Edge of the Abyss

by Emily Skrutskie

Three weeks have passed since Cassandra Leung pledged her allegiance to ruthless pirate-queen Santa Elena and set free Bao, the sea monster Reckoner she'd been forced to train. The days as a pirate trainee are long and grueling, but it's not the physical pain that Cas dreads most. It's being forced to work with Swift, the pirate girl who broke her heart. But Cas has even bigger problems when she discovers Boa is not the only a monster swimming free. Other Reckoners illegally sold to pirates have escaped their captors and are taking the NeoPacific by storm, attacking ships at random and ruining the ocean ecosystem. As a Reckoner trainer, Cas might be the only one who can stop them. But how can she take up arms against the creatures she used to care for and protect? Will Cas embrace the murky morals that life as a pirate brings or perish in the dark waters of the NeoPacific? The exciting sequel to The Abyss Surrounds Us

• ISBN10: 0606402322
• ISBN13: 9780606402323
• Publish Date: 18 April 2017 (first published 1 April 2017)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 20 July 2022
• Imprint: Turtleback Books
• Edition: Bound for Schools & Libraries ed.
• Format: Hardcover (Library Binding)
• Pages: 296
• Language: English

Reviews

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

The Edge of the Abyss was a great, action packed follow up to The Abyss Surrounds Us! It starts three weeks later and Cas is officially part of Santa Elena's crew. She's still struggling with previous events, particularly those involving Swift, but she's getting by. But then their ship is attacked by a rogue Reckoner. Where did it come from? Why did it attack without signals? Apparently there's been several sightings, and that can only mean bad things for the oceans, pirates, and civilians.

I want to start with the romance, because I loved how it was developed in the first book and I loved how it continued to be a source of tension in The Edge of the Abyss. Clearly, Cas is not going to be forgiving Swift any time soon, but she's still attracted to her. How do you deal with hating someone, yet wanting to rip their clothes off? I'll just say that there are sexy times, but Cas doesn't do a 180 with her feelings. It felt very realistic that she wanted her space, but didn't want Swift totally out of the picture. Then the Captain throws another wrench into the mix, and it all makes so much sense!

As for the plot, The Edge of the Abyss kept me flipping pages! It was so interesting to see all of these pirate groups come together for a single purpose. It shows that pirates aren't all pillaging and plundering and murder. They have a code of ethics, and they care about the state of the ocean which they make home. Of course, there are some shady moments, since they are pirates after all! I was just a bit disappointed that the bad guy is dealt with so easily. He's there, and then he's not. At least the sea monsters needed a lot more action to get rid of!

In the end, I really enjoyed The Edge of the Abyss. It's fast paced, fun, and exciting. The romance is handled realistically, and the ending was very believable, if open. It's easy to imagine where everyone is heading though even with out it being said explicitly. Although I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a third book!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.