Review by Booklist Review
Treasure, dead bodies, and cursed underwater caves--just a few of the hidden dangers of deep-sea diving. Phoebe and her best friends, the Salt Squad, are halfway around the world from their home in Key West as they document their dive off the coast of Marimont Island; this is their last hurrah before college tears them apart. However, after Phoebe discovers a breathtaking underwater cave, it appears that the force actually destined to tear the Salt Squad apart is the curse that lurks in the deep. Vivid descriptions of both the sea life and the surreal experience of being far below the waves create such an intense appreciation for the natural, alluring danger inherent in diving that the appearance of the curse seems logical, rather than fantastical. The tension is airtight throughout, with the artful combination of both a present-day narrative and flashbacks to the night months earlier that cracked the Salt Squad's foundation, building anticipation for a paired reveal. Each character has a depth rarely found in YA thrillers, which manufactures a compulsive narrative that is both plot- and character-driven. Even striving readers will find it difficult to pause their journey with Phoebe and the Salt Squad through the beautiful, deadly ocean around Marimont.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up--Phoebe, nicknamed Phibs by her friends, has lived in Boca Chica Key, FL, with her grandmother since her mother mysteriously disappeared. She's always felt connected to the ocean, is an expert diver and underwater photographer, and seems to possess a sixth sense about the underwater world. She often feels out of place among her wealthier Key West friends, but her unique gift brings them unexpected social media fame, leading to a dream dive trip to Marimont, off the coast of Australia. This trip offers Phibs a chance to spend a final, glorious summer with her friends, including Gabe, whom she secretly hopes will become more than a friend. On a dive in Marimont, Phibs feels the ocean calling her to explore a crack she sees in the seabed, which leads to a magnificent underwater cave. It's like nothing she's ever seen, but Phibs and her friends soon learn some things are best left undisturbed. The story unfolds through alternating time lines, weaving together present-day events with flashbacks that reveal details about what happened to the group before Marimont. This narrative technique, paired with an engaging writing style and some shocking twists and turns, is sure to thrill. Romance, mystery, horror, adventure, treasure hunting, and a love letter to diving all combine to make this a compelling read. Fans of The Outer Banks will find themselves hooked from the first page. VERDICT A refreshing, original debut, this book is a must-have addition to any YA collection.--Mandy Laferriere
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A group of scuba-diving friends from the Florida Keys go on an adventure after high school graduation--but it may be their last. Phoebe "Phibs" Ray is a natural underwater. Her instincts have led her not only to befriend the Salt Squad, her crew of dive shop pals, but also to discover historic gold coins. The Salt Squad--Phibs, Lani, Isabel, Gabe, and Gabe's twin, Will--have gone viral on social media thanks to Phibs' find and her photos and videos of their dives. Over this last summer before they embark on different paths, the teens decide to go to Australia. Phibs, who knows nothing about her father and whose mother abandoned her, lives with her grandmother, and unlike her rich, college-bound friends, she isn't excited about her future: staying home and caring for Gram. But she's looking forward to this trip to a remote atoll off the coast of Western Australia, not least because she'll get to spend time with dark-skinned Gabe, her crush (most other characters present white). Their destination is also the subject of gruesome, creepy stories about a mysterious, treasure-filled cave. Alternating timelines slowly and effectively reveal the Salt Squad's shared secret and the truth about Phibs' past. Phibs is a compellingly strong, nuanced lead, and her romantic scenes with Gabe are steamy. The book, which delves into environmental themes, ultimately reaches a conclusion that's unusual and effective. A deep-sea adventure that snappily blends mystery and romance with social themes.(Thriller. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
