The Beast
(The Darkdeep #2)
By Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs
9/24/19
Bloomsbury Children’s
Nico, Opal, Tyler, Emma, and Logan survived their worst fears come to life, and saved their tiny Pacific Northwest town of Timbers from a monstrous figment invasion. Now they just want to keep their heads down, enjoy Halloween, and explore the secrets of their mysterious houseboat clubhouse. And also figure out their new Torchbearer responsibilities as keepers of the Darkdeep, an ancient whirlpool hidden in Still Cove that can make both dreams and nightmares into reality.
But when a dangerous new breed of figments starts appearing on their own, and the very environment around them begins to spiral out of control, the friends realize they have no idea what they are doing-or how they're supposed to restrain the Darkdeep. They must uncover the pool's origins, as well as those of the freaky Thing in a Jar, a seemingly lifeless green creature Opal believes is communicating with her. To make matters worse, a trashy YouTube series has rolled into town intent on finding the Beast, the legendary local sea monster suddenly stirring up the countryside.
As threats rapidly close in around them, the friends must fight to protect their secrets, defeat new enemies, and save Timbers and all that they love.
Told from alternating points of view, this chilling sequel from bestselling duo Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs will once again have readers sleeping with the lights on.
After Nico, Opal, Tyler, Emma, and new friend Logan, banded together to save their town of Timbers from the mysterious Darkdeep and its scary figments, they’re ready to take on their roles as new Torchbearers and keep the Darkdeep safe. But soon the five kids discover that their new responsibilities are anything but simple and they aren’t sure who or where to turn. Toss in a mind-talking goo creature, a pesky Youtube show invading Timbers, strange behaving figments, and a maybe all too real Beast, and the five friends will be lucky to survive Halloween.
Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs return to their wildly fun and wickedly engrossing middle-grade The Darkdeep series with book two, The Beast. Once again, this superb writing duo have spun a spectacularly spooktastic and unputdownable tale, that will have young readers eagerly turning pages by flashlight late into the night.
The Beast excitedly continues this smart, cinematic series with a storyline full of thrills, chills, and fantastic twists. The mystery and history of the Torchbearers, the houseboat, and the Darkdeep itself are wonderfully explored and expanded in book two, through pitch-perfect storytelling, excellent character development, and immersive world-building. Readers will have a blast joining our heroes as they race to thwart an annoying Youtube star, protect their town, survive Halloween, and somehow not end up grounded! The authors once again, create a fantastically lush, spine-tingling atmosphere and fill this bewitching world with cool, imaginative horror, fantasy, and sci-fi elements. And of course, at the heart of this story and series, is five capable, likable, and relatable young heroes who continue to be a joy to get to know.
An engaging and engrossing story, an awesomely cinematic vibe, cool characters, and heart-pounding adventure and twists, make this book and series a perfect read for young readers, especially reluctant readers.
MY RATING
5/5 Cupcakes
Ally Condie is a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband, three sons and one daughter outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, running, eating, and listening to her husband play guitar.
Brendan Reichs was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from Wake Forest University in 2000 and The George Washington University School of Law in 2006. After three long years working as a litigation attorney, he abandoned the trade to write full time. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, son, daughter, and a herd of animals that tear up everything.
