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Abyssal
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Title -> Abyssal
Author -> Kim Pinzon
Rating⭐️ -> 4/5
Genre 🎃 -> Horror underwater
spice 🌶 ->
Main Character 🎎 -> Asha
Book Type 📒 -> Book 1
Main Trigger Warnings ⚠️ -> violence/gore/ paranoia
Pages -> 463
Asha has a job that she works in the ocean on the bottom collecting and identifying new species and creatures. They tried to make the area there in with fake sun so they dont go crazy and try to make it good for them. They are to do there work not question and if anything bad happens there really not suppose to say or do anything. Asha knows something is up and she is ready to start to look into it when some weird stuff is going on. There is so many weird things going on that no one seems to care or question but people start dying. Are they looking for new creatures or is something looking for them what happens what do they find do they figure out what is causing the deaths read it it is a good book it is interesting lots of twists and turns. Unexpected plot. Thanks to the writter for giving this as a arc to reveiw I feel so happy to be able to tell my thoughts it was good 4 stars should be a movie
Author -> Kim Pinzon
Rating⭐️ -> 4/5
Genre 🎃 -> Horror underwater
spice 🌶 ->
Main Character 🎎 -> Asha
Book Type 📒 -> Book 1
Main Trigger Warnings ⚠️ -> violence/gore/ paranoia
Pages -> 463
Asha has a job that she works in the ocean on the bottom collecting and identifying new species and creatures. They tried to make the area there in with fake sun so they dont go crazy and try to make it good for them. They are to do there work not question and if anything bad happens there really not suppose to say or do anything. Asha knows something is up and she is ready to start to look into it when some weird stuff is going on. There is so many weird things going on that no one seems to care or question but people start dying. Are they looking for new creatures or is something looking for them what happens what do they find do they figure out what is causing the deaths read it it is a good book it is interesting lots of twists and turns. Unexpected plot. Thanks to the writter for giving this as a arc to reveiw I feel so happy to be able to tell my thoughts it was good 4 stars should be a movie
April 26, 2026
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for this review copy! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
They say "in exchange for an honest review" so here goes: this book was a slog. I didn't hate it, but the characters were unlikeable (beyond just the normal horror-movie stupid) and it read like a shallow high school drama written by a high schooler. All the characters acted like children towards each other.
I will say this for Pinzon; the monster was imaginative and compelling, and while I disliked the agents of the monster () it was a good dislike, the way you're supposed to dislike the villains. Their plan was actually kind of good, in a horrifying kind of way.
So: would I recommend this book? It was really gory (and excessively, as in it doesn't advance the story, which is not necessarily my cup of tea although I know for some it is) although I wouldn't necessarily call it splatterpunk because the gore isn't bizarre or fantastical. There were parts that were genuinely frightening. It didn't feel terribly original, though, and I could not get over how unlikeable and puerile the characters were, in their internal monologues and actually out loud to each other. In short, it's a pulpy (in more ways than one) deep-sea monster story with poorly-written characters but kind of a fun monster. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it, but I wouldn't warn someone away from it if that type of pulpy horror is what they like.
They say "in exchange for an honest review" so here goes: this book was a slog. I didn't hate it, but the characters were unlikeable (beyond just the normal horror-movie stupid) and it read like a shallow high school drama written by a high schooler. All the characters acted like children towards each other.
I will say this for Pinzon; the monster was imaginative and compelling, and while I disliked the agents of the monster () it was a good dislike, the way you're supposed to dislike the villains. Their plan was actually kind of good, in a horrifying kind of way.
So: would I recommend this book? It was really gory (and excessively, as in it doesn't advance the story, which is not necessarily my cup of tea although I know for some it is) although I wouldn't necessarily call it splatterpunk because the gore isn't bizarre or fantastical. There were parts that were genuinely frightening. It didn't feel terribly original, though, and I could not get over how unlikeable and puerile the characters were, in their internal monologues and actually out loud to each other. In short, it's a pulpy (in more ways than one) deep-sea monster story with poorly-written characters but kind of a fun monster. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it, but I wouldn't warn someone away from it if that type of pulpy horror is what they like.
Review of advance copy
As someone who counts The Abyss and Sphere among my all-time favourite films, I had high hopes for Abyssal, and it absolutely delivered.
Reading this as a busy working mum, I found myself completely sucked into the claustrophobic atmosphere of the "HAB." The story is told through five different perspectives, and the way the tension builds between the characters felt incredibly authentic. I went from feeling intrigued by the initial discovery to a genuine sense of deep-sea dread as the plot progressed.
It’s a brilliant cross between Sphere and Alien. I finished it feeling thoroughly content, it’s rare to find a book that captures that specific "creepy unknown" vibe so effectively. It was the perfect addictive escape to dip into between the school runs and daily chaos. If you enjoy sci-fi that makes you feel the weight of the ocean pressing in on you, this is a five-star read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reading this as a busy working mum, I found myself completely sucked into the claustrophobic atmosphere of the "HAB." The story is told through five different perspectives, and the way the tension builds between the characters felt incredibly authentic. I went from feeling intrigued by the initial discovery to a genuine sense of deep-sea dread as the plot progressed.
It’s a brilliant cross between Sphere and Alien. I finished it feeling thoroughly content, it’s rare to find a book that captures that specific "creepy unknown" vibe so effectively. It was the perfect addictive escape to dip into between the school runs and daily chaos. If you enjoy sci-fi that makes you feel the weight of the ocean pressing in on you, this is a five-star read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Return to Water didn’t quite stand out to me, but it still turned out to be a decent read overall.
While both the writing style and the plot felt fairly straightforward and didn't offer much in terms of surprises or originality, the story remained solid enough to keep me engaged throughout. It’s one of those books that may not leave a lasting impression, but is still enjoyable in the moment.
What really elevated the experience for me was the finale, which brought a welcome sense of tension and excitement. That stronger ending definitely helped lift my overall impression of the book by a whole star.
In the end, not a standout, but a perfectly fine read - especially if you’re looking for something easy to get through with a bravely nihilistic finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While both the writing style and the plot felt fairly straightforward and didn't offer much in terms of surprises or originality, the story remained solid enough to keep me engaged throughout. It’s one of those books that may not leave a lasting impression, but is still enjoyable in the moment.
What really elevated the experience for me was the finale, which brought a welcome sense of tension and excitement. That stronger ending definitely helped lift my overall impression of the book by a whole star.
In the end, not a standout, but a perfectly fine read - especially if you’re looking for something easy to get through with a bravely nihilistic finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm very grateful to have read the ARC.
We don't get enough underwater horror so it's always a pleasant surprise when you find it in any medium.
ABYSSAL is an unsettling, blood-soaked body horror/creature feature that will give horror fans from across the subgenres much to savor and enjoy.
It tears the limbs from such things as ALIEN, DEAD SPACE, RESIDENT EVIL, LEVIATHAN, DEEP STAR SIX, and THE THING and creates a new and horrifying lifeform. One I think readers will turn the pages to keep reading about...or itch at their crawling skin.
Kim has written a solid book here and I cannot wait to see where her talents take her. If she's this good and creative with the deep sea, what's next? My vote is on outer space or an alternate dimension.
We don't get enough underwater horror so it's always a pleasant surprise when you find it in any medium.
ABYSSAL is an unsettling, blood-soaked body horror/creature feature that will give horror fans from across the subgenres much to savor and enjoy.
It tears the limbs from such things as ALIEN, DEAD SPACE, RESIDENT EVIL, LEVIATHAN, DEEP STAR SIX, and THE THING and creates a new and horrifying lifeform. One I think readers will turn the pages to keep reading about...or itch at their crawling skin.
Kim has written a solid book here and I cannot wait to see where her talents take her. If she's this good and creative with the deep sea, what's next? My vote is on outer space or an alternate dimension.
Review of advance copy
First, a thank you to BookSirens for this ARC. I feel bad giving this 3 stars, but it doesn't quite reach 4. It is, however, a solid 3.5. As I often say, horror is the most difficult genre to write. For the most part, Pinzon did a good job with it. It was an easy read and never felt like a slog. Most of the dialogue is good, and it rarely takes one out of the moment. I enjoyed the way she sets the scenes and describes the action. She has a way of drawing one in, which worked well. There are some typos, more in the early part of the book than the latter part, but none that were too impactful. For the most part the plot was consistent, though at times it felt a little thin. Overall, it was an enjoyable book and worth a read for those who enjoy scifi/horror.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review!
I give this a solid 4.25 stars (but, unfortunately, Goodreads only believes in whole numbers *insert eye roll*). This book gave a sense of paranoia, dread, and a constant loop of horror - just the thought of being underwater gives me abject terror. Some scenes left me jaw-dropped through the whole thing. The plot of this book gave me full movie-vibes that I would definitely watch while cowering under a blanket! The ending though...damn...marvelous!
I give this a solid 4.25 stars (but, unfortunately, Goodreads only believes in whole numbers *insert eye roll*). This book gave a sense of paranoia, dread, and a constant loop of horror - just the thought of being underwater gives me abject terror. Some scenes left me jaw-dropped through the whole thing. The plot of this book gave me full movie-vibes that I would definitely watch while cowering under a blanket! The ending though...damn...marvelous!
April 28, 2026
Totally recommend ready this when you also have a phobia of the deep sea.
This was my first deep sea horror I have read and it was so bone chilling and made me feel very claustrophobic. Really enjoyed this one!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
This was my first deep sea horror I have read and it was so bone chilling and made me feel very claustrophobic. Really enjoyed this one!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Abyssal tells the tale of the crew of Kracken 7, a deep sea research lab located in the pitch dark bottom of the ocean. During their research they come across a dangerous new form of sea life they dub the Mortices, but what they don't know is this discovery will prove more monsterous and deadly than they could possibly imagine.
The claustrophobic environment alone was enough to raise my hair for this entire book but the ever increasing tension and anxiety that developed throughout this book really took me out. My one big fear is the ocean, it's vast, it's unforgiving, and it wants you dead so this was the exact type of setting I looked for in a horror book. Kim really brought it to life into a frightening and well researched reality that I want no part in outside a fictional setting.
This book was a tense and nailbiting ordeal that plays out in a super cinematic way. My first thought was that i would love to watch this one as a movie (even if I might be hiding behind a blanket for parts of it)
The claustrophobic environment alone was enough to raise my hair for this entire book but the ever increasing tension and anxiety that developed throughout this book really took me out. My one big fear is the ocean, it's vast, it's unforgiving, and it wants you dead so this was the exact type of setting I looked for in a horror book. Kim really brought it to life into a frightening and well researched reality that I want no part in outside a fictional setting.
This book was a tense and nailbiting ordeal that plays out in a super cinematic way. My first thought was that i would love to watch this one as a movie (even if I might be hiding behind a blanket for parts of it)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews