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Subcutanean 36619
“I tore through this book in 2 sittings. I literally can't remember the last time that happened..”—Tim Chaplin “Compulsively readable, profound and pleasingly ambiguous. Absolutely recommended.”—Ginger Nuts of Horror Insecure college senior Orion loves music, books, and his best friend Niko. When the two of them find a secret basement in their rambling old off-campus house, at first Orion’s thrilled. It’sanother secret to share, an adventure to maybe,at last, bring them closer together. But something's the basement doesn't end. Blandly decorated halls stretch on for miles past peeling wallpaper, empty bedrooms, and countless stairwells always leading down. Soon they realize Downstairs is a snarled tangle of possibilities. Something down there multiplies emotions, even people. Together they must navigate an increasinglydangerous labyrinth filled with two-faceddoppelgangers, treacherous architecture, and long-buried secrets. Most dangerous of all isOrion's consuming somewhere down there, is there a Niko who loves him back? Subcutanean is a permutational the text can be rendered in millions of different ways. This is version 36619, one of several available on traditional platforms. Your book contains instructions to unlock your own wholly unique digital version, with different words, sentences, or even entire scenes. “Eerie & electrifying, like an urban legend told at a sleepover.” —Laura E. Hall "...manages to shatter all skepticism... pulse-pounding, mind-bending horror."—Horror News
- GenresHorror
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2020
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 25, 2022
This is a weird horror novel, but more interestingly, it’s a permutation novel. Every copy is different, with different words, sentences, even whole scenes. So this review is for copy 36619. The basic premise is pretty inventive. The basement of a house is a coming together of parallel universes and two college students try to traverse it. The prose is good and the characterization is really good. The main character is gay and trying really hard not to be in love with his best friend. It covers a lot of issues as he reflects on his past, but never detracts from the plot. This self-published book was nominated for a 2021 Lambda Literary Award.
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Come visit my blog for the full review…
https://itstartedwiththehugos.blogspo...
August 6, 2022
Introspective Psychological Horror
Having finished Subcultanean last week I have only just now been able to put into words what makes this book so special. Aaron a Reed has managed to create a horror story in which the supernatural elements perfectly reflect the psyche of our protagonist. Orion is a lonely and deeply insecure college senior who is somewhat obsessed with his best friend Nikko. Meanwhile Nikko for his part seems to enjoy the attention and adoration of Orion.
What is amazing is how the supernatural elements of the story help reinforce a theme of co-dependency. As our protagonists begin to explore the seemingly never ending basement they're forced even closer to one another, having to literally depend on one another to survive as reality frays and they begin to dive ever deeper into the liminal space underneath Orion's bedroom. The supernatural elements create a pressure cooker forcing our protagonists into conflict both with their inner natures, darkest secrets, and forces beyond their understanding. This isn't a ghost story but instead a deeply personal one about confronting personal demons. This novel, much like its clever title, gets under your skin in the best way possible. 5 Stars.
Having finished Subcultanean last week I have only just now been able to put into words what makes this book so special. Aaron a Reed has managed to create a horror story in which the supernatural elements perfectly reflect the psyche of our protagonist. Orion is a lonely and deeply insecure college senior who is somewhat obsessed with his best friend Nikko. Meanwhile Nikko for his part seems to enjoy the attention and adoration of Orion.
What is amazing is how the supernatural elements of the story help reinforce a theme of co-dependency. As our protagonists begin to explore the seemingly never ending basement they're forced even closer to one another, having to literally depend on one another to survive as reality frays and they begin to dive ever deeper into the liminal space underneath Orion's bedroom. The supernatural elements create a pressure cooker forcing our protagonists into conflict both with their inner natures, darkest secrets, and forces beyond their understanding. This isn't a ghost story but instead a deeply personal one about confronting personal demons. This novel, much like its clever title, gets under your skin in the best way possible. 5 Stars.
December 15, 2023
Easily one of my new favourites.
The tension sneaks up on you unnoticed until its too late, sitting on the edge of your seat and being unable to stop turning the pages. I loved how complicated the relationship between the characters was and how Downstairs amplified both the good and the bad, but the explanation in the epilogue was a bit unexpected.
The architecture and its descripion really struck me, making me feel oppressed, disoriented and like I could almost touch the walls of its weird and endless corridors.
Already I'm itching to get my hands on another copy of this book to spot all the differences.
The tension sneaks up on you unnoticed until its too late, sitting on the edge of your seat and being unable to stop turning the pages. I loved how complicated the relationship between the characters was and how Downstairs amplified both the good and the bad, but the explanation in the epilogue was a bit unexpected.
The architecture and its descripion really struck me, making me feel oppressed, disoriented and like I could almost touch the walls of its weird and endless corridors.
Already I'm itching to get my hands on another copy of this book to spot all the differences.
April 13, 2021
Inventive
This novel was an incredible treat to read with an inventive and original twist. If you read it, know that you will read a slightly different copy than I did. The author will also give you the chance to read another version.
This novel was an incredible treat to read with an inventive and original twist. If you read it, know that you will read a slightly different copy than I did. The author will also give you the chance to read another version.
July 2, 2022
I’ve never been so sure of a 5 star before. This book is amazing! I’m happy? More so elated in a weird way. Now i want read other version. This is my new favorite book and i will NEVER shut up about this !!
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January 18, 2024i gotta read house of leaves
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews