Scan barcode
onemused's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE ABYSS is the thrilling and satisfying conclusion to an intriguing YA sci-fi/fantasy duology. In the future, humanity has been forced below the ocean where they are barely thriving. In former London, they live in constant fear of the genetically modified humans who can breathe underwater. Initially developed so that they could serve humanity as they began their life submerged, the amphi (short for amphibius) community has now sought to live their own lives. Forced into hiding and known as Anthropods, which propaganda claims are dangerous and deadly despite just being people who can breathe water, the government is increasingly ruthless in destroying them, adults and children.
The second book picks up where the last book left off, with Ari captured by the government Blackwatch and Leyla and her father being labeled among the most wanted criminals. In the Kabul, Leyla's sub, they are searching for the amphi communities for their help in locating and rescuing Ari. As she begins her search, she is now increasingly aware of the government lies and injustices, willing to do what it takes to protect the people she loves.
What I loved: This is an absolutely action-packed sequel with lots of twists and turns that lead to the explosive ending. While readers do need to have read the first book to fully get into this sequel, the book does a great job of recapping the key events from the first, which is helpful if the first was read a while ago. This book is expertly plotted with clues leading to the big reveals along the way, and some which may be guessed, while others will be surprises.
The characters remain really compelling with Leyla leading the charge. Leyla's love for those around her and willingness to learn and evolve have led to a lot of character growth throughout these books, and it makes for a really captivating story. Ari remains another strong character, and I loved the way they come together and make space for each other. Although the romance is relatively background, their relationship definitely shines in their friendship as well as interest. The world-building is also fully realized, with the underwater cities and culture coming to life, and I absolutely wish I had a sub anything like the Kabul.
The themes of the book are really thought-provoking and make this a great duology for discussion. The story touches on propaganda, weaponization of "civility," othering and prejudice, the power of whistleblowers, religion, identity, and hatred stemming from ignorance. All of these themes touch on the reality of history but remain important to consider and discuss, making it a great choice for book clubs.
Final verdict: With compelling characters, masterful world-building, thought-provoking themes, and captivating plot twists, JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE ABYSS is the explosive and thrilling conclusion to an atmospheric and lush YA sci-fi/fantasy duology. Highly recommend picking up these books for fans of LEGEND, THE TIGER AT MIDNIGHT, and DEFY THE STARS.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The second book picks up where the last book left off, with Ari captured by the government Blackwatch and Leyla and her father being labeled among the most wanted criminals. In the Kabul, Leyla's sub, they are searching for the amphi communities for their help in locating and rescuing Ari. As she begins her search, she is now increasingly aware of the government lies and injustices, willing to do what it takes to protect the people she loves.
What I loved: This is an absolutely action-packed sequel with lots of twists and turns that lead to the explosive ending. While readers do need to have read the first book to fully get into this sequel, the book does a great job of recapping the key events from the first, which is helpful if the first was read a while ago. This book is expertly plotted with clues leading to the big reveals along the way, and some which may be guessed, while others will be surprises.
The characters remain really compelling with Leyla leading the charge. Leyla's love for those around her and willingness to learn and evolve have led to a lot of character growth throughout these books, and it makes for a really captivating story. Ari remains another strong character, and I loved the way they come together and make space for each other. Although the romance is relatively background, their relationship definitely shines in their friendship as well as interest. The world-building is also fully realized, with the underwater cities and culture coming to life, and I absolutely wish I had a sub anything like the Kabul.
The themes of the book are really thought-provoking and make this a great duology for discussion. The story touches on propaganda, weaponization of "civility," othering and prejudice, the power of whistleblowers, religion, identity, and hatred stemming from ignorance. All of these themes touch on the reality of history but remain important to consider and discuss, making it a great choice for book clubs.
Final verdict: With compelling characters, masterful world-building, thought-provoking themes, and captivating plot twists, JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE ABYSS is the explosive and thrilling conclusion to an atmospheric and lush YA sci-fi/fantasy duology. Highly recommend picking up these books for fans of LEGEND, THE TIGER AT MIDNIGHT, and DEFY THE STARS.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
foreverinastory's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Thank you to the author for inviting me to read this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this so much!! Fantastic ending.
Journey to the Heart of the Abyss is the conclusion of Leyla McQueen's adventures which started in The Light at the Bottom of the World. This book picks up right where Light left us. Leyla has been reunited with her father and they're beginning to search for the amphi communities so they can come up with a plan find Ari.
This book was one giant adventure with so many twists and turns. There were so many times I thought I knew where the book was going and then it would go a different direction. It was so much fun!
It's so easy to love Leyla. I've loved seeing how much she's grown from the first book where her fear of the ocean would almost paralyze her. She's done so much since winning her submersible race. What started as a quest to find her father has changed into a battle to unveil the injustice her family and friends have faced. We also find out what truly happened to Leyla's mother all those years ago.
I really loved the huge diversity of the amphi community. One point this book features a wedding of a WLW couple and I was giant heart eyes. I also really loved seeing Leyla bond with Ari's adoptive family. The love they had for him was so soft and I loved it so much. And then there's Ari's sister who is so cute and curious! I loved her rock collection.
The ending was freaking fantastic. I don't know how it could've been better, both as an end of the book and the end of a series. All I know is that I'm a forever fan of Shah and I cannot wait for this to release and whatever may come next!
Rep: British Muslim female MC of Pashtun descent, adopted biracial love interest that is an amphis, side character with a prosthetic leg, AI that is programmed to be Oscar Wilde--gay, side WLW couple, various BIPOC side characters.
CWs: Animal death, animal cruelty (scientific manipulation of animals), blood, confinement (to submersibles and to the ocean), death, gun violence, medical trauma (including experimentation without consent), violence, xenophobia (against amphis), death of parent, suicide (brief mention of side character).
I loved this so much!! Fantastic ending.
Journey to the Heart of the Abyss is the conclusion of Leyla McQueen's adventures which started in The Light at the Bottom of the World. This book picks up right where Light left us. Leyla has been reunited with her father and they're beginning to search for the amphi communities so they can come up with a plan find Ari.
This book was one giant adventure with so many twists and turns. There were so many times I thought I knew where the book was going and then it would go a different direction. It was so much fun!
It's so easy to love Leyla. I've loved seeing how much she's grown from the first book where her fear of the ocean would almost paralyze her. She's done so much since winning her submersible race. What started as a quest to find her father has changed into a battle to unveil the injustice her family and friends have faced. We also find out what truly happened to Leyla's mother all those years ago.
I really loved the huge diversity of the amphi community. One point this book features a wedding of a WLW couple and I was giant heart eyes. I also really loved seeing Leyla bond with Ari's adoptive family. The love they had for him was so soft and I loved it so much. And then there's Ari's sister who is so cute and curious! I loved her rock collection.
The ending was freaking fantastic. I don't know how it could've been better, both as an end of the book and the end of a series. All I know is that I'm a forever fan of Shah and I cannot wait for this to release and whatever may come next!
Rep: British Muslim female MC of Pashtun descent, adopted biracial love interest that is an amphis, side character with a prosthetic leg, AI that is programmed to be Oscar Wilde--gay, side WLW couple, various BIPOC side characters.
CWs: Animal death, animal cruelty (scientific manipulation of animals), blood, confinement (to submersibles and to the ocean), death, gun violence, medical trauma (including experimentation without consent), violence, xenophobia (against amphis), death of parent, suicide (brief mention of side character).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Medical trauma, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Suicide
utopiastateofmind's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not impact my review which is honest and unbiased
The Journey to the Heart of the Abyss has phenomenal world building. I’m always impressed with Shah’s ability to bring this underworld to life. In real life, I wouldn’t have even made it because I am pretty terrified of the water, so Shah’s ability to transport me is even more remarkable. The Journey to the Heart of the Abyss feels almost a hop away from real life. The rhetoric of intolerance and misinformation.
Action packed from the beginning, The Journey to the Heart of the Abyss features a father/daughter relationship which made my heart soar. Since we are familiar with the characters, Shah allows the action to take off. With emotions, this finale highlights moments of highs and lows. It discusses how we cannot let our fears control us. While I’ve been feeling pessimistic about the world, Shah’s finale asks us whether the world, and people, are capable of change.
More...