The Darkdeep (The Darkdeep #1)

[A]n imaginative and ultimately uplifting narrative.

Veteran writers Condie (Matched) and Reichs (Genesis) team up to deliver an action-packed Goonies-like adventure set in the Pacific Northwest. Trying to recover a drone lost to an act of bullying, Nico slips at the edge of a fog-covered cliff and tumbles into Washington State's Still Cove. Nico's friends, worried about the beast that allegedly lurks below the water, are relieved to find not only a boat to search for their friend, but also Nico himself, on an island within the cove--one they've never heard of. In the center of the island lies a dark pond, a houseboat floating in its center. In the bowels of the houseboat sits a well of thick liquid dubbed the Darkdeep, which beckons and submerges the friends one by one, then spits each into the pond and animates their minds' contents. Initially, the frivolous figments disappear quickly, but as the creatures become more dreadful--and more solid--they begin to cause real damage and threaten more than just the strange island. A basic beginning moves into a satisfying narrative arc, perfect for reluctant readers who appreciate things that go bump in the night. Ages 8-12. Agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. (Oct.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5 Up--Collaboration between bestselling authors is bound to produce high expectations, and this mash-up of "Goosebumps"-meets-The Goonies certainly delivers. Still Cove is a mysteriously foggy area just outside the mill town of Timbers. Twelve-year-olds Opal and Nico avoid the place at all costs due to rumors of "the Beast," but after a run-in with bully Logan, the friends are forced to brave the area. What they find is incredible: a mystical water portal that sucks you in and spits you out, bringing your imagination to life--literally. When the "figments" begin to get out of control, what began as a fun game suddenly turns deadly. Nico, Opal, and their friends must find a way to work together to contain the phenomenon they refer to as the Darkdeep. The four friends at the heart of the story have distinctive personalities, with Nico and Opal narrating. The magical aspect of the Darkdeep runs parallel to the fears and worries the characters hold about their lives. Nico's father petitioned to protect an endangered owl species in the woods, resulting in job losses at the town's mill and resentment from the community. Friction between Nico and Logan, the mill owner's son, and Opal, who's family profited from the situation, must be overcome before they can tackle the figments and the Darkdeep. VERDICT Swiftly paced and peppered with wit, this darkly entertaining tale is sure to engage horror fans.--Lauren Jones, Tauranga City Library, NZ

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This book left me breathless! - R.L. Stine, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Goosebumps and Fear Street

Move over, Stranger Things. . . The Darkdeep will pull you into an irresistibly eerie world beyond your wildest dreams—and nightmares. - Melissa de la Cruz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Descendants series

A truly spectacular adventure. - Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL

I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. - Alexandra Bracken, New York Times bestselling author of THE DARKEST MINDS

The most fun I've had while being deeply terrified. - Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME

A delicious, rollicking adventure. - Tahereh Mafi, New York Times bestselling author of FURTHERMORE

Fast-paced, thrilling, and full of mystery—The Darkdeep will keep readers at the edge of their seats! - Jennifer A. Nielsen, New York Times bestselling author of THE FALSE PRINCE

Delivering plenty of middle-school shivers, . . . the terror of the figments is leavened with alternating bits of humor and pathos, and the ensemble cast is differentiated by motive and temperament, all of which augurs well for readerly interest in future adventures. - BCCB

Thoughtful, poetic chapter endings guide readers new to psychological depth toward meaningful connections between plot events and thematic reflections. - starred review, BCCB on SUMMERLOST

Condie is at her best . . . grabbing readers' interest from the first page. - starred review, Publishers Weekly on SUMMERLOST

Have this on hand for readers who enjoy a sweet, heartfelt story. - School Library Journal on SUMMERLOST

Reichs truly keeps readers guessing throughout, with twists on early every page. - starred review, Booklist on NEMESIS

Addictive as a puzzle, moving with breakneck speed, Nemesis had me guessing until the very end. Try to predict what Nemesis is. I dare you. - Victoria Averyard, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author, on NEMESIS

Hooked readers will be tapping their fingers waiting for the sequel. - starred review, Kirkus Reviews on NEMESIS

A fierce, unforgettable page-turner. - starred review, Kirkus Reviews on MATCHED

Reichs builds plots like the Swiss build watches. Nemesis is a fascinating, twisty page-turner that will keep surprising you until its final page. - Ransom Riggs, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author, on NEMESIS