The Deep by Nick Cutter

March 16th, 2015 Kimberly Review 70 Comments

16th Mar
The Deep by Nick Cutter
The Deep
by Nick Cutter
Narrator: Corey Brill
Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4.5

A strange plague called the ’Gets is decimating humanity on a global scale. It causes people to forget—small things at first, like where they left their keys…then the not-so-small things like how to drive, or the letters of the alphabet. Then their bodies forget how to function involuntarily…and there is no cure. But now, far below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, deep in the Marianas Trench, an heretofore unknown substance hailed as “ambrosia” has been discovered—a universal healer, from initial reports. It may just be the key to a universal cure. In order to study this phenomenon, a special research lab, the Trieste, has been built eight miles under the sea’s surface. But now the station is incommunicado, and it’s up to a brave few to descend through the lightless fathoms in hopes of unraveling the mysteries lurking at those crushing depths…and perhaps to encounter an evil blacker than anything one could possibly imagine. Part horror, part psychological nightmare, The Deep is a novel that fans of Stephen King and Clive Barker won’t want to miss—especially if you’re afraid of the dark.

Do you like old school horror? Nick Cutter brings that dark grittiness to his story. The Deep is a spine-tingling, breath-holding horror story that had me in awe even as I cringed. I listened to this on audio and Corey Brill’s narration made the protagonist’s fear seep into my bones.

Five reasons to leave the lights on a listen to The Deep

  • Nick Cutter has one heck of a twisted imagination and his ability to express the complexities of his character’s emotions, and fears makes his horror story part psychological thriller. Combined with Corey Brill narration The Deep will make you squirm even as you continue to listen because you are driven by this need to know.
  • The premise is intriguing; with a science- fiction twist but do not be fooled this is pure horror. A disease known as the ‘Gets is destroying humanity one victim at a time. Scientists are racing for a cure and far below the ocean’s depth; they think they may have discovered a cure in an organism known as ambrosia. They have developed a lab eight miles below the surface and first reports from the lab showed promise, but now they have lost contact. Cutter takes us along with his protagonist into the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Cutter gives us a tale that touches on some of our worst fears claustrophobia, isolation, and paranoia, and he does this brilliantly. Luke Ronnick is our protagonist, and Cutter does an excellent job of fleshing him out as we descend into the depths with him. He is very much an unreliable narrator, which notched up the fear factor in this mind f@ck of a tale.
  • If you love old school horror wrapped in twisted mind games with gory squishy things that crawl in the dark and into the corners of your mind, you are in for a thrill! Have you ever read or watched a show about experiments conducts where the participants have no idea of time and are locked in and cut of from the rest of society? It had that sort of vibe, except we are eight miles below the surface in a bubble surrounded by darkness…oh yeah. If Jaws didn’t keep you out of the water…The Deep will!
  • You have books like Misery, The Shining, The Abyss and The Thing sitting on your bookshelf or love the movie adaptions. The Troop made you squirm but you could not stop reading. The Deep is darker and more twisted and like the Troop, you will read on even as you want to stop.

Personal note: I loved The Deep, but we did not get to really exploring the ‘Gets. While I realize this was the reason for the lab below I would have loved to hear more. I would love to see a book solely on the ‘Gets. *hint-hint*

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

70 Responses to “The Deep by Nick Cutter”

  1. Blessie San Jose

    I really like the narrator’s voice. Though I don’t think I’ll be able to listen to a horror book instead of reading it. I’m a huge chicken. Might try to pick this up! Thanks for putting it under my radar! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I really liked that extra sensory effect listening added..but then I crave that freaky feeling.

  2. Kay

    I tired to read this author’s The Troop and I just couldn’t get into it. It was too gross for me. I guess I am not cut out for that kind of horror in general.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This one wasn’t as gross..but still made me squirm

  3. Kathy

    I received the ARC from last year but I’m not a horror fan. But that clip sounds really good and he has a great voice. Since there aren’t any ghosts I might give this book a try.

  4. Teddyree

    I used to read horror regularly but it’s been a couple of years. Strangely I can read it but not watch a horror movie. My last poop-your-pants horror read was Once Upon A Nightmare by Lee Moylan, I slept with the lights on that night. I’m treating myself to this one haha

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I can watch them..but not the chain saw massacre or saw type ones..give me the Omens, or Black House etc and I am fine. Enjoy this one!!

  5. Kathy

    I’ve seen a lot of buzz surrounding this book and have it on my TBR list. I think I might just have to bump it up.

  6. Alreem

    OMG, I really don’t like horror story but I’m happy you enjoyed it and love it 🙂 Lovely review

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So does this mean you don’t want a audio copy for Christmas? te-he-he

  7. Molly

    Dude, this sounds awesome. I think I’m going to need to get this book ASAP.

  8. Braine Talk Supe

    Where are you finding these mind blowing shit?!?! I still have the Walking Dead hangover so I can appreciate a good horror/mindgame.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      hehe…I became an audible junkie and am seeking out interesting mind blowing listens..lol

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have a love-hate thing going on. On one hand I squirm and on the other I love that feeling

  9. Bookworm Brandee

    I don’t typically read horror but your reasons to read The Deep kinda made my hair stand on end. But i *do* like psychological thrillers so i just may have to check this one out. Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is a blending of the two..and one I hope you will stretch and try 🙂

  10. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Normally I would totally shy away from a book like this but it seems like I can handle horror in written form. Of course there are always exceptions and this may be one of them. I don’t think I’d do it on audio, but I do think I’ll put this one on my wishlist.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The audio added such a fantastic layer, but I understand. I am picky with what horror movies I will actually watch myself.

  11. Heidi

    The older I get, the more squeamish I am about horror, and I used to read and watch it constantly. I am not sure if I can do this one, even though I am most curious, if I did, it would be read not listen. That way I can skip parts as necessary.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh the audio made it creep-tastic Heidi but either way I hope you try it

  12. Lauren

    This sounds like a twisted and freaky read, and I’m sure I’m going to be scared. I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to psychological horror. But I’m still going to read this because it sounds awesome! Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Good for you..I love the heart racing I experience with them.

  13. Ramona

    Be still, my heart, this one is truly a book for me! If there’s a girl who loves her horror, preferably read late at night when everyone else is asleep and the house silent as a tomb (the better to get the heart pumping), that’s me. I didn’t know about this one, Kimba, thank you so MUCH for sharing it. Gotta buy it NOW! Lol. Have a happy day 🙂

  14. Lori

    I’m a sucker for all things scary so this sounds like a book I’d definitely enjoy on audio, even if it makes me sleep with the lights on for a few nights..haha Thanks for sharing your awesome review Kimberly! 🙂

  15. Madiha

    Oh wow. True horror…I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that has really, honestly scared me. I should definitely give this a try! Lovely review, as always, Kim 🙂

  16. LuAnn Braley

    Wow. Author is one twisted dude! *lol* I went and read an excerpt on his website. Freaky. Like the dream I had as a child about being pulled into the wall at the head of my bed. Woke the whole family up screaming awake from that one. TBR’d.

  17. Nick

    Part horror part psychological thriller? Well color me intrigued. It does sound like a really well-written book that I might have to read only during the day! And you listened to this! You brave soul!
    Wonderful review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh I think listening notched up the experience for me..the narrator did an excellent job

  18. Lauren Marion

    I don’t usually read horror, but this sounds really good! I just might read it at some point, you never know I may enjoy it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you give it a whirl. While I wouldn’t want a steady diet of horror I do love the heart racing experience.

  19. Katherine

    I’m not sure if I’ve ever read any true horror. I’ve read plenty of Gothic and my share of thrillers and plenty that made me want to pull the covers over my head. This sounds like an interesting one. I’ll have to see if I can find the audio for this and make sure I have plenty of coffee for the sleepless nights this will probably cause!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh it was good Katherine..I felt like I was down there with them

  20. Michelle

    I love horror but I think because of the nature of the disease this would totally freak me out lol. I started to read the troop but found some of the content not to my liking so I bailed on it. Glad you enjoyed it but I am not sure I would be able to read this one 🙂 Great Review, Kimba!!!

  21. Jenny

    “If you love old school horror wrapped in twisted mind games with gory squishy things that crawl in the dark and into the corners of your mind, you are in for a thrill! ”

    No, Kim. No. I do not like gory squishy things that crawl in the dark. I DO NO LIKE THEM AT ALL!!!! *shudders* This is clearly not the book for me as I am a wimp, but it’s obviously really well done and definitely something I’m putting on my dad’s list. He can’t get enough of this kind of story:)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh but it was creep-tastic Jenny. I can still hear the author and the sound effects he made for things…oh lord!

  22. Ro

    Minus the gory parts, I like the psychological thriller portion and makes me want to check it out. Your reviews are really wonderful! Hugs…

  23. Lindsay

    This sounds far, far too scary for me! But it sounds like it does what it promises to do! Glad you enjoyed it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was that Alfred Hitchcock, hold your breath, down right creepy suspense.

  24. Red Iza

    I’m not a big fan of horror, I’m not afraid of the dark but reading that, I might become so, lol ! However, it would be a change from what I usually read and your review makes me want to grab that book !

  25. Christy

    Well, hell. I never got around to reading The Troop. Technically, I started it then set it aside because I wasn’t in the mood for the genre at the time. This kind of sounds better, though.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was is stronger and less gore..more mind F@ck.

  26. Melliane

    It sounds like a complex book mixing thriller horror and all. I think I heard of it on another blog and the name of the author definitely do ring a bell. One day! thanks for the review!

  27. Faye

    THIS BOOK WAS INSANE. I haven’t read much old-school horror but this book opened my eyes to that and I want to read more of it!!! It was amazing how the narration and everything just made me want to take a shower. This book definitely made Nick Cutter a must-buy horror author for me.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am so glad you loved it too Faye…I don’t know about you, but I have no intentions of living under the surface…I will leave that to Aquaman.