The Deep Beneath (H.A.L.F. #1)

Summary:

H.A.L.F. 9 has taken his first breath of desert air and his first steps in the human world. Created to be a weapon, he proved too powerful for his makers and has lived a sedated life hidden from humans. But H.A.L.F. 9 has escaped the underground lab he called home, and the sedation has worn off. He has never been more alive. More powerful. Or more deadly.

Erika Holt longs to ride her motorcycle east until pavement meets shore. She bides her time until graduation when she’ll say adios to the trailer she shares with her alcoholic mother and memories of her dead father. But a typical night in the desert with friends thrusts Erika into a situation more dangerous than she ever imagined. 

Circumstances push the two together, and each must make a fateful choice. Will Erika help H.A.L.F. 9 despite her “don’t get involved” rule? And will H.A.L.F. 9 let Erika live even though he was trained to kill? 

The two may need to forget their rules and training and if either is to survive the dangers of the deep beneath them.  (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Xpresso Book Tours.

Review:

There was certainly nothing wrong with this book, but there also was nothing that I found gripping.  For whatever reason when I read this summary I didn’t realize it was going to be *spoiler* an alien book.  (Don’t worry that isn’t much of a spoiler as you find out immediately in the story.)  Despite LOVING science fiction, I’m not a huge fan of alien books – particularly of this type.  If you do enjoy that type, this would likely be a star higher for you.

That being said, I didn’t see too much about the story that I found surprising or new.  The story was well-crafter and I liked the interactions – though occasionally repetitive.  I wish we had learned more about each of the characters themselves.  Though we follow Erika through her experiences we never completely get to know her past, her hopes or real thoughts about what’s going on.  Overall I’d say this was a solid read, but nothing that knocked it out of the park.

Warning: Contains violence.

Rating: 3 stars!

Who should read it? Alien science fiction and young adult fans.

Want to read the whole series? TBD

Want a little extra?  Enter the Book Tour giveaway!