I try to give authors a little extra grace when reading a debut book but this book was honestly a struggle to get through. I was expecting a book about zombies, not a 179-page lecture about how drugs are bad and education is good. While I don't mind social commentary in books, the message here felt very oversimplified and forcefully repeated.

The prose throughout the book often didn't feel like it flowed well and the dialogue was stilted. The book is told through a combination of flashbacks and present day narration, but the jumps between the two weren't always clear (and sometimes seemed unnecessary).

I do think the book had a good premise and initial setting. Hopefully the author will continue to work on his craft.

Tondo, Manila, Philippines is one of the worst possible places for a zombie apocalypse to break out, featuring dilapidated shanties housing crowded residents and congested populations, allowing for a frantic feeding frenzy from which there is no escape. Main character Min Arnaiz narrates the story, taking readers on a holocaustic journey touched with tragedy and despair throughout the streets of aforementioned Tondo, Manila, Philippines, escaping to New York City where he settles in the sewers, nicknamed Below by residents.

I enjoyed this, it’s well written and paced. I’m not sure that the comparison to Stephen King is fair on the author as the writing style is very different. But, it’s good fun and in places disturbing. It’s gruesome and entertaining too, which is what makes this genre a good read.

Below starts off set in the Philippines where drug addicts start to turn into zombies. From there the story is disjointed and doesn’t flow very well. There is an extreme lack of world building. Many parts don’t make sense.

I love a good zombie apocalypse, but this just wasn’t it.

Unfortunately, I do not recommend Below

Thank you to NetGalley and Asylum Art Press for the advance copy.

Great characters and well written. I love how invested in the characters the author made me. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

I'm a HUGE fan of zombie fiction, and 'Below' definitely did not disappoint! This was a guy wrenching story. One of the things i lived most about it was that it's not like every other zombie novel on the market. Non-stop twists and turns kept the story moving. It pulled me in from the very beginning and broke my heart before I'd reached the end.

A+ read! I'm very thankful I was able to read this one early!

I’ve read quite a lot of horror recently, especially as Spooky Season has just finished, but these were mainly of the ghosts and haunting variety. I haven’t read a good Zombie thriller since before Covid, and so I was excited to jump into Below.

Min lives in the slums of Manilla, going to school and scavenging for trash to sell in his spare time, his parents have always warned him against using drugs and with good reason. Addicts, already scary to the young boy, are beginning to change, transforming into monsters that crave blood.

It’s odd to have a zombie pandemic book where the monsters are actually just called Zombies, as opposed to something made up in the realm of fantasy. Initially this did jar me out of the narrative a few times, but it makes sense that it would be named as such. These are very traditional style zombies, dead behind the eyes and intent on biting humans, passing on their disease to others. I did really like how it was brought about by a synthetic style of drug, and how users know that this will happen to them, but are still powerless to resist using it.

Min’s story had a great progression, both in setting and in character development and the latter half of the book, set in America was heartbreaking in places as you watched Min grow up and change after his trauma. The book pulls no punches with death, and so many times you got attached to people only for them to die or succumb to the zombies. I did think the initial America chapters felt a little too preachy in terms of drug use and regulation – we had already got the point at this stage, it didn’t need to be hammered home again and again. The ending pulled no punches, but I enjoyed it – I think it was the best version of the ending that could have been told.

Overall, Below is a punchy Zombie thriller with an important message about how we treat those in society. Thank you to NetGalley & Art Asylum Press for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My thanks Asylum Art Press, Alaric Cabiling and Netgalley.
Jeezum crow! That was my final thought upon completion of this tale.
This was one engaging read that had me gripped right up to the moment that Mindo left home and came to the states.
He was such a downright lovable person that I felt his hurt. Then the story shifted to the states, and that's when Min broke my heart.
It's funny how some characters can find a place in a reader and make us love them so much, and then the author shakes it all up and then character flaws show up. I love that or hate it! I suppose it all depends on how they're written.
I hated the drug aspect of the story. Mostly because I was once that. But, I can also understand how one could lose every one or thing that would make them decide that, yes, I can now lose myself in drugs because everything and everyone is now gone.
I confess that I truly disliked the ending. Yet the story was so good that I'm willing to put personal feelings aside and give the author his due. Mr. Cabiling can tell a damned story!

I hate to say it but this book was SO hard to get into. I tried for months. I kept going back and trying but I couldn’t. I was excited about it though because zombies is always gonna get me. I’m not going to say it’s bad but it’s definitely not for me.

So my technical rating, broken down, would be as follow:

2 ½ stars +1 debut author bonus = 3 ½ stars, rounded up to 4, because that's how rounding works. Plus, this is zombies, and I haven't read a fun, unique zombie novel in a quite a little bit.

So "Below" is by indie and debut author Alaric Cabiling, and he sets his little drug-filled zombie-fest squarely in the poverty and squalor of one of the poorest areas in the Philippines, which is Barangay Happyland. "Happyland" is the home of some of Manila's poorest, living off the trash, much of it plastic, of the city. When I first heard this term Happyland, I thought the author was making this up. Sadly, he is not, as I discovered with a quick Google search that gave me this result:

https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/life-happyland-people-living-manilas-rubbish-pictures

The setting of the story strongly reminded me of a short dystopian I just read on reactor.com, titled "The Plasticity of Being" by Renan Bernardo. It's freely available on the Reactor site.

So 12-year-old Min dreams of becoming a doctor, goes to school with his friends, helps his family by scavenging through trash, and tries to avoid the local drug dealers. But a toxic combination of pollutants, newly concocted drugs, and poverty combine to create the chemical zombie out of the miasma of poverty, despair, and chemical poisons. The result is a drug zombie, which also reminded me of another story about drug zombies, but this one in a lighter, almost slapstick tone: "Spice, Zombie, Apocalypse" by Simon Carr.

"Below" is a brutal portrayal of poverty and drug addiction, and I think that it excels as this type of story. As a zombie story, it needs a little more polish. A few more guts and viscera and blood to be slung about and dribbled and spilled. A few more close calls.

I enjoyed the first person perspective, and especially the ending of the story. And I will certainly be on the look out for this up-and-coming horror novelist. Kudos to the author!

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.