
Author: Sam Locrian
Genre: Sci-Fi / Historical Fiction
Year Published: 2025
Nerdection Rating:
“Nerdection Excellent Read”

Do you ever wish that some events in history were different? Sam Locrian clearly does. In the book $20,000 Under the Sea, Sam rewrites history, aligning it more with classic mystery adventure stories than with actual history.
Spoiler Free Plot
Imagine the year 1920, but not the one you read about in history books. In this version, the United States rules over the British Isles, and New York looks stranger and more different than ever before.
In the debut book by Sam Locrian, we are introduced to the protagonist, Beau, a French man living in New York, trying to figure out life like the rest of us. He’s smart, observant, and a bit of a loner. After bouncing between odd jobs, he gets involved with a secret club that worships the “King in Yellow.” This is when he finally gets a steady job, within the cult.
His new job is to board the most famous ship of the decade, the Prince’s Emblazoned. But nothing about it is as easy as it seems, and he soon finds himself tangled in secrets, shady deals, and surrounded by people who are hiding a lot.
We meet more characters like Felix, a mysterious figure in the book whom no one has actually met; H. Castaigne, Felix’s right-hand man who delivers missions from Felix to Beau; and Hawberk, a powerful businessman who is respected and has a name in both legal and illegal circles.
The four must work together to reveal secrets and learn to handle dangerous situations with their own qualities.
My take on the book $20,000 Under the Sea
Sam really makes us question history. Were the “good old days” actually that good, or do we just read about them as if they were?
The book is an interesting mix of genres like history, adventure, and mystery. It talks about the changes people go through after tough times. Locrian brings together humor and detail, making it a perfect read. The story keeps you guessing until the end. It is written in a fun and easy way, with a setting that’s not too complicated. The book is fast-paced, making it perfect for the genre while keeping the suspense high and keeping me engaged.
This book is different from other similar books because it mixes humor, clever references to other literary works, and blends real history with imagination.
Reading $20,000 Under the Sea was an entertaining experience. The story was fun and nostalgic. I found myself laughing at the cheeky tone, feeling suspense as the plot thickened, and truly enjoying it. I highly appreciate how the author managed to balance action with quiet, thoughtful moments.
Overall, this is a well-written book that covers a wide range of themes. If you enjoy books that blend action, mystery, and humor, this book is for you.
Content Warnings
Crime and violence, mental health triggers like trauma, corruption, and manipulation, which could be unsettling for some readers.
About The Author Of $20,000 Under the Sea
Sam Locrian is the author of Three and Two and Two and the short story collection Promises for a Worse Tomorrow. He lives in the United States, somewhere between New York and California, and enjoys games, food, and philosophy. You can find more of his work, including essays, short stories, and sample chapters, at saltpoweredllc.com.



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