Customer Reviews

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• Obc Contentor

  “Below” by Stuart Lee contains a story that revolves around Nancy Greener, an oceanographer, her fiancé Laird, a professor at the University of Tulane, and their quest to ensure that the ocean is safe for all by destroying a new fish species that was discovered, known as candiru, which became a menace to human existence. Nancy Greener was among the crew sent by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), led by Ike Ford, on a ship called "The Brooks" with a mission to detect oil spillage, especially from BP (British Petroleum), that may affect aquatic habitat and water safety in European countries. The ship was sent to the De Soto Gulf of Mexico. While checking for oil spillage, they discovered a missing Dana airplane that crashed on November 16th, 1959. The Dana DC 967 was a plane that disappeared mysteriously over the sea and was carrying a scientist who was seen as pursuing a dangerous path in the science world. This discovery eventually led to a high-level search and interest from all intelligence agencies in Europe, from the FBI to Homeland Security, the EPA, and the NTSB. The climax of the search, however, led to the discovery of a new fish species known as candiru, which had been reengineered to live aggressively by feeding it with human blood by another scientist known as Herr Doktor, who was unaware of the effect of his actions in the Gulf of Mexico. The candiru fish, however, became a deadly weapon against humans who swim in the sea. This fish species, candiru, attacks humans by entering through their penis or urethra, and once it enters, it becomes impossible to remove and damages the penis or urethra, thereby killing its victims violently. Nancy Greener, her fiancé, and Agent Rojas from the FBI began to look for a solution to save the sea and the world from this menace. In this book, Stuart Lee captures a realistic struggle between nature and man, which is one reason I relate to and love the story's setting so much. It reveals the destructive nature of man and its impact on the natural habitat of aquatic animals, which sometimes becomes dangerous to human existence and may eventually lead to extreme fatal situations. The story is educational and impactful, evident in how it teaches humans awareness of our own environment and how the corporate world and individuals should be careful not to negatively affect it. Another interesting element in the story is its tension-inducing quality. The introduction of a new, menacing species of fish, the candiru, adds a sense of urgency and danger to the story. Its method of attack is particularly horrifying and makes for a gripping plot point. I don't have a reason to dislike this book; I'm especially grateful for the impactful quality and global relevance of the theme touched upon by the story. In essence, the story's backdrop of environmental protection, particularly focusing on oceanic safety and the detection of oil spillage, adds depth and relevance. It ties the narrative to real-world issues and provides a sense of purpose for the characters' actions. Also, I only find one typo in the book, which is a testament to its professional editing. All things considered, I'd rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The novel can be read by those aged 18 and above to educate them about nature and the environment; hence, my recommendation.

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