I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Sea Hides Its Dead by Megan Bontrager Published by Orbit on July 14 2026
Genres: Horror
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
Goodreads
The Descent meets The Ritual in a cult aquatic horror about a group of academics trapped in a sea cave who must reckon with eldritch horrors as they are forced to atone for their greatest sins.
ATONE OR DIE.
Grad student Caro has no idea what she wants to do with her life, but when an opportunity arises to act as a research assistant on an anthropological expedition for her professor and lover, Edward Beck, she doesn't hesitate.
Beck assembles a team of academics and professionals to study the ancient sea-based Cult of the Leviathan, and the expedition descends into the sea caves where the cult are said to have dwelt.
But when the cave entrance collapses, trapping them inside, the expedition will find they are not alone in the darkness. Surrounded by strange artefacts and scattered bones, an ancient trial has been set in motion. One by one, the members of the expedition will be tested and forced to atone for their greatest sin. . . or die.
I’ve always had a hit-or-miss situation with horror novels. But this? This was a hit for me – and what a surprise it was!
Books that I love are the hardest for me to write cohesive reviews for – I just don’t know where to start!
Let me first talk about the uniqueness of the premise: I have never come across a story like this. I could never imagine a cave being able to unravel people’s sanity in this way. As this group explores, we see them forced to face their true selves in the worst way possible. The horror that they go through is extremely visceral and evocative. The trials of each person are inventive and lead to a deeper understanding of the characters. I did wish we had more context with some of them but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I also liked tthe choice of main character. Caro is so complex; her need for validation and her insecurities are valid. Nowhere in the story does the author justify her actions and I appreciated that; we all know her affair is bad and it was satisfying to see her come to that realization. I’m also glad that Beck stays true to his character; he is an easy villain to hate.
The part where the story began to falter for me was near the ending. The last trials didn’t hold up to the level of the others and that clear difference had me disappointed. It just could have been stronger, especially considering how gripping the rest of this novel had been.
Overall, this is a seriously great read. The writing is great, the atmosphere is captured perfectly, and we have this homage to Lovecraftian horror with a very engaging plot. This is my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be my last!
