Title: THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD (The Light at the Bottom of the World #1)

Author: London Shah

Pub. Date: October 29, 2019

Publisher: Freeform

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 320

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

Hope had abandoned them to the wrath of all the waters.

At the end of the twenty-first century, the world has changed dramatically, but life continues one thousand feet below the ocean’s surface. In Great Britain, sea creatures swim among the ruins of Big Ben and the Tower of London, and citizens waver between fear and hope; fear of what lurks in the abyss, and hope that humanity will soon discover a way to reclaim the Earth.

Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Leyla McQueen has her own problems to deal with. Her father’s been arrested, accused of taking advantage of victims of the Seasickness-a debilitating malaise that consumes people,often claiming their lives. But Leyla knows he’s innocent, and all she’s interested in is getting him back so that their lives can return to normal.

When she’s picked to race in the action-packed London Submersible Marathon, Leyla gets the chance to secure his freedom; the Prime Minister promises the champion whatever their heart desires. The race takes an unexpected turn, though, and presents her with an opportunity she never wanted: Leyla must venture outside of London for the first time in her life, to find and rescue her father herself.

Now, she’ll have to brave the unfathomable waters and defy a corrupt government determined to keep its secrets, all the while dealing with a secretive, hotheaded companion she never asked for in the first place. If she fails, or falls prey to her own fears, she risks capture–and her father might be lost forever.

“A work of fathomless imagination.”

——Samantha Shannon, New York Times best-selling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree

“Riveting and exciting, The Light at the Bottom of the World is a heart-racing adventure that reveals compelling and necessary truths about several critical issues of our times, while delivering all the thrills and twists of an epic quest. A stand-out, must-read book that engulfed me in its enthralling world and characters. Leyla McQueen is queen of the (under)seas!”

——S. K. Ali, author of 2018 Morris finalist Saints and Misfits and Love from A to Z

“The Light at the Bottom of the World is a wonderfully refreshing epic adventure, with dynamite worldbuilding and a crafty heroine. Leyla’s determination and talent will keep you hooked in her story, and you will be begging for Shah’s next book before you’ve even finished this one.”

——Rachel Strolle: Teen Librarian, Glenside Public Library District

“Shah’s debut is a fast-paced masterpiece from start to finish. Readers will fall in love with passionate, persistent Leyla as well as her secretive, swoon-worthy companion, Ari. While the tropes of dystopian fiction—corrupt government, fear of the unknown—will be easily recognizable by fans of the genre, Shah has skillfully shaped a gorgeous world unlike any those fans have seen before. But be forewarned: the book ends on a jaw-dropping cliff-hanger. Highly recommended.”

——School Library Journal

The Light at the End of the World combines two of my favorite elements, London and underwater worlds.

I picked it up and never put it down! A futuristic England which is completely submersed in water a the stakes are high in underwater racing. A bit of steampunk, sci fi feel and a one- time competition with selection and prizes (a bit like the Hunger Games make the plot ever suspenseful. It picks up toward the end to a page turning cliffhanger. There are diverse characters with deep layers.

Leyla the MC is strong with her independent, stubborn, yet kind personality. She’s spunky and determined. Her protector is more than he appears to be. His loyalty and strength make their bond impactful. I do wish we saw more depth to the discussions between friends and family, more relationship building. All of the science and atmospheric elements make London otherworldy, beautiful but scary.

The author addresses mistrust of government, questioning fear-based societies and anxiety about exploring the unknown. I can’t wait for book two! The Light at the Bottom of the World was fresh, unusual and captivating.

Content: swearing, moderate violence, some tension.

About London: 

London Shah is a British-born Muslim of Pashtun ethnicity. She has lived in Britain’s capital for most of her life, via England’s beautiful North. When she’s not busy re-imagining the past, plotting an alternate present or dreaming up a surreal future, she’s most likely drinking copious amounts of tea, eating all the sweets and cakes, strolling through Richmond Park or along the Thames, getting lost on an evening in the city’s older, darker alleyways—preferably just after it’s rained—listening to punk rock, or losing herself in a fab SFF book or film. If she could have only one super power, it would be to breathe underwater of course!

​Her debut novel, THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD, a YA sci-fi, is out now. You can read more about it here.

You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, and/or get in touch with her here.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD, US Only.

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