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Darker Water

Brief Description
A claustrophobic YA sci-fi thriller set in the ocean's depths, where three teens are trapped in a terrifying struggle for survival. 'A creepy and claustrophobic deep-sea thriller.' Wren James, author of The Quiet at the End of the World 'A voice that can dazzle across generations.'... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2299
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Releases 17th November 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Darker Water" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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A claustrophobic YA sci-fi thriller set in the ocean's depths, where three teens are trapped in a terrifying struggle for survival.

A claustrophobic YA sci-fi thriller set in the ocean's depths, where three teens are trapped in a terrifying struggle for survival.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A claustrophobic YA sci-fi thriller set in the ocean's depths, where three teens are trapped in a terrifying struggle for survival.

'A creepy and claustrophobic deep-sea thriller.' Wren James, author of The Quiet at the End of the World

'A voice that can dazzle across generations.' Femi Fadugba, author of The Upper World

'I was completely hooked.' Amy McCaw, author of They Own the Night

'Every page had me gasping for air.' Melissa Welliver, author of To The Death

2089, four kilometres below the ocean surface . . .

Underwater stations are home to hundreds of miners, engineers and biologists, all tasked with excavating and processing the miracle bacteria that is the solution to the energy crisis, ProLEC.

Betty, a miner, is at the bottom of the pecking order despite her years of experience.

Maia, a newbie engineer, knows she has the smarts to become a ProCORPer and make it to the very top.

Audley, a biologist, is on track to become the youngest science lead ever.

But something is very wrong with the ProLEC. Peaceful sea creatures are becoming bloodthirsty fiends, unprecedented power cuts and tremors wrack the station. As the three grow closer to the truth, and to each other, they are in far more danger than they could ever imagine.

The first in a thrilling new series perfect for fans of Ben Oliver, Neal Shusterman and Wren James.

'Immersive and clever.' Kenechi Udogu, author of Augmented

'A page-turning mystery thriller.' K. L. Kettle, author of Control Alter Delete

'I couldn't put it down.' S. A. Gales, author of iNSiDE

'Totally gripping.' Kathryn Clark, author of Things I Learned While I Was Dead

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571390526

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 June 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 350g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Emma Read was once a very sensible biologist, now she is the author of children's books, including the Milton the Mighty series and The Housetrap. She is also a big fan of the side hustle, being a long-serving member of WriteMentor, as well as a tutor with Creative Writing Ink, a freelance novel editor, as EmDashED, and owner of StorySpinners - a creative writing club. She lives in Bath.

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  • Milton the Mighty
    When little spider Milton discovers he’s been branded deadly on social media–and is targeted by pest-killers BugKILL–he fears for his life and the future of his species. Alongside his BFFs, big hairy Ralph and spindly Daddy-long-legs Audrey, he searches for a way to clear his name… But to succeed, Milton realises he must communicate with his house humans, a schoolgirl...
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