“Humanity was cruel, and if you were prepared to try to find a bottom to that cruelty, you had best be prepared for a long, long fall.”

Pre-warning: this review is going to include numerous (spoiler-free) quotes, because I am obsessed with the writing.

Diversity:
I am so appreciative of the representation in this book. Each character is unique in their own way, with their own struggles, and yet it is tackled in such a perfect way; e.g., the queer character's arc doesn't revolve around being queer, and the disabled character's arc doesn't revolve around being disabled. And those are only two examples of the diversity present. We had lgbtq+, POC, physical disabilities, hidden disabilities, neurodivergence, ethnicities, cultures, ages, etcetera.

"You shouldn't eat anything that knows how to play fetch. It's rude.”

Characters/Relationships:
Tory. Tory. Tory. Why am I lowkey in love with you?

Smart really is the new sexy I guess. This book is not a romance by any means, but the romance present was actually so sweet. The 'adversary' turns love-interest was too adorable. I also saw a lot of myself in the love-interest and think that helped me connect even more to these characters (and fall for Tory).

In more, I absolutely adored Jillian and Theo. I found myself really feeling for them and wanting to know more of their story. I could read an entirely separate instalment based on their lives.

“No offense, hon, but you flirt like it’s a form of espionage and you’ll be executed if you get caught.”

Underlying themes:
A key part of this read is the philosophy behind science/ how humanity often sees itself as all-powerful and at the top of the 'food-chain' per se. These concepts presented alongside the blatant reference to humanity's innate fear of, yet also obsession with, the ocean was such a thought provoker. Do we fear it because we know it is stronger than us? Worship it? Is it rooted in our genetics? Is it due to evolutionary reasons?

“The trouble with discovery is that it goes two ways. For you to find something, that thing must also find you.”

In all, the setting of this book was done incredibly well. I was nervous, intrigued, and captivated all at the same time. I was fascinated by all of the characters, even the ones I probably wasn't meant to like... Honestly, this was just a very well written horror which included a variety of smaller themes that had me hooked.

“It was beautiful, in its own terrible way. So many monsters are.”