Great narration of underwhelming material.

The first two hours of this book were incredible. I loved the characterisation, the tension, and the narration, but, I then felt that nothing really happened for the next ten hours.
That wouldn't even be a problem, either, but the issue here is that the story is SO repetitive. It's not just that nothing happens, it's that the same exact nothing happens over and over again.
I was so disappointed with this one, but, you may enjoy it,.

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Oozing Claustrophobia

This is definitely not one for anyone with a fear of confined spaces. This is tightly packed, a woman, Gyre, alone in the often cramped tunnels of a massive and largely uncharted cave system. Alone in a tight, mechanical suit essential for keeping her alive but most importantly alone in her own mind as fear and paranoia mount. It's also a very tight book in that there are only two main characters to all intents and purposes as Gyre proceeds only with the company of her remote handler Em. There is a fair amount of detail about caving albeit with a certain level of sci-fi embellishment in terms of equipment.

There is plenty to like, the slow burn of increasing paranoia, the uncertainty about whether Gyre is alone in the cave system for long periods is sometimes well done. However, the publisher's suggestion that this has the 'intensive drive of The Martian and Gravity' doesn't do it any favours. The Luminous Dead takes its time, it delves deep into Gyre's feelings and emotions and holds no fears of repetition. It explores the ongoing relationship between Gyre and Em, two women seemingly poles apart and with literally miles of rock separating them who discover that they have similar drives and obsessions but also crucial differences. Anyone imagining hordes of zombies from the book title is going to be disappointed.

In some ways given the very restricted character set Adenrele Ojo's narration skills were not put to the sternest test. I thought she did a good job even if she isn't the most interesting to listen to during the narrative parts. I thought she really came into her own though during the dialogue and particularly the emotional or stressful scenes.

So, in all, I found this went on just a bit too long to really grab me. There was considerable repetitive thinking developing layers and resolving emotional issues from each of the women's lives, a voyage of discovery for both of them. For my personal tastes, I think the book could have been edited down a little but it will clearly depend on how much each reader feels they are invested in the characters. As I said the blurb talked about this having the drive of 'The Martian' and 'Gravity' but this really isn't what it delivers. For me, too much of the book was spent on fairly repetitive internal monologues and discussions while Gyre and Em moved in seemingly ever-decreasing circles. The ending while also dragged out a little bit more than necessary I probably enjoyed the most but I have to confess I was a little relieved to get there.

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12 people found this helpful

Worth a go.

So firstly this isn't the worst thing iv read/listened to, but it's certainly not the best either. Atmospheric and tense in places but I found that tension being ruined by a rather unlikable character. (trying to avoid spoilers). It's worth a go but considering I searched for horror and this came up, horror it is not.

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Cave of internal monologue

This story would of been better if it was half as long. There is some good storytelling here but it gets lost in a dull repetitive loop. The first few hours and last couple are good, the middle 8 hours is just a slog unfortunately.

The performance is fantastic. The story is essentially just two characters and they both feel bery real. Considering the material the narrator does a excellent job.

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tough job

the premise was strong the execution somewhat solid but its always a struggle with such a small cast to keep it energetic and compelling especially with a genre of sci-fi horror. the narrators performance was excellent. the lo-fi sci fi had it's moments and the horror lacked

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slow and depressing

this is a nook filled with darkness , depression and obsession. both characters are truly broken people and in the ordeal they punish themselves with they end ip clinging yo each other. it's a book difficult to rate as it well written but too long for me. it's also just too depressing and neither character us particularly likable, they are not horrible though. a tough one.

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super fun, spooky, claustrophobic story!

good narrator used to bring this story to life. a little scifi, a little psych horror, a little monster horror.

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not what I expected

went in expecting a zombie thriller and got an impressive tale of survival impressive

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Longwinded but a decent read

The story is good, does feel like it could have been cut down by a few chapters in places. Overall a good read the chacharacters are both a little bit unlikable despite the book really wanting you to invest in them. It isn't Vandemer or Weir but a good read nonetheless, I wouldn't class this as horror however if that's what you are mainly looking for, this is more of atmosphere thriller then horror.
The narrator did well in my opinion I enjoyed the way she read the book itself and distdistinguished between the characters.

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Brilliantly tense

This book kept me up at night 😅 It’s a great depiction of the claustrophobia and paranoia of moving through dark spaces under the earth. I’m really glad I took a chance on it!!

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