4 stars. Entertaining. Good sci fi. Not over complicated.
A little weird how the main character is very short and often speaks of how big and tall others are. Never explained.
A wry, sardonic wit pervades, which is pretty fun. More laugh-out-loud and the beginning, which drops off as things get more serious.
Reminiscent of Ray Bradbury or Michael Chrichton, with being a little more light and accessible. Fun read! ( )

I received this eBook from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.

I've never read this author prior to Beneath Gehenna, so, I wasn't sure what to expect. First off, I will say that I wasn't able to put it down. What started off as an alternative history of the world, turned into a dystopian vision of a post apocalyptic struggle for survival in a literal Hell on Earth, with the richest of the world's elites planning on living in luxury in an undersea bunker. The major subjects dealt with go beyond the human desire to survive - classism is studied heavily in this story, between the haves and the have nots, as well as the old money families and the newly rich. There wasn't a boring moment in this book. I highly recommend that everyone read it. ( )

This is a thoroughly engaging end-of-the-world drama. I found it a gripping read from start to finish. The truth about the state of the world, what has happened and is about to happen to it is slowly revealed. Just when you think you understand what it going on there is another twist and you realise that nothing is quite as simple as it first appears. This was a very good read and I am happy to recommend it. ( )

Disclosure: Got the book for free from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. Nobody (the author, publisher or LibraryThing) previewed this review before it went public.

The book starts with a hook, instead of providing a long and detailed backstory. The backstory is mentioned throughout the book, some of which I feel is important to include, some not so much.

It's written from a first person point of view, and could be considered a diary. People and things are referenced in the current and future point of view, which can be a bit confusing but can also get you to want to keep reading.

"We do not waken with any realization that at any moment, and from any direction, the gods may decide to move our lives in a direction we do not expect"

The length of each chapter feels right, and they flow from one chapter to another without you knowing it unless you are paying close attention.

It is interesting to read how different people are treated. If they have money, they are treat well, otherwise they are treated horrible. And how they are treated when they tell the truth.

"I swore a few of them said something about my presence, my intrusion into their world, but frankly, I was more comfortable here than in [my cabin]."

"Science officers? Attorneys? Did the New Eden Company consider every possible resource needed?"

There are a couple of times where humour comes out, it does help to make the book better, I wish there was more of it.

"If there is one thing that can be said about embarrassing bodily functions, it is that all people are prone to them regardless of their place on the pyramid of life. Money does not change the way your body reacts to outside influences."

The book ends very different from how you think it's going to end. Which is nice, and there could be a second book if the author wishes to continue.

"Pain is sometimes the most motivating thing the human body can conjure." ( )