That’s the problem I guess I have with “Above World” the most – it was okay. I liked it, but not as much as I thought I would. The premise was interesting – humans fleeing the earth itself to survive in its depths (it reminded me a lot of “Dark Life” in that sense), but I feel like Reese could have used a few more drafts to fully flesh out the world she has created in this book. “Above World” has a very interesting society that I feel we didn’t quite get a good look at (hopefully that will be remedied in later books. Review: This is probably a good contemporary dystopian/apocalyptic book to introduce to middle grade/young YA readers. ☆: 3.5/5 – a good book for middle graders just starting out in the dystopian/apocalyptic genres. But can Aluna’s fierce determination and fighting skills and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt – growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains – here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true.

Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people. The Kampii’s breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony’s survival is at risk. Summary: Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides.

Above world by jenn reese