Dark Life

Author: Kat Falls
Publication Date: May 1, 2010
Genre: Middle Grade Sci-Fi
Copy provided by: Publisher
Summary (via Goodreads):

Set in an apocalyptic future where rising oceans have swallowed up entire regions and people live packed like sardines on the dry land left, DARK LIFE is the harrowing tale of underwater pioneers who have carved out a life for themselves in the harsh deep-sea environment, farming the seafloor in exchange for the land deed.

The story follows Ty, who has lived his whole life on his family's homestead and has dreams of claiming his own stake when he turns eighteen. But when outlaws' attacks on government supply ships and settlements...

... threaten to destroy the underwater territory, Ty finds himself in a fight to stop the outlaws and save the only home he has ever known.

Joined by a girl from the Topside who has come subsea to look for her prospector brother, Ty ventures into the frontier's rough underworld and begins to discover some dark secrets to Dark Life.

As Ty gets closer to the truth, he discovers that the outlaws may not be the bloodthirsty criminals the government has portrayed them as. And that the government abandoning the territory might be the best thing for everyone, especially for someone like Ty, someone with a Dark Gift.

Why I read this: I got this for a pre-publication event in the area and really thought it looked good. It's not every day you get a sci-fi mixed with deep seas adventure.

Plot: I have to say, this book had a fantastic plot that mixed elements of pioneers, science fiction, and underseas adventures that really stood out. It's almost like an old west feel underwater, set in the future. Very hard to explain, but definitely one of the coolest new concepts I have read in a book lately.

Characters: I like the diversity between the characters in this book. There's two main characters - one who has grown up in the sea and the other who has lived Topside. They're both adventurous and have their own quirks that seem to reflect each other. Ty wants nothing more than to be able to stake a claim to his own land when he comes of age and will do what he can to preserve that right.

Gemma wants nothing more than to find her brother and have a real home again - one where she can feel safe and loved. Her search for her brother is what brings her under sea and she has the same stubborn willpower as Ty to find what she needs in life to make her happy. But she's louder about she wants than Ty, who is more of the stubborn, silent type. They make quite the pair as they embark on adventures I could not even fathom.

Relatability: I definitely related to the main characters in their passion to find a place for themselves in the world. I think everyone struggles to find where they fit and what is right for them.

Cover commentary: After reading the book I can see the way it relates to the plot, but I still find it creepy.

Rating: 5/5 Roses

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