Review of ‘The Dark Beneath the Ice’

Synopsis

Something is wrong with Marianne.

It is not just that her parents have split up, or that life has not been the same since she quit dancing. Or even that her mother has checked herself into the hospital.

She is losing time. Doing things she would never do. And objects around her seem to break whenever she comes close.

Something is after her. But a first attempt at an exorcism calls down the full force of the thing's rage. It demands Marianne give back what she stole. And Marianne must uncover the truth that lies beneath it all before the nightmare can take what it think it's owed, leaving Marianne trapped in the darkness of the other side.

Review

What a haunting and wonderfully executed concept, The Dark Beneath the Ice explored self-doubt and hated manifesting into a poltergeist sort of possession. It makes for an eerie read but also an emotional one. Marianne lacks something; she lacks love as her family tore her apart emotionally. She questions her hobbies, trying to decipher her interest as her own instead of as wish-fulfillment created by her mother. It is a tough scenario she lives in, but to make it even more complicated for Marianne, she also questions her sexuality.

Through the paranormal lens, the reader can see the toxicity of trying to be someone else, of trying to live in a world that pushes one to be “normal,” that pushes one to deny their true self. Marianne is unhappy, verging on depressed as she seeks to live her life and find her true self, and the possession, the haunting going on around her, it allows her to open up and see herself. The possession breaks her out of the glass box society has put her in.

The Dark Beneath the Ice a compelling and emotional read not only because of the underlying complexity and depth of the story but also because Bérubé is excellent at keeping the tone and atmosphere tense. The mystery that goes into exploring what is wrong with Marianne allows the sinister atmosphere to grow, giving breathe to the reality that denying one true self is damaging. The possession and “physical” manifestation come through life in the eeriness, keeping the reader on edge as the story evolves.

The synopsis gives the impression that the story is going to be a possession story, but the evolution of that idea and the way Bérubé ties it to reality gives it a powerful substance. Bérubé elevates her own story into a complex character examination while also reflecting on the toxic normality that society continues to try to impose on individuals. By trying to conform, Marianne is dying inside, but the moment she breaks out of that box, she is much happier, and that message alone makes this an excellent read. (★★★★☆)

Key Selling Points

• Perfect for readers of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, The Girl from the Well, and Diary of a Haunting, this novel is atmospheric, beautifully written, and will pull readers in from the first page

• The great hook will attract readers of speculative fiction, horror, and ghost stories alike

• With an LGBTQ+ main character, this novel answers the call for more diversity in YA lit

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.