This is one of those rare reads that’s both fascinating and frustrating in equal measure. A story with massive potential that doesn’t always hit the mark. The world building is undoubtedly the standout here: richly imagined, diverse, and immersive. Acrie paints an expansive universe filled with unique species and cultures, offering readers a vivid glimpse into a deeply layered sci-fi setting.

That said, the opening chapters feel overwhelming, as readers are introduced to a dizzying number of characters and alien species in rapid succession. The result is a bit of an info-dump that might’ve benefited from tighter editing or a slower reveal.

The plot itself is compelling and well paced, with moments of real narrative momentum. However, the writing style, which seemed like an almost stream-of-consciousness dive into the narrator’s thoughts was a miss. While Acrie clearly has a strong command of language and vocabulary, something about the execution feels unpolished, occasionally pulling the reader out of the story.

While I could not find Abaddon’s Trench on Fable, nor did I want to ruin the thus far perfect rating on GoodReads, I did not post a review to either of these platforms.

I do appreciate the opportunity to have read this book. Many thanks!

Abaddon's Trench pulled me in from the start with its eerie mystery and slow-build tension. Set on a watery alien world, the story follows eager intern Azamat Uxlow as he joins a research team investigating a strange contamination—only to find himself in way over his head. I really enjoyed how the book blended scientific exploration with a creeping sense of dread that kept building the deeper they went, literally and figuratively. The writing is sharp, the mystery is compelling, and I found myself flipping pages faster than I expected just to see what was lurking in that trench.

Yo. This book is like The Abyss met Among Us and had a creepy space-baby. 😱 I’m talkin’ deep-sea alien weirdness, corporate cover-ups, and a baby-faced intern who’s too curious for his own good (Azamat, I’m lookin’ at you!). I couldn’t put it down—every chapter made me yell “WHAT?!” out loud. If you like your sci-fi with a side of suspense and a dollop of “we-should-NOT-go-down-there,” then Abaddon's Trench is your next ride. 🛸🌊👀