The Light at the Bottom of the World will sweep you away in its powerful current. It’s a wild world underneath the waves and Shah tells a story of nostalgia, conspiracy, and the need to move forwards. I am so excited to kick off the Street Team Blog Tour!
Summary
In the last days of the twenty-first century, sea creatures swim through the ruins of London. Trapped in the abyss, humankind wavers between fear and hope—fear of what lurks in the depths around them, and hope that they might one day find a way back to the surface.
When sixteen-year-old submersible racer Leyla McQueen is chosen to participate in the prestigious annual marathon, she sees an opportunity to save her father, who has been arrested on false charges. The Prime Minister promises the champion whatever their heart desires. But the race takes an unexpected turn, forcing Leyla to make an impossible choice.
Now she must brave unfathomable waters and defy a corrupt government determined to keep its secrets, all the while dealing with a guarded, hotheaded companion she never asked for in the first place. If Leyla fails to discover the truths at the heart of her world, or falls prey to her own fears, she risks capture—or worse. And her father will be lost to her forever.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Light at the Bottom of the World is a story about family, the pursuit of truth, and the depths of darkness. Leyla is a character that is easy to root for – her desire for family, for a warm house, and the return of her father. Living deep beneath the waves, but not by choice, Leyla’s world is one of sickness and fear for our future. As Leyla discovers more and more about her world, we are asked at what point it makes sense to move on, to not give up hope.
Shah answers this question in a myriad of ways, on a society level, personal level, family level and more. The story will enchant you. And the world beneath the waves will simultaneously captivate and terrify. I’ve always been fascinated with the ocean, yet I’ve never swum in the ocean. Leyla and I share a fascination with something we love, but are afraid to touch. For these reasons, Leyla was an utterly fascinating character.
I picked up The Light at the Bottom of the World for its stunning world building, but what ended up enchanting me was the questions about justice, conspiracy, and truth. Hidden in the depths of this book are questions about the control of history and perception. Of what we truly know about the people around us. It is a stunning debut and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Find The Light at the Bottom of the World on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound & The Book Depository.
Tour Schedule
October 20th – Utopia State of Mind
October 21st – Tomes and Textiles
October 22nd – Reader Voracious
October 23rd – Hollibrary Books
October 24th – Julia
October 25th – YA Book Corner
October 26th – Headscarves and Hardbacks
October 27th – Artsy Draft
October 28th – The Tsundoku Chronicles
Ahh I’m so happy you loved this one, I can’t wait to read it 🙂
Thank you and yay! I’m excited to hear your thoughts!