SUBMERGED

by Mason Gallaway

It was Rubio’s dream to see The Neptune’s Reach. An underwater resort made from the most advanced technology, it is meant to provide people an unforgettable escape to the world beneath the waves.

A series of endless delays to the resort’s opening date tries Rubio’s patience, especially as life at home becomes increasingly unbearable. Needing to get out of the house and satisfy his curiosity, he treks to the unfinished resort.
The experience indeed proves unforgettable… but not for the reasons he expected. Before long, he finds himself wishing the place never existed.

Together with the resort’s soon-to-be director, Rubio realizes something sinister lurks in the waters near Neptune’s Reach. Before long, the ugly truth reveals itself, for the construction of this magical haven has unleashed a horde of deadly creatures.

Humanoid in basic shape, they are anything but human. Webbed hands, tipped with claws, tear flesh apart with ease. Their rows of needle-like teeth are designed for the pulping of meat. Lacking compassion, they give no thought to the agony they cause.

As the bloodshed intensifies, Rubio must escape the very place he so desperately sought to visit, or else find himself next on the menu.

Genres: Horror

118 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2023

About the author

Mason Gallaway is a writer of mostly dark, weird, and scary stories. He is the author of GORY and SUBMERGED, and his short stories have appeared in various publications. He lives in Tennessee with his family and has a life that's not too dark, weird, or scary.

Reviews

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It's not often you get a story like this written with a child as the main character, and it was unique and refreshing and didn't take away from the thrill (and violence) of the story at all. The author managed a unique take on a topic that's been done and done again. My only complaint is the amount of typos, but alas it is what it is! Altho it annoyed me, because it's a pet peeve of mine, some people might not notice (but some are pretty bad and distracting). All in all a really good story. I'd still love to stay in that resort!

[Marilynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an underwater adventure that could be made into a movie with dramatic scenes! It’s a spine tingler with some unexpected twists and turns. Overlook a few typos and enjoy the scary ride.

[Kelley O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected and chilling. I love the MC and the vivid scenes. as noted, there are some typos but who cares!