SOLARIS the Abyssal

“Water manipulation”—the supernatural ability developed by mankind in the 22nd century that made it possible to traverse the ocean depths. Minato Yamajo returned to his old academy as an instructor to teach aspiring water manipulator trainees and ended up with two under his instruction—Natsuka Hoshino, his bumbling, yet cheerful childhood friend, and Chloe Knightley, a celebrated genius with a disagreeable personality. Watching these two as they worked their hardest, Minato started to truly enjoy his time as an instructor. However, the arrival of an SOS from the depths of a submerged city signaled the end of those peaceful days. Enter a truly frightening story at the crossroads of depths and despair. None of us knows how this will end.

Original Publisher

media factory

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on SOLARIS the Abyssal SOLARIS the Abyssal… what a ride. This novel throws you for a loop, blending genres in a way that's both captivating and, at times, a bit jarring. I came in expecting one thing and got something else entirely, which is either a recipe for disaster or a stroke of genius. In this case, I think it’s somewhere in between. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the seemingly lighthearted premise and the promise of a futuristic setting with special abilities. The early chapters felt like a fun, character-driven story, establishing relationships and hinting at deeper mysteries. It seemed like a refreshing take on the genre. ### What Works Well The author excels at creating a sense of camaraderie among the characters, making you genuinely care about their fates. The shift to horror is undeniably effective, ratcheting up the tension and delivering some truly gruesome moments. I was impressed by the author's willingness to kill off characters, which, while shocking, definitely raised the stakes and kept me on edge. The art is also a nice touch, even if it leans towards a cuteness that contrasts with the darker elements of the story. ### Areas of Concern However, the tonal shifts can be quite abrupt. The early chapters, with their focus on slice-of-life elements, might not prepare readers for the intense horror that follows. While some might appreciate the unexpected turn, others could find it jarring and even feel misled. Some readers may also find the protagonist unlikeable due to his actions and thoughts. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning There is a twist ending that needs to be addressed. The revelation that the person the crew was trying to save managed to get to safety on their own, rendering all the sacrifices meaningless, is a bold move. For some, it's a brilliant subversion of expectations, a cynical commentary on the futility of sacrifice. For others, it might feel like a cheap shot, undermining the emotional investment built up throughout the story. ### Final Verdict Overall, SOLARIS the Abyssal is a unique and memorable novel that is sure to evoke a reaction. It's a story that's not afraid to take risks, and while not all of them pay off perfectly, the end result is a compelling and often disturbing read. If you're willing to embrace the tonal shifts and aren't easily put off by gore, then I highly recommend giving it a try. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions and a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading.