Reading Time: 2 mins
After listening to the audio book for The Annual Migration Of Clouds (reviewed here) I immediately purchased both this book and its sequel.
I was not disappointed.
Coming of age cosmic horror may be a genre best defined by Stranger Things, but it does not end there. If the genre appeals to you, so will Beneath The Rising.
Mohamed sets a great pace here, unravelling both the enormous mysteries surrounding the cosmic evil that threatens us all and the smaller mysteries that connect the lives of two childhood friends who are evolving into something more in a way that keeps you turning the pages well into the night.
The relationship between Nick and Johnny is the main stage, with the interdimensional/elder God beasts set on enslaving humanity as the backdrop. With elements of Indiana Jones’ globe trotting mixing with Lord Of The Rings’ stakes (and plenty of direct references to both), you’d think the unrequited love piece may play second or third fiddle. You’d be wrong. It’s through that lens of Nick’s love for Johnny that we fully experience the magnitude of what is happening around them.
And let me tell you, these monsters do not let up. Just when you think you’ve hit a “safe” chapter and can take a breath, there they are again, chasing our heroes at every turn. Even when it kept happening, I was truly surprised at how relentless the monsters were.
Mohamed also does an excellent job of describing the indescribable, providing vague descriptions that paint a notion of the monsters while letting your mind fill in the blanks. Against these monsters, genuinely funny moments also pop up. Nick and Johnny may be almost a bit too clever with each other at times, but the pacing doesn’t let you dwell on that for too long because once the chuckle has been had, immediate danger always seems to follow.
I also appreciated the persistence with which this story is told solely from Nick’s point of view. Other authors might be tempted to veer away so that we may get a peek of the action happening on the grander cosmic scale, but we stay firmly, solely behind Nick’s eyes and, for that reason, we are much closer to the immediate action and feel even more invested in the stakes.
I highly recommend this book.
Beneath The Rising
Premee Mohamed
One Word Blog Rating: 5 Stars
Amazon Review: Submitted – 5 Stars
Amazon Link: Click here for other reviews and a full description
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It is also important to support your local bookseller – enquire with them about this title!
Author Website: premeemohamed.com
Further Support: I have also purchased A Broken Darkness and I’ll be saving it for spooky season in the late fall. Also, you should follow Premee Mohamed on twitter. She is hilarious.