The Abyss Surrounds Us
Flux, 2016
Agent: Thao Le
For Cassandra Leung, bossing around sea monsters is just the family business. Shes been a Reckoner trainer-in-training ever since she could walk, raising the giant, genetically engineered beasts to defend ships as they cross the pirate-infested NeoPacific. But when the pirate queen Santa Elena swoops in on Cass first solo mission and snatches her from the bloodstained decks, Cass dream of being a full-time trainer seems dead in the water.
Waiting for her on the pirate ship is an unhatched Reckoner pup. Santa Elena wants to take back the seas with a monster of her own, and she needs a proper trainer to do it. She orders Cas to raise the pup and teach him to fight for the pirates. If Cas fails, her blood will be the next to paint the sea.
Reviews:
"[A] fresh and fascinating look at a lawless future."
—Kirkus Reviews (starred)
"Skrutskie adeptly creates a fantastical world of ruthless pirates; lovable, deadly creatures; and dynamic characters."
—School Library Journal
"This is a solid, well-crafted, new adventure story with an interesting, unusual hook."
—Booklist
"Skrutskie creates an intriguing fantasy world full of floating cities, ruthless monsters, betrayals, and unlikely friendships."
—Publisher's Weekly
"The Abyss Surrounds Us is highly original and addictive."
—SLJTeen