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Deep
Deep
is the debut novel by Aquino Loayza, an intersection of New England folklore and surrealist Lynchian imagery woven together through the backdrop of rural Maine. Weather The Storm.
There are places on earth that carry an air of the ethereal—an aura of malevolence that can only be felt in the breathless whisper of a passing breeze. One of these places is found along the rugged mystical coastline of Maine’s northern shores—Juneberg. Since its inception the morbid mishaps of the city were carried on the murmurs of sailors and visitors who have seen the peculiarities up close. From people vanishing in the dead of night, as though they had been carried out to sea. To hushed utterances in the darkest corners of taverns about a nefarious Cult scheming in the underbelly of the city’s ancient tunnels.
Giovanni Divale is one such person, becoming obsessed with the town from a young age. Fate has brought him to its boundaries before, but this time the city may not be so keen on letting him leave. Will he discover the truth buried in the desolate decrepit city? Or will he become lapped up in the whirlpool of eldritch madness?
There are places on earth that carry an air of the ethereal—an aura of malevolence that can only be felt in the breathless whisper of a passing breeze. One of these places is found along the rugged mystical coastline of Maine’s northern shores—Juneberg. Since its inception the morbid mishaps of the city were carried on the murmurs of sailors and visitors who have seen the peculiarities up close. From people vanishing in the dead of night, as though they had been carried out to sea. To hushed utterances in the darkest corners of taverns about a nefarious Cult scheming in the underbelly of the city’s ancient tunnels.
Giovanni Divale is one such person, becoming obsessed with the town from a young age. Fate has brought him to its boundaries before, but this time the city may not be so keen on letting him leave. Will he discover the truth buried in the desolate decrepit city? Or will he become lapped up in the whirlpool of eldritch madness?
Audible Audio
Published March 9, 2023
8 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Aquino Loayza
4 books33 followersAquino Loayza is a Queer Latino author from the Boston Area. Deep is their Debut Novel. Aquino has always been drawn to horror, and deeper societal themes. Outside of writing, Aquino enjoys traveling and experiencing the peculiar, strange, and otherwise overlooked. They live with their wife and pug in rural Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 13, 2023
This was a slow burn that started out almost like a crime novel but then twisted into cosmic horror. I really enjoyed the writing style and character development. The descriptions were perfect in that they didn't drone on but provided enough scene setting to put me into the time and place. I would've liked a little more character introspection, so I could have understood Gio's drive to uncover the truth about Juneburg, however, felt his own sense of lack of direction in his life led him to this "obsession". The author's ability to capture a scene and explore it to the fullest was spot on. I liked the representation presented as truthful and not sensationalized in anyway. I could see the struggles between Gio and Adam over their ended relationship but desire to still connect to one another. There are a lot of characters in this book and sometimes I had to remind myself who each one was to fully understand the context. This was a gritty ride and I look forward to seeing more by this author!
September 9, 2023
When I first read the synopsis for Aquino Loayza’s “The Deep,” I was hooked and the cover was the bait. I love some good horror on the water & this book delivered it in gallons. We begin the story being introduced to the inhabitants of a New England town called Juneberg. A sleepy seaside community that is drowning in secrets and the unexplained. Sightings of a harbinger of misfortune ripped from ancient folklore join the hushed whispers of “The Thing from Below,” as the town learns how much control a mysterious cult has over it. The bodies start to pile up and tensions start to rise, threatening to bring the small town to its boiling point. Horror movie fans will enjoy the “IT” meets “Mothman Prophecies” meets “I Know What You Did Last Summer” vibes.
What you get: Cosmic horror, done right. Great character development. Fully immersive imagery & slow-burn-inducing diligence to detail. A well-executed, terror-inducing villain who helps deliver an EPIC(!!!) ending. A masterpiece of a debut novel from a talented & exciting new voice in horror.
What you get: Cosmic horror, done right. Great character development. Fully immersive imagery & slow-burn-inducing diligence to detail. A well-executed, terror-inducing villain who helps deliver an EPIC(!!!) ending. A masterpiece of a debut novel from a talented & exciting new voice in horror.
March 6, 2023
You Would Never Know This is a Debut Novel!
I cannot believe this is the author’s debut novel. It is so well written and edited to perfection. I enjoyed this book from the first moment I started reading. This book is so good that I bought a copy to support the author even though he sent me a free copy to review.
The writing is superb. I did not feel as if the author was “dumbing the writing down” as I feel so often with novels today. He writes to a level that I can appreciate. I don’t say that about many novels written today.
The character development starts on page one and ends in the epilogue. Each character in this novel is uniquely written. They each have their own personalities and quirks. I couldn’t possibly not love the heroes and dislike the villains.
The plot is original. Period. I refuse to give any spoilers to this novel so that’s all I will say to that.
There is diversity among the characters but that is not the main storyline. Each character lives their lives as the person they are meant to be. Bigotry in the small town is implied and not glossed over, but again, it is the focus on the characters’ strengths and love for humanity that is the real story in this novel. The Black community, the Asian community, and the LGBTQ+ community are all represented among the small town backdrop.
I love, Love, LOVE this novel. Buy it and support this author so he writes more great novels.
I cannot believe this is the author’s debut novel. It is so well written and edited to perfection. I enjoyed this book from the first moment I started reading. This book is so good that I bought a copy to support the author even though he sent me a free copy to review.
The writing is superb. I did not feel as if the author was “dumbing the writing down” as I feel so often with novels today. He writes to a level that I can appreciate. I don’t say that about many novels written today.
The character development starts on page one and ends in the epilogue. Each character in this novel is uniquely written. They each have their own personalities and quirks. I couldn’t possibly not love the heroes and dislike the villains.
The plot is original. Period. I refuse to give any spoilers to this novel so that’s all I will say to that.
There is diversity among the characters but that is not the main storyline. Each character lives their lives as the person they are meant to be. Bigotry in the small town is implied and not glossed over, but again, it is the focus on the characters’ strengths and love for humanity that is the real story in this novel. The Black community, the Asian community, and the LGBTQ+ community are all represented among the small town backdrop.
I love, Love, LOVE this novel. Buy it and support this author so he writes more great novels.
March 2, 2025
I felt that this was a good effort, but in the end it didn`t deliver for me.
There weren`t big surprises here, the action it`s going straight to the point, the lore it`s almost non existent, the mystery element it`s kind of misused here, and I wasn`t so drawn by the characters, also.
Overall it wasn`t so bad, but reading a lot of Lovecraftian texts, I gained a little background and taste on this segment of writing, and I wasn`t able to find anything to impress me here.
There weren`t big surprises here, the action it`s going straight to the point, the lore it`s almost non existent, the mystery element it`s kind of misused here, and I wasn`t so drawn by the characters, also.
Overall it wasn`t so bad, but reading a lot of Lovecraftian texts, I gained a little background and taste on this segment of writing, and I wasn`t able to find anything to impress me here.
April 24, 2024
A passionate and horrific tale. Small town, cult, and old gods…what else could you want? Written with feeling that pours out onto the page, or in this case into your ears. I look forward to visiting again
June 4, 2023
First off, the fact that this is a debut novel is mind-blowing. This one reads like a well-seasoned story written by a horror veteran. Cosmic horror novels and stories are a dime a dozen, but this one is an exception to the rule. But, why is it great? Let's go further into this inquiry...
Deep centers around a gay man named Giovanni Divale, a journalist who becomes obsessed with a mythical small town in Maine called Juneberg. He has been haunted by visions from the town since he was a young boy. As an adult, his curiosity ignites an interest in visiting the town and seeing what dwells within its foggy borders. He had gotten a call from his ex-lover about their dog being diagnosed with cancer (which has been a major problem plaguing the town for an untold amount of time). He goes to visit his ex, using their dog as an excuse to come to town. Once his ulterior motive is revealed, the former couple argue once again. While Gio is in Juneberg, more bizarre occurrences and murders occur, with hushed rumors of an enigmatic figure known as the Slickerman being the central focus on said crimes. Along with a cult that is wreaking havoc on the town, the mysteries and sinister secrets pile up and it is up to Gio (and his crew who followed him from the news station) to solve the mystery of The Thing from Below and its intentions involving the small seaside town.
The cosmic horror aspects are amped up here and the existential dread is palpable. It is a slow burn, but it hits so smoothly like a shot of whiskey. You find yourself rooting for Gio and the ragtag group of dissenters who defy The Deep (the cult secretly running things in Juneberg). The Thing from Below, the story's eldritch entity, is one of the most refreshing enemies and a fresh throwback to the genre. There are echoes of King and Barker in this novel, but it also speaks in its own style and tone. This one deserves to share shelf space amongst the works of both authors.
I'm giving this one ☠️ x5!
Deep centers around a gay man named Giovanni Divale, a journalist who becomes obsessed with a mythical small town in Maine called Juneberg. He has been haunted by visions from the town since he was a young boy. As an adult, his curiosity ignites an interest in visiting the town and seeing what dwells within its foggy borders. He had gotten a call from his ex-lover about their dog being diagnosed with cancer (which has been a major problem plaguing the town for an untold amount of time). He goes to visit his ex, using their dog as an excuse to come to town. Once his ulterior motive is revealed, the former couple argue once again. While Gio is in Juneberg, more bizarre occurrences and murders occur, with hushed rumors of an enigmatic figure known as the Slickerman being the central focus on said crimes. Along with a cult that is wreaking havoc on the town, the mysteries and sinister secrets pile up and it is up to Gio (and his crew who followed him from the news station) to solve the mystery of The Thing from Below and its intentions involving the small seaside town.
The cosmic horror aspects are amped up here and the existential dread is palpable. It is a slow burn, but it hits so smoothly like a shot of whiskey. You find yourself rooting for Gio and the ragtag group of dissenters who defy The Deep (the cult secretly running things in Juneberg). The Thing from Below, the story's eldritch entity, is one of the most refreshing enemies and a fresh throwback to the genre. There are echoes of King and Barker in this novel, but it also speaks in its own style and tone. This one deserves to share shelf space amongst the works of both authors.
I'm giving this one ☠️ x5!
August 17, 2023
Whoa!
This.
Wow.
I got lost inside this story.
The characters are so real, the layout and depth are so enthrawling, and the storyline is so imaginative!!
It ended so smoothly and completely.
I have a book hangover!
Thank you, Aquino Loayza, for sharing your magical gift of storytelling with the world! I do so hope that you have more stories to share!
This.
Wow.
I got lost inside this story.
The characters are so real, the layout and depth are so enthrawling, and the storyline is so imaginative!!
It ended so smoothly and completely.
I have a book hangover!
Thank you, Aquino Loayza, for sharing your magical gift of storytelling with the world! I do so hope that you have more stories to share!
January 9, 2023
A Cosmic Horror novel with a unique perspective!
The Good:
- I loved the mythology around Juneburg. It feels grounded, thought out, and developed, especially when you take into consideration the motivation of the entity behind it all.
- I really love Loayza's sense of setting, he has full control of the where in all his scenes by focusing on four or five locations and make them feel like a tangible town you can see yourself in.
- The characters are very relatable and well-rounded. Even when you totally hate and disagree with a particular character's thought process or motivations, you understand where they're coming from. There are no perfect black and white characters.
- The story is very forward-focused and it builds momentum until it barrels down toward the finish line, so it has very good forward momentum. I never felt bored, not once.
- I really like the Slickerman (featured on the cover and promotional material) as a character. I won't spoil what the deal is with this character but it could've been the character that broke the book for me if badly written. Aquino Loayza gets it right, and creates an engaging, well realized, three-dimensional character.
The Bad:
- For my taste, at first I felt like the first third of the book lacked a little in description. I usually like a little more description, as it helps me position myself in the world, but the story wants to get you to Juneburg NOW. I will say, later in the book, you understand why, and description becomes more focused on the things you need to know, and it helps with the pacing.
- THIS ONE IS 100% PERSONAL PREFERENCE. When you place me in the POV of the villain, you reduce how scary they are. It doesn't make them a bad villain, I actually loved the character. But you're trading fear for character development. So you're trading something valuable for something valuable, which is still a positive.
- The main character in my opinion was not the one that should've been the main character. I had a Harry Potter / Neville Longbottom headcanon situation, which is basically there is a worthier character to be the focus of the story, and while that character shines, it can feel at times like the story really wants me to follow this protagonist. This isn't bad, but it's literally the only reason (ignore all previous ones) that this is a 4 and not a 5.
The Different:
As I mentioned before, this story has a unique perspective. Cosmic horror usually focuses on unknowable beings and how they dwarf humanity when compared to them. This story certainly has that, but it moves the perspective a little to one side which is something I love. It doesn't focus on those beings which are certainly there, but on there aftermath, and what they leave behind and ties it at the human level with human relationships and what they leave behind.
Overall:
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Aquino Loayza it's a promising author who has a very clear identity and a very clear voice in his writing. His prose is very precise and keeps moving forward without feeling rushed at any moment. He has one quality that I find intriguing in an author and it's that he makes the decisions that other authors don't because they're scared of being different, and that is always interesting. He doesn't always go for the predictable solution, and that keeps you engaged and stimulates your imagination.
The Good:
- I loved the mythology around Juneburg. It feels grounded, thought out, and developed, especially when you take into consideration the motivation of the entity behind it all.
- I really love Loayza's sense of setting, he has full control of the where in all his scenes by focusing on four or five locations and make them feel like a tangible town you can see yourself in.
- The characters are very relatable and well-rounded. Even when you totally hate and disagree with a particular character's thought process or motivations, you understand where they're coming from. There are no perfect black and white characters.
- The story is very forward-focused and it builds momentum until it barrels down toward the finish line, so it has very good forward momentum. I never felt bored, not once.
- I really like the Slickerman (featured on the cover and promotional material) as a character. I won't spoil what the deal is with this character but it could've been the character that broke the book for me if badly written. Aquino Loayza gets it right, and creates an engaging, well realized, three-dimensional character.
The Bad:
- For my taste, at first I felt like the first third of the book lacked a little in description. I usually like a little more description, as it helps me position myself in the world, but the story wants to get you to Juneburg NOW. I will say, later in the book, you understand why, and description becomes more focused on the things you need to know, and it helps with the pacing.
- THIS ONE IS 100% PERSONAL PREFERENCE. When you place me in the POV of the villain, you reduce how scary they are. It doesn't make them a bad villain, I actually loved the character. But you're trading fear for character development. So you're trading something valuable for something valuable, which is still a positive.
- The main character in my opinion was not the one that should've been the main character. I had a Harry Potter / Neville Longbottom headcanon situation, which is basically there is a worthier character to be the focus of the story, and while that character shines, it can feel at times like the story really wants me to follow this protagonist. This isn't bad, but it's literally the only reason (ignore all previous ones) that this is a 4 and not a 5.
The Different:
As I mentioned before, this story has a unique perspective. Cosmic horror usually focuses on unknowable beings and how they dwarf humanity when compared to them. This story certainly has that, but it moves the perspective a little to one side which is something I love. It doesn't focus on those beings which are certainly there, but on there aftermath, and what they leave behind and ties it at the human level with human relationships and what they leave behind.
Overall:
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Aquino Loayza it's a promising author who has a very clear identity and a very clear voice in his writing. His prose is very precise and keeps moving forward without feeling rushed at any moment. He has one quality that I find intriguing in an author and it's that he makes the decisions that other authors don't because they're scared of being different, and that is always interesting. He doesn't always go for the predictable solution, and that keeps you engaged and stimulates your imagination.
July 1, 2023
DEEP is an eerie and terrifying character driven cosmic horror that will leave you feeling uneasy.
Aquino's debut novel is beautifully written, and atmospheric.
The beginning of the novel is slow and strange, holding back on revealing the deeper issues within mysterious Juneburg until it is already too late. Once things started happening it was almost non stop, making it difficult to put this book down.
Queer horror will always be one of my most beloved genres, but the ambient rainy backdrop combined with the fast paced journalism aspect, and lovecraftian style terrors really sold this for me. I loved Gio and his obsessive determination and the rich lore of Juneburg. I will now forever feel a little unwell around bright yellow slickers.
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of this book, I loved it so much I purchased the paperback to annotate.
Aquino's debut novel is beautifully written, and atmospheric.
The beginning of the novel is slow and strange, holding back on revealing the deeper issues within mysterious Juneburg until it is already too late. Once things started happening it was almost non stop, making it difficult to put this book down.
Queer horror will always be one of my most beloved genres, but the ambient rainy backdrop combined with the fast paced journalism aspect, and lovecraftian style terrors really sold this for me. I loved Gio and his obsessive determination and the rich lore of Juneburg. I will now forever feel a little unwell around bright yellow slickers.
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of this book, I loved it so much I purchased the paperback to annotate.
February 7, 2023
A fantastic cosmic terror that sets itself apart with a focus on character. Loayza takes time to flesh out his characters and the twisted town of Juneberg. You're uneasy about the place before the main character ever sets foot there. Rather than leave the Lovecraftian terror completely formless as these things usually do, he gives the entity actual characterization, a being with its own horrifying goals, which makes for a much more interesting story. A great debut horror, I can't wait to read his next one.
February 19, 2023
An Astounding Debut!
Loayza's DEEP is a thrilling, atmospheric, and beautifully written story that doesn't read like a debut novel at all. It's a dark tale, to be sure, but the future is certainly bright for its author. I'm looking forward to more from Loayza. Highly recommended!
Loayza's DEEP is a thrilling, atmospheric, and beautifully written story that doesn't read like a debut novel at all. It's a dark tale, to be sure, but the future is certainly bright for its author. I'm looking forward to more from Loayza. Highly recommended!
November 29, 2023
So, here's the thing. I read Deep when I was in the liminal space of airport travel, over essentially 3 legs of flights (US domestic flying is the real horror-I had 3 airport stops, but no plane change between the first 2) and airport terminal layovers and I think it is kind of the perfect read for this kind of all day- time is a vacuum- kind of travel. The problem with reading it under these conditions is that by the time I finally got home, I wanted to put the entire day behind me, so I don't actually remember any details about the book to write a decent review. But that's the thing, though. The book is about a town where things are overlooked and forgotten, where weird things happen, but the outside world doesn't perceive it, and you can only remember what happens while you are experiencing it. And if that isn't the perfect kind of liminal space reading, I don't know what else is. I can only say that I clearly stared into the abyss while reading this book and the abyss not only stared back, but scrambled my perception enough to make me forget the town, like I was supposed to.
September 1, 2023
This book is one of those books that sticks with you. I finished the book and was wondering if there are alternate dimensions. I felt the fears and determination of Gio, Becky, Adam, Peter and Xiong. I felt like these people were friends. When the group had to decide if they were going to fight or run; I was very invested in what each person’s decision was going to be. Even the villains were given choices and they did not choose a different path. This quote from the book sums up my thoughts about humans when faced with difficult decisions.
“When people went into survival mode, the pathway to barbarity was a quick descent.”
I have definitely found a new author.
“When people went into survival mode, the pathway to barbarity was a quick descent.”
I have definitely found a new author.
April 24, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
What a ride this book is! It is a pretty slow burn, and I admit I almost DNF'd around the middle of the book. I'm glad I pushed through, though, because ultimately I enjoyed it quite a lot. Some of my favorite horror tropes are ancient evil, evil in a small town, cults, and cosmic horror. Deep combines those themes and manages to weave them into quite a unique story. Despite some stilted dialogue, this is a very impressive debut and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
What a ride this book is! It is a pretty slow burn, and I admit I almost DNF'd around the middle of the book. I'm glad I pushed through, though, because ultimately I enjoyed it quite a lot. Some of my favorite horror tropes are ancient evil, evil in a small town, cults, and cosmic horror. Deep combines those themes and manages to weave them into quite a unique story. Despite some stilted dialogue, this is a very impressive debut and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
March 31, 2023
5✨, recommend.
This is a DEBUT novel…
I thought this was a great read. The way it was written flowed really well, making this one a page turner for me. In my opinion, it has vibes of Folklore/Cosmic.
The characters and their development was spot on. I felt like I could relate to some of them and their emotions.
I really didn’t want to set this one down. Every moment I got, I picked it back up.. even just to get a paragraph in.
Tbh, I think it read as.. well, not a debut - let me tell you that. It was just that good!
I’ll be putting this one on/in my favorites of ‘23, for sure.
This is a DEBUT novel…
I thought this was a great read. The way it was written flowed really well, making this one a page turner for me. In my opinion, it has vibes of Folklore/Cosmic.
The characters and their development was spot on. I felt like I could relate to some of them and their emotions.
I really didn’t want to set this one down. Every moment I got, I picked it back up.. even just to get a paragraph in.
Tbh, I think it read as.. well, not a debut - let me tell you that. It was just that good!
I’ll be putting this one on/in my favorites of ‘23, for sure.
April 5, 2023
What a slow burn, character based, atmospheric dream.
I loved the eerie writing and unique descriptions - this book was very beautifully written and I loved taking my time with it, not wanting for it to end.
A great debut - I can't wait to see what's next!
I loved the eerie writing and unique descriptions - this book was very beautifully written and I loved taking my time with it, not wanting for it to end.
A great debut - I can't wait to see what's next!
November 7, 2023
The story takes place in a small town called Juneberg. People have gone missing with no explanation for years. Giovanni who is a reporter and has been obsessed with the town since he was a child has to go back to this town. While there a child goes missing and he has to investigate at what is really happening.
This book had everything I loved!! It has:
-Folklore
-Cosmic Horror
-Cult
-Diverse LGBTQ characters
-Slow burn
-Coastal setting
Plus I love the cover!!
I highly recommend this book if you love slow burn cosmic horror. I jumped at the chance when the author offered free audiobook codes! I loved it so much that I bought the e-book also! It has a lot of well written characters that I didn’t want to miss a thing!!! I thought the narrator did a great job at bringing these character to life.
This book had everything I loved!! It has:
-Folklore
-Cosmic Horror
-Cult
-Diverse LGBTQ characters
-Slow burn
-Coastal setting
Plus I love the cover!!
I highly recommend this book if you love slow burn cosmic horror. I jumped at the chance when the author offered free audiobook codes! I loved it so much that I bought the e-book also! It has a lot of well written characters that I didn’t want to miss a thing!!! I thought the narrator did a great job at bringing these character to life.
August 19, 2024
I feel so bad but I was not a fan of this. It wasn’t bad enough to justify a DNF but I just didn’t think it was well written. All the characters felt the same and didn’t have much depth to them outside of a tragic backstory and the dialogue was all very unnatural and exposition heavy. So many elements were introduced a little haphazardly and I never really understood what all these little pieces of information and revelations added up to. Each character had some link from them to whatever the creature was but none of them really made sense to me, they didn’t feel fully formed in the writing.
Rep: Gay MCs, MLM relationship
TW/CWs: Homophobia, DV, gun violence, death/murder, s*icide, car accident, religious bigotry
Rep: Gay MCs, MLM relationship
TW/CWs: Homophobia, DV, gun violence, death/murder, s*icide, car accident, religious bigotry
April 14, 2023
I will start by saying I received an audiobook version in exchange for an honest review, with that said, here are my feelings about this book. I really enjoyed this book overall. My only critique is that some of the characters are far to eager to accept a supernatural explanation for events. That could just be my inner skeptic. I really enjoyed the author's treatment of complex relationships and characters, far too often LGBTQIA+ characters are reduced to tropes and stereotypes. This author made them life-like, with flaws and cracks. This furthered my enjoyment and made this book even more enjoyable.
January 27, 2023
(Rounded up from a 4 1/2 stars)
Deep was a fantastic tale, well told, with interesting characters and rich lore.
I will admit that despite my excitement for the book, I had a tough time getting into it during the early chapters. Though I enjoyed the cast of characters, there was a sense of repetition with the set-up that bogged down the reading of what was already a slow burn. There are numerous conversations regarding the trip the protagonist must take out to Juneburg, the state of his strained relationship with his ex, and the rapidly declining health of their dog. The story hints at much more going on beneath the surface, and there was a point where I found myself getting impatient for these secrets to be uncovered.
HOWEVER
After getting past the opening of the story where all of my initial doubts stemmed from, it became apparent that the strong foundation had been necessary. The pace picks up tremendously, and I quickly found myself immersed in the deep lore of the book (pun intended.) The strong relationships and turmoil that had been so thoroughly covered in the beginning helps inform their actions as things go from strange to terrifying, proving that the audience investment in the characters was well-cultivated.
It is a challenge to delve into my favorite aspects of the book without giving too much away, yet I shall try in my own vague terms.
I loved the antagonist of the piece. I found them to be unique, imaginative, and downright eerie from their first appearance. The book also lightly explores some themes about the monstrous side of humanity put into contrast with dangers that are not so easy to explain.
The story is atmospheric in a way that is unique entirely to Loayza. Instead of relying on verbose setting descriptions, the tension seems to build between characters naturally as they react to what is happening around them. Letting readers fill in the gaps of what they're seeing feels like a strange choice early on, but definitely helps with the pacing in the early moments, while creating something terrifying and personal to the individual reader in the more harrowing later moments. We get enough visual flare to guide our imaginations along, but no reprieve from the terrors unfolding before us.
If you like character-driven, cosmic, and wholly unique horror, Deep is a must read.
Deep was a fantastic tale, well told, with interesting characters and rich lore.
I will admit that despite my excitement for the book, I had a tough time getting into it during the early chapters. Though I enjoyed the cast of characters, there was a sense of repetition with the set-up that bogged down the reading of what was already a slow burn. There are numerous conversations regarding the trip the protagonist must take out to Juneburg, the state of his strained relationship with his ex, and the rapidly declining health of their dog. The story hints at much more going on beneath the surface, and there was a point where I found myself getting impatient for these secrets to be uncovered.
HOWEVER
After getting past the opening of the story where all of my initial doubts stemmed from, it became apparent that the strong foundation had been necessary. The pace picks up tremendously, and I quickly found myself immersed in the deep lore of the book (pun intended.) The strong relationships and turmoil that had been so thoroughly covered in the beginning helps inform their actions as things go from strange to terrifying, proving that the audience investment in the characters was well-cultivated.
It is a challenge to delve into my favorite aspects of the book without giving too much away, yet I shall try in my own vague terms.
I loved the antagonist of the piece. I found them to be unique, imaginative, and downright eerie from their first appearance. The book also lightly explores some themes about the monstrous side of humanity put into contrast with dangers that are not so easy to explain.
The story is atmospheric in a way that is unique entirely to Loayza. Instead of relying on verbose setting descriptions, the tension seems to build between characters naturally as they react to what is happening around them. Letting readers fill in the gaps of what they're seeing feels like a strange choice early on, but definitely helps with the pacing in the early moments, while creating something terrifying and personal to the individual reader in the more harrowing later moments. We get enough visual flare to guide our imaginations along, but no reprieve from the terrors unfolding before us.
If you like character-driven, cosmic, and wholly unique horror, Deep is a must read.
February 17, 2023
I’m a little biased, but I think Deep is a beautifully written novel with a lot to say and characters who jump right off the page. The pacing, word choice, and points of view throughout the novel all ebb and flow wonderfully. Loayza writes in a clear and even cinematic manner while still using his prose to convey much deeper themes. Loayza allows the reader to unravel each thematic layer for themself, giving the reader the privilege of a very personal experience and takeaway. The characters are truly special and masterfully created. They feel like real people and will stick with you, making you want to come back to visit the cosmic and creepy Juneberg again and again. I can’t wait to see what Loayza writes next!
June 24, 2023
In a literary landscape that makes originality an increasingly rare trait, debut author Aquino Loayza has crafted something that defies true comparison. It's a New England-based story that made me think of King's IT on occasion, when the slickerman shows up, brought to mind the world of Laird Barron's Old Leech, and even shares some of the bleak procedural elements of True Detective season one. But also, it's none of those things.
Instead, Deep is the dark, brooding, cosmic bathwater of an author who has a lot to say and the talent to say it in a way that will keep readers coming back for more.
Instead, Deep is the dark, brooding, cosmic bathwater of an author who has a lot to say and the talent to say it in a way that will keep readers coming back for more.
March 22, 2023
I was blessed with a copy of this audiobook by the author himself. Not knowing I was from Maine he told me to prepare myself for lots of New England dialogue, little did he know that just makes books feel more like home to me. And boy did it ever feel like home, the narrators accents, the dialogue, the setting, all hit spot on. I’m not sure I can accurately sum this book up without any spoilers. It’s a slow gritty burn with a little bit of everything for everyone. Crime, mystery, horror, cults, sci-fi, probably more I didn’t mention. It’s incredibly detailed from the setting to the characters themselves. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel!
May 21, 2023
The Deep is an excellent debut set in northern, coastal Maine. The setting is rich and salt brined, with a diverse cast of characters and intricate lore about a cult, or worse, a monster. The pacing was a bit slow for my tastes, especially between the midpoint and climax, however this is an enjoyable read for lovers of folklore and cosmic, Lovecraftian horror.
March 26, 2023
A solid horror debut that features diverse characters and eldritch horrors.
Started to loose some of it's steam towards the end so I struggled a bit to finish this after the first promising 200 pages.
Will be checking out to the authors future work for sure.
Started to loose some of it's steam towards the end so I struggled a bit to finish this after the first promising 200 pages.
Will be checking out to the authors future work for sure.
June 9, 2024
An all-consuming odyssey that questions readers how deep is the well of obsession? Loayza probes the murky waters of fanaticism, trauma, and existentialism through the eyes of well-realized, world-weary characters. A solid debut novel.
February 16, 2023
Paced so you want to keep reading one more bit. Would recommend to anyone interested in horror or the eeriness of Maine!
February 27, 2023
Aquino has written a sprawling Lovecraftian tale. Deep is a grand exercise in watching something small build into something world-changing. The book features an awesome villain and the character development is top-notch. Aquino's action scenes are the highlight for me. Gritty and gory, I still find myself replaying some scenes from the story in my head, especially the ones at the hotel. An awesome debut novel. I look forward to seeing what he writes next.
March 13, 2023
This was a long read for me. It was interesting and kept my interest enough that I finished it but thought it was a slow story. I loved the characters and everything they stood for, the good and the bad. Just wished it would have been a faster paced read for me.
December 1, 2023
I pre-ordered this book on a whim after I saw an author I like discussing this book on Twitter calling it the “next thing in horror.” I was admittedly skeptical at first but went ahead and pre-ordered.
Let me tell you what, this book is the next new thing in horror there is no doubt in my mind. Loayza takes careful time to introduce us to characters and develop them in a way that reminds us of a person we all know and each character death feels deeply personal and hurts. Except Silva, not you Silva, you deserved that.
Kauffman is easily one of the most bone chilling characters I’ve ever read, especially with his presence as a religious leader. I think it was an extremely interesting angle for Loayza to have Juneberg’s entire existence be predicated on cosmic horror.
A huge area of discussion in the later portion of this book is that this is a cycle that is constantly repeated. Well, if this a cycle that is constantly repeated I hope Loayza will indulge us all and write about the next cycle. If not I believe Loayza has an additional novel coming out in 2024 that I am very excited to read after becoming familiar with their writing style in this book.
Let me tell you what, this book is the next new thing in horror there is no doubt in my mind. Loayza takes careful time to introduce us to characters and develop them in a way that reminds us of a person we all know and each character death feels deeply personal and hurts. Except Silva, not you Silva, you deserved that.
Kauffman is easily one of the most bone chilling characters I’ve ever read, especially with his presence as a religious leader. I think it was an extremely interesting angle for Loayza to have Juneberg’s entire existence be predicated on cosmic horror.
A huge area of discussion in the later portion of this book is that this is a cycle that is constantly repeated. Well, if this a cycle that is constantly repeated I hope Loayza will indulge us all and write about the next cycle. If not I believe Loayza has an additional novel coming out in 2024 that I am very excited to read after becoming familiar with their writing style in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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