The darkness isn’t empty. It’s hungry.
What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
Published by Bindery Books, Boozhoo Books; October 6, 2026
Genres: Horror | YA | Thriller | Fantasy | Science Fiction
Pages: 274 Pages
Format: Kindle
Source: NetGalley
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Buy on Amazon: Canada | USA
T/W: Blood, Violence, Body Horror, Gore, Graphic Depiction of Injuries, Death, Phobias (Claustrophobia, Thalassophobia, Trypophobia), Illness, Mental Illness, Grief, Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Profanity
Rated: YA | Adult
POV: 3rd Person focus with MC
★★★★☆ | 4 / 5
Summary
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.
My Review
Thank you, Netgalley and Bindery Books, for allowing me to read this thrilling and horrifying tale in exchange for an honest review.
What initially drew me to reading this novel was the cover art, and being part of Bindery Books’ lineup (many of their books have not disappointed me!). If the long list of trigger warnings hasn’t turned you off, then look no further for your next horror fiction. This book packs a whole lot of adventure, body horror, and trauma into its pages. There are so many glowing reviews on Goodreads for this novel, and for the right reasons.
The world-building and mechanics are descriptive and immersive, with various biomes designed within the ecosystem of the Void. I asked Tatiana on Instagram about a visualization of the Void, and its many layers, and her response was “it’s basically like the Underdark from BG3 in my mind.” There is a cake analogy that was included to help readers visualize, so I’m glad for the addition.
I enjoyed What Feeds Below thoroughly, and there were many moments which grossed me out and physically made me shudder. And the monsters. Let’s appreciate the drawn influence from various Magic: The Gathering monsters. The one I hated the most? Skinleeches. Dreadful, horrible, disgusting. I don’t even want to think about it again!
The writing is well paced, with great character and relationship development. The little tidbits and notes at the beginning of each chapter immerses you into the world, and the propaganda of the Void and its treasures.
I wasn’t sure which direction the story was going in, but once it got going I was invested. And that plot twist of an ending – I did not see that coming.
Petra was definitely inspired by Maomao of Apothecary Diaries with her love of medicinal and dangerous plants.
There is also a hint of Delicious in Dungeon, cooking monsters and eating various parts for survival.
Overall, I would highly recommend it. It’s too bad this story was a standalone. I can see this turning into a TV series or movie. What I’d give to see it in live action.
★★★★☆ | 4 / 5
