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What Feeds Below
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26The darkness isn’t empty. It’s hungry.
At the edge of the City of the Void, a massive chasm extends miles into the earth, its treacherous terrain overrun with vicious monsters and carnivorous plants. For orphaned best friends Petra and Jade, guiding treasure-seeking tourists down into the Void is the only way to earn enough to pull themselves up out of the slums for good.
Petra prefers to play it safe and take jobs only in the Void’s upper levels, where the dangers are better understood, while Jade wants to risk a descent to the deepest and most mysterious Sixth Layer. Because the deeper they go, the better the payout, and the sooner their dreams can become reality. Their friendship is Petra’s whole world, and Jade’s approval means everything—so Petra agrees to do it Jade’s way.
When their job goes wrong and Jade is lost in the Void, Petra must plunge deeper than she’s ever dared to save her friend. But she doesn’t know the truth of the Void . . . or what really waits for her in its depths.
At the edge of the City of the Void, a massive chasm extends miles into the earth, its treacherous terrain overrun with vicious monsters and carnivorous plants. For orphaned best friends Petra and Jade, guiding treasure-seeking tourists down into the Void is the only way to earn enough to pull themselves up out of the slums for good.
Petra prefers to play it safe and take jobs only in the Void’s upper levels, where the dangers are better understood, while Jade wants to risk a descent to the deepest and most mysterious Sixth Layer. Because the deeper they go, the better the payout, and the sooner their dreams can become reality. Their friendship is Petra’s whole world, and Jade’s approval means everything—so Petra agrees to do it Jade’s way.
When their job goes wrong and Jade is lost in the Void, Petra must plunge deeper than she’s ever dared to save her friend. But she doesn’t know the truth of the Void . . . or what really waits for her in its depths.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
14 people are currently reading
2299 people want to read
About the author
Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
3 books380 followersTatiana is the author of the horror novels Such Lovely Skin, The Mean Ones, and What Feeds Below (Fall 2026.) She has an MFA from The Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Iowa. When she’s not writing, she’s either gaming, lifting weights, or teaching people how to lift weights. She is of Japanese, Mexican, and European descent, and lives in Iowa. Find her on IG @thebuffwriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
arc-netgelley
March 7, 2026the arc gods have blessed me bc what is my luck!!!
November 9, 2025
Beta read review: you guys, I read this in ONE SITTING because I couldn't put it down. Absolutely cannot wait to read the final copy again and gift it to everyone next year because I think it might already be my favorite book of 2026 😱
Want to read
December 29, 2025this is NOT a drill...WE HAVE A COVER!!!!
Tatiana girlie give me this now!
Tatiana girlie give me this now!
Read
March 5, 2026I blurbed this one!
"Fast-paced, suspenseful, and plenty gory, What Feeds Below is a richly-imagined fantasy horror novel that you'll want to devour in one sitting rather than feed on for days, but be careful: it'll linger long after you've gobbled up the final page."
"Fast-paced, suspenseful, and plenty gory, What Feeds Below is a richly-imagined fantasy horror novel that you'll want to devour in one sitting rather than feed on for days, but be careful: it'll linger long after you've gobbled up the final page."
Want to read
March 7, 2026⋆˚✿˖°
pre-read: gorgeous cover depicting a city with a void overrun by monsters and carnivorous plants? say no more.
pre-read: gorgeous cover depicting a city with a void overrun by monsters and carnivorous plants? say no more.
December 17, 2025
Read for work, creature descriptions had me fully creeped out and the ending 😫😫😫😫😫😭😭😭😭😭😭
Read
February 14, 2026What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First- let me say a huge THANK YOU to Tatiana and Boozhoo Books for allowing me to read the Advanced Copy, which releases on October 6th.
Now on to the good stuff…
Wow!!!! What a WILD ride!!! This is a YA horror that had spore horror, body horror, world building, fantastical creatures, cave diving, strong FMCs and so much more!!
I used to play World Of Warcraft, heavily! And I honestly felt like I was playing WoW, on a quest with my friends. This book was such a fun read but also had my heart racing and my face stuck in a “ew 😨” expression most of the time. The detailed descriptions used for the beings that lived in the Void made my skin crawl, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
This was one hell of a story and I am here for it 👏 I know what my bookclub will be reading in October!!!
A quick word about Tatiana: I was raised on horror. Reading R.L. Stein and Stephen King, watching horror movies at a very young age. But nothing has been quite as relatable as Tatiana’s stories. She writes characters that relate to me on levels I never knew existed. Her books capture my attention from the beginning and have me gutted throughout the entire read. She’s quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors and an auto-buy. She’s also very sweet and down to earth and I love how she interacts with her readers. You can tell she truly cares about her audience and the work she puts out.
If you like horror, I highly recommend checking out one of her books!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First- let me say a huge THANK YOU to Tatiana and Boozhoo Books for allowing me to read the Advanced Copy, which releases on October 6th.
Now on to the good stuff…
Wow!!!! What a WILD ride!!! This is a YA horror that had spore horror, body horror, world building, fantastical creatures, cave diving, strong FMCs and so much more!!
I used to play World Of Warcraft, heavily! And I honestly felt like I was playing WoW, on a quest with my friends. This book was such a fun read but also had my heart racing and my face stuck in a “ew 😨” expression most of the time. The detailed descriptions used for the beings that lived in the Void made my skin crawl, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
This was one hell of a story and I am here for it 👏 I know what my bookclub will be reading in October!!!
A quick word about Tatiana: I was raised on horror. Reading R.L. Stein and Stephen King, watching horror movies at a very young age. But nothing has been quite as relatable as Tatiana’s stories. She writes characters that relate to me on levels I never knew existed. Her books capture my attention from the beginning and have me gutted throughout the entire read. She’s quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors and an auto-buy. She’s also very sweet and down to earth and I love how she interacts with her readers. You can tell she truly cares about her audience and the work she puts out.
If you like horror, I highly recommend checking out one of her books!!
March 6, 2026
Third time is the charm with Tatiana as she delivers a rooted narrative steep in terrifying knee-jerking plant horrors. Face your deepest fears and join the land of the living dead as your body becomes entangled with mother nature’s children. A deep dive into a cave that will have you wishing you stayed inside and remained curious. A sharp and twisting narrative that is both rich in flowery diction to make you scratch your skin away. Cell by cell you will lose your mind in this terrifying tale where the what lies beneath needs to be consumed.
What do you think of when you look into the abyss? Well, here you do not need to answer that because Tatiana beautifully describes the terrors that await us within the eerie void. You will get entangled in this narrative page by page. I promise that you will fall in love with a writing style that delivers a poetic punch and grasps you with fragrant descriptions. The message here is deeper than getting lost in our existential dread…
And who does not love a story with a fantastic character development? We are thrown into the psyches before and after the void. If there even is an after. Absolutely blown away by the sheer psychoanalysis we read the actions of the protagonist. There is something special here for the horror audience. An eerie read to fall in love with beneath the surface this October. And my goddess does this cover do this narrative justice. Thank you Bindery books, Tatiana Schlote-Bonne, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy.
Stay tuned to my blog for more updates on this fantastic upcoming young adult release!
For more tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews, check out my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com
What do you think of when you look into the abyss? Well, here you do not need to answer that because Tatiana beautifully describes the terrors that await us within the eerie void. You will get entangled in this narrative page by page. I promise that you will fall in love with a writing style that delivers a poetic punch and grasps you with fragrant descriptions. The message here is deeper than getting lost in our existential dread…
And who does not love a story with a fantastic character development? We are thrown into the psyches before and after the void. If there even is an after. Absolutely blown away by the sheer psychoanalysis we read the actions of the protagonist. There is something special here for the horror audience. An eerie read to fall in love with beneath the surface this October. And my goddess does this cover do this narrative justice. Thank you Bindery books, Tatiana Schlote-Bonne, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy.
Stay tuned to my blog for more updates on this fantastic upcoming young adult release!
For more tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews, check out my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com
Want to read
December 28, 2025dare i say it... my new all-time favourite cover?
Want to read
December 29, 2025This cover stopped me in my tracks
March 10, 2026
4.5 Stars
This was a wild blend of horror, sci-fi and fantasy. I had the BEST time reading this. I think it might be my new favorite from Tatiana.
I don't know how she nails the body gore while writing because there's only a handful of authors who have ever made my stomach turn. It was nasty as hell in here, but I LOVED it. Also, the world building and the creatures were incredible. It was uniquely written in her style and touch, but also so vibrantly different from her other novels.
IT WAS FUN. I had FUN!!! And the plot twist?? got me GOOD.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc!
This was a wild blend of horror, sci-fi and fantasy. I had the BEST time reading this. I think it might be my new favorite from Tatiana.
I don't know how she nails the body gore while writing because there's only a handful of authors who have ever made my stomach turn. It was nasty as hell in here, but I LOVED it. Also, the world building and the creatures were incredible. It was uniquely written in her style and touch, but also so vibrantly different from her other novels.
IT WAS FUN. I had FUN!!! And the plot twist?? got me GOOD.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Boozhoo Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
If you like creepy underground settings, terrifying creatures, and a whole lot of body horror, “What Feeds Below” by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne is definitely a book that will stick with you. It’s basically a nightmare adventure set in a massive underground chasm called the Void, and it’s as gross, intense, and fascinating as it sounds.
The story follows Petra, a guide who takes thrill-seeking tourists down into the Void, which is a dangerous cave system filled with bizarre plants, deadly animals, and plenty of things that would love to eat you. Petra and her best friend Jade run these tours to make money so they can eventually build a better life, but everything falls apart during a mission when Jade gets stranded deep in the Void.
Naturally, Petra decides she’s going after her, even though the deeper layers of the Void are way more dangerous than anything she’s dealt with before. Along the way she teams up with her childhood friend Flint, who is basically the more practical voice of reason compared to Petra’s questionable decision-making skills.
The first part of the book focuses on Petra trying to rescue Jade, but that storyline actually turns out to be more of a setup for the real adventure. Once Petra, Jade, and Flint decide to travel all the way down to the Sixth Layer, the deepest and most dangerous part of the Void, the story really kicks into high gear.
One of the biggest highlights is the worldbuilding. The Void is incredibly vivid, with different environments like underground forests, caves, abandoned ruins, and lakes filled with bizarre lifeforms. Petra is also obsessed with studying the Void’s plants and experimenting with them to make medicine, which adds some cool detail to the setting.
But fair warning: this book is very heavy on the horror. There’s a lot of gore and body horror, including dismemberment, mutated bodies, parasitic creatures, and plants that can literally grow inside people. It’s the kind of book that will make you say “ew” out loud more than once. If you love body horror, then you will absolutely love this book. The author does not pull any punches with the descriptions, which are quite graphic, especially for a YA book.
The relationships between the characters are also a big part of the story. Petra and Jade have a really intense bond since they basically grew up together, but their friendship gets complicated as the story goes on, especially once it becomes clear that Jade is hiding something huge. There’s also a bit of romance between Petra and Flint, but it’s pretty subtle and doesn’t take over the plot.
The pacing is a little uneven at times. The rescue mission feels a bit anticlimactic, and it takes a while for the deeper expedition to start. But once the group heads toward the Sixth Layer, the action ramps up quickly and the story turns into a nonstop survival adventure.
There are also some interesting themes mixed in with the horror. The book touches on things like survival, loyalty, identity, and even the ethics of dangerous tourism since guides like Petra risk their lives to protect wealthy adventurers exploring the Void.
And then there’s the twist. There’s a pretty big reveal involving creatures from the Void that can disguise themselves as humans, and while you might see part of it coming, the full extent of it is wild and changes how you see the characters and the world.
The ending leans fully into the horror vibe too. It’s twisty, unsettling, and leaves you with that lingering creepy feeling long after you finish the book.
Overall, “What Feeds Below” is a dark, cinematic mix of fantasy, adventure, and botanical horror. If you’re into stories about dangerous expeditions, monstrous ecosystems, and characters trying to survive in a place that definitely wants them dead, this one is a pretty unforgettable ride; just maybe don’t read it while eating.
If you like creepy underground settings, terrifying creatures, and a whole lot of body horror, “What Feeds Below” by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne is definitely a book that will stick with you. It’s basically a nightmare adventure set in a massive underground chasm called the Void, and it’s as gross, intense, and fascinating as it sounds.
The story follows Petra, a guide who takes thrill-seeking tourists down into the Void, which is a dangerous cave system filled with bizarre plants, deadly animals, and plenty of things that would love to eat you. Petra and her best friend Jade run these tours to make money so they can eventually build a better life, but everything falls apart during a mission when Jade gets stranded deep in the Void.
Naturally, Petra decides she’s going after her, even though the deeper layers of the Void are way more dangerous than anything she’s dealt with before. Along the way she teams up with her childhood friend Flint, who is basically the more practical voice of reason compared to Petra’s questionable decision-making skills.
The first part of the book focuses on Petra trying to rescue Jade, but that storyline actually turns out to be more of a setup for the real adventure. Once Petra, Jade, and Flint decide to travel all the way down to the Sixth Layer, the deepest and most dangerous part of the Void, the story really kicks into high gear.
One of the biggest highlights is the worldbuilding. The Void is incredibly vivid, with different environments like underground forests, caves, abandoned ruins, and lakes filled with bizarre lifeforms. Petra is also obsessed with studying the Void’s plants and experimenting with them to make medicine, which adds some cool detail to the setting.
But fair warning: this book is very heavy on the horror. There’s a lot of gore and body horror, including dismemberment, mutated bodies, parasitic creatures, and plants that can literally grow inside people. It’s the kind of book that will make you say “ew” out loud more than once. If you love body horror, then you will absolutely love this book. The author does not pull any punches with the descriptions, which are quite graphic, especially for a YA book.
The relationships between the characters are also a big part of the story. Petra and Jade have a really intense bond since they basically grew up together, but their friendship gets complicated as the story goes on, especially once it becomes clear that Jade is hiding something huge. There’s also a bit of romance between Petra and Flint, but it’s pretty subtle and doesn’t take over the plot.
The pacing is a little uneven at times. The rescue mission feels a bit anticlimactic, and it takes a while for the deeper expedition to start. But once the group heads toward the Sixth Layer, the action ramps up quickly and the story turns into a nonstop survival adventure.
There are also some interesting themes mixed in with the horror. The book touches on things like survival, loyalty, identity, and even the ethics of dangerous tourism since guides like Petra risk their lives to protect wealthy adventurers exploring the Void.
And then there’s the twist. There’s a pretty big reveal involving creatures from the Void that can disguise themselves as humans, and while you might see part of it coming, the full extent of it is wild and changes how you see the characters and the world.
The ending leans fully into the horror vibe too. It’s twisty, unsettling, and leaves you with that lingering creepy feeling long after you finish the book.
Overall, “What Feeds Below” is a dark, cinematic mix of fantasy, adventure, and botanical horror. If you’re into stories about dangerous expeditions, monstrous ecosystems, and characters trying to survive in a place that definitely wants them dead, this one is a pretty unforgettable ride; just maybe don’t read it while eating.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An immersive, gruesome tale of danger and suspense. What Feeds Below follows two best friends who risk their lives daily by taking tourists on expeditions into the Void. The Void is a dangerous chasm full of terrifying creatures, deadly plants, and treacherous paths. The mysterious chasm lures explorers to discover its secrets across its six levels. The deeper explorers go, the deadlier and more rewarding treasures they might find. When one normal expedition goes wrong, Petra and Jade become separated. Petra fights to find Jade before it’s too late while trying her best to stay alive. Petra doesn’t realize, however, that the deeper she goes into the Void, the closer she gets to uncovering a secret that will change her life forever.
Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. This story kept me on the edge of my seat for the rest of the day! It gripped me and held me in suspense chapter after chapter. The Void was its own character; it was beautiful, deadly, mysterious, and shocking. This was a true body horror story; each victim suffers a gruesome, gory death that you can’t look away from. Not only will readers recoil at what the victims go through physically, but they’ll get to see the mental deterioration that often follows. I enjoyed the high-stakes nature of the story, learning all about the divers, the reasons why they’d even risk going into the Void, and how the city above it developed as it did. The atmosphere felt deeply uncomfortable; you never knew what might occur next. The tension and suspense lingered even after the story ended. Although the main character was slightly frustrating, I had to remind myself she was a teenager and doing the best she could while trapped in a nightmare.
The only frustration that kept me from rating this book five stars was its final page. The last chapter concluded the story well; I felt it neatly wrapped up the character’s journey, and I was satisfied right up to the very last page. The last 80+ words in the last chapter gutted me. I was so thrown off and even a bit upset at those very last words in the chapter that I had to take a break before writing this review.
**Sort of a spoiler**Do not proceed further unless you really want to**
This is my personal opinion, and some readers might like how the final page concluded the story. The last few words in the story felt like a letdown. Up until that point, as the reader, you felt like the story would move further along even after its ending. Important knowledge discovered by the characters would aid the city and its divers, as shown at the beginning of the last chapter. One of the main characters had tremendous growth and had finally broken out of her shell; however, the way the chapter ended felt like it had all been for nothing. The final words were bleak and didn’t feel like they fit with the way the final chapter was going. I’d like to emphasize that the writing, its story, and the world were fascinating, so the way it ended really threw me off. The final words, in my opinion, cheapened the ending. However, some readers might like the twist in the end and enjoy it.
For readers who enjoy atmospheric dread, dangerous creatures, and gory deaths
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts.
Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. This story kept me on the edge of my seat for the rest of the day! It gripped me and held me in suspense chapter after chapter. The Void was its own character; it was beautiful, deadly, mysterious, and shocking. This was a true body horror story; each victim suffers a gruesome, gory death that you can’t look away from. Not only will readers recoil at what the victims go through physically, but they’ll get to see the mental deterioration that often follows. I enjoyed the high-stakes nature of the story, learning all about the divers, the reasons why they’d even risk going into the Void, and how the city above it developed as it did. The atmosphere felt deeply uncomfortable; you never knew what might occur next. The tension and suspense lingered even after the story ended. Although the main character was slightly frustrating, I had to remind myself she was a teenager and doing the best she could while trapped in a nightmare.
The only frustration that kept me from rating this book five stars was its final page. The last chapter concluded the story well; I felt it neatly wrapped up the character’s journey, and I was satisfied right up to the very last page. The last 80+ words in the last chapter gutted me. I was so thrown off and even a bit upset at those very last words in the chapter that I had to take a break before writing this review.
**Sort of a spoiler**Do not proceed further unless you really want to**
This is my personal opinion, and some readers might like how the final page concluded the story. The last few words in the story felt like a letdown. Up until that point, as the reader, you felt like the story would move further along even after its ending. Important knowledge discovered by the characters would aid the city and its divers, as shown at the beginning of the last chapter. One of the main characters had tremendous growth and had finally broken out of her shell; however, the way the chapter ended felt like it had all been for nothing. The final words were bleak and didn’t feel like they fit with the way the final chapter was going. I’d like to emphasize that the writing, its story, and the world were fascinating, so the way it ended really threw me off. The final words, in my opinion, cheapened the ending. However, some readers might like the twist in the end and enjoy it.
For readers who enjoy atmospheric dread, dangerous creatures, and gory deaths
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Advanced reading copy entrusted to me for blurb consideration from Boozhoo Books, a Bindery imprint from acquisitions editor, Naomi (fromthemixedup desk) who is committed and dedicated to 'uplifting Indigenous voices and making space for Indigenous books on shelves'. This aligns with my goals to center horror books by women in underrepresented communities. I read, The Mean Ones by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne and fell in love with her storytelling style and imagination, so I leapt at the opportunity to be a first-reader of What Feeds Below
I don’t know how to take my entire reading experience and all of my notes and feelings about this book and what makes it so great and try to boil it down to a few sentences. Somehow, someWAY, she understands modern horror readers, and more specifically, her own niche audience and delivers EXACTLY what we want.
Like a Horror-Fantasy Alchemist, Tatiana Schlote-Bonne pulled in my adolescent obsession with high fantasy and elaborate world-building and blended it with my hyper-fixations with
-Sporror (fungus-horror)
-Descent horror
-Body horror
-Anime-style quest narratives
-Intricately plotted, character-driven, horror with heart
-Elaborate, vivid, atmospheric eco-centered setting where the location is a standalone character
-Two MC protagonists who are best friends, opposites, and have an intense, relational dynamic with a strong gravitational pull on the reader--I could not STOP reading! I love how the author gave Jade and Petra unique voices and played them against each other but stayed mindful of the ways in which they fight for each other
My mind is honestly blown. Tatiana Schlote-Bonne writes specifically for me, I am her target audience. She serves impossibly high-stakes (big risks with the promise of emotional devastation), fully developed, unique characters to fall in love with (total upfront investment) and an intricately plotted story where she taps some hyper-specific niche obsession. I don't know how she does it.
Official blurb:
"Tatiana Schlote-Bonne is a horror genre alchemist, a mixologist able to blend together niche sub-genres and cultural hyper-fixations to create wildly satisfying stories that hit on so many levels. What Feeds Below is horror-fantasy hybrid centering an opposites attract friend dynamic, plunges them into an anime-style quest drama set in a horror landscape with high-fantasy elements. This is addictive brain-candy. I could live in this book."
I don’t know how to take my entire reading experience and all of my notes and feelings about this book and what makes it so great and try to boil it down to a few sentences. Somehow, someWAY, she understands modern horror readers, and more specifically, her own niche audience and delivers EXACTLY what we want.
Like a Horror-Fantasy Alchemist, Tatiana Schlote-Bonne pulled in my adolescent obsession with high fantasy and elaborate world-building and blended it with my hyper-fixations with
-Sporror (fungus-horror)
-Descent horror
-Body horror
-Anime-style quest narratives
-Intricately plotted, character-driven, horror with heart
-Elaborate, vivid, atmospheric eco-centered setting where the location is a standalone character
-Two MC protagonists who are best friends, opposites, and have an intense, relational dynamic with a strong gravitational pull on the reader--I could not STOP reading! I love how the author gave Jade and Petra unique voices and played them against each other but stayed mindful of the ways in which they fight for each other
My mind is honestly blown. Tatiana Schlote-Bonne writes specifically for me, I am her target audience. She serves impossibly high-stakes (big risks with the promise of emotional devastation), fully developed, unique characters to fall in love with (total upfront investment) and an intricately plotted story where she taps some hyper-specific niche obsession. I don't know how she does it.
Official blurb:
"Tatiana Schlote-Bonne is a horror genre alchemist, a mixologist able to blend together niche sub-genres and cultural hyper-fixations to create wildly satisfying stories that hit on so many levels. What Feeds Below is horror-fantasy hybrid centering an opposites attract friend dynamic, plunges them into an anime-style quest drama set in a horror landscape with high-fantasy elements. This is addictive brain-candy. I could live in this book."
March 8, 2026
ARC review copy received from NetGalley.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this copy of What Feeds Below in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the book. Unfortunately, I really did not enjoy my time reading it.
A comment that I kept seeing repeated, over and over again, in other reviews for this ARC is that the concept and plot/setting for What Feeds Below is "so unique!" and that there's nothing else like it, which is why it's getting such high praise. But from the moment I started the book, I realized from the very first description of the Void (the large hole in the ground with descending layers of ever-increasing levels of danger to the intrepid adventurers that venture into its depths) is exactly the same concept of the manga and anime Made in Abyss. even down to the fact that prolonged exposure to the environment can cause illness, extending to the possibility of changing into a monster if you're exposed for too long.
I understand that anime and manga are extremely different mediums. I also understand that it's very possible that the author was just inspired by MiA, and wanted to create her own work in a very similar world. This would be completely fine, if this new version were enjoyable to read, or engaging, or had interesting twists and turns. This was not the case, in my opinion, though others may disagree.
I found both of the two main characters, Petra and Jade, insufferable for completely different reasons. I will not be getting into spoilers for my review, in case anybody else wants to read it and see for themselves if this book is their cup of tea (and it may be! I don't claim to speak for everyone here). But I will say that while Petra is annoying for, I would say, about 85% of the book, she does at least have a character arc in which she grows as a person.
There is what I imagine is supposed to be a plot twist at the end of the book that I started to predict around the 50% mark. it feels like something the book has been making clear the entire way through, but is played like a shocking twist at the last minute. There were a lot of things about this book that just did not come together to work for me, which was a shame because I really wanted to like it. I am a big fan of the show that I mentioned that I believe inspired it, so I did think I would enjoy this book as well. It does have an amazing cover, at least.
My thanks again to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this copy of What Feeds Below in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the book. Unfortunately, I really did not enjoy my time reading it.
A comment that I kept seeing repeated, over and over again, in other reviews for this ARC is that the concept and plot/setting for What Feeds Below is "so unique!" and that there's nothing else like it, which is why it's getting such high praise. But from the moment I started the book, I realized from the very first description of the Void (the large hole in the ground with descending layers of ever-increasing levels of danger to the intrepid adventurers that venture into its depths) is exactly the same concept of the manga and anime Made in Abyss. even down to the fact that prolonged exposure to the environment can cause illness, extending to the possibility of changing into a monster if you're exposed for too long.
I understand that anime and manga are extremely different mediums. I also understand that it's very possible that the author was just inspired by MiA, and wanted to create her own work in a very similar world. This would be completely fine, if this new version were enjoyable to read, or engaging, or had interesting twists and turns. This was not the case, in my opinion, though others may disagree.
I found both of the two main characters, Petra and Jade, insufferable for completely different reasons. I will not be getting into spoilers for my review, in case anybody else wants to read it and see for themselves if this book is their cup of tea (and it may be! I don't claim to speak for everyone here). But I will say that while Petra is annoying for, I would say, about 85% of the book, she does at least have a character arc in which she grows as a person.
There is what I imagine is supposed to be a plot twist at the end of the book that I started to predict around the 50% mark. it feels like something the book has been making clear the entire way through, but is played like a shocking twist at the last minute. There were a lot of things about this book that just did not come together to work for me, which was a shame because I really wanted to like it. I am a big fan of the show that I mentioned that I believe inspired it, so I did think I would enjoy this book as well. It does have an amazing cover, at least.
My thanks again to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Petra and Jade are orphans and best friends, practically sisters. They live near the Void—a deep chasm full of mutated creatures and carnivorous plants.
To survive, they work in the upper two layers of the Void, guiding rich tourists on short adventures. They usually stay in the safer areas, but it’s still dangerous and they’re always one small mistake away from death.
In need of cash to chase their dreams, they agree to bring a tourist down to the third layer. When their trip goes wrong, Petra is forced to journey to the bottom of the Void to save Jade.
🍄Upper Young Adult Fiction
🐛Cave Horror Thriller
🍄Botanical Fantasy
🐛Rescue Adventure
🍄Dangerous Creatures
🐛Treasure Hunting
'What Feeds Below' is a captivating horror thriller set in an underground cave system. As the characters explore, they discover vicious creatures, an abandoned city, deadly plants, and lots of giant mushrooms. It's an adrenaline pumping adventure with nonstop action.
Despite her difficult childhood, Petra wants to see the best in people. She's extremely dependent on her friendship with Jade, who's her only family and safety line. With that gone, she goes through a quest to find her inner strength. My only complaint about her character is that she’s too passive for too long.
Petra packs a lot of information in the first few chapters. It feels like you get to join her on one of her guided tours, which was a fun way of adding to the worldbuilding. The setting is engaging, scary, claustrophobic, and detailed. Some of the resulting horror elements are so disturbing that I was anxious to turn the page.
One thing that stood out is the way this story examines the ethics of danger tourism. The guides keep the tourists safe by putting their own lives at risk, for very little money. It kept reminding me of the dangers faced by the Sherpas who help people climb Mount Everest. I thought that was an intriguing and relevant problem to have hovering over the characters’ heads.
Overall, this book is full of botanical horror and would make a wild movie.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bindery Books, and Boozhoo Books for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
To survive, they work in the upper two layers of the Void, guiding rich tourists on short adventures. They usually stay in the safer areas, but it’s still dangerous and they’re always one small mistake away from death.
In need of cash to chase their dreams, they agree to bring a tourist down to the third layer. When their trip goes wrong, Petra is forced to journey to the bottom of the Void to save Jade.
🍄Upper Young Adult Fiction
🐛Cave Horror Thriller
🍄Botanical Fantasy
🐛Rescue Adventure
🍄Dangerous Creatures
🐛Treasure Hunting
'What Feeds Below' is a captivating horror thriller set in an underground cave system. As the characters explore, they discover vicious creatures, an abandoned city, deadly plants, and lots of giant mushrooms. It's an adrenaline pumping adventure with nonstop action.
Despite her difficult childhood, Petra wants to see the best in people. She's extremely dependent on her friendship with Jade, who's her only family and safety line. With that gone, she goes through a quest to find her inner strength. My only complaint about her character is that she’s too passive for too long.
Petra packs a lot of information in the first few chapters. It feels like you get to join her on one of her guided tours, which was a fun way of adding to the worldbuilding. The setting is engaging, scary, claustrophobic, and detailed. Some of the resulting horror elements are so disturbing that I was anxious to turn the page.
One thing that stood out is the way this story examines the ethics of danger tourism. The guides keep the tourists safe by putting their own lives at risk, for very little money. It kept reminding me of the dangers faced by the Sherpas who help people climb Mount Everest. I thought that was an intriguing and relevant problem to have hovering over the characters’ heads.
Overall, this book is full of botanical horror and would make a wild movie.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bindery Books, and Boozhoo Books for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some books invite you into their worlds. Others drag you straight into the abyss and dare you to keep reading. This one absolutely does the latter.
What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne drops readers into a nightmare that is as mesmerizing as it is terrifying. At the center of the story is Petra, a guide who helps thrill-seeking tourists descend into the mysterious Void—a massive chasm crawling with monstrous creatures, carnivorous plants, and secrets buried far deeper than anyone should dare to go.
For Petra and her best friend Jade, the Void isn’t just a place of danger. It’s survival. It’s their only chance to claw their way out of the slums and build the future they’ve been dreaming about. But dreams have a way of turning into nightmares when greed, desperation, and curiosity push people further than they should go.
When a job spirals disastrously wrong and Jade disappears into the depths, Petra is forced to do the one thing she’s always feared: descend deeper into the Void than anyone should. And the deeper she goes, the clearer it becomes that the Void isn’t just dangerous—it’s alive, hungry, and hiding truths that could unravel everything.
What makes this story so gripping isn’t just the relentless danger or the unsettling worldbuilding (though both are incredible). It’s the emotional core of the novel—the fragile, complicated bond between two girls who have only ever had each other. Petra’s journey isn’t just about survival; it’s about identity, loyalty, and discovering who you are when the person who defined your world is suddenly gone.
Schlote-Bonne builds a setting that feels both cinematic and claustrophobic. The underground landscape teems with grotesque flora and terrifying creatures, creating an atmosphere that feels equal parts adventure and horror. Every page pulls you deeper, and the tension rarely lets up.
What Feeds Below is dark, immersive, and impossible to look away from—a story that blends dystopian adventure with botanical horror in a way that feels completely unique.
Just be warned: once you start descending into the Void, turning back isn’t really an option.
What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne drops readers into a nightmare that is as mesmerizing as it is terrifying. At the center of the story is Petra, a guide who helps thrill-seeking tourists descend into the mysterious Void—a massive chasm crawling with monstrous creatures, carnivorous plants, and secrets buried far deeper than anyone should dare to go.
For Petra and her best friend Jade, the Void isn’t just a place of danger. It’s survival. It’s their only chance to claw their way out of the slums and build the future they’ve been dreaming about. But dreams have a way of turning into nightmares when greed, desperation, and curiosity push people further than they should go.
When a job spirals disastrously wrong and Jade disappears into the depths, Petra is forced to do the one thing she’s always feared: descend deeper into the Void than anyone should. And the deeper she goes, the clearer it becomes that the Void isn’t just dangerous—it’s alive, hungry, and hiding truths that could unravel everything.
What makes this story so gripping isn’t just the relentless danger or the unsettling worldbuilding (though both are incredible). It’s the emotional core of the novel—the fragile, complicated bond between two girls who have only ever had each other. Petra’s journey isn’t just about survival; it’s about identity, loyalty, and discovering who you are when the person who defined your world is suddenly gone.
Schlote-Bonne builds a setting that feels both cinematic and claustrophobic. The underground landscape teems with grotesque flora and terrifying creatures, creating an atmosphere that feels equal parts adventure and horror. Every page pulls you deeper, and the tension rarely lets up.
What Feeds Below is dark, immersive, and impossible to look away from—a story that blends dystopian adventure with botanical horror in a way that feels completely unique.
Just be warned: once you start descending into the Void, turning back isn’t really an option.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I encountered this book on Instagram and saw it was advertised as a mix of Annihilation and Made in Abyss, so naturally, I caught an ARC faster
than a snagglegrass catches a bird. And I'm so happy I got it because WFB was everything I could have asked for AND MORE.
The best thing about this book is the worldbuilding. It's soooo lush and immersive. The author either has a vast knowledge of natural biology or is very good at convincing readers she does. The entire Void ecosystem is incredibly well thought out: the way certain species have come to thrive in the Void, evolved to attract & attack their prey (which might often be unlucky Void divers...) I won't give spoilers, but I will say that the phrase "anal teeth" has been burned to my mind for good. Besides the Void, the world on the surface is very interesting, from the cults to the menace that are Void diseases. All people have stone-related names, which I thought was a great detail :D What Feeds Below also does a very good job of depicting the problems of tourism: Rich tourists spend immense amounts of money on experiencing the wonders of the Void, while locals risk their lives to provide those experiences and are still barely able to make a living.
The story is filled with action, but not overwhelmingly so. Pacing is solid. The ending... Initially I disliked it, but after revisiting the earlier chapters and having some time to digest the book (much like a skinleech would digest a limb) I've grown to understand it. Now my only problem with the ending is that it came waaay too soon! I need a second book right now, even though the first one isn't even out yet.
PS: The body horror in this one is very well written. A couple of passages literally made me go "EW EW EW"out loud, which has never happened before. You have been warned. 😭
An enormous thank you for the ARC goes to Tatiana Schlote-Bonne and Bindery Books.
than a snagglegrass catches a bird. And I'm so happy I got it because WFB was everything I could have asked for AND MORE.
The best thing about this book is the worldbuilding. It's soooo lush and immersive. The author either has a vast knowledge of natural biology or is very good at convincing readers she does. The entire Void ecosystem is incredibly well thought out: the way certain species have come to thrive in the Void, evolved to attract & attack their prey (which might often be unlucky Void divers...) I won't give spoilers, but I will say that the phrase "anal teeth" has been burned to my mind for good. Besides the Void, the world on the surface is very interesting, from the cults to the menace that are Void diseases. All people have stone-related names, which I thought was a great detail :D What Feeds Below also does a very good job of depicting the problems of tourism: Rich tourists spend immense amounts of money on experiencing the wonders of the Void, while locals risk their lives to provide those experiences and are still barely able to make a living.
The story is filled with action, but not overwhelmingly so. Pacing is solid. The ending... Initially I disliked it, but after revisiting the earlier chapters and having some time to digest the book (much like a skinleech would digest a limb) I've grown to understand it. Now my only problem with the ending is that it came waaay too soon! I need a second book right now, even though the first one isn't even out yet.
PS: The body horror in this one is very well written. A couple of passages literally made me go "EW EW EW"out loud, which has never happened before. You have been warned. 😭
An enormous thank you for the ARC goes to Tatiana Schlote-Bonne and Bindery Books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Tatiana for this phenomenal example of YA horror.
I consumed this in 6 hours, I really didn't want it to stop. It left me so hungry for more; the ending is still sitting with me several days later.
"The darkness isn't empty, it's hungry"
At the edge of the City of the Void, there lies a chasm descending miles into the Earth. A dangerous tourist attraction, the locals attempt to make a living guiding wealthy visitors down. Each level becomes more dangerous as you go, and very few have survived their way to level 6 and back, so the deeper you go, the bigger the payout.
Each layer features mutating flora and fauna; deeper layers have rare gems that sell for a pretty penny. Don't spend too much down there, or you too could become a resident of the void!
Jade and Petra have spent the past 5 years at an orphanage together; best friends and practically sisters. They spend their days guiding tourists down the 1st and 2nd level, hoping to make enough money to be set up for their future.
Jade pushes Petra to try and go deep for a better payday, and one day Petra is convinced; one trip to the third level, find something rare, and maybe they'll be set for life?
Or maybe the job will go wrong, and, it does.
Petra must venture further than she ever has in order to save her best friend. Can she succeed before the void changes them all forever?
Tatianna's brain is a work of art, creating an immersive and visually stimulating world in novel format. It might make you laugh/cry/want to throw your e-reader across the room at 1:00am.
This novel feels like a descent into the Marianas trench and a climb up Mount Everest. There were so many times I went "this is so unsafe, why would anyone do this-oh this already happens in the real world".
This is for fans of movies like the Descent, Annihilation, and anyone else wanting an amazing YA horror.
Expected to come out October 6th, 2026, so I highly recommend you pre-order ASAP!
I'm not going to stop shutting up about this,
5🍄s/5!
I consumed this in 6 hours, I really didn't want it to stop. It left me so hungry for more; the ending is still sitting with me several days later.
"The darkness isn't empty, it's hungry"
At the edge of the City of the Void, there lies a chasm descending miles into the Earth. A dangerous tourist attraction, the locals attempt to make a living guiding wealthy visitors down. Each level becomes more dangerous as you go, and very few have survived their way to level 6 and back, so the deeper you go, the bigger the payout.
Each layer features mutating flora and fauna; deeper layers have rare gems that sell for a pretty penny. Don't spend too much down there, or you too could become a resident of the void!
Jade and Petra have spent the past 5 years at an orphanage together; best friends and practically sisters. They spend their days guiding tourists down the 1st and 2nd level, hoping to make enough money to be set up for their future.
Jade pushes Petra to try and go deep for a better payday, and one day Petra is convinced; one trip to the third level, find something rare, and maybe they'll be set for life?
Or maybe the job will go wrong, and, it does.
Petra must venture further than she ever has in order to save her best friend. Can she succeed before the void changes them all forever?
Tatianna's brain is a work of art, creating an immersive and visually stimulating world in novel format. It might make you laugh/cry/want to throw your e-reader across the room at 1:00am.
This novel feels like a descent into the Marianas trench and a climb up Mount Everest. There were so many times I went "this is so unsafe, why would anyone do this-oh this already happens in the real world".
This is for fans of movies like the Descent, Annihilation, and anyone else wanting an amazing YA horror.
Expected to come out October 6th, 2026, so I highly recommend you pre-order ASAP!
I'm not going to stop shutting up about this,
5🍄s/5!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an e-ARC on Netgalley.
Do you like:
✅ Body horror
✅ The Descent movie
✅ Complicated friendships
✅ Gorgeous imagery
Two hundred years ago a sinkhole exposed what is now called The Void to surface dwellers. Inside The Void there are six levels. Less than a handful have ever made it to the sixth. Petra and Jade are Void Divers who lead tourists through the Void. Petra dreams of opening a clinic and becoming a doctor. Jade has always been there for Petra so of course when Jade suggests they finally enter the third level, Petra has to agree. Sometimes it's best to listen to your gut and not your best friend.
I am a huge fan of botanical horror and pretty covers. What Feeds Below got my attention immediately with just the cover.
What begins as an adventure story for two girls who want to improve their lives quickly turns into a rescue mission gone wrong and reveals horrible truths. Much like the movie The Descent, the relationship between friends becomes the main focus even with the dire circumstances around them. I truly felt like I was seeing a friendship many of us have gone through and felt the ache of it from high school me. Adding on carnivorous plants and mutants who will attack you just adds so much more. This is a fast paced story that will leave you holding your breath and panicking right with the characters.
I'm still thinking about the ending 🥲
Do you like:
✅ Body horror
✅ The Descent movie
✅ Complicated friendships
✅ Gorgeous imagery
Two hundred years ago a sinkhole exposed what is now called The Void to surface dwellers. Inside The Void there are six levels. Less than a handful have ever made it to the sixth. Petra and Jade are Void Divers who lead tourists through the Void. Petra dreams of opening a clinic and becoming a doctor. Jade has always been there for Petra so of course when Jade suggests they finally enter the third level, Petra has to agree. Sometimes it's best to listen to your gut and not your best friend.
I am a huge fan of botanical horror and pretty covers. What Feeds Below got my attention immediately with just the cover.
What begins as an adventure story for two girls who want to improve their lives quickly turns into a rescue mission gone wrong and reveals horrible truths. Much like the movie The Descent, the relationship between friends becomes the main focus even with the dire circumstances around them. I truly felt like I was seeing a friendship many of us have gone through and felt the ache of it from high school me. Adding on carnivorous plants and mutants who will attack you just adds so much more. This is a fast paced story that will leave you holding your breath and panicking right with the characters.
I'm still thinking about the ending 🥲
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OH. MY. GOD.
I was SO not prepared when I started this book. This is my first read by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne and it will not be my last!
The vibes I related What Feeds Below to were The Descent x The Apothecary Diaries x Atlantis The Lost Empire.
I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn’t stop reading. My mind was so alive with visualizing- this whole world of the void is as incredibly brilliant as it is brilliantly terrifying.
We start off with Petra and Jade, void divers, deciding to take a risk and dive a bit deeper into the void than ever before with their current tourist client. The task seems simple enough, and they need the money to go towards making their dream a reality.
I was completely in awe, drinking in the void and its creatures with the eyes of a tourist. The beautiful imagery, the wonder and mystery of this place.
But every void level is full of dangerous creatures and carnivorous plants, everything in there doesn’t want you to leave. The fun, good times exploration void tour is soon over and Petra and Jade get separated. But the wondrous awe for the world the author created remains for the whole story. (Even the gory disgusting bits)
This is a story that will worm into your brain and stay there. I will NEVER stop screaming about this book!!
Thank you so so much to NetGalley and Bindery Books for this eARC, what a thrilling journey this was!
I was SO not prepared when I started this book. This is my first read by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne and it will not be my last!
The vibes I related What Feeds Below to were The Descent x The Apothecary Diaries x Atlantis The Lost Empire.
I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn’t stop reading. My mind was so alive with visualizing- this whole world of the void is as incredibly brilliant as it is brilliantly terrifying.
We start off with Petra and Jade, void divers, deciding to take a risk and dive a bit deeper into the void than ever before with their current tourist client. The task seems simple enough, and they need the money to go towards making their dream a reality.
I was completely in awe, drinking in the void and its creatures with the eyes of a tourist. The beautiful imagery, the wonder and mystery of this place.
But every void level is full of dangerous creatures and carnivorous plants, everything in there doesn’t want you to leave. The fun, good times exploration void tour is soon over and Petra and Jade get separated. But the wondrous awe for the world the author created remains for the whole story. (Even the gory disgusting bits)
This is a story that will worm into your brain and stay there. I will NEVER stop screaming about this book!!
Thank you so so much to NetGalley and Bindery Books for this eARC, what a thrilling journey this was!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for access to this e-ARC.
I think I just found my favorite read of the month????? And it's only February 7???? My god, this really just ticked ALL MY BOXES. Annihilation vibes? Check. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood inspiration? Check. The Descent inspired? FUCKING CHECK AND CHECK. Atlantis: The Lost Empire vibes? CHECK CHECK CHECK. Holy fucking shit.
I'm not usually a YA reader, truth be told. But I love Tatiana's work so much that I had to subscribe to the Bindery imprint, Boozhoo Books, so I could be an early reader for her next book. And I am so incredibly glad that I did. First, the cover is amazing. Just gorgeous. Second, the book itself was SO CINEMATIC. I really could see the inspiration and how it all came together to create one truly disgusting dive. The body horror is top notch and I really couldn't even tell the characters were YA except for a few instances. Like I just treated this like a movie in my mind and it works SO FUCKING WELL. Have I mentioned the BODY HORROR? The amount of times I said "YUCK" out loud made my wife laugh.
I loved this. I loved this. I loved this. I cannot wait for my physical copies to come in so I can put them on my shelf (yeah I may have preordered multiple, what of it?).
DO NOT WALK, *RUN* TO BUY THIS.
I think I just found my favorite read of the month????? And it's only February 7???? My god, this really just ticked ALL MY BOXES. Annihilation vibes? Check. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood inspiration? Check. The Descent inspired? FUCKING CHECK AND CHECK. Atlantis: The Lost Empire vibes? CHECK CHECK CHECK. Holy fucking shit.
I'm not usually a YA reader, truth be told. But I love Tatiana's work so much that I had to subscribe to the Bindery imprint, Boozhoo Books, so I could be an early reader for her next book. And I am so incredibly glad that I did. First, the cover is amazing. Just gorgeous. Second, the book itself was SO CINEMATIC. I really could see the inspiration and how it all came together to create one truly disgusting dive. The body horror is top notch and I really couldn't even tell the characters were YA except for a few instances. Like I just treated this like a movie in my mind and it works SO FUCKING WELL. Have I mentioned the BODY HORROR? The amount of times I said "YUCK" out loud made my wife laugh.
I loved this. I loved this. I loved this. I cannot wait for my physical copies to come in so I can put them on my shelf (yeah I may have preordered multiple, what of it?).
DO NOT WALK, *RUN* TO BUY THIS.
February 9, 2026
4.5 rounded up to 5!
As always, thank you so much Edelweiss & Tatiana for the advanced copy.
Another knockout from Tatiana, but I wasn’t expecting anything less. At first, I was a little overwhelmed with the world building. There was a lot of detail to consider in the void, void creatures, lore, etc. I’m truly fascinated by the amount of thought creating the void, how beautiful I imagined this “lost” city & their goddess.
Once I got past that, Petra (Pet) and Jade had me in their ropes. Two orphaned girls giving void tours to save money and open a clinic at the orphanage where they live. Pet is seriously
Codependent, and when Jade finds herself in an impossible position on a void tour gone wrong, Pet has to get brave and get help.
Rallying the company of Flint, Pets childhood friend, she makes an agreement to go all the way down to the sixth—the deepest part of the void in exchange for his help. Newtons law kind of kicks in here, everything that could go wrong…DID.
This story kept me guessing long enough to be binge read in two sittings, with a classic horror ending, which is ultimately what brought everything together. Body horror, fantasy/horror blend, and a dash of misery, and this is what you get.
As always, thank you so much Edelweiss & Tatiana for the advanced copy.
Another knockout from Tatiana, but I wasn’t expecting anything less. At first, I was a little overwhelmed with the world building. There was a lot of detail to consider in the void, void creatures, lore, etc. I’m truly fascinated by the amount of thought creating the void, how beautiful I imagined this “lost” city & their goddess.
Once I got past that, Petra (Pet) and Jade had me in their ropes. Two orphaned girls giving void tours to save money and open a clinic at the orphanage where they live. Pet is seriously
Codependent, and when Jade finds herself in an impossible position on a void tour gone wrong, Pet has to get brave and get help.
Rallying the company of Flint, Pets childhood friend, she makes an agreement to go all the way down to the sixth—the deepest part of the void in exchange for his help. Newtons law kind of kicks in here, everything that could go wrong…DID.
This story kept me guessing long enough to be binge read in two sittings, with a classic horror ending, which is ultimately what brought everything together. Body horror, fantasy/horror blend, and a dash of misery, and this is what you get.
March 9, 2026
I received a copy of the EARC of What Feeds Below from NetGalley in exchange for my review. This novel is a young adult fantasy horror set in a country that contains a large, six layered cave like structure in the ground that is largely unexplored but known to be deadly and filled with mysterious creatures that have been transformed by deepest level’s core, a glowing rock providing life sustaining effects to the world below. The void, as it is known, provides danger tourism to the local economy and the story follows Petra, a young woman who supports herself by acting as a tour guide to the “safer” upper layers of the void alongside her best friend Jade. When they encounter misadventure on one of their guided tours, they must use their well honed skills to survive the gruesome human eating creatures of the void.
This novel has such a well written story, the world building is fantastic. The horrifying creatures are so well described you can imagine them in your mind as you’re reading; the body horror and plant based descriptions of mutations were so fascinating yet foul! The character development of Petra was so well written too, and the twist ending was so well executed. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
This novel has such a well written story, the world building is fantastic. The horrifying creatures are so well described you can imagine them in your mind as you’re reading; the body horror and plant based descriptions of mutations were so fascinating yet foul! The character development of Petra was so well written too, and the twist ending was so well executed. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Immediately pivck upthis gripping. fast-pacedWhat Feeds Below' is a terrifying, hallunation of nightmare fuel. The void is a huge, deep pit that goes for miles underground. The void with its creatures and other things; carnivorous plants that will swallow you whole. The void has layers and they along with the inhabitants of each level get more dangerous as well. was truly original and utterly terrifying! The way the author used vivid imagery while describing the creatures was almost immersive, like in some scenes I could almost feel one of them standing there; awaiting its next victim!
If I had a chance to visit the void, Im not sure I'd want a peek in there. It might keep me up for weeks. This story centers on our FMC Petra and her bestie, Jade, who are both orphans. who live and work together. For work, they dive into the void. It has layers, almost like floors, where the lower you go, the deadlier everything is. They know there was once a population that lived in the void and used its unique properties to help make their lives more comfortable. However, now the only thing that is left of them are the things they left behind. Petra's goal for going into the void is to gather medicinal herbs and plants that can heal much better than the surface ones. Her ultimate goal is to open a clinic where she can help others
Lots more happens in this book. You wil be cheering on our girls and praying thwt they get their payout and make their dreams come true.
This book has touches of body horror a bit, gore, violence and holes.
If I had a chance to visit the void, Im not sure I'd want a peek in there. It might keep me up for weeks. This story centers on our FMC Petra and her bestie, Jade, who are both orphans. who live and work together. For work, they dive into the void. It has layers, almost like floors, where the lower you go, the deadlier everything is. They know there was once a population that lived in the void and used its unique properties to help make their lives more comfortable. However, now the only thing that is left of them are the things they left behind. Petra's goal for going into the void is to gather medicinal herbs and plants that can heal much better than the surface ones. Her ultimate goal is to open a clinic where she can help others
Lots more happens in this book. You wil be cheering on our girls and praying thwt they get their payout and make their dreams come true.
This book has touches of body horror a bit, gore, violence and holes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I fear this rewired my brain and my brain chemistry will never be the same.
The world building is immaculate. I just kept thinking, holy crap, the amount of research that had to have gone into this!! The carnivorous Void plants, the medicinal purposes, the mutations!! It is all so well-described, you can perfectly envision the setting and all that lurks in the deep.
The horror embedded throughout is so good. There’s a lot of body horror and it is SO well done. Like, the curiosity about all of it captured my attention in the best way possible.
Petra is all of us who have felt lost and desperate for approval. She chooses what’s right over what’s easy, just incredibly admirable. You’re rooting for her the entire time.
I loved the conception and execution of this lost city and the journey to the depths of it. That ENDING!! I am unwell.
This was an easy 5 stars.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The world building is immaculate. I just kept thinking, holy crap, the amount of research that had to have gone into this!! The carnivorous Void plants, the medicinal purposes, the mutations!! It is all so well-described, you can perfectly envision the setting and all that lurks in the deep.
The horror embedded throughout is so good. There’s a lot of body horror and it is SO well done. Like, the curiosity about all of it captured my attention in the best way possible.
Petra is all of us who have felt lost and desperate for approval. She chooses what’s right over what’s easy, just incredibly admirable. You’re rooting for her the entire time.
I loved the conception and execution of this lost city and the journey to the depths of it. That ENDING!! I am unwell.
This was an easy 5 stars.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Welcome to The Void, a nightmarish abyss filled with gruesome creatures where the horrors grow as you get deeper inside. As dangerous as it is, it's also a playground for the rich to find rare treasures, and a risk for their guides to get them to the bottom.
We follow Petra and Jade, experienced guides whose work is fueled by hope for a better future, one where they can stop risking their lives with trips to the void. One last trip to the deeper layers is all they need, but can they return alive?
Tatiana's writing of the void instantly transports you to be among these dangerous creatures and killer plants. So vivid and disturbing, I had to turn on a light and remind myself "the void can't hurt you in your bed." She taps into the insecurities and weaknesses that make us human, and plays with the reader's mind while you try to figure out if anyone or anything can be trusted in the void. Just make the right choice, before it's too late.
Pub day: Oct 6, 2026
We follow Petra and Jade, experienced guides whose work is fueled by hope for a better future, one where they can stop risking their lives with trips to the void. One last trip to the deeper layers is all they need, but can they return alive?
Tatiana's writing of the void instantly transports you to be among these dangerous creatures and killer plants. So vivid and disturbing, I had to turn on a light and remind myself "the void can't hurt you in your bed." She taps into the insecurities and weaknesses that make us human, and plays with the reader's mind while you try to figure out if anyone or anything can be trusted in the void. Just make the right choice, before it's too late.
Pub day: Oct 6, 2026
March 7, 2026
I am screaming. This book... hands down one of the best I've read this year. If I could rate it 6 stars, I would.
I loved how much detail there was, the amount of worldbuilding in a book this short is really impressive. There were really cool excerpts at the beginning of each chapter that fed you information about the Void without slowing the story down.
I also loved how it was focused more on friendship and family over romance, especially because of how much Petra was going through! The girl deserves a break. Especially with that ending, whew. I will admit the twists did almost completely surprise me with how deeply submerged I was in the story.
All in all, amazing book. I wish I could read it all over again. An expansion of this universe would also be really cool, no pressure though!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m giving What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne 4.75 out of 5 stars. This was exactly the type of book I love to read. The plot sounded amazing when I first picked it up, and I’m happy to say it absolutely didn’t disappoint.
The worldbuilding in the Void was incredibly detailed, and I loved being able to picture everything so vividly while reading. The descriptions really pulled me into the atmosphere and made the setting feel unsettling in the best way.
This book also leans heavily into body horror and grotesque creatures, which I personally loved. The eerie, disturbing elements made the story even more immersive and memorable for me.
Overall, such a great read if you enjoy dark, creepy worlds and unsettling horror elements
The worldbuilding in the Void was incredibly detailed, and I loved being able to picture everything so vividly while reading. The descriptions really pulled me into the atmosphere and made the setting feel unsettling in the best way.
This book also leans heavily into body horror and grotesque creatures, which I personally loved. The eerie, disturbing elements made the story even more immersive and memorable for me.
Overall, such a great read if you enjoy dark, creepy worlds and unsettling horror elements
March 5, 2026
OMG THIS BOOK!!! I am still processing everything I’ve read. This book touched on phobias I don’t even know I had and then some. It was both scary and beautiful in how the author described the Void and its Flora and Fauna.
Taking place in a dystopian setting, Petra has dreams of creating a clinic to help the children of their orphanage and folks in their community. To do this, she and her best friend, Jade, take risky jobs in the Void. Until the risk is far too big.
I completely inhaled this book. And while it kept me on edge the entire time, I couldn’t put it down. This is definitely one of the top books for 2026.
Taking place in a dystopian setting, Petra has dreams of creating a clinic to help the children of their orphanage and folks in their community. To do this, she and her best friend, Jade, take risky jobs in the Void. Until the risk is far too big.
I completely inhaled this book. And while it kept me on edge the entire time, I couldn’t put it down. This is definitely one of the top books for 2026.
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