Underjungle

by James Sturz

"Strange, beautiful, and brilliant!" —Sy Montgomery, author of  The Soul of an Octopus Deep below the surface, our world is cold, dark and content. Colors are fickle. Red disappears first as you descend, followed by the yellow of the sun. The hundred shades of blue last the longest, but eventually there is only black—and the candied ooze of the ocean floor...  In Underjungle , an intelligent life form known as the yc exist in the ocean’s depths, an apex predator among most fish. Long ago, this species fractured from a single group into seven distinct tribes, each with their own dialect and cultural idiosyncrasies. Now, one tribe, the Gjala, has stumbled across a most intriguing and unusual a sunken corpse. As news travels across the ocean, and the other tribes converge to investigate, the consequences and questions raised will reverberate for generations to come. Underjungle asks readers to give themselves up to another to step outside not just of themselves, but of their species. A broad metaphysical story of fantastical world-building from accomplished journalist and nature writer James Sturz, Underjungle is a lyrical tale of love and war, encompassing the marine environment, science, art, philosophy and grief—as deep and surprising as life on the seafloor, where much of this story is set. Buoyed by humor and tinged with the unshakeable melancholy of loss is the existential question that forever ties the novel to our human what is our purpose?

Genres: Magical Realism, Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Animals

260 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underjungle quickly throws the reader deep into the ocean. Even if the first 20 or so pages are a bit jarring, stick with it. I quickly became captivated by the story, which covers a lot of ground. The writing is beautiful and flows well. If you love the ocean, you will enjoy the vivid descriptions of sea creatures and oceanic topography. If you don’t love the ocean yet, this book will make you want to explore it more.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inventive, ocean based novel.

[James Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Underjungle, by James Sturz, an intelligent deep-sea creature discovers a dead body. The body has two arms and two legs, a bulbous head, and something dangling between its legs. What is it? At least it has a face. The creature who finds it learns to use the the arms as a tool, to dig, or make art. It speculates about what it must be like to live in a deadly world where there isn’t enough water to breathe.

The creature is an yc, a member of one of seven tribes that live in the deep ocean, each with their own personality and mythology—just like human cultures.

Mr. Sturz told me yc is the Mongolian word for water. It’s pronounced something like “uosh”, though the reader would be forgiven for not knowing that. In fact, there are a fair number of words in yc-ian in Underjungle, and almost none of them are pronounceable. I suspect that’s the point. This is a species and culture with language and emotions, but as alien to us as we would be to it.

Discovering the human body starts a chain of events including the creation of art, changes in mating rituals, wars, and on and on. It is one of those small inciting incidents with profound consequences for the entire known (to the yc) world. The developments are clever and plausible, and surprising.

Sturtz make the reader feel what it’s like to be alien—so different as to be almost incomprehensible. That he does it from the perspective of the yc is doubly impressive. Humans and yc share three things, I think: emotions (sort of); language (though theirs is absolutely alien to us); and adaptability. We readers learn all this from how the yc interact with a single dead man.

It took me a while to get into the book, because the writing is so very literary. In retrospect, that’s a good thing. Had Sturz made this world comprehensible too quickly, he would have failed. The reader (assuming you are a Homo sapiens) will have many opportunities to ponder what it means to be human, by seeing what it’s like to NOT be human.

I’ve decided that you have to read this book twice: once for the story, and once for the poetry. Passages are so lovely, you have to read them out loud, over and over.

Oh, and the biology is totally accurate.

I loved Underjungle.

[Montenora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho passato quasi tutto il tempo a chiedermi che cosa stessi leggendo. Probabilmente non ci ho messo abbastanza impegno per capire che cosa mi stesse sfuggendo, ma salvo qualche concetto molto interessante e qualche bella citazione nella parte finale non mi è rimasto niente.

[Can Dragons Read? · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting this but this was so incredibly beautiful and enchanting, I immediately fell in love. The first couple chapters were a bit jarring because I was expecting something slightly different, but I was quickly sucked in by the authors descriptions of sea creatures and life. Poetry, magical realism and fantasy are blended together to bring you this story of wonder. Solid 4.75 stars.

[Michela nonostante · Rating 3 out of 5]

Underjungle è un libro assurdo. Non sono una grande amante della fantascienza, ma ne riconosco il grande fascino, quello che di esplorare società evolute inesistenti, che sono poi sempre molto simili alla nostra pur in contesti diversissimi.
In questo caso mi sentirei di fare un parallelismo con Isabelle Allende, con una prima parte che è un quasi Harmony, concentrata su amore e sesso, e una seconda parte che invece è più socio-politica.
La lettura è potenzialmente avvincente, ma l'assurdità del racconto non mi ha permesso di aderire al patto narrativo: il fatto di parlare di una specie appartenente all'ordine dei pesci, non sono riuscita a credere ad una società fondata su forme di vita così intelligenti ed erotiche come descritte.
Peccato perchè il potenziale è probabilmente ottimo.

[Sara Booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questo libro è particolarissimo e originale perché è narrato dal punto di vista di un pesce e l’ambientazione è tutta dentro al mare.
È un’esperienza di lettura pazzesca e può piacere moltissimo a chi è affascinato dal mondo subacqueo. Inoltre la scrittura è molto bella, poetica, suggestiva. L'autore è stato bravissimo ad aver scritto una storia così strana e unica.

Solo che non era il libro adatto a me, è proprio un argomento che non mi appassiona. Mi spiace un sacco, ne riconosco il valore ma ho fatto fatica ad leggerlo :-(

[Ariadne Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I loved this! This book is perfect for anyone who loves the ocean.

[Viktoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Underjungle! This book is a true work of art that invites readers on a journey through the depths of the ocean, where life takes on a whole new meaning. Sturz's writing captures the imagination and is both dynamic and poetic, expertly weaving the stories of seven different tribes and the creatures that inhabit their world. This is also a story that encourages readers to empathize with ocean life from the perspective of an intriguing creature, while highlighting the importance of safeguarding our oceans in the face of climate change.

What really sets Underjungle apart is its ability to transport readers to an underwater world where they feel like they too can breathe underwater, experiencing the wonder and beauty of ocean life in a wholly unique way. But this story isn't just about the thrill of exploration; it explores themes of love, connection, and family, making it resonate with readers far beyond the world underwater. The writing is fast-paced and exquisite, and it kept my heart pounding until the very end.

Underjungle is a true tour de force that captures deep sea life in a way that feels entirely authentic, surprising, and exciting. Through her vivid descriptions and immersive world-building, Sturz creates a world that is both vividly real and wonderfully strange. This book will remind you of how amazing the world we live in really is, and it will make you want to explore it all over again. Like Watership Down, Underjungle does an incredible job imagining the thoughts, desires, and fears of its characters with minimal anthropomorphism, making the reader feel like they are truly part of this strange and fascinating world. Overall I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling, immersive adventure that will leave them breathless and feeling like they've truly experienced something special.

#sci-fi #highlyrecommend #underwater #bedsidereadingreaders
@bedsidereading

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what an interesting read! You as the reader get put into the ocean within the first few pages of reading. You hear very deceptive language about the ocean and the creatures that live in it as you read.

This book kind of reminded me of reading/seeing one of those ocean documentaries on TV and watching it but also in this case reading the book.

There was an element of poetry and magic in this book that I really liked too! I would recommend this read to people who love the ocean or really like hearing about the ocean overall, or someone who wants a read that is different 😁

[Susan McQuilkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sturz seems driven to explore extremes. His debut novel Sasso followed a series of apparent double murders deep into the dry depths of caves on Italy’s coast. His latest, Underjungle, takes readers down into the ocean’s watery depths, where a mysterious body from land appears much to the curiosity of the creatures there (who will remind you of humans you know or wish you didn’t know.) Sturz is a worthy guide, scientifically and poetically, of this world. One can’t help but wonder with Sturz, in a fish eats fish world, what gives meaning to life? I agree with his conclusions.

[Razzle Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚BOOK REVIEW📚

Underjungle by James Sturz

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Genres: Sci-Fi
Tropes: underwater setting, non-human lifeform POV, intelligent creatures, poetry/lyrical, abstract concepts

An intelligent species known as yc exist in the ocean’s depths and is considered an apex predator amongst most fish. This species exists in seven distinct tribes with their own dialect and cultural norms. When one of the tribes, the Gjala, discovers a sunken corpse, the news spreads fast to the other tribes.

For the first time since creation, the tribes converge to investigate. This sets off a chain of events that forever changes the dynamic of their ecosystem.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This book was weird, but in the best way possible. Truthfully I’m not even sure where to start with this review. This book is definitely very abstract, both in concept and in actual writing.

The POV coming from an intelligent fish-like species (who is not given a name) definitely gave this book an interesting dynamic. The writing switches between essentially 3 different settings: the narrator’s past (time spent with their deceased mate, as well as their adolescence), the present (finding a human body), and what I can only call ‘general commentary on existence in the ocean’. Random true facts about sea creatures are sprinkled throughout, but it’s a little hard to tell what is true and what is made up for the sake of the story.

Once they find the human body, the narrator ponders on the life/existence of that human, and then has a running commentary on the human experience (things viewed as weird, imagining what different things are like outside of the water, etc). This is both interesting and trippy, and definitely had me thinking about things.

There were a few inconsistencies that didn’t make sense. For example, when they find the human body (which, to them, would be the equivalent of finding an alien life form), there is lots of talk alluding to eating the genitalia on the body (but referring to it in ways like ‘looks like part of anglerfish’). But later, they mention knowing it’s a reproduction part? How would they know that? Another thing I noticed was that their lore (in at least one of the tribes) is that each of the 7 tribes came from an arm of the “great octopus”, but then the narrator uses God (yes, with a capital G), heaven, and afterlife. It just didn’t seem consistent.

Something that was difficult for me to get through in this book was the mutilation and consumption of the human body. I understand that this is not actually cannibalism, because the intelligent species is not human, but the amount of detail was a little jarring.

The author sprinkled humor throughout as well which was a nice reprieve from the intensity of the story. There were a lot of things that were ‘funny’ more because it was so conceptionally weird and less because it was universally funny.

I did enjoy this book. The plot itself was very interesting, I think I personally would have enjoyed the book more if it was just focused on that. The ending has a twist as well, which is cool and ties the whole story together. Overall, it was an interesting read.

Thank you to Bedside Reading for a copy of this to read ✨

Quotes taken out of context:

- “You always want to avoid a punch to your an*s.

- “And don’t get me started about dolphins, with their fake, sarcastic smiles. Happy or sad, they always look the same. Smug m*therf*ckers.”

- “Where do you put creativity, if not inside your mouth?”

- “It breathes air. Disgusting. It probably sh*ts in the air, too.”

- “Math can be untrustworthy, but it is also splendid magic”.

[Finlay Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underjungle by James Sturz is an imaginative science fiction novel set in a deep ocean world inhabited by intelligent creatures known as the yc. The story is distinctive because it is narrated entirely from the viewpoint of these underwater beings, allowing readers to experience a world where humans are unknown and mysterious.

The main event of the story begins when the yc encounter a human corpse in their environment. This strange discovery disrupts their understanding of the world and becomes the focus of much debate and interpretation. Different groups within their society try to explain what the object is, leading to confusion and deeper reflection on existence and identity.

A major feature of the novel is its originality and creative approach. By reversing the usual human perspective, the author encourages readers to see life from a completely different angle. The ocean setting is described in detail, making the world feel immersive and visually rich.

However, the novel can be challenging to read due to its complex and highly descriptive writing style. It does not rely on fast action or a clear, traditional plot structure. Instead, it focuses more on philosophical ideas and internal reactions of the characters.Underjungle by James Sturz is an imaginative science fiction novel set in a deep ocean world inhabited by intelligent creatures known as the yc. The story is distinctive because it is narrated entirely from the viewpoint of these underwater beings, allowing readers to experience a world where humans are unknown and mysterious.

The main event of the story begins when the yc encounter a human corpse in their environment. This strange discovery disrupts their understanding of the world and becomes the focus of much debate and interpretation. Different groups within their society try to explain what the object is, leading to confusion and deeper reflection on existence and identity.

A major feature of the novel is its originality and creative approach. By reversing the usual human perspective, the author encourages readers to see life from a completely different angle. The ocean setting is described in detail, making the world feel immersive and visually rich.

However, the novel can be challenging to read due to its complex and highly descriptive writing style. It does not rely on fast action or a clear, traditional plot structure. Instead, it focuses more on philosophical ideas and internal reactions of the characters.

[Dlane S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underjungle by James Sturz is a highly imaginative and unconventional novel set in an underwater world inhabited by intelligent, fish-like creatures known as the “yc.” These beings possess their own systems of communication, culture, and social organization, making their world feel both alien and strangely familiar. The story takes a significant turn when they discover the body of a dead human, an entity completely unknown to them. This discovery becomes the foundation for the novel’s exploration of identity, existence, and perception.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the novel is its originality. By presenting humans as unfamiliar and almost incomprehensible beings, the author reverses the typical perspective found in many works of fiction. This shift allows readers to reflect on humanity from an external point of view, raising philosophical questions about what it truly means to be alive or intelligent. The underwater setting further enhances this effect, creating a mysterious and immersive environment that feels detached from the human world.

The writing style of the novel is deeply poetic and descriptive. Sturz uses rich language to capture the movement, stillness, and atmosphere of the ocean. While this approach adds beauty and depth to the narrative, it also makes the text more challenging to follow. Readers may find themselves rereading passages in order to fully grasp their meaning. As a result, the novel demands patience and careful attention.

In terms of plot, Underjungle is relatively slow-paced. The storyline does not rely heavily on action or dramatic events but instead focuses on the internal thoughts and cultural reactions of the yc. The discovery of the human body sparks curiosity, confusion, and differing interpretations among the creatures, leading to subtle conflicts and shifts in belief. However, readers who prefer fast-moving or plot-driven stories may find the novel lacking in excitement.

Another notable feature of the book is its emotional distance. Because the story is told from a non-human perspective, it can be difficult for readers to form strong emotional connections with the characters. Additionally, certain scenes involving the human body may feel unsettling due to the detached and unfamiliar way they are described.

[Levisio · Rating 4 out of 5]

— Le onde lambiscono le coste. Un tempo, io lambivo la tua pelle. Prima di infrangersi, le onde si fanno schiuma e si confondono le une con le altre, poi si sfaldano e scompaiono. Lo stesso succedeva a me.

Un libro immersivo a tutti gli effetti. Sentiamo crescere le branchie, la pelle argentata, percepiamo le bolle nel naso e le bocche ripiene di figli. Ci sentiamo addosso l'oceano, insolito e vibrante. All'interno di un'ambientazione particolarissima, che è il mondo sottomarino dei paguri, dei gamberetti e degli squali, l'autore ci porta a immedesimarci in un pesce. O meglio, in una creatura marina chiamata yc, parola che in mongolo significa acqua e che si pronuncia come un noi inglese (us). E non è un caso, perché questa è una storia che parla di noi.

— Eravamo rabbia in espansione, un tumulto di corpi tenuti insieme da una canzone, da quell'insieme di note che ci fasciava come un nastro e ci rendeva un tutt'uno. Era la canzone a permetterci di avanzare.

Un essere umano cade nell'Oceano e porta con sé una guerra. Poteva forse essere diverso? Il protagonista ci racconta di un amore fortissimo, che pervade come un sapore e come un odore; della scoperta di un corpo umano, senza vita, che porta tra i pesci nuove domande che forse non si sarebbero mai dovuti porre; di tribù che imparano il significato della parola conflitto, perdendo il significato della parola unità.

— Le balene hanno smesso di cantare per noi.

Romanzo acquatico che è bizzarro, un po' crudo, malinconico, piacevolmente fresco e diverso da tutto quello che ho letto finora. Tra riflessioni su vita, amore e perdita, sembra parlare tra le righe dell'attuale situazione mondiale, con conflitti a ogni angolo e un crescente senso di insicurezza. Ma lo fa con una sua leggerezza, distilando gocce di dolcezza, di poesia e, nonostante tutto, di frizzantina speranza. Originale, indimenticabile.

[Donna Belser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underjungle by James Sturz is an experimental science fiction novel set in a vast underwater environment inhabited by intelligent aquatic beings known as the yc. The narrative is distinctive because it is presented entirely from their perspective, offering readers a non-human viewpoint of life, society, and existence.

The plot begins when the yc discover a human corpse within their ocean world. This event becomes a turning point in the story, as it introduces something completely unknown to their species. The presence of the human body leads to different interpretations among the yc, resulting in curiosity, fear, and philosophical debate. Through this discovery, the novel explores how different beings assign meaning to unfamiliar objects and life forms.

A major strength of the novel is its originality and conceptual depth. By reversing the traditional human-centered perspective, the author encourages readers to rethink ideas about intelligence, consciousness, and identity. The underwater setting also adds to the uniqueness of the narrative, creating a detailed and immersive world that feels both alien and thought-provoking.

Despite these strengths, the novel presents several challenges. The writing style is highly descriptive and often abstract, which may make it difficult for some readers to follow. Additionally, the story progresses slowly and does not rely on conventional plot development or action-driven scenes. Instead, it focuses heavily on themes and internal reflections.

Furthermore, the emotional connection between readers and characters may be limited due to the non-human perspective. The unfamiliar way in which events are described, especially the interpretation of the human body, can also feel strange or unsettling to some readers.

[Jackson Kinross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Underjungle is a science fiction novel by James Sturz that takes place in a deep underwater world inhabited by intelligent aquatic beings called the “yc.” The story is unique because it is told entirely from the perspective of these non-human creatures. Their society, language, and way of thinking are very different from humans, which makes the setting feel strange but interesting.

The main event in the story begins when the yc discover a human corpse in their environment. This discovery shocks them and leads to confusion, curiosity, and debate among different groups. Since humans are unknown to them, they try to understand what this strange body means, which leads to deeper questions about life, death, and existence.

One of the strongest features of the novel is its originality. The author reverses the usual point of view by making humans seem like mysterious outsiders. This allows readers to think differently about humanity and consider how intelligence and life might appear from another perspective. The underwater world is also described in a vivid and imaginative way.

However, the novel is not easy to read. The writing style is highly descriptive and sometimes difficult to understand. The story moves slowly and does not focus much on action or fast events. Instead, it concentrates on ideas and reflections, which may not appeal to all readers.

Another challenge is that readers may find it hard to connect emotionally with the characters because they are non-human. Some parts of the book may also feel strange or uncomfortable due to the unusual descriptions of the human body from an alien point of view.

[Myreadingzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about an intelligent species known as "YC" that exists in the ocean's depths and is also an apex predator amongst the fish. It exists within seven distinct tribes, each of which has its own dialect and cultural way of life. However, once one of the tribes discovers a sunken corpse, news quickly spreads to all the other tribes. Which brings a first for the tribes: there is an investigation. Once that begins, the things that happen after create a drastic change in the dynamics of their ecosystem.

I'm not even quite sure where to start this review, as this book is unlike anything I've ever read before. You take the journey from the point of view of a very intelligent fish-like species. You never know their name, although I suspect they're male.
The writing is a mix of poetry, magical realism, and fantasy, both in the writing and the concept. The beginning of the book was a bit jarring for me in that, although I did not know what to expect, I also did not expect it at the same time.

All in all, this book literally transports you into an underwater ocean world where you experience it through the eyes, thoughts, and experiences of these tribes. It gives it an almost human quality, in which you have themes of family, love, community, and connection. All creatures in some shape experience loss, hope, love, and death. It is a strange and yet beautifully written story.
I gave it 3.5 ⭐

[Cynthia Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

🪸“The creatures who live on land must crave this place where we live. They must come here to refresh, replenish. They must ache for it. They must dream it”. Underjungle, James Sturz

🐙This book is a treasure! It’s magical. It’s now one of my top favorite books. I had no idea poetry mixed with magical realism and fantasy could be extraordinary and profound. I felt like I was reading a rare documentary about the marvelous Ocean Marine life. There was a part that brought me to tears. This was an enchanting, heartwarming novel. I felt the author’s writing helped me appreciate the ocean more. What a touching and heartwarming story.

This is a different kind of weird and strange novel but also marvelous with a unique beauty! The narrator is an intelligent life form, not a human, but there is no difference in this story; the creature feels love, loss, and hope. Enjoy the writing and captivating story, and let your imagination guide you. I highly recommend this novel. It’s an enchanting story that stays with you.

🦈Thank you, @jamessturz for sending me this gifted copy! I’m very grateful and enjoyed it very much. Your writing is so captivating. My opinion is my own.

[James Garman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tlhis novel followed an interesting path, however, i couldn't really indentify with any of the characters. Now, it is true that none of the characters were human, but nontheless, usuallyi there is a character or a few that it is possible to understand well lenough to indentify to some extent with. I had a very hard time doing so with these. First off, alll the characters are swuids. Normally a sociaty of squip or another type being could still grabe me, but this was a lecture type display.

I have enjoyed stories about spiders as the prominent species in a story, and another with ses creaters but those authors were able to make it real for me, because of something that was different. This guy is s studier of sea criters and I don't think he was able to translatioin "luman motivations into squid actions". But I am willing to assume that it might just be my own failing to grasp it.

There is one human being, but he is dead by the time we "meed him" and doesn't communita, and I wasn't sure of the impact he had on the other beings. I would suggest trying to read it, and see what you get from it however.

[Maria Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNDERJUNGLE is a very different kind of book. It’s set deep underwater and told from the point of view of strange sea creatures, not humans. The story starts when they discover a dead human body, and that’s what drives everything.

The idea is very unique. Instead of humans exploring the ocean, it’s like the ocean creatures are trying to understand humans. That alone makes the book interesting.

The writing is nice but also kind of confusing sometimes. The author uses a lot of poetic and unusual descriptions, so it can be hard to follow, especially at the beginning. You might need patience to get used to it.

The story itself is not fast. Nothing much “exciting” happens in terms of action. It’s more about thinking—life, death, relationships, and how different beings understand the world.

Some good things:

Very original concept
Deep meaning and ideas
Strong atmosphere (you really feel the ocean setting)

Some bad things:

Can be confusing
Slow pace
Not much action

Overall, it’s not a book for everyone. If you like simple, fast stories, you might not enjoy it. But if you like something different and thoughtful, it’s worth trying.
#DC FUN

[Mike Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story becomes more focused when the yc discover a human corpse in the ocean. This unexpected event creates confusion within their society, as different groups attempt to understand what the object is and where it came from. This leads to debates, interpretations, and reflections on life, death, and existence.

One of the strongest aspects of the novel is its originality. By shifting the narrative away from human beings, the author creates a fresh perspective that encourages readers to think differently about intelligence and perception. The underwater environment is also described in detail, giving the novel a vivid and immersive quality.

However, the novel’s writing style can be challenging. It is highly descriptive and often abstract, which may make it difficult for some readers to follow the story easily. Additionally, the plot develops slowly and focuses more on ideas and themes than on action or events.

Another limitation is the emotional distance between readers and the characters. Since the yc are non-human, it can be difficult to relate to them. Some parts of the novel, especially those describing the human body, may also feel unusual or unsettling.

[Jennifer Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The central event of the story occurs when the yc discover a human corpse in their ocean environment. This discovery becomes a major turning point as it introduces something completely unknown to their civilization. The yc react in different ways, and their attempts to understand the human body lead to confusion, interpretation, and deeper questions about life and meaning.

The novel is especially notable for its originality. By presenting a non-human perspective, the author challenges readers to rethink familiar ideas about humanity and intelligence. The underwater world is described in rich detail, creating a vivid and immersive setting that feels both strange and fascinating.

However, the novel’s style can be difficult for readers. The language is highly descriptive and often abstract, requiring careful attention to follow the narrative. In addition, the story is slow-paced and focuses more on philosophical ideas than on action or clear plot development.

[Austin B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story revolves around a sentient marine species known as the “yc,” whose society is divided into different tribes with distinct ways of understanding the world. Their existence is shaped by instinct, environment, and deeply ingrained traditions.

The central event of the novel—the discovery of a human corpse sinking into their underwater domain—acts as a powerful disruption. For the yc, this object is alien, incomprehensible, and deeply symbolic. It becomes a catalyst for questioning:

What lies beyond their known world?
Are they alone in existence?
What does this strange being represent—threat, curiosity, or connection?

From this moment, the narrative unfolds less as a linear plot and more as a series of reactions, reflections, and philosophical awakenings across the yc society.

[Francis McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story unfolds in a fully imagined underwater world inhabited by a sentient species called the “yc,” divided into rival tribes. The plot is set in motion when one tribe discovers a mysterious human corpse on the ocean floor—an event that disrupts their understanding of existence and triggers conflict, curiosity, and introspection across their civilization.

Rather than focusing on human characters, the novel is told from a non-human perspective, which gives it a striking originality and forces readers to rethink familiar themes identity, mortality, and connection from an alien viewpoint.

[David Pridham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story unfolds in a fully imagined underwater world inhabited by a sentient species called the “yc,” divided into rival tribes. The plot is set in motion when one tribe discovers a mysterious human corpse on the ocean floor—an event that disrupts their understanding of existence and triggers conflict, curiosity, and introspection across their civilization.

Rather than focusing on human characters, the novel is told from a non-human perspective, which gives it a striking originality and forces readers to rethink familiar themes—identity, mortality, and connection—from an alien viewpoint.

[Chelsea Kessell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because the characters are non-human, it can also be hard for readers to form emotional connections with them. Some scenes, particularly those involving the human corpse, may feel unusual or uncomfortable due to the detached way they are presented.

In conclusion, Underjungle is a highly imaginative and thought-provoking novel that stands out for its unique perspective and philosophical depth. However, its complexity, slow pacing, and abstract style limit its accessibility, making it more suitable for readers who enjoy experimental fiction.

[Bruce Birtwistle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly imagined story told from the perspective of an undersea creature. Very well written. There is a lot of philosophical observation and a good amount of action, but the value is in the writing and having the opportunity to "meet" a creature of another species. The book gets a lot done without being bloated and self-indulgent. I was easily able to read it twice. Would like to read more from this author. Recommended.

[Serena Pierotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una storia molto interessante e non convenzionale che parla di amore, perdita, conflitto.
La scrittura è molto scorrevole e trasporta il lettore dentro il mondo e la filosofia marina. Molto particolare il capitolo con la canzone cantata dal protagonista, totalmente inaspettato trovarselo durante la lettura.
Ci sono molti passaggi che fanno riflettere sulla natura umana e sulla concezione di vita/amore.
Molto coinvolgente, lo consiglio!