As Below by Lynzee Schott
First off, I would absolutely love to thank Lynzee Schott for accepting me onto her ARC Team, I so enjoyed reading your hard work!
As Below follows Samara, a twenty six year old woman living in a bunker at the bottom of the ocean. The sun scorched the earth 200 years ago and humanity was going to die. In a last ditch effort for human preservation they built a starfish shaped bunker at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, ruled by Warden Gryme and his ancestors. Everything goes smoothly, as long as you do everything they say, and have no Indicators. Sam feels like something is wrong, and desperately searches for a way to prove herself right, while avoiding being sent to the Vat.
As Below is like The 100 if it was in the ocean rather than in space, and if the main character was Octavia. Samara makes some really annoying high stakes no thoughts moves, she's very impulsive, dangerously so. She has a twin Mason, they were orphaned after the death of their parents and adopted by a couple who loved to tell stories about what life was like on the surface all those years ago. This is the knowledge that fuels Sam into believing there's something more out there, especially when you can be sent to the Vat just for talking about the surface in public.
As Below is detailed and very information packed so you're never confused, while also keeping up a huge mystery that leads to an amazing twist. It's fast paced and high stakes, constant questions of who to trust, what to believe, and secrets to keep. Everyone seems suspicious, and you'll never guess what happens.
I truly enjoyed this book, I think that the idea itself was fantastic, I love dystopian speculative fiction/science fiction and I love ocean books. The writing style took a little bit to get used to, but I also think Samara takes a little bit to get used to, she's very sarcastic and blunt, and is filled with "doom and gloom" cynicism. I'd also like to add that I freaking LOVE the cover, I kept checking the images on it when I came across certain things in the book. I definitely recommend to any fans who liked The 100, as well as those who enjoy sassy FMCs and dystopian novels.
#advancedreaderscopy #dystopianbooks #dystopian #bookrecommendations #bookrecs
Okay, let's talk about Samara from 'As Below' for a minute, because honestly, her character is what truly makes this book shine for me! Her 'desire' isn't just a plot device; it's the beating heart of the story, and it's incredibly relatable, even in an "underwater city" setting. From the moment we meet her, you can feel this restless energy, this burning need to understand *why*. She's not just vaguely curious; she has this deep-seated conviction that something is fundamentally wrong with the world she's been taught to accept. This powerful "samaradesire" to uncover the truth, to prove her instincts right, is what makes her such a "fiery FMC." It's not always logical; sometimes it's downright impulsive and gets her into trouble, landing her in precarious situations. But that raw, unyielding quest for knowledge is so compelling, it utterly draws you into her world. Think about it: living in a sealed bunker, 200 years after the surface was scorched, with every aspect of your life controlled, and the chilling threat of the 'Vat' looming for any perceived dissent. Yet, Samara can't quiet that inner voice, that nagging feeling that there's more to their history and their future than the Warden Gryme's regime allows. Her desire is profoundly fueled by the whispered stories of the surface world her adoptive parents shared – stories that directly contradict the official, sanitized narrative of their benevolent leaders. It’s a classic case of "rage against the machine," but made so incredibly personal and urgent through her eyes, making you root for her with every risky step. What I loved is how her 'desire' isn't just a static goal; it evolves. It starts as a deeply personal quest, a desperate need for validation of her own intuition, but it quickly morphs into something far bigger, something that challenges the very foundation of their tightly controlled society. You're right there with her, feeling the tension, the palpable fear of exposure, and the sheer audacity of her pursuit. Every secret she uncovers, every risky move she makes, is a direct consequence of that powerful inner drive. This makes her journey feel incredibly high-stakes, emotionally resonant, and utterly unpredictable. Her "desire" isn't polished or perfect; it's messy, flawed, and profoundly human, which makes her so much more real. She's sarcastic, blunt, and full of "doom and gloom" cynicism, but underneath it all, that relentless desire for truth keeps pushing her forward, forcing her to confront dangers head-on. This isn't just another dystopian thriller; it's a deep dive into the human spirit's fundamental need for authenticity and freedom, even when everything around you conspires to keep you in the dark. It’s truly inspiring to witness a character so fiercely driven by such a foundational human need. If you're looking for a protagonist who truly embodies a "rage against the machine" spirit and whose unwavering belief in 'something more' will absolutely grip you, then Samara's desire is a journey you won't want to miss.
