The Abyss Surrounds Us

The Abyss Surrounds Us is a science fiction novel set in a future where massive engineered sea monsters called Reckoners protect ships crossing dangerous waters. Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Leung comes from a family of Reckoner trainers and is preparing for her first solo mission. After a devastating pirate attack leaves her captive aboard the notorious ship Minnow, Cas faces an impossible choice. The ruthless pirate captain Santa Elena demands she train a stolen Reckoner pup to fight against the very creatures her family breeds and trains. Under the watch of Swift, one of the captain's crew, Cas navigates life aboard a pirate vessel while wrestling with questions of loyalty, duty, and survival. The story combines elements of maritime adventure with near-future science fiction technology. The novel explores themes of moral compromise, the bonds between humans and the creatures they train, and the blurred lines between protector and predator in a lawless world.

Readers appreciate the fresh take on sea monsters and pirates, with many highlighting the LGBTQ+ representation and strong female protagonist. The worldbuilding of future ocean territories and Reckoner training receives frequent mentions in positive reviews. Readers liked: - Fast-paced action sequences - Complex moral choices faced by characters - The evolution of the central relationship - Scientific details about marine creatures Common criticisms: - Predictable plot developments - Some found the romance rushed - Worldbuilding leaves unanswered questions - Supporting characters lack depth Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.89/5 (11,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (230+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 Notable reader comments: "The monster training aspects read like Pacific Rim meets Pokemon" - Goodreads reviewer "Wanted more explanation of how the Reckoner system works" - Amazon reviewer "The relationship development felt natural despite the enemies-to-lovers trope" - Goodreads reviewer

Pacific Fire by Greg van Eekhout A post-apocalyptic Los Angeles where magical creatures and their trainers navigate complex bonds creates a similar dynamic between humans and powerful beings they must control.

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi This maritime dystopian tale features a dangerous ocean world and criminal enterprises that mirror the pirate elements and maritime setting.

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa The training of mythical creatures and the master-apprentice relationship unfolds in a world where humans partner with supernatural beasts.

Seafire by Natalie C. Parker Female pirates command advanced ships in a futuristic ocean setting with themes of loyalty and rebellion that parallel Cas's journey.

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst The story centers on a protagonist who trains dangerous creatures while navigating political intrigue and unexpected relationships.

🌊 The genetically engineered sea monsters in the book, called Reckoners, were inspired by real-life creatures like the Blue-ringed octopus and various deep-sea predators. 📚 Author Emily Skrutskie wrote the first draft of The Abyss Surrounds Us when she was just 19 years old, while studying at Cornell University. ⚔️ Modern maritime piracy remains a serious issue, with over 150 incidents reported globally in 2020, primarily in the Gulf of Guinea and Southeast Asian waters. 🏳️‍🌈 The book features LGBTQ+ representation through its protagonist Cas and her relationship with Swift, making it one of the earlier YA sci-fi novels to include prominent queer characters. 🌏 The Neo-Pacific setting draws from real concerns about rising sea levels and how they might reshape future oceanic trade routes and coastal civilizations.