Kaitln Ward
An interesting tale of growth and change. Eliza is a shy anxious girl, who has a limited number of close friends. Her two best pals are constantly getting her in trouble, but she is always following their demands in an effort to keep them happy. When they challenge her to enter the dangerous swamp near her home, she anxiously steps foot on the forbidden ground. The swamp is known for taking people, and they are never seen again. Eliza falls into a sinkhole and is swallowed by the forbidden swamp.
Eliza who loves caves finds herself in a dark abyss. Thankfully, she has her backpack with some supplies to keep her safe. She moves silently in her blackened world, looking for a path out. There is no light and no path to the known world. She wanders and is chased by a feral beast. Finally, she stumbles upon a community of other lost people that work together for their own safety. This small group of people have made a cavern into a collective work environment, with rules and work groups. Many of the residents have been under ground for several years, and are considered the leaders of the weary group. Days are filled with hunting and gathering in an effort to sustain life. Eliza discovers through the resident scientist, Mary that the cave system is large and is home to many different life forms, including humanoid.
In a chance meeting with a luminescent, and their death. Eliza and her friends decide that it is time for them to hunt down an escape route. The collective is angry that they are trying to leave and contain them. Eliza and her friends decide to break out and escape into the caverns. They run free and straight into dangerous situations. After the death of one of her companions and their capture by a group of luminescent, Eliza is convinced that they are doomed. Is Eliza and her friends going to be able to break out and find their freedom?
I don't want to spoil to much of this book, so I am leaving a great deal out. Unfortunately, the nature of the tale means a great deal of back story, which does seem to drag on a great deal. The book was very hard to dig into wholly. With that being said the last half of the book is great. The rising action and climax leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. I am giving this book a 3 out of five stars and believe that it is appropriate for students at least in middle school (Eliza does have a romantic interest!). It is an interesting tale and bearing witness to the blossoming of Eliza is rewarding. This book does a great job of describing a world that many are not familiar and it felt very realistic. I would definitely say that this is an interesting read!
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