What Lies Above - Caitlin Lambert

★★★★★

An Intensely Beautiful and Painful Struggle for Freedom

Eva has trusted in her government for the last time. There’s something not quite right, and the people closest to her are keeping secrets. To uncover the truth, Eva embarks on a quest that takes her to the darker corners of her subterranean city that may just cost her her life.

Eli hates what the government orders him do to citizens, but he keeps telling himself it’s to protect his family on another planet. But can he convince himself the blood on his hands really worth it? Is there really a chance to escape? After all, the government isn’t what it appears to be …

Narrative Voice: 1st person (dual)
Cussing/profanity: 0/5
Drug/alcohol use: 0/5
Kissing: 0/5
Sex/nudity: 0/5
Violence/gore: 2/5

Caitlin Lambert’s writing style was addictive after the first chapter. With eloquence and intention, she writes every word with purpose to bring to life the dreary world of Sub-Terra and immerse the reader completely in the deepest emotions of the characters. Every scene is vividly described, and the dialogue flows naturally.

At first I thought I wouldn’t be able to relate to Eva because she lived in such a different world than mine, but as the story progressed, I found myself in her through her reactions and how she handles pain. I even related to Eli despite his character being a government soldier, but his internal conflict evokes the same emotions I’d experience if I were him. The evil portrayed is very realistic, almost reminiscent of places in our world today—or at least what they could become. It gave the plot a rawness of reality even though the world is not earth. The locations confused me with their similar names, and I did get lost as to what was where, but it didn’t affect my reading experience too much.

The plot itself was full of mystery that kept me reading and begging for answers. When one was answered, another popped up, driving me to to the end. And the plot twist?! I didn’t even know there’d be one and never saw it coming, so now I wait impatiently for the sequel.

5/5 would recommend