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The War Beneath
“There is a war going on behind things, beneath them.”
Paul had been a forensic psychologist. But after his daughter’s funeral, he hit the rock bottom of a spiraling addiction. When the spirits of the dead started rasping their wishes in his ears, he fled New York for withering Oceanrest—a flat-broke city barnacled to Maine’s coast. There, he’s spent the last five years scraping by, trying to shake off the burdens of his past, pretending to be a man without context, without history, without the secret ability to speak with the dead. But soon, all of that will be taken away from him.
Deirdre’s spent the past fourteen years as a resident of Squatter City—the most distal and dilapidated of Oceanrest’s gangrenous appendages. Growing and harvesting a hydroponic farm of mystic flora and esoteric plantlife, she’s built a business as a drug dealer and apothecary. After years of relative peace, Deirdre’s life finally seems tenable. But when one of her regular clients double-crosses her, what little serenity she’s discovered quickly unravels.
Deirdre and Paul soon find themselves under attack from criminals and cultists, on the run from Quebecois mobsters, Aryan Nationalists, and a group of young men who seem dedicated to a cause of brutality and destruction on an apocalyptic scale.
Paul had been a forensic psychologist. But after his daughter’s funeral, he hit the rock bottom of a spiraling addiction. When the spirits of the dead started rasping their wishes in his ears, he fled New York for withering Oceanrest—a flat-broke city barnacled to Maine’s coast. There, he’s spent the last five years scraping by, trying to shake off the burdens of his past, pretending to be a man without context, without history, without the secret ability to speak with the dead. But soon, all of that will be taken away from him.
Deirdre’s spent the past fourteen years as a resident of Squatter City—the most distal and dilapidated of Oceanrest’s gangrenous appendages. Growing and harvesting a hydroponic farm of mystic flora and esoteric plantlife, she’s built a business as a drug dealer and apothecary. After years of relative peace, Deirdre’s life finally seems tenable. But when one of her regular clients double-crosses her, what little serenity she’s discovered quickly unravels.
Deirdre and Paul soon find themselves under attack from criminals and cultists, on the run from Quebecois mobsters, Aryan Nationalists, and a group of young men who seem dedicated to a cause of brutality and destruction on an apocalyptic scale.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
S.R. Hughes
5 books16 followersS. R. Hughes inhabits the glittering dreamways between blackened stars. He writes dark fantasy, horror, and lite sci-fi.
S. R. Hughes has been featured in Sanitarium Magazine, as well as in the Wild Hunt eZine, and on the Have You Heard the One? podcast. His first novel, The War Beneath, released on October 1st, 2019 through Permuted Press. His second, A Maze of Glass, released on October 14th, 2022 through Ritual Dark Press.
Find out more about him at https://thesrhughes.com
S. R. Hughes has been featured in Sanitarium Magazine, as well as in the Wild Hunt eZine, and on the Have You Heard the One? podcast. His first novel, The War Beneath, released on October 1st, 2019 through Permuted Press. His second, A Maze of Glass, released on October 14th, 2022 through Ritual Dark Press.
Find out more about him at https://thesrhughes.com
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 13, 2020
A BarksBeachesBooks Review
The War Beneath = Chaos Inliterate
In The War Beneath, a former forensic psychologist is slowly spiraling downward. Having hit rock bottom after his daughter's death and his sudden ability to hear the whispers of dead people, Paul is now living in a boat house in Oceanrest, Maine. Um, where? The broke and broken city on Maine's coast where those with magical powers are drawn in larger numbers than anywhere else in the world.
Trying to ignore his past (and the voices) he befriends Deirdre who sells him psychological downers from her, let's face it, magic apothecary. But on his latest visit, an intruder arrives and takes everything Deirdre has worked for. This puts both their lives in danger in more ways than just the obvious as targets of a robbery.
Deirdre and Paul decide they have to get the product back and start to track down Randall, the man who has essentially ruined Dierdre's life. Of course, there are A LOT more threats than just the wrath of Randall. There's the company Deirdre works for who want their product. There's the dead people who are getting more intense every minute Paul doesn't have his downers (including his daughter's ghost and an eyeless ghost asking for help). There is the life of Deirdre's dear friend Razz and other friends pulled in. There is the detective who's involvement is suspect considering he is intruding on Paul's off the record investigation into old (and solved) crimes.
This book is action packed. I mean, think of a war movie where every other scene is a bunch of explosions. I'm talking Harry Potter meets [insert intense action war movie you like because I don't watch those]. Paul is constantly getting knocked down and the only reason he gets back up is for Deirdre.
Deirdre is a complete badass. She is saving everyone left and right and just basically running the show. And because what would a book with magical elements be without a creature, there is a beast. Guess who handles this? There are demons awoken. Guess who handles this? Paul is dying due to gunshot wounds. Guess who handles this? Honestly this might be one of the best and most well-written female characters I've seen in a while.
The only thing that would have made it better for me would have been more interaction with the ghosts, namely Cassandra, Paul's late daughter. There was something happening there and Paul definitely had unfinished business with his daughter. However, this could have also been a genius move on Mr. Hughes' part as the book was nicely wrapped up but still with a lead into a second book. Is this a series? TBD.
*I received a copy for free from TLC Book Tours and S.R. Hughes in exchange for an honest review.*
The War Beneath = Chaos Inliterate
In The War Beneath, a former forensic psychologist is slowly spiraling downward. Having hit rock bottom after his daughter's death and his sudden ability to hear the whispers of dead people, Paul is now living in a boat house in Oceanrest, Maine. Um, where? The broke and broken city on Maine's coast where those with magical powers are drawn in larger numbers than anywhere else in the world.
Trying to ignore his past (and the voices) he befriends Deirdre who sells him psychological downers from her, let's face it, magic apothecary. But on his latest visit, an intruder arrives and takes everything Deirdre has worked for. This puts both their lives in danger in more ways than just the obvious as targets of a robbery.
Deirdre and Paul decide they have to get the product back and start to track down Randall, the man who has essentially ruined Dierdre's life. Of course, there are A LOT more threats than just the wrath of Randall. There's the company Deirdre works for who want their product. There's the dead people who are getting more intense every minute Paul doesn't have his downers (including his daughter's ghost and an eyeless ghost asking for help). There is the life of Deirdre's dear friend Razz and other friends pulled in. There is the detective who's involvement is suspect considering he is intruding on Paul's off the record investigation into old (and solved) crimes.
This book is action packed. I mean, think of a war movie where every other scene is a bunch of explosions. I'm talking Harry Potter meets [insert intense action war movie you like because I don't watch those]. Paul is constantly getting knocked down and the only reason he gets back up is for Deirdre.
Deirdre is a complete badass. She is saving everyone left and right and just basically running the show. And because what would a book with magical elements be without a creature, there is a beast. Guess who handles this? There are demons awoken. Guess who handles this? Paul is dying due to gunshot wounds. Guess who handles this? Honestly this might be one of the best and most well-written female characters I've seen in a while.
The only thing that would have made it better for me would have been more interaction with the ghosts, namely Cassandra, Paul's late daughter. There was something happening there and Paul definitely had unfinished business with his daughter. However, this could have also been a genius move on Mr. Hughes' part as the book was nicely wrapped up but still with a lead into a second book. Is this a series? TBD.
*I received a copy for free from TLC Book Tours and S.R. Hughes in exchange for an honest review.*
February 12, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Well, that was different.
It was weird and out there and I definitely enjoyed it!
When TLC Booktours asked if I wanted to review a paranormal horror thriller, the first thing I thought was 'what the hay I'll give it a shot.'
This book deals with ghosts, drugs, race, fantasy, witchcraft, serial killers, cults and mystery.
And if that seems like a lot it's because it is. Definitely a lot going on, but it works! Lots of tropes- but they're not eye rolling or confusing.
Hughes combines and weaves them all in a great fashion. Speaking of the writing, it was fast paced. I stayed up till almost 3 A.M. reading.
I'll definitely be checking out other S.R. Hughes works and recommending this one.
Think of it as Supernatural, The Sixth Sense, Narcos and Practical Magic combined.
Well, that was different.
It was weird and out there and I definitely enjoyed it!
When TLC Booktours asked if I wanted to review a paranormal horror thriller, the first thing I thought was 'what the hay I'll give it a shot.'
This book deals with ghosts, drugs, race, fantasy, witchcraft, serial killers, cults and mystery.
And if that seems like a lot it's because it is. Definitely a lot going on, but it works! Lots of tropes- but they're not eye rolling or confusing.
Hughes combines and weaves them all in a great fashion. Speaking of the writing, it was fast paced. I stayed up till almost 3 A.M. reading.
I'll definitely be checking out other S.R. Hughes works and recommending this one.
Think of it as Supernatural, The Sixth Sense, Narcos and Practical Magic combined.
February 23, 2020
S.R. Hughes’s novel The War Beneath is an excellent choice for anyone who likes paranormal thrillers, but it’s an equally good read for those who don’t require a paranormal element but like their lead characters a bit down at the heels.
In this novel, Hughes weaves the paranormal (protagonist Paul talks to ghosts) into the story quite organically, and the fact that the forensic psychologist doesn’t particularly want his ability adds depth to the entire story. Personally, I like it when authors give us reluctant heroes, and tarnished heroines. In Deirdre, we get the latter, and the fact that isn’t perfect – that neither of them are – is what makes the supernatural factor feel more plausible.
Two things I really appreciated about this book were Hughes’s ear for dialogue, and his descriptions. From the first page I could see Oceanrest, and from the first lines any character spoke, I knew exactly who they were.
The War Beneath is the kind of novel that sucks you in and doesn’t let go until you’ve finished the last page. I read it in a single night, because it was that compelling. Despite it being a quick read, though, it’s not light. Both Paul and Deirdre have to examine the truths of their own lives while they’re dealing with the external events of the story, and that examination is what makes this novel relatable and fascinating.
The War Beneath should be on the top of the TBR pile for fans of paranormal thrillers and “straight” thrillers alike.
Goes well with: cold beer and Maine lobster rolls.
In this novel, Hughes weaves the paranormal (protagonist Paul talks to ghosts) into the story quite organically, and the fact that the forensic psychologist doesn’t particularly want his ability adds depth to the entire story. Personally, I like it when authors give us reluctant heroes, and tarnished heroines. In Deirdre, we get the latter, and the fact that isn’t perfect – that neither of them are – is what makes the supernatural factor feel more plausible.
Two things I really appreciated about this book were Hughes’s ear for dialogue, and his descriptions. From the first page I could see Oceanrest, and from the first lines any character spoke, I knew exactly who they were.
The War Beneath is the kind of novel that sucks you in and doesn’t let go until you’ve finished the last page. I read it in a single night, because it was that compelling. Despite it being a quick read, though, it’s not light. Both Paul and Deirdre have to examine the truths of their own lives while they’re dealing with the external events of the story, and that examination is what makes this novel relatable and fascinating.
The War Beneath should be on the top of the TBR pile for fans of paranormal thrillers and “straight” thrillers alike.
Goes well with: cold beer and Maine lobster rolls.
February 10, 2020
This was a pretty interesting story. The writing was done very well and the story was really thought out. The tropes in this one worked well for the story and I think that if this author releases another title I will totally check it out. It touched on addiction and depression and I think that the author did a pretty good job with those situations.
February 24, 2020
S.R. Hughes does his best to provide commentary on the injustices and violence that marginalized communities face. It’s easy to see how critical he is of these disparities and what he’s trying to do to criticize them in The War Beneath, but it admittedly made me a little uncomfortable. There’s just something that sets off a squirmy feeling in me whenever someone uses a slur – albeit an outdated one, in this case – that’s not theirs to use, even if it’s supposed to serve a greater purpose in the writing. While I know that Hughes had good intentions and could see the care imbued in the book, the discomfort I felt hindered my ability to get really into the story.
Read my full review here: http://loveyoshelf.com/2020/02/24/blo...
Read my full review here: http://loveyoshelf.com/2020/02/24/blo...
February 13, 2020
Thanks to TLC Book Tours for the free copy in exchange for my honest review and blog tour
This was my introduction to S.R. Hughes and I found this to be a very interesting and unique read. THE WAR BENEATH is a paranormal thriller that focuses on a man that went from a successful forensic psychologist with the FBI to a man at rock bottom drinking himself away from his memories and his past.
After the death of Paul’s daughter he leaves his job as an FBI forensic psychologist in New York for the small Maine town of Oceanrest, where he falls into a depression. After his daughter’s death he discovers that he can communicate with the dead, and to drown out their constant voices he turns to drugs and drinking. We meet Deirdre, the local drug dealer and apothecary – which is how their paths cross.
I feel like there was a lot going on in parts of the book, but the author laid it all out well for the readers without causing too much confusion. I liked the supernatural element and the pacing of the book. Definitely some thriller elements in the mix. Overall, I would definitely pick up more from the author and would recommend this to those that like a good supernatural element added into their thrillers!
This was my introduction to S.R. Hughes and I found this to be a very interesting and unique read. THE WAR BENEATH is a paranormal thriller that focuses on a man that went from a successful forensic psychologist with the FBI to a man at rock bottom drinking himself away from his memories and his past.
After the death of Paul’s daughter he leaves his job as an FBI forensic psychologist in New York for the small Maine town of Oceanrest, where he falls into a depression. After his daughter’s death he discovers that he can communicate with the dead, and to drown out their constant voices he turns to drugs and drinking. We meet Deirdre, the local drug dealer and apothecary – which is how their paths cross.
I feel like there was a lot going on in parts of the book, but the author laid it all out well for the readers without causing too much confusion. I liked the supernatural element and the pacing of the book. Definitely some thriller elements in the mix. Overall, I would definitely pick up more from the author and would recommend this to those that like a good supernatural element added into their thrillers!
April 20, 2020
“Paul knew from experience that the dead did not have futures, only pasts that repeated until madness.”
There’s a war going on alright. It was the one where I fought to fall asleep after closing the cover of this book late last night! Holy freakish delights, did I not see this gem of a horror story until it punched me right in the face.
I am always skeptical going into untested horror. It’s difficult to shock me without resorting to some seriously gruesome prose, of which, I am not a fan. But the horror-esque plot was subtle and viciously beautiful and took me by complete surprise.
What did I know going in? I knew there were some supernatural elements. An ex-profiler who can see the dead. A mystical drug dealer who also happens to be a witch. A cult. An impending apocalypse. You see why I couldn’t say no, right?!
Okay. So what should we talk about first //sips coffee and ponders\\ OH! I KNOW!!! THE FUCKING PROSE!!!
“A stoplight glowed bloody through rainwater, glistening the windshield into a crime scene.”
Considering Hughes refers to silver-tongued demons whispering honey-lies, the man definitely practices what he preaches, er, writes, because holy shit did I seriously swoon over many a stunning sentence. He makes the atmosphere a living thing and uses his words to paint terrifying pictures and I am here for it!
And then there’s the plot. I went in expecting a supernatural crime mystery. If you did too, don’t be disappointed. There is plenty of supernatural, crime, and mystery running amuck in these pages. But the combination of pulling background descriptions into haunting images worthy of their own character arc while creating the actual things of nightmares to chase the actual characters down… well… it’s just so much more than I went in expecting. And goddamn if it wasn’t a bloody delicious treat.
“She wondered what stories wrote themselves across the bedsheets in so many rooms, how many of them ended in jittery pacing up and down an unlit hall.”
But my absolute favorite thing about The War Beneath is how vividly, heartbreakingly relevant and realistic it actually ends up being. Take away the ghosts and the demons and you end up with a chilling story about corruption and power and the victims who pay the ultimate price. It’s also about heartbreak and tragedy. How people survive, or don’t, simply trying to get through life in whatever way they can. It’s complex but it hits home, never blurring the line of real trauma even while surrounding it with nightmares and dreamscapes.
In all, here’s all you need to know. Do you love crime? Devilish sentences? Devils in general? A dash of horror? Multiple gunfights? Ghosts? Cults? Witches? Monsters? Trickster fog? Oh yeah, there’s trickster fog. Then you need this book.
Huge thank you to TLC Book Tours and Permuted Press for sending me a copy and including me on this tour!
There’s a war going on alright. It was the one where I fought to fall asleep after closing the cover of this book late last night! Holy freakish delights, did I not see this gem of a horror story until it punched me right in the face.
I am always skeptical going into untested horror. It’s difficult to shock me without resorting to some seriously gruesome prose, of which, I am not a fan. But the horror-esque plot was subtle and viciously beautiful and took me by complete surprise.
What did I know going in? I knew there were some supernatural elements. An ex-profiler who can see the dead. A mystical drug dealer who also happens to be a witch. A cult. An impending apocalypse. You see why I couldn’t say no, right?!
Okay. So what should we talk about first //sips coffee and ponders\\ OH! I KNOW!!! THE FUCKING PROSE!!!
“A stoplight glowed bloody through rainwater, glistening the windshield into a crime scene.”
Considering Hughes refers to silver-tongued demons whispering honey-lies, the man definitely practices what he preaches, er, writes, because holy shit did I seriously swoon over many a stunning sentence. He makes the atmosphere a living thing and uses his words to paint terrifying pictures and I am here for it!
And then there’s the plot. I went in expecting a supernatural crime mystery. If you did too, don’t be disappointed. There is plenty of supernatural, crime, and mystery running amuck in these pages. But the combination of pulling background descriptions into haunting images worthy of their own character arc while creating the actual things of nightmares to chase the actual characters down… well… it’s just so much more than I went in expecting. And goddamn if it wasn’t a bloody delicious treat.
“She wondered what stories wrote themselves across the bedsheets in so many rooms, how many of them ended in jittery pacing up and down an unlit hall.”
But my absolute favorite thing about The War Beneath is how vividly, heartbreakingly relevant and realistic it actually ends up being. Take away the ghosts and the demons and you end up with a chilling story about corruption and power and the victims who pay the ultimate price. It’s also about heartbreak and tragedy. How people survive, or don’t, simply trying to get through life in whatever way they can. It’s complex but it hits home, never blurring the line of real trauma even while surrounding it with nightmares and dreamscapes.
In all, here’s all you need to know. Do you love crime? Devilish sentences? Devils in general? A dash of horror? Multiple gunfights? Ghosts? Cults? Witches? Monsters? Trickster fog? Oh yeah, there’s trickster fog. Then you need this book.
Huge thank you to TLC Book Tours and Permuted Press for sending me a copy and including me on this tour!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews