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.
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".
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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 🤓
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.
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.
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.
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.