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Under the Surface
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2024)An epic survival-thriller about four teens who get lost in the Paris catacombs for days—a gripping and propulsive story of love, danger, betrayal, and hope… even when all seems lost.
Ruby is terrified to cave to her feelings for Sean and risk him crushing her heart.
Sean is pumped to spend a week with Ruby in Paris on their senior class trip, and he’ll wait however long until she’s ready to take things further.
But when Ruby’s best friend sneaks out the first night to meet a mysterious French boy, Ruby goes after her with two classmates, but caves to another temptation: attending mystery boy’s exclusive party in the Paris catacombs, the intricate web of tunnels beneath the city, home to six million long-dead Parisians. Only they never reach the party.
Underground, as something sinister chases them, they get lost in the endless maze of bones, uncovering dark secrets about the catacombs… and each other. And if they can’t find a way out, they’ll die in the dark beneath the City of Light.
Aboveground, Sean races to find the girl he loves as a media frenzy over the four missing teens begins.
From award-winning author and rising YA star Diana Urban comes a twisty tale of four teens lost in the dark beneath the City of Light and the race to find them.
Ruby is terrified to cave to her feelings for Sean and risk him crushing her heart.
Sean is pumped to spend a week with Ruby in Paris on their senior class trip, and he’ll wait however long until she’s ready to take things further.
But when Ruby’s best friend sneaks out the first night to meet a mysterious French boy, Ruby goes after her with two classmates, but caves to another temptation: attending mystery boy’s exclusive party in the Paris catacombs, the intricate web of tunnels beneath the city, home to six million long-dead Parisians. Only they never reach the party.
Underground, as something sinister chases them, they get lost in the endless maze of bones, uncovering dark secrets about the catacombs… and each other. And if they can’t find a way out, they’ll die in the dark beneath the City of Light.
Aboveground, Sean races to find the girl he loves as a media frenzy over the four missing teens begins.
From award-winning author and rising YA star Diana Urban comes a twisty tale of four teens lost in the dark beneath the City of Light and the race to find them.
354 pages, Hardcover
First published August 13, 2024
256 people are currently reading
42105 people want to read
About the author
Diana Urban
6 books1,544 followersDiana Urban is a bestselling, award-winning author of dark, twisty thrillers, including All Your Twisted Secrets and Under the Surface, an Indie Next Pick and Junior Library Guild selection, and her novels have been published internationally. When she’s not torturing her fictional characters, she freelances in video game narrative writing and previously worked in digital marketing for startups. She lives with her husband and cat in Boston and enjoys reading, playing video games, fawning over cute animals, and looking at the beach from a safe distance. Connect with her on Instagram, Threads, or TikTok.
(Diana doesn't use Goodreads, but you can contact her here.)
(Diana doesn't use Goodreads, but you can contact her here.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,059 reviews
April 18, 2024
Get ready to dive into this heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, mind-bending YA thriller that unfolds in one of the eerie, haunted real-life locations: the catacombs of Paris! Diana Urban takes you on an underground adventure where danger lurks in the dark, and every second counts!
It’s a tense, exciting, thrilling experience, with expertly crafted suspense that will leave you breathless.
The story follows a group of high schoolers on a trip to Paris with their teachers. Ruby, eager to gain attention for her YouTube travel channel where she explores secret and sacred locations, has a crush on Sean, who helps edit her videos. She's accompanied by her adventurous best friend Val, whose famous TV persona parents add to the mix.
Ruby still feels guilty when she sees her ex-best friend Selena, now attending the same trip with her girlfriend.
Their uneventful trip takes a dramatic turn when Val meets a charming French college student who invites them to an underground party. Despite Ruby's attempts to dissuade her, Val leaves the hotel without informing her. Ruby follows, determined to ensure her friend's safety, only to run into Selena, her former best friend turned nemesis, and Olivia, the valedictorian with a quirky demeanor around Sean. Together, they embark on a search for Val.
Their journey leads them to Julien, a mysterious French boy who dares them to explore the catacombs for the ultimate party experience. Ruby sees this as a chance to boost her YouTube channel, while the others view it as a thrilling challenge. However, their adventure turns perilous when one of them gets injured, and they become lost in the dark, unable to reach the party.
As they struggle to find their way out, they realize they've become prey to dangerous hunters, and their fight for survival begins.
Can Sean uncover the truth about their disappearance and alert the authorities? Or are they on their own in their desperate struggle to escape and survive?
While the main mystery may stretch believability, the action-packed storyline, themes of love, hate, betrayal, and survival are well-developed. The riveting pace keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the satisfying conclusion earns this Parisian thriller four stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/ G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for providing this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
It’s a tense, exciting, thrilling experience, with expertly crafted suspense that will leave you breathless.
The story follows a group of high schoolers on a trip to Paris with their teachers. Ruby, eager to gain attention for her YouTube travel channel where she explores secret and sacred locations, has a crush on Sean, who helps edit her videos. She's accompanied by her adventurous best friend Val, whose famous TV persona parents add to the mix.
Ruby still feels guilty when she sees her ex-best friend Selena, now attending the same trip with her girlfriend.
Their uneventful trip takes a dramatic turn when Val meets a charming French college student who invites them to an underground party. Despite Ruby's attempts to dissuade her, Val leaves the hotel without informing her. Ruby follows, determined to ensure her friend's safety, only to run into Selena, her former best friend turned nemesis, and Olivia, the valedictorian with a quirky demeanor around Sean. Together, they embark on a search for Val.
Their journey leads them to Julien, a mysterious French boy who dares them to explore the catacombs for the ultimate party experience. Ruby sees this as a chance to boost her YouTube channel, while the others view it as a thrilling challenge. However, their adventure turns perilous when one of them gets injured, and they become lost in the dark, unable to reach the party.
As they struggle to find their way out, they realize they've become prey to dangerous hunters, and their fight for survival begins.
Can Sean uncover the truth about their disappearance and alert the authorities? Or are they on their own in their desperate struggle to escape and survive?
While the main mystery may stretch believability, the action-packed storyline, themes of love, hate, betrayal, and survival are well-developed. The riveting pace keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the satisfying conclusion earns this Parisian thriller four stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/ G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for providing this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Want to read
December 8, 2023She's lost in the Paris catacombs and will do anything to survive. He will do whatever it takes to find her. THAT'S ALL I NEEDED TO KNOW
September 2, 2024
Right from the start, Under the Surface had me under its thrall. With a pace much like dynamite that was married with many a poignant revelation, my fingers flew at speed as I inhaled page after page. One of the best pieces to the puzzle, however, was that this YA survival thriller had a locked room mystery at its core. I mustn’t forget, though, that adding to the fun was an epic game of cat-and-mouse, which was both claustrophobic and chilling as well as riddled with unending suspense.
As for the characters, they were dead on renditions of true-to-life, genuine teenagers. From their clique-ish behavior to invincibility complexes, they felt as real as could be from the first page until the last. Granted, the dialogue did get a bit sappy at times, but, if memory serves, I too thought that way as a teen. What really won me over by the end, though, was Ruby’s dynamic character arc. Perfectly delivered as well as an emotional hole in one, it just couldn’t have been better.
All said and done, with delicious cult vibes, mysterious subplots, and plenty of villains, heroes, and even a frenemy or two, I was easily swept up by Ms. Urban’s newest novel. It was so addictive, in fact, that I flew through the 350+ pages in under twenty-four hours. After all, from the immersive dual POVs and eerie setting that was written to perfection, there just wasn’t a thing missing. So even if you’re no longer a teen yourself, go out and grab this book today. A quick, easy read, you definitely won’t regret it. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Ruby is terrified to cave to her feelings for Sean and risk him crushing her heart.
Sean is pumped to spend a week with Ruby in Paris on their senior class trip, and he’ll wait however long until she’s ready to take things further.
But when Ruby’s best friend sneaks out the first night to meet a mysterious French boy, Ruby goes after her with two classmates, but caves to another temptation: attending mystery boy’s exclusive party in the Paris catacombs, the intricate web of tunnels beneath the city, home to six million long-dead Parisians. Only they never reach the party.
Underground, as something sinister chases them, they get lost in the endless maze of bones, uncovering dark secrets about the catacombs…..and each other. And if they can’t find a way out, they’ll die in the dark beneath the City of Light.
Aboveground, Sean races to find the girl he loves as a media frenzy over the four missing teens begins.
Thank you to Diana Urban, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 13, 2024
Trigger warning: death of a friend, cults, gaslighting, mention of: death during childbirth
As for the characters, they were dead on renditions of true-to-life, genuine teenagers. From their clique-ish behavior to invincibility complexes, they felt as real as could be from the first page until the last. Granted, the dialogue did get a bit sappy at times, but, if memory serves, I too thought that way as a teen. What really won me over by the end, though, was Ruby’s dynamic character arc. Perfectly delivered as well as an emotional hole in one, it just couldn’t have been better.
All said and done, with delicious cult vibes, mysterious subplots, and plenty of villains, heroes, and even a frenemy or two, I was easily swept up by Ms. Urban’s newest novel. It was so addictive, in fact, that I flew through the 350+ pages in under twenty-four hours. After all, from the immersive dual POVs and eerie setting that was written to perfection, there just wasn’t a thing missing. So even if you’re no longer a teen yourself, go out and grab this book today. A quick, easy read, you definitely won’t regret it. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Ruby is terrified to cave to her feelings for Sean and risk him crushing her heart.
Sean is pumped to spend a week with Ruby in Paris on their senior class trip, and he’ll wait however long until she’s ready to take things further.
But when Ruby’s best friend sneaks out the first night to meet a mysterious French boy, Ruby goes after her with two classmates, but caves to another temptation: attending mystery boy’s exclusive party in the Paris catacombs, the intricate web of tunnels beneath the city, home to six million long-dead Parisians. Only they never reach the party.
Underground, as something sinister chases them, they get lost in the endless maze of bones, uncovering dark secrets about the catacombs…..and each other. And if they can’t find a way out, they’ll die in the dark beneath the City of Light.
Aboveground, Sean races to find the girl he loves as a media frenzy over the four missing teens begins.
Thank you to Diana Urban, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 13, 2024
Trigger warning: death of a friend, cults, gaslighting, mention of: death during childbirth
August 14, 2024
Creepy catacombs really enhance the underlying horror. So many things go wrong! Here are three things I liked about this one:
💎Ruby has a Youtube channel called Ruby's Hidden Gems. A clever play on her name and an intriguing way to showcase those must-see locations.
😎The Paris location makes for a compelling backdrop to the story. Isn't that cover gorgeous? My next book is also set in Paris and is called The Paris Gown.
👩❤👨Sean and Ruby give us alternating perspectives. Hers below ground and his above. Will they be reunited?
There are some progressive themes in this one that somewhat spoiled the story for me. I can, however, easily envision this in movie form. Would not be surprised to see this one pop up on one of the streaming platforms.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. Happy Publication Week!
💎Ruby has a Youtube channel called Ruby's Hidden Gems. A clever play on her name and an intriguing way to showcase those must-see locations.
😎The Paris location makes for a compelling backdrop to the story. Isn't that cover gorgeous? My next book is also set in Paris and is called The Paris Gown.
👩❤👨Sean and Ruby give us alternating perspectives. Hers below ground and his above. Will they be reunited?
There are some progressive themes in this one that somewhat spoiled the story for me. I can, however, easily envision this in movie form. Would not be surprised to see this one pop up on one of the streaming platforms.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. Happy Publication Week!
August 5, 2024
2.5✨ (rounded down to 2 for GR)
0🌶️
This is a NetGalley arc review – thank you as always to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for these opportunities!
Writing this review breaks my heart, because I went into this with such high hopes. If I could've given this book 5 stars for the premise alone, I would've. It sounds like such a gripping and promising plot, with the Paris, France catacombs playing the eerie backdrop. But after that initial excitement over the plot, once you actually start reading... it fell flat in almost if not every way.
Under the Surface by Diana Urban is a young adult mystery thriller, with some horror elements that come into play further in the story, and a "romance" subplot that is so lackluster I question its inclusion to begin with. A cast of characters is introduced, but two "main" characters emerge from the pack, Ruby and Sean, and those are the two POVs we move back and forth between; with Ruby in danger in the catacombs and Sean on the outside, so it's split perspective.
Sean's POV and the outside world story wasn't engaging at all. It was BORING. I never felt a sense of urgency around any of the outside characters, and to have basically high school seniors running over your investigation, it's not how it works. The idea of Sean doing anything and everything he can to save Ruby is laughable because while he does make some great connections via technology, he's not the one actively investigating or on this mad hunt searching the catacombs for her. And maybe I've been out of high school for too long, but all the teachers were WAY too blasé about everything. Was this just done to make it easier for the HS characters to sneak around and have their own silly plots? Seems kind of obvious.
If you think Ruby's POV trapped in the catacombs with her group would be any better, you'd be wrong. There were 5 people trapped in the catacombs, and if you removed their names from all the lines, I wouldn't be able to pick out who said what, because there was either nothing there, or the most basic and OTT dialogue that felt soooo out of place. Every character was like a cardboard cutout, no personality. I wasn't drawn to anyone, no one got me to like them in any way, and I wasn't invested in their outcomes whatsoever.
This book was also ALL tell and no show. Every emotion or thought the character was feeling was written out exactly as is, "He was scared" "She was happy". It was just like reading a stream of consciousness, without letting the reader pick up on the nuances themselves.
My biggest complaint is having the main plot conflict of the story, being lost in the Paris catacombs, have the same weight of the subplot, the falling out of Ruby and her former best friend. To act as though that stupid, petty, high school conflict over a boy had the same weight as being LOST IN THE PARIS CATACOMBS... it would go from crying about dying in the catacombs to wailing about losing her bff over a boy, and there was NO DIFFERENCE IN EMOTIONAL REACTION BETWEEN THEM. Maybe I have been out of HS for too long, but if we are LOST IN THE PARIS CATACOMBS WITH LITTLE FOOD, WATER, DIRECTION, AND DANGER AFTER ME, the drama from HS would NOT be coming up on my mind as a pertinent topic.
To end this review, while I can't recommend this book (although I'm sure there is an audience out there for it), I don't think Diana Urban is a bad author. I can see sooooo much potential, just based on the awesome plot idea. Just needs some fine tuning to plot pacing and logic, characterizations, and showing, not telling. I wanted to FEEL trapped, FEEL claustrophobic, as these characters traveled underground, but the story just never went there.
0🌶️
This is a NetGalley arc review – thank you as always to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for these opportunities!
Writing this review breaks my heart, because I went into this with such high hopes. If I could've given this book 5 stars for the premise alone, I would've. It sounds like such a gripping and promising plot, with the Paris, France catacombs playing the eerie backdrop. But after that initial excitement over the plot, once you actually start reading... it fell flat in almost if not every way.
Under the Surface by Diana Urban is a young adult mystery thriller, with some horror elements that come into play further in the story, and a "romance" subplot that is so lackluster I question its inclusion to begin with. A cast of characters is introduced, but two "main" characters emerge from the pack, Ruby and Sean, and those are the two POVs we move back and forth between; with Ruby in danger in the catacombs and Sean on the outside, so it's split perspective.
Sean's POV and the outside world story wasn't engaging at all. It was BORING. I never felt a sense of urgency around any of the outside characters, and to have basically high school seniors running over your investigation, it's not how it works. The idea of Sean doing anything and everything he can to save Ruby is laughable because while he does make some great connections via technology, he's not the one actively investigating or on this mad hunt searching the catacombs for her. And maybe I've been out of high school for too long, but all the teachers were WAY too blasé about everything. Was this just done to make it easier for the HS characters to sneak around and have their own silly plots? Seems kind of obvious.
If you think Ruby's POV trapped in the catacombs with her group would be any better, you'd be wrong. There were 5 people trapped in the catacombs, and if you removed their names from all the lines, I wouldn't be able to pick out who said what, because there was either nothing there, or the most basic and OTT dialogue that felt soooo out of place. Every character was like a cardboard cutout, no personality. I wasn't drawn to anyone, no one got me to like them in any way, and I wasn't invested in their outcomes whatsoever.
This book was also ALL tell and no show. Every emotion or thought the character was feeling was written out exactly as is, "He was scared" "She was happy". It was just like reading a stream of consciousness, without letting the reader pick up on the nuances themselves.
My biggest complaint is having the main plot conflict of the story, being lost in the Paris catacombs, have the same weight of the subplot, the falling out of Ruby and her former best friend. To act as though that stupid, petty, high school conflict over a boy had the same weight as being LOST IN THE PARIS CATACOMBS... it would go from crying about dying in the catacombs to wailing about losing her bff over a boy, and there was NO DIFFERENCE IN EMOTIONAL REACTION BETWEEN THEM. Maybe I have been out of HS for too long, but if we are LOST IN THE PARIS CATACOMBS WITH LITTLE FOOD, WATER, DIRECTION, AND DANGER AFTER ME, the drama from HS would NOT be coming up on my mind as a pertinent topic.
To end this review, while I can't recommend this book (although I'm sure there is an audience out there for it), I don't think Diana Urban is a bad author. I can see sooooo much potential, just based on the awesome plot idea. Just needs some fine tuning to plot pacing and logic, characterizations, and showing, not telling. I wanted to FEEL trapped, FEEL claustrophobic, as these characters traveled underground, but the story just never went there.
September 23, 2024
Under the Surface by Diane Urban is a book as twisty and horrifying as the catacombs under Paris themselves. Which is fitting since that’s what the book is about! The main character, Ruby, is a high school student preparing for college. She’s deciding which college to go to, and which boy to date, all while on a class trip to France. Ruby also runs a website dedicated to her travel experiences. There’s no better way to increase viewers and likes than to take the Internet into the catacombs. When one of her friends meets an attractive local boy and decides to go with him to a party in the catacombs, Ruby has no choice but to go and protect her. Of course, she will also get some footage that nobody had ever gotten to see before! Soon things go wrong, people die, and Ruby and her friends keep making the wrong turn in the catacombs mazes. Things are made to be even creepier when you consider that the catacombs are full of dead peoples bones. Leave it to Diane Urban to take us all on a wild roller coaster of a ride with her latest book.
July 13, 2024
Whew, what a wild ride! This was so thrilling, disorienting, and claustrophobic at the same time. I enjoyed this YA survival thriller and was pleasantly surprised to see that it tackled a few mature themes too. The entire book felt like a movie in my head and the concept was so interesting. The writing style was very easy to follow too. Can a studio please pick this up for an adaptation?? It would do so well! It had me holding my breath at times because I didn’t know what to expect. It almost felt like I was in the catacombs with the characters as the plot took several turns. It definitely picks up after the first 22% and after that you’re immediately hooked in. The mystery, slight horror aspects, and historical context and theories about the catacombs kept me reeled in with this binge-worthy read. The author clearly did her research and the cover design is kinda genius 👀
The romance was okay and was more of a subplot (but shout out to Sean for going to the ends of the Earth for Ruby and figuring everything out). Their reason for the group going underground didn’t logically make sense – but, hey, they’re teenagers so does it really have to make sense? Just go with the flow. There were a few instances where I couldn’t tell where the story was going because of the suspenseful moments. But the main reveal was kind of obvious from the start. I also found the subplot with the friendship “conflicts” to be surprisingly entertaining since they’re typical teenagers. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, though I wish there was more depth to the supporting characters too.
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
The romance was okay and was more of a subplot (but shout out to Sean for going to the ends of the Earth for Ruby and figuring everything out). Their reason for the group going underground didn’t logically make sense – but, hey, they’re teenagers so does it really have to make sense? Just go with the flow. There were a few instances where I couldn’t tell where the story was going because of the suspenseful moments. But the main reveal was kind of obvious from the start. I also found the subplot with the friendship “conflicts” to be surprisingly entertaining since they’re typical teenagers. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, though I wish there was more depth to the supporting characters too.
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
September 13, 2024
This started off SO good with tension, eerie vibes and also got very creepy around 100 pages. Which, looking back now probably was a teeny bit too early for the book to "peak". The ending felt a bit rush and abrupt to me, that´s why I am substracting a star. Also for the load of petty teenage drama that I could have done without. I think in this case "less is more" would have worked better, as the premise of the book is already creepy on it´s own and it didn´t need all of that. However you have to give it to the book that it managed to be tension filled almost until the end.
August 2, 2025
4.5 stars!
I have always been a sucker for survival movies, from 'Escape Room' to '2012' to 'Life of Pi'...you name it and I've seen it all. And this book just felt like heaven 🤌🤌
She'll do whatever it takes to survive.
He'll do whatever it takes to find her
💜Survival Tale (lost in Paris Catacombs)
💜Adorable love (sort of like invisible string vibes)
💜Amazing plot twists spread throughout the book (genuinely was not expecting this!!)
THE PLOT
A survival tale of four teenagers lost in the catacombs of Paris?? And as if being lost isn't enough, something is also hunting them and are after their lives 🥰 She's below ground, trapped and he is above ground, doing all he can to find her even when nobody believes him?? If that doesn't intrigue you, i don't know what will. The first book where the fmc is NOT stupid or dumb which says a lot when it comes to books like these. And don't even get me started on the plot twists like excuse me??? I'm having serious trust issues here. And it's not one of those insane plot twists that come in the end...these are the ones that leave you holding your head every few pages.
THE CHARACTERS
Loved each one of them 🤌 they all felt so real and I loved how each one of them was so perfectly carved out with a different personality and backstories. The love between the main characters was subtle but the ending made me swoon 😭 they are so cute. It's subtle so don't go in expecting anything like your typical romance but its there and its good.
THE WRITING
Don't get me wrong, I was really skeptical about starting this book 😭 The plot sounded too good and I had my expectations too high. I was just scared the execution wouldn't live up to it. But boy did it. I was not bored for even one second. The writing was so smooth and in flow, I'm really looking forward to try more books by this author 💗💗
Though I would say, this book might not be for everyone? If you're not into gothic vibes or survival tales or things like those, this book might feel like a drag for you...but for me, it was perfect<3
***
One of the most intriguing plots I've ever come across and it's actually CRIMINAL the way I have been putting this off.
Also uhm - there's a warning that says 'based on true events' 💀💀
I have always been a sucker for survival movies, from 'Escape Room' to '2012' to 'Life of Pi'...you name it and I've seen it all. And this book just felt like heaven 🤌🤌
She'll do whatever it takes to survive.
He'll do whatever it takes to find her
💜Survival Tale (lost in Paris Catacombs)
💜Adorable love (sort of like invisible string vibes)
💜Amazing plot twists spread throughout the book (genuinely was not expecting this!!)
THE PLOT
A survival tale of four teenagers lost in the catacombs of Paris?? And as if being lost isn't enough, something is also hunting them and are after their lives 🥰 She's below ground, trapped and he is above ground, doing all he can to find her even when nobody believes him?? If that doesn't intrigue you, i don't know what will. The first book where the fmc is NOT stupid or dumb which says a lot when it comes to books like these. And don't even get me started on the plot twists like excuse me??? I'm having serious trust issues here. And it's not one of those insane plot twists that come in the end...these are the ones that leave you holding your head every few pages.
THE CHARACTERS
Loved each one of them 🤌 they all felt so real and I loved how each one of them was so perfectly carved out with a different personality and backstories. The love between the main characters was subtle but the ending made me swoon 😭 they are so cute. It's subtle so don't go in expecting anything like your typical romance but its there and its good.
THE WRITING
Don't get me wrong, I was really skeptical about starting this book 😭 The plot sounded too good and I had my expectations too high. I was just scared the execution wouldn't live up to it. But boy did it. I was not bored for even one second. The writing was so smooth and in flow, I'm really looking forward to try more books by this author 💗💗
Though I would say, this book might not be for everyone? If you're not into gothic vibes or survival tales or things like those, this book might feel like a drag for you...but for me, it was perfect<3
***
One of the most intriguing plots I've ever come across and it's actually CRIMINAL the way I have been putting this off.
Also uhm - there's a warning that says 'based on true events' 💀💀
August 15, 2024
🌟 4 stars 🌟
📚✨ Under The Surface by Diana Urban is a thrilling dive into the dark and mysterious Paris catacombs! 🌌🔦 This YA survival thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat with its pulse-pounding suspense and eerie setting.
✧ Survival in a Creepy, Confined Setting 🕯️
✧ Heroic Rescue Mission Above Ground
✧ Dark Secrets Revealed in a Mysterious Location 🗝️
✧ Unexpected Betrayals and Revelations 🎭
✧ Exploration of Forbidden Places
✧ Tension-Filled, Claustrophobic Atmosphere
Ruby, our brave protagonist, is trying to navigate her feelings for Sean, who, while supportive, is more of a sidekick in this adventure. The real drama kicks off when Ruby’s best friend, Val, sneaks out to attend a party in the catacombs, led by the enigmatic Julien. Things quickly spiral as they get trapped underground, with stakes climbing higher with every twist and turn. 🕵️♂️
The catacombs provide a chilling backdrop that heightens the suspense, making every shadow and sound feel more intense. Diana's writing pulls you into the claustrophobic maze, making you feel like you’re navigating the darkness alongside the characters. 🕯️
Val’s reckless decision is the catalyst for the group’s entrapment, and her lack of growth throughout the story can be frustrating. Her actions put everyone at risk, and she doesn’t quite redeem herself by the end.
Content Warnings (CW):
- Death of a Friend
- Cults
- Gaslighting
- Mention of Death During Childbirth
In summary, Under The Surface is an exhilarating read that immerses you in a suspenseful and atmospheric adventure. Despite some frustrating character moments and plot elements that stretch credibility, the gripping setting and intense suspense make it a compelling page-turner. 🌟📚
📚✨ Under The Surface by Diana Urban is a thrilling dive into the dark and mysterious Paris catacombs! 🌌🔦 This YA survival thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat with its pulse-pounding suspense and eerie setting.
✧ Survival in a Creepy, Confined Setting 🕯️
✧ Heroic Rescue Mission Above Ground
✧ Dark Secrets Revealed in a Mysterious Location 🗝️
✧ Unexpected Betrayals and Revelations 🎭
✧ Exploration of Forbidden Places
✧ Tension-Filled, Claustrophobic Atmosphere
Ruby, our brave protagonist, is trying to navigate her feelings for Sean, who, while supportive, is more of a sidekick in this adventure. The real drama kicks off when Ruby’s best friend, Val, sneaks out to attend a party in the catacombs, led by the enigmatic Julien. Things quickly spiral as they get trapped underground, with stakes climbing higher with every twist and turn. 🕵️♂️
The catacombs provide a chilling backdrop that heightens the suspense, making every shadow and sound feel more intense. Diana's writing pulls you into the claustrophobic maze, making you feel like you’re navigating the darkness alongside the characters. 🕯️
Val’s reckless decision is the catalyst for the group’s entrapment, and her lack of growth throughout the story can be frustrating. Her actions put everyone at risk, and she doesn’t quite redeem herself by the end.
Content Warnings (CW):
- Death of a Friend
- Cults
- Gaslighting
- Mention of Death During Childbirth
In summary, Under The Surface is an exhilarating read that immerses you in a suspenseful and atmospheric adventure. Despite some frustrating character moments and plot elements that stretch credibility, the gripping setting and intense suspense make it a compelling page-turner. 🌟📚
December 6, 2024
Torn between packing my bag and going to visit the Catacombs this minute, or never setting foot there in my life.
Survival lessons for tourism: (proud of myself for already doing most)
- Always have your battery fully charged, and maybe a power bank too. 🔋
- Always have several bottles of water. 🥤
- Always have snacks or food with you. 🌯🥧
- Always have your medication or important paramedical needs available. 💊🩹
- Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable. 👟
- Men have big pockets and women have to carry bags. Normalise bigger pockets for women, and men wearing bags. 🎒
Anyway, this book was masterful!
The pace was amazing, fast, addicting, easy. Couldn't wait to get back from the road so I can continue reading. And then, I binged it.
The characters were so dynamic and deep, each adding their own layer to the story.
I didn't miss out on any of them really shining and getting their story through, but the MCs remained Ruby and Sean.
The plot, storyline, and then the TWISTS! SO 👏🏻WELL 👏🏻DONE👏🏻
Very thrilling, fun, and addicting read.
Survival lessons for tourism: (proud of myself for already doing most)
- Always have your battery fully charged, and maybe a power bank too. 🔋
- Always have several bottles of water. 🥤
- Always have snacks or food with you. 🌯🥧
- Always have your medication or important paramedical needs available. 💊🩹
- Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable. 👟
- Men have big pockets and women have to carry bags. Normalise bigger pockets for women, and men wearing bags. 🎒
Anyway, this book was masterful!
The pace was amazing, fast, addicting, easy. Couldn't wait to get back from the road so I can continue reading. And then, I binged it.
The characters were so dynamic and deep, each adding their own layer to the story.
I didn't miss out on any of them really shining and getting their story through, but the MCs remained Ruby and Sean.
The plot, storyline, and then the TWISTS! SO 👏🏻WELL 👏🏻DONE👏🏻
Very thrilling, fun, and addicting read.
June 1, 2024
This claustrophobic thriller was so fast-paced and gripping! As some others reviewers mentioned, it did take me just a bit to really get into the plot, but around the 20% mark, I was hooked and by the 40% mark, I had decided I was going to finish the rest of the book in the same sitting.
This thriller centers around a group of four teens on their high school trip to France who end up lost in the catacombs in Paris. This book was so claustrophobic and stressful, but so so good! I had to take little breaks from reading and remind myself that I wasn't actually trapped down in the catacombs with these characters. As someone who is very claustrophobic, I did ask myself multiple times why I was continuing to read this, but ultimately, I just could not put this book down. I would advise potential readers to look up content warnings are there are some aspects that could be potentially triggering for some readers.
While this thriller is YA due to the ages of the main characters, the plot, characters, and events in the novel felt more mature and closer to the new adult genre. If you usually stray away from the young adult genre, but are interested in the plot, do not let the YA label deter you.
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This thriller centers around a group of four teens on their high school trip to France who end up lost in the catacombs in Paris. This book was so claustrophobic and stressful, but so so good! I had to take little breaks from reading and remind myself that I wasn't actually trapped down in the catacombs with these characters. As someone who is very claustrophobic, I did ask myself multiple times why I was continuing to read this, but ultimately, I just could not put this book down. I would advise potential readers to look up content warnings are there are some aspects that could be potentially triggering for some readers.
While this thriller is YA due to the ages of the main characters, the plot, characters, and events in the novel felt more mature and closer to the new adult genre. If you usually stray away from the young adult genre, but are interested in the plot, do not let the YA label deter you.
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
![Profile Image for ➺ kath [ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1748840117i%2F167355845._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 13, 2025
˚. ✶ 4 stars - no quotes included ᯓ★
alexa, play ˚｡✧ ꒰ dopamine [split brain ver.] by madelline ♡꒱ ˚｡
𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 ;;
𝘵𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘮ê𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘩é𝘴
𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 ;;
𝘫'𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘦, 𝘵𝘶 𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘶𝘹 𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘫𝘦 𝘮'𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘴
𖤐 note — this arc was provided to me by the author and publisher, through netgalley in exchange for a unbiased review. thank you so much to the author and publisher for providing me with this opportunity.
hi my name is kath and im officially traumatized and stunned speechless by this book. the end.
im kidding ;; but im being so fr when im saying that this book pretty much ended me. it had a incredible pacing, complex characters with plot twists, and the most extraordinary setting ever: the paris catacombs.
✴︎ | ruby ⋆˚｡⋆
was a literal star of this show, girlboss, down to earth, and got her priorities straight (80% of the time). she had a great character growth and i loved her perspective so much.
☼ | sean ⋆˚｡⋆
he was so irrelevant bro 😭😭 it honestly would’ve been better without him being there to have the romance. 90% of it was him being there that caused drama between the girls below. he wasn’t even bad, he was just bland and 2 dimensional.
✧ | julien ⋆˚｡⋆
my opinion only but he was a total hottie (i have a weakness for accents) and had such a amazing depth of character, loved him
⊹ | val ⋆˚｡⋆
man i didn’t like her from the beginning like she was just all shades of gray and
⸝⸝ ꒰ setting ★ ⁞ ˎˊ˗
who doesn’t love a unique killer setting that delivers all the vibes ?? this book does exactly that like the literal chills that this book gave me ;; paris catacombs, mafia/cult, with a splash of romance? this book took all the things i ever wanted and delivered.
⊹ ˙ . 𖥻 overall. . . i loved this so much ;; im so excited for this book to get published, and again, many thanks to the publisher + author for providing me with a free copy through netgalley in exchange for a review <3
xoxo, kath ᯓ ₊˚⊹ᰔ
alexa, play ˚｡✧ ꒰ dopamine [split brain ver.] by madelline ♡꒱ ˚｡
𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 ;;
𝘵𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘮ê𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘩é𝘴
𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 ;;
𝘫'𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘦, 𝘵𝘶 𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘶𝘹 𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘫𝘦 𝘮'𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘴
𖤐 note — this arc was provided to me by the author and publisher, through netgalley in exchange for a unbiased review. thank you so much to the author and publisher for providing me with this opportunity.
hi my name is kath and im officially traumatized and stunned speechless by this book. the end.
im kidding ;; but im being so fr when im saying that this book pretty much ended me. it had a incredible pacing, complex characters with plot twists, and the most extraordinary setting ever: the paris catacombs.
✴︎ | ruby ⋆˚｡⋆
was a literal star of this show, girlboss, down to earth, and got her priorities straight (80% of the time). she had a great character growth and i loved her perspective so much.
☼ | sean ⋆˚｡⋆
he was so irrelevant bro 😭😭 it honestly would’ve been better without him being there to have the romance. 90% of it was him being there that caused drama between the girls below. he wasn’t even bad, he was just bland and 2 dimensional.
✧ | julien ⋆˚｡⋆
my opinion only but he was a total hottie (i have a weakness for accents) and had such a amazing depth of character, loved him
⊹ | val ⋆˚｡⋆
man i didn’t like her from the beginning like she was just all shades of gray and
⸝⸝ ꒰ setting ★ ⁞ ˎˊ˗
who doesn’t love a unique killer setting that delivers all the vibes ?? this book does exactly that like the literal chills that this book gave me ;; paris catacombs, mafia/cult, with a splash of romance? this book took all the things i ever wanted and delivered.
⊹ ˙ . 𖥻 overall. . . i loved this so much ;; im so excited for this book to get published, and again, many thanks to the publisher + author for providing me with a free copy through netgalley in exchange for a review <3
xoxo, kath ᯓ ₊˚⊹ᰔ
September 3, 2024
Thank you PRHAudio for the complimentary audiobook! Thank you Penguin Teen for the opportunity to read and review.
This audiobook was excellent! It kept me up almost the whole night. The mystery and suspense was good. New secrets revealed as the story goes on. The narrator is from The Fourth Wing! She's good. I couldn't put it down and when I do, I couldn't sleep so I pick it back up. I liked the alternating views. Both characters played essential roles in this story.
This book followed Ruby, a travel influencer. She and her classmates are in Paris for a school trip. She struggled with friendship and getting close with someone because she didn't want to feel hurt when she lose him/her. So she kept herself at a distance from the guy she likes. She was broken hearted when her best friend ditched her over something she thought she did. Her new best friend betrayed Ruby often and acted selfishly but Ruby wasn't aware. Only when they were stuck in an underground catacombs together did secrets got revealed.
They were stuck and lost in an underground catacombs because they were lured in and having the chance to see the catacombs was one sightseeing place Ruby desperately wanted for her YouTube channel. But, things don't go according to plans. The regrets on decisions made were real and relatable.
This audiobook was excellent! It kept me up almost the whole night. The mystery and suspense was good. New secrets revealed as the story goes on. The narrator is from The Fourth Wing! She's good. I couldn't put it down and when I do, I couldn't sleep so I pick it back up. I liked the alternating views. Both characters played essential roles in this story.
This book followed Ruby, a travel influencer. She and her classmates are in Paris for a school trip. She struggled with friendship and getting close with someone because she didn't want to feel hurt when she lose him/her. So she kept herself at a distance from the guy she likes. She was broken hearted when her best friend ditched her over something she thought she did. Her new best friend betrayed Ruby often and acted selfishly but Ruby wasn't aware. Only when they were stuck in an underground catacombs together did secrets got revealed.
They were stuck and lost in an underground catacombs because they were lured in and having the chance to see the catacombs was one sightseeing place Ruby desperately wanted for her YouTube channel. But, things don't go according to plans. The regrets on decisions made were real and relatable.
March 27, 2024
This is one heck of a rollercoaster ride! I tore through this in a matter of hours. I was nervous at first because I just read two great books, and I didn’t want to break my streak, but this was great! It’s a true thriller, through and through.
Val is, in a word, reckless. This is why she decides to sneak out of the hotel during a school trip to meet up with a hot French guy who promises her a great time at a party in the…catacombs. Wait, what? Let me wrap my head around why someone would voluntarily go down there. They have to go through a previously sealed grate to enter. Um, I don’t know about you, but that boy better be Henry Cavill, and even THEN I’d pass. Can’t Henry and I just go get a strawberry and Nutella crepe, like, aboveground? Is that too much to ask? Ah, well. I’m happily married, anyway.
I digress.
I’m not going to say much more, because the beauty of the story is in its disorienting mysteriousness. It’s highly, deliciously spooky.
Did..anyone else hear that scream? Maybe it’s just your imagination. Keep walking. Aimlessly. You’ll eventually find an exit…right?
My thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Val is, in a word, reckless. This is why she decides to sneak out of the hotel during a school trip to meet up with a hot French guy who promises her a great time at a party in the…catacombs. Wait, what? Let me wrap my head around why someone would voluntarily go down there. They have to go through a previously sealed grate to enter. Um, I don’t know about you, but that boy better be Henry Cavill, and even THEN I’d pass. Can’t Henry and I just go get a strawberry and Nutella crepe, like, aboveground? Is that too much to ask? Ah, well. I’m happily married, anyway.
I digress.
I’m not going to say much more, because the beauty of the story is in its disorienting mysteriousness. It’s highly, deliciously spooky.
Did..anyone else hear that scream? Maybe it’s just your imagination. Keep walking. Aimlessly. You’ll eventually find an exit…right?
My thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 23, 2024
This one isn't for the faint of heart! I feel like I experienced some claustrophobia while reading it.
I'm not necessarily sure what I expected with this one, but I can say that the first half of the book is much stronger than the second half. Urban was able to beautifully capture the feelings that one would have being trapped underground for long periods of time. However, that magic of character development and plot development does seemingly fall apart towards the end. Diana Urban is a well known name in the kid lit arena for the thrillers and mysteries that she writes. While this wasn't necessarily my favorite read of the year, I am interested in picking up more works by her in the future.
I'm not necessarily sure what I expected with this one, but I can say that the first half of the book is much stronger than the second half. Urban was able to beautifully capture the feelings that one would have being trapped underground for long periods of time. However, that magic of character development and plot development does seemingly fall apart towards the end. Diana Urban is a well known name in the kid lit arena for the thrillers and mysteries that she writes. While this wasn't necessarily my favorite read of the year, I am interested in picking up more works by her in the future.
January 2, 2025
Ruby is thrilled to be spending the week with her friends in Paris. This trip is a chance to prove to Ruby's dad that she can travel on her own and build her YouTube channel that shows the hidden gems of her travels. When one of her friends sneaks out the first night to meet a boy, Ruby is determined to bring her back before anyone notices they are gone. When her friend gives Ruby a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to a party in the catacombs, Ruby agrees to go with two of her classmates. After a series of events, the group finds themselves lost in the catacombs and soon realizes they are not the only ones in the underground maze. Can Ruby and her friends find their way out before it is too late?
If you are a fan of suspense thrillers, I would highly recommend this book. The catacombs give such a creepy atmosphere and the mystery of what is after Ruby and her group made for a great thriller. I enjoyed the dual POVs of Ruby in the catacombs and Sean, who is investigating where the missing girls went. Sean's chapters gave a nice break to the adrenaline-filled chapters of the catacombs. Overall, this was a fantastic read that had me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to review Under the Surface. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you are a fan of suspense thrillers, I would highly recommend this book. The catacombs give such a creepy atmosphere and the mystery of what is after Ruby and her group made for a great thriller. I enjoyed the dual POVs of Ruby in the catacombs and Sean, who is investigating where the missing girls went. Sean's chapters gave a nice break to the adrenaline-filled chapters of the catacombs. Overall, this was a fantastic read that had me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to review Under the Surface. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 6, 2024
This book had an intriguing concept that immediately drew me in—a thriller set in the eerie Paris Catacombs, following four girls who find themselves hunted by a sinister cult determined to keep them trapped forever. The premise alone promised a creepy, atmospheric read, and I was excited to dive in.
However, despite the fascinating setup, the execution fell a bit flat for me. While I enjoyed the overall concept, I found myself wishing for more background information on the Catacombs and the history behind them. The setting was a great choice for a thriller, but I felt there was so much more potential to tap into its real-world spookiness and lore, which would have added another layer of depth to the story.
The characters, unfortunately, also didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. I struggled to connect with them on a deeper level, and the relationships between the girls felt underdeveloped. The emotional stakes didn’t quite hit as hard as they could have, leaving me wanting more when it came to their interactions and bonds. Some of the dialogue also felt a bit cringy, though I recognize it’s a YA novel, so that might just come with the territory for certain readers.
Ultimately, while the book had a strong premise and an interesting plot, the creepy vibes and tension I was craving never fully materialized. It had all the ingredients for a gripping thriller, but the overall execution missed the mark for me. That said, it’s still a quick and entertaining read for fans of YA thrillers, especially those drawn to stories set in haunting, underground locales like the Catacombs.
However, despite the fascinating setup, the execution fell a bit flat for me. While I enjoyed the overall concept, I found myself wishing for more background information on the Catacombs and the history behind them. The setting was a great choice for a thriller, but I felt there was so much more potential to tap into its real-world spookiness and lore, which would have added another layer of depth to the story.
The characters, unfortunately, also didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. I struggled to connect with them on a deeper level, and the relationships between the girls felt underdeveloped. The emotional stakes didn’t quite hit as hard as they could have, leaving me wanting more when it came to their interactions and bonds. Some of the dialogue also felt a bit cringy, though I recognize it’s a YA novel, so that might just come with the territory for certain readers.
Ultimately, while the book had a strong premise and an interesting plot, the creepy vibes and tension I was craving never fully materialized. It had all the ingredients for a gripping thriller, but the overall execution missed the mark for me. That said, it’s still a quick and entertaining read for fans of YA thrillers, especially those drawn to stories set in haunting, underground locales like the Catacombs.
November 29, 2024
If your friend snuck into the Paris Catacombs, would you follow them? In UNDER THE SURFACE by Diana Urban, that’s exactly what Ruby does on her class trip to Paris, leaving the boy who holds her heart behind. Fast-paced and thrilling, this novel has as many dangerous turns and secrets as the catacombs below the city. Urban’s writing and use of alternating narrators, keeps the tension high and the pages turning. The darkness prompts late-night confessions and friendships are stretched to their limits as the walls cave in, revealing the complex emotions that hold people together. At the heart of this dark and creepy (in the best way!) survival story is love, friendship, and hope.
Thank you, Putnam, for an advance copy!
Thank you, Putnam, for an advance copy!
October 6, 2024
Lllloved it!
August 1, 2024
This young adult thriller was a wild ride. I will admit it took a little bit to get into the story, but once I was I couldn’t put it down. I did think there was a little bit too much of the drama, but it’s young adult and it did fit the plot. The writing was excellent and I thought both of the narrators were able to tell their story in a good way and they were both interesting characters. Ruby and her friends are on a trip with their high school visiting Paris. Ruby is excited to get some footage for her channel about finding travel gems. Ruby’s friend Val meets a man on their first day and sneaks away to go to a party he knows about. Ruby and a couple of other girls go out to try to stop her and all four of them go with the man down into the catacombs for a party. Soon they are lost in the catacombs, but unfortunately for them they’re also not alone. While I found the twists to be fairly predictable I did enjoy the story quite a bit. Definitely a fun ride and if you like adventure with some mystery I highly recommend this one.
October 17, 2024
So… if you need me I will be diving down the biggest rabbit hole surrounding the Paris Catacombs.
Get ready to dive into the Empire of the Dead underneath Paris. Filled with elements of mystery and romance, this book had me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Under the Surface is an absolutely amazing book and kept me guessing until the end. But be prepared for an absolutely wild ride. You’ll feel all of the emotions while being terrified for what’s next to come. I think that this was genuinely one of the most stressful books I’ve ever read, and I now must find out if all of Diana Urban’s work is the same. The authors writing style is addicting, and to know that this book was inspired by her own trip to Paris is just the icing on top. Diana Urban books are going to be an instant purchase for me from now on.
Thanks to NetGalley and Diana Urban for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title.
Get ready to dive into the Empire of the Dead underneath Paris. Filled with elements of mystery and romance, this book had me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Under the Surface is an absolutely amazing book and kept me guessing until the end. But be prepared for an absolutely wild ride. You’ll feel all of the emotions while being terrified for what’s next to come. I think that this was genuinely one of the most stressful books I’ve ever read, and I now must find out if all of Diana Urban’s work is the same. The authors writing style is addicting, and to know that this book was inspired by her own trip to Paris is just the icing on top. Diana Urban books are going to be an instant purchase for me from now on.
Thanks to NetGalley and Diana Urban for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title.
September 14, 2024
Diana do you know Tess Sharpe? I think you guys should collab.
p.s we didn’t need his POV.
p.s we didn’t need his POV.
October 26, 2024
A claustrophobic survival thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
The book is told from a dual perspective. We follow Ruby and Sean. They both have been best friends for years. They both are in love with each other. And they are both too scared to admit it.
Ruby and Sean are on a class trip in Paris. Everything is going very well and Ruby is getting a lot of nice footage for her channel. However one night trying to prevent some of her friends from getting in trouble, Ruby ends up going to a secret party in the Paris catacombs.
At least Ruby should get some really nice footage from the catacombs for her channel, right? Wrong. Because Ruby and her classmates get lost in the caves and have no way to call for help. Also, nobody knows they went there. What a bummer.
The way that both POVs blended together was really well done and I loved the chapters from both main character’s points of view. There is some teenage drama here but it is kept to the minimum while the horror, the tension, the agony of being buried underground running out of water and food, definitely comes to the forefront and it is the main focus of the book.
Definitely enjoyed this one much more than Lying in the Deep and I am excited to see what the author’s next book will be about.
March 19, 2024
4.5 rounded up to five stars
This is a YA thriller about a group of girls on a school trip to Paris who end up lost in the catacombs beneath. I love that this was life or death not only being lost in catacombs. It made the stakes higher and really kept the anticipation up. We just could’ve done without the second POV chapters.
Speaking of which, what was the point of Sean? Why was he even needed? We did not need to know what was happening upstairs. And we really didn’t need a man to save the women. They were doing their best with an invompetent lead. I hate his chapters.
I hated Val and I hated Julien. She was a selfish psychopath and he was just an ignorant kid. It got tired pretty fast but once the twists start happening I was able to get over it.
Im happy they weren’t skeletons but were people in the catacombs. I don’t want to give to much away but having a real threat following after them really raised the stakes and I loved that! Also had something else I’m a fan of but don’t want to spoil it
All in all, this was a great thriller YA read! I just wish there was less of Sean’s useless POV that we could’ve learned in a single chapter at the end.
This is a YA thriller about a group of girls on a school trip to Paris who end up lost in the catacombs beneath. I love that this was life or death not only being lost in catacombs. It made the stakes higher and really kept the anticipation up. We just could’ve done without the second POV chapters.
Speaking of which, what was the point of Sean? Why was he even needed? We did not need to know what was happening upstairs. And we really didn’t need a man to save the women. They were doing their best with an invompetent lead. I hate his chapters.
I hated Val and I hated Julien. She was a selfish psychopath and he was just an ignorant kid. It got tired pretty fast but once the twists start happening I was able to get over it.
Im happy they weren’t skeletons but were people in the catacombs. I don’t want to give to much away but having a real threat following after them really raised the stakes and I loved that! Also had something else I’m a fan of but don’t want to spoil it
All in all, this was a great thriller YA read! I just wish there was less of Sean’s useless POV that we could’ve learned in a single chapter at the end.
January 24, 2025
Welp, that occurred.
August 28, 2024
3.5 Stars
Review to come.
Review to come.
September 16, 2024
Scientology, but make it French.
May 31, 2025
“𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒏 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑰𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔. 𝑰𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔. 𝑰𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆.”
5 stars ✩
𖤓 ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
under the surface is about a group of teenagers who are on a school trip to france. on a whim, they decide to go to a party deep in the catacombs of paris. however, when they arrive at the catacombs things are not at all what they expected, and in a frenzy they end up getting lost. struggling to escape the catacombs and find their way home, the plot twists and turns around these main characters as they fumble through the city of light in the darkness.
at no point at all did i know what was going to happen in this book. this was one of my most anticipated books of 2024 and it delivered. so let’s get into the review, shall we?
🥾🪨🌟🤿🗺️🚧⏳
characters:
ruby: our fmc, i loved her personality so much. i felt like i could really relate to her when she was struggling with confronting others when she felt upset. she was such a sweet character and the writing was so detailed it felt as if i knew her. i also loved how her character developed throughout the book.
sean: the main love interest, he was written well, but he didn’t get a lot of chapters in the book since he and ruby were separated for the most part.
⤑ a quote from him i liked: “I’d listen to anything she has to say, really.” <33
val: ruby’s best friend, i did not like her. she was so impulsive and made SO many bad decisions at the expense of ruby. but she was written well because i don’t think we were supposed to like her anyway.
julien: the tour guide, i love julien’s character so much but i wish we had gotten more about him in the epilogue.
criticisms
my only criticism about this book is that i wish the epilogue was longer. i wanted to know what happened to more of the characters than what was covered, considering we followed them throughout so much of the book.
other notes
- i LOVED the writing style so much. it felt so realistic and the way everything was written, even the resolution, was so realistic and creepy.
- the atmosphere was horrifying and the descriptions were as well, like what. the words the author used were perfectly put together.
- it was good practice for my french speaking and reading!!
- the plot was perfect i loved it even though it was sad, but everything seemed very well thought out and placed together to make a cohesive plot.
- intrigue was AMAZING i think i finished this book in like 2 or 3 sittings and i was constantly thinking about it when i wasn’t reading.
- i loved this book SO SO SO much. it was exactly what i was hoping for.
quotes:
“We only have this one life, this one shot to go after our dreams.”
“The future doesn’t seem limitless- neither of us are invincible, and there are no guarantees- but it exists past this moment. And I’ll make the most of every moment we get.”
“ ‘I was wrong. It’s not all for nothing. We’re more than a pile of bones.’ We’re this moment. And the last. And every memory we’ve ever made. Every recording. Every note. Everything we’ve created and the lives we’ve touched. We’re our choices, our bravery, our sacrifices. We’re forgiveness and strength and the tears we’ve shed. We’re the friendships we’ve built and the love we’ve shared. Time might go on without us and our cells might wither to dust, but that doesn’t diminish our existence. We all leave a mark on this world.”
“I hope they know, somehow, that the entire planet is rooting for them to survive.”
“‘I want to see that infinite expanse with nothing in the way. To be one step closer to the absolute unknown.’”
“You never think lightning is going to strike twice until it does.”
“His towering athletic stature, broad shoulders, faded buzz cut, chiseled cheekbones, and perpetually furrowed brows sure make it easy to picture him in uniform. And picture it I do. Often.” REALLLLL
“The end of everything is inevitable, but I won’t let it stop me from living.”
thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. all opinions here are my own!
-----
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙·˚ ༘
got approved for the arc today!! can’t wait to read this one
5 stars ✩
𖤓 ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
under the surface is about a group of teenagers who are on a school trip to france. on a whim, they decide to go to a party deep in the catacombs of paris. however, when they arrive at the catacombs things are not at all what they expected, and in a frenzy they end up getting lost. struggling to escape the catacombs and find their way home, the plot twists and turns around these main characters as they fumble through the city of light in the darkness.
at no point at all did i know what was going to happen in this book. this was one of my most anticipated books of 2024 and it delivered. so let’s get into the review, shall we?
🥾🪨🌟🤿🗺️🚧⏳
characters:
ruby: our fmc, i loved her personality so much. i felt like i could really relate to her when she was struggling with confronting others when she felt upset. she was such a sweet character and the writing was so detailed it felt as if i knew her. i also loved how her character developed throughout the book.
sean: the main love interest, he was written well, but he didn’t get a lot of chapters in the book since he and ruby were separated for the most part.
⤑ a quote from him i liked: “I’d listen to anything she has to say, really.” <33
val: ruby’s best friend, i did not like her. she was so impulsive and made SO many bad decisions at the expense of ruby. but she was written well because i don’t think we were supposed to like her anyway.
julien: the tour guide, i love julien’s character so much but i wish we had gotten more about him in the epilogue.
criticisms
my only criticism about this book is that i wish the epilogue was longer. i wanted to know what happened to more of the characters than what was covered, considering we followed them throughout so much of the book.
other notes
- i LOVED the writing style so much. it felt so realistic and the way everything was written, even the resolution, was so realistic and creepy.
- the atmosphere was horrifying and the descriptions were as well, like what. the words the author used were perfectly put together.
- it was good practice for my french speaking and reading!!
- the plot was perfect i loved it even though it was sad, but everything seemed very well thought out and placed together to make a cohesive plot.
- intrigue was AMAZING i think i finished this book in like 2 or 3 sittings and i was constantly thinking about it when i wasn’t reading.
- i loved this book SO SO SO much. it was exactly what i was hoping for.
quotes:
“We only have this one life, this one shot to go after our dreams.”
“The future doesn’t seem limitless- neither of us are invincible, and there are no guarantees- but it exists past this moment. And I’ll make the most of every moment we get.”
“ ‘I was wrong. It’s not all for nothing. We’re more than a pile of bones.’ We’re this moment. And the last. And every memory we’ve ever made. Every recording. Every note. Everything we’ve created and the lives we’ve touched. We’re our choices, our bravery, our sacrifices. We’re forgiveness and strength and the tears we’ve shed. We’re the friendships we’ve built and the love we’ve shared. Time might go on without us and our cells might wither to dust, but that doesn’t diminish our existence. We all leave a mark on this world.”
“I hope they know, somehow, that the entire planet is rooting for them to survive.”
“‘I want to see that infinite expanse with nothing in the way. To be one step closer to the absolute unknown.’”
“You never think lightning is going to strike twice until it does.”
“His towering athletic stature, broad shoulders, faded buzz cut, chiseled cheekbones, and perpetually furrowed brows sure make it easy to picture him in uniform. And picture it I do. Often.” REALLLLL
“The end of everything is inevitable, but I won’t let it stop me from living.”
thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. all opinions here are my own!
-----
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙·˚ ༘
got approved for the arc today!! can’t wait to read this one
March 19, 2024
Holy moly, this was everything I thought it would be! As an avid enthusiast of horror films that trap characters in tight spots, like "The Descent," I've always been captivated by the genre. However, one such movie, "As Above, So Below," which revolves around the harrowing tale of adventurers lost in the Parisian catacombs, always left me wanting more. I approached this novel with the anticipation that it would fill the void that the film left.
And it certainly did.
In "Under the Surface," we're not presented with ghostly terrors, but rather the palpable dread of navigating the perilous catacombs and the uncertainty of misplaced trust. We follow Ruby, who is drawn to the thrill of exploring the catacombs' non-tourist sections. Alongside her and three peers is a dubious Parisian guide, leading them into a labyrinthine nightmare. As they encounter one peril after another, dealing with injuries, dwindling resources, and the absence of communication, their situation spirals. Ruby is haunted by the thought that her remains could join the six million others entombed within the catacomb's walls.
The novel's oppressive atmosphere is masterfully crafted, making the moments of respite through Sean's alternating viewpoint a welcome relief. It provides a glimpse into the outside world, where the disappearance of Ruby and her classmates begins to capture global attention. Sean's ingenuity in the search for his friend is both refreshing and engaging.
Incorporating the dynamic of Ruby and her former best friend trapped together heightens the suspense and emotional stakes. The narrative is relentlessly fast-paced, leaving no room for lulls. Both Ruby and Sean are in a desperate race against time, and just when you anticipate the author might settle into familiar young adult storytelling tropes, the plot takes astonishing turns. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping revelations and moments that will leave you asking, did she really JUST DO THAT??
This thriller pulls no punches. This is a must-read for thriller fans!
And it certainly did.
In "Under the Surface," we're not presented with ghostly terrors, but rather the palpable dread of navigating the perilous catacombs and the uncertainty of misplaced trust. We follow Ruby, who is drawn to the thrill of exploring the catacombs' non-tourist sections. Alongside her and three peers is a dubious Parisian guide, leading them into a labyrinthine nightmare. As they encounter one peril after another, dealing with injuries, dwindling resources, and the absence of communication, their situation spirals. Ruby is haunted by the thought that her remains could join the six million others entombed within the catacomb's walls.
The novel's oppressive atmosphere is masterfully crafted, making the moments of respite through Sean's alternating viewpoint a welcome relief. It provides a glimpse into the outside world, where the disappearance of Ruby and her classmates begins to capture global attention. Sean's ingenuity in the search for his friend is both refreshing and engaging.
Incorporating the dynamic of Ruby and her former best friend trapped together heightens the suspense and emotional stakes. The narrative is relentlessly fast-paced, leaving no room for lulls. Both Ruby and Sean are in a desperate race against time, and just when you anticipate the author might settle into familiar young adult storytelling tropes, the plot takes astonishing turns. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping revelations and moments that will leave you asking, did she really JUST DO THAT??
This thriller pulls no punches. This is a must-read for thriller fans!
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