Undertow by Michael Buckley | Rating: ★★★★☆
As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Undertow promises to be the next thrill ride in young adult dystopia and is being totted as a mix of The Outsiders and District 9. What could go wrong? Pair that with its gorgeous cover art and captivating description, it’s a novel we just know–we feel it in our bones–will be intriguing and full of fantasy. I have to warn you now, readers, that is very unique and addictive and you may find yourself unable to put it down.
It’s action packed, romantic and we find a startling world before us as well as a wonderful heroine in teenager Lyric Walker. I’m serious, guys–you’re going to LOVE Lyric! Much like other stories in the genre, there’s a massive point in connections; a dangerous love story. Somehow, it isn’t overwhelming or dull or even all that repetitive. It borders on frustrating and cliche, but really only dances around the edge of that and is quite a lot more bearable than other stories of insta-love.
Michael Buckley creates a vivid display for us to submerge in and proves to us that storytelling isn’t lost in this much hyped about genre. Enemies, danger, survival–it’s all such a common plot, but the way Buckley goes about it is remarkably fascinating and colorful.
