What do you think?
Rate this book
12 Miles Below #2
A House Reborn
Danger stalks across the surface.
Tension and panic rise within the clan as whispers of a massive raider army of a size never before heard of, rallying together.
They plan a grand crusade to sweep across the white wastes, eliminating any who stand in their way. Their numbers are legion, their power and resources near limitless. And their course is set to cross the clan.
In these dark times, the people turn to their immortal leader, who orchestrates a counter-campaign, rallying allies and might from any corner he can find.
With war looming across the land, Keith will need to unravel the secrets of a power that shattered the world eons ago. It might very well be the clan's only salvation from the impending storm.
But he will have to do so alone.
Tension and panic rise within the clan as whispers of a massive raider army of a size never before heard of, rallying together.
They plan a grand crusade to sweep across the white wastes, eliminating any who stand in their way. Their numbers are legion, their power and resources near limitless. And their course is set to cross the clan.
In these dark times, the people turn to their immortal leader, who orchestrates a counter-campaign, rallying allies and might from any corner he can find.
With war looming across the land, Keith will need to unravel the secrets of a power that shattered the world eons ago. It might very well be the clan's only salvation from the impending storm.
But he will have to do so alone.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2023
321 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 21, 2023
main character is nothing more than a lame plot device.
MC is nothing but a tool to tell everyone else’s story. He’s weak, whiny, incompetent, lazy, and none of the story is really about him. Every thing he does and that happens to him is about other characters. His only claim to fame is supposedly being clever, which he absolutely is not. It’s one of the worst instances of “forced plot” I’ve seen ver read. I really hoped things would change as the story went on, but they really only got worse.
MC is nothing but a tool to tell everyone else’s story. He’s weak, whiny, incompetent, lazy, and none of the story is really about him. Every thing he does and that happens to him is about other characters. His only claim to fame is supposedly being clever, which he absolutely is not. It’s one of the worst instances of “forced plot” I’ve seen ver read. I really hoped things would change as the story went on, but they really only got worse.
November 25, 2025
Dangggg
🔥 ❄️ 🌨️ 💀 😂 👻 ⚔️ 🧰 🪙 🤐 🥷🕵️🫅🤼🧑💻🪷🪽🌌🦸🙊🙈👽👾🌚🌝🥶🤯😵💫😫😵🤬🫥🥳
🔥 ❄️ 🌨️ 💀 😂 👻 ⚔️ 🧰 🪙 🤐 🥷🕵️🫅🤼🧑💻🪷🪽🌌🦸🙊🙈👽👾🌚🌝🥶🤯😵💫😫😵🤬🫥🥳
January 19, 2025
Such an awesome book! I’ve gushed about the world building and the plot in my review for book 1 but I just can’t say enough good things about it. Everything in this book works for me
This is the book where we start to get more info on the magic system and where I feel the progression elements are really starting to kick off. The glyphs aren’t the most unique Idea but I love how its being implemented with the sci-fi elements. I don’t think we get enough magic power armor in fantasy. I also love to see our boy Keith being referred to as the first sorcerer knight. That’s so badass. As his understanding of the occult grows I’m imagining Kindra and Shadowsong both having their own deathless abilities. That paired with their winter blossom techniques enhanced skill will make them so epic to behold. Not to mention their Soul Sight being able to see different ideas and concepts. Being able to see combat concepts is badass but i can hardly imagine all the potential ways it could be used going forward.
The plot was also pretty much perfect. My only critique was the beginning portion of him trying to discover the secrets to the blades and armor went on a little long. Though I was never bored at all. I was just as fascinated as Keith in the occult and the implications of everything he was discovering.
I though the fight with Keith and Shadowsong was good story telling cause the motivations made sense and the natural escalation of events flowed nicely. It was also cool to see Keith show his wit nd grit to win that fight. I love characters like him so much.
Kindra is a badass leader of their family and her fight with To’Wrathh was the best fight so far in the series. I love the concept of the Feathers and even though she’s new and probably the weakest feather, seeing her so desperate made me even more excited to see what Kindra do in the future.
The chosen were and interesting idea and foible but I’m still waiting to see where that storyline goes before making my final opinion.
The slavers attack was epic, heart pounding and sad. Seeing everyone fight so desperately to get Keith to safety really brought some emotion out of me. Especially when you consider most of those people are relatively new to the family. Still so loyal.
Keith with occult magic was weirdly unexpected by me. I should have seen it coming but I was just as enthralled as everyone else. I want to see more Deathless magic! Though I do hope there’s some sort of limitation on how many an armor can hold. (Deathless can only hold a few themselves so it makes sense.
Finally I’m actually super excited and relieved that Atius won’t be around for awhile. I like him as a character but I want to see what our heroes do with their back against the wall and no safety net. I’m super pumped for book 3
This is the book where we start to get more info on the magic system and where I feel the progression elements are really starting to kick off. The glyphs aren’t the most unique Idea but I love how its being implemented with the sci-fi elements. I don’t think we get enough magic power armor in fantasy. I also love to see our boy Keith being referred to as the first sorcerer knight. That’s so badass. As his understanding of the occult grows I’m imagining Kindra and Shadowsong both having their own deathless abilities. That paired with their winter blossom techniques enhanced skill will make them so epic to behold. Not to mention their Soul Sight being able to see different ideas and concepts. Being able to see combat concepts is badass but i can hardly imagine all the potential ways it could be used going forward.
The plot was also pretty much perfect. My only critique was the beginning portion of him trying to discover the secrets to the blades and armor went on a little long. Though I was never bored at all. I was just as fascinated as Keith in the occult and the implications of everything he was discovering.
I though the fight with Keith and Shadowsong was good story telling cause the motivations made sense and the natural escalation of events flowed nicely. It was also cool to see Keith show his wit nd grit to win that fight. I love characters like him so much.
Kindra is a badass leader of their family and her fight with To’Wrathh was the best fight so far in the series. I love the concept of the Feathers and even though she’s new and probably the weakest feather, seeing her so desperate made me even more excited to see what Kindra do in the future.
The chosen were and interesting idea and foible but I’m still waiting to see where that storyline goes before making my final opinion.
The slavers attack was epic, heart pounding and sad. Seeing everyone fight so desperately to get Keith to safety really brought some emotion out of me. Especially when you consider most of those people are relatively new to the family. Still so loyal.
Keith with occult magic was weirdly unexpected by me. I should have seen it coming but I was just as enthralled as everyone else. I want to see more Deathless magic! Though I do hope there’s some sort of limitation on how many an armor can hold. (Deathless can only hold a few themselves so it makes sense.
Finally I’m actually super excited and relieved that Atius won’t be around for awhile. I like him as a character but I want to see what our heroes do with their back against the wall and no safety net. I’m super pumped for book 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
Absolute contrived plot
DNF at 15%
Unfortunately, the author decided to introduce a rather preposterous machine perspective.As the protagonist f#cked up big times AGAIN he once more endangers everyone!
Here the heavily contrived plot comes to play. Without the mentioned fck#up, the contrived video surveillance and the machines persistently acting against their programming and acting cordinated and macchiavellian all of sudden the whole plot could not happen - at least not that fast.
I found it preposterous that if the machines whose intent is to kill all humans would need a special order to destroy known human settlements when they are able to do so.The machine logic is fatally flawed with feelings which constantlymakes them behave like petulant children!
As the all out war against humanity is supposed to have lasted for centuries the sudden drastic change of their behaviour felt absurd.
DNF at 15%
Unfortunately, the author decided to introduce a rather preposterous machine perspective.As the protagonist f#cked up big times AGAIN he once more endangers everyone!
Here the heavily contrived plot comes to play. Without the mentioned fck#up, the contrived video surveillance and the machines persistently acting against their programming and acting cordinated and macchiavellian all of sudden the whole plot could not happen - at least not that fast.
I found it preposterous that if the machines whose intent is to kill all humans would need a special order to destroy known human settlements when they are able to do so.The machine logic is fatally flawed with feelings which constantlymakes them behave like petulant children!
As the all out war against humanity is supposed to have lasted for centuries the sudden drastic change of their behaviour felt absurd.
July 23, 2024
I connected with book 2 a lot more than book 1, arguably for much of the book things are less intense than book 1, but I think that works in its favour. Thats not to say there isnt some awesome combat, in fact near the end of the book we see a really incredible fight scene involving multiple characters that took the book all the way to 5 star for me.
If I had to say anything against the book it might be that it somewhat fails to commit to Keith being the MC, instead it somewhat feels like he's a deuteragonist with Kidra, which would be fine but we only see some pov from her and it just doesnt commit one way or the other, that being said her pov chapters are undoubtedly great. Its probably not helped that Keith makes a few discoveries to help the clan in this book, but virtually everyones else can then do what he can do but better, and it can lead to him falling to the wayside at times to other characters with stronger personalities and abilites.
So why did I still rate it 5 stars, well 1 because I'm picking at straws since this is still a fantastic book all round, but 2 its because the world is still developing and I see a lot of room for growth in a lot of ways for the MC, which hey is probably the point, so yeah highly reccomend the series so far.
If I had to say anything against the book it might be that it somewhat fails to commit to Keith being the MC, instead it somewhat feels like he's a deuteragonist with Kidra, which would be fine but we only see some pov from her and it just doesnt commit one way or the other, that being said her pov chapters are undoubtedly great. Its probably not helped that Keith makes a few discoveries to help the clan in this book, but virtually everyones else can then do what he can do but better, and it can lead to him falling to the wayside at times to other characters with stronger personalities and abilites.
So why did I still rate it 5 stars, well 1 because I'm picking at straws since this is still a fantastic book all round, but 2 its because the world is still developing and I see a lot of room for growth in a lot of ways for the MC, which hey is probably the point, so yeah highly reccomend the series so far.
June 27, 2024
This book shifts the focus off Kieth alone and brings in several additional POV characters. Unfortunately, I think that's to this book's detriment. It diluted the story, slowed the plot's pace, and lost a lot of the good character work that made the first story so strong. This is still an enjoyable story that delivers some interesting moments, but it's not quite as strong as its predecessor. As a result, I will admit to feeling a little checked out as the story ended. The plot remains interesting, but I'm missing the attachment to characters that usually keeps me hooked on a series.
I am still interested enough to pick up the next book in the series, but I will be hoping for a return of the character-led story of the first novel and hopefully re-focusing on Kieth. There is a lot of untapped potential in that character. As always, I am most interested in exploring stories featuring exceptional people realising their potential, so I want to see Kieth's story first and foremost.
Overall, this is probably a 3-star book for me, but I'll round up to account for personal tastes in storytelling.
I am still interested enough to pick up the next book in the series, but I will be hoping for a return of the character-led story of the first novel and hopefully re-focusing on Kieth. There is a lot of untapped potential in that character. As always, I am most interested in exploring stories featuring exceptional people realising their potential, so I want to see Kieth's story first and foremost.
Overall, this is probably a 3-star book for me, but I'll round up to account for personal tastes in storytelling.
September 24, 2024
It's really good. The unique setting, worldbuilding, plot, and "magic system" are all captivating and fun. Also, the author's obvious interest and experience with engineering and various other sciences adds a really awesome dimension when mixed with the fantasy elements.
The problem that almost led me to give it 4 stars instead of 5 (though it's far too original and promising for less than 5 stars yet) were two different things that sometimes made the reading sluggish and almost boring at times: when the MC got down into the minutia of using his engineering on the fantasy stuff and some of the chapters from the "enemy" POV, torath. Both of these were still mostly great and well done, the MCs breakthroughs were essential foundation for the rest of the story and the plot path for torath was easy to guess, interesting, and will definitely payoff, but my hangup was just on the sections that felt to go on too long or something and I'd find myself frequently zoning out and having to backtrack.
Book 3 has been fantastic so far though, with zero hangups whatsoever. In a way, a lot of book 2 was set up for book 3 and the rest of the series (and obviously book 1 was set up too, but that's expected and it was mixed in with the action and everything).
The problem that almost led me to give it 4 stars instead of 5 (though it's far too original and promising for less than 5 stars yet) were two different things that sometimes made the reading sluggish and almost boring at times: when the MC got down into the minutia of using his engineering on the fantasy stuff and some of the chapters from the "enemy" POV, torath. Both of these were still mostly great and well done, the MCs breakthroughs were essential foundation for the rest of the story and the plot path for torath was easy to guess, interesting, and will definitely payoff, but my hangup was just on the sections that felt to go on too long or something and I'd find myself frequently zoning out and having to backtrack.
Book 3 has been fantastic so far though, with zero hangups whatsoever. In a way, a lot of book 2 was set up for book 3 and the rest of the series (and obviously book 1 was set up too, but that's expected and it was mixed in with the action and everything).
January 8, 2026
This book was such a flop compared to book 1, which I loved, despite it not having too much progression.
The plot of this book was contrived and forced. With the enemy following none of the rules that were expected from book 1 with frequent POV’s from an entirely unnecessary character, the MC being frankly a disappointment who’s sole merit is achieving what others consider clever but really came off as pretty basic in my opinion, with the only reasons others hadn’t came up with such things in the past is because the authors says they didn’t.
Idk. I’m just very disappointed in this book. Hope #3 is better. I loved #1 although it had its flaws (failure MC with perfect sister) but omg this books took that too the extreme. I can’t in good conscience recommend it. If book 3 is fire I’ll come back and amend this. But for now I have to assume the next 4 books will be more like book 2 rather than book 1.
The plot of this book was contrived and forced. With the enemy following none of the rules that were expected from book 1 with frequent POV’s from an entirely unnecessary character, the MC being frankly a disappointment who’s sole merit is achieving what others consider clever but really came off as pretty basic in my opinion, with the only reasons others hadn’t came up with such things in the past is because the authors says they didn’t.
Idk. I’m just very disappointed in this book. Hope #3 is better. I loved #1 although it had its flaws (failure MC with perfect sister) but omg this books took that too the extreme. I can’t in good conscience recommend it. If book 3 is fire I’ll come back and amend this. But for now I have to assume the next 4 books will be more like book 2 rather than book 1.
November 10, 2023
Excellent followup to an already great story
The first two books are not perfect. Mark Arrows has a gnarled bit of writing here and there. Some parts drag a bit. And like a lot of authors he needs to do a bit more showing than telling. But overall this story is addictive.
The mix of occult and science is thought out. Hard to wrap my head around all of it. But that is fine. This is a mix of magic and science at heart. Or chaos theory and science. I admit, I like the premise.
I look forward to the rest. The best science fiction also has some roots in philosophy. I look forward to seeing where this all plays out.
Read this now if you have not already! The journey is worth it!
The first two books are not perfect. Mark Arrows has a gnarled bit of writing here and there. Some parts drag a bit. And like a lot of authors he needs to do a bit more showing than telling. But overall this story is addictive.
The mix of occult and science is thought out. Hard to wrap my head around all of it. But that is fine. This is a mix of magic and science at heart. Or chaos theory and science. I admit, I like the premise.
I look forward to the rest. The best science fiction also has some roots in philosophy. I look forward to seeing where this all plays out.
Read this now if you have not already! The journey is worth it!
October 2, 2023
The soul within the machine
This is an excellent story for readers who enjoy science fiction and fantasy novels.
Keith starts to step out of his father's shadow, embracing his technomancer gifts to defend his house and empower his clan against hostile machines and their human agents.
Meanwhile the Spider who killed his father and who Keith in turn destroyed is reborn as a feather with a mission to hunt Keith down and make him remember her.
This story is like an onion with secrets layered on secrets that gradually bring light to the history and magics of this dystopian future Earth.
This is an excellent story for readers who enjoy science fiction and fantasy novels.
Keith starts to step out of his father's shadow, embracing his technomancer gifts to defend his house and empower his clan against hostile machines and their human agents.
Meanwhile the Spider who killed his father and who Keith in turn destroyed is reborn as a feather with a mission to hunt Keith down and make him remember her.
This story is like an onion with secrets layered on secrets that gradually bring light to the history and magics of this dystopian future Earth.
October 3, 2023
not as good as the first one, and much less polished
The story in this book was pretty slow and a little uninteresting especially when compared to the first book but the biggest issue was the lack of care taken in the writing. A lot of incorrect word choice or typos (parameter used instead of perimeter, etc) and bad formatting that made it really hard to read. Massive time and location jumps happen between sentences in the same paragraph and as a reader you’re stuck trying to sort it out.
It’s a good series and I’ll keep reading them, but I really hope a proofreader and an editor get involved before too much longer.
The story in this book was pretty slow and a little uninteresting especially when compared to the first book but the biggest issue was the lack of care taken in the writing. A lot of incorrect word choice or typos (parameter used instead of perimeter, etc) and bad formatting that made it really hard to read. Massive time and location jumps happen between sentences in the same paragraph and as a reader you’re stuck trying to sort it out.
It’s a good series and I’ll keep reading them, but I really hope a proofreader and an editor get involved before too much longer.
October 24, 2023
An Amazing Follow Up
This book! This book right here might be one of the best sequels I have ever read. I loved it as much or more than the first one. The way that science and magic are blended together is phenomenal. Also love the way that the main character solves most problems with plans and strategies. I was on the edge of my seat all the way until the finish. I am so excited to see where this story goes. I have read a lot of stories and this is up there with the likes of Brandon Sanderson. Again, just so good.
This book! This book right here might be one of the best sequels I have ever read. I loved it as much or more than the first one. The way that science and magic are blended together is phenomenal. Also love the way that the main character solves most problems with plans and strategies. I was on the edge of my seat all the way until the finish. I am so excited to see where this story goes. I have read a lot of stories and this is up there with the likes of Brandon Sanderson. Again, just so good.
April 13, 2024
I really hope I enjoy this.
I don't know if I'm in a mood, but a lot of the books I read recently weren't enjoyable. I found myself taking longer to finish a book.
Okay. This book ended great, I can't wait to see what happens in book three.
I hope it keeps up the steam.
I did hear from many that the "progression" part doesn't happen till mid book three. The setup that I saw towards the end of this book does lead one to believe this statement might be true.
We will see.
3/5 Stars
I don't know if I'm in a mood, but a lot of the books I read recently weren't enjoyable. I found myself taking longer to finish a book.
Okay. This book ended great, I can't wait to see what happens in book three.
I hope it keeps up the steam.
I did hear from many that the "progression" part doesn't happen till mid book three. The setup that I saw towards the end of this book does lead one to believe this statement might be true.
We will see.
3/5 Stars
October 20, 2023
Great Follow Through
The plot for the second entry isn’t quite as sharp as the first book in the series but we get a lot of extra world building to make up for that. A stellar volume that avoids the sophomore slump and delivers on many promises of the first book. Can’t wait for more.
For fans of anything focusing on swordplay and those looking for a midpoint between Dune and Cradle.
The plot for the second entry isn’t quite as sharp as the first book in the series but we get a lot of extra world building to make up for that. A stellar volume that avoids the sophomore slump and delivers on many promises of the first book. Can’t wait for more.
For fans of anything focusing on swordplay and those looking for a midpoint between Dune and Cradle.
October 1, 2023
New favorite series
I really like the story and setting. It's a mix of post apocalyptic, magic, swords, and advanced technology. The world building is amazing. Can't wait for book 3
I really like the story and setting. It's a mix of post apocalyptic, magic, swords, and advanced technology. The world building is amazing. Can't wait for book 3
October 5, 2023
Great read!
The writing is excellent. Very descriptive and well thought out. The author has created a very detailed, in depth world with engaging characters. Definitely give it a shot!
The writing is excellent. Very descriptive and well thought out. The author has created a very detailed, in depth world with engaging characters. Definitely give it a shot!
October 9, 2023
Slow start, explosive finish
Taking the time to worldbuild that the first book lacked, the start of this book is a little slow. The world however is fascinating. Not lacking for action however, the third act is full of explosive action and I cannot wait for more.
Taking the time to worldbuild that the first book lacked, the start of this book is a little slow. The world however is fascinating. Not lacking for action however, the third act is full of explosive action and I cannot wait for more.
November 24, 2023
Better than the first book
The character and world development was very enjoyable. I wasn't sure I would enjoy the multiple perspectives but it ended up being just as fun and fast paced as the first book.
The character and world development was very enjoyable. I wasn't sure I would enjoy the multiple perspectives but it ended up being just as fun and fast paced as the first book.
November 27, 2023
Amazing book 2
This is a very different genre to what I normally read, yet I am loving it. It is borderline progression fantasy but is very satisfying at the same time. The mystery is also really gripping me!
This is a very different genre to what I normally read, yet I am loving it. It is borderline progression fantasy but is very satisfying at the same time. The mystery is also really gripping me!
December 19, 2023
The second book delivers
Wow. That was a journey. I love the way these books just fold everything into a little ball and we slowly peel away the layers one by one. It's like uncovering a mystery that we weren't even looking for.
Wow. That was a journey. I love the way these books just fold everything into a little ball and we slowly peel away the layers one by one. It's like uncovering a mystery that we weren't even looking for.
February 24, 2024
Great read!
I was so engrossed in the final battle between Keith and the slavers I couldn’t stop reading, even at the check out line at the drive in waiting for my food. Work was such an inconvenience when I only wanted to finish the book. Can’t wait for the next one!
I was so engrossed in the final battle between Keith and the slavers I couldn’t stop reading, even at the check out line at the drive in waiting for my food. Work was such an inconvenience when I only wanted to finish the book. Can’t wait for the next one!
August 19, 2024
This was painstakingly slow paced, in comparison to the first book!! 📖🧐😕
I’m so disappointed, I also struggled to get into the plotline, and tried to be optimistic with the story, but it just wasn’t possible for me🥲
I’m so disappointed, I also struggled to get into the plotline, and tried to be optimistic with the story, but it just wasn’t possible for me🥲
October 3, 2023
Excellent Read
The world building and plot of this series had me devouring both books as quickly as possible. Can’t wait for the next one!
The world building and plot of this series had me devouring both books as quickly as possible. Can’t wait for the next one!
October 21, 2023
Great story
Really enjoyed this second book. Keith is really coming into his own. Lots of action. Lots of heroes. Can't wait for the next one.
Really enjoyed this second book. Keith is really coming into his own. Lots of action. Lots of heroes. Can't wait for the next one.
October 26, 2023
Amazing
A fantastic read, can’t wait for the next one in the series to come out. One of my favourite series to have started this year.
A fantastic read, can’t wait for the next one in the series to come out. One of my favourite series to have started this year.
January 1, 2024
I can't believe how well written this is.. this is already at my top 5 series of all time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
Great pace, action, and characters. Loved it! Wonder why it's not a movie or series yet..
August 2, 2024
I do not think that word means what you think it means
October 15, 2024
Good fight scene and climax after a slow buildup
December 28, 2024
Really fun watching the characters grow. Getting a lot more into sword fighting in this one, which at times gets a bit drawn out. Still enjoying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews