I'll be totally honest, I had to DNF this one. The writing is extremely trite, but I can overlook that. What I could not overlook were the jarring jumps from one section the next with seemingly no transition and the complete lack of world-building. I know zombie apocalypses need little world-building in truth, but even just a little explanation in the beginning of how this came to be would have been a good starting point. As it is, I will not be recommending this book to my followers, friends, and family.

"Below" by Alaric Cabiling presents an intriguing twist on the traditional zombie narrative by rooting its horror in a contemporary setting impacted by drug addiction. Cabiling's ability to paint vivid scenes with his stylish prose and striking imagery truly stands out, drawing readers into the gritty atmosphere of Tondo, Manila, and beyond.

While the novel excels in its descriptive detail and the intensity of its portrayal of a society on the brink, it tends to lean heavily into its themes of poverty and drug abuse, which may overshadow the expected zombie horror elements for some readers. For me, the focus felt more like a commentary on socio-economic issues and addiction rather than purely on the horror or thrill aspects typical of zombie tales.

Overall, "Below" may not have resonated with my personal taste in storytelling, yet it remains a testament to Cabiling's skill as a writer and is worth exploring for those interested in a unique perspective on the zombie genre. It's a solid read for fans of literary horror looking for something distinct and thought-provoking.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Below.

I try to approach debut novels with a certain lens of kindness and consideration, so here we go. The novel discusses a zombie apocalypse caused by a street drug causing fairly rapid changes and thus mayhem. The literary horror component pointed out in the synopsis of this book compares itself to the early writings of Stephen King and Peter Straub. Now, I can't personally speak to Straub's abilities as I have never picked up his stories, but King...Uncle King on the other hand, I know very well. The writing in this story is done through a first person narrative, which in King's element is insanely detailed in the mind of the main character. The detail in this novel is of a more simplistic nature with basic structure and often in a list of adjectives. I don't think I would have been as critical if the synopsis didn't state such a comparison, I mean, that's a really REALLY tall order to fill. Do I see the direction the author is going? Well, yes. Over time there may be some major gains in the writing style and depth. Some readers find King insufferable because of the amount of detail he will project. I personally love it, but Cabiling has a ways to go to justify this comparison.

*Below* by Alaric Cabiling is an intense and haunting novel that delves into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. The book follows its protagonist, Martin, on a journey through the underbelly of a gritty, urban landscape as he struggles with personal demons and seeks a truth that seems forever elusive.

What makes *Below* stand out is Cabiling’s writing. It’s raw, vivid, and deeply atmospheric. The prose pulls you in, immersing you in a world that’s both harsh and poetic. Cabiling isn’t afraid to challenge the reader with complex themes, from existential dread to the nature of morality, but he does so with a sense of urgency that keeps the narrative moving at a steady pace.

The characters, especially Martin, are layered and flawed, making them all the more compelling. Their internal struggles mirror the grim reality around them, creating a strong sense of tension throughout the book. At times, the novel can feel emotionally draining, but in a way that feels earned rather than gratuitous. The psychological depth that Cabiling explores is captivating, if not unsettling.

However, the novel's density and bleakness might not appeal to every reader. It’s not a light read, and at certain points, the story can feel overwhelming in its intensity. The dialogue is sharp, though occasionally bordering on the cryptic, which may leave some readers grasping for clarity.

Overall, *Below* is a challenging, beautifully written, and thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the last page is turned. It's perfect for readers who appreciate dark literary fiction and aren’t afraid to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature.

Below by Alaric Cabiling

Below is and apocalyptic horror book. While the beginning and very end were pretty good, the middle as just ok. I love a good zombie apocalypse style book, and while this started off good, it ended up just being ok. The beginning was fast paced and you quickly got drawn in. But then it just went downhill for me. This just didn’t work out for me. It definitely had a good premise, but throw in Covid and drugs and it went from promising to just ok.

I received this book as an arc from NetGalley. I was drawn to this book because it is within my interests, but not what I normally read. While I'm only giving this book only three stars, I did find it enjoyable. It followed sort of along the lines of what you would expect from a zombie apocalypse story. Early in the book, I was drawn into this world and began connecting with Min and his friend group almost immediately. The way Cabiling built his world truly transported me into these grimy slums in the Philippines where these characters are clawing and scraping to get by. While I loved the ruthlessness in how the author made me invest in these characters and ripped them away, I'm still not sure this read as a horror to me. Honestly, the story started to feel a little fragmented after Min was forced to to flee to America. The dirt and muck and tragedy were still there in the with us in the sewers, but the story fell flat and then picked back up just to be over as quickly as it came back. This was not my favorite, but still a good read. It was a quick read and a great change of pace. I found Cabiling's ability to immerse the reader in the setting and characters was top-tier. I would be highly interested in reading more of his works just based upon his writing style and his ability to bring the human connection into a genre that sometimes can be lacking in that area.

Alaric Cabiling’s debut novel, *Below*, heralds a dramatic return to the visceral and unsettling roots of literary horror, reminiscent of the early works by genre giants like Stephen King and Peter Straub. This striking entry into the world of horror not only revitalizes the genre but also introduces a fresh and uniquely unsettling perspective rooted in the Filipino American experience.

In *Below*, Cabiling presents a zombie apocalypse with a contemporary twist, where a pandemic of horrific proportions is unleashed by toxic chemical compounds in street drugs. This novel explores the devastating consequences of addiction on a global scale, beginning in the grim, densely populated slums of Tondo, Manila. Here, the vibrant yet decaying landscape serves as a crucible for the story’s horror, with the dilapidated shanties and overcrowded conditions creating a nightmarish setting where the zombie phenomenon thrives.

The protagonist, Min Arnaiz, emerges as a compelling and tragic hero navigating this apocalyptic landscape. His journey from the ravaged streets of Tondo to the dark, labyrinthine sewers of New York City—dubbed ‘Below’ by its inhabitants—provides a poignant and harrowing exploration of survival and resilience. Cabiling’s vivid and elaborate descriptions create an immersive experience, making the reader feel the claustrophobic terror and relentless savagery of the setting.

Cabiling’s prose is both stylish and striking, imbuing each scene with a sense of dread and urgency. The novel’s portrayal of the zombie pandemic is both imaginative and horrifying, transforming the familiar concept into a new and unsettling reality. As Min Arnaiz confronts the second wave of the pandemic in New York’s underground, his struggle and courage offer a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, underscoring themes of heroism and perseverance.

*Below* is a bold debut that showcases Alaric Cabiling’s talent for blending intense horror with deep emotional resonance. The novel is a gripping exploration of human vulnerability and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. For fans of literary horror seeking a fresh and profound experience, *Below* is a compelling must-read that promises to leave a lasting impact.

I wish I liked this book more. It is good enough, but I didn't like the setting of the story as much as others in the genre. I wanted to like it more than I did, and almost DNF it.

I have a secret love of a good zombie novel and I was just in the mood for one when I saw it advertised on NetGalley UK
The story is pretty disjointed in several sections which don’t really flow one from the other. it starts initially in the Philippines where drug addicts start to change into zombies and we follow a young boy trying to escape from them.

The story then progresses to America where the boy now a young man is living initially in a refugee situation and then hiding from the police and immigration underground in the subway . Of course, after initially appearing to his escaped the pandemic the zombies follow him to America.
I found that I didn’t really care for the main character I never really empathised with him which I find very important if I’m going to enjoy a book We didn’t really learn much about their character apart from their ability to run away from zombies whereas there were some parts of the novel which any zombie fan would recognise and find enjoyable. I found in general that this book wsd rather disjointed and incomplete and not really one for me.
I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK. The book is published in the UK on the 15th of December 2024 by Asylum Art press
This review will appear in NetGalley UK, Goodreads, and my book blog bionicSarahSbooks.Wordpress.com. After publication will also appear in Amazon Amazon UK.

4.5 Stars

I loved this! The plot was gripping, and our Min (Luzvimindo Arnaiz) a very loveable character. I felt real connections to him and some of his friends, and the horror was all the more horrific for it!

The only reason for the half-star loss is that she last part of the book, set in New York, felt a little rushed-especially given that the book is called “Below,” and this part of the story is where that title really becomes relevant. I felt like there were pieces of that part of the story I’d love to have read more about, such as Mac, Min’s underground dealer friend- and about his time in quarantine.

Alaric Cabiling manages to weave teaching into his beautifully written prose; I found myself learning about the Philippines, and how life can be for some living in more deprived areas, and about the ways in which children and adults alike struggle to make money while maintaining an awe-inspiring attitude to life (at least in some cases). Min and his friends are so positive and optimistic for their future careers and lifestyles, it really made the downfall of their group and their homes that much sadder and more painful.

Min’s circumstances weren’t idyllic from the start, living in the slums of Tondo, Manila, but he was happy and grateful for what he did have. It was tragic to watch him go from happily playing with his friends, or working with them scavenging for sellable scrap, to losing them and his parents, along with everything, everyone, and eventually everywhere he had ever known or loved.

Some of the side characters, specifically the ship’s Captain Ruiz- Min’s would-be adoptive father- were also heartwarming and thus heartbreaking to read about. Cabiling really knows how to write a tragic last line!

Thank you to NetGalley, Alaric Cabiling, and Asylum Art Press for granting me the eARC to review.

I’m so sorry, but I have to say that this book just wasn’t for me.
I was expecting more along the lines of a horror story set solely in the Philippines. I find these sorts of stories are usually some of the scariest around, hence the reason I picked this up.
Unfortunately, this was nothing like I was expecting. I found it disjointed and not a lot happening.

I would not recommend this book at all. It was a huge letdown, and not worth my time reading.

I had originally thought the premise was a good idea, and bonus points for it being a zombie apocalypse set in the Philippines. It's hard to come across books set in Asian countries that aren't supposed to be scholarly in some way. However, the main character leaves the Philippines and comes to America pretty early on, so half of the book isn't in Asia.

I think the author was trying to make a commentary on drugs = bad, education = good, but that commentary is confusing and overdrawn. He was beating a dead horse with the commentary. The main character, Min, plans to become a doctor and states multiple times that education is the only way forward and to avoid taking drugs. The statement of "education is the only way forward" is made multiple times by adults and Min. And Min attempts to stay in school up until the zombie apocalypse. What turns zombies into zombies? Drugs. And zombie bites, but that's typical zombie lore.

Min escapes to America, ends up in New York City, and almost immediately becomes addicted to heroin. There is commentary to be had here as well, about immigrants and unhoused peoples not being given adequate support by the American government. However, at one point, the author hits us with about a page and half/two pages of statistics about how drugs are bad, the crimes committed by drug addicts, etc. It reads almost like he found a medical article about addiction and just inserted it into the book. It was honestly super jarring and did not lend itself to a book about a zombie apocalypse at all.

This is the author's first book, and it seems like he has the potential to make either good horror books, or books with commentary about life in the Philippines, America's treatment of unhoused and drug addicts, and addiction itself. But this book ain't it.

I unfortunately did not like this book, it just wasn't for me. I wish the writer well and to keep writing, just not my favorite read.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the editor for sending me an advance copy of this upcoming title. Your hard work and dedication to this project are truly commendable, and I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to review it before its official release.

The depth and quality of this work are a testament to your meticulous attention to detail and your passion for bringing exceptional stories to life. From the engaging narrative to the well-developed characters, it's clear that a tremendous amount of effort has gone into every aspect of this book.

I am genuinely excited about this title and eager to share my thoughts and insights. Having the chance to read it in advance has been a wonderful experience, and I am confident that readers will be just as captivated by it as I am.

Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. Your support and trust in my feedback mean a great deal to me. I look forward to continuing to work together and witnessing the success of this fantastic book.

Thank you Netgalley, Alaric Cabiling and Asylum Art Press for the eArc of Below.

The premise of this book sounded promising, a post apocalyptic zombie horror in the grimy, dirty slums of the Philippines. From the POV of Min Arnaiz, a young lad, trying to survive this world that a street drug turns the user into a Zombie. The detail of the slums, what Min and his friends have to eat gets under your skin. It's surprising that they would ever survive in normal circumstances , let alone in a Zombie nation. It felt gritty and the world building of the village of Tondo, Manila is well detailed.

The timeline of the narrative itself has some small flashbacks of Min and his friends as Min makes his escape from the Philippines to get to New York City to find " Below " a safe space for non zombies. They are clearly marked and does well to character build Min. I did, however find this book a little too slow paced for me
3 stars

What a letdown. I'm sorry to be negative ... but this was awful: pointless, senseless, and a waste of a good idea. We have a zombie apocalypse resulting from a new variety of meth in the Philippines. Hmm! There's hints that this is about racism and colonialism but there's no clear link. The apocalypse begins but nothing makes any sense. Everyone's turning into a zombie. Perhaps the best and most chilling moment is when the lead and friends (about 12 years old) stumble upon their long lost buddy who's hitting up the drug and is barely alive. Our hero escapes to the states as the zombie rush reaches a critical point, He lands in New York ... and immediately gets addicted to drugs. Right. The addiction itself is ridiculous. The author quotes a lot of "Google scholar" material but clearly has no grasp on addiction. And where are these drugs coming from? America is on lockdown because of the zombification going on around the world but somehow heroin is streaming in. But this is just a small thing that receives most of the attention. Reading between the lines, all infrastructure, from electricity to the Internet, is completely unaffected even while society shuts down for several years. This is some kind of alternate speculative history because the lead gets covid. Yup! We've got the corona alongside the shabu. Why? Well, who knows. This is just supposed to be "horrific" ... as in scary, not a mess. We're also privy to a few heroic moments that feel extracted from an action video game and also, unsurprisingly, make zero sense. Like opening the underground waterways to wash out the zombies ... but somehow the lead survives, the only one somehow not washed away, even while zombies were gnawing on his bones ... of course, he doesn't last long ... he escapes only to be gunned down while turning into a zombie himself. Look, I get the sense this is the author's first book. The technical skill and hint at a unique perspective is there. But I can't in good conscience recommend this one. Leave it to the zombies and try again.

*Below* by Alaric Cabiling is a stunning debut that marks a triumphant return to the realm of literary horror. This novel captures the essence of classic horror masters like Stephen King and Peter Straub while carving out its own unique niche. Cabiling's vivid prose and elaborate detail bring the terrifying world of a modern zombie pandemic to life, set against the gritty backdrop of Tondo, Manila.

The story of *Below* is both haunting and compelling, as it explores the devastating impact of a zombie phenomenon triggered by tainted street drugs. The congested slums of Tondo provide the perfect setting for a frantic, unrelenting horror that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The protagonist, Min Arnaiz, offers a deeply human perspective on the apocalypse, narrating a harrowing journey from the chaotic streets of Manila to the sewers of New York City.

Cabiling's ability to blend striking imagery with stylish prose makes *Below* a standout in the genre. The novel's exploration of themes such as survival, courage, and the indomitable human spirit elevates it beyond a simple horror story. Min's transformation into a reluctant hero is both inspiring and heartbreaking,

Oof.

I really enjoyed this, if enjoy is the right word. I think what I appreciated most was the through line of basic human kindness that's typically missing from zombie stories, and never even close to the amount in this book.

This is a book of two parts, The Zombie genre has been done to death and this section adds nothing new to the story. To be fair I would say this of any Zombie, flesh-eating, virus-spreading yarn - it is all a bit boring and repetitive.

The other part is the story of living in the slums and scavenging for a living. Children are forced to do this to get a scrap of plastic, copper, or gold to help feed their families. The writing here has real depth. You can smell the smell, feel the heat, and breathe in the dust. For the 'real' story alone I give this book 3 stars