The Shadow Beneath The Waves

by Matt Betts

A group of treasure-hunters hits the high seas chasing a tip from a mysterious source. If it's true, it could be their biggest score yet-literally-a massive robot the size of a skyscraper lost since the last war, worth a sizable reward, and bragging rights. But in trying to the raise the Cudgel, the crew of the Adamant accidentally unleashes a beast trapped by the battle machine years ago. The giant monster awakens to complete its war-time mission to destroy the Pacific Northwest. Using their wits, their experience and a few contacts in the government, the crew sets out to fix their mistake and stop the menace. Can a handful of eccentric sailors resurrect the gigantic robot in time to stop the vicious creature's assault? "An ode to pulp adventure, Betts weaves a slow-burning mixture equal parts Pacific Rim and Congo." - Monster Dear Monster podcast

238 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2018

About the author

I've been writing for a number of years and had some good fortune in getting my work in print and online venues. I've also contributed as a staff member to a few magazines. I'm a big fan of pop culture. I love old movies; good ones, bad ones, doesn't matter. Actually, I sometimes prefer the bad ones.

My first book, Odd Men Out, was launched in the summer of 2013 from Dog Star Books. It has some steampunk, some alternate history, some horror and a giant lizard. That's plenty for the first book, right?

My second book, Indelible Ink, is an urban fantasy crime story that's sort of my homage to the late Elmore Leonard by way of the Dresden Files. I had so much fun writing this and I think it shows in the book.

Two of my novels were released in 2018: The adventure/kaiju/scifi book The Shadow Beneath the Waves, and the dark fantasy/comedy Indelible Ink.

My cryptid novels include White Anvil: Sasquatch Onslaught and Skunk Ape Kingdom.

My most recent book is Gone Where the Goblins Go, a mashup of The Wizard of Oz and Apocalypse Now. It is weird and fun and a little touching.

I've also written two books of speculative poetry - See No Evil, Say No Evil and Underwater Fistfight.

I love attending cons - I've been a panelist, moderator, invited guest, and presenter. It's always a joy to interact with readers, other writers, and creators.

Reviews

[Nev Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Pending.

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my normal fare, but I like the author, so I went for it. I loved the banter between the Adamant crew. Very informal and organic, and humorous, without being too silly. There was a lot of lead up to the first really entertaining event, which happened about 30% in. Very reminiscent of Alien, and most other concepts like that. Intrigue, large-scale implications, ulterior motives, solid characters, fun creatures, and some really cool action sequences. This was written very well and even pulled someone like myself into the story. It was a bit longwinded in general, but everything had purpose and the author made sure to take his time with how everything played out. Fans of science fiction will eat this up!