Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan
Synopsis:
Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana’s parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family’s she’s got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. Ana’s freshman year culminates with the class’s weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it’ll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives.
But wait, there’s more. The professor accompanying them informs Ana that their rival school, Land Institute, and Harding-Pencroft have been fighting a cold war for a hundred and fifty years. Now that cold war has been turned up to a full broil, and the freshman are in danger of becoming fish food. In a race against deadly enemies, Ana will make amazing friends and astounding discoveries about her heritage as she puts her leadership skills to the test for the first time.
Review:
Riordan gives Captain Nemo new life in this unique, new series. From magnificent sea creatures to fantastic technology, Ana Dakkar and her classmates are introduced to a world straight from 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea, as it seems the story wasn’t quite fiction after all. There are a diverse cast of characters with engaging personalities. And an exciting and suspenseful plot with plenty of twists and surprises. This is a fun, middle-grade adventure that all ages should enjoy.