Michael Patrick Hicks

The second part in the Salem Hawley series seamlessly follows the gripping events of 'The Resurrectionists'. To clear a debt, Salem travels to Arkham, Massachusetts, in pursuit of Al Azif, the grimoire that was stolen at the end of part one. Strange events take place in Arkham, and Salem meets a woman with mysterious powers called Louise LeMarché. Together, they have to face a powerful and otherworldly enemy. While at the end of 'The Resurrectionists' Salem only cast a short glimpse into the realm of a very ancient horror, now he has to face some of the monsters that have already spread on earth. But will he succeed in his battle against the rise of the Old Ones?

'Borne of the Deep' was even grimmer than its predecessor, and I loved the determination and strength Salem summoned to make his stand, even in the most hopeless situation. The appearance of Louise LeMarché adds another intriguing character to the story, and I hope to meet her and Salem again in the near future.

(thanks to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)

This was a great start into a new series featuring the free black man Salem Hawley in the time after the American Revolution. The book tackles several topics at once, such as the still ongoing discrimination of black people, gruesomely displayed in the stealing of buried bodies for 'medical' purposes. Combine this with some doctors intent on studying, or rather conjuring the Other Ones, some otherworldly creatures inhabiting a parallel universe. While I immensely felt for Salem and his fight against the Resurrectionists, the supernatural element of the story was a nice-to-have, but not necessary add-on, without which the book would have been just as thrilling. However, I understand that the appearance of the Other Ones open up an even larger playground for further installments in the series. The author created a multilayered, well-thought plot with complex characters that definitely succeeds to get a reader instantly hooked to the series.

(Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)

When Antoine DeWitt looses his job, you might assume his day just couldn't get any worse. So when his wife finds they won a dubious lottery and he should go collect the 5 grand immediately, Antoine just knows there must be a catch. Hell, even the reader knows it, but the wife is just so convincing he can't say no. So Antoine finds himself at a car dealership somewhere beyond the outskirts of town, feeling uneasy and hesitant all the time. When even the car dealer confirms that he is a winner, Antoine slowly starts to relax - which is the moment the 'catch' hits him and throws him down into a dark cellar hole.

When Antoine wakes up again, he finds himself not only in a nightmare, but in the worst possible nightmare ever. Below ground live some really creepy creatures, and Antoine is supposed to be their next meal. He's already wrapped up in a kind of cocoon (supposedly to keep fresh). But Antoine decides this will not be the way he dies, and what follows is an all-out fight for survival, driven by the thought of seeing his family again. Lots of action and gore, unexpected turns, an impressive showdown and a mean ending - what more could you wish for?

I love creature features so I was thrilled when I learned this was another one, and well done! I wasn't aware of the myths it is based on. I was wondering where the creatures came from and what their background was, so I was glad to find that information as part the story. (view spoiler)

This was the first book I've read from the author, but will definitely not be the last. Recommended!