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Fires Beneath the Sea

by Lydia Millet
256p. 978-1-93152-071-3.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4—6—In her first novel for children, Millet introduces readers to 13-year-old Cara; her brilliant 10-year-old brother, Jackson; her popular 16-year-old brother, Max; and her history professor father, who live on Cape Cod. Her mother, a well-known marine biologist, disappeared a few months earlier. The family is grieving yet still hopeful for her return. While swimming in the ocean, Cara meets a sea otter that mysteriously communicates with her, giving her the following message: "Take care of them for me." Cara is both frightened and thrilled as she is sure this animal is somehow linked to her mother. In subsequent chapters, there is an increase in odd happenings and terrifying encounters with the Pouring Man, a deadly creature that takes different forms, including becoming the children's doubles to gain entry into their house, and is seemingly intent on destroying Cara's family. An intriguing mix of everyday activities and the otherworldly, The Fires Beneath the Sea pulls readers in. Cara is a likable character who has been put in the uncomfortable position of trying to save her family and help her mother with a mission way beyond the ability of most tweens. Her bravery and fierce love will cause readers to long for her to succeed. A well-done beginning, with some riveting moments and frightening escapes, to what should prove to be a popular series.—Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD
A compelling mystery filled with surprising, imaginative twists. Readers won’t soon forget the book’s unique and creepy central villain. The faithfully rendered Cape Cod setting is practically a character itself, with the book’s plot focusing almost entirely on the ocean. “A few feet behind the row of shops, past a thin screen of trees, the bike path ran almost the whole length of the Outer Cape—along the edge of the strip of forest that gave way to cliffs and dune grass and sand, and then the surging Atlantic.” Cara, Max, and Jax Sykes are realistically portrayed. That these siblings—with their significant age differences and frequent squabbling—band together to rescue their missing mother is believable and poignant. Lydia Millet is equally adept at describing marine science (which drives much of the narrative) as she is in writing wholly original fantasy. She seamlessly merges fact and fiction in this heartfelt, suspenseful, and engaging story.

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