Above World by Jenn Reese

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 at risk. 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 fierce determination and fighting skills 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 Summary


This book has got to be one of the best dystopians I have managed to get  my hands on.  The world created by Author Jenn Reese is rich and extremely detailed as well as varied.  The reader meets the main characters, Aluna and Hoku, right off the bat.  They are both very likable and make nice foils for each other.  Aluna is far more impetuous and inquisitive while Hoku is more cautious and shy.  The two seem like an unlikely pair, but their differing personalities add to their charms. 

Aluna and Hoku are part of the Kampii, a "tribe" of humans living underwater.  The author describes a human history filled with error, one that caused humans to seek alternative living styles due to the overcrowded typical environment.  Aluna and Hoku are off to a rough start at the beginning of the novel, Aluna's volatile temperament costs her several reprimands and the chance at a tail-at least until next year.  Outraged, Aluna decides to take control over her own destiny and possibly help her people.  There have been some strange occurrences regarding the Kampii breathing devices, they appear to be breaking down; Aluna decides to try to figure out the mystery behind them and why they are breaking.

The secondary characters in this novel are among the most memorable I have ever read.  The author creates them to be incredibly dynamic and they each have stand-out characteristics that will make the reader want to get to know them.  The events of this novel are exciting and innovative, the author puts the reader in a scary alternative world.  The characters will act as the readers' guide to so many different places described so amazingly well by the author.  Readers of all ages will love to delve into this novel.

5 Stars

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