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Cracks in the Earth Above
Owen Lawrence’s secondhand botany book is talking to him, leaving messages on loose papers and bookmarks. He isn’t sure how it works or what the book is trying to accomplish, but when it offers him a reward in exchange for a simple task, he can't help but accept.
An unmarked package arrives at Lori Ellis’s doorstep. Inside is a strange plant with gray flower petals and a note with instructions. A few quick bites of this plant, claims the note, and Lori’s recently diagnosed lung cancer will be no more.
In time, Owen and Lori’s gifts prove only to be a mirage as they come to face a terrible consequence: a grotesque transformation that will alter their very reality.
An unmarked package arrives at Lori Ellis’s doorstep. Inside is a strange plant with gray flower petals and a note with instructions. A few quick bites of this plant, claims the note, and Lori’s recently diagnosed lung cancer will be no more.
In time, Owen and Lori’s gifts prove only to be a mirage as they come to face a terrible consequence: a grotesque transformation that will alter their very reality.
- GenresHorror
319 pages, ebook
Published July 24, 2026
About the author
Eli Krohn
1 book4 followersEli Krohn lives near the Twin Cities. He writes horror/thriller fiction and poetry. He spends his free time playing card games with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 25, 2026
When Eli first contacted me about his debut botanical horror book, I KNEW I needed to read it! I’ve always been fascinated by this horror subgenre and Krohn really did it justice! I typically like to go into a book blind because I feel like it makes a book more mysterious and unpredictable. In the beginning, it kind of gave me Limitless vibes and I totally thought that’s the direction it was heading. But I was wayyy off, especially with the supernatural elements in this one. There were times I was a little confused about timelines but as I kept going, everything really started to fall into place and could tell this was intentional with the authors writing style and really added to the allure in figuring out what the hell was going on. I was also pleasantly surprised by the interludes in the book! I’ve never (from what I remember) read a book with interludes but it worked so well and was my absolute favorite part of the book and started tying EVERYTHING together so well!
Thank you so much Eli for sending me an arc of Cracks in the Earth Above!
Thank you so much Eli for sending me an arc of Cracks in the Earth Above!
August 3, 2026
4.5!! I knew that I wanted to read this from reading the synopsis. It did not disappoint!!!
This story was so unique and well written. I could feel the characters emotions. It reminded me of The Fountain atmospherically wise. Which happens to be a favorite movie of mine yet let it be known the story lines are not the same at all. I feel like Owen, Lori, Alan and Hunter will be with me for quite some time.
I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys body horror mixed with creepy artifact haunting elements and emotional depth. 👏
I’m so grateful for the copy provided by Eli Krohn. I’ll be buying a copy for my adult daughter who I know will appreciate it like I did.
This story was so unique and well written. I could feel the characters emotions. It reminded me of The Fountain atmospherically wise. Which happens to be a favorite movie of mine yet let it be known the story lines are not the same at all. I feel like Owen, Lori, Alan and Hunter will be with me for quite some time.
I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys body horror mixed with creepy artifact haunting elements and emotional depth. 👏
I’m so grateful for the copy provided by Eli Krohn. I’ll be buying a copy for my adult daughter who I know will appreciate it like I did.
July 24, 2026
ARC Review 4.5⭐️
Cracks in the Earth Above is a botanical horror novel, and I was immediately intrigued by the concept. As someone who has always enjoyed horror movies and TV series but had never picked up a horror novel before, I can confidently say this was an excellent introduction to the genre. It’s not your typical jump-scare horror; instead, it blends horror with botany in a way that feels fresh, eerie, and deeply unsettling.
The story follows Owen and Lori, whose lives become intertwined with a mysterious book that begins communicating with them. Each is tempted with the promise of something they desperately need, believing the rewards will change their lives for the better. But every gift comes at a cost, and they soon realize the devastating consequences of accepting what the book offers.
From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. I went into the story without knowing what to expect, and it genuinely surprised me. As the plot unfolds, the mystery deepens, raising more questions with every chapter. I especially appreciated how everything came together in the end, with each piece falling into place in a satisfying and meaningful way.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth of the novel. When you think of horror, emotional character development isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind, but Eli Krohn creates characters you genuinely care about. The multiple perspectives, atmospheric writing, creeping sense of unease, and the unique botanical horror elements: including the unsettling plant possession, made for an immersive and unforgettable reading experience.
If you’re already a horror fan or you’re looking for a unique entry point into the genre, I highly recommend Cracks in the Earth Above. Its blend of psychological suspense, botanical horror, mystery, and emotional storytelling makes it a compelling and memorable read.
Cracks in the Earth Above is a botanical horror novel, and I was immediately intrigued by the concept. As someone who has always enjoyed horror movies and TV series but had never picked up a horror novel before, I can confidently say this was an excellent introduction to the genre. It’s not your typical jump-scare horror; instead, it blends horror with botany in a way that feels fresh, eerie, and deeply unsettling.
The story follows Owen and Lori, whose lives become intertwined with a mysterious book that begins communicating with them. Each is tempted with the promise of something they desperately need, believing the rewards will change their lives for the better. But every gift comes at a cost, and they soon realize the devastating consequences of accepting what the book offers.
From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. I went into the story without knowing what to expect, and it genuinely surprised me. As the plot unfolds, the mystery deepens, raising more questions with every chapter. I especially appreciated how everything came together in the end, with each piece falling into place in a satisfying and meaningful way.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth of the novel. When you think of horror, emotional character development isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind, but Eli Krohn creates characters you genuinely care about. The multiple perspectives, atmospheric writing, creeping sense of unease, and the unique botanical horror elements: including the unsettling plant possession, made for an immersive and unforgettable reading experience.
If you’re already a horror fan or you’re looking for a unique entry point into the genre, I highly recommend Cracks in the Earth Above. Its blend of psychological suspense, botanical horror, mystery, and emotional storytelling makes it a compelling and memorable read.
July 27, 2026
There is something inherently terrifying about getting exactly what you wished for, only to watch it rot your reality from the inside out. I went into Cracks in the Earth Above completely blind after receiving an early physical copy from Eli, and it turned out to be such an incredible surprise. Seamlessly blending a fantastic read with a deeply moving emotional journey, it is a truly beautiful story and a phenomenal horror that I simply cannot recommend enough and not just to traditional horror fans.
The premise immediately pulls you in: Owen finds a secondhand botany book that communicates through loose notes, while Lori receives a mysterious plant promising a cure for her lung cancer. What starts as a tempting lifeline quickly twists into a grotesque, reality-altering nightmare.
What really elevates this book is how Eli Krohn balances the body horror and eerie atmosphere with genuine emotional stakes. You feel the desperation driving both characters, which makes the fallout hit that much harder. If you want a dark, clever, and deeply atmospheric read that stays with you long after the final page, definitely put this on your radar.
Huge thank you to Eli for sending me the physical copy to read early!
The premise immediately pulls you in: Owen finds a secondhand botany book that communicates through loose notes, while Lori receives a mysterious plant promising a cure for her lung cancer. What starts as a tempting lifeline quickly twists into a grotesque, reality-altering nightmare.
What really elevates this book is how Eli Krohn balances the body horror and eerie atmosphere with genuine emotional stakes. You feel the desperation driving both characters, which makes the fallout hit that much harder. If you want a dark, clever, and deeply atmospheric read that stays with you long after the final page, definitely put this on your radar.
Huge thank you to Eli for sending me the physical copy to read early!
August 7, 2026
First, a special thank you to Eli Krohn for sending me a copy of his book.
Second, a special thank you to Eli Krohn for writing this book.
I honestly can’t say I’ve read anything quite like this before. It’s written beautifully gothic, atmospheric, and poetic, with a storyline that is both intriguing and unsettling.
I am obsessed with botanical horror, and this easily became one of my top reads of that subgenre. The beginning makes you think the story is headed in one direction, but then it takes a complete left turn. Each character is facing their own struggles, but they all share that same sense of desperation, which makes their individual stories feel personal. The ending was intense and surprisingly heartwarming.
Honestly, I just loved everything about this book! Highly recommend grabbing a copy and diving in.
Second, a special thank you to Eli Krohn for writing this book.
I honestly can’t say I’ve read anything quite like this before. It’s written beautifully gothic, atmospheric, and poetic, with a storyline that is both intriguing and unsettling.
I am obsessed with botanical horror, and this easily became one of my top reads of that subgenre. The beginning makes you think the story is headed in one direction, but then it takes a complete left turn. Each character is facing their own struggles, but they all share that same sense of desperation, which makes their individual stories feel personal. The ending was intense and surprisingly heartwarming.
Honestly, I just loved everything about this book! Highly recommend grabbing a copy and diving in.
September 11, 2026
This book reeled me in as soon as the book in this story was talking to the reader!?! This was such a unique story, I loved every minute I spent reading it. The supernatural and botanical horror subgenre made this an interesting read that I could not put down! It’s true what they say, every gift comes with a price.
ꜱʜᴏʀᴛ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ
Owen’s botany book is talking to him through written messages on spare paper left inside the book. The book gives him promises of a better life for himself in exchange for a seemingly small task to complete. Unsure of what the book’s angle is or what it could possibly gain from Owen, he accepts and soon an unmarked package arrives with a plant. He does as instructed, eats a leaf with water a day, unknowing that he will succumb to horrors of ‘The Lady’; this divine botanical entity. … find out how this story ends for yourself…
ꜱʜᴏʀᴛ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ
Owen’s botany book is talking to him through written messages on spare paper left inside the book. The book gives him promises of a better life for himself in exchange for a seemingly small task to complete. Unsure of what the book’s angle is or what it could possibly gain from Owen, he accepts and soon an unmarked package arrives with a plant. He does as instructed, eats a leaf with water a day, unknowing that he will succumb to horrors of ‘The Lady’; this divine botanical entity. … find out how this story ends for yourself…
August 21, 2026
If there is any genre I'm an absolute sucker for its botanical/ cosmic horror. 🙌🏻 I just knew I would love this book before I even started. Eli Krohn has crafted an excellent debut here.
𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 explores one of horror’s oldest questions: What if salvation arrives wearing the face of nature? 👀👀
Owen Lawrence acquires a secondhand botany book that communicates with him through loose papers and bookmarks, eventually offering him a reward for performing a seemingly innocuous task. (It's my dream on paper.) Meanwhile, Lori Ellis receives an unmarked package containing a strange gray-petaled plant accompanied by instructions claiming that eating it can cure her newly diagnosed lung cancer.
Naturally, because horror protagonists regard suspicious supernatural bargains as a perfectly reasonable Tuesday afternoon activity, both gifts come with strings attached.
The consequences become a grotesque transformation that begins to alter reality itself.
Eli Krohn turns plants into agents of cosmic corruption, weaving body horror, folk horror, and existential dread into a story where every gift carries an irreversible cost. Rather than relying on jump scares or gore alone, we get slow transformation—physical, psychological, and spiritual. The result is a haunting meditation on desperation and temptation, where healing itself becomes terrifying. It's not a fast-paced read but a stellar atmospheric horror instead.
The two intersecting storylines centered on temptation rather than simple survival kept the momentum moving. And I loved the morally ambiguous supernatural force instead of a conventional villain.
It's a dark, weird little descent from miraculous healing into body horror and cosmic transformation, with the unsettling idea that nature is not something humanity controls but something that has been patiently waiting for us to make the wrong bargain.
There’s a wonderfully nasty meta-horror lurking there. We spend our lives voluntarily letting books into our heads. What if one of them wanted something back? 🤔
4.5 stars
𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 explores one of horror’s oldest questions: What if salvation arrives wearing the face of nature? 👀👀
Owen Lawrence acquires a secondhand botany book that communicates with him through loose papers and bookmarks, eventually offering him a reward for performing a seemingly innocuous task. (It's my dream on paper.) Meanwhile, Lori Ellis receives an unmarked package containing a strange gray-petaled plant accompanied by instructions claiming that eating it can cure her newly diagnosed lung cancer.
Naturally, because horror protagonists regard suspicious supernatural bargains as a perfectly reasonable Tuesday afternoon activity, both gifts come with strings attached.
The consequences become a grotesque transformation that begins to alter reality itself.
Eli Krohn turns plants into agents of cosmic corruption, weaving body horror, folk horror, and existential dread into a story where every gift carries an irreversible cost. Rather than relying on jump scares or gore alone, we get slow transformation—physical, psychological, and spiritual. The result is a haunting meditation on desperation and temptation, where healing itself becomes terrifying. It's not a fast-paced read but a stellar atmospheric horror instead.
The two intersecting storylines centered on temptation rather than simple survival kept the momentum moving. And I loved the morally ambiguous supernatural force instead of a conventional villain.
It's a dark, weird little descent from miraculous healing into body horror and cosmic transformation, with the unsettling idea that nature is not something humanity controls but something that has been patiently waiting for us to make the wrong bargain.
There’s a wonderfully nasty meta-horror lurking there. We spend our lives voluntarily letting books into our heads. What if one of them wanted something back? 🤔
4.5 stars
October 13, 2026
Botanical horror is a new genre for me and Eli's atmospheric, captivating writing had me turning pages like my life depended on finding out what happened. The multiple POV really worked and I couldn't help but root for these characters.
"The plant was growing out of the human head, and what he mistook for roots must have been thin, mangled shreds of hair."
The horror aspect leans into an eerie, creepy atmosphere and unsettling angst. This adds to the mystery and intrigue and makes it impossible to put down. There isn't anything I disliked about this story and there isn't a bad thing to say about Eli's writing style. This is an amazing debut novel with a deeply satisfying ending.
Pick this up if you enjoy horror that is a perfect blend of body horror and unsettling atmospheric, emotional writing.
Thank you to author, @eli_krohn, for the gifted signed paperback of your incredible debut. I will cherish it forever.
#CracksintheEarthAbove #horror #botanicalhorror #mystery #bodyhorror
"The plant was growing out of the human head, and what he mistook for roots must have been thin, mangled shreds of hair."
The horror aspect leans into an eerie, creepy atmosphere and unsettling angst. This adds to the mystery and intrigue and makes it impossible to put down. There isn't anything I disliked about this story and there isn't a bad thing to say about Eli's writing style. This is an amazing debut novel with a deeply satisfying ending.
Pick this up if you enjoy horror that is a perfect blend of body horror and unsettling atmospheric, emotional writing.
Thank you to author, @eli_krohn, for the gifted signed paperback of your incredible debut. I will cherish it forever.
#CracksintheEarthAbove #horror #botanicalhorror #mystery #bodyhorror
September 26, 2026
4.5
I really enjoyed how this story blends the strange with the deeply human. There’s a real sense of unease that builds as Owen and Lori begin to understand what they’ve gotten themselves involved in.
The botanical horror was also an interesting part of the story. There’s something creepy about the idea of nature becoming something you can't quite trust, and the story does a good job of letting that uneasiness build.
I really enjoyed the way it came together. It’s unsettling, suspenseful and imaginative, and it definitely made me see mysterious plants a little differently. 👀
Thank you so much, Eli Krohn, for the #gifted ecopy! All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed how this story blends the strange with the deeply human. There’s a real sense of unease that builds as Owen and Lori begin to understand what they’ve gotten themselves involved in.
The botanical horror was also an interesting part of the story. There’s something creepy about the idea of nature becoming something you can't quite trust, and the story does a good job of letting that uneasiness build.
I really enjoyed the way it came together. It’s unsettling, suspenseful and imaginative, and it definitely made me see mysterious plants a little differently. 👀
Thank you so much, Eli Krohn, for the #gifted ecopy! All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2026
Great read! Eli Krohn has crafted a story that keeps you invested and eager to see what happens next. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, immersive read from a talented new author, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your list.
July 24, 2026
This writer really pulls you in with this compelling thriller.
His very descriptive writing helps you visualize each scene, as if you are there yourself. It was hard to put down.
His very descriptive writing helps you visualize each scene, as if you are there yourself. It was hard to put down.
July 25, 2026
This book completely caught me off guard!
I picked it up expecting a creepy botanical horror with a touch of cosmic weirdness. I wasn't expecting to become so emotionally invested in these characters...or to end up crying multiple times.
This story follows two people in different timelines whose lives become connected by one very strange book. One is desperate for a fresh start, the other is fighting to survive.
It seems like the answers they've been looking for have finally found them...but as we all know...be careful what you wish for.
I loved how the two storylines slowly came together and the writing is absolutely beautiful. It's emotional, thought-provoking, and filled with lines that made me stop just to appreciate them.
This one especially:
"You should love on people even if it means the death of you, but you should trust them about as far as you can throw them."
And can we talk about the emotions for a second? I wasn't expecting this book to hit me the way it did. It got me teary more than once, but Chapter 32? That absolutely broke me.
This isn't horror that's all about jump scares. It's creepy, unsettling, and quietly gets under your skin, but it's really a story about people and the choices they make.
If you love character-driven horror with botanical horror, a touch of cosmic weirdness, and stories that leave your heart just as wrecked as your mind, I can't recommend this enough.
Huge thanks to Eli for reaching out and giving me the opportunity to read this one early!
I picked it up expecting a creepy botanical horror with a touch of cosmic weirdness. I wasn't expecting to become so emotionally invested in these characters...or to end up crying multiple times.
This story follows two people in different timelines whose lives become connected by one very strange book. One is desperate for a fresh start, the other is fighting to survive.
It seems like the answers they've been looking for have finally found them...but as we all know...be careful what you wish for.
I loved how the two storylines slowly came together and the writing is absolutely beautiful. It's emotional, thought-provoking, and filled with lines that made me stop just to appreciate them.
This one especially:
"You should love on people even if it means the death of you, but you should trust them about as far as you can throw them."
And can we talk about the emotions for a second? I wasn't expecting this book to hit me the way it did. It got me teary more than once, but Chapter 32? That absolutely broke me.
This isn't horror that's all about jump scares. It's creepy, unsettling, and quietly gets under your skin, but it's really a story about people and the choices they make.
If you love character-driven horror with botanical horror, a touch of cosmic weirdness, and stories that leave your heart just as wrecked as your mind, I can't recommend this enough.
Huge thanks to Eli for reaching out and giving me the opportunity to read this one early!
September 19, 2026
I was contacted a few days ago by @eli_krohn about his new book that coming out on 24th July! (So soon!)
It’s a botanical horror (which we all know I’m obsessed with)
And as soon as I read what it was about I agreed to ARC read it straight away….and I’m so glad I did!
—————————————————————————————
Eli’s writing is incredibly clever and emotive
He uses duel main characters, in different timelines to tell the story, and each character has you gripped from the start.
From one boring life to a sudden upward trajectory and one tragic circumstance to a chance of salvation. All because they open a book and reply to a note…
But at what cost?
It very quickly becomes apparent that it’s not as innocent as it seems and all is not right.
The writing is honestly so emotive! This quote had me highlighting half the page! I very much appreciate a writer that delivers wisdom in such a beautiful way!
“You should love on people even if it means the death of you, but you should trust them about as far as you can throw them.”
This book was surprisingly emotional and beautiful. With the hero being the most unlikely of people
It was both a fantastic read and an emotional journey. A truly beautiful story and a great horror!
I can’t recommend this enough, and not just to horror reader.
It’s not a scary horror and the story and characters journeys are so beautiful, that even if you’re not into the creepy elements, I would recommend you read it!
So grateful to have been able to read this book early
July 27, 2026
Owen picks up a secondhand botany book, only for it to start dropping cryptic notes that promise rewards for simple tasks. Meanwhile, Lori receives an unmarked package with a mysterious gray-petaled plant and a wild claim: eating it will cure her terminal cancer
TW: Medical Trauma & Cancer, Body Horror
The initial setup was such a hook. That said, don't let the synopsis fool you - the book loses its spotlight throughout the story, and the title honestly feels a bit random compared to what actually happens
It leans heavy into supernatural horror, which isn't usually my go-to, but the characters made it work for me. I was genuinely rooting for them to get a happy ending
I desperately wanted more descriptive body horror, and wished we got to explore the actual mechanics of the wishes a bit deeper
The ending gets a bit heavy on the info-dumps when everything finally gets explained, making the overall storyline feel a little chaotic, but it all stays logical
A super solid 4 ⭐️ ARC that completely won me over on the emotional front!
TW: Medical Trauma & Cancer, Body Horror
The initial setup was such a hook. That said, don't let the synopsis fool you - the book loses its spotlight throughout the story, and the title honestly feels a bit random compared to what actually happens
It leans heavy into supernatural horror, which isn't usually my go-to, but the characters made it work for me. I was genuinely rooting for them to get a happy ending
I desperately wanted more descriptive body horror, and wished we got to explore the actual mechanics of the wishes a bit deeper
The ending gets a bit heavy on the info-dumps when everything finally gets explained, making the overall storyline feel a little chaotic, but it all stays logical
A super solid 4 ⭐️ ARC that completely won me over on the emotional front!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. I honestly don’t know what to say. I was prepared for a horror read, but I didn’t expect this story to touch my heart the way it did. I felt deeply for the characters who were depicted in such great ways, feeling their pain and dreams throughout the story.
I finished the book in less than 72 hours, it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time, wanting to know more and wanting to know how it ends.
I’m a big horror fan but I never tried botanical horror but this will definitely be one of my new favorite genres.
The book fulfils every promise made, it’s eerie, it’s strange, it’s exciting and you just can’t put it down.
I love how the story came together in the end, connecting all characters and their histories to one complete storyline.
The style of writing was a big yes for me too, it was easy to read with perfect length chapters.
All in all this book is definitely a 5 star read for me and if you have the chance to read, go check it out!
I finished the book in less than 72 hours, it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time, wanting to know more and wanting to know how it ends.
I’m a big horror fan but I never tried botanical horror but this will definitely be one of my new favorite genres.
The book fulfils every promise made, it’s eerie, it’s strange, it’s exciting and you just can’t put it down.
I love how the story came together in the end, connecting all characters and their histories to one complete storyline.
The style of writing was a big yes for me too, it was easy to read with perfect length chapters.
All in all this book is definitely a 5 star read for me and if you have the chance to read, go check it out!
October 2, 2026
When Eli reached out asking if I would be interested in reading this book, I was deeply intrigued. A book leaving it's readers messages, plants and a horror twist? Count me in.
This story is unique to any I have read before, I had not really read much botanical horror, or realized I had previously.
A secondhand book offers promises to change Owen's life, and he eagerly accepts. Eating a strange plant that arrives mysteriously was a red flag ignored, and the stroy really blooms from there.
We meet different characters following a few different timelines, which all connect at the roots. Eli does a wonderful job at drawing you in to each character's psyche and emotional battle. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and encourage you to peel the pages open and let story grow before you.
This story is unique to any I have read before, I had not really read much botanical horror, or realized I had previously.
A secondhand book offers promises to change Owen's life, and he eagerly accepts. Eating a strange plant that arrives mysteriously was a red flag ignored, and the stroy really blooms from there.
We meet different characters following a few different timelines, which all connect at the roots. Eli does a wonderful job at drawing you in to each character's psyche and emotional battle. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and encourage you to peel the pages open and let story grow before you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
okay i FLEW through this book! i was so hooked from the beginning that i just NEEDED to know what was coming next & what was gonna happen to my characters! one of my favorite aspects was that i had so many questions that needed answers & by the end all of them were answered. felt myself even gasp & slam my book shut a few times!! multiple povs, possession, botanical & slight body horror, consequences to my actions, miracles or mirage, family trauma. thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. will be available on KU on release day as well!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cracks pulled me in with the mystery of what this unusual plant could do. The characters and their reactions/choices to each odd event kept me invested throughout the story. Eli makes them feel real and lived-in, turning ordinary people facing extraordinary consequences into characters I couldn't help but root for. And even in what seemed like a no-win scenario, the story delivered a satisfying ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grabbed by the vines and allured by the flowers, this book had me from the start.
If a book could speak to you and promised to give you anything you wanted would you take it? Owen and Lori accepted, but didn't realize the reality of the situation or the cost of what it will bring upon them.
I don't think I would trust a book like that but who knows, in desperate times anyone will do anything for the sake of themselves or loved ones. All I can say is if it's too good to be true...it is.
If a book could speak to you and promised to give you anything you wanted would you take it? Owen and Lori accepted, but didn't realize the reality of the situation or the cost of what it will bring upon them.
I don't think I would trust a book like that but who knows, in desperate times anyone will do anything for the sake of themselves or loved ones. All I can say is if it's too good to be true...it is.
July 30, 2026
Eli’s writing is visceral. I use that word a lot to describe his work because it’s true. His characters, his story, his syntax, they cut clean and deep. It doesn’t feel like horror the way I’ve known horror to be. It feels hauntingly human, humanity taken to the extreme. I don’t care if you don’t like this genre. It’s so much more than “things that go bump in the night.” It’s compelling, evocative, and yes, a visceral reading experience. Just read it, even just the first page, dear Goodreads bystander, and tell me I’m wrong.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A compelling novel about what happens when desperation beats logic and comes to a nightmarish head.
The author does a really good job of offering perspectives from all sides of this extremely tangled, otherworldly web.
The author does a really good job of offering perspectives from all sides of this extremely tangled, otherworldly web.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of those page turners that make you forget all of your responsibilities. I couldn’t put it down.
The writing is superb and as the story unfolds you’ll get to the point where you don’t want it to end.
The writing is superb and as the story unfolds you’ll get to the point where you don’t want it to end.
July 24, 2026
This book is truly a unique, riveting and eerie story that had me anxious to turn every page. It is a refreshing twist on horror that I have yet to come across until now. A well thought out and well crafted story that will have you glued to the pages.
July 24, 2026
I usually read non-fiction but this, this is it. Can’t put this down, only halfway through the book but, damn.
July 24, 2026
Really enjoyed this one. It pulled me in right away and kept me invested in the story the whole way through. The concept felt fresh. Definitely worth the read.
July 25, 2026
I don’t usually read horror, but I took a chance with this book and could barely put it down. What surprised me the most was how sentimental I felt after. The characters are profoundly sad at times, and their lives are deeply relatable. This isn’t just a horror novel— it’s a reflection on relationships, fear, and what compels us in a world that’s cracking.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Botanical horror is a new favorite of mine. When Eli messaged me, I was immediately on board. And I wasn’t let down.
Cracks in the Earth Above leads us down a very dark and winding path. What do you do when you are desperately seeking a better path than what you’re on? Do you work harder, seek medical attention, or…do you take what is offered to you by a magical…talking…book?
I’m definitely talking to the book, guys. So did Owen and Lori. Except, maybe we shouldn’t? (That sounds logical but we don’t worry about that here. We’re succeeding in life and living healthy asf, okay?)
I mean, we are until we aren’t. What is going on? Who’s really in control here? Do we make it out of this mess of vines we’re tangled in?
Cracks in the Earth Above is a fab read for botanical horror lovers like myself! ✨
Cracks in the Earth Above leads us down a very dark and winding path. What do you do when you are desperately seeking a better path than what you’re on? Do you work harder, seek medical attention, or…do you take what is offered to you by a magical…talking…book?
I’m definitely talking to the book, guys. So did Owen and Lori. Except, maybe we shouldn’t? (That sounds logical but we don’t worry about that here. We’re succeeding in life and living healthy asf, okay?)
I mean, we are until we aren’t. What is going on? Who’s really in control here? Do we make it out of this mess of vines we’re tangled in?
Cracks in the Earth Above is a fab read for botanical horror lovers like myself! ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
The second-best time you can have with a houseplant.
August 12, 2026
A letter-writing book combined with a botany twist already piqued my interest, but the characters are the real jewel in this story. Eli Krohn weaves the perfect blend of suspense and character development that drew me in, even as one who rarely ventures into the horror genre. Cracks in the Earth Above extends beyond the horror to explore human connection.
July 31, 2026
This was a lot of hard work, I've earned the right to rate my book once or twice. Five stars for Eli.
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