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Below
Below is the debut novel from emerging Filipino American horror writer Alaric Cabiling. Below marks a return to literary horror not seen since the earliest books written by the biggest names in horror, namely Stephen King or Peter Straub. In Below, Cabiling paints scenes vividly, using elaborate detail, striking imagery, and stylish prose to craft a story of a zombie pandemic set in the modern age, where dirty chemical compounds in street drugs have led to a deterioration of brain function, causing the zombie phenomenon, where addicts are transforming, turning more savage and hungry, feeding on the ill and starving throughout the congested slums of Tondo, Manila and then, the world.
Tondo, Manila, Philippines is one of the worst possible places for a zombie apocalypse to break out, featuring dilapidated shanties housing crowded residents and congested populations, allowing for a frantic feeding frenzy from which there is no escape. Main character Min Arnaiz narrates the story, taking readers on a holocaustic journey touched with tragedy and despair throughout the streets of aforementioned Tondo, Manila, Philippines, escaping to New York City where he settles in the sewers, nicknamed Below by residents. There, he faces the second wave of the pandemic and summons all his courage to act as a hero, a shining example of a boy who has lived through turmoil to leave a lasting footprint on a depleted society, a world hopeful for one last chance at survival.
Follow Min Arnaiz ‘Below’ and experience unmitigated savagery and violence.
Tondo, Manila, Philippines is one of the worst possible places for a zombie apocalypse to break out, featuring dilapidated shanties housing crowded residents and congested populations, allowing for a frantic feeding frenzy from which there is no escape. Main character Min Arnaiz narrates the story, taking readers on a holocaustic journey touched with tragedy and despair throughout the streets of aforementioned Tondo, Manila, Philippines, escaping to New York City where he settles in the sewers, nicknamed Below by residents. There, he faces the second wave of the pandemic and summons all his courage to act as a hero, a shining example of a boy who has lived through turmoil to leave a lasting footprint on a depleted society, a world hopeful for one last chance at survival.
Follow Min Arnaiz ‘Below’ and experience unmitigated savagery and violence.
- GenresHorror
180 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2024
5 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Alaric Cabiling
1 book2 followersAlaric Cabiling is an award-winning literary horror fiction author from the Philippines. His debut novel, Below, has received plenty of critical acclaim, including an award win and others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 29, 2024
My thanks Asylum Art Press, Alaric Cabiling and Netgalley.
Jeezum crow! That was my final thought upon completion of this tale.
This was one engaging read that had me gripped right up to the moment that Mindo left home and came to the states.
He was such a downright lovable person that I felt his hurt. Then the story shifted to the states, and that's when Min broke my heart.
It's funny how some characters can find a place in a reader and make us love them so much, and then the author shakes it all up and then character flaws show up. I love that or hate it! I suppose it all depends on how they're written.
I hated the drug aspect of the story. Mostly because I was once that. But, I can also understand how one could lose every one or thing that would make them decide that, yes, I can now lose myself in drugs because everything and everyone is now gone.
I confess that I truly disliked the ending. Yet the story was so good that I'm willing to put personal feelings aside and give the author his due. Mr. Cabiling can tell a damned story!
Jeezum crow! That was my final thought upon completion of this tale.
This was one engaging read that had me gripped right up to the moment that Mindo left home and came to the states.
He was such a downright lovable person that I felt his hurt. Then the story shifted to the states, and that's when Min broke my heart.
It's funny how some characters can find a place in a reader and make us love them so much, and then the author shakes it all up and then character flaws show up. I love that or hate it! I suppose it all depends on how they're written.
I hated the drug aspect of the story. Mostly because I was once that. But, I can also understand how one could lose every one or thing that would make them decide that, yes, I can now lose myself in drugs because everything and everyone is now gone.
I confess that I truly disliked the ending. Yet the story was so good that I'm willing to put personal feelings aside and give the author his due. Mr. Cabiling can tell a damned story!
October 25, 2024
So my technical rating, broken down, would be as follow:
2 ½ stars +1 debut author bonus = 3 ½ stars, rounded up to 4, because that's how rounding works. Plus, this is zombies, and I haven't read a fun, unique zombie novel in a quite a little bit.
So "Below" is by indie and debut author Alaric Cabiling, and he sets his little drug-filled zombie-fest squarely in the poverty and squalor of one of the poorest areas in the Philippines, which is Barangay Happyland. "Happyland" is the home of some of Manila's poorest, living off the trash, much of it plastic, of the city. When I first heard this term Happyland, I thought the author was making this up. Sadly, he is not, as I discovered with a quick Google search that gave me this result:
https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/li...
The setting of the story strongly reminded me of a short dystopian I just read on reactor.com, titled The Plasticity of Being by Renan Bernardo. It's freely available on the Reactor site.
So 12-year-old Min dreams of becoming a doctor, goes to school with his friends, helps his family by scavenging through trash, and tries to avoid the local drug dealers. But a toxic combination of pollutants, newly concocted drugs, and poverty combine to create the chemical zombie out of the miasma of poverty, despair, and chemical poisons. The result is a drug zombie, which also reminded me of another story about drug zombies, but this one in a lighter, almost slapstick tone: Spice, Zombie, Apocalypse by Simon Carr.
"Below" is a brutal portrayal of poverty and drug addiction, and I think that it excels as this type of story. As a zombie story, it needs a little more polish. A few more guts and viscera and blood to be slung about and dribbled and spilled. A few more close calls.
I enjoyed the first person perspective, and especially the ending of the story. And I will certainly be on the look out for this up-and-coming horror novelist. Kudos to the author!
2 ½ stars +1 debut author bonus = 3 ½ stars, rounded up to 4, because that's how rounding works. Plus, this is zombies, and I haven't read a fun, unique zombie novel in a quite a little bit.
So "Below" is by indie and debut author Alaric Cabiling, and he sets his little drug-filled zombie-fest squarely in the poverty and squalor of one of the poorest areas in the Philippines, which is Barangay Happyland. "Happyland" is the home of some of Manila's poorest, living off the trash, much of it plastic, of the city. When I first heard this term Happyland, I thought the author was making this up. Sadly, he is not, as I discovered with a quick Google search that gave me this result:
https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/li...
The setting of the story strongly reminded me of a short dystopian I just read on reactor.com, titled The Plasticity of Being by Renan Bernardo. It's freely available on the Reactor site.
So 12-year-old Min dreams of becoming a doctor, goes to school with his friends, helps his family by scavenging through trash, and tries to avoid the local drug dealers. But a toxic combination of pollutants, newly concocted drugs, and poverty combine to create the chemical zombie out of the miasma of poverty, despair, and chemical poisons. The result is a drug zombie, which also reminded me of another story about drug zombies, but this one in a lighter, almost slapstick tone: Spice, Zombie, Apocalypse by Simon Carr.
"Below" is a brutal portrayal of poverty and drug addiction, and I think that it excels as this type of story. As a zombie story, it needs a little more polish. A few more guts and viscera and blood to be slung about and dribbled and spilled. A few more close calls.
I enjoyed the first person perspective, and especially the ending of the story. And I will certainly be on the look out for this up-and-coming horror novelist. Kudos to the author!
October 8, 2024
Luzvimindo Arnaiz, Min for short, lives in Barangay Happyland, one of the poorest districts in Tondo, Manila in the Philippines. As a 12-year-old, he lives in the slums with his parents who struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis. After school, he stops by the landfill to scavenge for any scraps he can sell to help his parents put food on the table. He is used to poverty, it’s his reality, but he is unprepared for the horrors of a zombie outbreak. The suspected origin is a contaminated street drug that causes deterioration of brain function in junkies. They become savage and hungry and feed on the rest of the population. Min watches hopelessly as fires destroy the city and friends and family are hunted down by the hungry hordes of zombies.
As one of the few survivors, his new normal consists of evading zombies while hungry and exhausted. He can’t go to the authorities for help because the police and military are shooting everyone, zombie or not, hoping to stop the spread. His only hope is to get as far away as possible and stay one step ahead of the outbreak which threatens to overwhelm the world.
Min has struggled all his life, so he is resourceful and resilient, qualities he needs to survive the zombie apocalypse. In “Below,” Alaric Cabiling has created a modern-day setting for an unforgiving zombie pandemic and the title refers to the only place where Min feels safe from the onslaught, below the city streets. Surrounded by poverty, he learned to cope in his own way. While most people used drugs, he knew from an early age that education was the only way out, so he became a voracious reader instead and dreamed of becoming a doctor. This saved his life in the beginning and knowing there was more to life outside of his neighborhood motivated him to keep running. Everyone has their limits, though, and being constantly on the run and witnessing societal collapse can wear anyone down:
Ducking before I could be seen, running before I could get caught, I was one step ahead of the zombies, one breath from annihilation.
I was drawn to this novel because I enjoy reading horror novels and the storyline of a zombie pandemic seemed interesting. It promises literary horror and definitely delivers. While visceral and strikingly detailed, the zombie attacks are not overly graphic and don’t overtake the narrative. The story starts out strong, with the city in flames and overrun by zombies causing traffic jams and corpses piling up on the already polluted bay. By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked and wanted to read more about this young boy’s coping experiences:
The inhuman screams were deafening. The sound of flesh flayed from bone by dull teeth was excruciating to bear. The sound of blood sputtering from a hard bite turned my stomach.
This thrilling horror novel is an exploration of the human psyche set in a post-apocalyptic society. The non-linear narrative, told in first person point of view, follows Min as he navigates through a world ravaged by a zombie outbreak. His journey is not just about survival, but also self-discovery as he comes of age in an increasingly devasted world. Some of his experiences are genuinely heartbreaking. Cabiling’s ability to create suspense while exploring philosophical questions about existence makes it not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking one. The haunting and descriptive prose immerses readers in a gritty yet richly detailed environment.
Drums of lit rubbish burned like large votive candles paying homage to the thousands of dead.
Overall, “Below” is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. Since the initial outbreak was traced to junkies using tainted drugs, the underlying symbolism of the destructive power of drugs on bodies and society, in general, is hard to overlook and serves as a social commentary.
Cabiling connects themes of isolation, hope, resilience, and life and death to keep readers engaged from start to finish. It is a fast read and recommended for readers who enjoy literary horror similar to Stephen King’s and appreciate thought-provoking narratives.
I slept in the mornings and rose in the dark, lumbering, dragging my extremities while grasping at the walls, the scent of carrion entering my nostrils, the scent of fellow humans writhing in the muck, the scent of hubris… The scent of blood.
As one of the few survivors, his new normal consists of evading zombies while hungry and exhausted. He can’t go to the authorities for help because the police and military are shooting everyone, zombie or not, hoping to stop the spread. His only hope is to get as far away as possible and stay one step ahead of the outbreak which threatens to overwhelm the world.
Min has struggled all his life, so he is resourceful and resilient, qualities he needs to survive the zombie apocalypse. In “Below,” Alaric Cabiling has created a modern-day setting for an unforgiving zombie pandemic and the title refers to the only place where Min feels safe from the onslaught, below the city streets. Surrounded by poverty, he learned to cope in his own way. While most people used drugs, he knew from an early age that education was the only way out, so he became a voracious reader instead and dreamed of becoming a doctor. This saved his life in the beginning and knowing there was more to life outside of his neighborhood motivated him to keep running. Everyone has their limits, though, and being constantly on the run and witnessing societal collapse can wear anyone down:
Ducking before I could be seen, running before I could get caught, I was one step ahead of the zombies, one breath from annihilation.
I was drawn to this novel because I enjoy reading horror novels and the storyline of a zombie pandemic seemed interesting. It promises literary horror and definitely delivers. While visceral and strikingly detailed, the zombie attacks are not overly graphic and don’t overtake the narrative. The story starts out strong, with the city in flames and overrun by zombies causing traffic jams and corpses piling up on the already polluted bay. By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked and wanted to read more about this young boy’s coping experiences:
The inhuman screams were deafening. The sound of flesh flayed from bone by dull teeth was excruciating to bear. The sound of blood sputtering from a hard bite turned my stomach.
This thrilling horror novel is an exploration of the human psyche set in a post-apocalyptic society. The non-linear narrative, told in first person point of view, follows Min as he navigates through a world ravaged by a zombie outbreak. His journey is not just about survival, but also self-discovery as he comes of age in an increasingly devasted world. Some of his experiences are genuinely heartbreaking. Cabiling’s ability to create suspense while exploring philosophical questions about existence makes it not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking one. The haunting and descriptive prose immerses readers in a gritty yet richly detailed environment.
Drums of lit rubbish burned like large votive candles paying homage to the thousands of dead.
Overall, “Below” is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. Since the initial outbreak was traced to junkies using tainted drugs, the underlying symbolism of the destructive power of drugs on bodies and society, in general, is hard to overlook and serves as a social commentary.
Cabiling connects themes of isolation, hope, resilience, and life and death to keep readers engaged from start to finish. It is a fast read and recommended for readers who enjoy literary horror similar to Stephen King’s and appreciate thought-provoking narratives.
I slept in the mornings and rose in the dark, lumbering, dragging my extremities while grasping at the walls, the scent of carrion entering my nostrils, the scent of fellow humans writhing in the muck, the scent of hubris… The scent of blood.
March 24, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down for Goodreads.
I love a good zombie book or movie. As long as I hear the word 'zombie', I am sold. This book started out good, great even. The typical bloody scenes of carnage that you expect in a zombie read. I also liked how the author captures the scenery of each place the book takes place. I had no problems visualizing what he was trying to convey.
The brief but effective buildup to the outbreak was also well executed. It is a unique take on a zombie apocalypse. There were moments of intense suspense, trepidation and fear. However, at other times I found myself a bit bored and some of the scenes felt repetitive. I also found the dialogue to be a bit abrupt and not flowing seamlessly the way a story should.
I think it was a good debut and I did enjoy it for the most part. I also liked the ending a lot. I would read more of this author. I think with some fine tuning, he can do even better in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley, Asylum Art Press and Alaric Cabiling for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I love a good zombie book or movie. As long as I hear the word 'zombie', I am sold. This book started out good, great even. The typical bloody scenes of carnage that you expect in a zombie read. I also liked how the author captures the scenery of each place the book takes place. I had no problems visualizing what he was trying to convey.
The brief but effective buildup to the outbreak was also well executed. It is a unique take on a zombie apocalypse. There were moments of intense suspense, trepidation and fear. However, at other times I found myself a bit bored and some of the scenes felt repetitive. I also found the dialogue to be a bit abrupt and not flowing seamlessly the way a story should.
I think it was a good debut and I did enjoy it for the most part. I also liked the ending a lot. I would read more of this author. I think with some fine tuning, he can do even better in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley, Asylum Art Press and Alaric Cabiling for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 29, 2024
This was really very good! A really enjoyable adventure, I really liked the ideas & the characters involved, it kept my interest as there was always something exciting happening in the storyline. I really loved that it was initially set in Asia, so that is a bonus & for me added to the story. I do love zombie stories & this did really hit the spot! Not just your normal zombie adventure!
October 8, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Below.
I try to approach debut novels with a certain lens of kindness and consideration, so here we go. The novel discusses a zombie apocalypse caused by a street drug causing fairly rapid changes and thus mayhem. The literary horror component pointed out in the synopsis of this book compares itself to the early writings of Stephen King and Peter Straub. Now, I can't personally speak to Straub's abilities as I have never picked up his stories, but King...Uncle King on the other hand, I know very well. The writing in this story is done through a first person narrative, which in King's element is insanely detailed in the mind of the main character. The detail in this novel is of a more simplistic nature with basic structure and often in a list of adjectives. I don't think I would have been as critical if the synopsis didn't state such a comparison, I mean, that's a really REALLY tall order to fill. Do I see the direction the author is going? Well, yes. Over time there may be some major gains in the writing style and depth. Some readers find King insufferable because of the amount of detail he will project. I personally love it, but Cabiling has a ways to go to justify this comparison.
I try to approach debut novels with a certain lens of kindness and consideration, so here we go. The novel discusses a zombie apocalypse caused by a street drug causing fairly rapid changes and thus mayhem. The literary horror component pointed out in the synopsis of this book compares itself to the early writings of Stephen King and Peter Straub. Now, I can't personally speak to Straub's abilities as I have never picked up his stories, but King...Uncle King on the other hand, I know very well. The writing in this story is done through a first person narrative, which in King's element is insanely detailed in the mind of the main character. The detail in this novel is of a more simplistic nature with basic structure and often in a list of adjectives. I don't think I would have been as critical if the synopsis didn't state such a comparison, I mean, that's a really REALLY tall order to fill. Do I see the direction the author is going? Well, yes. Over time there may be some major gains in the writing style and depth. Some readers find King insufferable because of the amount of detail he will project. I personally love it, but Cabiling has a ways to go to justify this comparison.
October 8, 2024
A big thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.
"Below" by Alaric Cabiling presents an intriguing twist on the traditional zombie narrative by rooting its horror in a contemporary setting impacted by drug addiction. Cabiling's ability to paint vivid scenes with his stylish prose and striking imagery truly stands out, drawing readers into the gritty atmosphere of Tondo, Manila, and beyond.
While the novel excels in its descriptive detail and the intensity of its portrayal of a society on the brink, it tends to lean heavily into its themes of poverty and drug abuse, which may overshadow the expected zombie horror elements for some readers. For me, the focus felt more like a commentary on socio-economic issues and addiction rather than purely on the horror or thrill aspects typical of zombie tales.
Overall, "Below" may not have resonated with my personal taste in storytelling, yet it remains a testament to Cabiling's skill as a writer and is worth exploring for those interested in a unique perspective on the zombie genre. It's a solid read for fans of literary horror looking for something distinct and thought-provoking.
"Below" by Alaric Cabiling presents an intriguing twist on the traditional zombie narrative by rooting its horror in a contemporary setting impacted by drug addiction. Cabiling's ability to paint vivid scenes with his stylish prose and striking imagery truly stands out, drawing readers into the gritty atmosphere of Tondo, Manila, and beyond.
While the novel excels in its descriptive detail and the intensity of its portrayal of a society on the brink, it tends to lean heavily into its themes of poverty and drug abuse, which may overshadow the expected zombie horror elements for some readers. For me, the focus felt more like a commentary on socio-economic issues and addiction rather than purely on the horror or thrill aspects typical of zombie tales.
Overall, "Below" may not have resonated with my personal taste in storytelling, yet it remains a testament to Cabiling's skill as a writer and is worth exploring for those interested in a unique perspective on the zombie genre. It's a solid read for fans of literary horror looking for something distinct and thought-provoking.
July 4, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oof.
I really enjoyed this, if enjoy is the right word. I think what I appreciated most was the through line of basic human kindness that's typically missing from zombie stories, and never even close to the amount that you find in this book.
Oof.
I really enjoyed this, if enjoy is the right word. I think what I appreciated most was the through line of basic human kindness that's typically missing from zombie stories, and never even close to the amount that you find in this book.
July 12, 2024
This is a zombie apocalyptic tale that begins in the Happyland slums of Manila, in the Philippines.
Here, people are crammed into densely packed living conditions as they eke out an existence by scavenging the rubbish dumps or by working at the nearby seaport.
Escaping the reality of life in the slums is possible via education or by giving in to taking drugs, the most common of which is methamphetamine, known locally as 'shabu'.
But when those taking shabu start to physically transform and turn cannibalistic, and the bitten become infected, the slums are quickly overrun, and any humanity there is lost.
The main character, Min, manages to flee Manila alone by stowing away onboard a ship, having lost his family and friends.
He is rescued and held in quarantine in America before escaping and fending for himself in the 'Below'. This existence underground, living in the spaces around the subways with the other homeless people, becomes a brief sanctuary as a second wave of the 'zombie pandemic ' hits globally.
Min's story is bleak, and he turns to drugs to escape the weight of his memories and losses. What will become of humanity? Is there any chance of escape? Will there ever be peace again?
This is a good read for any zombie or apocalypse-loving readers, and it's especially relatable in our post-pandemic world.
'Below' balances the gore, violence, brutality, and hopelessness of life amongst zombies, against the reality of just how quickly an apocalyptical outbreak of any kind would flash through a densely packed area such as Happyland, where access to healthcare is already an issue.
It is not an overly long read, and I read this in one sitting... but please be forewarned that the feelings of bleak hopelessness as those around Min fall prey to the zombie outbreak, and he makes the only choices accessible to him, will make you feel fortunate for your lot in life.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.*
Here, people are crammed into densely packed living conditions as they eke out an existence by scavenging the rubbish dumps or by working at the nearby seaport.
Escaping the reality of life in the slums is possible via education or by giving in to taking drugs, the most common of which is methamphetamine, known locally as 'shabu'.
But when those taking shabu start to physically transform and turn cannibalistic, and the bitten become infected, the slums are quickly overrun, and any humanity there is lost.
The main character, Min, manages to flee Manila alone by stowing away onboard a ship, having lost his family and friends.
He is rescued and held in quarantine in America before escaping and fending for himself in the 'Below'. This existence underground, living in the spaces around the subways with the other homeless people, becomes a brief sanctuary as a second wave of the 'zombie pandemic ' hits globally.
Min's story is bleak, and he turns to drugs to escape the weight of his memories and losses. What will become of humanity? Is there any chance of escape? Will there ever be peace again?
This is a good read for any zombie or apocalypse-loving readers, and it's especially relatable in our post-pandemic world.
'Below' balances the gore, violence, brutality, and hopelessness of life amongst zombies, against the reality of just how quickly an apocalyptical outbreak of any kind would flash through a densely packed area such as Happyland, where access to healthcare is already an issue.
It is not an overly long read, and I read this in one sitting... but please be forewarned that the feelings of bleak hopelessness as those around Min fall prey to the zombie outbreak, and he makes the only choices accessible to him, will make you feel fortunate for your lot in life.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.*
December 15, 2024
Alaric Cabiling’s Below is a gripping and atmospheric tale that offers a fresh perspective on the zombie genre, delivering a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling. From the outset, the novel hooks you with its immersive storytelling and keeps you engaged with its vivid world-building and nuanced characters.
Reminiscent of the best Korean zombie films, Below captures the genre’s signature intensity while carving out its own identity. What sets this story apart is its unique viewpoint—Cabiling masterfully blends the horror of survival with moments of humanity and introspection, elevating the narrative beyond a typical undead thriller.
The pacing is impeccable, pulling readers deeper into its dark, suspenseful atmosphere while revealing layers of emotion and meaning. And the ending? Simply perfect. It’s a conclusion that ties the story together in a way that feels both unexpected and deeply satisfying, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Below is a must-read for fans of zombie fiction and anyone seeking a thought-provoking, heart-pounding ride. Cabiling has crafted a story that feels both fresh and timeless, offering a perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional depth.
Reminiscent of the best Korean zombie films, Below captures the genre’s signature intensity while carving out its own identity. What sets this story apart is its unique viewpoint—Cabiling masterfully blends the horror of survival with moments of humanity and introspection, elevating the narrative beyond a typical undead thriller.
The pacing is impeccable, pulling readers deeper into its dark, suspenseful atmosphere while revealing layers of emotion and meaning. And the ending? Simply perfect. It’s a conclusion that ties the story together in a way that feels both unexpected and deeply satisfying, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Below is a must-read for fans of zombie fiction and anyone seeking a thought-provoking, heart-pounding ride. Cabiling has crafted a story that feels both fresh and timeless, offering a perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional depth.
June 29, 2024
Below by Alaric Cabiling is a powerful addition to the post-apocalyptic genre, distinguished by its setting in the often-overlooked slums of Manila. By grounding his horror in real-world socio-economic issues, Cabiling adds a layer of realism that heightens the impact of the zombie apocalypse. The novel excels in its character development and detailed depiction of Tondo, presenting a gripping and harrowing tale of survival that combines the horrors of a zombie apocalypse with the stark realities of life in one of the world's most impoverished areas. It stands as a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate post-apocalyptic fiction with a strong socio-political undercurrent.
July 6, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The Below is Alex Garland’s the beach meets 28 days later. Having a zombie novel centre around the infection coming from drugs is a refreshing change and break from the norm.
Extremely well written and tolled at blistering speed The Below is easy to recommend to anyone who is a fan of Zombie/Virus books.
August 3, 2024
I really loved this book, This is a completely different take on the genre. It is fast paced and full of action..I would definitely recommend this book.
November 15, 2024
I'm a HUGE fan of zombie fiction, and 'Below' definitely did not disappoint! This was a guy wrenching story. One of the things i lived most about it was that it's not like every other zombie novel on the market. Non-stop twists and turns kept the story moving. It pulled me in from the very beginning and broke my heart before I'd reached the end.
A+ read! I'm very thankful I was able to read this one early!
A+ read! I'm very thankful I was able to read this one early!
June 30, 2024
What a letdown. I'm sorry to be negative ... but this was awful: pointless, senseless, and a waste of a good idea.
We have a zombie apocalypse resulting from a new variety of meth in the Philippines. Hmm! There's hints that this is about racism and colonialism but there's no clear link. The apocalypse begins but nothing makes any sense. Everyone's turning into a zombie. Perhaps the best and most chilling moment is when the lead and friends (about 12 years old) stumble upon their long lost buddy who's hitting up the drug and is barely alive. Our hero escapes to the states as the zombie rush reaches a critical point. He lands in New York ... and immediately gets addicted to drugs. Right. The addiction itself is ridiculous. The author quotes a lot of "Google scholar" material but clearly has no grasp on addiction. And where are these drugs coming from? America is on lockdown because of the zombification going on around the world but somehow heroin is streaming in. But this is just a small thing that receives most of the attention. Reading between the lines, all infrastructure, from electricity to the Internet, is completely unaffected even while society shuts down for several years. This is some kind of alternate speculative history because the lead gets covid. Yup! We've got the corona alongside the shabu. Why? Well, who knows. This is just supposed to be "horrific" ... as in scary, not a mess. We're also privy to a few heroic moments that feel extracted from an action video game and also, unsurprisingly, make zero sense. Like opening the underground waterways to wash out the zombies ... but somehow the lead survives, the only one somehow not washed away, even while zombies were gnawing on his bones ... of course, he doesn't last long ... he escapes only to be gunned down while turning into a zombie himself.
Look, I understand that this is (probably) the author's first book. The technical skill and hint at a unique perspective is there. I encourage the author to persevere. But I can't in good conscience recommend this one. Leave it to the zombies and try again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Asylum Art Press for the advance copy.
We have a zombie apocalypse resulting from a new variety of meth in the Philippines. Hmm! There's hints that this is about racism and colonialism but there's no clear link. The apocalypse begins but nothing makes any sense. Everyone's turning into a zombie. Perhaps the best and most chilling moment is when the lead and friends (about 12 years old) stumble upon their long lost buddy who's hitting up the drug and is barely alive. Our hero escapes to the states as the zombie rush reaches a critical point. He lands in New York ... and immediately gets addicted to drugs. Right. The addiction itself is ridiculous. The author quotes a lot of "Google scholar" material but clearly has no grasp on addiction. And where are these drugs coming from? America is on lockdown because of the zombification going on around the world but somehow heroin is streaming in. But this is just a small thing that receives most of the attention. Reading between the lines, all infrastructure, from electricity to the Internet, is completely unaffected even while society shuts down for several years. This is some kind of alternate speculative history because the lead gets covid. Yup! We've got the corona alongside the shabu. Why? Well, who knows. This is just supposed to be "horrific" ... as in scary, not a mess. We're also privy to a few heroic moments that feel extracted from an action video game and also, unsurprisingly, make zero sense. Like opening the underground waterways to wash out the zombies ... but somehow the lead survives, the only one somehow not washed away, even while zombies were gnawing on his bones ... of course, he doesn't last long ... he escapes only to be gunned down while turning into a zombie himself.
Look, I understand that this is (probably) the author's first book. The technical skill and hint at a unique perspective is there. I encourage the author to persevere. But I can't in good conscience recommend this one. Leave it to the zombies and try again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Asylum Art Press for the advance copy.
July 8, 2024
I received advanced access to this book through NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Asylum Art Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I would not recommend this book at all. It was a huge letdown, and not worth my time reading.
I had originally thought the premise was a good idea, and bonus points for it being a zombie apocalypse set in the Philippines. It's hard to come across books set in Asian countries that aren't supposed to be scholarly in some way. However, the main character leaves the Philippines and comes to America pretty early on, so half of the book isn't in Asia.
I think the author was trying to make a commentary on drugs = bad, education = good, but that commentary is confusing and overdrawn. He was beating a dead horse with the commentary. The main character, Min, plans to become a doctor and states multiple times that education is the only way forward and to avoid taking drugs. The statement of "education is the only way forward" is made multiple times by adults and Min. And Min attempts to stay in school up until the zombie apocalypse. What turns zombies into zombies? Drugs. And zombie bites, but that's typical zombie lore.
Min escapes to America, ends up in New York City, and almost immediately becomes addicted to heroin. There is commentary to be had here as well, about immigrants and unhoused peoples not being given adequate support by the American government. However, at one point, the author hits us with about a page and half/two pages of statistics about how drugs are bad, the crimes committed by drug addicts, etc. It reads almost like he found a medical article about addiction and just inserted it into the book. It was honestly super jarring and did not lend itself to a book about a zombie apocalypse at all.
This is the author's first book, and it seems like he has the potential to make either good horror books, or books with commentary about life in the Philippines, America's treatment of unhoused and drug addicts, and addiction itself. But this book ain't it.
I would not recommend this book at all. It was a huge letdown, and not worth my time reading.
I had originally thought the premise was a good idea, and bonus points for it being a zombie apocalypse set in the Philippines. It's hard to come across books set in Asian countries that aren't supposed to be scholarly in some way. However, the main character leaves the Philippines and comes to America pretty early on, so half of the book isn't in Asia.
I think the author was trying to make a commentary on drugs = bad, education = good, but that commentary is confusing and overdrawn. He was beating a dead horse with the commentary. The main character, Min, plans to become a doctor and states multiple times that education is the only way forward and to avoid taking drugs. The statement of "education is the only way forward" is made multiple times by adults and Min. And Min attempts to stay in school up until the zombie apocalypse. What turns zombies into zombies? Drugs. And zombie bites, but that's typical zombie lore.
Min escapes to America, ends up in New York City, and almost immediately becomes addicted to heroin. There is commentary to be had here as well, about immigrants and unhoused peoples not being given adequate support by the American government. However, at one point, the author hits us with about a page and half/two pages of statistics about how drugs are bad, the crimes committed by drug addicts, etc. It reads almost like he found a medical article about addiction and just inserted it into the book. It was honestly super jarring and did not lend itself to a book about a zombie apocalypse at all.
This is the author's first book, and it seems like he has the potential to make either good horror books, or books with commentary about life in the Philippines, America's treatment of unhoused and drug addicts, and addiction itself. But this book ain't it.
November 1, 2024
I’ve read quite a lot of horror recently, especially as Spooky Season has just finished, but these were mainly of the ghosts and haunting variety. I haven’t read a good Zombie thriller since before Covid, and so I was excited to jump into Below.
Min lives in the slums of Manilla, going to school and scavenging for trash to sell in his spare time, his parents have always warned him against using drugs and with good reason. Addicts, already scary to the young boy, are beginning to change, transforming into monsters that crave blood.
It’s odd to have a zombie pandemic book where the monsters are actually just called Zombies, as opposed to something made up in the realm of fantasy. Initially this did jar me out of the narrative a few times, but it makes sense that it would be named as such. These are very traditional style zombies, dead behind the eyes and intent on biting humans, passing on their disease to others. I did really like how it was brought about by a synthetic style of drug, and how users know that this will happen to them, but are still powerless to resist using it.
Min’s story had a great progression, both in setting and in character development and the latter half of the book, set in America was heartbreaking in places as you watched Min grow up and change after his trauma. The book pulls no punches with death, and so many times you got attached to people only for them to die or succumb to the zombies. I did think the initial America chapters felt a little too preachy in terms of drug use and regulation – we had already got the point at this stage, it didn’t need to be hammered home again and again. The ending pulled no punches, but I enjoyed it – I think it was the best version of the ending that could have been told.
Overall, Below is a punchy Zombie thriller with an important message about how we treat those in society. Thank you to NetGalley & Art Asylum Press for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog
Min lives in the slums of Manilla, going to school and scavenging for trash to sell in his spare time, his parents have always warned him against using drugs and with good reason. Addicts, already scary to the young boy, are beginning to change, transforming into monsters that crave blood.
It’s odd to have a zombie pandemic book where the monsters are actually just called Zombies, as opposed to something made up in the realm of fantasy. Initially this did jar me out of the narrative a few times, but it makes sense that it would be named as such. These are very traditional style zombies, dead behind the eyes and intent on biting humans, passing on their disease to others. I did really like how it was brought about by a synthetic style of drug, and how users know that this will happen to them, but are still powerless to resist using it.
Min’s story had a great progression, both in setting and in character development and the latter half of the book, set in America was heartbreaking in places as you watched Min grow up and change after his trauma. The book pulls no punches with death, and so many times you got attached to people only for them to die or succumb to the zombies. I did think the initial America chapters felt a little too preachy in terms of drug use and regulation – we had already got the point at this stage, it didn’t need to be hammered home again and again. The ending pulled no punches, but I enjoyed it – I think it was the best version of the ending that could have been told.
Overall, Below is a punchy Zombie thriller with an important message about how we treat those in society. Thank you to NetGalley & Art Asylum Press for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog
July 19, 2024
4.5 Stars
I loved this! The plot was gripping, and our Min (Luzvimindo Arnaiz) a very loveable character. I felt real connections to him and some of his friends, and the horror was all the more horrific for it!
The only reason for the half-star loss is that she last part of the book, set in New York, felt a little rushed-especially given that the book is called “Below,” and this part of the story is where that title really becomes relevant. I felt like there were pieces of that part of the story I’d love to have read more about, such as Mac, Min’s underground dealer friend- and about his time in quarantine.
Alaric Cabiling manages to weave teaching into his beautifully written prose; I found myself learning about the Philippines, and how life can be for some living in more deprived areas, and about the ways in which children and adults alike struggle to make money while maintaining an awe-inspiring attitude to life (at least in some cases). Min and his friends are so positive and optimistic for their future careers and lifestyles, it really made the downfall of their group and their homes that much sadder and more painful.
Min’s circumstances weren’t idyllic from the start, living in the slums of Tondo, Manila, but he was happy and grateful for what he did have. It was tragic to watch him go from happily playing with his friends, or working with them scavenging for sellable scrap, to losing them and his parents, along with everything, everyone, and eventually everywhere he had ever known or loved.
Some of the side characters, specifically the ship’s Captain Ruiz- Min’s would-be adoptive father- were also heartwarming and thus heartbreaking to read about. Cabiling really knows how to write a tragic last line!
Thank you to NetGalley, Alaric Cabiling, and Asylum Art Press for granting me the ARC to review.
I loved this! The plot was gripping, and our Min (Luzvimindo Arnaiz) a very loveable character. I felt real connections to him and some of his friends, and the horror was all the more horrific for it!
The only reason for the half-star loss is that she last part of the book, set in New York, felt a little rushed-especially given that the book is called “Below,” and this part of the story is where that title really becomes relevant. I felt like there were pieces of that part of the story I’d love to have read more about, such as Mac, Min’s underground dealer friend- and about his time in quarantine.
Alaric Cabiling manages to weave teaching into his beautifully written prose; I found myself learning about the Philippines, and how life can be for some living in more deprived areas, and about the ways in which children and adults alike struggle to make money while maintaining an awe-inspiring attitude to life (at least in some cases). Min and his friends are so positive and optimistic for their future careers and lifestyles, it really made the downfall of their group and their homes that much sadder and more painful.
Min’s circumstances weren’t idyllic from the start, living in the slums of Tondo, Manila, but he was happy and grateful for what he did have. It was tragic to watch him go from happily playing with his friends, or working with them scavenging for sellable scrap, to losing them and his parents, along with everything, everyone, and eventually everywhere he had ever known or loved.
Some of the side characters, specifically the ship’s Captain Ruiz- Min’s would-be adoptive father- were also heartwarming and thus heartbreaking to read about. Cabiling really knows how to write a tragic last line!
Thank you to NetGalley, Alaric Cabiling, and Asylum Art Press for granting me the ARC to review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2024
Below isn’t your typical zombie apocalypse story. In fact, it’s not really about zombies at all—it’s about hard drugs and their devastating effects. Perhaps inspired by Xylazine, the “Zombie Drug,” the story takes place in 2020, eerily overlapping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The narrative is dark, emotional, and painfully real. Told through the eyes of Mindo, a 12-year-old boy from Tondo, the largest slum in Manila, Philippines, it captures his dreams of becoming a doctor and the harsh realities of his life before the world collapses. When the apocalypse begins, Mindo loses everything. The zombies aren’t the real horror here—they’re a stark symbol of addiction, poverty, and neglect. As the story unfolds, the truth behind the epidemic comes to light, making the experience both heartbreaking and chilling because it feels so close to reality.
The second half shifts to 2027 in New York, presenting a grim, broken world. Global warming, famine, societal collapse, and addiction still plague humanity. The zombie threat fades into the background, replaced by the haunting cost of greed and corruption.
The story is slow-paced and introspective, not driven by action but by the raw emotions of loss and survival. The ending caught me off guard, leaving me deeply unsettled. Below is not an easy read, but it’s unforgettable. If you’re looking for a zombie story with real depth and meaning, this one will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The narrative is dark, emotional, and painfully real. Told through the eyes of Mindo, a 12-year-old boy from Tondo, the largest slum in Manila, Philippines, it captures his dreams of becoming a doctor and the harsh realities of his life before the world collapses. When the apocalypse begins, Mindo loses everything. The zombies aren’t the real horror here—they’re a stark symbol of addiction, poverty, and neglect. As the story unfolds, the truth behind the epidemic comes to light, making the experience both heartbreaking and chilling because it feels so close to reality.
The second half shifts to 2027 in New York, presenting a grim, broken world. Global warming, famine, societal collapse, and addiction still plague humanity. The zombie threat fades into the background, replaced by the haunting cost of greed and corruption.
The story is slow-paced and introspective, not driven by action but by the raw emotions of loss and survival. The ending caught me off guard, leaving me deeply unsettled. Below is not an easy read, but it’s unforgettable. If you’re looking for a zombie story with real depth and meaning, this one will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2024
I received this book as an arc from NetGalley. I was drawn to this book because it is within my interests, but not what I normally read. While I'm only giving this book only three stars, I did find it enjoyable. It followed sort of along the lines of what you would expect from a zombie apocalypse story. Early in the book, I was drawn into this world and began connecting with Min and his friend group almost immediately. The way Cabiling built his world truly transported me into these grimy slums in the Philippines where these characters are clawing and scraping to get by. While I loved the ruthlessness in how the author made me invest in these characters and ripped them away, I'm still not sure this read as a horror to me. Honestly, the story started to feel a little fragmented after Min was forced to to flee to America. The dirt and muck and tragedy were still there in the with us in the sewers, but the story fell flat and then picked back up just to be over as quickly as it came back. This was not my favorite, but still a good read. It was a quick read and a great change of pace. I found Cabiling's ability to immerse the reader in the setting and characters was top-tier. I would be highly interested in reading more of his works just based upon his writing style and his ability to bring the human connection into a genre that sometimes can be lacking in that area.
November 20, 2024
Tondo, Manila, Philippines is one of the worst possible places for a zombie apocalypse to break out, featuring dilapidated shanties housing crowded residents and congested populations, allowing for a frantic feeding frenzy from which there is no escape. Main character Min Arnaiz narrates the story, taking readers on a holocaustic journey touched with tragedy and despair throughout the streets of aforementioned Tondo, Manila, Philippines, escaping to New York City where he settles in the sewers, nicknamed Below by residents.
I enjoyed this, it’s well written and paced. I’m not sure that the comparison to Stephen King is fair on the author as the writing style is very different. But, it’s good fun and in places disturbing. It’s gruesome and entertaining too, which is what makes this genre a good read.
I enjoyed this, it’s well written and paced. I’m not sure that the comparison to Stephen King is fair on the author as the writing style is very different. But, it’s good fun and in places disturbing. It’s gruesome and entertaining too, which is what makes this genre a good read.
November 21, 2024
I try to give authors a little extra grace when reading a debut book but this book was honestly a struggle to get through. I was expecting a book about zombies, not a 179-page lecture about how drugs are bad and education is good. While I don't mind social commentary in books, the message here felt very oversimplified and forcefully repeated.
The prose throughout the book often didn't feel like it flowed well and the dialogue was stilted. The book is told through a combination of flashbacks and present day, but the jumps between the two weren't always clear (and sometimes seemed unnecessary).
I do think the book had a good premise and initial setting. Hopefully the author will continue to work on his craft.
Read if you like:
Zombies
Youth MMC
Asian rep
Social commentary on drugs and education
The prose throughout the book often didn't feel like it flowed well and the dialogue was stilted. The book is told through a combination of flashbacks and present day, but the jumps between the two weren't always clear (and sometimes seemed unnecessary).
I do think the book had a good premise and initial setting. Hopefully the author will continue to work on his craft.
Read if you like:
Zombies
Youth MMC
Asian rep
Social commentary on drugs and education
December 13, 2024
I received this book as an ARC. I enjoyed it a lot! I think is was well written and I really appreciated the social commentary that came out of having the virus start and spread in the method it did. The writing was really well done and I liked that it wasn't just a zombie story but also a story about Min and his struggles. I will say I feel we didn't get enough time to really get attached to anyone besides Min, especially Captain Ruiz. I would've loved go see more of him and the way his relationship with Min developed. I also felt like the dialog from and between the kids read as the way an adult speaks rather than how a sixth grade does. The writing was great regardless but that did pull me a bit out of the story, especially when their ages were mentioned.
December 16, 2024
In Below we hear the story of Luzvimindo or Min.
He is 12 and lives in the slums of Barangay Happy land in the Philippines, his parents struggle to survive and make ends meet but they are happy enough.
Then the pandemic starts...
It starts small with pockets of zombies, fuelled as the experts think by drug use.
One bite and you turn into one, that is if you aren't wholly consumed by the marauding hordes.
It's a tale of loss as we see Min go from childhood to a desperate adulthood in the blink of an eye as he sees all his loved ones die and then to his survival on the streets and in the sewers, "The Below" in New York city.
This was a fantastic debut by the author and would definitely read more of their work based on this.
He is 12 and lives in the slums of Barangay Happy land in the Philippines, his parents struggle to survive and make ends meet but they are happy enough.
Then the pandemic starts...
It starts small with pockets of zombies, fuelled as the experts think by drug use.
One bite and you turn into one, that is if you aren't wholly consumed by the marauding hordes.
It's a tale of loss as we see Min go from childhood to a desperate adulthood in the blink of an eye as he sees all his loved ones die and then to his survival on the streets and in the sewers, "The Below" in New York city.
This was a fantastic debut by the author and would definitely read more of their work based on this.
December 9, 2024
Below
Alaric Cabiling
4 / 5
Below is a zombie story, yes. But at it's core, it's a heartbreaking portrayal of addiction and extreme poverty.
The setting, the characters, and the depth of the things that the story touches on is what makes the book so much more impactful.
It wasn't exactly the zombie horror I was expecting; what I got instead felt heavier and deeper ... a glimpse into a world that feels extremely different than mine. A very raw and surprisingly human novel ... This is heartbreaking horror, and a very smart twist on the traditional zombie story.
For a debut, I thought it was really good. I look forward to their next novel.
4 / 5
Alaric Cabiling
4 / 5
Below is a zombie story, yes. But at it's core, it's a heartbreaking portrayal of addiction and extreme poverty.
The setting, the characters, and the depth of the things that the story touches on is what makes the book so much more impactful.
It wasn't exactly the zombie horror I was expecting; what I got instead felt heavier and deeper ... a glimpse into a world that feels extremely different than mine. A very raw and surprisingly human novel ... This is heartbreaking horror, and a very smart twist on the traditional zombie story.
For a debut, I thought it was really good. I look forward to their next novel.
4 / 5
October 17, 2024
I'll be totally honest, I had to DNF this one. The writing is extremely trite, but I can overlook that. What I could not overlook were the jarring jumps from one section the next with seemingly no transition and the complete lack of world-building. I know zombie apocalypses need little world-building in truth, but even just a little explanation in the beginning of how this came to be would have been a good starting point. As it is, I will not be recommending this book to my followers, friends, and family.
September 1, 2024
Below by Alaric Cabiling
Below is and apocalyptic horror book. While the beginning and very end were pretty good, the middle as just ok. I love a good zombie apocalypse style book, and while this started off good, it ended up just being ok. The beginning was fast paced and you quickly got drawn in. But it quickly went downhill. This just didn’t work out for me. It definitely had a good premise, but throw in Covid and drugs and it went from promising to just ok.
Below is and apocalyptic horror book. While the beginning and very end were pretty good, the middle as just ok. I love a good zombie apocalypse style book, and while this started off good, it ended up just being ok. The beginning was fast paced and you quickly got drawn in. But it quickly went downhill. This just didn’t work out for me. It definitely had a good premise, but throw in Covid and drugs and it went from promising to just ok.
November 18, 2024
Below starts off set in the Philippines where drug addicts start to turn into zombies. From there the story is disjointed and doesn’t flow very well. There is an extreme lack of world building. Many parts don’t make sense.
I love a good zombie apocalypse, but this just wasn’t it.
Unfortunately, I do not recommend Below
Thank you to NetGalley and Asylum Art Press for the advance copy.
I love a good zombie apocalypse, but this just wasn’t it.
Unfortunately, I do not recommend Below
Thank you to NetGalley and Asylum Art Press for the advance copy.
December 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this as a horror novel with zombies, it worked well in what was happening and was engaged with the world that was created. It uses the zombie element perfectly and was glad I read this. Alaric Cabiling wrote this perfectly and hope to read more in this universe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2025
I am a sucker for zombie novels and this was pretty good. It follows a zombie apocalypse caused by a street drug. It’s a new perspective on the zombie genre and I liked that. I think this author could be better in the future with more experience in writing but overall I enjoyed the story. Thank you Netgalley,Asylum Art Press, and Alaric Cabiling for letting me review this book!
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