Books Like...
'The Abyss Surrounds Us' by Emily Skrutskie follows Cassandra Leung, a reckoner trainer who is captured by pirates and ordered to train a young reckoner to attack ships. Despite her initial fear and captivity, she finds herself drawn to one of her captors, Swift, complicating her mission and loyalties. As she navigates the dangerous waters of the Neopacific, Cass learns that not everything is black and white, and must decide what risks she is willing to take for her old life and who she truly is. The story delves into themes of morality, manipulation, and survival in a future world ruled by piracy and sea monsters, offering a unique blend of action, romance, and intrigue.
The writing style of 'The Abyss Surrounds Us' is praised for its fast-paced adventure, brilliant world-building, and creative twist on a future world where ocean piracy and genetically engineered sea creatures called Reckoners are the new threats. Readers are immersed in a world where alliances are tested, motives are questioned, and characters must navigate complex relationships and power dynamics while facing perilous challenges and unexpected twists, making for an engaging and suspenseful read.
If you liked The Abyss Surrounds Us, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Seventeen-year-old Abby Ives, a plus-sized fashion blogger, finds herself falling hard for her fellow intern, Jordi Perez, while competing for a coveted paid job at a boutique in LA. The book follows their sweet, simple love story, set against a backdrop of fashion, photography, and friendship. The writing style is described as upbeat, sincere, and filled with breezy Southern California experiences, offering a realistic coming-of-age plotline with a focus on diverse characters and relationships.
In modern love stories, our heroines all seem to have something in common. No, not an adorably decorated apartment in the big city, a conveniently timed meet cute with the person of their dreams, or t... 'The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea' by Maggie Tokuda-Hall is a dark young adult fantasy novel that follows the journey of two orphan siblings who become pirates. The story delves into themes of survival, self-discovery, and love as the characters navigate through a world filled with pirates, mermaids, witches, and the sentient being of the Sea. The narrative explores complex relationships and character growth, with a focus on gender fluidity, queer romance, and the mystical elements of the sea.
The book is written in a unique and engaging style, weaving together multiple perspectives and storylines that keep the reader intrigued. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, blending elements of adventure, romance, and fantasy to create a rich and immersive reading experience that challenges traditional genre boundaries.
Evelyn washed her hands again. The telltale sand under her fingernails stubbornly resisted the fine soap from Quark that her mother, the Lady Hasegawa, had imported especially for her. Her mother clai...- #3
Save:'Sweet & Bitter Magic' by Adrienne Tooley follows the story of Tamsin, a powerful witch banished from her coven for using dark magic to save her twin sister. Cursed with the inability to love, she trades for others' love to feel something. When a plague hits the world due to dark magic, Tamsin teams up with Wren, a magical source, to try and save the world. Their journey together is filled with elements of family, grief, and love magic, with a touch of humor, romance, and a fairy tale-like atmosphere.
The salt was dull on Tamsin’s tongue. The mild spice had meant something to her once, had made a difference when sprinkled with a deft hand on her boiled eggs or her smoked fish. Now it tasted like ev... - #4
Save:The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski is a fantasy novel set in a world where the protagonist, Nirrim, navigates a life within the confines of the Ward, a place where the lowest class is restricted within a wall. Raised by Raven, Nirrim's life takes a turn when she encounters Sid, a traveler, leading to a series of events that challenge her perspective and the world around her. The writing style is described as mesmerizing, with vivid descriptions that bring the magical island setting to life, creating an engaging and mysterious atmosphere that captivates readers.
THERE WERE WARNING SIGNS in the Ward that day that anyone could have seen. The children must have seen the danger in their own games, in the crescent moons, roughly cut from tin, that they strung from... - #5
Save:Crier's War by Nina Varela is a captivating tale set in a world where Automae, a machine-human hybrid, have enslaved humans. The story follows Crier, an Automae princess, and Ayla, a human servant, as they navigate their growing feelings for each other amidst societal divides and impending war. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot, intricate world-building, and the enemies-to-lovers romance between Crier and Ayla, making it a compelling read that delves into themes of love, revenge, and revolution.
When she was newbuilt and still fragile, and her fresh-woven skin was soft and shiny from creation, Crier’s father told her, “Always check their eyes. That’s how you can tell if a creature is human. I... - #6
Save:Seventeen-year-old Marisol, along with her sister Gabi, flees El Salvador to seek asylum in the U.S. Facing the threat of deportation and potential death, Marisol agrees to an experimental study where she becomes a grief keeper, absorbing the pain of others to save lives. As the story unfolds, Marisol navigates the complexities of love, grief, and sacrifice in a world where both love and human beings are branded illegal. The book delves into themes of immigration, resilience, family ties, and the exploitation of the marginalized, all while exploring the importance of grief and healing in a dystopian setting.
Reynolds doesn’t interview me, but she does guard the door. I sit at one of the chairs at a small table and wait. There’s nothing personal in the room. Not a plant or a picture or even a cup with a fu... - #7
Save:'Of Fire and Stars' by Audrey Coulthurst follows Princess Denna of Havemont, who is betrothed to the Prince of Mynaria but harbors a dangerous secret – a magical ability to create fire. As she navigates her arranged marriage, she finds herself drawn to her betrothed's sister, Princess Mare, leading to a blossoming love story amidst political intrigue and discrimination against magic users. The narrative explores themes of forbidden romance, court intrigue, and the challenges faced by LGBTQIA characters within a fantasy setting, with a focus on character relationships and the development of a complex magical world.
The writing style of 'Of Fire and Stars' is described as engaging, with a good balance of world-building and character development. Readers appreciate the normalization of LGBTQ relationships in the story and the emphasis on strong female characters who challenge traditional gender roles. The novel offers a refreshing take on fantasy romance, featuring a slow-burn romance between Princess Denna and Princess Mare, set against a backdrop of magic, political tensions, and personal growth.
SUMMER HUNG HEAVY OVER MYNARIA THE DAY I arrived to meet my future husband. As my carriage clattered over the cobbled streets toward the castle west of the city, I couldn’t say whether nervousness or ... - #8
Save:Compass Rose by Anna Burke is a thrilling tale set in a post-apocalyptic future where civilization exists underwater. The story follows Compass Rose, a talented navigator with a unique ability to find true north. She is sent on a dangerous mission to spy on the Pirate Queen, Ching Shih, under the command of the stoic Miranda Stillwater. As Rose navigates the treacherous waters filled with mercenaries and pirates, she not only discovers her own strength but also finds unexpected love amidst the chaos. The writing style is captivating, with detailed world-building that immerses readers in a dystopian world of warring factions and survival at sea.
In Compass Rose, readers can expect a riveting plot filled with action, romance, and political intrigue. The story unfolds with intense battles, power struggles, and unexpected alliances as Rose and her crew face challenges in the toxic seas of a ruined world. The characters are gritty and well-developed, each adding a unique dynamic to the ensemble cast. Burke's writing is rich in details, weaving a complex narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
I was born facing due north. By the time I was three,I could pick the North Star out of the heavens with the unerring certainty withwhich other children picked their mothers’ faces out of a crowd, and... - #9
Save:In "Gearbreakers" by Zoe Hana Mikuta, the story revolves around Sona and Eris, two women on opposing sides - one trained by Godolia to pilot a Valkyrie Windup and the other a notorious Gearbreaker rebel. Their paths intersect as they form an unlikely alliance to take down the oppressive regime of Godolia. The book is set in a dystopian world filled with mechas, giant mecha battles, rebellion, found family, and unexpected romance. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action, plot twists, and engaging character dynamics, all narrated through a dual POV that provides insight into the world and the characters' perspectives.
The writing style of "Gearbreakers" is captivating, with a gripping opening line that hooks the reader from the start. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of revenge, survival, betrayal, and redemption, creating a world that is both dark and hopeful. The characters, especially the primary ones like Sona and Eris, are well-developed and offer a diverse representation, while the relationships and conflicts drive the story forward, culminating in a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eager for the next installment.
I sit upright, bringing my hands around to inspect, noting how my fingertips still twitch at my command. They look like mine. All the calluses are still there, hard and smooth like river stones across... - #10
Save:Sixteen-year-old Violet is sent to her ancestral home in Maine after her brother's suicide attempt, where she befriends a group of friends and embarks on a journey to find a shipwreck. The story explores themes of family dynamics, self-discovery, and rebuilding relationships, all set against the backdrop of the town of Lyric and its historical connections to a shipwreck. The writing style is described as lively, compelling, and well-executed, with elements of unrequited love, LGBTQ themes, and a focus on mental illness.
With a single phone call, my parents had gotten me a volunteer position at the Lyric Aquarium, one of the more traditional tourist attractions in town. Apparently, if your great-great-great-grandparen...
