Reviews

In the follow up to Shah’s Light at the Bottom of the Ocean, we start out with love and loss. Our main character Leyla McQueen (Ka-Chow) finally has her father back but at the expense of her new love, Ari. Leyla also learns a lot more about who (and what) she is and the real story behind her mother’s disappearance. Leyla travels through Britain, revealing secrets of power and narrowly escaping death to save Ari and the future of her people. I enjoyed this one more than the first, however, the end fell flat for me. We were building up to what was looking like a drastic and bloody war and just like that, we’re all in a room together, the villain is revealed (big surprise, it was the white male politician) who then dies because of a stupid, power-hungry decision (also big surprise there, sense the sarcastic tone readers). I felt like the one redeeming quality was finding out that half the population actually CAN breathe under water therefore meaning we as humans have the capabilities to evolve and become merfolk, exciting stuff!

amis_bookshelves's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

nikolas_fox's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

heytherekaity's review against another edition

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5.0

Full review can be found here!

I LOVED this book! I think it did a wonderful job answering all of my questions from the end of book one, plus I loved all the new questions that arose while I was reading this! If you're looking for a thrilling, dystopian-ish story, then [b:Journey to the Heart of the Abyss|40307018|Journey to the Heart of the Abyss (Light the Abyss, #2)|London Shah|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1613490069l/40307018._SX50_.jpg|62589101] is the book for you!

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doodles_and_books's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with an ARC. This has not affected my review, which reflects only my honest opinions.

"Racing is freedom; it’s escaping from everything confusing and painful, and hurtling toward some unidentifiable hope."

My full review can be found here!

Oof. London Shah has dove to greater depths, racing towards a dramatic conclusion full of as much imagination as the first—and even more shocking revelations.

Truly, the worldbuilding of the Light the Abyss duology is incredible. The underwater world is equal parts fascinating and terrifying. It’s intriguing and atmospheric and lures you in immediately, while Shah’s writing transports you so fully into this futuristic underwater world.

This duology explores so many important themes, many of which are more timely now than ever before, and that adeptly weave their way through the book’s conversations surrounding history, identity, and politics. I loved how Journey to the Heart of the Abyss frames the concept of nostalgia. There is comfort, but also room for caution. There is value in being critical of the past, of looking passed the sepia and rose-tinted ideals of “the good, old days.” Clinging too tightly to what was can be even more dangerous than the uncertainty of what could be.

Shah’s protagonist shines throughout. I love Leyla’s enduring optimism, and how fiercely she fights to do the right thing, to fight for the truth in a world so overwhelmingly shrouded in secrets (some darker than others). Her growth in Journey to the Heart of the Abyss was incredible, and I loved how readers are given the opportunity to really see her come into own, in every sense. She has come such a long way, and it’s such a rewarding experience.

There are betrayals and secrecy at every turn to keep you guessing (some of which I got, and others that I absolutely predicted incorrectly!) The book is, for the most part, brilliantly paced—especially towards the end when the truths readers will have been yearning for finally come to light. London Shah also offers such a satisfying delivery for those final revelations and reveals. Journey to the Heart of the Abyss is absolutely a study in how to effectively execute the villainous monologue.

With more searingly poignant social commentary and as much imagination as ever, London Shah has crafted an exquisite ending to a fabulous duology.

— — —
I had the absolute pleasure of being able to read an early draft, and as it’s still in the early draft stages all I will say is: there are things I want to draw.

(And if you know me at all, this is honestly the highest praise I have to give)

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