Darker Water
Will be published approx. on 18. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-0-571-39052-6 (ISBN)
Description
A claustrophobic YA sci-fi thriller set in the ocean's depths, where three teens are trapped in a terrifying struggle for survival.
'A creepy and claustrophobic deep-sea thriller.' Wren James, author of The Quiet at the End of the World
'A voice that can dazzle across generations.' Femi Fadugba, author of The Upper World
'I was completely hooked.' Amy McCaw, author of They Own the Night
'Every page had me gasping for air.' Melissa Welliver, author of To The Death
2089, four kilometres below the ocean surface . . .
Underwater stations are home to hundreds of miners, engineers and biologists, all tasked with excavating and processing the miracle bacteria that is the solution to the energy crisis, ProLEC.
Betty, a miner, is at the bottom of the pecking order despite her years of experience.
Maia, a newbie engineer, knows she has the smarts to become a ProCORPer and make it to the very top.
Audley, a biologist, is on track to become the youngest science lead ever.
But something is very wrong with the ProLEC. Peaceful sea creatures are becoming bloodthirsty fiends, unprecedented power cuts and tremors wrack the station and as the three grow closer to the truth, and to each other, they are in far more danger than they could ever imagine.
The first in a thrilling new series perfect for fans of Ben Oliver, Neal Shusterman and Wren James.
'Immersive and clever.' Kenechi Udogu, author of Augmented
'A page-turning mystery thriller.' K. L. Kettle, author of Control Alter Delete
'I couldn't put it down.' S. A. Gales, author of iNSiDE
'Totally gripping.' Kathryn Clark, author of Things I Learned While I Was Dead
'A creepy and claustrophobic deep-sea thriller.' Wren James, author of The Quiet at the End of the World
'A voice that can dazzle across generations.' Femi Fadugba, author of The Upper World
'I was completely hooked.' Amy McCaw, author of They Own the Night
'Every page had me gasping for air.' Melissa Welliver, author of To The Death
2089, four kilometres below the ocean surface . . .
Underwater stations are home to hundreds of miners, engineers and biologists, all tasked with excavating and processing the miracle bacteria that is the solution to the energy crisis, ProLEC.
Betty, a miner, is at the bottom of the pecking order despite her years of experience.
Maia, a newbie engineer, knows she has the smarts to become a ProCORPer and make it to the very top.
Audley, a biologist, is on track to become the youngest science lead ever.
But something is very wrong with the ProLEC. Peaceful sea creatures are becoming bloodthirsty fiends, unprecedented power cuts and tremors wrack the station and as the three grow closer to the truth, and to each other, they are in far more danger than they could ever imagine.
The first in a thrilling new series perfect for fans of Ben Oliver, Neal Shusterman and Wren James.
'Immersive and clever.' Kenechi Udogu, author of Augmented
'A page-turning mystery thriller.' K. L. Kettle, author of Control Alter Delete
'I couldn't put it down.' S. A. Gales, author of iNSiDE
'Totally gripping.' Kathryn Clark, author of Things I Learned While I Was Dead
More details
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 12 years
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-571-39052-6 (9780571390526)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Emma Read was once a very sensible biologist, now she is the author of children's books, including the Milton the Mighty series and The Housetrap. She is also a big fan of the side hustle, being a long-serving member of WriteMentor, as well as a tutor with Creative Writing Ink, a freelance novel editor, as EmDashED, and owner of StorySpinners - a creative writing club. She lives in Bath.