Below is the debut novel from emerging Filipino American horror writer Alaric Cabiling. Below marks a return to literary horror not seen since the earliest books written by the biggest names in horror, namely Stephen King or Peter Straub. In Below, Cabiling paints scenes vividly, using elaborate detail, striking imagery, and stylish prose to craft a story of a zombie pandemic set in the modern age, where dirty chemical compounds in street drugs have led to a deterioration of brain function, causing the zombie phenomenon, where addicts are transforming, turning more savage and hungry, feeding on the ill and starving throughout the congested slums of Tondo, Manila and then, the world.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Below is a convincing literary horror novel in which protagonist Min ends up traversing an unnervingly realistic zombie-infested underground world. The story is well constructed, opening in the bustling, overcrowded slums of Manila, and effectively realizing the punishing effects of a disturbingly horrific worldwide pandemic.
Prose: Cabiling's text is tense and involving, benefitting from an excellent level of description that brilliantly evokes an atmosphere of frenzied panic and terror. The claustrophobic ambience on both the streets of Manila and life in the sewers is expertly wrought.
Originality: Below carries an enduring sense of terror that quickly spirals out of control. Cabiling's meticulous attention to detail elevates it above the average, run-of-the-mill zombie tale, resulting in a noteworthy and profoundly affecting horror novel.
Character/Execution: Min's dreams of becoming a doctor quickly dissipate as his friends start dropping like flies all around him. His descent into drug abuse and life in the sewers is powerfully realized by Cabiling, and the characters' sharp dialogue is incisive and enthralling.
Blurb: A grpping zombie apocalypse thriller.
Date Submitted: May 16, 2024
A book that "features expected jump scenes, close calls, and monstrous turned-creatures feasting on entrails like rope sausages," the real terror in Below by Alaric Cabiling is in the themes correlating poverty, drugs, consumerism, and corruption.
"Disturbing but no more demented than humans can be to one another, the apocalyptic novel Below is a widespread zombiegeddon with an appositely bleak tone."
"Overall, this is a thrilling, action-filled ride."
Cabiling is "a bold new voice in Filipino horror."
Below "promises literary horror and definitely delivers."
"Cabiling's ability to create suspense while exploring philosophical questions about existence makes it not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking one."
Deeply dark and violent, Below by Alaric Cabiling is a zombie-apocalypse-themed novel with some fresh ideas.
Strong character development, primarily focused on Min, results in a connection with the young boy and his fate as I found myself rooting for him. The pace is swift and impactful, but it is the exceptional writing style I liked the most. It seemed as if a 12-year-old boy was narrating the tale, and during the second half of the book, which is set 7 years later, the narrative matured accordingly.
Below is an excellent read for fans of zombie tales, replete with a surprising and bold finish.
