Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Futuristic pirates and sea monsters offer high-seas thrills.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Cassandra Leung was raised to train Reckoners, genetically engineered sea monsters that protect travelers on the NeoPacific from marauding pirates. When she's captured by pirate queen Santa Elena, Cas is dismayed to learn that she's expected to train Bao, a Reckoner pup destined to upset the balance of power. As Bao grows bigger and more dangerous, Cas must decided where her true allegiances lie, especially when it comes to Swift, a fellow shipmate who will be killed if Cas tries to sabotage the mission.
Is It Any Good?
An unusual premise and a distinctive setting distinguish this high-seas adventure full of futuristic pirates and genetically engineered sea monsters. THE ABYSS SURROUNDS US might have an awkward title, but debut novelist Emily Skrutskie is mostly sure-footed as she finds a new wrinkle on the old dragon-training clichés. The characters are edgy without being unbelievable, and Cas's developing relationship with Swift proves intriguingly complex. There's a vicious twist in the tale, though, which will propel fans of sci-fi adventure to the next volume of this promising saga.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about pirates. Why are stories about them so popular? How has the portrayal of pirates changed over the centuries?
What do you think about the violence in The Abysss Surrounds Us? Is it necessary to the story?
The Abyss Surrounds Us imagines a future where rising seas have reshaped the continents. Do you think climate change will reshape coastlines and disrupt shipping and travel?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , Pirates
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Flux
- Publication date : February 8, 2016
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate