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They Watch from Below
A deeply unsettling and engrossing mystery horror, perfect for fans of The Secret History and Ninth House
When Addie Velde receives an invitation to attend an early orientation program at the University of the Arches, she eagerly accepts. After all, the Arches―with its idyllic beachside campus―is her mom’s beloved alma mater, and there’s nothing Addie wants more than to leave her own mark. But from the moment she arrives on campus and moves into her gloomy dorm, nicknamed The Crypt, Addie realizes there are more sinister secrets to uncover than sandy days in her future.
Addie's search for answers launches her straight into the heart of an old campus mystery which to this day keeps students and faculty wary of the shadowy “Buried Ones”, believed to be the omens of death. A vanished professor, an occult society, and the chance her family was involved pushes her investigation into dangerous territory.
Will she lose herself to the Buried Ones or end their sinister reign once and for all?
When Addie Velde receives an invitation to attend an early orientation program at the University of the Arches, she eagerly accepts. After all, the Arches―with its idyllic beachside campus―is her mom’s beloved alma mater, and there’s nothing Addie wants more than to leave her own mark. But from the moment she arrives on campus and moves into her gloomy dorm, nicknamed The Crypt, Addie realizes there are more sinister secrets to uncover than sandy days in her future.
Addie's search for answers launches her straight into the heart of an old campus mystery which to this day keeps students and faculty wary of the shadowy “Buried Ones”, believed to be the omens of death. A vanished professor, an occult society, and the chance her family was involved pushes her investigation into dangerous territory.
Will she lose herself to the Buried Ones or end their sinister reign once and for all?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2024
15 people are currently reading
4367 people want to read
About the author
Katya de Becerra
18 books286 followersKatya de Becerra was born in Russia, studied in California, lived in Peru, and then stayed in Australia long enough to become a local. She was going to be an Egyptologist when she grew up, but instead she earned a PhD in Anthropology. She is the critically acclaimed, Aurealis winning, Kirkus and Booklist-starred and Shadows nominated author of horror-thrillers When Ghosts Call Us Home, What The Woods Keep, Oasis, and the forthcoming They Watch From Below.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 9, 2024
ARC for review. To be published October 29, 2024.
As far as my own personal enjoyment, I’m giving this book 2 stars…it was sold as “perfect for fans of NINTH HOUSE and THE SECRET HISTORY” and and liked both of those books and it shouldn’t be mentioned near either of their names, especially the sacred THE SECRET HISTORY. This is YA for YA. A YA, however, would likely enjoy this book, so if I were able to look back in history, way, way back, to a time when I was a YA, I would likely have given it 3 stars (I was never a fantasy fan) so that averages out to 2.5 stars (see how, as a YA, I was so excellent at the math?), so I’ll give it 3 stars as a rating. Grudgingly. I don’t feel great about it, but it’s really because I don’t like fantasy. I need the reading world to move on from this love affair with fantasy quickquickquick.
So, Addie Velde gets an invitation to attend the early orientation program at the University of the Arches and she is thrilled. It’s right on the beach and her mother went to school there. However, when she arrives she’s assigned to Mokosh, a different dorm than most of the other freshman. It’s nicknamed “the Crypt” and she believes there are secrets to discover.
She learns about an old campus mystery that both students and faculty seem to be afraid of; the Buried Ones that are believed to forecast death. Then there is the matter of a disappearing professor, an occult society and the possibility her own family has been involved with all of this….there’s a lot more to college than midterms and quarterbounce, Addie!
Given that this book was compared to adult books, I didn’t realize that this was YA when I started and read the trigger warnings and the beginning. One was smoking (observed). So, I guess it’s triggering if one of the book’s characters just sees someone smoking.
Not ten minutes ago I finished a book where a guy started watching snuff films to deal with the death of his girlfriend. I thought it might also be YA.
Smoking (observed).
It’s a strange world.
Oh, and the author really, really, REALLY likes the word “esoteric.” She uses it a lot. Sometimes multiple times in the same paragraph.
I really want to give this 2 esoteric stars. (Observed).
As far as my own personal enjoyment, I’m giving this book 2 stars…it was sold as “perfect for fans of NINTH HOUSE and THE SECRET HISTORY” and and liked both of those books and it shouldn’t be mentioned near either of their names, especially the sacred THE SECRET HISTORY. This is YA for YA. A YA, however, would likely enjoy this book, so if I were able to look back in history, way, way back, to a time when I was a YA, I would likely have given it 3 stars (I was never a fantasy fan) so that averages out to 2.5 stars (see how, as a YA, I was so excellent at the math?), so I’ll give it 3 stars as a rating. Grudgingly. I don’t feel great about it, but it’s really because I don’t like fantasy. I need the reading world to move on from this love affair with fantasy quickquickquick.
So, Addie Velde gets an invitation to attend the early orientation program at the University of the Arches and she is thrilled. It’s right on the beach and her mother went to school there. However, when she arrives she’s assigned to Mokosh, a different dorm than most of the other freshman. It’s nicknamed “the Crypt” and she believes there are secrets to discover.
She learns about an old campus mystery that both students and faculty seem to be afraid of; the Buried Ones that are believed to forecast death. Then there is the matter of a disappearing professor, an occult society and the possibility her own family has been involved with all of this….there’s a lot more to college than midterms and quarterbounce, Addie!
Given that this book was compared to adult books, I didn’t realize that this was YA when I started and read the trigger warnings and the beginning. One was smoking (observed). So, I guess it’s triggering if one of the book’s characters just sees someone smoking.
Not ten minutes ago I finished a book where a guy started watching snuff films to deal with the death of his girlfriend. I thought it might also be YA.
Smoking (observed).
It’s a strange world.
Oh, and the author really, really, REALLY likes the word “esoteric.” She uses it a lot. Sometimes multiple times in the same paragraph.
I really want to give this 2 esoteric stars. (Observed).
Want to read
January 28, 2024Update, 29 Jan '24: A few weeks back I've sent off this book's first revision to my editor and am now patiently (read: impatiently), awaiting her notes. This revision has been vital and I feel like I wrote a few new book, tbh. This has been the hardest book to write and even harder one to edit. I've had multiple extensions granted and still it never felt like I had enough time. This book demanded my full, undivided attention and more. It consumed all my energy and patience, it dominated my waking and sleeping hours, it haunted my dreams and invaded my life when I least expected. But. I think it's shaping up. I hope it's going to be a worthy follow-up to When Ghosts Call Us Home, and more than anything I hope the readers will enjoy this little catacomb romp of a dark and weird academia... (OH AND I'VE SEEN THE FINISHED COVER, AND IT'S ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT!!!)
Update, 15 feb '23: am writing this now and it's turning out a lot scarier than I thought it would be
Update, 15 feb '23: am writing this now and it's turning out a lot scarier than I thought it would be
December 13, 2024
This atmospheric and chilling novel brings the terror with eldritch gods living beneath the campus grounds of a university.
When Addie follows her mother's footsteps to her former alma mater, she's met with bizarre symbols, a secretive history, and an old well sitting outside of her dorm room window.
She's going to soon discover, with other "legacy" students, that things here are not all about academia. That there are some occultist secrets and supernatural events which go beyond their understanding.
This is a novel which gets right to the horrors and keeps the narrative flowing with some disturbing imagery. Old gods, secret societies, human sacrifice, and dark slithering shadows abound as Addie and a small group of new friends try to dig up things that should stay buried.
And what waits for them when they get answers is truly horrific. Choices must be made and nobody will escape unscathed. I recommend this creepy frightening novel.
When Addie follows her mother's footsteps to her former alma mater, she's met with bizarre symbols, a secretive history, and an old well sitting outside of her dorm room window.
She's going to soon discover, with other "legacy" students, that things here are not all about academia. That there are some occultist secrets and supernatural events which go beyond their understanding.
This is a novel which gets right to the horrors and keeps the narrative flowing with some disturbing imagery. Old gods, secret societies, human sacrifice, and dark slithering shadows abound as Addie and a small group of new friends try to dig up things that should stay buried.
And what waits for them when they get answers is truly horrific. Choices must be made and nobody will escape unscathed. I recommend this creepy frightening novel.
November 20, 2024
"I really thought I left my monsters behind, but they’ve always been with me, riding with me through life, hiding in plain sight."
This was okay. Reads like something I’ve read before. The cover is beautifully creepy though!!
RTC
This was okay. Reads like something I’ve read before. The cover is beautifully creepy though!!
RTC
October 29, 2024
The University of the Arches has been calling Addie Velde's name ever since she can remember, she feels as if it's been ‘circling her all her life, breathing down her neck.’ Like many college freshmen, she plans to attend her parent's alma mater; in this case, her alum mother Vera Velde seems to still have a weird connection to the Arches, which has added to her anxiety about going, but also inexplicably draws her in deeper to explore its mysteries.
Addie attends a freshman orientation there and connects with other ‘legacy’ students whose parents also attended the college—one that’s laden with myths and secrets—including handsome twins Alister and Nick. The legacy cohort discovers their connection may be rooted to a secret society that worships ‘at the altar of the Buried Ones,’ who dwell in tunnels below the college. But what do these ‘gods’ want? Will Addie finally find out why her mom has hidden so much about her time at the Arches?
This is a tale steeped in folk horror, dark academia, and secret societies. Katya de Becerra has become a staple in YA horror, and as with all her other novels, They Watch From Below weaves in her vast knowledge of folklore, myths, and legends, along with the study of anthropology. Her characters are saddled with coming-of-age complexities such as family issues, relationships with friends, burgeoning romances, and finding their place in the world, all amid some very creepy and sinister circumstances. This all adds a layered approach to her storytelling, reminding the reader that there’s a thin line between horror and reality, the darkness feels omnipresent. The main character Addie has always felt like an outsider, as though something made her feel different. Even though we realize it’s something truly dark and unexplained, the feeling is relatable.
Like her previous novel When Ghosts Call Us Home Katya uses the device of video footage to tell some of the story; the sections are glimpses into Addie’s past, keeping pace with the short chapters that make up most of the novel. This is a fast read, and readers may want even more of Addie and the Arches when they reach the conclusion (as I did). Katya’s trademark writing style is rich in visceral and descriptive language; it has a way of enveloping you when you read her books and drawing you into the mystery. They Watch From Below is another strange, dark, and beautiful jaunt into Katya’s literary world; a perfect Halloween treat.
Addie attends a freshman orientation there and connects with other ‘legacy’ students whose parents also attended the college—one that’s laden with myths and secrets—including handsome twins Alister and Nick. The legacy cohort discovers their connection may be rooted to a secret society that worships ‘at the altar of the Buried Ones,’ who dwell in tunnels below the college. But what do these ‘gods’ want? Will Addie finally find out why her mom has hidden so much about her time at the Arches?
This is a tale steeped in folk horror, dark academia, and secret societies. Katya de Becerra has become a staple in YA horror, and as with all her other novels, They Watch From Below weaves in her vast knowledge of folklore, myths, and legends, along with the study of anthropology. Her characters are saddled with coming-of-age complexities such as family issues, relationships with friends, burgeoning romances, and finding their place in the world, all amid some very creepy and sinister circumstances. This all adds a layered approach to her storytelling, reminding the reader that there’s a thin line between horror and reality, the darkness feels omnipresent. The main character Addie has always felt like an outsider, as though something made her feel different. Even though we realize it’s something truly dark and unexplained, the feeling is relatable.
Like her previous novel When Ghosts Call Us Home Katya uses the device of video footage to tell some of the story; the sections are glimpses into Addie’s past, keeping pace with the short chapters that make up most of the novel. This is a fast read, and readers may want even more of Addie and the Arches when they reach the conclusion (as I did). Katya’s trademark writing style is rich in visceral and descriptive language; it has a way of enveloping you when you read her books and drawing you into the mystery. They Watch From Below is another strange, dark, and beautiful jaunt into Katya’s literary world; a perfect Halloween treat.
September 28, 2024
I just finished reading this book a couple days ago and what a ride. The book centers around Adria (just stepping into her college years) who is going to the University of Arches, where her grandma and mom attended (so lots of family ties).
From the beginning Adria meets other students, and we are introduced to a strange connection between them all. However, this university holds lots of deep dark secrets…
The creepy atmosphere kicks in from the first chapter, and it’s genuinely spine-tingling! I was really impressed with how the first half unfolds, especially with the inclusion of old videos that add so much depth to the story.
The only true downside to this book would have been the ending, while it left room for a possible squeal, it left me feeling like it was rushed. However, I highly recommend this book!
From the beginning Adria meets other students, and we are introduced to a strange connection between them all. However, this university holds lots of deep dark secrets…
The creepy atmosphere kicks in from the first chapter, and it’s genuinely spine-tingling! I was really impressed with how the first half unfolds, especially with the inclusion of old videos that add so much depth to the story.
The only true downside to this book would have been the ending, while it left room for a possible squeal, it left me feeling like it was rushed. However, I highly recommend this book!
November 13, 2024
4.5 or 4.75 stars!! This was an amazing book! I am so blessed to have won and ARC copy here on Goodreads!!
This book was incredibly well written, and the story sucked you write in right from the start.
If you are looking for something creepy but not too scary that you can't sleep at night, pick this book up!!
This story follows Addie. Addie got accepted into the college her Mom went to and is starting orientation.
Shadow monsters have followed her her entire life. She just thought they were normal things. When she arrives at college, the monsters intensify. That's when she knows they are not normal.
After a lot of research, confusion, and scary events, Addie finally figures out what they shadows have in store for her: her fate.
I 100% recommend this book! Thank you so much, Goodreads, the publishing company, and the author! I am so thankful to have received this book! 😁
This book was incredibly well written, and the story sucked you write in right from the start.
If you are looking for something creepy but not too scary that you can't sleep at night, pick this book up!!
This story follows Addie. Addie got accepted into the college her Mom went to and is starting orientation.
Shadow monsters have followed her her entire life. She just thought they were normal things. When she arrives at college, the monsters intensify. That's when she knows they are not normal.
After a lot of research, confusion, and scary events, Addie finally figures out what they shadows have in store for her: her fate.
I 100% recommend this book! Thank you so much, Goodreads, the publishing company, and the author! I am so thankful to have received this book! 😁
March 16, 2025
They Watch from Below was a solid 4 star read with incredible creepy atmosphere! Katya de Becerra is one of my favorite underrated YA authors, and I always enjoy anything she writes. For the right reader, I think this could totally be a 5 star book!
While one of its comp titles is The Secret History, I would say that it actually feels much more Lovecraftian than The Secret History.
Also, it’s labeled as dark academia, and while it does take place at a school, nothing academic actually happens as it’s before the school term starts. So it’s leaning more on the “mysterious goings on at an ancient academic institution” side of dark academia.
While I would also classify it as horror, it’s very much slow creeping dread, and psychological horror rather than jump scare, gory horror. You also have to be down for your horror to be fantasy/supernatural based in order to enjoy this.
As far as my reading experience goes, I wish They Watch From Below had been longer, actually, so we could’ve gotten to know the characters more deeply and dwelt on the mystery aspect of the plot more! Katya de Becerra wraps things up at the end, but leaves the door open for a sequel. I’d definitely be down to read it if she writes one!
While one of its comp titles is The Secret History, I would say that it actually feels much more Lovecraftian than The Secret History.
Also, it’s labeled as dark academia, and while it does take place at a school, nothing academic actually happens as it’s before the school term starts. So it’s leaning more on the “mysterious goings on at an ancient academic institution” side of dark academia.
While I would also classify it as horror, it’s very much slow creeping dread, and psychological horror rather than jump scare, gory horror. You also have to be down for your horror to be fantasy/supernatural based in order to enjoy this.
As far as my reading experience goes, I wish They Watch From Below had been longer, actually, so we could’ve gotten to know the characters more deeply and dwelt on the mystery aspect of the plot more! Katya de Becerra wraps things up at the end, but leaves the door open for a sequel. I’d definitely be down to read it if she writes one!
October 20, 2024
This is my second book by this author and I vastly enjoyed the other book more than this one. It definitely had great dark academia vibes like Ninth House but I was expecting a little more spookiness like When Ghosts Call Us Home. The writing was still fantastic in this book and it really flew by for me mainly thanks to the short chapters, which I always appreciate. This may sound harsh but it felt like the subject matter was a little dull compared to the other book I read. While some of the descriptions and scenes did freak and creep me out I did find myself bored a couple of times while reading. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a book about the Gods or what but it didn't hold my attention the way I wanted it to. It also felt like the characters were just plopped into my lap and I knew nothing about them. The setting was fantastic though!
Many thanks to Page Street Publishing YA for the gifted copy for my honest review!
Many thanks to Page Street Publishing YA for the gifted copy for my honest review!
September 18, 2024
Dark academia is usually not my jam but Becerra paints a vividly eerie picture that made even this outcast want to go to this college..
…until you start to learn more of what’s actually going on there. Piecing together the puzzle kept this novel moving and had me picking it up to read every chance I got.
I loved the old religion aspects of this story and the unknown history of the land made it that much more sinister. The ending is not ambiguous, there is some closure, but there is enough to leave you questioning what exactly will happen to the FMC in the end and I thought that was interesting.
Thank you for my early copy!
…until you start to learn more of what’s actually going on there. Piecing together the puzzle kept this novel moving and had me picking it up to read every chance I got.
I loved the old religion aspects of this story and the unknown history of the land made it that much more sinister. The ending is not ambiguous, there is some closure, but there is enough to leave you questioning what exactly will happen to the FMC in the end and I thought that was interesting.
Thank you for my early copy!
October 6, 2024
Katya de Becerra does a fine line in YA horror, her novels full of young people haunted by sinister events. So often they are grappling with what should be the ordinary trials of family, growing up and finding their place, but these are inevitably intertwined with the weight of secrets, family history and arcane forces.
They Watch from Below is de Becerra’s latest book on these themes as Addie Velde prepares to attend an orientation program at her mother’s Alma Mater, the University of the Arches. Addie is keen to go, but she’s bringing with her some curious puzzles - like her mother’s habit of drifting into fugue states, staring at nothing, and Addie’s own childhood experiences with her imaginary friends (shown in flashback in the many family videos taken through the years).
On campus, Addie attends orientation, including activities exclusive to her and the other legacy students. Soon she encounters mysteries surrounding her mother’s time at The Arches - what happened to the student who went missing and who was responsible for the tragedy? While Addie experiences things which may or may not be real, she and her new friends begin to investigate the odd symbols they see around the campus, before they’re plunged headfirst into the gateway to the secret. The past begins to repeat itself, and Addie has to make some dangerous decisions if she’s to avert another tragedy.
Katya de Becerra weaves a compelling story of slow-creeping horror in They Watch from Below, drawing on folklore, the occult and her own experiences of an oddly esoteric subject from her own university days. She creates distinctive characters, imperfect but likeable, and carefully builds an unsettling atmosphere that pushes the characters and the reader to the chilling finale.
In short, another fine horror tale from this gifted storyteller.
They Watch from Below is de Becerra’s latest book on these themes as Addie Velde prepares to attend an orientation program at her mother’s Alma Mater, the University of the Arches. Addie is keen to go, but she’s bringing with her some curious puzzles - like her mother’s habit of drifting into fugue states, staring at nothing, and Addie’s own childhood experiences with her imaginary friends (shown in flashback in the many family videos taken through the years).
On campus, Addie attends orientation, including activities exclusive to her and the other legacy students. Soon she encounters mysteries surrounding her mother’s time at The Arches - what happened to the student who went missing and who was responsible for the tragedy? While Addie experiences things which may or may not be real, she and her new friends begin to investigate the odd symbols they see around the campus, before they’re plunged headfirst into the gateway to the secret. The past begins to repeat itself, and Addie has to make some dangerous decisions if she’s to avert another tragedy.
Katya de Becerra weaves a compelling story of slow-creeping horror in They Watch from Below, drawing on folklore, the occult and her own experiences of an oddly esoteric subject from her own university days. She creates distinctive characters, imperfect but likeable, and carefully builds an unsettling atmosphere that pushes the characters and the reader to the chilling finale.
In short, another fine horror tale from this gifted storyteller.
October 17, 2024
"But the idea of monsters sleeping underground sets off the alarm bells in my subconscious, bringing a visceral feeling of discomfort."
The dark mystery in this story is compelling. The school, its secrets, its legacy. I couldn't read fast enough. The setting and the little oddities all over were riveting and brought the spook of this story up about ten notches. The characters were equally complex and intriguing. I loved this and will be looking for more from this author.
The dark mystery in this story is compelling. The school, its secrets, its legacy. I couldn't read fast enough. The setting and the little oddities all over were riveting and brought the spook of this story up about ten notches. The characters were equally complex and intriguing. I loved this and will be looking for more from this author.
November 2, 2024
Could be good, tale has potential, and fun alternate viewpoints. A character feeling 'taken care of' by visions of shadows?
Fed up with the writing a quarter of the way through, the blatant "please option this for a movie!" approach. The book is loaded with overdone visual descriptions - transcripts of videos, blocking of movement, details of grounds and buildings. It reads like an assignment in practicing description. Rather than using a few key points to lend a feeling, a scent to set a mood.
Trying to force read ... maybe there's going to be a fun story in it. Though having to read around a child who simply did not sit her mother down and ASK questions...its unpleasant to put it mildly. And the 'shadows' she sees sounds more like a neurological issue than 'horror'. Halloween and all, not up for another average stab at "guess if it is real or in her mind".
Also wondering about the author's perceptions. A dad warning his kid about drinking ... at college? A little LATE. What high school doesn't have illegal drinkers? Stories about date-rape drugs? If the parents are just breaching it at 17 or 18, they've abandoned their daughter.
MC is just a girl who wants drama and works hard to create it. The whole innocent, don't know conceit is complete bosh, with sentences e.g. "I remember how to handle the sightings. ... I imagine salt, spilled around me in a circle; a mirror between me and what scares me; a wall of protection sending ill intent back to its source." Hardly the response of the uninitiated! (Might be cool to try it though.)
The secrecy confuses though - duh, MC, your family are witches or magical. NO ONE sees their mother levitate, and thinks, yeah, imagining it. Or sees a woman 'zone out' repeatedly and does NOT think "we need an appointment with a neurologist" (or at least a 'check-up'.)
Would categorize this not as 'horror', more urban legends and ghost stories. Horror stories require isolation, unknowns, terror. No comfort with shadows and seemingly dozens of people who know stories about the phenomenon, but the MC just never bothers to ask for more info.
The end feels like a goody-goody cop out. The whole book was a series of moderate waves ... maybe interesting, okay not, maybe?, no, okay there?, not so much.
Solid writing, disappointing tale crafting.
Fed up with the writing a quarter of the way through, the blatant "please option this for a movie!" approach. The book is loaded with overdone visual descriptions - transcripts of videos, blocking of movement, details of grounds and buildings. It reads like an assignment in practicing description. Rather than using a few key points to lend a feeling, a scent to set a mood.
Trying to force read ... maybe there's going to be a fun story in it. Though having to read around a child who simply did not sit her mother down and ASK questions...its unpleasant to put it mildly. And the 'shadows' she sees sounds more like a neurological issue than 'horror'. Halloween and all, not up for another average stab at "guess if it is real or in her mind".
Also wondering about the author's perceptions. A dad warning his kid about drinking ... at college? A little LATE. What high school doesn't have illegal drinkers? Stories about date-rape drugs? If the parents are just breaching it at 17 or 18, they've abandoned their daughter.
MC is just a girl who wants drama and works hard to create it. The whole innocent, don't know conceit is complete bosh, with sentences e.g. "I remember how to handle the sightings. ... I imagine salt, spilled around me in a circle; a mirror between me and what scares me; a wall of protection sending ill intent back to its source." Hardly the response of the uninitiated! (Might be cool to try it though.)
The secrecy confuses though - duh, MC, your family are witches or magical. NO ONE sees their mother levitate, and thinks, yeah, imagining it. Or sees a woman 'zone out' repeatedly and does NOT think "we need an appointment with a neurologist" (or at least a 'check-up'.)
Would categorize this not as 'horror', more urban legends and ghost stories. Horror stories require isolation, unknowns, terror. No comfort with shadows and seemingly dozens of people who know stories about the phenomenon, but the MC just never bothers to ask for more info.
The end feels like a goody-goody cop out. The whole book was a series of moderate waves ... maybe interesting, okay not, maybe?, no, okay there?, not so much.
Solid writing, disappointing tale crafting.
October 8, 2025
1.5
God this was so bad :)) Not that it came as a shock, cause I got the book for the sake of the cool cover and had zero idea what it was about.
It was so, so cliche. Neither the idea, nor the execution was new. We've read and heard and watched stories like this a million times.
That aside, it was so repeatative. Like the sentence "I feel like something is watching me" was written in at least 25 chapters.
The main character was a frightened kid who kept getting dizzy and faint from fear (tho it was supposed to be due to anemia, but somehow the author forgot that after the first half of the book.) But suddenly, she's so brave and heroic and doesn't hesitate to go head first into danger.
The friendships didn't build up enough, again they were suddenly all bonded and super close, and so that made the events of the last 100 pages sound very... irrational? Fake? Sth along these lines.
Also it felt so scattered, and unorganised. I don't know how to explain it exactly, but it was as if the writer didn't know how to give information and data, so she just wrote everything that came to her mind whenever they did, but didn't come back to put them in the order necessary for the plot.
And while I liked the vibe and the setting, and even didn't mind the clichés and repeated parts, the ending was trash. I thought it was going as okay as it could for a book like this, but it ended up even worse than I imagined it would. Like the writer didn't want to bother much and think of how to end it, so she just chose the easiest way out and was like yep let's get it over with.
God this was so bad :)) Not that it came as a shock, cause I got the book for the sake of the cool cover and had zero idea what it was about.
It was so, so cliche. Neither the idea, nor the execution was new. We've read and heard and watched stories like this a million times.
That aside, it was so repeatative. Like the sentence "I feel like something is watching me" was written in at least 25 chapters.
The main character was a frightened kid who kept getting dizzy and faint from fear (tho it was supposed to be due to anemia, but somehow the author forgot that after the first half of the book.) But suddenly, she's so brave and heroic and doesn't hesitate to go head first into danger.
The friendships didn't build up enough, again they were suddenly all bonded and super close, and so that made the events of the last 100 pages sound very... irrational? Fake? Sth along these lines.
Also it felt so scattered, and unorganised. I don't know how to explain it exactly, but it was as if the writer didn't know how to give information and data, so she just wrote everything that came to her mind whenever they did, but didn't come back to put them in the order necessary for the plot.
And while I liked the vibe and the setting, and even didn't mind the clichés and repeated parts, the ending was trash. I thought it was going as okay as it could for a book like this, but it ended up even worse than I imagined it would. Like the writer didn't want to bother much and think of how to end it, so she just chose the easiest way out and was like yep let's get it over with.
October 28, 2024
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'll start off by giving my rating: 2/5 stars. This book was compared to Ninth House (which I absolutely loved) and another adult fantasy, so going into this I thought it would be written more like an adult book rather than YA, or at least like new adult. But it is very YA.
I really wanted to like this book, but it let me down. The premise of underground hungry gods at a college campus sounded so intriguing. But it felt so lackluster. Nothing was explained or felt climactic. It was slow and boring basically the whole book. None of the characters felt dynamic or interesting and their relationships were very out of place to me.
This was just overall a boring book with a horribly executed premise. I feel like it could've been so much more if the author actually thought about backstory and character development. And even imagery. Nothing was remotely scary besides maybe two small scenes.
Also, the word "vibe" was used on what felt like every page which was pretty annoying. There are definitely other words you could use.
Maybe if you're a YA who just wants an atmospheric slightly creepy story, this could be for you. But I wouldn't recommend it to the general population.
I'll start off by giving my rating: 2/5 stars. This book was compared to Ninth House (which I absolutely loved) and another adult fantasy, so going into this I thought it would be written more like an adult book rather than YA, or at least like new adult. But it is very YA.
I really wanted to like this book, but it let me down. The premise of underground hungry gods at a college campus sounded so intriguing. But it felt so lackluster. Nothing was explained or felt climactic. It was slow and boring basically the whole book. None of the characters felt dynamic or interesting and their relationships were very out of place to me.
This was just overall a boring book with a horribly executed premise. I feel like it could've been so much more if the author actually thought about backstory and character development. And even imagery. Nothing was remotely scary besides maybe two small scenes.
Also, the word "vibe" was used on what felt like every page which was pretty annoying. There are definitely other words you could use.
Maybe if you're a YA who just wants an atmospheric slightly creepy story, this could be for you. But I wouldn't recommend it to the general population.
October 20, 2024
First of all, do not believe anyone who says this is Dark Academia like The Secret History - it is 100% not like that and I'm starting to wonder if people writing those lines have actually read the book.
What is this about? It's about a group of legacy admissions to an elite university who are invited to an early orientation program, pushed together into a group, and then discover that the legacy part is far darker and twisted than merely "your parent[s] went to this school". The setting is a former cultish group's property, which now forms part of the university. There's a creepy dorm, a weird well, an Old Quad that appears uninhabited, etc etc. Oh! And some professors that clearly have some ulterior motive.
In other words, we've read this before in other settings. More about the cult and its beliefs, and how that influences the current university (I don't want to spoil anything!) would have been great, and less obvious confusion on the part of the students would have been better.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.
What is this about? It's about a group of legacy admissions to an elite university who are invited to an early orientation program, pushed together into a group, and then discover that the legacy part is far darker and twisted than merely "your parent[s] went to this school". The setting is a former cultish group's property, which now forms part of the university. There's a creepy dorm, a weird well, an Old Quad that appears uninhabited, etc etc. Oh! And some professors that clearly have some ulterior motive.
In other words, we've read this before in other settings. More about the cult and its beliefs, and how that influences the current university (I don't want to spoil anything!) would have been great, and less obvious confusion on the part of the students would have been better.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.
Read
December 11, 2024DNF…. Its just not that good ://
December 28, 2024
Spooky vibes but not completely resolved by the end.
November 10, 2024
Addie Velde is thrilled when she’s invited to an orientation program at University of the Arches, her mother’s prestigious alma mater. However, her excitement quickly turns to dread as she uncovers a sinister secret lurking within the university—one that endangers not only her life but also the lives of her classmates.
While I don’t typically read much dark academia, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the mystery and the horror elements throughout the book. Parts of the story were really creepy!
I thought this was a very atmospheric and engrossing read. I recommend this book to fans of dark academia and ya horror. I love the author’s writing and I can’t wait to dive into her other books.
3.5⭐️
Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC of this book via NetGalley for review.
While I don’t typically read much dark academia, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the mystery and the horror elements throughout the book. Parts of the story were really creepy!
I thought this was a very atmospheric and engrossing read. I recommend this book to fans of dark academia and ya horror. I love the author’s writing and I can’t wait to dive into her other books.
3.5⭐️
Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC of this book via NetGalley for review.
December 15, 2024
This was a quick read that I couldn’t seem to put down. This book follows Adria as she follows her mother’s foot steps by attending her mother’s Alma mater. This book takes place during a bit of an orientation week where Adria gets an introduction to the campus, its oddities, and other legacy students. There is a strange connection between them all as they all attempt to put together all the weird things happening since arriving to campus. The first half of the book had a lot of potential. However, the ending felt rushed and still didn’t get a true understanding of what the purpose of the Buried Ones. I wish we would have gotten to have more insight into the side characters as they had a lot of potential but felt superficial. However, this didn’t take away from the horror aspect of this book and the pacing was excellent.
December 31, 2024
This dark and magical story had me hooked from the start!
October 9, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Page Street Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“They Watch From Below” by Katya de Becerra is a mix of dark academia and mystery, set against the haunting backdrop of Arches University. The book dives deep into eerie atmospheres and long-buried secrets, making it a perfect read for fans of moody and mysterious stories. If you’re a fan of dark academia, then you will absolutely love this book, especially if you’re looking for a more mature YA book as the main character is entering college.
The book follows Adria "Addie" as she attends Arches University, her mother's mysterious alma mater. Her mother, Vera, has always been strangely evasive about her time at Arches, a detail that only fuels Addie's determination to uncover the truth about her family's past. The unsettling vibes at the university immediately draw readers in, with its decaying buildings, strange symbols etched on the walls, and a creepy well that seems to hold untold mysteries.
The setting of Arches University is one of the book's greatest strengths. De Becerra paints an atmosphere so vividly eerie that it almost becomes a character itself. The dilapidated buildings and the secrets hidden within their walls create an unsettling aura that pulls you into the story. The use of old religion and the mysterious history of the land adds layers of darkness that make the setting feel both captivating and menacing.
The story is told through a mixed-media format, including video clips that help set a suspenseful and creepy tone. This format adds to the sense of unease and keeps you on edge, always wondering what lurks in the shadows as these transcripts from videos were included between every chapter. I absolutely loved these video clips, especially the ones centering around Addie as a child as they felt so creepy and haunting. The pacing is generally well-handled, with the videos serving as a nice way to slow down and center the plot when needed.
Character development is another highlight of the novel. Addie is a well-rounded protagonist whose journey to understand her mother's past and her own connection to Arches feels genuine and relatable. Her friendships with the non-legacy students, Olga and Daphne, provide some of the book's most heartfelt moments, though they could have been explored a bit more deeply. The legacy students' bond is intriguing, but some of their relationships, like with Nick, could have been more developed to match the intensity of the book's climax.
It takes a while for the story to truly kick into gear, and when it does, the climax feels somewhat rushed. The horror elements, while effective, could have benefited from a few more encounters and lead-ups before the final showdown to make the ending more satisfying. I wanted a bit more closure from the ending though the ambiguous nature of the ending adds to the overall eerie vibe of the story and leaves the door open for a potential sequel.
Overall, “They Watch From Below” is a chilling YA paranormal horror that focuses on dark academia while adding in elements of old religion and mystery. It’s a great fit for readers looking for an atmospheric and haunting story that keeps them guessing until the very end.
“They Watch From Below” by Katya de Becerra is a mix of dark academia and mystery, set against the haunting backdrop of Arches University. The book dives deep into eerie atmospheres and long-buried secrets, making it a perfect read for fans of moody and mysterious stories. If you’re a fan of dark academia, then you will absolutely love this book, especially if you’re looking for a more mature YA book as the main character is entering college.
The book follows Adria "Addie" as she attends Arches University, her mother's mysterious alma mater. Her mother, Vera, has always been strangely evasive about her time at Arches, a detail that only fuels Addie's determination to uncover the truth about her family's past. The unsettling vibes at the university immediately draw readers in, with its decaying buildings, strange symbols etched on the walls, and a creepy well that seems to hold untold mysteries.
The setting of Arches University is one of the book's greatest strengths. De Becerra paints an atmosphere so vividly eerie that it almost becomes a character itself. The dilapidated buildings and the secrets hidden within their walls create an unsettling aura that pulls you into the story. The use of old religion and the mysterious history of the land adds layers of darkness that make the setting feel both captivating and menacing.
The story is told through a mixed-media format, including video clips that help set a suspenseful and creepy tone. This format adds to the sense of unease and keeps you on edge, always wondering what lurks in the shadows as these transcripts from videos were included between every chapter. I absolutely loved these video clips, especially the ones centering around Addie as a child as they felt so creepy and haunting. The pacing is generally well-handled, with the videos serving as a nice way to slow down and center the plot when needed.
Character development is another highlight of the novel. Addie is a well-rounded protagonist whose journey to understand her mother's past and her own connection to Arches feels genuine and relatable. Her friendships with the non-legacy students, Olga and Daphne, provide some of the book's most heartfelt moments, though they could have been explored a bit more deeply. The legacy students' bond is intriguing, but some of their relationships, like with Nick, could have been more developed to match the intensity of the book's climax.
It takes a while for the story to truly kick into gear, and when it does, the climax feels somewhat rushed. The horror elements, while effective, could have benefited from a few more encounters and lead-ups before the final showdown to make the ending more satisfying. I wanted a bit more closure from the ending though the ambiguous nature of the ending adds to the overall eerie vibe of the story and leaves the door open for a potential sequel.
Overall, “They Watch From Below” is a chilling YA paranormal horror that focuses on dark academia while adding in elements of old religion and mystery. It’s a great fit for readers looking for an atmospheric and haunting story that keeps them guessing until the very end.
December 27, 2024
I want to preface this review by saying I'm definitely not the target audience. I picked this up at my local book shop and it was in the horror section. It really should have been in the YA section. It did hook me with the idea this little girl was seeing things, but it so quickly becomes cliche after cliche and there is no sense of mystery. Every clue is explained seconds after discovering, there is no mystery from the very start. Yes it is going exactly where you'd expect and no, there is no deeper revelation. I suppose if this was literally the first piece of horror you ever read some things could be surprising. I think a big problem is that there is no building up of dread, every time there is something slightly spooky it is explained right away or a magical app figures it out, or my father who went here knows that. It feels like there is no mystery. The University from the outset isn't treated like a normal place with quirk, it's explicitly a cult building and literally named after "old gods". It's never suggested that some kids got too drunk at a party and disappeared or accidents happen. it's just literally from the start, yeah the monsters under the university took them. Every reveal is not exciting because all the things that happen are so literal and the characters just go along with it. There is no scepticism about the monsters it's just all taken at face value.
Our main character is also a big issue, she's plagued by visions, but it's never treated like an issue that she or her parents are trying to address. It's never treated like a mental health issue, from the start just "yeah I have visions" but it's also like, why? Is it just accepted that people in this world have supernatural powers? It doesn't seem like it and no one seems to care. She never really seems scared, even though scary things happen. Like she just shrugs things off. I could accept it if her grandmother convinced her when she was young that she is special, but she shouldn't tell other people or something like that.
The other "characters" could literally just be emo boy, sporty boy, out going girl and blank girl. There are no characters to get attached to, there are no stakes and *spoilers* when something happens to one of them I couldn't care less because I couldn't tell you one thing about them and it definitely doesn't make sense to risk your life for them.
I can't help but think it feels like someone wrote a Wednesday fan fic and just altered the characters enough to make it into something else. As soon as you apply the fan fic logic of I don't need to explain the characters because you already know who they are it makes a lot more sense. There are about 3 separate times that the author refers to the main character as Wednesday so it's not even subtle.
There are a few moments of interest mostly sections that are old home videos. And I think it's in these places I could see the talent of the writer coming through, but it's not enough to make up for the rest.
I can't recommend, even if it was your first horror story ever, the characters are so non-existent and the plot so predictable that you'd be doing yourself a disservice.
Our main character is also a big issue, she's plagued by visions, but it's never treated like an issue that she or her parents are trying to address. It's never treated like a mental health issue, from the start just "yeah I have visions" but it's also like, why? Is it just accepted that people in this world have supernatural powers? It doesn't seem like it and no one seems to care. She never really seems scared, even though scary things happen. Like she just shrugs things off. I could accept it if her grandmother convinced her when she was young that she is special, but she shouldn't tell other people or something like that.
The other "characters" could literally just be emo boy, sporty boy, out going girl and blank girl. There are no characters to get attached to, there are no stakes and *spoilers* when something happens to one of them I couldn't care less because I couldn't tell you one thing about them and it definitely doesn't make sense to risk your life for them.
I can't help but think it feels like someone wrote a Wednesday fan fic and just altered the characters enough to make it into something else. As soon as you apply the fan fic logic of I don't need to explain the characters because you already know who they are it makes a lot more sense. There are about 3 separate times that the author refers to the main character as Wednesday so it's not even subtle.
There are a few moments of interest mostly sections that are old home videos. And I think it's in these places I could see the talent of the writer coming through, but it's not enough to make up for the rest.
I can't recommend, even if it was your first horror story ever, the characters are so non-existent and the plot so predictable that you'd be doing yourself a disservice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
Katya de Becerra’s 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 is one of those horror novels that sinks into your bones and lingers long after the final page. It’s a gripping blend of dark academia, mythology, and esoteric symbolism that weaves together an unsettling narrative that keeps you on edge.
The story follows Addie Velde, who jumps at the opportunity to attend an exclusive orientation at the prestigious University of the Arches. As a “legacy” thanks to her mother’s well-known reputation and contributions to the school, Addie is eager to forge her own path at the university. But from the moment she steps into her ominously named dorm, The Crypt, you can feel something sinister is brewing. It’s as if the very walls are hiding secrets, waiting for her to uncover them.
What truly fascinated me about this book was the rich use of Slavic myth. I’ll admit, I’m new to all things Slavic, but mythology and folklore are definitely my jam. When I found out this book incorporated such elements, I had to dive in. And let me tell you, I was blown away. The way de Becerra intricately ties in the legends of the Buried Ones — ancient and haunting figures lurking in the shadows underneath the university, to Slavic deities like Veles and Mokosh — gave me chills. These beings aren’t just skulking in the background; they’re woven into the fabric of the story, creating a creeping sense of dread that builds throughout. I learned so much reading this book while allowing myself to be pulled into its intensely atmospheric horror.
Addie’s search for the truth leads her into a centuries-old mystery: there’s a missing professor, a secret society, and to top it off, a dark connection to her own family history. Each revelation raises the stakes, and the tension is palpable, tightening with each chapter. The university setting adds another layer of unease; the contrast between the sunlit, beachside campus life and the dark, ancient horrors lurking beneath gives the story an eerie duality.
I can tell you now that this story is slow-burn horror, but in the best way possible. It’s not about cheap scares or gore; it’s the constant, gnawing feeling that something isn’t right. The horror sneaks up on you, making you feel like someone, or something, is always watching, pulling you, Addie, and her friends into a deeper, dangerous mystery that all of you might not be able to escape from. The symbolism, folklore, and myth are not just added for flavor; they are fundamental to the story.
If you’re into dark academia, mythology/folklore, complex family dynamics, and atmospheric horror, 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 is a must-read. The slow, eerie tension builds up to a chilling finale that left me both haunted and unsettled by the main character’s final choice, though I get why it had to happen! I highly recommend picking this one up, whether it’s spooky season or not.
(Thank you, Page Street YA, for entrusting me with this ARC!)
The story follows Addie Velde, who jumps at the opportunity to attend an exclusive orientation at the prestigious University of the Arches. As a “legacy” thanks to her mother’s well-known reputation and contributions to the school, Addie is eager to forge her own path at the university. But from the moment she steps into her ominously named dorm, The Crypt, you can feel something sinister is brewing. It’s as if the very walls are hiding secrets, waiting for her to uncover them.
What truly fascinated me about this book was the rich use of Slavic myth. I’ll admit, I’m new to all things Slavic, but mythology and folklore are definitely my jam. When I found out this book incorporated such elements, I had to dive in. And let me tell you, I was blown away. The way de Becerra intricately ties in the legends of the Buried Ones — ancient and haunting figures lurking in the shadows underneath the university, to Slavic deities like Veles and Mokosh — gave me chills. These beings aren’t just skulking in the background; they’re woven into the fabric of the story, creating a creeping sense of dread that builds throughout. I learned so much reading this book while allowing myself to be pulled into its intensely atmospheric horror.
Addie’s search for the truth leads her into a centuries-old mystery: there’s a missing professor, a secret society, and to top it off, a dark connection to her own family history. Each revelation raises the stakes, and the tension is palpable, tightening with each chapter. The university setting adds another layer of unease; the contrast between the sunlit, beachside campus life and the dark, ancient horrors lurking beneath gives the story an eerie duality.
I can tell you now that this story is slow-burn horror, but in the best way possible. It’s not about cheap scares or gore; it’s the constant, gnawing feeling that something isn’t right. The horror sneaks up on you, making you feel like someone, or something, is always watching, pulling you, Addie, and her friends into a deeper, dangerous mystery that all of you might not be able to escape from. The symbolism, folklore, and myth are not just added for flavor; they are fundamental to the story.
If you’re into dark academia, mythology/folklore, complex family dynamics, and atmospheric horror, 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 is a must-read. The slow, eerie tension builds up to a chilling finale that left me both haunted and unsettled by the main character’s final choice, though I get why it had to happen! I highly recommend picking this one up, whether it’s spooky season or not.
(Thank you, Page Street YA, for entrusting me with this ARC!)
November 22, 2024
Oh, boy! I just finished They Watch from Below by Katya de Becerra, and I have ALL the feelings! 😱😱 A massive thank you to Page Street Publishing YA for the ARC—all opinions are genuinely mine! 📚💕
First off, let's talk about the vibes. This book is like a creepy embrace from an old, eerie university. It's got that dark academia thing going on, but with a supernatural twist that'll have you sleeping with the lights on! 🌙🎃😈
Our protagonist, Addie Velde, is thrilled to attend an early orientation program at the University of the Arches. Beachfront views and familial connections? Yes, please! 🏝️🏫 But things start to get weird when she's assigned to the not-so-cozy Mokosh dorm, AKA "the Crypt." 💀 Secret societies, missing professors, and an ancient mystery? Buckle up, Addie!
Here's what I loved:
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Atmosphere: Katya de Becerra knows how to set a scene. The University of the Arches is so vividly described, I felt like I was walking its hallowed halls. Creepy, eerie, and oh-so-immersive!
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Mystery: The Buried Ones, disappearing professors, and an occult society? Yes, please! This book kept me guessing until the very end.
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Characters: Addie is a fantastic protagonist. She's relatable, flawed, and just plain real. Her journey is one heck of a ride!
But, let's chat about a few things that didn't quite hit the mark for me:
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Pacing: While the first half of the book was a gripping, stay-up-all-night kind of read, the ending felt a tad rushed. I would have loved a bit more closure.
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Esoteric Overload: Yeah, the author really likes this word. It's like a dark academia drinking game – take a shot every time "esoteric" is used! 😂🍹
Now, let's talk about who this book is for. If you're a fan of YA horror, dark academia, and a good old-fashioned mystery, this book is your jam! 🕵️♀️🔍 Also, if you're not a fantasy fan, you might want to proceed with caution.
All in all, I'd give They Watch from Below a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a fantastic YA horror read, but it didn't quite live up to the hype of being compared to Ninth House and The Secret History. But hey, it's still a spine-tingling, keep-you-up-all-night kind of read! 😌😌
So, grab a cozy blanket, turn on all the lights, and dive into this creepy tale. Just remember, they watch from below… 👁️👁️
Happy reading, bookworms! 📚😘
First off, let's talk about the vibes. This book is like a creepy embrace from an old, eerie university. It's got that dark academia thing going on, but with a supernatural twist that'll have you sleeping with the lights on! 🌙🎃😈
Our protagonist, Addie Velde, is thrilled to attend an early orientation program at the University of the Arches. Beachfront views and familial connections? Yes, please! 🏝️🏫 But things start to get weird when she's assigned to the not-so-cozy Mokosh dorm, AKA "the Crypt." 💀 Secret societies, missing professors, and an ancient mystery? Buckle up, Addie!
Here's what I loved:
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Atmosphere: Katya de Becerra knows how to set a scene. The University of the Arches is so vividly described, I felt like I was walking its hallowed halls. Creepy, eerie, and oh-so-immersive!
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Mystery: The Buried Ones, disappearing professors, and an occult society? Yes, please! This book kept me guessing until the very end.
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Characters: Addie is a fantastic protagonist. She's relatable, flawed, and just plain real. Her journey is one heck of a ride!
But, let's chat about a few things that didn't quite hit the mark for me:
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Pacing: While the first half of the book was a gripping, stay-up-all-night kind of read, the ending felt a tad rushed. I would have loved a bit more closure.
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ The Esoteric Overload: Yeah, the author really likes this word. It's like a dark academia drinking game – take a shot every time "esoteric" is used! 😂🍹
Now, let's talk about who this book is for. If you're a fan of YA horror, dark academia, and a good old-fashioned mystery, this book is your jam! 🕵️♀️🔍 Also, if you're not a fantasy fan, you might want to proceed with caution.
All in all, I'd give They Watch from Below a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a fantastic YA horror read, but it didn't quite live up to the hype of being compared to Ninth House and The Secret History. But hey, it's still a spine-tingling, keep-you-up-all-night kind of read! 😌😌
So, grab a cozy blanket, turn on all the lights, and dive into this creepy tale. Just remember, they watch from below… 👁️👁️
Happy reading, bookworms! 📚😘
October 28, 2024
Book Review: They Watch From Below by Katya de Becerra
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Okay, so I just finished They Watch From Below, and wow, what a ride! First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate the cover? Seriously, it’s stunning! It immediately drew me in and set the tone for what was to come.
So, here’s the scoop—Addie Velde is our main character, and she’s kind of a vibe. She gets an invite to an early orientation at the University of the Arches, which is this gorgeous beachside campus that her mom adored. Naturally, Addie is super excited to make her own mark there. But things take a dark turn as soon as she steps foot on campus. Her dorm, ominously dubbed The Crypt, gives off major creepy vibes, and it’s not long before she realizes that there are some heavy secrets lurking in the shadows.
As she digs deeper, Addie stumbles upon a chilling campus mystery linked to these ominous figures called “The Buried Ones.” Legends say they’re harbingers of death, and with a missing professor and an occult society thrown into the mix, Addie finds herself in way over her head. It’s thrilling to see her unearth these secrets, especially since her own family might have ties to this eerie history.
I devoured this book in just two days because it was so engaging! The writing is sharp and fast-paced, making it impossible to put down. The setting is brilliantly crafted, with the blend of eerie symbols, old religious elements, and the land's haunting backstory adding an extra layer of creepiness.
The characters? Let’s just say they’re not one-dimensional—each one brings something unique to the table, making you genuinely invested in their journeys. And while the ending provides some closure (thank goodness!), there are still enough questions left dangling that keep you thinking about Addie’s fate long after you’ve turned the last page.
Overall, They Watch From Below is a perfect mix of mystery and horror that kept me on my toes. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to check out more from Katya de Becerra. If you’re into stories that weave together suspense and a touch of the supernatural, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Okay, so I just finished They Watch From Below, and wow, what a ride! First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate the cover? Seriously, it’s stunning! It immediately drew me in and set the tone for what was to come.
So, here’s the scoop—Addie Velde is our main character, and she’s kind of a vibe. She gets an invite to an early orientation at the University of the Arches, which is this gorgeous beachside campus that her mom adored. Naturally, Addie is super excited to make her own mark there. But things take a dark turn as soon as she steps foot on campus. Her dorm, ominously dubbed The Crypt, gives off major creepy vibes, and it’s not long before she realizes that there are some heavy secrets lurking in the shadows.
As she digs deeper, Addie stumbles upon a chilling campus mystery linked to these ominous figures called “The Buried Ones.” Legends say they’re harbingers of death, and with a missing professor and an occult society thrown into the mix, Addie finds herself in way over her head. It’s thrilling to see her unearth these secrets, especially since her own family might have ties to this eerie history.
I devoured this book in just two days because it was so engaging! The writing is sharp and fast-paced, making it impossible to put down. The setting is brilliantly crafted, with the blend of eerie symbols, old religious elements, and the land's haunting backstory adding an extra layer of creepiness.
The characters? Let’s just say they’re not one-dimensional—each one brings something unique to the table, making you genuinely invested in their journeys. And while the ending provides some closure (thank goodness!), there are still enough questions left dangling that keep you thinking about Addie’s fate long after you’ve turned the last page.
Overall, They Watch From Below is a perfect mix of mystery and horror that kept me on my toes. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to check out more from Katya de Becerra. If you’re into stories that weave together suspense and a touch of the supernatural, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
August 26, 2024
~ ARC provided by NetGalley. Thank you! ~
I was hooked from the beginning of this novel by its premise. Addie's mother Vera went to the fictional Arches University but has been cagey and weird about her time there for Addie's entire life. We see some early backstory moments of Vera spacing out entirely whenever Arches is brought up. Obviously, this just makes Addie want to attend the Arches too, not just for its stellar academic record but to finally understand her mother and uncover some answers. The first half of the book was amazing, perfectly leading the reader into the spooky atmosphere of the university and introducing us to the small group of legacy students. Any type of dark academia setting is always intriguing and the Arches was no exception with its creepy well and endless mysteries.
Unfortunately, I don't think They Watch From Below completely stuck the landing for me. I liked Addie and her friendship with non-legacy students Olga and Daphne more than I cared for her relationships with the other legacy students, except maybe Nick. I would have enjoyed some more time spent building those relationships too, especially since they risk their lives for each other at the end - that level of devotion seemed unearned. Also, I expected some more encounters with the horror entities and lead-ups before the final confrontation. It seemed to me that everything was tidied up a little too fast at the end.
Some specific gripes - how long were those wires? What even was the point of Olga/Daphne in the grand scheme of the book? Why was Addie put in a different dorm than the other legacies in the first place?
So this was hard to rate because I liked the main character, loved the premise and vibes, and think it could have been something great but the main climax was just too rushed and unsatisfying.
I was hooked from the beginning of this novel by its premise. Addie's mother Vera went to the fictional Arches University but has been cagey and weird about her time there for Addie's entire life. We see some early backstory moments of Vera spacing out entirely whenever Arches is brought up. Obviously, this just makes Addie want to attend the Arches too, not just for its stellar academic record but to finally understand her mother and uncover some answers. The first half of the book was amazing, perfectly leading the reader into the spooky atmosphere of the university and introducing us to the small group of legacy students. Any type of dark academia setting is always intriguing and the Arches was no exception with its creepy well and endless mysteries.
Unfortunately, I don't think They Watch From Below completely stuck the landing for me. I liked Addie and her friendship with non-legacy students Olga and Daphne more than I cared for her relationships with the other legacy students, except maybe Nick. I would have enjoyed some more time spent building those relationships too, especially since they risk their lives for each other at the end - that level of devotion seemed unearned. Also, I expected some more encounters with the horror entities and lead-ups before the final confrontation. It seemed to me that everything was tidied up a little too fast at the end.
Some specific gripes - how long were those wires? What even was the point of Olga/Daphne in the grand scheme of the book? Why was Addie put in a different dorm than the other legacies in the first place?
So this was hard to rate because I liked the main character, loved the premise and vibes, and think it could have been something great but the main climax was just too rushed and unsatisfying.
July 19, 2025
In They Watch From Below, young adult Addie Velde sets out to study at the same mysterious university that her oddly chilly mother once attended. Will she uncover the reasons why her mum is stubbornly attached to The Arches, while seemingly haunted by them at the same time?
It bears mentioning – author Katya De Becerra works as an academic and presumably, knows where the bodies are buried, so to speak (who could possibly be better equipped to write Dark Academia than someone who knows the actual darkness of academia?). She’s a stylish writer, prone to conjuring up beautiful imagery with a gothic sensibility – see her book When Ghosts Call Us Home for more of this. (Full disclosure: Katya co-edited my work in anthology This Fresh Hell.)
They Watch From Below combines some well-established fears: darkness, disappearances, being underground, creepy wells, scraping noises, experiencing things that other people do not, something masquerading as one’s parent, and mixes in real life terrors: being a young adult; setting out in a new place; shouldering the expectations of one’s family while trying to work out what is one’s actual heart’s desire; and having shown up empty-handed to a party while everyone else worked out that it was a BYO kind of thing. Heroine Addie proves herself extraordinarily brave.
The themes show through clearly: generational trauma, deep wounds, whether history is doomed to repeat itself. It’s clear in the term ‘legacies’, as in a legacy student. The book explores being attracted to power and the allure of a secret society that involves seeking out something very, very dark that simultaneously seems to guarantee riches and success, at the cost of one’s soul. It’s one for anyone who heard of Yale’s Skull and Bones society and wondered if it was in fact as cool and gothic as it sounds.
It bears mentioning – author Katya De Becerra works as an academic and presumably, knows where the bodies are buried, so to speak (who could possibly be better equipped to write Dark Academia than someone who knows the actual darkness of academia?). She’s a stylish writer, prone to conjuring up beautiful imagery with a gothic sensibility – see her book When Ghosts Call Us Home for more of this. (Full disclosure: Katya co-edited my work in anthology This Fresh Hell.)
They Watch From Below combines some well-established fears: darkness, disappearances, being underground, creepy wells, scraping noises, experiencing things that other people do not, something masquerading as one’s parent, and mixes in real life terrors: being a young adult; setting out in a new place; shouldering the expectations of one’s family while trying to work out what is one’s actual heart’s desire; and having shown up empty-handed to a party while everyone else worked out that it was a BYO kind of thing. Heroine Addie proves herself extraordinarily brave.
The themes show through clearly: generational trauma, deep wounds, whether history is doomed to repeat itself. It’s clear in the term ‘legacies’, as in a legacy student. The book explores being attracted to power and the allure of a secret society that involves seeking out something very, very dark that simultaneously seems to guarantee riches and success, at the cost of one’s soul. It’s one for anyone who heard of Yale’s Skull and Bones society and wondered if it was in fact as cool and gothic as it sounds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
"I dream of dark tunnels beneath the ground."
When Addie Velde arrives at early orientation for the University of the Arches, she's hoping to find answers about her Mother, who attended the same school years before and seems haunted by her experiences. Addie herself has always been haunted by dark shadows only she can see. As she explores the old school and begins making friends, she discovers that the darkness at the heart of the Arches is very real and monstrous, and it has been waiting for her.
They Watch from Below is a fast-paced YA dark academia horror book. I believe the comps to The Secret History or Ninth House are not entirely accurate, as 1) this is a Young Adult book, and 2) while it is set at a school and involves a secret society, the story reads more as horror than as a classic dark academia. That being said, I fully enjoyed this story; and as dark academia evolves, it seems that many authors are exploring the darker interpretations and possibilities of the genre. There are multiple books publishing in 2025 that have a much darker or fantastical take on dark academia. So I believe They Watch from Below can be shelved in the Young Adult side of the genre; it's just an early entry into the darker interpretations of dark academia. So The Secret History is not a good comp, because you might love The Secret History & not enjoy this book at all; but if you are open to new, darker interpretations of dark academia and are looking forward to '25 releases like That Devil, Ambition or The Library at Hellebore, you would probably enjoy They Watch from Below.
This book was well-written and fast-paced with short chapters, making it an easy and enjoyable read. I thought the Buried Ones and their lore were very unique/ interesting, and there were some truly creepy moments throughout. Overall, I think They Watch from Below is a great read, and I would recommend it to fans of YA horror or speculative dark academia.
When Addie Velde arrives at early orientation for the University of the Arches, she's hoping to find answers about her Mother, who attended the same school years before and seems haunted by her experiences. Addie herself has always been haunted by dark shadows only she can see. As she explores the old school and begins making friends, she discovers that the darkness at the heart of the Arches is very real and monstrous, and it has been waiting for her.
They Watch from Below is a fast-paced YA dark academia horror book. I believe the comps to The Secret History or Ninth House are not entirely accurate, as 1) this is a Young Adult book, and 2) while it is set at a school and involves a secret society, the story reads more as horror than as a classic dark academia. That being said, I fully enjoyed this story; and as dark academia evolves, it seems that many authors are exploring the darker interpretations and possibilities of the genre. There are multiple books publishing in 2025 that have a much darker or fantastical take on dark academia. So I believe They Watch from Below can be shelved in the Young Adult side of the genre; it's just an early entry into the darker interpretations of dark academia. So The Secret History is not a good comp, because you might love The Secret History & not enjoy this book at all; but if you are open to new, darker interpretations of dark academia and are looking forward to '25 releases like That Devil, Ambition or The Library at Hellebore, you would probably enjoy They Watch from Below.
This book was well-written and fast-paced with short chapters, making it an easy and enjoyable read. I thought the Buried Ones and their lore were very unique/ interesting, and there were some truly creepy moments throughout. Overall, I think They Watch from Below is a great read, and I would recommend it to fans of YA horror or speculative dark academia.
December 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for this E-arc. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Girl goes away to college. Girl has seen strange things her whole life. Things happen. I want to know more.
To sum everything up I liked this book but at the same time it didn't feel "complete". I really liked the idea of found footage and getting to know Addie but think there were still parts missing. I felt that she and all the other characters were flat, they didn't really have personalities that set them apart to me besides a few quirks. I kept expecting to get more background on everyone including the twins, and the way it ends makes me think there may be a sequel? I have mixed feelings about the ending as the book was very slow to build and ends abruptly to me.
On the positive side I did enjoy the build up to the lore and all the atmospheric details stuffed into this book. Its my first time reading Mx. De Beccera's work and I enjoyed her writing style and how she's able to take all these details and weave such a tense air. That alone was creepy and honestly the imagery was riveting, I especially can appreciate some of the mentions of Vera being pregnant with Addie. Also, the premise of the these beings and the university was intriguing and although we don't find much about them I think it adds even more to the mystery- although again I wish I knew more.
I think this book overall was a 2.5/5 for me, that may be because it is a YA tittle and is meant for a younger audience. I did enjoy it, but it just doesn't feel like its all there yet and really wish we had more depth in the story/ending. The writing, concept and imagery though makes me look forward to read what this author writes next as the story was interesting!
Girl goes away to college. Girl has seen strange things her whole life. Things happen. I want to know more.
To sum everything up I liked this book but at the same time it didn't feel "complete". I really liked the idea of found footage and getting to know Addie but think there were still parts missing. I felt that she and all the other characters were flat, they didn't really have personalities that set them apart to me besides a few quirks. I kept expecting to get more background on everyone including the twins, and the way it ends makes me think there may be a sequel? I have mixed feelings about the ending as the book was very slow to build and ends abruptly to me.
On the positive side I did enjoy the build up to the lore and all the atmospheric details stuffed into this book. Its my first time reading Mx. De Beccera's work and I enjoyed her writing style and how she's able to take all these details and weave such a tense air. That alone was creepy and honestly the imagery was riveting, I especially can appreciate some of the mentions of Vera being pregnant with Addie. Also, the premise of the these beings and the university was intriguing and although we don't find much about them I think it adds even more to the mystery- although again I wish I knew more.
I think this book overall was a 2.5/5 for me, that may be because it is a YA tittle and is meant for a younger audience. I did enjoy it, but it just doesn't feel like its all there yet and really wish we had more depth in the story/ending. The writing, concept and imagery though makes me look forward to read what this author writes next as the story was interesting!
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