49 pages • 1 hour read
Dark Life
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Undersea • Future
2010
Middle grade
10-14 years
690L
Super Short Summary
Dark Life, set in a post-apocalyptic East Coast America mostly submerged by water, follows teenage pioneer Ty Townson, who has special underwater abilities called Dark Gifts. Ty discovers a government conspiracy involving experimentation on children with these powers. As he battles outlaws and navigates government threats, Ty aids Gemma Straid in searching for her missing brother, who is tied to both the outlaws and the conspiracy. The novel addresses themes of self-acceptance, community support, and moral conflict against government abuses. Topics involving child experimentation and government oppression appear in the book.
Adventurous
Fantastical
Mysterious
Exciting
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
15,398 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dark Life by Kat Falls delivers a thrilling underwater adventure with imaginative world-building and strong character development. Reviewers laud its unique setting and fast-paced plot, though some point out inconsistencies in scientific details. Both teens and adults will find this dystopian story engaging despite minor flaws.
Who Should Read Dark Life?
Readers who would enjoy Dark Life by Kat Falls are typically young adults who love thrilling, dystopian adventures set in underwater worlds. Fans of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Divergent by Veronica Roth will likely appreciate the novel's fast-paced plot, unique setting, and strong, resourceful characters.
15,398 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gemma Straid
Gemma Straid
A Topsider orphan who seeks community and family connection in Benthic Territory, learning to balance her independence with the support of others.
Ma and Pa Townson
Ma and Pa Townson
Scientists who pioneered Benthic Territory, they provide support and care for their community while grappling with concerns over the impact of subsea living on their children.
Zoe Townson
Zoe Townson
Ty’s younger sister, who also has unique abilities; she looks up to her brother and supports him while keeping her own secrets.
Hewitt
Hewitt
A pioneer child with a gift for instant environmental calculation, playing a part in the support network of Benthic Territory's community.
Raj and Jibby
Raj and Jibby
Benthic Territory pioneers who face personal challenges, such as raising a family and finding companionship, in an environment with limited social opportunities.
Doc Kuntze (Dr. William Metzger)
Doc Kuntze (Dr. William Metzger)
A doctor stationed in Benthic Territory under a false identity, representing an external threat to its inhabitants due to his controversial past.
Shade (Richard Straid)
Shade (Richard Straid)
Gemma’s brother and a complex figure who challenges the community with his unique abilities and personal history, shaping the narrative's conflict with the Commonwealth.
304
Novel • Fiction
Undersea • Future
2010
Middle grade
10-14 years
690L
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