Daughter of the Deep

Engaging characters, interesting story, cool science fiction…and I even learned some history … Rick Riordan knows how to tell a story!

Rick Riordan did not disappoint! I love this book has a female lead. It's been forever since I read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; this book renewed my interest. Ana Dakkar is an inspiration to all young girls. I love the themes covered in such an impactful and thoughtful way.

Rick Riordan is blessed beyond measure with an ability to not only come up with fascinating topics but mostly to keep readers engaged. I had trouble sleeping, ‘cause I kept myself awake not wanting to put this book down!

Rick Riordan did something absolutely amazing by having "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" as a form of mythology! Also, it was very interesting to journey along with Ana as she learned to rely on herself and finally stop being compared to her older brother. The overall style of Riordan writing is a blast to read, and the surprises hidden inside of this amazing book will keep you reading it until it is finished (at 3:00 AM).

I'll admit, it was kind of strange reading a stand-alone, non mythological Rick Riordan novel. Strange, but not in a bad way.It didn't feel super different from a regular RR novel, because it is inspired by both Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. This was like Jules Verne mythology, and it was so much fun.Ana Dakar, a second year (out of five) at Harding-Pencroft Academy is preparing for the test that will determine her future at the school. She attends the school with her older brother Dev, and her parents died two years before in a naval accident. When a horrible tragedy occurs when she and her fellow classmates are on the bus to the exam, their lives and realities are instantly changed.I loved Ana and all her friends - they were all very well-rounded and developed, as well as diverse. Even the side characters were well developed with their own personalities. I loved how Ana grew and developed under the new position and pressure she is now under, as well as her "fake it till you make it" attitude. Her character development was wonderful, and I loved her bravery and how she never waved in her own morals. And I loved how much diversity there was. It's probably the most diverse book I've ever read, and it was amazing.The plot definitely kept me on my toes. Even though I knew something was going to happen on Ana's bus trip, I had know idea what devastation was coming. (Also I loved how her school and their rival school had "The Land" and "The Sea" aspect since Epcot at Disney World as areas named that). I never had great ideas of what was coming next, and every plot turn left me shocked at what all was going to happen. It almost made me want to read Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The plot twist near the end had me shook.This was such a great sci-fi boo, a great middle-grade book, a (I assume) a great Jules Verne-inspired boo, and a wonderful book in general. I definitely recommend it to everyone.

The underlying premise is that Jules Verne was telling the truth and that 20,000 Leagues under the sea was based on true events. The setup that introduces the heroine and sets the adventure events in motion is very mechanical and feels artificial - like Riordan had a list of points to make and proceeded through his outline, ticking them off as he went. "Rival schools" - check. "Characters cast to ensure cultural diversity" - check. "Orphan with nascent superpowers" - check. "Hidden traitor" - check.Because it's Rick Riordan, I forced myself through this and the action paid off. It's a good story worth reading. The sequel will probably proceed more naturally.

Future daughter in law requested this book for Christmas

Ana Dakkar is a freshman and Harding-Pencraft Academy, a five year high school that graduates some of the best marine biologists, naval warriors, and underwater explorers in the world. On the day of the freshman final exams, as they’re en route to the marina, H-P is attacked and their campus collapses into the ocean. The freshman class escapes to sea with the mission to find a hidden base and warn them that their rival, Land Institute, has attacked. Ana learns that she is the last surviving descendant of the famous Captain Nemo and that Jules Vernes’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea isn’t as fictional as she thought. With the ship now under her command, she and her fellow freshman must do whatever it takes to protect the Nautilus and Nemo’s technology.I pre-ordered this book the moment I heard about it and started reading it the day it arrived. I love Riordan’s narrative voice and was excited to see a new book from him that stepped outside of mythology. The story is captivating and fast-paced. Riordan did an excellent job of providing background information related to 20,000 Leagues as many middle grade readers will likely not be familiar with it. The book includes themes about how power corrupts, forgiveness is powerful, and youth shouldn’t be underestimated. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to share it with my students.

Okay. I’m a Riordan fan. And I was soooooo excited for this book to come out. I expected so much from this book, especially with Riordan himself saying it was a topic that he’d been wanting to write about for so long.So, when I started reading it, I was expecting the usual epic fair of adventure, mystery, daring fights etc., and of course as this would be a science-fiction (a Verne no less) some fantastical tech thrown in. All in all a fast paced thrill ride.I didn’t really get that, though. I got a children’s/Riordan reinvention/sequel of a Verne novel. It’s a bit jarring and takes a while to get used to (a good job really, because the book itself has a few pacing issues). Furthermore, while there are some great Verne references within the novel which are great plot points, they’re also made to feel a bit trite in some places and overdone - this is because of the sheer amount of them being introduced to the main character all in one go. And I was a bit disappointed because I guessed who the villain was straight away! Like, when they’re first introduced. Don’t get me started on the Harry Potter joke in there… it’s only a reference but the ‘houses’ thing is irritating (this is a personal opinion, I actually do like HP, just not here).This makes me seem like I’m going on a huge rant, but there are things that I love about this book. I adore Riordan’s creative manipulation of Captain Nemo and his family within the book, as well as the Nautilus. The ‘Sea Monster’ too, is an excellent touch and the teenagers within the novel are exceptionally well written. As always, Riordan presents us with realistic characters from all backgrounds who have actual, relatable flaws. Even our villain, in my opinion, could in their own way be considered more of a dark antagonist (with a lot of issues). Which leads me to my favourite aspect of the book.Socrates.He’s a dolphin. He loves squid. He’s awesome.Overall I believe this is, in Riordan standards, an okay book. To everyone else, that’s good. It’s worth the read and I would encourage young readers to try this out. It would be incredibly useful to anyone reading this to have some knowledge of one or more of the Verne films or books just for a bit of background, I think.Enjoy!This book is not for 9-11 year olds! I’d say it’s better for 12 years plus.

I love everything RR has released but I have to say I didn't really enjoy this one as much. For me it just didn't have the same sparkle a and the story line seems wooden and lacks the same energy as his other stories. Its a shame when one of your favourite authors releases something you just don't enjoy.

I took a gamble on this having enjoyed a lot of the other books by Riordan. Really glad I did. It was much better than I expected and has inspired me to read 20,000 leagues under the seas. Hopefully the series keeps the momentum and the planned live action adaptation pans out.

If you thought captain nemo and the nautilus were long buried, think againThis modern version of captain nemo found in his ancestor Ana Dakkar is a wonderful take on the story. So enriched I couldn’t stop reading itTorn between friendship and family and the fights of her school. Fantastic

Different from any Rock Riordan I've read, it has a fantastic storyline with twists and turns but is totally great. Here's to a new series (hopefully).