Darcy Coates 'From Below' plunges readers into a chilling tale of underwater horror that grips from start to finish. The novel excels in its evocative setting, vividly depicting the oppressive, eerie depths beneath the sea. Coates masterfully conveys the isolation and danger within the sunken SS Arcadia, crafting an atmosphere fraught with cold, pressure, and claustrophobia. These elements heighten the suspense, making it hard to put the book down.

While I usually struggle with dual timelines, 'From Below' adeptly employs them, particularly the 1920s narrative leading to the ship's demise. This storyline adds a chilling layer of mystery, keeping me engrossed in uncovering how the horrors unfolded and shaped the ship's fate. However, while hints are dropped about the cause, a deeper exploration of the backstory would have enriched the narrative.

In the present-day timeline, the exploration of the wreck induces a palpable sense of claustrophobia and suffocation, so immersive that I found myself holding my breath while reading.

Regarding the characters, some of their reckless decisions were frustrating and stressful, endangering their fellow divers. I won't spoil specific actions, but experiencing these characters firsthand adds to the immersion. Nonetheless, characters like Vanna (and even Hestie) shine through as relatable and likable.

Despite all the carefully crafted suspense and buildup, unfortunately, the revelation of the haunting presence in the sunken ship in the modern timeline felt somewhat abrupt and excessive, leaving me somewhat disappointed since I was expecting something more unique or unexpected, such as a different type of monster or entity.

Overall, 'From Below' remains an engaging read, especially for those intrigued by the eerie exploration of a sunken ship's mysteries.