Welcome to Litsy!

The third novella in the #SwornSoldierSeries shifts locations in a big way with Alex & Angus joining Dr. Denton in America— specifically a West Virginia failed mine to find his missing cousin. With some creepy moments & some claustrophobia, this #novella certainly adds to the series, but the scary red lights & body count are less terrifying than the horrors of the second book. I really don‘t enjoy the weird cadence of the audio performer‘s voice!

This was a very disappointing DNF, because 1. It‘s really short yet I still gave up. 2. I have enjoyed this series overall. The first two books had a strong lead character and lots of gothic creepy vibes. This book has a lot of unnecessary, tedious conversations and very little action. I still love T. Kingfisher, but this was a miss for me. #hailthebail

4.5/5

Easton is in Appalachia at the request of their friend Dr. Denton to look into a mysterious disappearance. They are once again brought into a situation something beyond human understanding is happening.

I loved reading another story in this series, and I was glad to see the return of Dr. Denton. The horror in this series always feels very grounded, despite being of otherworldly origin, and I continue to really enjoy it.

Excellent spooky season read. Easton is as ever hilarious and relatable. Angus is as ever laconic and competent. This time they have to go down a mostly abandoned mine in West Virginia and creepy, gruesome, delightful horrors ensue.

I love everything about this series. The covers, the horror, the light humor sprinkled throughout. As much as Alex Easton deserves be done with strange and scary events, I selflessly hope that they find themselves in more peculiar situations. This installment is a little less scary horror than the other books. It seemed more sci-fi with some scary moments sprinkled in.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kobo apparently agrees with my previous post, since it‘s trying to tell me that a Murderbot book is next in the Sworn Soldier series.

“And now we were talking about feelings. I would almost rather he had poured the burning oil on me.”

Easton really reminds me of Murderbot sometimes 😂 (Murderbot, of course, *would* rather have burning oil poured on itself.)

Took one more sick day from work today for a little more rest. I have a woodwick candle flickering, cafe sweets scent swirling through the room, a protein chocolate cold brew and the next installment of #WhatMovesTheDead.

“That is horrifying and I want to go home,” I said, although I pronounced it, “Ah, I see.”

Note that Easton is not reacting to the horrors that ka has been invited to investigate, but to what ka has just learned about coal mines. 😂

Some of my preorders that came in over the last few weeks!

October is going to be an expensive month with all the orders I still have coming in!

The most terrifying yet! though, that might be because i'm personally terrified of being trapped underground. and also, as an American, i am delighted by all the very amusing reactions that Easton has to all the very American goings on. plus the terror of the dark, the terror of enclosed spaces, the terror of things in the dark... and the circle around to the first book is all so brilliantly executed that i think this is my favorite book yet.

T. Kingfisher has become an auto-read for me. 'What Stalks the Deep is no exception. Alex Easton arrives in America on request of their friend Denton. Denton's cousin has disappeared into a coal mine under suspicious circumstances. The mood T. Kingfisher establishes in the mine is very well done. It is very claustrophobic and filled with dread. The audio version is great as well. The narrator's voice is very unique. 5 stars. Thanks, NetGalley!

Received to review via Netgalley (I love having autoapproval from Tor).

I loved Ingold and his fascination with the underground world. I continue to very much enjoy the concept of Sworn Soldiers and all the worldbuilding around Alex.

Poor Denton, though.

Didn't creep me out that much, this one, mostly only around the claustrophobia. I was right in there with the fascination bit.