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Deep beneath the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies a hidden world, formed hundreds of years ago by a group of people forced underground by a deadly plague. Living as if it were still the 19th century, they have no access to modern conveniences such as electricity or running water.

The Elite, a group of powerful individuals tasked with protecting the society of the Below from threats in the Above, rule over this secluded community. When Edith, a mental health counselor, begins to question the intentions of their governing body after witnessing the elimination of a defiant colleague, she uncovers shocking truths about their disposal of the elderly and the Elite’s strict hierarchy.

As she delves deeper into the history of this secret society with the help of a handsome Elite client, strange happenings lead her to a nefarious scheme. Are these people saved or trapped in their underground world?

In this historical fiction novel, readers will be captivated by an imaginative and dystopian world beneath their very feet. Will Edith's forbidden love connection with an Elite lead to her demise? Or can they work together to unearth the truth? Find out in "The Buried Reserve” series.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2022

145 people are currently reading
154 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Seaton Myers

9 books8 followers

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5 stars
57 (38%)
4 stars
47 (31%)
3 stars
32 (21%)
2 stars
7 (4%)
1 star
5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Christy  Martin.
393 reviews6 followers
March 26, 2023
Sarah Seaton Myers has put together an imaginative story of life below a popular venue in The Great Smokes Mountains National Park. Her novel "Below (The Buried Reserve Book 1)" is the beginning of a tale of intrigue and mystery set below Cades Cove. It starts with one of the earliest settlers there and the author, using local names and lore interweaves a story from Cades Cove into one of a dystopian community below. The community is created by greed and a controlling government wanting to mine and use one of the area's natural resources, saltpeter. The first local settler becomes involved in the mining operation and in a series of events has to move his family and other community members below the grounds of Cades Cove where they remain several generations later. In the community "Below" everything is secretive and controlled. None of the current generations knows what is above them and the life they are missing. Several become suspicious that the history they know of Below is not the truth. Their search for it becomes the basis for this well-thought-out novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The plot is engaging and the characters are well-developed. As the novel continues and the government plot is revealed it becomes an allegory of recent times and politics. This novel is the first in what is now a two-part series with "Above" the novel that follows "Below".
44 reviews
May 31, 2024
Disappointing

The writing is well edited, at least,l. I can't say much better, unfortunately. It was the only book I've ever read where the saying 'show don't tell' kept coming to the forefront of my thoughts. I couldn't wait to finish it and get it over with.
I won't be reading the rest in the series. I don't feel like the characters were realistic, likable, or understandable. The descriptions of action and movements were stilted and odd and often unnecessary and unrealistic.
This book could have benefited from a few honest beta readers. The idea for the story could have made it a good one if told properly.
390 reviews12 followers
July 28, 2023
A secret underground civilization called Buried Reserve was created over two hundred years ago in the area of Cade’s Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains. After the area became busy with lots of tourists, the society fears they will be discovered. Can they remain hidden or will they be discovered? The Elite keeps the society safe but under false information.
A fictional story of a dystopian world in the Great Smokey Mountains in Cade’s cove is a very good book.
Profile Image for Lynne  Davison.
226 reviews
January 24, 2023
really enjoyed the story, the plot and creativity.

This is a novel concept, the alternate history and the dystopian regimented regime of the Below.

The writing made the characters relatable despite their circumstances.

I particularly like the cliffhanger ending which left questions to be answered in the Above Book 2
86 reviews
April 1, 2023
Clean, dystopian novel!

Great dystopian novel! Well written! I really like how it combines the present day with the history of this strict underground society. I really appreciate that the author can tell a fascinating story without having to resort to bad language or sexual content. I am starting the second book right away!
7 reviews
June 24, 2023
I fully enjoyed this book. I enjoyed how the author included up to date information (government and military) and society ideas like desiring money, power and greed into the story line from generations ago. It’s one of my newest favorite books! I couldn’t put the book down. I read it in two days!

Check it out!
Profile Image for Andrea Payne.
709 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2023
Eden

Eden is a true heroine. She is kind, caring and compassionate. She loves fiercely and doesn't have an ugly bone in her body. Her world is about to be rocked in an earth shattering way. She'll rise to the occasion but I wonder if it'll be enough.

I would recommend this totally clean book for anyone. I'm headed to read Above right now!
1 review
August 6, 2024
good but

The Idea of the book is exciting. Liked the start of the story. Then it lost momentum. I feel like something was edited out. Lost information. We jumped timelines. I am intrigued and will be continuing the series just to see how the writer grows. If you’re in between and looking then it’s worth the read.
Profile Image for Caroline C.
61 reviews
April 1, 2023
Appalachian Dytopia!

This story does a great job interweaving historical information into a dystopian story! The only thing I could have added is a list of references to where that information was found for further reading purposes.
Profile Image for Deb.
34 reviews
December 5, 2023
conflicted

I love the storyline! I’m disappointed with some of the writing - could have tried a little harder on the “Appalachian” dialog and character development. Have to read the next one, though, to see what happens next 🤓
Profile Image for Jackie Hancock.
16 reviews
January 6, 2024
Quick read. The author does a good job describing people and places that makes you believe you are there. Makes you think about many ways this is possible. Kept my interest through the suspenseful storyline. Ready to read Above. Next in series.
3 reviews
February 5, 2024
Excellent concept!

I absolutely loved the concept of the story! I did feel that the character and plot development were weak, but overall it's a great idea, and always helpful to remind people not to blindly trust your government if you truly value freedom.
Profile Image for Christina Johnson.
4 reviews
February 9, 2023
couldn’t put this book down!

I really enjoyed the characters and the intrigue of the story. I am really looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Maryjoh.
11 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2023
I read this book in one day. Couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Melissa.
102 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2023
Great story

This book is so good! Plot is new and different. I very much enjoyed the storyline, characters and plot. On to book 2!!!!!
2 reviews
July 17, 2023
Had the bones to be a great story. No depth or true development. Language did not flow.
Profile Image for Jenni Chambers.
65 reviews
October 2, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Very interesting concept but the writing was a bit choppy and didn’t flow at some points. Progressively got better and I’ll definitely be reading book 2.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
156 reviews
March 14, 2024
Good but got bored half way through. Nothing was really happening. Then the end ends with a cliffhanger. Of course I have to start the next book to see what happens but after that it’s boring again.
Profile Image for Jennifer Cain.
271 reviews
July 5, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the story. Loved the ending. Can't wait for next installment.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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