The Below

by Scott T. Miller

Humankind rose from the carcass of a dead world. Lifetimes later, billions of people live in superstructures constructed atop the only habitable lands left, the Hawaiian Islands. Kilohana “Kilo” Ressler lives in Hawai'i City (known to the people as Big City) along with his illegal Digital Psychological Manifestation (DPM), EO, a pseudo-twin only perceptible to the host, designed during the rebuilding years to provide companionship in a world of horrors. Kilo has managed to keep EO a secret for most of his life, but when his skills are required for a diplomatic mission in Kaua'i City, Kilo and EO find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens to expose EO’s existence and endanger the fragile balance of power between the island cities. The only place left for answers is in the depths of the superstructure the Below. As the walls close in, Kilo must undertake the impossible task of protecting his friend, facing his past, and holding a crumbling city together.

Genres: Science Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

superstardrifter.com

The Below is the story of Kilohana "Kilo" Ressler, who lives in Hawai'i City. This is a future Earth that has suffered some sort of cataclysm event that has left much of it uninhabitable, and so the only place left that people can live are the Hawaiian Islands. They have been built into giant cities, and Hawai'i City is the biggest. Kilo is some sort of... I'm not actually sure what he is... he is like a bounty hunter or a detective, I think? He is a former soldier who is now almost like a diplomat meets detective.  He also has a DPM, which is a sort of machine that is injected into the brain that manifests a person that only the host can see. They are very, very rare, and illegal for most people to own. Kilo's DPM is named EO, and he helps Kilo not only by keeping him company, but he can move around in rooms that Kilo is in without being seen, which helps quite a lot in the sneaky shenanigans business.

Kilo gets sent on a mission by the ruling caste of the cities that sends him into an area known as The Below, which seems to be like like the seedy underbelly of the islands. Kilo has some experience with the area and some of its inhabitants. As he investigates the shady happenings in The Below, he finds all kinds of conspiracies and secrets, and it's up to Kilo and EO to try and stop some real bad stuff from happening to the cities.

I enjoyed this one, but not as much as I was anticipating I would. The world was easy to imagine. I thought of it something like Coruscant. Skyscrapers on skyscrapers, and within the layers of this metropolis, there are different castes, and giant gaps in wealth. The Designers are the rulers and architects of the cities, and just like many other stories with an Undercity, there is a very big power gap between the above and The Below. 

It was easy to place myself in that setting, because of experience with other stories in settings that are similar, like I said, but I do wish that there was a bit more explanation about why the world was the way it was, and why Hawaii was like... the last place that people could live. I mean, I understand the idea of a series of islands pretty far out from the mainland being a bastion for all humanity, but again, I wish there had been a little bit of a peek into what the rest of the world was doing in that respect. I don't think Hawaii was where the entire population of Earth lived, because there didn't seem to be that big of a multicultural aspect, but who knows. 

Part of this story concerns 'The Continent' which I took to be Mexico or Central America-ish. There was once a war there, that Kilo fought in long ago. The Continent is no longer habitable, and protective clothing and equipment are needed in order to do anything because the air is poisonous... or radioactive... or both? Being unprotected does more to take years off your life than it does to immediately kill you, so take that as you will. People go there (or are sent there) to mine certain substances, and are usually never seen again... until Kilo starts investigating. 

I found Kilo pretty easy to cheer for but I think the real star of the show here was EO. I have so many questions about how EO does the things he does, but alas, I will let you all form your own questions rather than spoiling any of the surprises. He is a Digital Psychological Manifestation... think JARVIS or FRIDAY if nobody else could see or hear them and they were super secret and illegal. I like that EO had a little snark, and I really liked how much of a sidekick and support structure for Kilo he was. 

All told, I thought this was an interesting story that I wish had just a tad more detail about the world as a whole. It was certainly a unique twist on a few well known tropes. I certainly don't think of Hawaii off the top of my head when I think of Cyberpunk, so that was new! I had 3.5/5 stars (rounded up) of fun with The Below. If you liked stories like Metropolis or Dark City, or you like a real City Noir setting, like Neo-Tokyo in AKIRA, or Rapture in Bioshock, you might just give this one a look. 

[Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neon ghosts, crumbling gods, and a city that breathes beneath your feet

I’m going to be real: I walked into The Below expecting another dystopian survival story… and instead got swallowed whole.This book doesn’t just build a world it stacks it vertically and then dares you to climb down.From the first page, you feel it: humanity clawing its way back from extinction, clinging to towering superstructures like rusted crowns over the last scraps of Earth. And at the center of it all? Kilo, a man carrying more than secrets and EO, a companion that shouldn’t exist but feels more human than most.What makes this story hit isn’t just the sci-fi concept (though the Digital Psychological Manifestation idea is insanely cool). It’s the tension of being watched, being hunted, and not even knowing if your own mind is safe. Every step deeper into “the Below” feels like peeling back a layer of reality that was never meant to be touched.
The pacing? Tight.
The atmosphere? Suffocating in the best way.
The emotional core? Quietly devastating.
There’s something deeply haunting about the relationship between Kilo and EO it blurs the line between identity, loneliness, and survival in a way that lingers long after you’re done reading.By the end, it’s not just about saving a city.It’s about holding onto what makes you human… when the world has already decided you’re not.

⭐️ 5 / 5 — A layered, immersive dystopia that feels eerily close to home

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow-burn noir, futuristic mystery dystopia. From the great works of Blade Runner to the more contemporary Cyberpunk 2077, Scott T. Miller offers us a refreshing setting (Hawaii) for a future of greedy, corrupt corporations, human evolution, and dependence/symbiosis with AI entities that only the recipient can see. I like how the author had the idea for this book while driving and seeing the modern high-rise buildings towering over the city.

Kilo has a specific sidekick: EO, an AI twin who helps Kilohana (the main character) during his investigation with suggestions. Being invisible, EO can move freely without being seen, and with analysis of the world and people, predict the next move. We get some memories that help to add a layer to the character that clearly carries trauma. 

I felt whole reading that there is some imbalance in the pacing and what the author decides to focus on, giving us more information on secondary themes rather than the answers we want. (For example, after reading a few pages, what I remember most from that section was bacon and EO salivating).
The interaction with the colonel in Ludo and speaking with the higher-ranking one about which Designer was his favorite or not was a good build but felt to me anticlimactic (or perhaps it's the author's style to slow down tension). The same with the gladiator fight at the start. We think: what was the purpose of that scene? To show us Kilo has gone soft? No longer belongs to the Below as before? A message? A warning? I do believe that there is more to just a scene.

It's easier to read a book when the reader knows a bit more than the main character, but we go on the journey with Kilo at the same level of blindness. 

Getting to the end, we get to find out what happened to Maurice. What kind of betrayals will Kilo unveil...
Kilo is understanding who he is now. Self-discovery. Choices to make. 

When we get to the end, a lot of the slow pacing and random scenes since the start gain a deeper meaning.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Below throws us into a fascinating vision of tomorrow where humanity survives atop colossal superstructures built over the Hawaiian Islands, after the collapse of the old world. Investigator Kilohana "Kilo" Ressler has his closest companion, a secret no one else can see : a Digital Psychological Manifestation named EO. A diplomatic assignment spirals into a dangerous conspiracy. Kilo is forced into the hidden depths known as the Below, where buried truths threaten his own future and the fragile order holding the society together.

The book has a compelling premise, and the writing is top notch. It's easy to follow, something that is slightly rare with sci-fi books. The characters are built well. The Below is an intelligent mix of dystopian fiction, cyberpunk and detective mystery. It offers far more than spectacular technology and action. I found the world-building quite ambitious, and brilliantly done. With memorable characters and an engrossing mystery, this is a journey well worth taking.

[OJ Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a future where Earth has become largely uninhabitable, humanity's last stronghold is the towering metropolis of Hawai'i City. Former soldier Kilohana "Kilo" Ressler now serves as an investigator, navigating the fragile balance between the city's ruling elite and its dangerous underworld known as The Below. His greatest advantage is EO, an illegal Digital Psychological Manifestation—an AI companion only Kilo can see. Intelligent, witty, and fiercely loyal, EO becomes far more than a guide during Kilo's investigation into disappearances, buried conspiracies, and secrets capable of shaking the foundations of the city.

The worldbuilding is one of the novel's greatest strengths. The layered city, divided by wealth, power, and social hierarchy, creates a setting that's easy to visualize, evoking the atmosphere of classic dystopia worlds while still feeling distinct. The contrast between the polished upper city and the lawless depths of The Below adds depth to the mystery, and the futuristic technology integrates naturally into the story without becoming overwhelming.

While Kilo is a compelling protagonist whose past gradually reveals a man burdened by trauma and difficult choices, EO easily steals the spotlight. His dry humor, unwavering support, and unique abilities make every interaction more engaging, and his relationship with Kilo becomes the emotional anchor of the novel.

The investigation itself is intriguing, gradually uncovering betrayals, political secrets, and questions about identity and purpose. But, the pacing occasionally feels uneven. At times, the story lingers on smaller moments and secondary details while delaying answers to the mysteries driving the plot. Several scenes build strong tension but conclude more quietly than expected, leaving some moments feeling anticlimactic. I also found myself wishing for more insight into the world's history—particularly the catastrophe that made Hawai'i humanity's last major refuge and what remains of the rest of the world.

Even so, the slower sections come together by the novel's conclusion, rewarding patient readers with satisfying revelations and meaningful character growth.

A thoughtful dystopia mystery with an unforgettable AI companion, immersive worldbuilding, and a noir atmosphere that makes you eager to uncover what lies beneath the surface.

[M.G. Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s be honest: sci-fi noir can get exhausting. It’s always the same neon cities, the rainy cyber-streets, the brooding antiheroes with a neon sign flickering behind them. But Scott T. Miller’s The Below dodges all that. He takes that well-worn noir detective core and shoves it into a Hawaii that’s half-drowned, walled off, and downright suffocating.

One of the coolest things Miller does is build up, not out. Instead of palm trees and beaches, he piles the Hawaiian islands with vertical cities—whole worlds stacked on top of each other. The rich, “The Designers,” live up top in sanitized luxury, while the rest rot below in the soup of industry and heat. You don’t just see the social divide—you feel it. The main character, Kilo, has to climb (sometimes literally) through all these layers for his job as a detective, and you can sense just how heavy that is.

But here’s what really works: the relationship between Kilo and EO, his Digital Psychological Manifestation. Sure, lots of stories have an AI sidekick by now, but Miller isn’t just checking that box. EO isn’t there just to explain things or crack jokes—instead, EO’s woven right into Kilo’s trauma, almost like a piece that’s split off from himself. Their conversations feel raw and necessary, not just tacked on. This choice keeps the story soaked in humanity, no matter how weird or high-tech things get.

The writing itself? Moody and immersive, full of ugly textures and atmospheric detail. Miller nails that sense of grime—you practically smell the place. But sometimes he leans so hard into world-building that the plot slows down. There are long digressions into how this world came apart, how the islands run, who’s in charge. If you’re here for a sharp, breakneck mystery, you might get impatient. On the other hand, if you want to live in someone else’s world for a while, these detours are probably your favorite part.

Bottom line: The Below delivers a hardboiled detective story that still feels new. Miller uses the ruins of his future Hawaii to explore old-school noir themes—damaged detectives, corrupt powers, the search for some kind of truth—but he makes them land in this strange, fresh setting. If you care about world-building that actually matters to the characters, you’re going to dig it.

[Jon Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not in my list of go to genres, or more correctly, WAS not. This one grabbed hold of me, and didn’t let go. I love the way Miller reveals information slowly, without it ever feeling like it’s only there for exposition. The reader learns about key plot points, and characters organically, through interactions—I could tell that he trusts that his reader is smart enough to follow along.

The pacing is spot on, and alternates between taut action, and deeper, quieter explorations of many themes that range from broad, social hierarchies, to intimate portrayals of reconciling with one’s past, loss and friendship.

That brings me to what, for me, is the real hook-the friendship between the main character Kilo and his DPM (Designed Psychological Manifestation) named EO. EO is only perceptible to Kilo. Created in the aftermath of a global event that left the world uninhabitable (except for the chain of Hawaiian Islands) DPM’s were intended to provide their hosts with a constant companion, as a source of comfort from the trauma of a world turned upside down. But over time, the elite class known as the Designers, found that people were much easier to control and manipulate without a sense of internal security; so anyone outside the aristocracy was banned from having one. Now, Kilo, and by default EO, have been recruited for a top secret mission, by the same group that has made EO’s mere existence a high crime.
The friendship between the two is remarkable. EO constantly strives to keep Kilo tethered to his own humanity, while striving to have a human experience of his own. Their bond is challenged and tested the deeper the two delve into the seedy underbelly of the city, known as The Below. These are just two of the characters that Miller brings to nearly cinematic life in the pages.

Unexpectedly thoughtful and moving, this is a must read! I only hope Miller finds himself as curious as I am as what came before, and what follows the final, haunting words… enough to propel this one into a trilogy at the very least.

[Annica Fourie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I could have if I was less distracted while reading it. Overall, it was set to be a slam dunk - great concept, good writing style, interesting characters and plot - but due to the goings-on in my personal life I didn't connect as deeply as I would have hoped.
This is definitely something I will return too and retry in the near future.
To put on a more critical-thinking cap: I was a little confused at times and thought there could have been more explanation about the world-building.
The DPM (Digital Psychological Manifestation) aspect was cool. I loved the secretive, have-to-work-around-this-illegal-voice-in-my-head concept and how the author handled it.
I also liked the writing-style. It was easy to understand and the author didn't overcomplicate everything.
This is definitely a recommendation for dystopian scifi readers, and one I gladly endorse.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amplify Publishing Group for the e-ARC of this title.

[Paty Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Below
by Scott Miller

The Below
by Scott Miller is a gripping dystopian novel set in a future where the Hawaiian Islands have become uninhabitable, forcing humanity to build upward on the remnants of existing cities. Miller's vivid and immersive descriptions make the setting come alive, transporting readers to a world both breathtaking and haunting. You can almost feel the weight of the air, the crumbling skyline, and the tension that permeates this society.

The story centers around Kilo, whose journey is both intriguing and emotionally compelling. The relationship with EO, a pseudo-twin, adds a fascinating layer of complexity and depth. Their dynamic draws you in from the very beginning, creating a sense of urgency and curiosity that keeps you turning the pages.

Miller’s unique ability to craft a richly detailed environment, combined with a captivating storyline, makes *The Below* a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. It’s a thought-provoking and immersive novel that stays with you long after the final page.
10 out of 10 must read

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: " The Below by Scott T. Miller "
🤖
The majority of science fiction novels impress through technology, while some leave a more lasting impact thanks to their atmosphere. In this case, The Below manages to do both. The plot is set in the future, in a world where people exist in huge skyscrapers built upon Hawaii. The reader follows Kilohana "Kilo" Ressler, an ex-soldier who investigates dangerous secrets that are hidden under the shiny top layers of the society.
🤖
An impressive feature is world-building. The multi-level urban area, acute social inequalities, and a mysterious underworld create a great cyberpunk setting. The protagonist is strong; however, the main point is EO, his rare Digital Psychological Manifestation. Their relationship provides warmth, humor, and feeling to an otherwise frightening and dangerous journey.
🤖
In terms of the genre, the novel can be classified as a mystery story. The readers reveal conspiracies, treason, and deep questions about identity, information technologies, and humanity throughout the book.
🤖

[Céline Badaroux · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of Hawaiian scifi is definitely cool. The city feels alive and I'd love to see a Dami Lee video about it! The story is really action packed and full of many interesting ideas. The problem is... too many things happen too fast, and we have no time for important questions. The main character is always saved by another character (including his "double self") and past the 70% mark, it feels too much. I also have to say that I don't see what is achieved in the end. The chosen solution makes no sense, and won't change a thing. It's the paradox of killing Hitler all over again, and it doesn"t work.
I was so in love with this book at the beginning, and was very disappointed in the end. However, I'm convinced it would make a great movie, and if you focus on the action, you'll love it too.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Below is an exciting debut from the talented author, Scott T Miller. I am not one that will instantly go to the genre of fantasy or science fiction. I honestly usually stay away from it. However, I thought this was a pretty good book to read. After a few chapters in, I caught on what was happening with the characters, I was fascinated and hooked. It was full of action, adventure, and intrigue. It was fun taking this journey with Kilo and finding out what was to come from chapter to chapter. It was not a predictable story for me, so I never knew what to expect. I thought the author's descriptions of the setting and plot made it seem to be believable. Their writing style is unique and was refreshing to read something new and different for me. A wonderful way to spend while staying inside during these hot summer days.



I am going to give The Below four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who love to read Science Fiction, Dystopian, and / or Cyberpunk novels. I would be interested in reading more by Scott T Miller in the near future. I am curious to see where his imagination will take his characters and fans to next. I believe this one should not be missed and definitely worth diving into.




I received a paperback copy of Scott T Miller's The Below from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Anjali Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy dystopian sci-fi with immersive world-building and a gripping mystery, The Below is one to check out.

Set in a far-future Hawai'i, where humanity survives in towering superstructures built above the last habitable land, the story follows Kilo Ressler as a routine diplomatic mission unravels into a dangerous conspiracy. Alongside his secret companion, EO, he must venture into the mysterious Below to uncover the truth before everything falls apart.

I loved how the book blends cyberpunk, mystery and emotional depth while exploring themes of identity, friendship and survival. The world feels vivid, the stakes are high and the story keeps you wanting to know what's waiting around the next corner.

If you're a fan of dystopian fiction, cyberpunk, or fast-paced sci-fi with plenty of intrigue, I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR!

[Bell Montes]

This book is AMAZING 🤩! As a debut novel, I was incredibly impressed by the author’s polished, confident writing, which stands shoulder to shoulder with that of many seasoned writers. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book. If you’re interested in getting into sci-fi but feel a little intimidated, this is the perfect introduction. It’s mystery, cyberpunk, dystopian, climate dystopian, corrupt government, action, and detective thriller—all in one. It has the ability to engage a wide audience, and I think that’s what will keep readers entertained from beginning to end.

The author has a unique skill: writing without talking down to the audience while still challenging readers throughout the story. It’s smart, fast-paced, and meticulous in its world-building. My favorite element of the book was the eerily inevitable world in which the story takes place. Through the main character’s mission, we’re exposed to the entirety of this environment, depicted in a way that feels less like a fictional future and more like a plausible response to the looming threats of climate crisis and dwindling resources.

I was also surprised by how vividly I could see the world as I read. The author does a phenomenal job balancing descriptions of the physical setting, characters, and action, while still leaving space for readers to fill in the blanks with their own interpretations. I’ve never read a book that played so clearly in my mind—it felt like I was watching it on TV. The author achieves this without ever becoming heavy-handed.

There are countless ways I could continue praising this book, but without spoiling the plot, I’ll simply recommend that you pick it up for your next read and experience it for yourself.

[Homer Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Below has the bones of a great story but is unable to pull it all together. The pairing of Kilo and EO were entertaining from the start and the entire conceit is extremely creative and interesting but I never felt like I knew the full backstory. And that was a theme throughout the book - interesting concepts that aren’t fully realized. How did the Continent come to be ruined? Why is Hawaii safe from whatever caused issues on the Continent? Are the Designers just a name for the ruling/wealthy class or do they have special skills? I could go on and on.

I wanted more depth in the story and the plot had just too many lucky coincidences to move things along and often weren’t earned. This was close to being great but fell short.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott T. Miller has crafted a cyberpunk thriller that delivers far more than futuristic technology and action. Set in humanity's last surviving cities above the Hawaiian Islands, The Below combines mystery, dystopian suspense, and immersive world-building with an emotional story about identity, friendship, and survival.

The pacing is fast, the mystery rewards attentive readers, and the relationship between Kilo and EO gives the novel surprising emotional depth. Readers looking for intelligent science fiction with compelling characters and cinematic storytelling will find plenty to enjoy.

Read more of my book reviews at
Gina Rae Mitchell • Championing Indie Authors & Stories Worth Discovering

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot talk much about this book without giving a lot away so I will keep it simple. The below is a dystopian book set in the future where humankind have met a not-so-pretty fate and live in Hawai'i City because everything else is uninhabitable. The main character is Kilo and he's ....a lot.

Could I connect with Kilo? Barely. I didn't know what he did or who he was but eventually everything makes sense. There's a city beneath their big one and i always fall for a setting like that. It's not the kind of dystopia like Divergent or Hunger Games but is still so new and different. My only problem was being unable to connect with the characters but everything else was nice.

[Louis Core · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing was tight and engaging. The best part about this book is how the author did world building. The story is set in a somewhat dystopian future but doesn't begin with a long exposition dump telling us where and when we are. Instead we are introduced to a person we can relate to and are allowed to piece together through context clues what the setting is. He trusts us to be smart enough to figure things out, which makes the story so much better because we don't get tripped up and pulled out of the story through long explanations.

[Ivana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting, though I wish the world was a bit better explained. Or at least we were given more details. A map would have been cool too.

I like the idea behind the world and plot was easy to follow.

It was very fast paced in last 30-40% and I wish it took a bit longer at some parts. Events happened too easy and nothing really goes wrong. More complexity would bring a lot to this book.

It heavily suggest there will be another book and I will likely read it. Depends a lot how soon it comes.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love dystopian books? I sure do. And this one was a good one. Although it’s nowadays kind of difficult to say what is a good read when it comes to dystopian books. Too much of what used to be absolute dystopian impossibility is now turning out to be just your regular Tuesday. This book? It luckily still balances there. It’s not a book about your regular Monday. Yet.
Tech meets apocalypse meets horror meets thriller meets sci-fi meets human nature.
Fast-paced. Chilling. Tense. Suspense-filled. Weirdly atmospheric.
This is the end as we… don’t know it.

[Travis May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved “The Below” by Scott T. Miller! This science fiction novel is a thrilling ride from start to finish. The plot is the perfect mix of action-packed and mystery / suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. The original concept and eerie cityscape are captivating and inventive. Plus, the book cover is wonderfully done and perfectly sets the tone for the story. I highly recommend it to any sci-fi fan!

[Derek and Felicia Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like dystopian or sci-fi, this is a book you should read. The author creates an engaging narrative that transports you to a future world where things are not as they seem at first. From the first chapter I was fascinated with what what was unfolding and got caught up in the lives of the characters as the plot thickened. Readers are sure to enjoy the twists and turns of this remarkably creative story.

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well-written debut novel. The world-building was fantastic, providing a great visual foundation to the story. The characters were fleshed out and realistic. The premise of the story, set in a dystopian society on the Hawaiian Islands, was a unique spin on survival in a ruined world. The addition of the uncommon situation between the main character and his closest ally made this book a truly captivating and worthwhile read.

[Nicole Carlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyberpunk with a hint of underlying dystopian theme. This is a face paced, action packed story that is well thought out and well executed. I liked the writing and prose a lot. I thought this was very well done for a debut novel. The ending tied all of the loose ends together wonderfully and I wasn't left wanting. My only gripe (and this is personal preference) is that I wish I had more background info. on the state of the world and how it got to that point. Really fun read!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more than just a dystopian thriller! It's a world building from the bottom to the top and I felt like I was on a slippery slide going up and down again. Kilo is the man at the centre of it all and he is a fascinating character. What he achieves is unbelievable. I was fascinated and torn in the depths of the book and it had me riveted. The plot felt whole and suffocating as my emotions were building. I have never read anything like this story before and it was amazing.

[Amanda Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Below is a great pick for readers who love cyberpunk and dystopian sci-fi with strong world-building and imperfect, believable characters. Scott T. Miller creates a tense, immersive story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go, while still giving you plenty to think about. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you after you finish and earns a spot on your shelf.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read this will take you to another world and a world you wanna live!! It’s exciting and intriguing just pulls you in right from the start, the author has an ability to put you inside this story. Original story very refreshing which is why you will be drawn from one chapter to the next !! Tell a friend 10/10

[xyZeereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story, the idea that you have a "twin" that "lives and breathes" who sticks with you at all times that only you can see, but who is more functional than the proverbial "invisible friend". The world-building isn't particularly vast, so it's not overwhelming, and I've always been a sucker for made-up science.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Michelle Godard-Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dystopian world building is immersive and well thought out. Kilo and his Digital Psychological Manifestation named EO are great main characters. Their relationship is special, as is their quest to save their city. The pace moves, and the plotting maintained my interest throughout. Among dystopians, this story is truly unique.

[Sachin Karnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tense dystopian thriller set in futuristic Hawai‘i, The Below follows investigator Kilo Ressler and his secret twin EO as they uncover conspiracies that threaten both identity and survival. Scott T. Miller’s prose is cinematic, his world‑building layered with social divisions and emotional scars. Fans of cyberpunk noir will find a gripping mix of action, mystery, and heart.