The Abyss Surrounds Us
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Futuristic pirates and sea monsters offer high-seas thrills.
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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: Emily Skrutskie
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Ocean Creatures, Pirates, Wild Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Flux
- Publication date: February 8, 2016
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Kindle
- Last updated: September 27, 2021
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