Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean, just like all of the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after remaining hidden from the Above World for centuries, her colony is in trouble, its survival in doubt: the tech that allows the Kampii to breathe underwater is beginning to fail, and many Kampii have already died. Yet the colony’s elders, including Aluna’s father, are unwilling to venture to the dry and dangerous Above World to search for answers.
So it’s up to Aluna and her friend Hoku to face the terrors of land to find a solution. Once in the Above World, Aluna and Hoku learn that their colony is not the only one struggling to survive—so are others in the skies and in the deserts. Will Aluna’s warrior spirit and Hoku’s intelligence be enough not only to keep themselves safe but also to find a way to save their city and possibly the world?
Here is a thrilling ride through a future in which greed and cruelty may have gone unchecked but the loyalty of friends remains as true as ever.
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"Above World is a truly impressive start to a new middle-grade+ series. I admit that I expected the usual from it, and it continually surprised me with interesting plot moves and character development. It's both a scary adventure and a fun romp in a highly imagined new world, beginning when the intrepid Aluna leaves her community of sea-dwelling post-humans, certain she can find a cure to a disease that is affecting her people when the elders won't even admit how serious the situation is. Her best friend, the scientific Hoku follows her, and the two of them evade the evils of the land-based world, making new friends and new enemies, both. This is a satisfying volume which promises more delightful and frightening adventures to come."
— Neile (5 out of 5 stars)
" I love the ideas of this book -- tech-created mythical creatures, humanity divided into isolated genetically altered sects, strong heroines of color -- and I want to give it credit for that, but the execution felt bland and explain-y, with overly perfect protagonists and forced-feeling relationships. "
— Claire, 2/3/2014" I loved this book. The idea was new. I loved the questions it made me think. Would it be possible for people to live permanently underwater with better technology?" Would they have to eat everything raw? Would their skin get all wrinkly? I loved the characters. I felt their fear, their love, their amusement. They were all very believable. I loved the action. Reese's martial arts training helps make all of the fighting scenes realistic and exciting. I loved the story. There was never a dull moment for me. And oh yeah. I loved the electronic raccoon. "
— Benji, 12/27/2013" This was a cute book with likeable characters. The story was quick and easy to read and something different from many of the ya stories out there. "
— Brandee, 12/25/2013" I read this on the beach, which was quite appropriate. Looking forward to see what happens next. "
— Jon, 12/18/2013" this was such a good book!! Great adventures and so much fun to read you really get in with the characters and connect!!! "
— Annalise, 1/18/2013" I'm about 2/3 finished. So far it is AWESOME! "
— Lori, 12/5/2012" loved the book lots of actions suitable for younger readers "
— sunshine, 10/3/2012" Enjoyable, imaginatitve story. Too much fighting and violence for my taste, but not excessive for most kids today I expect. "
— Patty, 9/22/2012Jenn Reese writes speculative fiction for readers of all ages. Her first novel, Above World, was a finalist for the 2012 Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy. A Game of Fox & Squirrels was a finalist for the 2020 Nebula Award.
Kate Rudd, actress and Earphones Award–winning narrator, has appeared in several independent films and shorts, as well as in multiple episodes of the television show Perks. As an audiobook narrator she has been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration.