Review of What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher

Synopsis:
The next installment in the New York Times bestselling Sworn Soldier series, featuring Alex Easton investigating the dark, mysterious depths of a coal mine in America

Alex Easton does not want to visit America.

They particularly do not want to visit an abandoned coal mine in West Virginia with a reputation for being haunted.

But when their old friend Dr. Denton summons them to help find his lost cousin—who went missing in that very mine—well, sometimes a sworn soldier has to do what a sworn soldier has to do…

Review:
“And now we were talking about feelings. I would almost rather he had poured the burning oil on me.” (Page 154)

I could not put this book down! I loved all Alex’s quips on life and keeping to themselves, and poor Dr. Denton and his cousin. I really enjoyed seeing Angus get on with Dr. Denton’s equivalent–very capable people all around. I adored how Alex internally reasoned and tried so hard to not let fear get the best of them, because, you know, they certainly aren’t afraid. I absolutely adore the writing style and voice of this novel; it’s a big part of what ensnares you, because it is almost like a journal written in first person as you go along on the adventure with everyone.

“Christ’s blood, now what?” I asked. Kent appeared and pressed coffee into my hands. I blessed him and all his kin and swore undying fealty to his house. I took several sips of coffee before I realized I’d been speaking Gallacian, which was probably just as well. (Page 76)

This was certainly a different type of paranormal than the last two books, and I quite enjoyed the novelty of it as I haven’t read of anything of the sort before!

Highly recommend for those who enjoyed Mexican Gothic, and enjoy Gothic Horror/Fantasy in general. It’s one that will leave you waiting for another adventure to come along, though I am certain Alex wishes they were done with that life, thank you very much.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯