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Beneath the Surface
Micah has done the research and has all but proven his theory. He's confident that he can single-handedly solve the world's devastating water crisis - he just needs the funding.
After a shocking financial setback to his own non-profit's crucial fundraising attempt, Micah takes the world's fate into his own hands. Convinced his discovery of a freshwater well deep within the Pacific Ocean is the solution to the world's depleting water sources, Micah recruits his wife, a scientist and philanthropist in her own right, two professional acquaintances and one stranger to help him achieve his goal. The unconventional team sets out to accomplish the impossible, hopefully convincing a key investor to fund their full expedition in the process.
As the team gets closer to successfully fulfilling their mission, they begin to discover that some things lurking in the deep of the ocean should be left beneath the surface.
After a shocking financial setback to his own non-profit's crucial fundraising attempt, Micah takes the world's fate into his own hands. Convinced his discovery of a freshwater well deep within the Pacific Ocean is the solution to the world's depleting water sources, Micah recruits his wife, a scientist and philanthropist in her own right, two professional acquaintances and one stranger to help him achieve his goal. The unconventional team sets out to accomplish the impossible, hopefully convincing a key investor to fund their full expedition in the process.
As the team gets closer to successfully fulfilling their mission, they begin to discover that some things lurking in the deep of the ocean should be left beneath the surface.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2021
203 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 15, 2023
Not exactly what I thought it would be.
5 people in board a boat of nearly 200 feet long. No skipper or any crew?
Diving down 300 feet then coming to the surface without any decompression stops.
The story was entertaining but as a mariner
I found the exploits unbelievable.
5 people in board a boat of nearly 200 feet long. No skipper or any crew?
Diving down 300 feet then coming to the surface without any decompression stops.
The story was entertaining but as a mariner
I found the exploits unbelievable.
September 8, 2021
I blame the summertime for getting me back into fiction again. About a month ago author Trey Everett approached me about reading his book Beneath the Surface, I eagerly wanted to give it a try. Except a few weeks went by, and I forgot I agreed to it, then he nicely followed up with me asking me if I still wanted to read the book. Even though I had completely forgotten what the plot was, I had him send me over a copy. And I’m glad I did.
So, I really enjoy science fiction that deals with the planet earth in some way rather than somewhere in outer space. When I started to read the book, I realized his book Beneath the Surface was about the global water crisis. The book starts out with the main character Micah doing a presentation in front of some very rich people about his solution to this problem. At first, I wasn’t sure about the pace, because while I enjoy science fiction, I can’t always keep up with the technology. But soon, after this entire presentation fails to produce the results Micah wants, I was hooked.
You see, Micah has the backing of a very rich man who has some unique ulterior motives for Micah’s solution. So, even this fundraising event fails miserably, this rich fella wants to fully fund this technology on one condition: that Micah obtain something very unique for him at the bottom of the ocean. Something that has the ability to change everything about the world.
Quickly, the book rapidly picks up pace. Micah goes out in the middle of the ocean with a small, but dedicated team of people, who know nothing about what he is supposed to obtain for his financier. His wife is with him too, and she realizes something is off, especially in the fact that her husband isn’t telling her all the details, and this just isn’t like him.
This book has a dual plotline of Micah’s wife sharing her own perspective of the mission and her personal concerns for what her husband is trying to do. However, for the most part, Micah remains the prominent voice in the book. By the end of it, I was really hoping there would be a sequel. I finished really wanting to know more about the consequences of this mission.
Author Trey Everett has done such a wonderful job writing a science fiction thriller that will rope you in and never let you go. With strong character development and a haunting isolated ocean setting, this is a book I finished in a matter of days. If you love science fiction and if you are passionate about the water crisis, you will be intrigued by this book.
So, I really enjoy science fiction that deals with the planet earth in some way rather than somewhere in outer space. When I started to read the book, I realized his book Beneath the Surface was about the global water crisis. The book starts out with the main character Micah doing a presentation in front of some very rich people about his solution to this problem. At first, I wasn’t sure about the pace, because while I enjoy science fiction, I can’t always keep up with the technology. But soon, after this entire presentation fails to produce the results Micah wants, I was hooked.
You see, Micah has the backing of a very rich man who has some unique ulterior motives for Micah’s solution. So, even this fundraising event fails miserably, this rich fella wants to fully fund this technology on one condition: that Micah obtain something very unique for him at the bottom of the ocean. Something that has the ability to change everything about the world.
Quickly, the book rapidly picks up pace. Micah goes out in the middle of the ocean with a small, but dedicated team of people, who know nothing about what he is supposed to obtain for his financier. His wife is with him too, and she realizes something is off, especially in the fact that her husband isn’t telling her all the details, and this just isn’t like him.
This book has a dual plotline of Micah’s wife sharing her own perspective of the mission and her personal concerns for what her husband is trying to do. However, for the most part, Micah remains the prominent voice in the book. By the end of it, I was really hoping there would be a sequel. I finished really wanting to know more about the consequences of this mission.
Author Trey Everett has done such a wonderful job writing a science fiction thriller that will rope you in and never let you go. With strong character development and a haunting isolated ocean setting, this is a book I finished in a matter of days. If you love science fiction and if you are passionate about the water crisis, you will be intrigued by this book.
February 20, 2022
Very much a mixed bag for me. The beginning and the setup I enjoyed—scientists voyage to the depths of the ocean in search of a fresh water source that could change humanity—and the end. But there were parts that didn't connect. A conspiracy was teased but never carried out. While I enjoyed the end, it left me without answers. The middle is where it really lost me, though. Long-winded without much action. Intelligent science yet extremely repetitive. Good effort here, but not quite there.
April 21, 2022
Read in two settings was great but need editing
Needs editing otherwise awesome plot from beginning to end. Couldn't let it down read the entire book in two settings
Needs editing otherwise awesome plot from beginning to end. Couldn't let it down read the entire book in two settings
February 11, 2025
I really tried to get through this book. I forced myself to 60% to make absolutely SURE I didn't like it, and to give it a fair shake before eating it badly. I don't like the writing style at all. Repetitive phrases like "he/she is so good" are said so much it's distracting. The weirdest things are emphasized and I didn't like the characters one bit. Pretty underwhelming.
June 25, 2022
A fantastic story that kept me guessing until the end and wanting so much more, in a great way! An incredibly detail oriented book that brings the reader right along with the main character and his trials. This book kept me on edge.
January 25, 2022
It has been a long time since a book has grabbed me so immediately as Trey Everett’s Beneath the Surface. It’s not just that I couldn’t put it down – I’ve read it standing in my kitchen and its made me late to work – but it’s the kind of story that stays with you. Beneath the Surface is a gripping tale about a team of people who embark to save the world’s water problem by going on a voyage hundreds of feet below the sea, into a blue hole where anything can happen. That is a riveting story on its own, but this novel is about so much more. It’s about relationships, love, friendship, trust, and secrets. When something goes terribly wrong, the reader is terrified not just by what we see but by who these things are happening to. This book has it all – it is scientific, it is full of suspense, and it covers a whole range of emotions. It’s not everyday that a scary story can make me cry.
And the ending? Let’s just say that I had to sleep with the light on that night. I won’t give any spoilers; all I will say is that I loved this book and highly recommend it.
And the ending? Let’s just say that I had to sleep with the light on that night. I won’t give any spoilers; all I will say is that I loved this book and highly recommend it.
December 19, 2021
The premise of this book captured my attention from the get-go. Micah and his scientist-wife Sarah were determined to prove their theory that a freshwater well beneath the Pacific Ocean could be harvested to solve the world’s water crisis. With some luck and a lot of perseverance, they get access to a crew of maritime experts and a yacht that can bring them one step closer to proving their theory and getting the funding they need to make their dream of solving the crisis a reality. Sounds like a fairly straight forward tale of adventure, right? Wrong! Because before long, chilling surprises begin to unfold both on-deck and below the surface, as cracks emerge in the integrity of the crew and in Micah and Sarah’s relationship, while their deep dives draw them into a mystery that’ll keep you immersed in this supernatural thriller until the final page.
March 17, 2022
Water water everywhere
This is the first book I've read by Grey Everett and I'm so glad I decided to download it. It was a very good read and out keeps you interested all the way through. I hope because of the ending, which I won't mention that there will be a follow up. I recommend this book to anybody who likes a good thriller. I couldn't pout it down myself. The author has a way of booking you in and keeping you enthralled. That is the sign of a good writer and I'll definitely read more by him.
This is the first book I've read by Grey Everett and I'm so glad I decided to download it. It was a very good read and out keeps you interested all the way through. I hope because of the ending, which I won't mention that there will be a follow up. I recommend this book to anybody who likes a good thriller. I couldn't pout it down myself. The author has a way of booking you in and keeping you enthralled. That is the sign of a good writer and I'll definitely read more by him.
October 8, 2021
With language that draws you in, this story builds with a pulse-pounding crescedo. The cause of providing clean drinking water for our planet combined with the touching love story of Micah and Sarah set the stage for a story that gracefully and frighteningly morphs into a suspensful, page-turning masterpiece. Reminiscent of Michael Crichton's The Andromeda Strain, this should be an instant classic.
January 9, 2022
Beneath the Surface is a tale of environmentalism and venture capitalism gone horrifically awry. There be more than just monsters lurking in these black depths. Everett writes with the eye of a filmmaker with explosive action, taut dialogue, and mile-a-minute pacing. Terror and madness lie not only in these fathomless waters, but in the hearts of those diving ever deeper. No one is spared the existential dread waiting at the bottom, especially not the reader.
January 8, 2022
Will definitely get you thinking about a “what-if” it’s true. Guess we will have to see what the ocean really holds for us.
May 7, 2022
Wanted more
I find the ending frustratingly wanting, the story itself was good, but, the ending left me flat, just some idea what came out of that room, some hint!
I find the ending frustratingly wanting, the story itself was good, but, the ending left me flat, just some idea what came out of that room, some hint!
August 1, 2023
This is a Book That Started Well, Had Good Intentions, Then The Author Just Tripped All Over Himself
3-stars was generous; this COULD have been a much better book, but The Author proved disappointing in several ways.
This book has a slowly evolving plot, which makes it tempting to ditch it and move on to something much more interesting. But, if you hang in there, eventually you get to the underwater action … but with a surprise in that the characters are doing SCUBA dives down to a 300ft depth — surprisingly deep — and unrealistic, since decompression and The Bends are never mentioned (except once, in passing)!
And, sure, would you believe they have “Iron Man” type technology-evolved equipment, yet can’t talk to each other for some reason??? (That is, talking is one of the things available to ‘normal’ divers now-a-days, so why NOT when this book was written?)
Unfortunately, I kept track of one problem after another that I had with this story. And, I can only conclude The Author really knows next to nothing about SCUBA diving, teamwork, or anything related to it. When the list was small, it was my intention to list such details in this Review. But, realistically, the list is so long, now, it could only distract you.
So, let me say — this is a SciFi book, it has lots of glaring errors when compared to real life scenarios, and The Author really gets annoying with a phrase that is repeated dozens of times — “She is so good!” (or the same sentiment from the wife’s point-of-view). The ending sucks, though, and seems to only have been written to provide room for a sequel — which I consider bad form.
I recommend NOT taking the time to read this book, so as to avoid the frustration I’ve got with The Author’s lack of diving experience.
3-stars was generous; this COULD have been a much better book, but The Author proved disappointing in several ways.
This book has a slowly evolving plot, which makes it tempting to ditch it and move on to something much more interesting. But, if you hang in there, eventually you get to the underwater action … but with a surprise in that the characters are doing SCUBA dives down to a 300ft depth — surprisingly deep — and unrealistic, since decompression and The Bends are never mentioned (except once, in passing)!
And, sure, would you believe they have “Iron Man” type technology-evolved equipment, yet can’t talk to each other for some reason??? (That is, talking is one of the things available to ‘normal’ divers now-a-days, so why NOT when this book was written?)
Unfortunately, I kept track of one problem after another that I had with this story. And, I can only conclude The Author really knows next to nothing about SCUBA diving, teamwork, or anything related to it. When the list was small, it was my intention to list such details in this Review. But, realistically, the list is so long, now, it could only distract you.
So, let me say — this is a SciFi book, it has lots of glaring errors when compared to real life scenarios, and The Author really gets annoying with a phrase that is repeated dozens of times — “She is so good!” (or the same sentiment from the wife’s point-of-view). The ending sucks, though, and seems to only have been written to provide room for a sequel — which I consider bad form.
I recommend NOT taking the time to read this book, so as to avoid the frustration I’ve got with The Author’s lack of diving experience.
July 20, 2022
Really good but what happened in the end??
July 26, 2022
Such rich descriptions of the characters inner thoughts.
January 24, 2022
Long lead in
Micah and Sarah have been on a hunt for another freshwater source for the world. Too many people, living in inhospitable areas, or regions where the climate is shifting faster than technology can keep up. They think they've found a source, a blue well in the ocean where freshwater- not saltwater- registers. But, after arriving, they realize that clean water isn't the only thing there.
Spoilers ahead.
Oh, this has such a long lead in. I was skimming after the first 3 chapters of fundraising for this adventure. The changing POVs offered no valuable insight. It could have all been told from Micah's POV. The thing with the rock made no sense when compared to the reveal at the end. If (no spoilers) happened, then what the heck did (no spoilers) have to do with that? Because if that was the reason the one thing happened, they'd have definitely noticed (no spoilers) hanging out of a (no spoilers). The choice made that led to the last event was completely unscientific. And the caution sent back with the survivors to not let anyone else come back there was unrealistic because the military was already aware of the one thing. Also, why wouldn't they have recorded everything? Science loves facts and data. Visual confirmation as well as voice recordings and notes. They planned leaving for an hour. In that hour they never thought to record what happened, and take that back as a warning? The attempt was interesting. I liked the premise- noble scientists trying to solve an issue but running afoul of something terrifying. Oh, another thing, they're supposed to be near broke, underfunded, but, suddenly once on the boat have a crap ton of high tech gadgets that literally popped out of nowhere? Like I said, interesting premise. But it definitely needs a little love. Start it off on the boat on the way out. Have flashbacks explaining the fundraising, the tech invention, the discovery. And put the thing with the rock in a dream or something. Then the groundwork is laid without bogging info dumps. And we're closer to the action. It was over 70% in before anything truly happened, which will discourage a lot of readers.
Micah and Sarah have been on a hunt for another freshwater source for the world. Too many people, living in inhospitable areas, or regions where the climate is shifting faster than technology can keep up. They think they've found a source, a blue well in the ocean where freshwater- not saltwater- registers. But, after arriving, they realize that clean water isn't the only thing there.
Spoilers ahead.
Oh, this has such a long lead in. I was skimming after the first 3 chapters of fundraising for this adventure. The changing POVs offered no valuable insight. It could have all been told from Micah's POV. The thing with the rock made no sense when compared to the reveal at the end. If (no spoilers) happened, then what the heck did (no spoilers) have to do with that? Because if that was the reason the one thing happened, they'd have definitely noticed (no spoilers) hanging out of a (no spoilers). The choice made that led to the last event was completely unscientific. And the caution sent back with the survivors to not let anyone else come back there was unrealistic because the military was already aware of the one thing. Also, why wouldn't they have recorded everything? Science loves facts and data. Visual confirmation as well as voice recordings and notes. They planned leaving for an hour. In that hour they never thought to record what happened, and take that back as a warning? The attempt was interesting. I liked the premise- noble scientists trying to solve an issue but running afoul of something terrifying. Oh, another thing, they're supposed to be near broke, underfunded, but, suddenly once on the boat have a crap ton of high tech gadgets that literally popped out of nowhere? Like I said, interesting premise. But it definitely needs a little love. Start it off on the boat on the way out. Have flashbacks explaining the fundraising, the tech invention, the discovery. And put the thing with the rock in a dream or something. Then the groundwork is laid without bogging info dumps. And we're closer to the action. It was over 70% in before anything truly happened, which will discourage a lot of readers.
December 22, 2024
the concept is interesting but unfortunately i just didn’t think it was executed well.
i hated the constant shift between first and third person. not to mention i just felt like sarah’s pov’s were completely unnecessary especially when she offered nothing to this story. she only ever really complained in her parts and was essentially just filler to boast about her husband/crisis over whether he was hiding things from her etc etc.
on the topic of the married couple.. i could not stand the repetition of “(s)he is so good.” this was basically more of a “romance” book revolving them rather than it being this horror story about the ocean. i really wish there was more to contribute to the ominous feel of the work this team was doing/what they were experiencing. it just felt so backseat considering i was reading more about this married couple go on and on about each other.
at about 70% is when i started to just skim, desperately wanting to get it over with.
i will admit that some bits did seem to get good but unfortunately, it just didn’t hold. there was soooo much repetition going on from beginning to end that it was tiring. i’m also very surprised by how many writing errors there were throughout the story??
i hated the constant shift between first and third person. not to mention i just felt like sarah’s pov’s were completely unnecessary especially when she offered nothing to this story. she only ever really complained in her parts and was essentially just filler to boast about her husband/crisis over whether he was hiding things from her etc etc.
on the topic of the married couple.. i could not stand the repetition of “(s)he is so good.” this was basically more of a “romance” book revolving them rather than it being this horror story about the ocean. i really wish there was more to contribute to the ominous feel of the work this team was doing/what they were experiencing. it just felt so backseat considering i was reading more about this married couple go on and on about each other.
at about 70% is when i started to just skim, desperately wanting to get it over with.
i will admit that some bits did seem to get good but unfortunately, it just didn’t hold. there was soooo much repetition going on from beginning to end that it was tiring. i’m also very surprised by how many writing errors there were throughout the story??
December 16, 2021
Micah Day believes he has the solution to one of humanity’s most pressing problems, the global water shortage. To prove his theory, he must lead an expedition to a blue hole in the Gulf of Alaska. But his corporate sponsor has a secret objective of his own. When Micah, his wife Sarah, and their small crew explore beneath the surface, they find unexpected dangers.
Beneath The Surface is fast-paced and suspenseful. Trey Everett’s knowledge of diving and oceanography engages you with the story. You feel you’re on the expedition boat with them and experiencing the moments of calm punctuated with thrills and horrors. What makes this book stand out are the relationships between the characters, especially Micah and Sarah. The story, told from both of their perspectives, shows their deep love and mutual respect—both of which are challenged by the secret he is forced to keep from her. It’s a secret that can have tragic consequences. The human drama and unknown underwater perils will keep you turning pages towards the shocking conclusion.
A well-crafted thriller with heart, Beneath The Surface is a journey you shouldn’t miss. (A copy of this novel was given to me by the author.)
Beneath The Surface is fast-paced and suspenseful. Trey Everett’s knowledge of diving and oceanography engages you with the story. You feel you’re on the expedition boat with them and experiencing the moments of calm punctuated with thrills and horrors. What makes this book stand out are the relationships between the characters, especially Micah and Sarah. The story, told from both of their perspectives, shows their deep love and mutual respect—both of which are challenged by the secret he is forced to keep from her. It’s a secret that can have tragic consequences. The human drama and unknown underwater perils will keep you turning pages towards the shocking conclusion.
A well-crafted thriller with heart, Beneath The Surface is a journey you shouldn’t miss. (A copy of this novel was given to me by the author.)
December 16, 2021
Masterfully written, I was drawn in from the start by the premise of this book, namely solving global water shortages by finding potable water beneath the ocean floor. As the story progresses, the protagonist organizes a small crew for an ocean excursion. The team includes his wife and three other interesting people. In beautiful prose, Trey Everett explores the relationship between the husband and wife, giving first-person renditions of their secretive inner thoughts. Meanwhile, strange occurrences taking place deep in the ocean portend something dark lying ahead. This book should be highly appealing to readers who like mystery, thrills, science fiction, and horror.
April 6, 2022
Kept me hooked
I've had this book in my Kindle TBR pile for a few months and finally got to read it. Not disappointed. Written in a great style where every chapter is written from a different character's point of view, it gave a more in-depth perspective of what was going on. The suspense built nice and slowly, but still have you the heebie-jeebies, particularly where a fear of deep water is concerned. The ending - I'll not spoil it, but will let you be the judge.
My only criticism, could have done with a final pass by a proofreader to pick up some missed words and mis-spellings, but otherwise well edited as well.
I've had this book in my Kindle TBR pile for a few months and finally got to read it. Not disappointed. Written in a great style where every chapter is written from a different character's point of view, it gave a more in-depth perspective of what was going on. The suspense built nice and slowly, but still have you the heebie-jeebies, particularly where a fear of deep water is concerned. The ending - I'll not spoil it, but will let you be the judge.
My only criticism, could have done with a final pass by a proofreader to pick up some missed words and mis-spellings, but otherwise well edited as well.
January 31, 2024
A Long Story, with a Short Story Ending.
I regretted starting this one. The potential was there for a good plot; but it never developed. The characters were flat, and lacking normal interactions. The technical details were the biggest flop. As an example, there were 5 people on a mega yacht with no crew. The author did zero research on scuba diving, in one instance, a man dove to 300’, stayed about 5 minutes and surfaced all in about a span of 30 minutes. So unrealistic. Like I said, it was a short story ending, with no ending.
I regretted starting this one. The potential was there for a good plot; but it never developed. The characters were flat, and lacking normal interactions. The technical details were the biggest flop. As an example, there were 5 people on a mega yacht with no crew. The author did zero research on scuba diving, in one instance, a man dove to 300’, stayed about 5 minutes and surfaced all in about a span of 30 minutes. So unrealistic. Like I said, it was a short story ending, with no ending.
December 16, 2021
Beneath the Surface hooked me from the first page. The protagonist, Micah, needed funding for a solution to the global water crisis, and his passion for his project made him accept a deal he couldn’t turn down. Along with his wife and three others, he creates the small but determined team to try to pull it off. The action and tension escalate quickly to propel the reader to a heart-pounding ending. A definite page-turner!
February 4, 2022
This was actually the first creepy thriller I think I've ever read. It's not my preferred genre at all, but it certainly had me turning pages to see what was going to happen! I love the ocean and diving, and I really liked all the descriptions of the underwater expedition. Hopefully I won't be too scared to go in the ocean again!
December 23, 2021
Exploration is exciting and frightening at the same time. A thoughtful and timely read which you can't put down before it ends. And, in the end, all we have is love for each other. I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 22, 2021
wow
If you like horror stories, you will love this! It is not your typical scary book. It actually breathes life into “what if”. The ocean has places still undiscovered🧐
If you like horror stories, you will love this! It is not your typical scary book. It actually breathes life into “what if”. The ocean has places still undiscovered🧐
January 5, 2022
Strange
The story didn't make any sense. I understood what was happening but the story didn't work. I don't know if it was just me or something else. Better luck with the next one.
The story didn't make any sense. I understood what was happening but the story didn't work. I don't know if it was just me or something else. Better luck with the next one.
January 5, 2022
Interesting read from a new author to start the year. It was recommended to me and something different then I normally read. I would describe this as Twilight Zone like and eerie.
January 10, 2022
A fast read! Just what we needed for the new year. Can hardly wait for the sequel.
July 24, 2023
Good, But Not Perfect
Very interesting book. Suspenseful. Could not put down, but it needs some polishing. Several typos. The writing style is a interesting but awkward. Each chapter is from a different character’s point of view and voice. Why not just use an omnipotent voice? Often the character’s voice describes actions not from it’s own voice. It also is a little verbose and in some places repetitive.
Despite the flaws this is a great read and very creative. Could be a beginning Steven King!
Very interesting book. Suspenseful. Could not put down, but it needs some polishing. Several typos. The writing style is a interesting but awkward. Each chapter is from a different character’s point of view and voice. Why not just use an omnipotent voice? Often the character’s voice describes actions not from it’s own voice. It also is a little verbose and in some places repetitive.
Despite the flaws this is a great read and very creative. Could be a beginning Steven King!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews