"Above World" Is A Book Like No Other

Title:  Above World
(Above World #1) 
Author:  Jenn Reese
Format:  E-Galley
Length:  368 pages
Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Rating:  5 Stars
Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony’s survival is in doubt. The Kampii’s breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people.

But can Aluna’s warrior spirit and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt—growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains—here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true.  -Goodreads
My Review
This is an wonderful mid-grade book that will appeal to all ages across the board.  The worlds that are built both under the sea, and above are detailed and unique, and the diversity of fabled characters: mers, harpies, and centaurs will enchant and enthrall. 
Aluna makes the perfect champion with her quick wit and tenacious spirit.  With the mechanically inclined Hoku at her side and the goal of saving her home and its people; she is a force to be reckoned with.
The book gets better and better as the story progresses.  There are fights, kidnappings, friendships, and mysteries.
Though this book is bursting at the seams with wondrous landscapes and fantastic creatures, the most interesting by far have to be the mechanically enhanced.  They are sure to capture the attention and imagination of girls and boys alike.
The "good triumphs over evil" and  "there is no I in team"messages of this book shine through without taking on the preachy tone that is common to books written for younger readers.
This book is one that I highly recommend that parents and children read together.  It is truly an experience meant to be shared.


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