Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Grad student Caro has no idea what she wants to do with her life, but when the opportunity arises to act as a research assistant on an anthropological expedition for her professor and lover, Edward Beck, she doesn’t hesitate.
Beck assembles a team of academics and professionals to study the ancient sea-based Cult of the Leviathan, and the expedition descends into the sea caves where the cult is said to have dwelt.
But when the cave entrance collapses, trapping them inside, the expedition will find they are not alone in the darkness. An ancient trial has been set in motion. One by one, the members of the expedition will be tested and forced to atone for their greatest sins . . . or die.
My Review
The Sea Hides Its Dead is a horror novel that never lets up.
The action kicks in almost immediately and doesn’t stop, which makes for an incredibly compelling, fast-paced read that genuinely kept me turning pages. This is a book about an ancient sea cult, an expedition trapped in collapsed sea caves, and a trial that forces each character to confront their worst sins, and it leans fully into that premise with atmosphere to spare. The descriptions of the setting do a ton of heavy lifting here, the claustrophobic, oppressive vibe of being trapped underground really comes through. Fair warning, if you’re afraid of caves or get claustrophobic, this one might not be for you.
Caro, our main character, was a real highlight for me. Her internal journey toward confronting her deepest, darkest secret felt genuinely well done and emotionally satisfying. On the flip side, Edward Beck (her professor and lover) is someone you will absolutely HATE (he’s a jerk, you’re supposed to hate him, even if Caro can’t quite figure out her own feelings about Beck).
My main critiques are that some sections felt a little repetitive, to the point where I found myself skimming a bit because certain ground had already been covered a few pages earlier. I also wish we’d gotten more depth on some of the side characters, more backstory, more motivation, because I think it would have made the consequences they face hit even harder. That said, the ending is genuinely satisfying and ties everything together well. A solid 3.5 stars for me!
THE GOOD:
- The pacing is relentless and the action never stops
- Genuinely atmospheric, the cave setting feels oppressive and immersive
- Caro’s internal journey and character arc is really well done
- The ending is satisfying and earns its buildup
- Edward Beck is deliciously, intentionally hateable
THE NOT-AS-GOOD:
- Some sections feel repetitive, covering ground that was already established
- The side characters could have used more development and backstory
THE NEUTRAL:
- This is a fast-paced, plot-driven horror novel rather than a slow burn, so know that going in
- Definitely not recommended for readers with claustrophobia or a fear of caves
OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐.5
The Sea Hides Its Dead is a relentless, atmospheric horror novel about an ancient sea cult and the sins that come back to haunt you, with a satisfying ending that makes the journey worth it.
PERFECT FOR:
- Fans of fast-paced, atmospheric horror
- Readers who enjoy ancient cult and cosmic horror premises
- Anyone who loves a deeply satisfying character redemption arc
- People who love hating a villain they’re supposed to hate
- Readers who don’t mind tight, claustrophobic settings (the rest of us should maybe sit this one out)
