Book Review on Daughter of the Deep by Robenas Tadesse
I’m sure that the majority of you reading this are familiar with the author Rick Riordan, most famously known for writing the Percy Jackson series. In 2021 Rick Riordan released a refreshing new book, completely outside of the Percy Jackson universe. Daughter of the Deep is the first series book (Please, Rick Riordan, please release book two very soon). Daughter of the Deep occurs in a near-future world where climate change has deeply affected the environment. This novel is heavily inspired by Jules Verne's classic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" while also a compelling exploration of marine biology, environmental conservation, and some pretty imaginative technology.
The story starts with Ana Dakkar, a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy receiving a cryptic message from her father, the renowned but long-lost Captain Nemo Dakkar. Harding-Pencroft Academy is a five-year high school that produces the best marine specialists in the world. The message tells her to search for the Nautilus, Captain Nemo’s legendary submarine, and to continue his work to preserve and protect the oceans. Intrigued by this mysterious request and determined to uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance, Ana embarks on a quest with her best friend Jorgenson, along with her select team. Their journey through the ocean is filled with many near-death experiences and awesome discoveries. They encounter colossal sea creatures, ancient underwater ruins, and rival organizations with their own agendas for the ocean's resources. As they navigate these challenges, Ana and her companions begin to unravel the mysteries of her father's work while discovering that Land Institute (a rival school) has a sinister plot to exploit the seas for their own gain. Daughter of the Deep is an extremely captivating story that takes the reader through many unexpected ups and downs throughout the book.
A key focal point of Daughter of the Deep is Ana Dakkar’s intelligence. Ana Dakkar’s wit is displayed in many ways in this novel, from working with complex technology to thwarting her much more experienced and well-trained opponents, to her ability to orchestrate many homesick, hungry, thirsty, and dare I say hormonal teenagers in the middle of the ocean. Something in particular that I found extremely impressive was that her school house, the Dolphins, communicated in Irish as their secret language, as it’s a very rare tongue that even native Irish people are fluent in. Each year a new Dolphin class chooses the secret language and learns it within a few months. The four houses of Harding-Pencroft Academy are the Dolphins (communication & languages), the Orcas (psychology & medicine), the Sharks (weapons & strategy), and the Cephalopods (engineering).
Ana Dakkar is also a very relatable main character, as she is a teenager with her own confusing emotions and thoughts. Ana Dakkar also regularly questions herself on whether she’s worthy to be leading her friends into an almost certain death. Throughout the novel, I found myself empathizing with Ana a lot and knowing exactly how she felt in different scenarios.
Overall I think Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan is definitely worth a shot, although the “whole quest with her friends and marine biology and preserving the ocean” stuff sounds a bit overused and cliche, you’d be pleasantly surprised by the dynamic of each character, and the arguable jaw-dropping, gut-wrenching plot twist…
I read this book way back when it had just came out, and I am surprised at how little I remember. I get the feeling that it may be due time for a re-read... Thanks for the review, I enjoyed your insights on the details, and that it doesn't necessarily spoil anything juicy
ReplyDeleteHi Robenas! I, of course, have heard of Rick Riordan. He is a great author, and this sounds like another one of his great creations. The way you put it, it seems like a cross between Harry Potter and Wall-E (kind of). You did a great job on the review, seeing as Daughter of the Deep is going to the top of my TBR. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteHey Robenas! You did a great job at describing the world of the book and mention details that help paint a picture. I can image what the world is like just by from your description. I also like how you connect Ana with yourself and how she may connect with other teenagers. I'll definitely check out Daughter of the Deep! Good job!
ReplyDeleteHi Robenas! As what might be called a superfan of Rick's, I was looking forward to this book and read it when it first came out. To be honest, I was a little disappointed, as I didn't love the main character and I'm also just not into underwater stuff in general, as weird as that may sound. It's okay, though: no matter how much you love an author, there's always those rare books of theirs you just don't enjoy. I'm glad you had a good time reading it though!
ReplyDeleteI have read a few of Riordan's books when I was younger, but am unfamiliar with this one. I also like how you described the setting, I can really visualize it. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteI was a big fan of the original Percy Jackson series when I was a kid, but I'd never heard of his more recent books outside that universe. I also really enjoy plot twists when they're done well, so this sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteI have read a shortened version of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and found it to be very enjoyable. I also like Rick Riordan, so I may check this book out, as it seems an interesting side venture from what he normally writes.
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