Status Updates From The Deep

Almost impressive how much things get dragged out because of constant flashbacks. Entering lab/meeting its occupants lasts 50 pages! Some flashbacks necessary but other long ones only used to explain what something sounded like; easily trimmable. Plot too reminiscent of Solaris & The Abyss. Shame because core ideas seem to be interesting (Westlake's tapes have me intrigued!) but attempts to be cerebral not landing.

STOP with the weird ass children

Getting invested! Marked improvement once Luke gets to base & briefed on mission. Lead-up to this could've been cut down. Tragic backstory overload--how much baggage can you pack into a MC before 100 pages? Tension builds; mysterious deep sea feel played well. Feels like I can predict some things (words in blood obviously say 'Fig Men;' why can't Luke work that out when he was just thinking about it?) but intrigued!