Undertow

March 30, 2015
Buckley (the N.E.R.D.S. series) jumps from middle-grade to YA with this trilogy opener, which sees two worlds colliding as New York City’s Coney Island becomes occupied by the Alpha, an ocean-dwelling race that is nothing like the mermaids of myth. The Alpha come in all shapes and sizes, from the alluring Sirena to the deadly Nix, resembling myriad aquatic species. Their arrival inspires fear, hatred, and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Lyric Walker, who hides secrets of her own, is chosen by her high school’s new principal to help several Alpha teens integrate into the school—a dangerous proposition with anti-Alpha sentiment rapidly on the rise. Buckley’s depiction of the Alpha relies much on standard supernatural tropes (they’re proud, honorable, arrogant, and warlike), but he also imbues them with an alien mystery. Lyric’s plight is predictable, especially her blossoming attraction to Alpha prince Fathom, yet her path holds some surprises, and Buckley draws clear parallels between the vicious anti-Alpha attitudes and existing racial and ethnic prejudices. It’s a fascinating, engaging, and tense tale, and a strong start to the series. Ages 12–up. Agent: Alison Fargis, Stonesong.

September 1, 2015
Gr 8 Up-When thousands of ocean dwellers (the Alpha) come ashore at Coney Island, 16-year-old Lyric Walker becomes involved when her high school is chosen for assimilation of the teenage Alpha. Lyric is assigned to assist Fathom, the Alpha crown prince; first a friendship and then a romance develops between the two. The story has strong characters and world-building; incorporates elements of diversity, prejudice, domestic abuse, and intolerance; and also has parallels with the civil rights movement. Jennifer Grace provides a smooth and practiced narration, adding to the action, emotion, and suspense of this well-written combination dystopian thriller and coming-of-age story. VERDICT Of interest to young adults and fans of dystopian fantasy.-"Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY"

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