The Darkdeep Review

Title: The Darkdeep
Author: Ally Condie & Brendan Reichs
Series: The Darkdeep #1
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: 25 September 2018
Source: Pan Macmillan South Africa
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reading Timeline: 23 March 2019




Goodreads Synopsis:

When a bullying incident sends twelve year-old Nico Holland over the edge of a cliff into the icy waters of Still Cove, where no one ever goes, friends Tyler and Ella – and even 'cool kid' Opal – rush to his rescue . . . only to discover an island hidden in the swirling mists below. Shrouded by dense trees and murky tides, the island appears uninhabited, although the kids can't quite shake the feeling that something about it is off. Their suspicions grow when they stumble upon an abandoned houseboat with an array of curiosities inside: odd-looking weapons, unnerving portraits, maps to places they've never heard of, and a glass jar containing something completely unidentifiable. As the group delves deeper into the unknown, their discoveries – and their lives – begin to intertwine in weird and spooky ways. Something ancient has awakened . . . and it knows their wishes and dreams - and their deepest secrets. Do they have what it takes to face the shadowy things that lurk within their own hearts?

Book Review:
Pre-reading Thoughts:

I have heard really good things about this book from a couple of people and beyond that, this middle grade sounds like a fun read! It was one of the books that I was looking forward to last year, so I am very happy that I have the chance to read it.

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan South Africa for sending me a copy of this book! Just a small disclaimer for those reading this review, I have received this book for free. Please note that this does not affect my opinions in any way. All thoughts are my own.

Writing Thoughts:

The writing in this book was young and fun. It pulls the readers in, keeping them entertained with fun banter between friends and actions scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat. The writing is perfect for young readers because it is light and easy to get into. 

Plot Thoughts:

This book is filled with both fun and crazy adventures. I loved how the plot was well thought out and how the events played out. There are enough crazy moments to keep young readers entertained. This was the perfect middle-grade novel as it deals with realistic problems such as bullies.

Character Thoughts:

The characters in this book are interesting and accessible. Each of them has an array of quirks that make them fun to read about. I loved the dynamic that the four of them had where, despite the situation, they always had each other's back.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I enjoyed this middle grade. I loved how quickly the pages flew by and how entertained I was from beginning to end. The writing does a great job of pulling the reader in with banter between friends, the plot is filled with crazy moments that are balanced out with other moments that focus on some serious topics. The characters are not only fun but accessible. This was a fantastic middle grade and I highly recommend it for all young readers. Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan South Africa for providing me with a copy of this book!

Yours in Reading,
Melleny

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