Happy New Year, everyone! I really want to make this year focus more on indie kidlit, and I still have that as a goal. Unfortunately, that means I have to both read and love a bunch of new books, and that’s proving to be a more difficult prospect than I’d hoped.
That’s not a knock on indie books or authors, either. I know there are lots of fabulous books out there. I just haven’t had that lightning strike with anything new I’ve picked up.
We’ll get there.
Which brings me to Daughter of the Deep. Well, almost.
Confession time: I don’t love Percy Jackson. I read the first book many years ago, thought it was fine, and never had a desire to pick up any more of them. A few years back, I read the first Magnus Chase book with my son and liked that quite a bit more, but for some reason he never wanted to keep going. And I liked it, but didn’t LOVE it. We even tried The Red Pyramid… and it was just fine. So that’s what I thought my relationship with Rick Riordan was going to be.
Fine. Appreciated what he was doing for kidlit, especially middle grade, but for whatever reason his work never hit that sweet spot for me.
That’s a long way of saying that Daughter of the Deep surprised me in the best way, nailing the worldbuilding and creating characters I still think and care about. Perhaps most exciting for me was that it helped me to think of “mythology” in a whole new way. Rather than the “nonfictional” mythology of the Greeks, Egyptians, Norse, and so on, Riordan takes a complete work of fiction consciously created as fiction and treats it just like he does mythology in those other series, crafting an undersea adventure that blends classical exploration vibes with fast-paced thrills and surprisingly smart themes.
Now, Riordan certainly isn’t the first author to play with a known fictional world or characters and reimagine them as “real,” but there’s something about the way he does it here that makes it feel refreshing and exciting.
Okay, before I go any further:
Synopsis
Ana Dakkar is heading into her freshman year at an academy for future marine scientists, submarine strategists, and deep-sea explorers. Life’s complicated (her parents died on a mission two years ago), but she’s ready for the challenge, leaning on her brilliant older brother Dev.
Unfortunately, what should be a straightforward trial at sea turns dangerous fast. Their academy is attacked, alliances crumble, and Ana finds herself on the run with a ragtag crew of friends and foes alike. As mysteries surface (about the attack, about ancient secrets in the deep, and about her own heritage), Ana must decide who she is and what kind of leader she wants to be.
Why Adults Will Actually Like It
Unexpected Depth (Pun Unavoidable) in Worldbuilding. The ocean setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s treated like a character. The tech feels grounded (not just magic or plot armor), and the worldbuilding leans into real exploratory science mixed with legend, giving adults something to chew on beyond surface thrills.
Smart, Relatable Protagonist. Ana isn’t flawless or generic. She’s curious, smart, capable… but also unsure of herself, grieving, and still figuring out how to lead. Her growth feels earned, and any adult who’s ever felt underqualified for a job or responsibility they were handed will connect with her journey.
Themes That Matter Beyond MG. Legacy, identity, ethical science, leadership under duress — this is a story that asks questions adults think about, even as it entertains younger readers. The narrative isn’t afraid to touch on consequences and choices in a way that resonates beyond the page.
Blend of Action and Thoughtfulness. Yes, there are chases, sea monsters, and clever subterfuge, but there’s also quiet reflection and emotional weight underneath. That balance — action that serves character and theme, not just spectacle — is rare and refreshing.
Accessible but Not Simplistic. This is middle grade in age range, but the storytelling respects both younger readers’ intelligence and adults’ desire for a layered narrative. I didn’t feel talked down to, but drawn in.
Whether you’re a parent looking for something you don’t dread reading at bedtime, a teacher recommending books for curious kids, or just someone who likes an adventure that doesn’t feel like it was only made for kids, this one scratches that itch.
Buy Daughter of the Deep here.
Have you read Daughter of the Deep? What did you think? Would you like to see the story continue?