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Underneath
Death waits underneath the ice.
Mary Jensen, a trained medic, needs a new start and she’s getting one at Research Station Tau, in remote Antarctica. Called in as an emergency replacement, Mary soon finds out Tau’s to find a lost elementary particle, deep down in the ice.
Dr. Ian Schuller, the station lead, thinks the particle is the key to humanity’s evolution. As they drill into the ice, complications arise and Mary starts to worry about his sanity. As he pushes harder and harder for results, the group begins to fracture.
And then the hallucinations start.
Something is in the ice, and it is changing them.
Now Mary must survive, and face what’s underneath.
Mary Jensen, a trained medic, needs a new start and she’s getting one at Research Station Tau, in remote Antarctica. Called in as an emergency replacement, Mary soon finds out Tau’s to find a lost elementary particle, deep down in the ice.
Dr. Ian Schuller, the station lead, thinks the particle is the key to humanity’s evolution. As they drill into the ice, complications arise and Mary starts to worry about his sanity. As he pushes harder and harder for results, the group begins to fracture.
And then the hallucinations start.
Something is in the ice, and it is changing them.
Now Mary must survive, and face what’s underneath.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2019
225 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Robbie Dorman
19 books88 followersRobbie Dorman believes in horror. Conquest is his first novel. When not writing, he's podcasting, playing video games, or petting cats. He lives in Texas with his wife, Kim.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 7, 2021
Underneath is a unique take on the old tale of horror in Antarctica.
It all begins when Mary takes a job at a remote research station after their field medic seemingly commits suicide. Dr. Schuller, an obsessed physicist, leads her new team as they search deep in the ice for a lost particle believed to contain the origins of humanity.
Inside the main camp, you could be tricked by the warmth, the company, the access to food and water, to your bed. Out on the ice, Mary couldn't mistake how alone they were.
I enjoyed everything about this book. The writing is crisp and perfectly conveys the crescendo of tension building within the isolated group. Not to mention the best description of hypothermia I've ever read is waiting around the 24% mark, daring you to go back out into the cold again.
I loved Mary. Her choices and journey feel organic even as the plot takes a few extremely dark turns.
'Open him up. Take him apart. Find God in him.'
Overall this was an extremely satisfying and enjoyable read. I think the story will appeal to a wide range of readers as long as they don't cringe away from a bit of gore. And it certainly deserves a grander audience.
It all begins when Mary takes a job at a remote research station after their field medic seemingly commits suicide. Dr. Schuller, an obsessed physicist, leads her new team as they search deep in the ice for a lost particle believed to contain the origins of humanity.
Inside the main camp, you could be tricked by the warmth, the company, the access to food and water, to your bed. Out on the ice, Mary couldn't mistake how alone they were.
I enjoyed everything about this book. The writing is crisp and perfectly conveys the crescendo of tension building within the isolated group. Not to mention the best description of hypothermia I've ever read is waiting around the 24% mark, daring you to go back out into the cold again.
I loved Mary. Her choices and journey feel organic even as the plot takes a few extremely dark turns.
'Open him up. Take him apart. Find God in him.'
Overall this was an extremely satisfying and enjoyable read. I think the story will appeal to a wide range of readers as long as they don't cringe away from a bit of gore. And it certainly deserves a grander audience.
January 14, 2022
This review opens with a question: What on earth happened to the editor? If I didn't already know that this author has actually quite an impressive bibliography, "Underneath" would have led me to believe that he was not quite ready for prime time, and working with a decent editor could have helped clean up all the amateur mistakes. But in this day and age of hastily written fan-fiction and shoddy publication practices, anything can show up as an e-book on your Kindle or as a paperback on your shelf.
"Underneath" by Robbie Dorman is a kind of homage to "The Thing." A woman is hired as a medic for a scientific team drilling for "particles" deep in the ancient ice of Antarctica. She hoped for a short season of light work, heavy pay, and perhaps even heavier petting with an ex-lover who is also working at the base. But she finds much more than she bargained for.
In just the first quarter of the book, we are met with multiple glaring novice mistakes. Dorman opens the book with an unclear pronoun reference, then leads into three consecutive dialogue exchanges between the protagonist and different characters that are all variations of the exact same conversation. You'll see this kind of repetition throughout the book, and it is not deja vu. Talk about filler! He then switches perspective from the third-person voice to first-person, and it was clear this was not an artistic choice but entirely accidental. Similarly, he has a character say "worst" instead of "worse," again clearly unintentionally.
Then there are signs of the author's limited experience that go beyond the mechanics of writing. The overall cadence of his prose his choppy and childlike, as if I were reading the product of a senior high school creative writing class or a very talented 13-year-old. But Robbie Dorman is an adult that I assume is writing for adults, so there was a serious disconnect for me here. I was expecting thoughtful scifi/horror/weird fiction about the discovery of a spark that may have influenced the evolution of homo sapiens, thus I anticipated something more on the level of Michael Crichton. Instead, everything felt flat, generic, and cliched despite the sensational subject. The dialogue between characters wouldn't even be interesting to preteens. We have incessant poker banter, with everyone teasing each other when they lose. "'Ha, you suck!' 'No, YOU suck, har har har...'" It goes on and on. And we have possibly the least titillating flirtation I've ever encountered.
When Dorman adds color to his characters, he does so without much care or attention to detail, and his characters don't benefit much from being enriched by his development. For example, our hero's name is Mary, which is about as generic as her personality, but fits in perfectly with the rest of the characters like Jane, Jim, Bill, Bart, and Mike. Sounds like the cast to a 1970s sitcom. It is sloppily implied that she served previously as a Marine medic in active combat, though that is not actually a thing, since medics are considered a function of the Navy while the Marine corpsmen are the ones expected to assist the wounded on the field. I suppose she could have been a corpsman that later trained as a civilian to a certified medical provider, but the author doesn't bother with these details, leaving the reader with the impression that the author knows nothing of what he speaks and won't take the time to research material for his own book. Mary is also not very big into religion. We know this because we have an unnecessary reminiscence about her experiences as a child. Her dad used to complain that churches who passed a collection basket were fooling the congregation, because God didn't need money. It would have been funny if he had Mary pat him on the head and say, "No, Daddy dearest, the church is fooling no one except you--everyone else who isn't seven understands the money is for an operational fund, not God." But the book remains humorless. The author also says that Mary had a cringy experience while attending a charismatic celebration. Whenever amateurs try to criticize religion, they use the tired cliches of evangelicals convulsing hysterically and speaking in tongues. Now, I've heard my share of "tongues" being spoken in liturgy, namely Latin or Old Church Slavonic, but I and most people have never seen anyone at a service screaming towards the heavens shouting nonsense like "Kalimar!" Again, this kind of thing just smacks of immaturity.
And then we have Dr. Schuller, who is obviously set up to be the bad guy from the first we meet him, with his altered psychological profile in the medic files and intense obsession over his research. We really don't know much about his past that led him to respond the way he does to the situation in the Antarctic, what makes him vulnerable to madness, what makes him tick. Therefore, he is not a sympathetic antagonist, which is the best kind. Don't expect complexity in this novel.
But Robbie Dorman doesn't really care about these things. What he knows best is video games and horror movies. As a horror/sci-fi nerd and gamer myself, I consider Dorman paisano. So putting aside the careless editing and amateur prose, let's talk about what we really came here for--the horror of it all! Does Dorman's "Underneath" measure up to it's competitors in the genre?
Well, no. You have to wait until you are almost three quarters into the book for any real suspense or scares to kick in. Then it gets quite brutal for about three chapters, and that's it. The scares didn't connect at all with the actual main plot involving the "spark of evolution." In fact, this could easily have been purely a psychological horror about a scientist whose personality disorder starts to take center stage after a failed expedition and months of isolation in a cold wasteland. The novel didn't need the "supranatural" element at all. It was as if the author had just read Greg Bear and got a "spark" of inspiration for a science fiction story set in the Antarctic like one of his favorite movies (and mine), "The Thing." But he doesn't put any further effort into his scifi idea and merely falls back on a semi-slasher formula in the end. What a let down.
So what we have here is a whole lot of filler that seemed to be geared at a very young audience, which suddenly goes batshit crazy with mildly extreme gore, violence, and torture for a brief period of time. What was the target readership? It was too juvenile and light on scares for most adults, but too violent and repetitive for younger readers.
Overall, this was a huge disappointment, though not quite bad enough to warrant a one star rating. I know that taste is variable, but this is one of the few times I'm going to completely contradict my Goodreads friends who enjoyed this book--I truly found no four and five star material that you would be missing here.
If you've read "Underneath" and think I'm missing something or perhaps read the wrong book, let me know in the comments below. In the meantime...
SCORE: One and a half particles, rounded to two.
"Underneath" by Robbie Dorman is a kind of homage to "The Thing." A woman is hired as a medic for a scientific team drilling for "particles" deep in the ancient ice of Antarctica. She hoped for a short season of light work, heavy pay, and perhaps even heavier petting with an ex-lover who is also working at the base. But she finds much more than she bargained for.
In just the first quarter of the book, we are met with multiple glaring novice mistakes. Dorman opens the book with an unclear pronoun reference, then leads into three consecutive dialogue exchanges between the protagonist and different characters that are all variations of the exact same conversation. You'll see this kind of repetition throughout the book, and it is not deja vu. Talk about filler! He then switches perspective from the third-person voice to first-person, and it was clear this was not an artistic choice but entirely accidental. Similarly, he has a character say "worst" instead of "worse," again clearly unintentionally.
Then there are signs of the author's limited experience that go beyond the mechanics of writing. The overall cadence of his prose his choppy and childlike, as if I were reading the product of a senior high school creative writing class or a very talented 13-year-old. But Robbie Dorman is an adult that I assume is writing for adults, so there was a serious disconnect for me here. I was expecting thoughtful scifi/horror/weird fiction about the discovery of a spark that may have influenced the evolution of homo sapiens, thus I anticipated something more on the level of Michael Crichton. Instead, everything felt flat, generic, and cliched despite the sensational subject. The dialogue between characters wouldn't even be interesting to preteens. We have incessant poker banter, with everyone teasing each other when they lose. "'Ha, you suck!' 'No, YOU suck, har har har...'" It goes on and on. And we have possibly the least titillating flirtation I've ever encountered.
When Dorman adds color to his characters, he does so without much care or attention to detail, and his characters don't benefit much from being enriched by his development. For example, our hero's name is Mary, which is about as generic as her personality, but fits in perfectly with the rest of the characters like Jane, Jim, Bill, Bart, and Mike. Sounds like the cast to a 1970s sitcom. It is sloppily implied that she served previously as a Marine medic in active combat, though that is not actually a thing, since medics are considered a function of the Navy while the Marine corpsmen are the ones expected to assist the wounded on the field. I suppose she could have been a corpsman that later trained as a civilian to a certified medical provider, but the author doesn't bother with these details, leaving the reader with the impression that the author knows nothing of what he speaks and won't take the time to research material for his own book. Mary is also not very big into religion. We know this because we have an unnecessary reminiscence about her experiences as a child. Her dad used to complain that churches who passed a collection basket were fooling the congregation, because God didn't need money. It would have been funny if he had Mary pat him on the head and say, "No, Daddy dearest, the church is fooling no one except you--everyone else who isn't seven understands the money is for an operational fund, not God." But the book remains humorless. The author also says that Mary had a cringy experience while attending a charismatic celebration. Whenever amateurs try to criticize religion, they use the tired cliches of evangelicals convulsing hysterically and speaking in tongues. Now, I've heard my share of "tongues" being spoken in liturgy, namely Latin or Old Church Slavonic, but I and most people have never seen anyone at a service screaming towards the heavens shouting nonsense like "Kalimar!" Again, this kind of thing just smacks of immaturity.
And then we have Dr. Schuller, who is obviously set up to be the bad guy from the first we meet him, with his altered psychological profile in the medic files and intense obsession over his research. We really don't know much about his past that led him to respond the way he does to the situation in the Antarctic, what makes him vulnerable to madness, what makes him tick. Therefore, he is not a sympathetic antagonist, which is the best kind. Don't expect complexity in this novel.
But Robbie Dorman doesn't really care about these things. What he knows best is video games and horror movies. As a horror/sci-fi nerd and gamer myself, I consider Dorman paisano. So putting aside the careless editing and amateur prose, let's talk about what we really came here for--the horror of it all! Does Dorman's "Underneath" measure up to it's competitors in the genre?
Well, no. You have to wait until you are almost three quarters into the book for any real suspense or scares to kick in. Then it gets quite brutal for about three chapters, and that's it. The scares didn't connect at all with the actual main plot involving the "spark of evolution." In fact, this could easily have been purely a psychological horror about a scientist whose personality disorder starts to take center stage after a failed expedition and months of isolation in a cold wasteland. The novel didn't need the "supranatural" element at all. It was as if the author had just read Greg Bear and got a "spark" of inspiration for a science fiction story set in the Antarctic like one of his favorite movies (and mine), "The Thing." But he doesn't put any further effort into his scifi idea and merely falls back on a semi-slasher formula in the end. What a let down.
So what we have here is a whole lot of filler that seemed to be geared at a very young audience, which suddenly goes batshit crazy with mildly extreme gore, violence, and torture for a brief period of time. What was the target readership? It was too juvenile and light on scares for most adults, but too violent and repetitive for younger readers.
Overall, this was a huge disappointment, though not quite bad enough to warrant a one star rating. I know that taste is variable, but this is one of the few times I'm going to completely contradict my Goodreads friends who enjoyed this book--I truly found no four and five star material that you would be missing here.
If you've read "Underneath" and think I'm missing something or perhaps read the wrong book, let me know in the comments below. In the meantime...
SCORE: One and a half particles, rounded to two.
February 16, 2025
A crew of people drilling in Antarctica for research in the middle of nowhere in the blistering cold… what could possible go wrong?? The movie The Thing but more about the darker aspects of human nature and what some people will do to have their dreams come true.
April 6, 2021
Mary is hired as a Medic for a scientific drilling site in the Antarctic. Mike, a old friend and ex is working there as well, he was the person who suggested her for the job.
Once out on the ice and at the camp area, she learns that the body of the original medic is being flown back to the Antarctic main base by the helicopter that took her out there. Meeting all the others, she starts right into her work.
Dr. Schuller, the leader, she soon learns thinks he's drilling down to find the particle or spark that caused man to become what they are and will be there to help them become more than what we are now. But when they reach depth, they find nothing in the ice.
Over the next few days different men of the crew start coming to her with complaints of nightmares and of not feeling like themselves. Mary also starts having the same problem a few days later. She lets Dr. Schuller know and tells him she's also opting out when the helicopter comes to pick them up. This is when everything starts falling apart. He tells her that he won't let her leave, she needs to help him find the spark that has eluded him, but attached to other members of the group. It's also about the time that the blood starts to stain the ice. Dr. Schuller is determined to get the spark for himself if it means digging it out of the people who he sees and as having received it instead of him and he will kill everyone else to get it.
Once out on the ice and at the camp area, she learns that the body of the original medic is being flown back to the Antarctic main base by the helicopter that took her out there. Meeting all the others, she starts right into her work.
Dr. Schuller, the leader, she soon learns thinks he's drilling down to find the particle or spark that caused man to become what they are and will be there to help them become more than what we are now. But when they reach depth, they find nothing in the ice.
Over the next few days different men of the crew start coming to her with complaints of nightmares and of not feeling like themselves. Mary also starts having the same problem a few days later. She lets Dr. Schuller know and tells him she's also opting out when the helicopter comes to pick them up. This is when everything starts falling apart. He tells her that he won't let her leave, she needs to help him find the spark that has eluded him, but attached to other members of the group. It's also about the time that the blood starts to stain the ice. Dr. Schuller is determined to get the spark for himself if it means digging it out of the people who he sees and as having received it instead of him and he will kill everyone else to get it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
I thought that I had stumbled upon inspired science fiction when I started reading author Robbie Dorman’s 2019 geological thriller, Underneath.
He begins with an intriguing premise — that buried deep underneath the Antarctic ice is a particle which 200,000 years ago sparked the evolution of homo sapiens as the dominant life form on the planet Earth.
As the background for his story, Mr. Dorman strives to describe the isolation of a remote outpost in Antarctica, where a small team of scientists and drillers feverishly work in the brutal cold to locate the particle before the arrival of winter and even more forbidding weather conditions.
But instead of these explorers finding the particle that sparked human evolution, the spark that was buried in the ice seems to have found a new home inside a few of them, causing their brains to hallucinate and their bodies to impossibly rejuvenate and endure the most extreme cold weather without even a winter jacket.
Evidently these are among the hodgepodge of qualities that Mr. Dorman thinks will define the next stage of human evolution. Whatever the future holds for humanity, it does not bode well for the winter apparel industry.
Unfortunately Mr. Dorman never says or even speculates where this particle came from, what’s the particle made of, and who buried it underneath the ice to begin with, though addressing these questions might have made Underneath a science fiction story worthy of its premise. Which it’s not.
He begins with an intriguing premise — that buried deep underneath the Antarctic ice is a particle which 200,000 years ago sparked the evolution of homo sapiens as the dominant life form on the planet Earth.
As the background for his story, Mr. Dorman strives to describe the isolation of a remote outpost in Antarctica, where a small team of scientists and drillers feverishly work in the brutal cold to locate the particle before the arrival of winter and even more forbidding weather conditions.
But instead of these explorers finding the particle that sparked human evolution, the spark that was buried in the ice seems to have found a new home inside a few of them, causing their brains to hallucinate and their bodies to impossibly rejuvenate and endure the most extreme cold weather without even a winter jacket.
Evidently these are among the hodgepodge of qualities that Mr. Dorman thinks will define the next stage of human evolution. Whatever the future holds for humanity, it does not bode well for the winter apparel industry.
Unfortunately Mr. Dorman never says or even speculates where this particle came from, what’s the particle made of, and who buried it underneath the ice to begin with, though addressing these questions might have made Underneath a science fiction story worthy of its premise. Which it’s not.
December 26, 2020
I loved it! What a wonderful Christmas Eve read!
August 14, 2022
A short term assignment as a medic on an Antarctic expedition after the last medic died has the main character thinking this will be a relatively easy job. Mary is a former Marine medic and has worked on oil rigs. She’s used to harsh environments and even harsher people but something is weird about this assignment.
Station Tau is located several hours from McMurdo and is headed by Dr. Schuller, a charismatic scientist convinced that he is close to finding a particle in the ice that will show how modern humans came to be. But, there’s something very strange going on on this piece of ice.
Fast paced and very entertaining. My only issue was the editing and that’s why I ranked it 4 stars
Station Tau is located several hours from McMurdo and is headed by Dr. Schuller, a charismatic scientist convinced that he is close to finding a particle in the ice that will show how modern humans came to be. But, there’s something very strange going on on this piece of ice.
Fast paced and very entertaining. My only issue was the editing and that’s why I ranked it 4 stars
October 4, 2023
**** 4 STARS ****
Very good book. Reminded me of a 90s action horror blockbuster.
Underneath reminded me of John Carpenter's The Thing, with a bit of the Danny Boyle's Sunshine mixed in. I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Robbie Dorman; a new author for me. The writing felt very workman-like, which only served the breakneck pace of the book; very visual. I'll definitely be checking out his other books.
Very good book. Reminded me of a 90s action horror blockbuster.
Underneath reminded me of John Carpenter's The Thing, with a bit of the Danny Boyle's Sunshine mixed in. I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Robbie Dorman; a new author for me. The writing felt very workman-like, which only served the breakneck pace of the book; very visual. I'll definitely be checking out his other books.
October 30, 2025
Phenomenal. Start to finish. Last quarter I put on "The Thing" soundtrack and the tension would build perfectly with the book. I can't wait to read everything else by this author. Highly recommend if you love horror! The length of the book and size are also amazing. No fluff just tension and horror!
February 1, 2021
If I was going to review this book based on the cover art it would be a 10/5 stars because I FREAKIN’ LOVE the cover art!! The blue tones are amazing and draw me like a moth to an economy size bug zapper. But alas, covers alone don’t make the book.
I will say that I enjoyed the vast majority of this book. The author does a good job of character creation and development overall but particularly with the main character, Mary. The prose is concise and moves along at a clip which I appreciate. No filler for the most part. He also does a solid job of depicting the cold of Antarctica, tho at times it does get a little repetitive, but not enough to be a major issue or anything. The premise is interesting and though it veers away from the sci-fi horror elements to embrace more of the human horror dynamic, I still enjoyed the build up and conclusion.
I did have some issues with it. There were some places where he represented the main character as weaker and less aware and prepared than she should have been since she was a combat medic in the marines. If he had made her Army, I might have bought into some of it, because outside of SF people, the mileage varies, but not with her being in the marines. So that kind of annoyed me because I thought she was too easily duped during a couple of scenes and her mental attitude towards hurting someone in self defense was not what I would expect.
Other than that, the author just needs to invest in an editor. A number of grammatical errors were scattered throughout. Nothing deal breaking, just annoying, because this book deserved to be pristine on the inside with a cover like that on the outside.
Overall, I’d still give it a solid 4/5 stars for the overall experience. Hard to find good sci-fi horror much less good sci-fi horror taking place in Antarctica. So I was happy from the start and the author kept me happy for the most part. Give it a shot.
I will say that I enjoyed the vast majority of this book. The author does a good job of character creation and development overall but particularly with the main character, Mary. The prose is concise and moves along at a clip which I appreciate. No filler for the most part. He also does a solid job of depicting the cold of Antarctica, tho at times it does get a little repetitive, but not enough to be a major issue or anything. The premise is interesting and though it veers away from the sci-fi horror elements to embrace more of the human horror dynamic, I still enjoyed the build up and conclusion.
I did have some issues with it. There were some places where he represented the main character as weaker and less aware and prepared than she should have been since she was a combat medic in the marines. If he had made her Army, I might have bought into some of it, because outside of SF people, the mileage varies, but not with her being in the marines. So that kind of annoyed me because I thought she was too easily duped during a couple of scenes and her mental attitude towards hurting someone in self defense was not what I would expect.
Other than that, the author just needs to invest in an editor. A number of grammatical errors were scattered throughout. Nothing deal breaking, just annoying, because this book deserved to be pristine on the inside with a cover like that on the outside.
Overall, I’d still give it a solid 4/5 stars for the overall experience. Hard to find good sci-fi horror much less good sci-fi horror taking place in Antarctica. So I was happy from the start and the author kept me happy for the most part. Give it a shot.
January 21, 2020
"The environment inspired beauty and terror in kind."
Mary Jensen is a former Marine medic. Not only has she served two tours in Afghanistan but has worked on oil rigs. So when she in notified that an old friend has recommended her as a medic at a small research station in Antarctica, she agrees.
Research Station Tau is set up to drill deep into.The Antarctic ice looking for what the lead scientist thinks are "the particles that originally sparked evolution in humans,"
Mary is uneasy from the first as she finds her predecessor walked off across the ice by himself and died. Other happenings also raise a Red flag to her and she starts worrying about the mental stability of others at the station including the lead scientist.
I enjoy stories about Antarctica. I'm not sure why because I'm not a fan of cold weather and I find wintertime locally dreary and depressing. But I try to read all manner of fiction and non-fiction about Antarctica and the Arctic regions.
This was a better than average horror tale about the isolated southern Pole. It was an original take on a horror tale based in Antarctica. The author didn't describe the characters in depth but gave us readers enough to understand and enjoy them
And I loved the ending of the book.
Mary Jensen is a former Marine medic. Not only has she served two tours in Afghanistan but has worked on oil rigs. So when she in notified that an old friend has recommended her as a medic at a small research station in Antarctica, she agrees.
Research Station Tau is set up to drill deep into.The Antarctic ice looking for what the lead scientist thinks are "the particles that originally sparked evolution in humans,"
Mary is uneasy from the first as she finds her predecessor walked off across the ice by himself and died. Other happenings also raise a Red flag to her and she starts worrying about the mental stability of others at the station including the lead scientist.
I enjoy stories about Antarctica. I'm not sure why because I'm not a fan of cold weather and I find wintertime locally dreary and depressing. But I try to read all manner of fiction and non-fiction about Antarctica and the Arctic regions.
This was a better than average horror tale about the isolated southern Pole. It was an original take on a horror tale based in Antarctica. The author didn't describe the characters in depth but gave us readers enough to understand and enjoy them
And I loved the ending of the book.
November 18, 2020
This was “The Thing” meets “Dreamcatcher” for me. A fast paced, twisted and horrifying experience. I was on the edge of my seat with this one and I kid you not I felt the chill come right out of the book!
August 7, 2020
Pretty good
Not a bad read. Interesting, a little repetitive at times, and needed better proof reading, but a book worth reading.
Not a bad read. Interesting, a little repetitive at times, and needed better proof reading, but a book worth reading.
August 23, 2022
Underneath was a good combination of H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King. The story combines the finding of something not entirely from earth and the suspense buildup of "I don't think I want to know what's around the corner." I enjoyed jumping straight into the story with little background from the characters, it made the story direct and to the point and it's something I miss from novels. But if you think that you don't feel for the characters because you don't get these big story arcs from them, then you're mistaken. Underneath is a well written story with good pace, great suspense that doesn't kill you but definitely keeps you on edge, with a good ending that has a surprisingly warm plot twist for the finale.
December 22, 2025
I know the author marketed this read as an homage to The Thing but I think this went deeper into humanity and I really enjoyed that.
Mary, our FMC, has already seen enough real life horrors so when things start to go down hill at the research facility she’s working at in Antartica, she keeps her cool…see what I did there?
The tension was high, the dialogue was well written, the gore made my legs go dumb and the ending had me crying. I recommend this one for the dead of winter so you can really get into it.
Mary, our FMC, has already seen enough real life horrors so when things start to go down hill at the research facility she’s working at in Antartica, she keeps her cool…see what I did there?
The tension was high, the dialogue was well written, the gore made my legs go dumb and the ending had me crying. I recommend this one for the dead of winter so you can really get into it.
October 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Robbie was at an event I attended and selling his books. After speaking with him I purchased this one and another. This book is really good. Sucked me in and kept me wanting more. Fantastic plot and I actually had a hard time stopping for the night at one point. Very good. Looking forward to the next one and if that's good as well, I'll be casually stalking him to purchase the rest 😜 his set up is so fun with a menu and deals based on what you purchase. He was wonderful to engage in conversation and super nice. If you're reading this, give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the ride. Thanks Robbie 😁
August 26, 2025
Underneath was an exceptionally fun bit of horror. A nod to The Thing with reliable characters, well written dialogue, and just enough action and bloodshed to keep you coming back. This is my first by Dorman, but won't be my last.
November 22, 2022
“Open him up. Take him apart. Find God in him. And I will let you live.”
With Winter looming, a horror novel set in remote Antarctica was what I was looking for. Mary Jensen, a trained medic is called into the Research Station Tau supporting a team to find a lost elementary particle. She is replacing the original medic who died mysteriously, walking out into dangerous cold temperatures. Dr Ian Schuller, the lead on the project seems too eager to dig further and further, neglecting the safety of his staff. Mary is sceptical of his behaviour, but then the hallucinations take effect. Something is in the ice, it’s changing everyone. Mary must investigate in order to survive.
As I read this book, I was getting serious Thing vibes. The plot is a slow burn but it picks up in pace and Dorman’s writing talent highlighted itself in the vivid descriptions of Mary’s mind spiralling with doubt especially when the hallucinations had her in a harsh grip. They were sinister, entrancing and poetic. There were some moments when my attention waned but I pushed on with it. I liked how the novel initially followed a traditional, horror monstrous pathway and then it span around with flourishes of sci-fi and the mystical. If read this novel during the winter, grab a blanket and a warm beverage because you’re going to need it.
With Winter looming, a horror novel set in remote Antarctica was what I was looking for. Mary Jensen, a trained medic is called into the Research Station Tau supporting a team to find a lost elementary particle. She is replacing the original medic who died mysteriously, walking out into dangerous cold temperatures. Dr Ian Schuller, the lead on the project seems too eager to dig further and further, neglecting the safety of his staff. Mary is sceptical of his behaviour, but then the hallucinations take effect. Something is in the ice, it’s changing everyone. Mary must investigate in order to survive.
As I read this book, I was getting serious Thing vibes. The plot is a slow burn but it picks up in pace and Dorman’s writing talent highlighted itself in the vivid descriptions of Mary’s mind spiralling with doubt especially when the hallucinations had her in a harsh grip. They were sinister, entrancing and poetic. There were some moments when my attention waned but I pushed on with it. I liked how the novel initially followed a traditional, horror monstrous pathway and then it span around with flourishes of sci-fi and the mystical. If read this novel during the winter, grab a blanket and a warm beverage because you’re going to need it.
January 23, 2025
What if they find something they don’t want?
I know at this stage of making my way through Robbie Dorman's catalogue - that is, only 2 books into same - is perhaps not the time for flinging out supposedly wild hyperbole or exaggerations. To be precise, I've just finished "Underneath" after downing "Killer Hockey Mascot" at the very tail end of 2024 - noting though that I enjoyed both thoroughly. So I won't rely on any kind of puffery (damn, I am really digging deep into my thesaurus today!) when I say that I'm really getting serious Hunter Shea vibes from this young author's work, which to me is just about the top of the tops in entertaining horror genre compliments! Now I've come across some REALLY nasty bits within Shea's work, so it remains to be seen just how much of my lunch I'll be offering back during any future Dorman tales! But in general, well, you get the picture.
This discovery will change the future of humanity…
And I say that noting that "Underneath" was a very differently structured story vs. its hockey-centric companion. In the latter case, things pretty much got very stabby and bloody from the get-go, with the [no spoilers]-possessed hockey mascot doing what it could to carve up anyone and everyone that got within its fuzzy-armed reach. However, this little jaunt to Antarctica - which based on just the books I've read that took place there must be the most murderous place in the galaxy - took much longer to get up and going, with important character details and tendencies being established along the way. In fact, the really weird stuff doesn't truly being until we're about a third into the book, but naturally, once it gets going, it doesn't stop for anything or anyone!
Open him up. Take him apart. Find God in him.
This was also a very original concept for we humans going down to the White Continent and doing what we do best, namely, messing with the natural order of things all in the interest of winning valuable prizes and earning tenure at our local community colleges. Or something like that. And if you're wide awake when you're reading, you may even notice a rather sizeable bit of foreshadowing that pops up right before the 20% mark. It's all rather FANTASTIC and exciting, especially knowing you have FOUR more sections of equal length left to get through! But as usual, my attempt to avoid any spoilers whatsoever has failed completely and I will hang my head in shame for the next 60 seconds or so as suitable punishment and self-flagellation.
Whatever we found, it wasn’t God.
Whew, glad that's over and I am free again (it changes you on the inside, man)! Anyway, this is a really well-written book including very good editing, strong character-development, and lots of delicious quotable bits! I'm really enjoying Dorman's style as he seems to give the reader exactly what they need to push on and then, well, pushes on! I don't feel like there was any wasted space in this story, even if I was surprised at some of the "epilogue" reveals. Or even the fact that there was an epilogue! But it all fit in seamlessly and even left me feeling a little less, well, down in the dumps after all that transpires during the big finale at Research Station Tau. And don't worry: if you're only here because of the thrill of seeing viscera, offal, and plenty of blood spilled about, you'll get that, too! "Cannibals of the South Pole" on anyone's menu?
So much pain, so much death. For what? For you?
So bundle up, get the fireplace lit and/or the heater on, and take a gander at this perfect cold weather read! If you need me, I'll be running through the proverbial e-shelf of further books from this author because there will be more in my future. There is definitely better than a snowball's chance in hell of that! Thank you, I'll be here all week!
I know at this stage of making my way through Robbie Dorman's catalogue - that is, only 2 books into same - is perhaps not the time for flinging out supposedly wild hyperbole or exaggerations. To be precise, I've just finished "Underneath" after downing "Killer Hockey Mascot" at the very tail end of 2024 - noting though that I enjoyed both thoroughly. So I won't rely on any kind of puffery (damn, I am really digging deep into my thesaurus today!) when I say that I'm really getting serious Hunter Shea vibes from this young author's work, which to me is just about the top of the tops in entertaining horror genre compliments! Now I've come across some REALLY nasty bits within Shea's work, so it remains to be seen just how much of my lunch I'll be offering back during any future Dorman tales! But in general, well, you get the picture.
This discovery will change the future of humanity…
And I say that noting that "Underneath" was a very differently structured story vs. its hockey-centric companion. In the latter case, things pretty much got very stabby and bloody from the get-go, with the [no spoilers]-possessed hockey mascot doing what it could to carve up anyone and everyone that got within its fuzzy-armed reach. However, this little jaunt to Antarctica - which based on just the books I've read that took place there must be the most murderous place in the galaxy - took much longer to get up and going, with important character details and tendencies being established along the way. In fact, the really weird stuff doesn't truly being until we're about a third into the book, but naturally, once it gets going, it doesn't stop for anything or anyone!
Open him up. Take him apart. Find God in him.
This was also a very original concept for we humans going down to the White Continent and doing what we do best, namely, messing with the natural order of things all in the interest of winning valuable prizes and earning tenure at our local community colleges. Or something like that. And if you're wide awake when you're reading, you may even notice a rather sizeable bit of foreshadowing that pops up right before the 20% mark. It's all rather FANTASTIC and exciting, especially knowing you have FOUR more sections of equal length left to get through! But as usual, my attempt to avoid any spoilers whatsoever has failed completely and I will hang my head in shame for the next 60 seconds or so as suitable punishment and self-flagellation.
Whatever we found, it wasn’t God.
Whew, glad that's over and I am free again (it changes you on the inside, man)! Anyway, this is a really well-written book including very good editing, strong character-development, and lots of delicious quotable bits! I'm really enjoying Dorman's style as he seems to give the reader exactly what they need to push on and then, well, pushes on! I don't feel like there was any wasted space in this story, even if I was surprised at some of the "epilogue" reveals. Or even the fact that there was an epilogue! But it all fit in seamlessly and even left me feeling a little less, well, down in the dumps after all that transpires during the big finale at Research Station Tau. And don't worry: if you're only here because of the thrill of seeing viscera, offal, and plenty of blood spilled about, you'll get that, too! "Cannibals of the South Pole" on anyone's menu?
So much pain, so much death. For what? For you?
So bundle up, get the fireplace lit and/or the heater on, and take a gander at this perfect cold weather read! If you need me, I'll be running through the proverbial e-shelf of further books from this author because there will be more in my future. There is definitely better than a snowball's chance in hell of that! Thank you, I'll be here all week!
September 8, 2022
Good story!
The plot was predictable. That’s ok. It helps by giving something to hold to when the horrors were revealed.
Spoiler Here…
Mr. Dorman did ok getting his plot developed. There were problems with two parts of it. I don’t think he has ever lived in a sub-zero climate. Perhaps he over elaborated about the cold to have a contrast when Mary was able to first withstand it without her parka and then to give more emphasis as she used her new abilities to manipulate and effect change in her own needs. I have lived in extreme cold in northern Maine and in Canada. Gale force winds can strip away body warmth, but anyone in Antarctica would already have and know how to use cold weather gear. There would be no casual slipping off of boots with the ease he described. It’s a major undertaking to dress and don the gear. Nothing but a parka and hat come off easily! Even gloves or mittens are more work to remove. Mary would never have been sent to Antarctica without being thoroughly trained specifically for that harsh weather. Afghanistan would not be enough.
The other great discrepancy was the description of birth. The horrible ripping pain and all as he described it is not what happens in birthing. Even without the natural anesthesia created with the process of my last son’s birth, that description fails. The doctor had to physically maneuver him into position for the birth to progress. The switch to the transition stage was was intense as the contractions began spreading the bone and muscle for his birth. I will do cut Mr. Dorman some slack because he’s never experienced giving birth himself and maybe his youthful lack of experience is a factor. Perhaps in the future he’ll have studied or spoken with enough women to write effectively about it.
A horror story well written takes us through the changing psychology of the mind as it unhinges and the characters reveal how they cope with the situations. I read this book in one sitting like the old paperbacks of easily digested pulp writing.
One of the best books I’ve ever read which fictionally dealt with the descent into madness and effects of PTSD was captured by writing and device was Thief River Falls by Brian Freeman.
This is still a really good read and I expect Mr. Dorman will become a much better writer as time goes by especially if keeps coming up with such original ideas as in Underneath.
I’ll be reading your published work from now on in anticipation!
Thank your for the pleasure of this story, Mr. Dorman.
Regards…
The plot was predictable. That’s ok. It helps by giving something to hold to when the horrors were revealed.
Spoiler Here…
Mr. Dorman did ok getting his plot developed. There were problems with two parts of it. I don’t think he has ever lived in a sub-zero climate. Perhaps he over elaborated about the cold to have a contrast when Mary was able to first withstand it without her parka and then to give more emphasis as she used her new abilities to manipulate and effect change in her own needs. I have lived in extreme cold in northern Maine and in Canada. Gale force winds can strip away body warmth, but anyone in Antarctica would already have and know how to use cold weather gear. There would be no casual slipping off of boots with the ease he described. It’s a major undertaking to dress and don the gear. Nothing but a parka and hat come off easily! Even gloves or mittens are more work to remove. Mary would never have been sent to Antarctica without being thoroughly trained specifically for that harsh weather. Afghanistan would not be enough.
The other great discrepancy was the description of birth. The horrible ripping pain and all as he described it is not what happens in birthing. Even without the natural anesthesia created with the process of my last son’s birth, that description fails. The doctor had to physically maneuver him into position for the birth to progress. The switch to the transition stage was was intense as the contractions began spreading the bone and muscle for his birth. I will do cut Mr. Dorman some slack because he’s never experienced giving birth himself and maybe his youthful lack of experience is a factor. Perhaps in the future he’ll have studied or spoken with enough women to write effectively about it.
A horror story well written takes us through the changing psychology of the mind as it unhinges and the characters reveal how they cope with the situations. I read this book in one sitting like the old paperbacks of easily digested pulp writing.
One of the best books I’ve ever read which fictionally dealt with the descent into madness and effects of PTSD was captured by writing and device was Thief River Falls by Brian Freeman.
This is still a really good read and I expect Mr. Dorman will become a much better writer as time goes by especially if keeps coming up with such original ideas as in Underneath.
I’ll be reading your published work from now on in anticipation!
Thank your for the pleasure of this story, Mr. Dorman.
Regards…
January 14, 2020
Robbie Dorman’s Underneath is a wonderfully chilling tale of Antarctic horror. Medic and former marine Mary Jensen gets a call from an ex, Mike: he’s working a research site in Antarctica, and the medic died. They need a new medic right away. She decides that sure, she’s willing to take this on, and immediately heads out. The research station is tiny and isolated. The previous medic wandered out into the cold for no apparent reason and died. Apparently some sort of cosmic radiation was detected emanating from beneath the ice, which just shouldn’t be possible, and Dr. Schuller, the lead scientist, believes they’ll find some sort of unknown particle down there that contributed to human evolution. Unfortunately, when the drilling reaches the target depth, they find nothing at all. And then some of the dig personnel begin to hallucinate…
Schuller is a true believer who holds weekly meetings so known for his quasi-religious fervor that the others call them going to “chapel”. It’s kind of inevitable that he becomes a despotic, obsessed bad guy when faced with the notion that all of his hard work might come to naught. It’s a little too convenient that one of the other scientists becomes a mindless minion with no apparent ability to think for himself. The rest of the characters, however, have a little bit of depth to them, although Mary and to a lesser extent Mike are the only ones that get the full treatment. This won’t be a big deal to a lot of horror readers. Schuller’s minion did seem to have some extra talents that needed explanation–I might buy that a chemist can rig a fuel tank to explode, but there’s another explosion that is less understandable. Also, there are two identical psych evaluations in the files, leading Mary to realize someone’s eval was forged, but I wasn’t sure why she immediately decided on one of the two people as the culprit rather than having to wonder which it was.
The Antarctic is used quite well as a deadly setting. There’s a lot of detail on succumbing to the cold, being revived from the cold, and so on. I don’t have the background to know if it’s accurate, but when there’s this much detail to something I tend to expect that someone has done their research.
Content note for lots of gore, and torture. Things definitely get intense and horrific. I thought this story was quite good.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2020/01/r...
Schuller is a true believer who holds weekly meetings so known for his quasi-religious fervor that the others call them going to “chapel”. It’s kind of inevitable that he becomes a despotic, obsessed bad guy when faced with the notion that all of his hard work might come to naught. It’s a little too convenient that one of the other scientists becomes a mindless minion with no apparent ability to think for himself. The rest of the characters, however, have a little bit of depth to them, although Mary and to a lesser extent Mike are the only ones that get the full treatment. This won’t be a big deal to a lot of horror readers. Schuller’s minion did seem to have some extra talents that needed explanation–I might buy that a chemist can rig a fuel tank to explode, but there’s another explosion that is less understandable. Also, there are two identical psych evaluations in the files, leading Mary to realize someone’s eval was forged, but I wasn’t sure why she immediately decided on one of the two people as the culprit rather than having to wonder which it was.
The Antarctic is used quite well as a deadly setting. There’s a lot of detail on succumbing to the cold, being revived from the cold, and so on. I don’t have the background to know if it’s accurate, but when there’s this much detail to something I tend to expect that someone has done their research.
Content note for lots of gore, and torture. Things definitely get intense and horrific. I thought this story was quite good.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2020/01/r...
December 1, 2022
A woman gets hired for a job to be a replacement medic for a scientific dig in Antarctica. What could go wrong? Well, when the entire environment is out to get you, it takes a knowledgeable mind to stay calm. So stepping out of her comfort zone into a hostile environment is not too much of a stretch for our heroine, but what happens during her trip tests her beyond her imaginings.
The head scientist is hell-bent on finding proof that what lies beneath the ice directly related to the evolution of mankind. But the hours are long and tired workers become dangers to themselves and others. The head scientist becoming overzealous does not help...
The characters are great and have vibrant and hilarious interactions. So if you liked the camaraderie and snark-ery of the cast of The Thing, you will enjoy the build up. The cold itself is a bit of a character, so for people who enjoy stories set in intense climes, I would def suggest this story.
It's a relief there's no over-sexualization of characters, I feel the author did a fantastic job breathing life (and death) into the cast of characters without me feeling like the author themself had some issues to resolve (c'mon, I know a lot of you have read stuff and wondered about a few authors, lol). Sure the characters have backstory and there are sparks, but nothing to take away from the focus of the story and the focus of the lead character.
I definitely enjoyed the female lead character and women were well represented in this story. This isn't something I usually notice, but I felt like it was done so well here - meaning, there are characters and some happen to be female. They aren't forced and twice I found myself assuming characters like the helicopter pilot were male until I realized they were female. So that's just me, but overall it made me respect the author that much more. Just sayin.
If you are looking for gore, do not worry. You will get it. You will probably squeal a little. And you'll enjoy it.
There was a nice sense of dread just hanging around during the read and it was delicious. Definitely recommend for horror lovers everywhere.
The head scientist is hell-bent on finding proof that what lies beneath the ice directly related to the evolution of mankind. But the hours are long and tired workers become dangers to themselves and others. The head scientist becoming overzealous does not help...
The characters are great and have vibrant and hilarious interactions. So if you liked the camaraderie and snark-ery of the cast of The Thing, you will enjoy the build up. The cold itself is a bit of a character, so for people who enjoy stories set in intense climes, I would def suggest this story.
It's a relief there's no over-sexualization of characters, I feel the author did a fantastic job breathing life (and death) into the cast of characters without me feeling like the author themself had some issues to resolve (c'mon, I know a lot of you have read stuff and wondered about a few authors, lol). Sure the characters have backstory and there are sparks, but nothing to take away from the focus of the story and the focus of the lead character.
I definitely enjoyed the female lead character and women were well represented in this story. This isn't something I usually notice, but I felt like it was done so well here - meaning, there are characters and some happen to be female. They aren't forced and twice I found myself assuming characters like the helicopter pilot were male until I realized they were female. So that's just me, but overall it made me respect the author that much more. Just sayin.
If you are looking for gore, do not worry. You will get it. You will probably squeal a little. And you'll enjoy it.
There was a nice sense of dread just hanging around during the read and it was delicious. Definitely recommend for horror lovers everywhere.
May 17, 2023
Science fiction horror is always a fun read and there is a sense of uncertainty, as you never know what you might get, where the story might take you. There are always exceptions to that of course but I can honestly say, while I figured it would go crazy it actually surprised me a bit in how suddenly it turned.
The main thing I will say about this is the pacing. It starts off quickly, getting right into the plot. After which, the story slows, building until about half way then it speeds up quite a lot. As far as characters, I found there backstories were mentioned enough to add slight depth but were not elaborated on aside from the protagonist Mary's. I would have liked to know a little more about a few of the characters in that regard but the pace of the book didn't allow for it in my opinion. Descriptions were minimal at times and then quite detailed for other parts, specifically what freezing cold can do to a person. This story is definitely plot driven.
The end tied up most of the loose ends in a satisfactory way. The plot itself does take an odd turn from what it was hinting at earlier in the story toward the very end. It's not bad but the speed at which it occurs relies on a bit of acceptance on the reader's part. At least to me. It reminded me of the science fiction horror show Helix if anyone remembers that. Though the subject matter is different, the vibe is similar.
Overall, I liked it and it was a quick read.
The main thing I will say about this is the pacing. It starts off quickly, getting right into the plot. After which, the story slows, building until about half way then it speeds up quite a lot. As far as characters, I found there backstories were mentioned enough to add slight depth but were not elaborated on aside from the protagonist Mary's. I would have liked to know a little more about a few of the characters in that regard but the pace of the book didn't allow for it in my opinion. Descriptions were minimal at times and then quite detailed for other parts, specifically what freezing cold can do to a person. This story is definitely plot driven.
The end tied up most of the loose ends in a satisfactory way. The plot itself does take an odd turn from what it was hinting at earlier in the story toward the very end. It's not bad but the speed at which it occurs relies on a bit of acceptance on the reader's part. At least to me. It reminded me of the science fiction horror show Helix if anyone remembers that. Though the subject matter is different, the vibe is similar.
Overall, I liked it and it was a quick read.
August 24, 2022
I should let you know up front if a story is set in the Artic or Antarctic I’m interested; if it’s an action adventure so much the better – let it be creepy and I’m all in… So I was totally compelled to read this book. I really had no choice. Also it came a great break while I’m reading a heavy tome concerning the last 4,000 years of Abrahamic theology – educational but not totally entertaining…. More on that later in another review…
Mary Jensen is a combat trained medic who is having a rough patch until she’s given an assignment to replace a medic who died under mysterious circumstance in Antarctica at a scientific drill site. The site is run by Dr. Schuller who believes he has found a key to human evolution. As the drill team reaches the target depth (as proposed by the scientist on site) things go totally sideways. Certain people start having hallucinations and then they gain special powers – some good, some not so much. While most of the team thinks they can get help by going to McMurdo base, others believe that the people on site can figure it all out and bring a great new development to the world. Predictably things go from bad to worse as Dr. Schuller’s mission becomes an obsession and we get a weird combination of Moby Dick and any Haunted House story you ever read.
The book was very readable and entertaining – it would make for a nice diversion.
Mary Jensen is a combat trained medic who is having a rough patch until she’s given an assignment to replace a medic who died under mysterious circumstance in Antarctica at a scientific drill site. The site is run by Dr. Schuller who believes he has found a key to human evolution. As the drill team reaches the target depth (as proposed by the scientist on site) things go totally sideways. Certain people start having hallucinations and then they gain special powers – some good, some not so much. While most of the team thinks they can get help by going to McMurdo base, others believe that the people on site can figure it all out and bring a great new development to the world. Predictably things go from bad to worse as Dr. Schuller’s mission becomes an obsession and we get a weird combination of Moby Dick and any Haunted House story you ever read.
The book was very readable and entertaining – it would make for a nice diversion.
August 2, 2022
Alas, the lure of a free e-book which has a great concept to induce interest. Which then ends up falling flat. In this case, I was tantalised by the intriguing possibility that something of significance to human history is discovered in the Antarctic ice. Naturally, the plot follows more than the process of discovery – relationship drama is bound to form part of such stories and while on the extreme end in this case, it progressed well enough. But for me, the central part of the mystery is kept vague and remains so, as well as having effects that are magic rather than the science they are framed to be. What was the supposed innovation that was sparked in human history? How did it end up trapped in the ice however many years ago? How was it found when it could barely be detected after it was discovered? Sorry, but this missed some essential pieces for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
Underneath is a cold, lonely horror thriller that takes place in Antarctica, following a research team trying to drill deep into the ice to find the origins of man. The atmosphere was well handled in this claustrophobic tale with its horrific events.
I do wish, however, that we got to know the main character, Mary, better. We don't get to experience her everyday life long enough for us to know who she is or to care for her situation before the horrific events start happening. I felt like I was emotionally removed from her character and watched from the sidelines.
Dorman says this is his tribute to John Carpenter's The Thing, and you can feel that DNA throughout the whole story. Underneath is a fun, quick read if you're looking for a chilling read to ice over your day at the beach or to make a lonely winter night that much colder.
I do wish, however, that we got to know the main character, Mary, better. We don't get to experience her everyday life long enough for us to know who she is or to care for her situation before the horrific events start happening. I felt like I was emotionally removed from her character and watched from the sidelines.
Dorman says this is his tribute to John Carpenter's The Thing, and you can feel that DNA throughout the whole story. Underneath is a fun, quick read if you're looking for a chilling read to ice over your day at the beach or to make a lonely winter night that much colder.
January 3, 2021
I enjoy a good horror yarn, and the classic "The Thing" was always a favorite. The premise of this book -- a team working in isolation in Antarctica -- was similar to The Thing, so it intrigued me.
I must say the author did a fine job of establishing the mood, the danger and the atmosphere. Character development and background, however, was a bit sparse. Still, I was really enjoying the read ... until a certain point where it just turned gruesome and, in my opinion, unnecessary. You will know the scene when you reach it. I don't want to spoil it, but I absolutely felt that the "operation" was grotesque, unwarranted and unbelievable. It appears to be there simply for shock value. Sadly, this one scene severely tarnished the remainder of the novel for me. A shame.
I must say the author did a fine job of establishing the mood, the danger and the atmosphere. Character development and background, however, was a bit sparse. Still, I was really enjoying the read ... until a certain point where it just turned gruesome and, in my opinion, unnecessary. You will know the scene when you reach it. I don't want to spoil it, but I absolutely felt that the "operation" was grotesque, unwarranted and unbelievable. It appears to be there simply for shock value. Sadly, this one scene severely tarnished the remainder of the novel for me. A shame.
April 1, 2025
This was fun little horror story. A team of scientists and oil rig drillers are drilling into the ice in Antarctica to try and find “the spark “ an unknown element that is supposedly the key to life and human existence. I think this story plays on a lot of people’s fascination with Antarctica and the many conspiracy theories of what is actually down there. I thought this story was very intriguing and I enjoyed all the characters. It doesn’t take long for this story to pick up speed and when it does, well it turns into complete and utter chaos in the best way possible. I also thought the ending was very fitting, it may not be satisfying for everyone but I enjoyed it and thought it fit the story well.
August 2, 2022
Nothing But A Spark
Underneath takes place in the Antarctic where Mary, who is in a slump, has been recruited to work as a medic after the death of the doctor on site. Mike, a friend who enlisted her, is a member of the drilling crew helping the scientists in their quest of data to prove theory.
As soon as Mary arrives she senses something isn't right. Things take a turn and not for the better on the whole.
Follow along as Mary discovers when, where, and how to deal with strange events while trying to help herself and other survive.
A fast paced thriller that is well written and puts you there in the cold,
Highly recommended.
Underneath takes place in the Antarctic where Mary, who is in a slump, has been recruited to work as a medic after the death of the doctor on site. Mike, a friend who enlisted her, is a member of the drilling crew helping the scientists in their quest of data to prove theory.
As soon as Mary arrives she senses something isn't right. Things take a turn and not for the better on the whole.
Follow along as Mary discovers when, where, and how to deal with strange events while trying to help herself and other survive.
A fast paced thriller that is well written and puts you there in the cold,
Highly recommended.
September 20, 2023
Mary works as MP at a remote research station in the Antarctic area. A researcher drills the eternal ice for cosmic rays and particles that defined humankind. Well, at first staff develops hallucinations. Then comes violence and bloodshed. How does Mary change? Who will survive the hardest climatic area on earth? Page turning horror thriller with great sinister elements that kept me hanging on the edge of the seat until the very end. Wonderful addition to movies like The Thing. Haunting atmosphere and compelling details. This is some of the best winter horror ever. Highly recommended!
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