The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah

The Light at the Bottom of the World (Light The Abyss, #1)

by London Shah

From debut author London Shah, comes a thrilling futuristic Sci-Fi mystery perfect for fans of Illuminae and These Broken Stars.

In the last days of the twenty-first century, sea creatures swim through the ruins of London. Trapped in the abyss, humankind wavers between hope and 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 city's 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.

Reviewed by shannonmiz on

2 of 5 stars

Share
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

I'll be honest, giving this a less-than-stellar review is going to break my heart, but here we are. I am going to try to break it down the best I can, and hey, maybe you'll have better luck. I have seen a lot of positive reviews, but in the spirit of honest opinions... here we go!

The Things I Liked:

  • • I mean, the whole concept is awesome! You have read the synopsis by now, and wow, how unique and fabulous it sounds! Underwater London dystopian society? Yes please!!


  • • The cultural throwbacks to Afghanistan were incredible. Like the Afghan food? Sign me up! I loved that it was so full of these little charms, especially moments from before the world was underwater (i.e., our current times!).


  • • By the end of the book, I had started to care about what happened to the characters. It took awhile, yes, but I did really start to have concern for their welfare.


  • • There is an AI named Oscar Wilde. He's beyond fun, and I love him.


  • • Honestly that cover, just look at it! I know, I know, don't judge a book by the cover, but it's going to look good on any shelf, just saying

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 5 September, 2019: Finished reading
  • 5 September, 2019: Reviewed