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Beneath the Surface
Sembado lives a comfortable life in the subaquatic complex he calls home. But soon the secrets of the facility's beginnings will shake his reality to its core. He will discover the depths that authoritarians will go to in order to maintain control, and the endurance of the human spirit to resist it as he follows his rebellious grandfather higher into a web of half-truths and hidden lies, all the way to the surface.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 27, 2017
*I received a copy of two books in this series from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
**I will be reviewing these two books together, as I feel they could have been edited into one.**
First Impression: Post-apocalyptic sub-aquatic living? Count me in!
Characters: I couldn't get past the character's ridiculous overuse of what I will dub 'aquatic lingo'. I'm all for trying to relate to the young adult crowd, but this felt forced. The characters didn't connect for me, even into the second book.
World Building: Having just finished twp excellent dystopian books from another series (check my page), I felt the world building in the Surface series thus far to be lacking. Besides a few interesting tech items, I didn't feel submerged. The beginning of the first installment drags on through a battle scene meant to be reminiscent of "Ender's Game", but reads more like an instruction manual for Blitzball in Final Fantaxy X for PS3.
Writing Style: I think Mr. Hebert has great potential as an author, and a great imagination. Unfortunately, over-describing every little detail can be just as bad as leaving the reader wanting more. I feel if these two first books were pared down into one it would be a much better first installment or standalone novel.
What I Enjoyed: I don't want to give the impression these are bad books, they're just not for me. If you want every detail handed to you on a silver platter this might be the series for you. Everything from character facial expressions and intonations is thoroughly described within. The premise and story elements are a great idea not fully realized.
Deal Benders: The weird lingo, over-descriptions, and slow pace made these books a miss for me. Again, I would like to see what the story would be like if combined into one novel.
Overall Rating: I give 2 stars because it was okay, but didn't strike me as something I had to keep reading. When you adore a book you can't wait to come back to it like a lover. Unfortunately, I must return to the surface and leave the Elephant's Guild behind.
**I will be reviewing these two books together, as I feel they could have been edited into one.**
First Impression: Post-apocalyptic sub-aquatic living? Count me in!
Characters: I couldn't get past the character's ridiculous overuse of what I will dub 'aquatic lingo'. I'm all for trying to relate to the young adult crowd, but this felt forced. The characters didn't connect for me, even into the second book.
World Building: Having just finished twp excellent dystopian books from another series (check my page), I felt the world building in the Surface series thus far to be lacking. Besides a few interesting tech items, I didn't feel submerged. The beginning of the first installment drags on through a battle scene meant to be reminiscent of "Ender's Game", but reads more like an instruction manual for Blitzball in Final Fantaxy X for PS3.
Writing Style: I think Mr. Hebert has great potential as an author, and a great imagination. Unfortunately, over-describing every little detail can be just as bad as leaving the reader wanting more. I feel if these two first books were pared down into one it would be a much better first installment or standalone novel.
What I Enjoyed: I don't want to give the impression these are bad books, they're just not for me. If you want every detail handed to you on a silver platter this might be the series for you. Everything from character facial expressions and intonations is thoroughly described within. The premise and story elements are a great idea not fully realized.
Deal Benders: The weird lingo, over-descriptions, and slow pace made these books a miss for me. Again, I would like to see what the story would be like if combined into one novel.
Overall Rating: I give 2 stars because it was okay, but didn't strike me as something I had to keep reading. When you adore a book you can't wait to come back to it like a lover. Unfortunately, I must return to the surface and leave the Elephant's Guild behind.
July 9, 2025
This story hit me deeper than I expected. Sembado's journey from a content life in a submerged world to questioning everything he's ever known was gripping and eerily relevant. The slow unraveling of the facility's secrets felt like peeling back layers of our own society. Powerful, emotional, and ultimately hopeful.
June 13, 2022
Awesome book with great details. I could really pictures the characters and their below surface city in my mind. One of my favorite parts is the virtual reality game they play, it's so in line with where games are headed! Great read! Can't wait to read the next two!
April 23, 2023
This YA dystopian book was very entertaining and a good read. There was a lot of action, good world building, and political intrigue. The story is captivating and keeps you guessing to find out what is going to happen next.
I would have liked to see more depth to the characters (no pun intended), but they were enjoyable and likable. Overall, the book was imaginative and kept me wanting to read more. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I would have liked to see more depth to the characters (no pun intended), but they were enjoyable and likable. Overall, the book was imaginative and kept me wanting to read more. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
May 16, 2024
Great for action and story. Not much literary depth though. Quick entertaining read, like a subaquatic space opera.
June 2, 2015
TL;DR..... This book is easy to get into and not put down. When I got to the last page I didn't want it to end and was/am curious to see where the story will go.
Extended....This inaugural book does a great job of pulling the reader in and opening up avenues for the story to progress. I definitely think it could be labeled as 'young adult' but it doesn't have to be. In my late 20s I got plenty of enjoyment out of this book.
The greatest achievement by the book/author for me is the balance between entertainment and commentary. For the younger audience there is a classic hero in the making with plenty of adventure and the main character is easy to relate to and allows the reader to put themselves in his shoes.
With that said, there is plenty of thought provoking material which is there to be contemplated yet not forced down your throat. I enjoy the dichotomies of conform/rebel and belong to a group/think for yourself. There is plenty to say about what lengths people will go to for their ideals and how they will adapt their morality to justify their actions.
Looking forward to what's next...
Extended....This inaugural book does a great job of pulling the reader in and opening up avenues for the story to progress. I definitely think it could be labeled as 'young adult' but it doesn't have to be. In my late 20s I got plenty of enjoyment out of this book.
The greatest achievement by the book/author for me is the balance between entertainment and commentary. For the younger audience there is a classic hero in the making with plenty of adventure and the main character is easy to relate to and allows the reader to put themselves in his shoes.
With that said, there is plenty of thought provoking material which is there to be contemplated yet not forced down your throat. I enjoy the dichotomies of conform/rebel and belong to a group/think for yourself. There is plenty to say about what lengths people will go to for their ideals and how they will adapt their morality to justify their actions.
Looking forward to what's next...
February 20, 2016
I found the characters confusing and disengaged from the plot. After making it about 1/3 of the way through the book, I couldn't seem to dredge up enough interest to finish. I skimmed a few bits in the last few chapters. I'm glad I didn't spend more time based on how the book ends.
I was able to attend a discussion of the book with the author. He seems like a very interesting and likable person. I'd give future efforts another chance in hopes they might be improved over this debut novel.
I was able to attend a discussion of the book with the author. He seems like a very interesting and likable person. I'd give future efforts another chance in hopes they might be improved over this debut novel.
May 30, 2015
An excellent breakout novel that outshines all The Hunger Games. Beneath The Surface is a multi-layer narrative for Y.A. and adults.
February 23, 2016
formal review to follow soon!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews