Into the Drowning Deep (Rolling in the Deep, #2)

by Mira Grant

[kimbacaffeinate]

First, I must tell you there is a prequel novella to this story. Rolling in the Deep, and while it is not necessary to read before beginning, it does set the account up nicely. Now as for me, anything Grant writes I am going to read. Her ability to combine sci-fi geekiness and horror creates page-turning reads that have found a place on my favorites bookshelf.

Seven years ago, the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a "mockumentary" about ancient sea creatures of legend. Onboard were the crew, scientists, artists and employees of Imagine Network; the sponsors of the film. None returned, raw footage found aboard the ship were released. It is believed to be a hoax. No survivors were ever found.

Grant through interviews, newspaper articles, scientific papers and virtual blogs shared events from the Atargatis, how it was perceived by the media and the fallout. Scientists dispute whether such a creature could exist.  Most refer to them as pure myth and those that believe lose credibility. I love all of the details that set up the story as Grant introduced us to the principal characters in Into the Drowning Deep. She makes events, characters, and these creatures come to life with her vivid details and creative writing style.

Imagine Network has quietly been putting together plans to send a second ship to the Marina Trench and prove once and for all whether these creatures exist. They've amassed all kinds of scientific equipment and invited experts in every field. Victoria "Tory" a scientist and the sister of an Imagine reporter aboard the Atargatis. is one of the first to accept. The story that unfolds felt eerily realistic and delivered all the suspense, thrills and chills one could expect.

From Tory to Dr. Jillian who has stood by her beliefs the tale Grant delivered was seriously addictive. It started off a little slow as we met characters, learned details and boarded the ship, but all of those details connected me with the story.  The build-up and reader only knowledge created suspense and lent authenticity to events. We get some side threads, including an LGBT romance, scientists struggling to make a name for themselves, nerdy deets and underwater exploring.

Grant has left me yearning for the next novel. We get closure here, but enough threads and questions are left open that I will have a glorious time contemplating what Grant has in store for us.

Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer