Gills
I found the horror novel Gills by author Abe Moss while searching for a fun read with a nice blend of horror, action, and an escape from reality. I was hooked after the first chapter. Nothing captures me more than starting a book and being thrown straight into the action, especially when it involves cunning and deadly creatures. Even though portions of the book are contemporary, the majority of the story lies in a new and undiscovered ocean world.
Even though this novel does contain a handful of gruesome and horrific scenes, it still maintains a straightforward plot about the relationship between a missing girl and her estranged sister. You meet a few other characters along the way as well as the Daughters of the Deep, a group of sirens who are every bit as intoxicating and ferocious as you would expect. There is a heart-wrenching subplot that unfolds in the midst of the horror which adds to the depth of the novel. Abe Moss did a great job interweaving the characters together to create a believable story. Fun fact - it’s not only the sirens who are despicable, which is a nice touch. It’s marvelous when the monsters come in all shapes and sizes!
I love discovering the underlying themes of a story as I read it, especially one that on the surface promises moments of fright. Despite the warning on the cover to beware the women of the waves, there is an undercurrent throughout the novel of belonging, filling a void, family, love, and loneliness. There’s even a touch of revenge, which I always enjoy. I would compare the Daughters of the Deep to a gang, a group of broken individuals seeking to belong to something bigger than they are, bringing others into the fold, and then realizing too late that they’re in a situation they can’t easily escape.
From the first few pages, Abe Moss will have you on a fantastic ride as you dive deeper and deeper into a secret, deadly domain. If you are a squeamish person, there are a few scenes that could be troublesome for you. I personally enjoy a visceral reaction while reading a book, and I experienced that sensation multiple times while reading Gills. I also enjoyed the author’s take on the physical appearance and abilities of the sirens as well as the environment he created for them. He drew me into another world that made me mirror the feelings of lonesomeness and solitude that some of the characters were portraying, as well.
This book would pair well with The Cavern, which I recently reviewed. Grab a copy of Gills today and enjoy the ride! While you’re at it, check out the other horror selections by Abe Moss!
