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The Sleeping Land
Less than two years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, three junior archeologists and their gloryhound advisor arrive at a remote cave in the heart of the Siberian wilderness to carry out the first extensive Western dig on Russian soil since the execution of the Czar.
Surrounded by a looming forest with eerie silences and flickering shadows, Valerie, Kit, and Mark begin their dig under the eccentric and charismatic guidance of the venerable George Auberon. The excavation yields fascinating discoveries, and excitement grows among the team, but George’s true motivations soon reveal themselves to be much less noble than he originally let on.
As each member of the party grapples with the complexities and the challenges of the dig, going deeper into the cave, a strange feeling sets in. Are they really alone out there? Or has George’s paranoid ambition gotten to them?
A powerful debut with vast imaginative range, The Sleeping Land introduces a cast of memorable characters who must face a terrifying question: who controls the past when it comes back to life?
Surrounded by a looming forest with eerie silences and flickering shadows, Valerie, Kit, and Mark begin their dig under the eccentric and charismatic guidance of the venerable George Auberon. The excavation yields fascinating discoveries, and excitement grows among the team, but George’s true motivations soon reveal themselves to be much less noble than he originally let on.
As each member of the party grapples with the complexities and the challenges of the dig, going deeper into the cave, a strange feeling sets in. Are they really alone out there? Or has George’s paranoid ambition gotten to them?
A powerful debut with vast imaginative range, The Sleeping Land introduces a cast of memorable characters who must face a terrifying question: who controls the past when it comes back to life?
250 pages, Hardcover
Published March 4, 2025
12 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 27, 2024
⭑ ⭑ ✩ ✩ ✩
~
Unfortunately this one just wasn’t for me 🥱 It just took way to long to get into it and felt like it was way too dragged out. By the time it started getting okay there was only about 10% left and I was already so over it by this point so I just couldn’t get into it as it took this long to get there, which was a shame because this book had such potential and a great concept.
Any fans of historical mysteries and archeology will probably enjoy this book just wasn’t my cup of tea.
~
Thanks to NetGalley and Ella Alexander for the ARC
Publication date 4th March 2025 🫶🏼
~
Unfortunately this one just wasn’t for me 🥱 It just took way to long to get into it and felt like it was way too dragged out. By the time it started getting okay there was only about 10% left and I was already so over it by this point so I just couldn’t get into it as it took this long to get there, which was a shame because this book had such potential and a great concept.
Any fans of historical mysteries and archeology will probably enjoy this book just wasn’t my cup of tea.
~
Thanks to NetGalley and Ella Alexander for the ARC
Publication date 4th March 2025 🫶🏼
Currently reading
October 18, 2024₊˚⊹ pre-read 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒
⤿ omgomgomgomgomgomg i got the arc 🥹✋🏻
tysm netgalley and unnamed press for approving my request!! i actually cannot wait to finish this <3
⤿ omgomgomgomgomgomg i got the arc 🥹✋🏻
tysm netgalley and unnamed press for approving my request!! i actually cannot wait to finish this <3
March 22, 2025
These people were not interesting enough to be as catty as they were. I need my unlikable characters to at least be interesting. Or, if not interesting, I need the plot to make up for the slack. I was so unengaged that I felt like nothing was happening even as the story was progressing. I was bored. I only upped the rating to two stars because the last 20 percent was what I had been wanting all along.
Want to read
November 11, 2024Full disclosure: I know Ella from a Berlin writing group. Good news, her writing is beautiful and thoughtful, so I couldn't be more excited to read this.
March 3, 2025
[ARC received through NetGalley]
"The Sleeping Land" follows a group of archaeologists on their journey to Siberia to carry out a dig, the motive of which ends up being more sinister than originally thought. I will preface this review by saying that i greatly enjoyed the writing of this work, which drew me in from the very first pages, making me appreciate it throughout the whole book as it helped set the unsettling atmosphere needed. I do, however, understand why this book might end up eliciting polarising opinions within the general audience: to me, it felt more of a character study, focusing on the (admittedly few) characters and the relationships that tied them together, rendering the pace of the work very slow and making the dig take up almost a secondary place in the narrative. Nevertheless, I found the writing style to complement the slow pace in a skilful way, making the act of reading it very enjoyable and not boring at all.
If i have to critique this book it would be because of its inconsistently fast paced ending, which i would’ve preferred to be a bit more detailed, though it did not take away from my enjoyment of the work. Overall i found this book to be a pleasant surprise and i would definitely check out more books from the author in the future.
"The Sleeping Land" follows a group of archaeologists on their journey to Siberia to carry out a dig, the motive of which ends up being more sinister than originally thought. I will preface this review by saying that i greatly enjoyed the writing of this work, which drew me in from the very first pages, making me appreciate it throughout the whole book as it helped set the unsettling atmosphere needed. I do, however, understand why this book might end up eliciting polarising opinions within the general audience: to me, it felt more of a character study, focusing on the (admittedly few) characters and the relationships that tied them together, rendering the pace of the work very slow and making the dig take up almost a secondary place in the narrative. Nevertheless, I found the writing style to complement the slow pace in a skilful way, making the act of reading it very enjoyable and not boring at all.
If i have to critique this book it would be because of its inconsistently fast paced ending, which i would’ve preferred to be a bit more detailed, though it did not take away from my enjoyment of the work. Overall i found this book to be a pleasant surprise and i would definitely check out more books from the author in the future.
January 27, 2025
The Sleeping Land had such a good premise but, unfortunately this book was not for me. I love a good historical thriller but, this just took way too long for me to get into. even through the book i honestly did not care about what was happening or how it was going to end.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
October 28, 2024
Three junior archeologists and their gloryhound advisor arrive at a remote cave in the heart of the Siberian wilderness to carry out the first extensive Western dig on Russian soil since the execution of the Czar. When one of their first digs immediately produces an ancient bone-needle, hinting at prehistoric civilization in the area, curiosity, tempers and greed are sparked within the different group members. As tensions rise among them, there’s more to worry over than just the hazards of an unexplored cave system. There are dangers both human and natural around them, and maybe something that falls somewhere in between…
What I liked:
It took me a while to get a feeling of what to expect from The Sleeping Land. Was I in for a creature-feature-horror, a psychological thriller, a man-vs-nature survival story, or something else entirely? In the end, I’d describe it as more of a psychological thriller, with a bit of a horror twist, which suited the story perfectly.
Highlights include its isolated wilderness setting and slowly building tension. There’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates this, in which one of the characters attempts to navigate a narrow cave-passage. You can feel the claustrophobic terror of the cave walls coming in, as well as an added layer of interpersonal mistrust, as she isn’t quite sure if she can fully trust her climbing-partner, on whom her life fully depends during the descent.
Although the tension is more “gradual” than in-your-face, the book still keeps a tight pacing. I started reading it during a 3-hour flight, and had finished the book before we even touched down.
What I didn’t like:
The characters and their development keep the story from being a full 4- or 5-star read for me. Our main cast of 4 men and 1 woman have quite a bit of history, which we don’t actually get to see on page. Because of that, it’s hard to get a true feeling for them individually, or the depth of their relationships, which becomes a problem when much of the tension in the mid-part hinges upon that. Without that background, some of it feels shallow. More than once I was a bit annoyed having to read about the characters personal drama (mainly about the way most of the men seemed to have slept with the single, pretty woman among them at one point or another), instead of the actual adventure and discovery they were there for.
Then there’s the final twist; what they find in the caves… It’ll be a hit or miss for people. I’m glad the story didn’t go full creature-feature, but the twist we got is one that I often find unbelievable. So too here.
With a bit more time in the oven for character-development (perhaps some flash-backs in which we would’ve gotten tot see them interact before the dig more), this could’ve been a standout novel. As it stands, it was a good time that I don’t regret and would recommend for fans of archeological-/wilderness-themed thrillers.
Many thanks to The Unnamed Press and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What I liked:
It took me a while to get a feeling of what to expect from The Sleeping Land. Was I in for a creature-feature-horror, a psychological thriller, a man-vs-nature survival story, or something else entirely? In the end, I’d describe it as more of a psychological thriller, with a bit of a horror twist, which suited the story perfectly.
Highlights include its isolated wilderness setting and slowly building tension. There’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates this, in which one of the characters attempts to navigate a narrow cave-passage. You can feel the claustrophobic terror of the cave walls coming in, as well as an added layer of interpersonal mistrust, as she isn’t quite sure if she can fully trust her climbing-partner, on whom her life fully depends during the descent.
Although the tension is more “gradual” than in-your-face, the book still keeps a tight pacing. I started reading it during a 3-hour flight, and had finished the book before we even touched down.
What I didn’t like:
The characters and their development keep the story from being a full 4- or 5-star read for me. Our main cast of 4 men and 1 woman have quite a bit of history, which we don’t actually get to see on page. Because of that, it’s hard to get a true feeling for them individually, or the depth of their relationships, which becomes a problem when much of the tension in the mid-part hinges upon that. Without that background, some of it feels shallow. More than once I was a bit annoyed having to read about the characters personal drama (mainly about the way most of the men seemed to have slept with the single, pretty woman among them at one point or another), instead of the actual adventure and discovery they were there for.
Then there’s the final twist; what they find in the caves… It’ll be a hit or miss for people. I’m glad the story didn’t go full creature-feature, but the twist we got is one that I often find unbelievable. So too here.
With a bit more time in the oven for character-development (perhaps some flash-backs in which we would’ve gotten tot see them interact before the dig more), this could’ve been a standout novel. As it stands, it was a good time that I don’t regret and would recommend for fans of archeological-/wilderness-themed thrillers.
Many thanks to The Unnamed Press and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2024
I love a good thriller, but wow I struggled to finish this one. First the characters have no depth to them. I don’t feel like there is enough backstory or information on conflicts. The characters, who seem to be close, feel so distant from one another. Finally, I struggled getting into the story. Just when I thought it was getting good, it would slow down or switch up in a weird way.
Thank you Net Galley and Unnamed Press for an advanced copy of this book!
Thank you Net Galley and Unnamed Press for an advanced copy of this book!
January 14, 2025
NOT A HORROR
If that book were labeled as fiction, I would give it 3 stars. Unfortunately, it's in the horror category, and as such, it deserves 1 star.
Archeologists travel to Syberia to uncover mysteries in an ancient cave. It sounds interesting and promising. But, surprisingly, there is very little happening in a cave, which is supposed to be at the center of this book, right? I was expecting weird things to happen in this otherwise perfect horror setting.
Almost all of the book focuses on the dynamics between the members of the expedition. There is a lot of tension between the archeologists, professional rivalry, jealousy, and suspicions. The problem is that we don't get straight answers, and with sudden changes of POV, it all gets a bit messy.
November 24, 2025
Deludente. Per essere un libro in cui l’esplorazione delle complessità e delle relazioni tra i personaggi viene preferita al “worldbuilding” the protagonists sure suck MAJOR ASS. sorry to anyone who loved this ma non per me decisamente. La prosa (più o meno) è ciò che salva il libro.
July 26, 2025
Awesome premise, gorgeous writing.
The tension in this book could be cut with a knife, I swear. Kudos for creating such an overall unsettling vibe; I think I had nightmares about caves and ~other things I will not mention~
Also pleasantly surprised to read a well-researched book about Siberia and Yakutia. Not a part of the world people talk about too often.
The tension in this book could be cut with a knife, I swear. Kudos for creating such an overall unsettling vibe; I think I had nightmares about caves and ~other things I will not mention~
Also pleasantly surprised to read a well-researched book about Siberia and Yakutia. Not a part of the world people talk about too often.
November 24, 2025
per me leggere questo libro è stato l’equivalente di un’antica tortura cinese
November 1, 2024
In The Sleeping Land by Ella Alexander, a team of archaeologists explores a remote cave set in the recently collapsed Soviet Union and makes some interesting discoveries. As soon as I got the book, I was excited to read about the cave. It didn’t turn up until about the thirty-percent mark—and then things grew suspenseful. Overall, the story kept me reading until the end! This is for readers who like slow-burn speculative mysteries and stories set in international locations. Thanks to Unnamed Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.
March 5, 2025
Picture yourself on an archaeological dig, with two other postgraduates you don't fully like or trust, with an advisor who is definitely a little odd, and you're in the middle of nowhere in Siberia during summer time, when the sun hardly sets. That's enough to feel a little out of it, but when you add weird sounds, scratches in the floor, and everyone's increasingly nervous behaviour, you have a pressure cooker-type of situation ready to explore. That's The Sleeping Land which cooks slowly, but reaches a boil when necessary. Thanks to Unnamed Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Before I ended up in literary studies, I held childhood dreams of becoming an archaeologist. I couldn't imagine there being anything better than actually digging up and touching history that way. I eventually moved from digging in dirt to digging in books, but a certain fascination with archaeology remained. A lot of the students I teach also study archaeology and I have to admit to mild yearning whenever they speak of going to digs over the summer. Because of this longing, The Sleeping Land by Ella Alexander was, in many ways, right up my alley. In a way, it could almost fit into the Dark Academia genre, except that instead of dusty libraries and Greek lessons, it's dusty caves and lessons on sedimentary layers and safety protocols. The Sleeping Land is, as I said above, something of a slow pressure cooker but I can imagine that, for many readers, it is too slow. There are train journeys across the Siberian tundra, odd encounters with fellow travellers, ruminations on student-supervisor relations, diffuse lives coming together to dig, and the growing need for clear answers and guidelines. I enjoy these wanderings through the minds of characters, picing up snippets of backstory here and there, but also just following their thoughts on history, who gets to tell what story, and whether who we are is set in stone.
Val, Kit, and Mark are in Russia, shortly after the collapse of the USSR. They are going on a dig with their, somewhat enigmatic, supervisor George Auberon. He is at once just a man, and yet for each also a little larger than life. This dig could end up making their careers, and yet all three are, in their own ways, uncomfortable even before they reach a quiet, far-away valley to begin excavating a cave George remembers from previous travels. While each thinks themselves at least somewhat prepared for the strain of the dig, rumours that the valley is haunted, or "occupied", does little to settle their nerves. To say anything more would really spoil the fun, but be assured that in the last 10 to 15% of the book, the tension ramps up, as all the stress and anxiety that has built up explodes. Something I enjoyed was how the POV switched between Val, Kit, and Mark pretty consistently. I would say that the majority of the focus is on Val, but you get a solid insight into the other two as well, while George remains, quite rightfully, something of a mystery. I also really liked how Alexander described things throughout the novel, it really allowed me to picture their surroundings and feel the desolation of the dig.
I went into The Sleeping Land having, largely, forgotten what it was about. I knew I had requested it for a reason, so I decided to trust past me and not look up the blurb before beginning to read. Because of this approach, Ella Alexander got to properly lure me in without me having any preconceptions or clear ideas about where she wanted to take this book. What I enjoyed about the novel is that she is working with a cast of characters who are all, in their own ways, deeply annoying and unlikeable, and yet you also get to see them as actual, conflicted human beings. From the beginning I thought that Alexander managed to build up a good sense of how deeply entangled they all are with one another, with each other's pasts and futures, with their individual hopes and dreams, and it all ends up feeling sweaty, constricting, and a little gross. Which I imagine is what an archaeological dig in a cave must indeed feel like. While the novel does ruminate on history, on who gets to shape it and what that means, I think this theme could have come through a little more strongly. As it is, The Sleeping Land is a fun balance between historical fiction and something of a historical horror. For a debut novel, I am very pleased by the end result and I look forward to reading more by Ella Alexander.
The Sleeping Land pulls you in slowly, only to take your breath away with a rapid-fire finale. If you're a fan of archaeological sites and like your horror with a side-serving of history, then this is the novel for you.
URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
Before I ended up in literary studies, I held childhood dreams of becoming an archaeologist. I couldn't imagine there being anything better than actually digging up and touching history that way. I eventually moved from digging in dirt to digging in books, but a certain fascination with archaeology remained. A lot of the students I teach also study archaeology and I have to admit to mild yearning whenever they speak of going to digs over the summer. Because of this longing, The Sleeping Land by Ella Alexander was, in many ways, right up my alley. In a way, it could almost fit into the Dark Academia genre, except that instead of dusty libraries and Greek lessons, it's dusty caves and lessons on sedimentary layers and safety protocols. The Sleeping Land is, as I said above, something of a slow pressure cooker but I can imagine that, for many readers, it is too slow. There are train journeys across the Siberian tundra, odd encounters with fellow travellers, ruminations on student-supervisor relations, diffuse lives coming together to dig, and the growing need for clear answers and guidelines. I enjoy these wanderings through the minds of characters, picing up snippets of backstory here and there, but also just following their thoughts on history, who gets to tell what story, and whether who we are is set in stone.
Val, Kit, and Mark are in Russia, shortly after the collapse of the USSR. They are going on a dig with their, somewhat enigmatic, supervisor George Auberon. He is at once just a man, and yet for each also a little larger than life. This dig could end up making their careers, and yet all three are, in their own ways, uncomfortable even before they reach a quiet, far-away valley to begin excavating a cave George remembers from previous travels. While each thinks themselves at least somewhat prepared for the strain of the dig, rumours that the valley is haunted, or "occupied", does little to settle their nerves. To say anything more would really spoil the fun, but be assured that in the last 10 to 15% of the book, the tension ramps up, as all the stress and anxiety that has built up explodes. Something I enjoyed was how the POV switched between Val, Kit, and Mark pretty consistently. I would say that the majority of the focus is on Val, but you get a solid insight into the other two as well, while George remains, quite rightfully, something of a mystery. I also really liked how Alexander described things throughout the novel, it really allowed me to picture their surroundings and feel the desolation of the dig.
I went into The Sleeping Land having, largely, forgotten what it was about. I knew I had requested it for a reason, so I decided to trust past me and not look up the blurb before beginning to read. Because of this approach, Ella Alexander got to properly lure me in without me having any preconceptions or clear ideas about where she wanted to take this book. What I enjoyed about the novel is that she is working with a cast of characters who are all, in their own ways, deeply annoying and unlikeable, and yet you also get to see them as actual, conflicted human beings. From the beginning I thought that Alexander managed to build up a good sense of how deeply entangled they all are with one another, with each other's pasts and futures, with their individual hopes and dreams, and it all ends up feeling sweaty, constricting, and a little gross. Which I imagine is what an archaeological dig in a cave must indeed feel like. While the novel does ruminate on history, on who gets to shape it and what that means, I think this theme could have come through a little more strongly. As it is, The Sleeping Land is a fun balance between historical fiction and something of a historical horror. For a debut novel, I am very pleased by the end result and I look forward to reading more by Ella Alexander.
The Sleeping Land pulls you in slowly, only to take your breath away with a rapid-fire finale. If you're a fan of archaeological sites and like your horror with a side-serving of history, then this is the novel for you.
URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
January 4, 2025
The Sleeping Land is a book that I requested because of its premise and its cover, and also because the author is debuting their first novel. I try my best to be gentle with debut books and also with ARCs that I receive. That said, this book was extremely difficult for me to get through and I think needs a good amount of improvement to make it something that I could recommend to others.
This review will contain light spoilers for the book, but I will be tagging the whole thing as a spoiler for those that want to go in completely blind.
The Sleeping Land follows three graduate archeology students and their professor as they embark on a dig in Siberia. They are told that the site is haunted - or occupied as the locals put it - but they carry on to their work undeterred.
Think that summary sounds unfinished? That's because that is exactly how the book feels. Let me give you a few plot markers:
At 35%, the four characters finally arrive at the dig site after riding a train
At 51%, the characters find a sewing needle carved from bone.
At 58%, the characters return to the nearest town to shower and reup on supplies.
At 76%, they return back to the dig site. Nothing overtly strange has happened.
At 84%, we finally, finally start to get some action just in time for the book to end.
From this, I'm sure you can derive that the pacing was a major issue for me. To be fair to this title, horror books really do ramp up to their final, spine-tingling conclusion towards the last 15-20% of the book. The building tension finally exploding at the end is what makes a book effective. With this book, though, there was little to no tension built to make the audience feel like there are any dangerous stakes for the characters, and there is very little comment or continuation of the few events that are meant to give the unsettling feeling that the group is being watched. It isn't until close to halfway through the book that we learn that Mark hasn't been walking outside of the tents at night, but none of the characters comment on this revelation despite the implication that there is something out in the woods with them.
The second major issue for me here was the writing style. The book is written in a 3rd person limited POV that transitions between characters often. This is not an issue by itself. In this case, though, the reader gets little to no warning that the POV will be switching. The changes happen from one paragraph to the next, jarring the reader into reframing their view of how a scene is going and which character's eyes they are seeing through. Even just a row of asterisks to denote a shift in perspective would have made the book a lot more palatable for me.
I really do want to say nice things about this book as well as I really do respect authors and the effort they put into writing and publishing. The issue that I am having is that many of the aspects that I would review a book for left me wanting in this novel. The characters are mostly unlikable people who hate the people they are forced to work with. A good portion of the book is spent reminding us of that point. The atmosphere is fine - they sure are in the woods - but nothing distinctly gives off the idea that we are in Siberia vs. the great wilds of rural Vermont. Even the final reveal of the conspiracy and horror points feels lackluster and random.
I hope that with some editors' notes, this book can add some tension-building moments throughout to make it compelling for the reader. Right now, though, I find it hard to recommend this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This review will contain light spoilers for the book, but I will be tagging the whole thing as a spoiler for those that want to go in completely blind.
The Sleeping Land follows three graduate archeology students and their professor as they embark on a dig in Siberia. They are told that the site is haunted - or occupied as the locals put it - but they carry on to their work undeterred.
Think that summary sounds unfinished? That's because that is exactly how the book feels. Let me give you a few plot markers:
At 35%, the four characters finally arrive at the dig site after riding a train
At 51%, the characters find a sewing needle carved from bone.
At 58%, the characters return to the nearest town to shower and reup on supplies.
At 76%, they return back to the dig site. Nothing overtly strange has happened.
At 84%, we finally, finally start to get some action just in time for the book to end.
From this, I'm sure you can derive that the pacing was a major issue for me. To be fair to this title, horror books really do ramp up to their final, spine-tingling conclusion towards the last 15-20% of the book. The building tension finally exploding at the end is what makes a book effective. With this book, though, there was little to no tension built to make the audience feel like there are any dangerous stakes for the characters, and there is very little comment or continuation of the few events that are meant to give the unsettling feeling that the group is being watched. It isn't until close to halfway through the book that we learn that Mark hasn't been walking outside of the tents at night, but none of the characters comment on this revelation despite the implication that there is something out in the woods with them.
The second major issue for me here was the writing style. The book is written in a 3rd person limited POV that transitions between characters often. This is not an issue by itself. In this case, though, the reader gets little to no warning that the POV will be switching. The changes happen from one paragraph to the next, jarring the reader into reframing their view of how a scene is going and which character's eyes they are seeing through. Even just a row of asterisks to denote a shift in perspective would have made the book a lot more palatable for me.
I really do want to say nice things about this book as well as I really do respect authors and the effort they put into writing and publishing. The issue that I am having is that many of the aspects that I would review a book for left me wanting in this novel. The characters are mostly unlikable people who hate the people they are forced to work with. A good portion of the book is spent reminding us of that point. The atmosphere is fine - they sure are in the woods - but nothing distinctly gives off the idea that we are in Siberia vs. the great wilds of rural Vermont. Even the final reveal of the conspiracy and horror points feels lackluster and random.
I hope that with some editors' notes, this book can add some tension-building moments throughout to make it compelling for the reader. Right now, though, I find it hard to recommend this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 17, 2025
ARC review; thanks to NetGalley and Unnamed Press for the access to this ebook. Pub date: Mar 4, 2025.
Boy do I hate when a debut novel just doesn't work for me and this really, really didn't work for me. I was excited about it because the premise is very intriguing and the cover is beautiful. However, what I got just wasn't it. Not in my opinion, anyway. 2.5 stars.
This is about a small group of archeologists who are going to a remote cave in the Siberian wilderness to do an extensive dig in a place that's said to be "occupied." Doesn't that sound great?! So, you see, I was expecting tension, eeriness, creepiness, atmosphere, or thrills of some kind. Even a little horror! But I didn't get any of that.
My biggest issue is the pacing. It was so bad and so not what I expected, it threw me off right away. It takes them 35% (!!!!) to even get to the cave and that 35% was incredibly boring, with the exception of maybe the first 5 or so chapters, where we get introduced to the characters and get a feel of the kind of people they are. They're not very interesting people, by the way, and they don't really like each other, a fact that's shoved down our throats throughout the book for no reason.
After every chapter, I kept thinking, "Okay, surely they won't be on this train for much longer, right?"
When they finally do get to the cave, things get a little more interesting and I started having hope again. There's a claustrophobic scene inside the cave that was really good and they actually dig up something unexpected, but they don't spend much time there before going back to a town or whatever, and I was shocked by that. It made no sense to interrupt their time at the cave, what the fuck?
Then, they return to the cave and it's already, like, 70 or 80%, so of course things start picking up. Weird things happen, things escalate a little, and we finally learn what's "occupying" the cave. The thing is, and this is my second biggest issue with the book, the discovery is incredibly unbelievable and zero attempt was made at making it believable within the reality of this novel, so it falls flat on its face. It just doesn't work, in my opinion. Not at all.
And it could have worked, that's the thing!!! It could've worked and it could've been such an impactful and creepy story, but it wasn't cause it wasn't established well. And the characters' reaction to this amazing discovery was sooo... flat. You'd think they discovered something completely ordinary. None of them were in awe or terrified by some of the things that happened. I have no words for how underwhelming everything was in the end.
One thing this does have going for it is the writing. Ella Alexander can write and I will keep an eye out for any future books, but this one is a no for me and I feel sorry about that.
Boy do I hate when a debut novel just doesn't work for me and this really, really didn't work for me. I was excited about it because the premise is very intriguing and the cover is beautiful. However, what I got just wasn't it. Not in my opinion, anyway. 2.5 stars.
This is about a small group of archeologists who are going to a remote cave in the Siberian wilderness to do an extensive dig in a place that's said to be "occupied." Doesn't that sound great?! So, you see, I was expecting tension, eeriness, creepiness, atmosphere, or thrills of some kind. Even a little horror! But I didn't get any of that.
My biggest issue is the pacing. It was so bad and so not what I expected, it threw me off right away. It takes them 35% (!!!!) to even get to the cave and that 35% was incredibly boring, with the exception of maybe the first 5 or so chapters, where we get introduced to the characters and get a feel of the kind of people they are. They're not very interesting people, by the way, and they don't really like each other, a fact that's shoved down our throats throughout the book for no reason.
After every chapter, I kept thinking, "Okay, surely they won't be on this train for much longer, right?"
When they finally do get to the cave, things get a little more interesting and I started having hope again. There's a claustrophobic scene inside the cave that was really good and they actually dig up something unexpected, but they don't spend much time there before going back to a town or whatever, and I was shocked by that. It made no sense to interrupt their time at the cave, what the fuck?
Then, they return to the cave and it's already, like, 70 or 80%, so of course things start picking up. Weird things happen, things escalate a little, and we finally learn what's "occupying" the cave. The thing is, and this is my second biggest issue with the book, the discovery is incredibly unbelievable and zero attempt was made at making it believable within the reality of this novel, so it falls flat on its face. It just doesn't work, in my opinion. Not at all.
And it could have worked, that's the thing!!! It could've worked and it could've been such an impactful and creepy story, but it wasn't cause it wasn't established well. And the characters' reaction to this amazing discovery was sooo... flat. You'd think they discovered something completely ordinary. None of them were in awe or terrified by some of the things that happened. I have no words for how underwhelming everything was in the end.
One thing this does have going for it is the writing. Ella Alexander can write and I will keep an eye out for any future books, but this one is a no for me and I feel sorry about that.
March 12, 2025
The Sleeping Land by Ella Alexander (Out now, thank you @unnamedpress for this #gifted ARC)
A professor and his students embark on an archaeological dig via the Trans Siberian railway in 1994 shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. While the group has a vague idea of what their summer in the remote reaches of Siberia where there is almost 24 hours of daylight will entail, the exact details of where they are going and what they are looking for are shrouded in mystery. They are told where they are going isn’t exactly haunted but “occupied,” although what this means isn’t quite clear.
I really enjoyed the slow unfolding of this story. The opening of the book where the group spends days on the train and we begin to learn more about the novel’s central characters and their interpersonal relationships hit the “not a lot happens” sweet spot that, when combined with solid writing, is often a hit for me. This navigation of the past and how it shows up in the present along with the lowering of the veil that occurs when we get to know people better and realize they are not what they seem had me rapt. The use of internal monologue that was introspective and focused on self awareness and discovery and explored the angst of human existence and wanting/needing connection but struggling with how to navigate human relationships kept me turning the pages.
I appreciated that this was set in a time and location that I’m not sure I’ve experienced previous reading. The remote Siberian setting, the small group of academics outside of the walls of academia, and the hints of mystery and uncertainty hanging around in the background created the perfect backdrop for exploring these characters and who they are and what they bring with them when they are stripped of their lives back home.
One of the things I found most interesting was the exploration of the female experience in a world filled with men, especially in academia, and the sole female character’s navigation of occupying this space and the nuances of agency and action that one takes in this environment to survive and get ahead.
I couldn’t help noticing that most of the reviews I’ve read about this book are negative. I don’t think the blurb is far off and I’m not sure how people got the impression that this would be a fast-paced plot driven novel with lots of horror elements but if that is what you’re looking for you won’t find it here. The elements of horror do come into play at the end, but even then it’s less “scary” and more about confronting things that are implausible, how we respond to the horrors that exist within human beings, how we navigate questionable behavior, and the steps we will take to achieve recognition and at what cost. What you will find is a solidly written, thoughtful character study with a setting and frame that makes it unique. It was definitely a hit for me.
A professor and his students embark on an archaeological dig via the Trans Siberian railway in 1994 shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. While the group has a vague idea of what their summer in the remote reaches of Siberia where there is almost 24 hours of daylight will entail, the exact details of where they are going and what they are looking for are shrouded in mystery. They are told where they are going isn’t exactly haunted but “occupied,” although what this means isn’t quite clear.
I really enjoyed the slow unfolding of this story. The opening of the book where the group spends days on the train and we begin to learn more about the novel’s central characters and their interpersonal relationships hit the “not a lot happens” sweet spot that, when combined with solid writing, is often a hit for me. This navigation of the past and how it shows up in the present along with the lowering of the veil that occurs when we get to know people better and realize they are not what they seem had me rapt. The use of internal monologue that was introspective and focused on self awareness and discovery and explored the angst of human existence and wanting/needing connection but struggling with how to navigate human relationships kept me turning the pages.
I appreciated that this was set in a time and location that I’m not sure I’ve experienced previous reading. The remote Siberian setting, the small group of academics outside of the walls of academia, and the hints of mystery and uncertainty hanging around in the background created the perfect backdrop for exploring these characters and who they are and what they bring with them when they are stripped of their lives back home.
One of the things I found most interesting was the exploration of the female experience in a world filled with men, especially in academia, and the sole female character’s navigation of occupying this space and the nuances of agency and action that one takes in this environment to survive and get ahead.
I couldn’t help noticing that most of the reviews I’ve read about this book are negative. I don’t think the blurb is far off and I’m not sure how people got the impression that this would be a fast-paced plot driven novel with lots of horror elements but if that is what you’re looking for you won’t find it here. The elements of horror do come into play at the end, but even then it’s less “scary” and more about confronting things that are implausible, how we respond to the horrors that exist within human beings, how we navigate questionable behavior, and the steps we will take to achieve recognition and at what cost. What you will find is a solidly written, thoughtful character study with a setting and frame that makes it unique. It was definitely a hit for me.
October 22, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I thought this was a really cool premise and definitely an intriguing read!
The creepy, eerie cave setting was great and I loved the aspects of archeology and historical discovery that were included. The author did an excellent job of building tension. The isolation and mystery created a great unsettling atmosphere and a sense of being watched at all times, which really heightened the stakes of the book.
The prose was also great and I thought the writing was super strong, especially for a debut novel! The dialogue in particular felt natural and helped to further the sense of unease and doubt between the characters. I'll definitely be on the lookout for anything written by this author in the future because I think she has huge potential.
However, I felt like all of the characters were pretty shallow and none of them got much development or exploration. Other than two or maybe three characters, they were all completely forgettable. It honestly took me a really long time to figure out who each of the main characters were and remember their roles, which is even worse considering how short the book is and how crucial it therefore was to define the characters early on.
It was also pretty male-centric and I felt like the (only) female main character didn't get any development beyond her relationship to the men on the archaeological dig with her, which was a shame as she seemed like a cool character. Learning more about her personal ambition and thoughts on their discoveries would have been nice rather than focusing solely on her confusion over her feelings about a guy. To all the characters who she interacted with, she only seemed to exist as an object or potential partner which felt weird to me. I just wish more time had been spent adding depth to the characters and actually exploring the cave and its secrets rather than worrying about who wants to sleep with who.
There was loads of stuff here that was great, and if you like well-written, short books with a lot of creepiness and mystery, this will probably be a great read! I just wish the characters had had more depth and that the FMC especially had more development outside of her relationships with men.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Unnamed Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a really cool premise and definitely an intriguing read!
The creepy, eerie cave setting was great and I loved the aspects of archeology and historical discovery that were included. The author did an excellent job of building tension. The isolation and mystery created a great unsettling atmosphere and a sense of being watched at all times, which really heightened the stakes of the book.
The prose was also great and I thought the writing was super strong, especially for a debut novel! The dialogue in particular felt natural and helped to further the sense of unease and doubt between the characters. I'll definitely be on the lookout for anything written by this author in the future because I think she has huge potential.
However, I felt like all of the characters were pretty shallow and none of them got much development or exploration. Other than two or maybe three characters, they were all completely forgettable. It honestly took me a really long time to figure out who each of the main characters were and remember their roles, which is even worse considering how short the book is and how crucial it therefore was to define the characters early on.
It was also pretty male-centric and I felt like the (only) female main character didn't get any development beyond her relationship to the men on the archaeological dig with her, which was a shame as she seemed like a cool character. Learning more about her personal ambition and thoughts on their discoveries would have been nice rather than focusing solely on her confusion over her feelings about a guy. To all the characters who she interacted with, she only seemed to exist as an object or potential partner which felt weird to me. I just wish more time had been spent adding depth to the characters and actually exploring the cave and its secrets rather than worrying about who wants to sleep with who.
There was loads of stuff here that was great, and if you like well-written, short books with a lot of creepiness and mystery, this will probably be a great read! I just wish the characters had had more depth and that the FMC especially had more development outside of her relationships with men.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Unnamed Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2024
The Sleeping Land by Ella Alexander
A group of four individuals, comprised of George Auberon, the leader, and three undergraduate students, partake in an expedition to uncover secrets buried beneath the lush Siberian landscape. As the story progresses, the complex dynamics of the characters' inner relationships become more apparent. For instance, while Valerie and George's relationship introduces complexity to the group dynamic, it also invites thoughtful consideration of the underlying moral questions. After examining a nearby cave, their laborious efforts are rewarded in the form of an ancient item. Deeper explorations of the foreboding cavern uncover remarkable artwork that is only partially visible due to a strong rock barrier. This discovery is monumental in the plot, as George's personality shifts seismically. His behavior turns distant and irrational, leaving the group to speculate about his true intentions. What exactly is their purpose in being here?
I could not get rid of the impression that the writing was extremely dry and emotionless. I kept yearning for more from the story; I wanted it to move the needle. Regretfully, the temperature was in the middle, neither too hot nor too cold. I am that guy, to be clear, who will eat a piece of pizza right out of the oven and burn his face off. I need that instant gratification! Ella Alexander told a good story with some intrigue, but by the end, the zeal I desperately wanted came too late.
Ultimately, I am left feeling both hopeful and somewhat disappointed. The beauty of posting a review and having opinions is reading the same piece of literature and having varying perspectives. I will leave the reader to decide. With some optimism, I give this a rating of three stars out of five. I am eager to explore more of this author's work and believe her writing has great potential for growth and creativity.
Many thanks to Unnamed Press for the ARC through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
A group of four individuals, comprised of George Auberon, the leader, and three undergraduate students, partake in an expedition to uncover secrets buried beneath the lush Siberian landscape. As the story progresses, the complex dynamics of the characters' inner relationships become more apparent. For instance, while Valerie and George's relationship introduces complexity to the group dynamic, it also invites thoughtful consideration of the underlying moral questions. After examining a nearby cave, their laborious efforts are rewarded in the form of an ancient item. Deeper explorations of the foreboding cavern uncover remarkable artwork that is only partially visible due to a strong rock barrier. This discovery is monumental in the plot, as George's personality shifts seismically. His behavior turns distant and irrational, leaving the group to speculate about his true intentions. What exactly is their purpose in being here?
I could not get rid of the impression that the writing was extremely dry and emotionless. I kept yearning for more from the story; I wanted it to move the needle. Regretfully, the temperature was in the middle, neither too hot nor too cold. I am that guy, to be clear, who will eat a piece of pizza right out of the oven and burn his face off. I need that instant gratification! Ella Alexander told a good story with some intrigue, but by the end, the zeal I desperately wanted came too late.
Ultimately, I am left feeling both hopeful and somewhat disappointed. The beauty of posting a review and having opinions is reading the same piece of literature and having varying perspectives. I will leave the reader to decide. With some optimism, I give this a rating of three stars out of five. I am eager to explore more of this author's work and believe her writing has great potential for growth and creativity.
Many thanks to Unnamed Press for the ARC through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
December 28, 2024
Congratulations to this being my 400th book read in Goodreads ❤️.
This review could only be done thanks to NetGalley and The Unnamed Press. Getting this as an ARC does not influence my review.
I have loved archeology from a young age. It began with my love of Agatha Christie mysteries (and in case this is new, her second husband was an archeologist). So many of her books include snippets of archaeology and history and ever since then I have been obsessed. Now that I'm older and nowhere near to fulfilling my dream of being an archeologist, books like these kind of give me a glimpse of what could have been. Not that I would want to be any of these people….
We are introduced to a group of archeologists and their advisor as they set themselves on a journey to a Siberian cave for research. From the very beginning, we can tell that their advisor has a penchant for opulence. The last bit of civilization they see is an expensive restaurant where they feel as if they do not belong. Here we get introduced to the junior archaeologists. Viv and Kit, and the odd one out, Mark. Mark is the rough type–countryside boy through and through. On the other hand, Kit is an unlikeable academic. Viv is our main character, as we get her point of view first. She is average, somewhat normal compared to the others. George, the advisor, has a bit of an odd relationship with her. Viv has a complicated relationship with almost everyone actually. But if you know anything about the academic space you would not be surprised by anything interpersonal that happened in this book.
Personally though, outside of the relationships, the actual story did little to interest me. In an attempt to not spoil since it has not come out, all I will say is the resolution was unrealistic. Otherwise this would have been 4 stars for me. It was also extremely short and I think could have gained from having some more pages at the end to flesh out the story more.
This review could only be done thanks to NetGalley and The Unnamed Press. Getting this as an ARC does not influence my review.
I have loved archeology from a young age. It began with my love of Agatha Christie mysteries (and in case this is new, her second husband was an archeologist). So many of her books include snippets of archaeology and history and ever since then I have been obsessed. Now that I'm older and nowhere near to fulfilling my dream of being an archeologist, books like these kind of give me a glimpse of what could have been. Not that I would want to be any of these people….
We are introduced to a group of archeologists and their advisor as they set themselves on a journey to a Siberian cave for research. From the very beginning, we can tell that their advisor has a penchant for opulence. The last bit of civilization they see is an expensive restaurant where they feel as if they do not belong. Here we get introduced to the junior archaeologists. Viv and Kit, and the odd one out, Mark. Mark is the rough type–countryside boy through and through. On the other hand, Kit is an unlikeable academic. Viv is our main character, as we get her point of view first. She is average, somewhat normal compared to the others. George, the advisor, has a bit of an odd relationship with her. Viv has a complicated relationship with almost everyone actually. But if you know anything about the academic space you would not be surprised by anything interpersonal that happened in this book.
Personally though, outside of the relationships, the actual story did little to interest me. In an attempt to not spoil since it has not come out, all I will say is the resolution was unrealistic. Otherwise this would have been 4 stars for me. It was also extremely short and I think could have gained from having some more pages at the end to flesh out the story more.
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February 15, 2025It's not dark academia if they're not actually in the academy for the entirety of the novel, but The Sleeping Land's archaeological dig group sure shares some characteristics of the genre. Charismatic and independently wealthy leader, check; simmering sexual resentment, check; a contained setting, check; things going badly wrong, check. I'd argue, though, that this novel's forebears are more VanderMeer and Strugatsky than Tartt and Bardugo. Arriving in Siberia right after the fall of the USSR, the group discovers that their access to the dig site—a sacred prehistoric cave—is mediated by a local contact named Vasiliy who seems to have a variety of shady connections, and perhaps an agenda of his own. A coke-dealing American businessman on the Trans-Siberian Express accuses them all of working for the KGB, or the CIA. Isolated at the site for weeks at a time, minor incidents make each group member begin to doubt elements of their own reality. There's a real sense in this novel of a metaphorical other world, a system of behaviour and conduct and money that underlies the seemingly straightforward imperatives and preoccupations of the explorers. VanderMeer gets at this when he writes of Central; Strugatsky, in his descriptions of the Institute founded to study the Zone. Alexander writes so well, too, with an unshowy clarity and competence (but an eye for the telling detail) that makes it easy to surrender to the reading experience. My sole complaint is that the ending feels very abrupt, but otherwise, I'd highly recommend this. Source: NetGalley; publishing 4 March
March 28, 2025
The book has equal parts humor and insight into what makes people tick. A one word theme for the book might be “ambition” as it explores how three archeology students and their professor are seduced by the possibility of an astounding discovery, and how their essential natures are revealed as they untangle the ethical ramifications of their findings. The decision to set the archeological dig in a newly opened Siberia in the 1990’s allows for a cast of colorful characters in the trans-Siberian railroad, such as the sleep walking, watch stealing man known only as Klaus Kinski for his resemblance to the actor. The book is primarily narrated through Val who has a dry sense of humor and a keen eye for people’s foibles and preconceptions. While Val is critical of the male posturing and one-ups-man-ship of academia (the graduate student Mark traps himself into reading a lengthy and dull biography simply titled Stalin because he thinks it will impress the others), Val's barbs are softened by an underlying affection for those around her. The book includes beautiful descriptions, such as cave paintings that come to life, and a parallel description of a church with its band of evil angels. A real love for archeology and how amazing it is to handle remnants of a distant past are also core elements of the novel. Especially in the second half of the book, when the team is on site in a remote region of Siberia, Alexander adeptly sets up a mystery which helps propel the book to its unexpected and satisfying conclusion. I really loved this book and it was one that made me think about its themes, imagery and characters long after I finished reading it.
November 28, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
The Sleeping Land was most interesting to me for its constant oscillation between the perspectives of its central characters, Val, Kit, Mark, and George, who form a team of graduate students in archaeology led by their charismatic, if unorthodox, professor. It does very well in showing us how unreliable personal perception can be, how poorly we can guess at the way we're seen by others, how the same incident can be seen in several ways. While I do agree with criticisms that the characters don't feel fully realized — they feel like studies of characters more than living, breathing people — this is an ensemble cast in a short book. Their interplay felt more important to me than deep investigation of each character. I don't feel this aspect detracted from my enjoyment.
I also appreciated the "historical" aspect of the novel — the mid 1990s aren't really so far away from us, now. They're still a tangible memory for many. But Ella Alexander was effective in creating the sense of a capsule from a distant time that is at once distinct and familiar from what we know now, both in the details of her writing and in the ways her characters thought. Maybe this only stuck out to me so much because of my own nostalgia, but I did enjoy it very much.
Throughout the novel, I was intrigued by its looming sense of uncertainty and the mystery of the cave. Strangely, though, I felt the tension most intensely in the book's first third, prior to the characters' arrival at the archaeological site. Their train ride and journey to the site was uncanny and tense. By comparison, the ending felt somewhat rushed. I was left with unresolved questions and loose threads of side-plots that never led to anywhere concrete.
On the whole, I enjoyed The Sleeping Land. I'm surprised I haven't seen more buzz surrounding it among fans of dark academia — this really feels like it's intended for lovers of that niche. In particular, I think this would appeal to fans of The Secret History who have grown a little older and more world-weary since first reading that book. I would also recommend it to readers who enjoy meandering thrillers, unreliable narrators, and looking into the near-distant 1990s past.
Thank you to Unnamed Press and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for my honest review.
The Sleeping Land was most interesting to me for its constant oscillation between the perspectives of its central characters, Val, Kit, Mark, and George, who form a team of graduate students in archaeology led by their charismatic, if unorthodox, professor. It does very well in showing us how unreliable personal perception can be, how poorly we can guess at the way we're seen by others, how the same incident can be seen in several ways. While I do agree with criticisms that the characters don't feel fully realized — they feel like studies of characters more than living, breathing people — this is an ensemble cast in a short book. Their interplay felt more important to me than deep investigation of each character. I don't feel this aspect detracted from my enjoyment.
I also appreciated the "historical" aspect of the novel — the mid 1990s aren't really so far away from us, now. They're still a tangible memory for many. But Ella Alexander was effective in creating the sense of a capsule from a distant time that is at once distinct and familiar from what we know now, both in the details of her writing and in the ways her characters thought. Maybe this only stuck out to me so much because of my own nostalgia, but I did enjoy it very much.
Throughout the novel, I was intrigued by its looming sense of uncertainty and the mystery of the cave. Strangely, though, I felt the tension most intensely in the book's first third, prior to the characters' arrival at the archaeological site. Their train ride and journey to the site was uncanny and tense. By comparison, the ending felt somewhat rushed. I was left with unresolved questions and loose threads of side-plots that never led to anywhere concrete.
On the whole, I enjoyed The Sleeping Land. I'm surprised I haven't seen more buzz surrounding it among fans of dark academia — this really feels like it's intended for lovers of that niche. In particular, I think this would appeal to fans of The Secret History who have grown a little older and more world-weary since first reading that book. I would also recommend it to readers who enjoy meandering thrillers, unreliable narrators, and looking into the near-distant 1990s past.
Thank you to Unnamed Press and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2024
The Sleeping Land by Ella Alexander is an intriguing and engaging read. Set two years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, three young archaeologists, Val, Mark and Kit, and their advisor George, travel to a remote cave in the heart of the Siberian wilderness to study and carry out the first extensive western dig in Russia since the execution of the Czar. The excavation soon yields exciting discoveries but an intense, watching darkness lingers close by that imperils their very lives. The book skilfully creates tension through the relationship and dynamics of our characters, who once out in the wilderness begin to confront their own secrets and doubts. The prose was beautifully crafted and composed in this debut novel and it is a fast paced read especially in its final unravelling third. I did think the tension could haven been heightened with more time and the characters previous lives have been interwoven further to reveal the depths of their intense emotions and relationships to have more impact throughout the story. As a history fan I enjoyed the isolated setting of the archaeological dig and the mysterious cave with its secrets. Overall, it is a tense, haunting thriller with promise 4 Stars ✨.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
January 5, 2025
Initially, I was really excited to read this novel. I love the idea of an isolated research expedition, the potential claustrophobia and dangers that caves bring, and mysterious happenings and the suspense and tension that come with that. I think somewhere in this novel there is a really interesting story to be told, but for me personally, it was not a good fit.
There were major issues with the pacing. At the halfway point, you get the first inkling that something is off and you think, "Ah, here we go!", but nothing really happens after that to build any sense of tension, not until very near the very end of the book. Even then, when we should be hitting the climax, it falls flat because the characters we have been following are really unlikeable; in fact, they all dislike each other. I couldn't feel anything for them.
On a positive note, the setting is really interesting. And at the very end, when the characters interact with each other and talk with each other as a group, there was a better dynamic than them being in their own thoughts hating each other. The mystery of the cave and the lore of the area also had potential that I wish was explored more.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were major issues with the pacing. At the halfway point, you get the first inkling that something is off and you think, "Ah, here we go!", but nothing really happens after that to build any sense of tension, not until very near the very end of the book. Even then, when we should be hitting the climax, it falls flat because the characters we have been following are really unlikeable; in fact, they all dislike each other. I couldn't feel anything for them.
On a positive note, the setting is really interesting. And at the very end, when the characters interact with each other and talk with each other as a group, there was a better dynamic than them being in their own thoughts hating each other. The mystery of the cave and the lore of the area also had potential that I wish was explored more.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2024
This is a gorgeously written and creepy book that I absolutely ate up. Set right after the fall of the Soviet Union, we follow a team of archaeologists as they attempt the first Western dig of Soviet territory since the czar was executed in 1918. And then things get weird...
This book is spoooky. There's a creeping sense of dread and doom pretty much from the beginning, and it keeps amplifying at a steadily faster pace. The scenery is very evocative throughout - the Trans-Siberian sleeper train feels claustrophobic and electric, and the dig site is desolate and mysterious - and our characters are true weirdos who rile each other up constantly. The book does take a little bit to get going, but once I was about 25% in I was hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Unnamed Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book is spoooky. There's a creeping sense of dread and doom pretty much from the beginning, and it keeps amplifying at a steadily faster pace. The scenery is very evocative throughout - the Trans-Siberian sleeper train feels claustrophobic and electric, and the dig site is desolate and mysterious - and our characters are true weirdos who rile each other up constantly. The book does take a little bit to get going, but once I was about 25% in I was hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Unnamed Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 1, 2025
I liked this book. Firstly, I thought the writing was very solid. It’s beautifully descriptive, moody, and builds up a slow sense of dread. I personally liked the characterisation, too; there aren’t a lot of characters, but I felt I had a good grasp of their personalities. The concept of the book is an interesting one.
I can see this book being a little polarising; I personally liked the way the story was told, but it is a little meandering and sometimes hard to follow. The pace initially is very slow, building up to quite a pacy final 20%, but I found I didn’t mind it taking a while to get to the crux of the story. I thought it suited the book. A lot of the story is about paranoia, for me, so it worked well.
So, the book wasn’t scary, but it was certainly unsettling and intrigued me from the start. It was readable, if a bit slow at points, and the ending took me by surprise. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a slower, creeping sort of folk horror. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes:
Warnings: .
I can see this book being a little polarising; I personally liked the way the story was told, but it is a little meandering and sometimes hard to follow. The pace initially is very slow, building up to quite a pacy final 20%, but I found I didn’t mind it taking a while to get to the crux of the story. I thought it suited the book. A lot of the story is about paranoia, for me, so it worked well.
So, the book wasn’t scary, but it was certainly unsettling and intrigued me from the start. It was readable, if a bit slow at points, and the ending took me by surprise. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a slower, creeping sort of folk horror. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes:
Warnings: .
February 16, 2025
This what not what I was expecting, and I'm not even sure what happened in the end.
We have a cast of unlikable characters who are quirky and nasty ... academics. On an adventure in the Russian wilderness. Cheating on each other, picking out each other's flaws, getting high, being transgressive ... and carefully dusting of artefacts while on excavation.
I kept waiting for the horror to creep in. Finally, things start to go down at the very end of the novel, when an ancient needle is uncovered. Unfortunately, it all came too late, and the characters were already so awful, I hardly noticed the malicious powers at play.
I also felt like this painted such a strange and terrible picture of academics. This made me think of Lisa Nowak, who drove across America nonstop in a diaper on a mission of retribution ... after finding herself in a love triangle. Just bizarre and icky, and not in the way I wanted.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and The Unnamed Press for the advance copy.
We have a cast of unlikable characters who are quirky and nasty ... academics. On an adventure in the Russian wilderness. Cheating on each other, picking out each other's flaws, getting high, being transgressive ... and carefully dusting of artefacts while on excavation.
I kept waiting for the horror to creep in. Finally, things start to go down at the very end of the novel, when an ancient needle is uncovered. Unfortunately, it all came too late, and the characters were already so awful, I hardly noticed the malicious powers at play.
I also felt like this painted such a strange and terrible picture of academics. This made me think of Lisa Nowak, who drove across America nonstop in a diaper on a mission of retribution ... after finding herself in a love triangle. Just bizarre and icky, and not in the way I wanted.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and The Unnamed Press for the advance copy.
February 19, 2025
This book drew me in immediately. It is so lyrical, dark and at the same time somber. I like Val, I have opinions on the others, I am interested.
The storyline itself is really unique, at least to me. Not per se the train and it’s many interesting passengers but the motifs, the motives, the location to a degree and the plot in general. Having used such a big chunk of the narrative on the train was a good choice. It set up the characters in relations with each other but also in quiet mediation on their own lives.
And I’m taken by the three young people but oh how much I hate George. His arrogance, his abuse of power, his leading the students into a dangerous situation, his pressuring Val in the cave. Horrible. And he just keeps getting more and more unlikable.
The story on the other hand, tense and intriguing til the very end. It felt like a really good episode of The X-Files with Scully not believing in the end but Mulder knowing what he saw.
The storyline itself is really unique, at least to me. Not per se the train and it’s many interesting passengers but the motifs, the motives, the location to a degree and the plot in general. Having used such a big chunk of the narrative on the train was a good choice. It set up the characters in relations with each other but also in quiet mediation on their own lives.
And I’m taken by the three young people but oh how much I hate George. His arrogance, his abuse of power, his leading the students into a dangerous situation, his pressuring Val in the cave. Horrible. And he just keeps getting more and more unlikable.
The story on the other hand, tense and intriguing til the very end. It felt like a really good episode of The X-Files with Scully not believing in the end but Mulder knowing what he saw.
February 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Unnamed Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really wanted to enjoy this one, dark academia has been a genre that has consistently delivered for me, but unfortunately this fell short.
Something about this book just felt lacking, as if there was nothing really that it was trying to say.
The plot follows a group of archaeology students on a dig, all of whom felt somewhat flat, as if they were meant to be complex and alluring but were unable to ever feel three dimensional. And then the plot which was plodding along for 90% of the book suddenly teetered into a surreal ending that felt neither compelling nor shocking, just vaguely irritating and unnecessarily devoid of reality.
Maybe I’ll just stick to well received dark academia books in the future 🤷♀️
I really wanted to enjoy this one, dark academia has been a genre that has consistently delivered for me, but unfortunately this fell short.
Something about this book just felt lacking, as if there was nothing really that it was trying to say.
The plot follows a group of archaeology students on a dig, all of whom felt somewhat flat, as if they were meant to be complex and alluring but were unable to ever feel three dimensional. And then the plot which was plodding along for 90% of the book suddenly teetered into a surreal ending that felt neither compelling nor shocking, just vaguely irritating and unnecessarily devoid of reality.
Maybe I’ll just stick to well received dark academia books in the future 🤷♀️
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