The Deep

by Nick Cutter
The Deep cover
Good Books rating 3.69
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £10.99
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Format • £8.54–£10.44
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Technical
  • ID: 924
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781501144837
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-08-16
  • Formats: 90
  • Reviews: 4

The 'Gets' plague is wiping out humanity by erasing memories and bodily functions, with no known cure. A groundbreaking discovery of a healing substance, 'ambrosia,' in the Marianas Trench sparks hope. A research lab, the Trieste, is built deep underwater to study this phenomenon, but when communication is lost, a daring team must descend into the abyss to uncover the truth. The depths hold secrets that could save humanity or plunge it into further chaos. As the team ventures into the lightless fathoms, they face unimaginable pressures and unknown dangers. The Trieste's silence raises questions about the safety and intentions of those who went before them. The search for a cure becomes a battle for survival against the mysteries lurking in the deepest parts of the ocean.

Reviews
What is Quinn Reading · Quinn · 2023-07-23
Excellent 4.50

The book creates an intensely claustrophobic sense of terror, making it a gripping read. The suspense and atmosphere are its strongest points.

Quinn really enjoyed the book, particularly how it builds tension and fear. The claustrophobic setting and the way the author creates a sense of dread are standout features. They found the pacing to be excellent, keeping them on the edge of their seat throughout. However, they also noted that some parts might feel a bit predictable for seasoned horror readers.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed what I read for the most part, especially how successful Cutter is at creating such an intensely claustrophobic sense of terror.

    The suspense and atmosphere are its strongest points.

    The pacing is excellent, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Reddit - HorrorLit · Reddit User · 2021-01-30
Disappointing 2.00

The story feels disjointed and messy, with a lot of the horror elements relying on the protagonist's imagination. It might not appeal to everyone.

The Reddit user found the story to be a bit of a mess, with various horror elements that didn't always gel well together. They felt that a significant portion of the horror was driven by the protagonist's tormented mind, which might not resonate with all readers. While they appreciated some aspects of the book, they found it to be overly reliant on the protagonist's imagination rather than solid storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Overall I just felt that the story didn't jell and it was a mess of mishmashed creature horror that was 95% Luke's imagination and tormented mind.

    It might not appeal to everyone.

    The horror elements are driven by the protagonist's tormented mind.

PekoeBlaze · PekoeBlaze · 2019-09-14
brilliant 4.25

The novel's writing is brilliant, with a fast-paced narration that keeps readers engaged. The body horror elements are particularly noteworthy.

PekoeBlaze praises the writing in 'The Deep,' noting its brilliance and fast-paced narration. They highlight the effective use of body horror, which adds to the overall intensity of the story. The reviewer appreciates the way the novel balances different horror elements, making it a compelling read. The visual descriptions and the pacing are particularly commended, making it a standout in the horror genre.

Quick quotes

    In terms of the writing, this novel is brilliant.

    The novel's third-person narration contains just the right mixture of fast-paced “matter of fact” storytelling and visceral horror.

    The visual descriptions and the pacing are particularly commended.

Everything is Scary · 2015-10-05
Great 4.00

The book delivers on its promises of suspense and horror, making it a compelling read. The nautical setting adds an extra layer of dread.

The reviewer found the book to be a great blend of suspense and horror, with the nautical setting enhancing the overall atmosphere. They appreciated how the story delivers on its promises, creating a sense of unease that lingers. The pacing is well-done, and the horror elements are effectively executed. However, they also mentioned that the book might not be for everyone, especially those who are not fans of body horror.

Quick quotes

    There is a great deal of suspense throughout the book and it delivers on all its nauseating promises.

    The nautical setting adds an extra layer of dread.

    The horror elements are effectively executed.

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