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Hungry Darkness
Nick Ayres wanted to be the first man to explore all of the Caulkers’ Giant Cave, the largest underwater cave in the world. Instead of fame and fortune, he found death at the hands of something that defies science, accidentally unleashing it on the island’s unsuspecting population.
Gabriel Robles is the man hired to take care of the monster. He knows the water and its inhabitants better than anyone else, but he's never faced something so deadly. Robles has to figure something out quick, because the victims are piling up and it’s only a matter of time before the blood in the water becomes a problem for all of Belize, maybe even the world.
Gabriel Robles is the man hired to take care of the monster. He knows the water and its inhabitants better than anyone else, but he's never faced something so deadly. Robles has to figure something out quick, because the victims are piling up and it’s only a matter of time before the blood in the water becomes a problem for all of Belize, maybe even the world.
- GenresHorror
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2015
12 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 22, 2017
When a diver gets a grant from National Geographic to explore an undersea cave, he widens portions of it using explosives and unwittingly unleashes hell off the coast of Belize. The government turns to Gabriel Robles, a guide and diver, to find the beast and kill it. Can Gabriel do the job before he winds up the creature's next meal?
I've been following Gabino Iglesias since Gutmouth was part of the new bizarro author series. When Hungry Darkness went on sale for 99 cents, I couldn't pass it up. Since 2017 is apparently the year of the creature feature for me, this was right in my wheelhouse.
Hungry Darkness preys on the fear of the unknown and uses it to build suspense. Whether it's in an undersea cave or on the open water, no one is safe. Like most stories of this type, I have to compare it to Jaws, only the creature in Hungry Darkness is way smarter than any shark.
The cut scenes featuring other people getting killed and devoured also ratcheted up the suspense. While I knew not everyone would get out alive, the ending was still pretty satisfying. I almost hoped there were two creatures and one of them would eat the hero at the end.
The prose and the dialogue are pretty slick. At one point, the sunset was described as "a radioactive orange sinking into a barrel of oil" or something to that effect. There's really nothing bad I can say about this book. The characters are maybe a little thin but this is a book about a guy hunting a monster!
Hungry Darkness. Four out of five stars. Go buy it!
I've been following Gabino Iglesias since Gutmouth was part of the new bizarro author series. When Hungry Darkness went on sale for 99 cents, I couldn't pass it up. Since 2017 is apparently the year of the creature feature for me, this was right in my wheelhouse.
Hungry Darkness preys on the fear of the unknown and uses it to build suspense. Whether it's in an undersea cave or on the open water, no one is safe. Like most stories of this type, I have to compare it to Jaws, only the creature in Hungry Darkness is way smarter than any shark.
The cut scenes featuring other people getting killed and devoured also ratcheted up the suspense. While I knew not everyone would get out alive, the ending was still pretty satisfying. I almost hoped there were two creatures and one of them would eat the hero at the end.
The prose and the dialogue are pretty slick. At one point, the sunset was described as "a radioactive orange sinking into a barrel of oil" or something to that effect. There's really nothing bad I can say about this book. The characters are maybe a little thin but this is a book about a guy hunting a monster!
Hungry Darkness. Four out of five stars. Go buy it!
March 23, 2016
i read this on kindle unlimited a few months back. i suck at book reviews when too much time has gone by and i can't find my notes from the read so this is going to be vague. i also remember writing down maybe a dozen short scenes and dialogue clips that i thought were dope as hell. prose was smooth, reads like a movie. at times i thought it was silly or farfetched though, and there was one outcome i was disappointed in (would be more specific but i don't want to spoil anything.) but that stuff is pretty petty. gabino clearly has talent and i'm on board the hype train and excited to read his next one zero saints.
March 20, 2016
A solid oceanic thriller that showcases an octopus more sinister than the shark from Jaws. I like when an author can do multiple genres well and this was so different from Zero Saints. I enjoyed both of them and am really looking forward to his NBAS book Gutmouth.
July 27, 2015
What Peter Benchley did for sharks with 1974′s Jaws, Gabino Iglesias seeks to do for octopi with Hungry Darkness, a tense horror tale wherein an enormous tentacled menace wreaks havoc on divers and fishermen off the coast of Belize. With a relatively short length and terse structure, the Caribbean Sea-based novella is a perfect single-sitting summer read.
Click here for the full review at VerbicideMagazine.com
Click here for the full review at VerbicideMagazine.com
June 10, 2015
My review at Entropy: "The best thrillers don’t just provide mindless excitements, but expose the depths that fuel the action forward. Iglesias reveals that hunger in the darkness can be all consuming and destructive, but that sometimes, will, stupid courage, and shotguns go a long way towards survival."
http://entropymag.org/hungry-darkness...
http://entropymag.org/hungry-darkness...
December 11, 2015
I believe every monstrous thing in the history of anything has always had tentacles. It's a seemingly stupid detail I always obsess over because the only basis in reality that this idea has is octopuses. I don't know any other creature that exists that has these nightmarish appendages. HUNGRY DARKNESS, by Gabino Iglesias is another quirky and deceptively smart novella because it really makes an octopus the monster of its story.
HUNGRY DARKNESS is an exercise in demythologization as the monster is a creature we all know and understand to a certain capacity and it tackles the psychological aspect of terrifying myths and legends in a very straightforward way. I thought the story lagged a little bit in the second half, trying to buy some before the final showdown, but part of that impression is due to the first half of the novella being so full of surprises and expertly told that I got uncomfortable once all the pieces were placed.
A great horror story that doesn't buy into any gimmick of the genre.
HUNGRY DARKNESS is an exercise in demythologization as the monster is a creature we all know and understand to a certain capacity and it tackles the psychological aspect of terrifying myths and legends in a very straightforward way. I thought the story lagged a little bit in the second half, trying to buy some before the final showdown, but part of that impression is due to the first half of the novella being so full of surprises and expertly told that I got uncomfortable once all the pieces were placed.
A great horror story that doesn't buy into any gimmick of the genre.
March 4, 2016
Best killer octopus tale since the Italian schlock-fest "tentacles" in 1977, and that was a movie, not a book. Loved the descriptions of victims being squeezed to death! Very well-done creature feature pulp fiction.
October 16, 2019
just scraped through to earn 3 stars, mostly let down by the ending. The book just ends abruptly and I was caught out as my Kindle noted there was still 15% to go, however this space was taken up by an unlisted preview for another book.
Decent enough story but it has all been done before albeit with a menacing shark that likes to bite people.....Fangs or Teeth or something......
Decent enough story but it has all been done before albeit with a menacing shark that likes to bite people.....Fangs or Teeth or something......
August 28, 2015
Gabino Iglesias has taken a step back from bizarro to focus his sights on a deep sea thriller. Something big has been awakened inside a giant underwater cave system and it has come to destroy and consume a great number of tourists and locals who venture out into the ocean near a small fishing village.
True to Gabino's style, his prose is tight and the pacing is fast. The story focuses on a small handful of characters, and for such a close-up story, the body count is high. It is violent and visceral. Gabino promises a violent tale of deep sea monsters wreaking havoc and that's exactly what he does. Straight out of the gate, there's this chaos and confusion as to what's going on and how the story will play out, but once you get into it, you prepare yourself for the epic man vs beast showdown you know is coming. This is what you get if you inject Hemingway's the Old Man and the Sea with a good dose of pulp fiction action and violence.
Short. Tight. Violent. Fun.
True to Gabino's style, his prose is tight and the pacing is fast. The story focuses on a small handful of characters, and for such a close-up story, the body count is high. It is violent and visceral. Gabino promises a violent tale of deep sea monsters wreaking havoc and that's exactly what he does. Straight out of the gate, there's this chaos and confusion as to what's going on and how the story will play out, but once you get into it, you prepare yourself for the epic man vs beast showdown you know is coming. This is what you get if you inject Hemingway's the Old Man and the Sea with a good dose of pulp fiction action and violence.
Short. Tight. Violent. Fun.
July 25, 2015
A fun and entertaining read. One of those books that is just the perfect length to read in one or two sitting. The writing is vivid a plays out like a short film in your head. I love the way Inglesias used small short stories within the novella to show how dangerous the Octopod is. I think if you are a fan of Adam Cesare or Gina Ranalli's short horror novels (which I definitely am) then you will enjoy this book. I have read a lot of Inglesias' reviews which have put me on to a lot of good lit but dude also happens to write stories that are entertaining as hell. If you want to be entertained read Hungry Darkness!
July 2, 2015
The perfect beach read for those looking for reasons not to go in the water.
April 2, 2016
Review to come.
August 21, 2017
A fun, quick read with lots of cool octopus facts, an animal I adore and am fascinated by. Only the octopus in Hungry Darkness is like nothing we have seen before. It lives longer, and thus, has grown infinitely bigger than any other of its species. It eats human as if they are tic-tacs, and it is up to Game, a local tourist guide and diver, to kill this ginormous creature.
If you like deep-sea thrillers, definitely check this one out. While it is quite different from Gabino's other works, it still remains uniquely his, and is certainly worth the read.
If you like deep-sea thrillers, definitely check this one out. While it is quite different from Gabino's other works, it still remains uniquely his, and is certainly worth the read.
September 6, 2017
I'm a sucker for a good monster story. This one is in the subgenre of normal creatures that reach terrifying size -- like, for example, the 1980 film "Alligator" (which was written by John Sayles!). Gabino Iglesias makes great use of his Belize location, and what also makes this tale distinctive is its Latino voice.
December 9, 2025
I’ve been a huge fan of Gabino’s for years, and lucked out when I found a copy of one of his first works! A lean creature feature that still contains many of the hallmarks that define his latest (and just-read) novels like House of
July 24, 2015
Gabino Iglesias ventures into book-length horror for the first time with his Severed Press novella Hungry Darkness. It’s an entertaining tale of horror on and below the ocean waves just off the coast of Belize. Various unlikely heroes battle to keep a giant sea creature from continuing its already extensive killing spree which that has claimed many unlikely victims. Though the narrative wanders a bit and focuses on insignificant characters at times it’s still a very solid one-sitting read that keeps the action and interest moving along to the ultimate climax.
Hungry Darkness features two main characters who are both realistic and well rendered. They follow atypical arcs throughout the book and the structure works well.
Nick Ayres is a cave diver and modern day adventurer who secures a National Geographic grant to explore and film a dive on Giant Cave, the world’s largest submarine cave. Little does he know that his hubris and lack of respect for the laws of Belize and the environment will cause unexpected problems with his dive.
Gabe Robles is a local tour guide who knows the waters well around Giant Cave, and that knowledge is put to use by the local government. After numerous sightings and deaths it is decided that if the monster in the waters comes to the attention of the public it will devastate the tourism industry. Gabe is brought in as an unlikely hero to find and kill the beast. Using shady connections to the drug trade and legitimate connections to a well respected marine biologist, Gabe decides on a plan to stop the monster. In an interesting and refreshing twist his plan is simple and realistic, something a rational, normal person would come up with. Despite the lack of over-the-top sensationalism it makes for an explosive and entertaining final showdown.
The story does drift, on a few occasions, to the activities of characters who have nothing to do with the greater plot. It blurs the focus a bit, but these scenes are still fun and are a trademark of this kind of horror story. In the same tradition as Jaws and other “don’t-let-the-monster-ruin- tourism” stories, Hungry Darkness manages to retain unique elements and take fresh approaches to the traditional story model. The novella will leave you hoping that Gabino Iglesias decides to dip his writerly toes into the horror waters again soon.
Hungry Darkness features two main characters who are both realistic and well rendered. They follow atypical arcs throughout the book and the structure works well.
Nick Ayres is a cave diver and modern day adventurer who secures a National Geographic grant to explore and film a dive on Giant Cave, the world’s largest submarine cave. Little does he know that his hubris and lack of respect for the laws of Belize and the environment will cause unexpected problems with his dive.
Gabe Robles is a local tour guide who knows the waters well around Giant Cave, and that knowledge is put to use by the local government. After numerous sightings and deaths it is decided that if the monster in the waters comes to the attention of the public it will devastate the tourism industry. Gabe is brought in as an unlikely hero to find and kill the beast. Using shady connections to the drug trade and legitimate connections to a well respected marine biologist, Gabe decides on a plan to stop the monster. In an interesting and refreshing twist his plan is simple and realistic, something a rational, normal person would come up with. Despite the lack of over-the-top sensationalism it makes for an explosive and entertaining final showdown.
The story does drift, on a few occasions, to the activities of characters who have nothing to do with the greater plot. It blurs the focus a bit, but these scenes are still fun and are a trademark of this kind of horror story. In the same tradition as Jaws and other “don’t-let-the-monster-ruin- tourism” stories, Hungry Darkness manages to retain unique elements and take fresh approaches to the traditional story model. The novella will leave you hoping that Gabino Iglesias decides to dip his writerly toes into the horror waters again soon.
August 20, 2015
With his latest, Hungry Darkness, journalist and author Gabino Iglesias has crafted a fun, Benchley-esque horror that will keep you from the beaches the way Jaws once did.
The book opens with the arrogant Nick Ayres, an explorer who dreams of filming an expedition into Giant Cave, a massive underwater grotto beneath the small island of Caye Caulker in Belize. When National Geographic underwrites his exploration, he surreptitiously hires an advance crew to blow open a narrow entrance into a deeper, uncharted cave. This act of stupid hubris frees a massive and monstrous octopod that destroys his team and then proceeds (in a series of interpolated vignettes) to kill and eat a bunch of humans.
The government of Belize turns to Gabriel Robles, a local tour guide and fisherman, to hunt down and destroy the beast before tourism is negatively impacted. Tapping into the criminal underworld and friends in the scientific community, Gabe has to race against time to pit his relatively tiny boat against the leviathan.
Though the book feels in spots like a novelette stretched a little further than necessary, the writing chops on display (taut action scenes, careful characterization) make every page worth reading.
You’ll come away from Hungry Darkness breathless and content, like you’ve stepped out of a grimy cinema in the late ’70s after watching a master splatter gore upon the silver screen.
The book opens with the arrogant Nick Ayres, an explorer who dreams of filming an expedition into Giant Cave, a massive underwater grotto beneath the small island of Caye Caulker in Belize. When National Geographic underwrites his exploration, he surreptitiously hires an advance crew to blow open a narrow entrance into a deeper, uncharted cave. This act of stupid hubris frees a massive and monstrous octopod that destroys his team and then proceeds (in a series of interpolated vignettes) to kill and eat a bunch of humans.
The government of Belize turns to Gabriel Robles, a local tour guide and fisherman, to hunt down and destroy the beast before tourism is negatively impacted. Tapping into the criminal underworld and friends in the scientific community, Gabe has to race against time to pit his relatively tiny boat against the leviathan.
Though the book feels in spots like a novelette stretched a little further than necessary, the writing chops on display (taut action scenes, careful characterization) make every page worth reading.
You’ll come away from Hungry Darkness breathless and content, like you’ve stepped out of a grimy cinema in the late ’70s after watching a master splatter gore upon the silver screen.
December 27, 2015
Mr. Iglesias is at it again and he doesn't disappoint! The story places un in an environment full of mystery and intrigue. The government's covering up an event and our brave hero is tasked with solving the problem. Each scene is detailed as to keep you on the edge of your seat, and the blood and gore are used to enhance the story telling without adding excessive shock value. Felt like "The Old Man and the Sea" met Jaws. Nice summer read, especially if you are killing time at the beach. Gave it 4 stars cause I wished there was more character development, but that's my opinion. Read it and make up your own mind...
April 20, 2017
For those who enjoy "creatures of the deep" type stories, this one is short, fun, and quite entertaining. Had it not been for a glaring error (i.e. a person who dies on one page, turns up alive on the next), it probably would have received 4 stars. Another thing that bothered me was how the creature escaped the cave. Explosives opened a hole deep in the cave, but the actual entrance is described as a small hole/slit that men with tanks sometimes have a hard time getting through. So how did this ginormous creature fit? Did I miss something? The ending did feel a bit rushed, but overall, it's well worth the quick read.
March 29, 2023
"Hungry Darkness" is a blast, taking a giant cephalopod and setting it loose on the unsuspecting population of Caye Caulker, Belize. The novel hits all the right beats for fans of aquatic horror, filling its pages with suspense and violence. What makes it so over and above the genre's standards is the way we get to know and feel for the creature's victims. Further adding to the experience is the exotic setting of Caye Caulker. If you've been there, Iglesias' words will make you nostalgic. If you haven't, you'll want to. All around, a great book about giant tentacles.
July 31, 2015
Sea creatures have captured our imaginations for countless years. This book simply adds to that. With a creature that defies the standard laws of nature, we are given a chilling tale of man being in the wrong place at the wrong time. While shorter than I had anticipated, this was still quite an enjoyable read. Definitely worth adding to your list.
July 22, 2015
A fun little book. It's funny, interesting, and pretty savage.
It's horror, but Iglesias balances this out with science, a grounded setting, and believable characters. It makes the horror feel real, intimate, and worth reading.
But, yeah, a fun little book with more going on than you might expect.
Buy it.
It's horror, but Iglesias balances this out with science, a grounded setting, and believable characters. It makes the horror feel real, intimate, and worth reading.
But, yeah, a fun little book with more going on than you might expect.
Buy it.
January 21, 2016
I am really enjoying this sudden emergence of sea beastie books by authors like Gabino Iglesias, Adam Cesare, and Cameron Pierce. It is a fun genre for a Jaws fan like myself to dwell in for a few hours. I actually gave this one 4.5 stars for sheer entertainment. I only removed half a star because I wished it was longer. Anyway, read it if you are down for a quick sea monster fix. Enjoy!
August 9, 2015
This was a very good short book. The author got things started in a hurry , developed his characters, and left no idle time. This was a page turner from the first and was plausibly terrifying. I would like to read more from this author.
August 15, 2015
Tendrils of terror
Was fairly well written and got straight to the point. Not a whole lot of useless filler, which is a good thing. Wished been little longer, but story is sensible and sound. Good read!
Was fairly well written and got straight to the point. Not a whole lot of useless filler, which is a good thing. Wished been little longer, but story is sensible and sound. Good read!
March 25, 2016
Jump Right In!
Dive into this action packed thrill ride that snares you captive from the first page. Then ... hang on ... until the end. An entertaining short read you won't want to put down.
Dive into this action packed thrill ride that snares you captive from the first page. Then ... hang on ... until the end. An entertaining short read you won't want to put down.
February 16, 2016
Two dominating thoughts after reading:
- Jesus, I haven't read any Peter Benchley since 8th grade
- Don't fuck with the ocean
- Jesus, I haven't read any Peter Benchley since 8th grade
- Don't fuck with the ocean
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews