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Darker Water

Emma Read

A claustrophobic YA sci-fi thriller set in the ocean’s depths, where three teens are trapped in a terrifying struggle for survival.

104 in stock

£8.99
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780571390526
Date Published
18.06.2026

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Summary

A claustrophobic YA sci-fi thriller set in the ocean’s depths, where three teens are trapped in a terrifying struggle for survival.

Reader Reviews:

‘Overall, this is an intense, entertaining, and thrilling YA adventure story.’
‘Excellent and memorable thriller. Recommended!’
‘Really entertaining sci-fi novel’
‘A thrilling, atmospheric read with a cool concept!’

2089, four kilometres below the ocean surface . . .

Underwater stations are home to hundreds of miners, engineers and biologists, all tasked with excavating and processing the miracle bacteria that is the solution to the energy crisis, ProLEC.

Betty, a miner, is at the bottom of the pecking order despite her years of experience.

Maia, a newbie engineer, knows she has the smarts to become a ProCORPer and make it to the very top.

Audley, a biologist, is on track to become the youngest science lead ever.

But something is very wrong with the ProLEC. Peaceful sea creatures are becoming bloodthirsty fiends, unprecedented power cuts and tremors wrack the station and as the three grow closer to the truth, and to each other, they are in far more danger than they could ever imagine.

The first in a thrilling new series perfect for fans of Ben Oliver, Neal Shusterman and Wren James.

‘Immersive and clever.’ Kenechi Udogu, author of Augmented
‘A page-turning mystery thriller.’ K. L. Kettle, author of Control Alter Delete
I couldn’t put it down.’ S. A. Gales, author of iNSiDE
‘Totally gripping.’ Kathryn Clark, author of Things I Learned While I Was Dead

Critic Reviews

A creepy and claustrophobic deep-sea thriller - timely and tense, this is going to haunt my nightmares.

Wren James, author of The Quiet at the End of the World

Critic Reviews

Hooked from page 1. Emma Read has a voice that can dazzle across generations.

Femi Fadugba, author of The Upper World

Critic Reviews

A gripping thriller that plunges you into a sinister, claustrophobic world: I was completely hooked.

Amy McCaw, author of They Own the Night

Critic Reviews

A creeping, claustrophobic thriller with a scientific twist. Every page had me gasping for air alongside Betty, Maia and Audley – I was totally absorbed!

Melissa Welliver, author of To The Death

Critic Reviews

Instantly submerges you in deep-water (literally), dark secrets and murky loyalties. An immersive and clever imagining of how a hopeful energy source discovery can be twisted in the hands of the wrong people. Following Maia, Betty and Audley, each with their own struggles and motivations, kept me wondering how it would all play out. And I wasn't expecting that ending! Proper twist!

Kenechi Udogu, author of Augmented

Critic Reviews

Darker Water grabs you with its tentacles from the very beginning and doesn’t let go. It’s a page-turning mystery thriller that keeps you guessing and gasping for air.

K. L. Kettle, author of Control Alter Delete