comes true, she loses her remaining family member underground. The police can’t help, due to lack of funds and manpower. She is given a name and number to contact, to her shock, it’s Jack’s name looking back at her.
Tracking him down, she arrives at a rundown building, where she meets a mountain called Reggie. Getting past Reggie to see Jack is a challenge in it’s self.
Their meeting doesn’t go as planned. He is cold, distant and totally disinterested in her plight. Undeterred, Lindsay plans to go underground and look for her niece. Packing a rucksack full of things she will need, Lindsay ventures to Grand Central Station, in search of a guide, to take her underground. She meets a bunch of youths who promise to take her to the people she needs to see. Only trouble in the shape of a knife is what she gets. Reggie rescues her, and takes her back to Jack. Jack relents and tells her that he will take her underground, and to be ready the next morning.
Along the journey, we meet characters, who know of Jack the legend. (it seems Jack has his own underground story to tell, which we get to see in flash backs)
Jack has loved Lindsay since childhood, but Jack is broken. The moles (who are at the bottom of the underground social network, but are feared by everyone) broke him, tried to remould him into someone else. Jack’s flashbacks are very important to the story, we get to see them try to break him, and all the horrors he was forced to endure.
The moles want their property back (Jack being theirs), and will do anything to keep him from returning to the surface. Jack and Lindsay reconnect and their love for one another begins to grow, from the child worship to adult love. The story is fast paced and nail biting, right up to the ending.
What I liked about this book was the adventure, I could see this as a movie, the monsters scary enough for any horror fan. It flowed really well. And it felt like real time, as there was the sleep, eating, fighting and escape. Do they rescue her niece ? Do they find happiness, or will reality set in ? Well I’m afraid you will have to read this amazing book yourself.
My only niggle, the end felt a little rushed, I thought there would be a meeting, or a showdown. I see there is another book due out 2013, I will be putting it on my kindle list. I can’t recommend it enough. It really was a ride a minute.
August 3, 2016
Originally published 1-13-14 at twimom227.com.
Creepmeister things living in tunnels underground?!?! Um. This book needs to come with some sort of ‘Stephen King inspired me’ warning. Naturally, I’m a fan of all things pre-1992 King. Stelmack completely nailed the ambiance of the underground and put her reader smack-dab in the middle of all sorts of crazy!
What I really liked about Undertow was the underlying theme of ‘love can conquer all’. I liked everything about the whole development of the relationship between Lindsay and Jack. Even though the ‘I’ve loved you forever’ trope is often used, Stelmack brings a fresh twist that I really enjoyed. And it was realistic.
In reality, this was really a breakneck pace book. We moved from one conflict directly into the next with a night of nookie in between. Ok. I’m generalizing. You get the idea. If I had to pinpoint the reason this isn’t an A book for me, I’d have to say that some of the descriptions of the tunnel communities and the people that inhabited them bothered me a bit. It’s a me, feminist thing.
The supporting characters, especially Reggie, were all necessary. No extraneous characters. No side story lines that send the reader on a wild goose chase. However, when I skimmed the first several pages for the sequel, there was no mention of Jack. This is my sad face over that: (As I rule, I try not to read the ‘teasers’ at the end of a novel. I have very little self-control, and my imagination hits overdrive easily.)
Lindsay sure has had a crappy luck-of-the-draw in life. As the guardian of her niece, she’s suffered more loss than should be even possible. I liked her tenacity. I like her honesty with herself. I liked the way she was willing to give Jack space while letting him know that she did love him. Her ability to love, forgive, and believe make her a memorable character for me.
Jack was one of those characters that I wasn’t sure I’d like. He starts out as rather a prig, and for a bit I wasn’t sure whether I’d actually finish the title because I just didn’t want to read about someone so damaged self-combusting. It’s a ‘me’ thing right now. Watching him develop and emerge from within himself is one of the fascinating things about this title. Of all his qualities of which I am enamored, I think that I’m most drawn to his self-awareness.
Undertow was a great book for me to read during a couple snow days. The energy made it easy to keep reading, and the plot was compelling enough that I did have one late night of reading versus sleeping. Yup. Always a sign of a title worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy of this title to provide a fair and honest review.
Creepmeister things living in tunnels underground?!?! Um. This book needs to come with some sort of ‘Stephen King inspired me’ warning. Naturally, I’m a fan of all things pre-1992 King. Stelmack completely nailed the ambiance of the underground and put her reader smack-dab in the middle of all sorts of crazy!
What I really liked about Undertow was the underlying theme of ‘love can conquer all’. I liked everything about the whole development of the relationship between Lindsay and Jack. Even though the ‘I’ve loved you forever’ trope is often used, Stelmack brings a fresh twist that I really enjoyed. And it was realistic.
In reality, this was really a breakneck pace book. We moved from one conflict directly into the next with a night of nookie in between. Ok. I’m generalizing. You get the idea. If I had to pinpoint the reason this isn’t an A book for me, I’d have to say that some of the descriptions of the tunnel communities and the people that inhabited them bothered me a bit. It’s a me, feminist thing.
The supporting characters, especially Reggie, were all necessary. No extraneous characters. No side story lines that send the reader on a wild goose chase. However, when I skimmed the first several pages for the sequel, there was no mention of Jack. This is my sad face over that: (As I rule, I try not to read the ‘teasers’ at the end of a novel. I have very little self-control, and my imagination hits overdrive easily.)
Lindsay sure has had a crappy luck-of-the-draw in life. As the guardian of her niece, she’s suffered more loss than should be even possible. I liked her tenacity. I like her honesty with herself. I liked the way she was willing to give Jack space while letting him know that she did love him. Her ability to love, forgive, and believe make her a memorable character for me.
Jack was one of those characters that I wasn’t sure I’d like. He starts out as rather a prig, and for a bit I wasn’t sure whether I’d actually finish the title because I just didn’t want to read about someone so damaged self-combusting. It’s a ‘me’ thing right now. Watching him develop and emerge from within himself is one of the fascinating things about this title. Of all his qualities of which I am enamored, I think that I’m most drawn to his self-awareness.
Undertow was a great book for me to read during a couple snow days. The energy made it easy to keep reading, and the plot was compelling enough that I did have one late night of reading versus sleeping. Yup. Always a sign of a title worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy of this title to provide a fair and honest review.
August 10, 2014
Wow. Just... Wow. This book was so different from anything I've read before. Like, really different. The best (and creepiest) part about it is the Forward that precedes the book. I highly suggest reading this little passage that is so oft skipped over by readers. It'll give you a whole different perspective on the book.
So, anyways, what exactly is so different about this book, you might ask. It's the setting. How many books have you read that take place in New York City? Countless, I'm sure. But how many have you read that take place under New York City? Exactly.
The whole premise of this book revolves around Lindsay, a wealthy and thriving NYC designer, trying to find and rescue her niece from the pits of The Big Apple. Luckily for her, her childhood crush, Jack Cole, has a PhD in anthropology and has studied and knows the bowels of the city unlike anyone else. Only problem: his last trip down left him a shell of a man and with no desire to return. Can anything trump his fear and reinstate his lost love of the hellish underworld? Fortunately for Lindsay, it seems "lost love" is exactly what is needed to open that door, and she's the key.
What follows is a trip unlike any I've taken before -- and one I hope to never take in reality! Together, Jack and Lindsay begin their hunt for Lindsay's missing niece, as they explore the labyrinthine tunnels deep below New York City and become well-acquainted with some of the many sub-cultures who take residence in its perpetual darkness.
Will they succeed? Or will they be lost in the Undertow?
I will say, this book had the premise and bones to go from really good to great. It was just missing something a little extra. For example, an extra set of antagonists who were topside; like some politically-inclined bureaucrats who challenged the plot. I don't know... just something. It just needed one more layer, in my humble opinion. Don't get me wrong -- the book was still hella good! And I have a feeling the sequel will have that exact added layer, now that some big dogs seem to be getting involved! :)
So, anyways, what exactly is so different about this book, you might ask. It's the setting. How many books have you read that take place in New York City? Countless, I'm sure. But how many have you read that take place under New York City? Exactly.
The whole premise of this book revolves around Lindsay, a wealthy and thriving NYC designer, trying to find and rescue her niece from the pits of The Big Apple. Luckily for her, her childhood crush, Jack Cole, has a PhD in anthropology and has studied and knows the bowels of the city unlike anyone else. Only problem: his last trip down left him a shell of a man and with no desire to return. Can anything trump his fear and reinstate his lost love of the hellish underworld? Fortunately for Lindsay, it seems "lost love" is exactly what is needed to open that door, and she's the key.
What follows is a trip unlike any I've taken before -- and one I hope to never take in reality! Together, Jack and Lindsay begin their hunt for Lindsay's missing niece, as they explore the labyrinthine tunnels deep below New York City and become well-acquainted with some of the many sub-cultures who take residence in its perpetual darkness.
Will they succeed? Or will they be lost in the Undertow?
I will say, this book had the premise and bones to go from really good to great. It was just missing something a little extra. For example, an extra set of antagonists who were topside; like some politically-inclined bureaucrats who challenged the plot. I don't know... just something. It just needed one more layer, in my humble opinion. Don't get me wrong -- the book was still hella good! And I have a feeling the sequel will have that exact added layer, now that some big dogs seem to be getting involved! :)
August 20, 2014
Undertow, is a story that takes place below New York City. It starts out with to teenagers Jack Cole and Lindsay, he takes her in a tunnel that his father is working on below New York. She found out he enjoyed searching the tunnels under ground even when they found something that was disturbing he still enjoyed going underground. Now 13 years later she is looking for her niece who had been going in the tunnels to help the homeless but she has been missing for months now. Lindsay goes back to the New York police captain who she filed the missing persons report with and explains her plight. That she cannot find anyone to go into the tunnels to search for her niece. The captain understands but tells her they don’t even go underground because of the danger to the officers and that there is not any maps to go by. So he gives her a card with a name on it and it has his name on it Dr. Jack Cole, she had seen that name in years and when she started to think back she remembered that he went missing for two years after going into the underground of New York and then one day he just appears. Shocked a lot of people but since then he had lost his teaching job and she did not know what had become of him. When she does find she is shocked by his appearance, and where is living. She starts to talk to him about looking for her niece and at first he turns her down. It is not until the next day and then she works on trying to bring out of him what happened to him though two years he was gone underground and trying to bring him back to the living, while still finding her niece. I found this to be a good story really better than I thought. It does not all take place underground but the way the author brings the top world with the bottom is really good and bringing their relationship or friendship back is good as well. The mixing of two worlds was really a better story than I could even imagination. A very good book. I got this book from net galley.
February 13, 2014
3½ out of 5 stars.
*I received this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
The cover grabbed my attention straight away; it looks dark and kinda scary. I like to read a bit of everything as long as it has some romance to it, so.
The prologue definitely grabbed my attention and left me wondering what was down there in the tunnels under New York City.
Fast forward eighteen years, Lindsay and Jack now are thirty-three, and she needs his help. When she finally manages to get him to agree, they head underground and I was amazed at the detailed description of the communities they come across, and the variety. Some seemed rather crazy while others were pretty laid back. It was interesting.
We see from both Lindsay and Jack’s POV, which turns out to be very interesting. He tries to act like he doesn’t care about her (in Lindsay’s POV), I think in an attempt to keep himself removed from the rest of the world after what he went through at the hands of the Moles. Then seeing from his own POV that he does care and that he does want to help her. I like him: a LOT.
Seeing the occasional flashback of Jack’s time being held underground by the Moles was kinda creepy. What they did to him… *shudders*
It’s hard to go into too much detail about this book without giving some stuff away but I was drawn into the book easily. Maybe it was the romance aspect that was present from early on or maybe it was the mystery about what was down in the Undercity. Whatever it was, I liked it.
*I received this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
The cover grabbed my attention straight away; it looks dark and kinda scary. I like to read a bit of everything as long as it has some romance to it, so.
The prologue definitely grabbed my attention and left me wondering what was down there in the tunnels under New York City.
Fast forward eighteen years, Lindsay and Jack now are thirty-three, and she needs his help. When she finally manages to get him to agree, they head underground and I was amazed at the detailed description of the communities they come across, and the variety. Some seemed rather crazy while others were pretty laid back. It was interesting.
We see from both Lindsay and Jack’s POV, which turns out to be very interesting. He tries to act like he doesn’t care about her (in Lindsay’s POV), I think in an attempt to keep himself removed from the rest of the world after what he went through at the hands of the Moles. Then seeing from his own POV that he does care and that he does want to help her. I like him: a LOT.
Seeing the occasional flashback of Jack’s time being held underground by the Moles was kinda creepy. What they did to him… *shudders*
It’s hard to go into too much detail about this book without giving some stuff away but I was drawn into the book easily. Maybe it was the romance aspect that was present from early on or maybe it was the mystery about what was down in the Undercity. Whatever it was, I liked it.
August 6, 2016
Firstly let me say I'm surprised there are no more reviews of Undertow by S M Stelmack. This is one of those books I feel that should have more people read it.
I didn't think it was a particularly long book and read this in 2 sittings. The story has a good pace with plenty of action and interesting situations. I particularly liked Jack, I felt he had a depth to him which at times you had to read in-between the lines to see.
This book has a really good pace too, I didn't feel bored and felt I was kept entertained. Although this book contains a 'romantic' aspect and is considered romance I didn't feel it was too much in this book (Unlike some you read where its rammed down your throats and the actual story can be overshadowed).
The reason this only got 3 stars (and again I wish Goodreads allowed half star ratings as this deserved more of a 3.5 in honesty) was nothing to do with the book and more to do with me not wanting to read this genre at the time I picked it up. That aside, I feel more people should give this book a go as I feel many will not be disappointed.
I didn't think it was a particularly long book and read this in 2 sittings. The story has a good pace with plenty of action and interesting situations. I particularly liked Jack, I felt he had a depth to him which at times you had to read in-between the lines to see.
This book has a really good pace too, I didn't feel bored and felt I was kept entertained. Although this book contains a 'romantic' aspect and is considered romance I didn't feel it was too much in this book (Unlike some you read where its rammed down your throats and the actual story can be overshadowed).
The reason this only got 3 stars (and again I wish Goodreads allowed half star ratings as this deserved more of a 3.5 in honesty) was nothing to do with the book and more to do with me not wanting to read this genre at the time I picked it up. That aside, I feel more people should give this book a go as I feel many will not be disappointed.
July 14, 2014
Undertow is fresh and inventive. Nothing like anything I have ever read before this story line is a bit scary, but yet a thrilling adventure. Lacking a bit of detail I am unable to give a full background, but it was not hinder to the story as a whole. This world of upper and lower reminds me a bit of the television series Beauty and the Beast. Various colonies of people living underground for safety or protection from the upper world, but yet deep in the catacombs are something much darker, and more sinister than anything we could encounter above ground. It was not clear on why they build these tunnels or the supporting history for this particular story, but as I said earlier this did not hinder the story as a whole just left some gray areas that could use a bit more tweaking. Overall, this was a great debut and creative new direction. I am impressed by the imagination required to build such a story, and I am left intrigued as to what else these authors are capable of.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
August 3, 2014
With was a fantastic book full of mystery, suspense, thrill, love, and sex. Be aware that this book has a bit of sci-fi to it so if you're not interested in that sort if story, this might not be for you. However, Stelmack it a marvelous job of layering this story and slowly giving you all of the details bit by bit, leaving you to wonder what really happened until just the right moment. I quickly became consumed by the story and couldn't put it down.
Lindsay and Jack's love story is a beautiful one, surviving tragedy on both sides. The struggle that both of them are facing can either tear them apart forever or bind them together. There were even a few moments that I became emotional when the two of them finally began to open up to one another. You won't be able do anything but fall in love with Lindsay, Jack, and Reggie.
I look forward to continuing this series in the future.
*I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinions*
Lindsay and Jack's love story is a beautiful one, surviving tragedy on both sides. The struggle that both of them are facing can either tear them apart forever or bind them together. There were even a few moments that I became emotional when the two of them finally began to open up to one another. You won't be able do anything but fall in love with Lindsay, Jack, and Reggie.
I look forward to continuing this series in the future.
*I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinions*
June 19, 2017
Amazing read and very original storyline. I don't think I've ever seen anything close to the plot of this one. It's a solid 4.5 stars. I loved the main characters, but I have to admit that some things that happened during Jack's two year capture quite frankly upset me, and the two throat lock scenes on Lindsey unnerved me. I understand he had demons, but it was disturbing. If I can forget those things, and focus on Jack's loyalty to friendships and willingness to risk himself for others, then he is a worthy hero. For those unnerving things, I took off that .5 star.
The writing in this is superb and the action kept my interest. I read late into the night until the Moles terrified me too much to go any farther until daylight.
Jumping to the next book in the series!
The writing in this is superb and the action kept my interest. I read late into the night until the Moles terrified me too much to go any farther until daylight.
Jumping to the next book in the series!
July 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the premise of a whole different world just below our feet. The story it's self was tight and well thought out with an interesting cast of characters. There was a good mix of romance, horror and suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat and I did not see the twist coming. And I have to say I got some very funny looks when I started shouting obscenities at my E-reader. This is the start of a series and I will be very interested to see where it will go.
I received this free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews