An underwater dystopian world full of danger and deception... The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah (Review & #Giveaway) @The_FFBC


I've been so excited to read this one! Check out my review and enter to win a copy below ...

The Light at the Bottom of the World
(The Light at the Bottom of the World #1)
By London Shah
YA Fantasy, SciFi, Dystopian
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 320 Pages
October 29th 2019 by Disney-Hyperion

Summary

Hope had abandoned them to the wrath of all the waters.

At the end of the twenty-first century, the world has changed dramatically, but life continues one thousand feet below the ocean's surface. In Great Britain, sea creatures swim among the ruins of Big Ben and the Tower of London, and citizens waver between fear and hope; fear of what lurks in the abyss, and hope that humanity will soon discover a way to reclaim the Earth.

Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Leyla McQueen has her own problems to deal with. Her father's been arrested, accused of taking advantage of victims of the Seasickness-a debilitating malaise that consumes people,often claiming their lives. But Leyla knows he's innocent, and all she's interested in is getting him back so that their lives can return to normal.

When she's picked to race in the action-packed London Submersible Marathon, Leyla gets the chance to secure his freedom; the Prime Minister promises the champion whatever their heart desires. The race takes an unexpected turn, though, and presents her with an opportunity she never wanted: Leyla must venture outside of London for the first time in her life, to find and rescue her father herself.

Now, she'll have to brave the unfathomable waters and defy a corrupt government determined to keep its secrets, all the while dealing with a secretive, hotheaded companion she never asked for in the first place. If she fails, or falls prey to her own fears, she risks capture-and her father might be lost forever.

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My Review

THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD is a story of loss, friendship, conflict, and hope as a girl seeks her missing father and finds help in unexpected places. A lush underwater world full of danger and deception, and a likable heroine, readers are sure to keep turning the pages to the very end.

I really liked the whole premise for this story and then diving in to the rich underwater world and culture. I also really adored the characters, including Leyla's lovable dog. I do have to say that Ari was my favorite character though. He seemed consistent and could convey a lot with a look or a few words. Plus he's just fiercly awesome. For readers who enjoy conspiracy stories, this one has a massive one. And for readers who enjoy friendships and sweet romance, you'll find that here too. Then there is all the cool tech (like I seriously want a submarine like Layla's!) both for the people and for the government. I really liked the way Leyla's religion was weaved into the story. The story builds in intensity to a very climatic ending that turns sweet before a slight cliffhanger. I'm curious what will happen next in this series.

I did have a few hang-ups with the story as well. Leyla's actions sometimes were a bit overly dramatic and unbelievable. I also didn't quite follow all the fight scenes when some things happened that could have been avoided. Then I was shocked that with all the weapons on the submarine that there was nothing to tear a net or snag it. That just didn't work for me. The only other thing is there is a lot of British swearing and a few places of gruesome violence, which might bother some.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was definitely a page-turner with likable characters, an exciting plot, and a sweet romance. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.

Content: Some mild swearing as well as lot of the British "b" word, and some gruesome violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher from NetGalley through the Fantastic Flying Book Club, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author


Author London Shah is a British-born Muslim of Pashtun ethnicity. She has lived in Britain's capital city for most of her life via England's beautiful North. When she's not busy re-imagining the past, plotting an alternate present or dreaming up a surreal future, then she's most likely drinking copious amounts of tea, eating all the sweets and cakes, strolling through Richmond Park or along the Thames, getting lost on an evening in the city's older, darker alleyways—preferably just after it's rained—listening to punk rock, or losing herself in a fab SFF book or film. If she could have only one super power, it would be to breathe underwater. THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD is her debut novel.


Tour Schedule
Tour-Wide Giveaway

One winner will receive a copy of THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD by London Shah (US ONLY)
Provided by Dysney-Hyperion through the Fantastic Flying Book Club
Ends November 10, 2019

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This is one of the books I've been really looking forward to reading this year! Have you read it yet? Will you be?

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