Deep Dark

by Zohra Nabi

‘Zohra Nabi has clearly done her research. Deep Dark dives into history to enthralling effect. The street life of the time, particularly London’s lost economy of patterers and ballad-sellers, shouting out the latest songs and stories, is brought into raucous, vivid colour … Outstanding.’ – The Times Children's Book of the Week

The dark was deep; it opened like a cavernous mouth and swallowed the boy whole.
 
Cassia Thorne leads a double life. By day, she sells ballads at Bartholomew Fair. By night she spends her evenings locked up in Fleet Prison. Cassia has plans of escaping both of these lives. But this year there are rumours of children being snatched off of the streets of London and no one willing to help.

So Cassia decides to take matters into her own hands; with the help of a young pickpocket, Teo and her friend Felix, Cassia starts to investigate the disappearances. She soon discovers a sinister conspiracy at the heart of the city - mysterious men in blue coats and whispers of a beast that lives in the deep dark tunnels below the city. Can Cassia get to the bottom of the mystery and rescue the missing children before it's too late?

Join Cassia and her friends on a spine-tingling supernatural adventure through the streets of London!

This is a breathtaking new direction from a rising star and the author of The Kingdom Over the Sea, a Waterstone's Children's Book of month.

Praise for Deep Dark:

'This book is stunning – Zohra Nabi writes like a dream and has achieved the impossible by conjuring up a living, breathing Victorian London right before my eyes. I felt like I was right there with Cassia while reading it, magic sparkling around us.' – Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers

‘A spine-tingling, Dickensian adventure.’ – The Bookseller

'Meticulously researched and sparklingly written, with an irresistible heroine.' – The Guardian

‘An atmospheric adventure with a wonderfully engaging heroine – this richly evocative story will sweep you away to the streets of 19th century London.’ – Katherine Woodfine, author of The Clockwork Sparrow
 

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Young Adult, Childrens, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is clear from 'Deep Dark' that Zohra Nabi has done some extensive research on Victorian London, its outcast poor, and its patterers and ballad singers. In fact, so fascinating did I find it that I researched ballad singers myself and a whole world of wonder opened up before me. Who knew!? It is also clear that the author cares deeply about social justice and the grinding effect of Capitalism on all our lives. There was certainly plenty here that remains horribly relevant today.

But Zohra Nahbi is also a talented writer. I loved her descriptions of London, such as, "...through the smoke, the dome of St Paul’s bulged over the skyline, London’s own grey sun" and her characters are beautifully drawn. Cassie Thorne is a feisty heroine for this new series of books and I will look forward to the next installment of her adventures.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, this is the first book in a new series.
Secondly it has a beautiful cover that will make you pick it up.
And finally it has a map, what more would you want in a book?
This book has the right ingredients for a good book, adventure, action, magic and the right amount of terror/horror to keep the reader hooked. It also has a mystery at the heart of the book.
It was a great first book of what promises to be a great series.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I really loved Zohra's book The Kingdom Over the Sea, and its series, and so I jumped at the chance to read this new book.

I mean, for starters, it has a map! And a beautiful cover - let's stop kidding ourselves, we totally judge a book by its cover. It also has illustrations. I am a big fan of illustrations in books and I wonder if that's one of the reasons I love reading children's books so much, because it's rare that you get illustrations in an adult book.

It's got that right amount of terror to entice children but not frighten them silly. And it's got enough heart to entertain this new 32-year-old.

It's got a mixture of everything; yes it's a children's book, but it has fantasy, magical elements, adventure, detective, a little horror.

I feel the same way about Zohra's books as I do about the books I read as a kid, such as The Goosebumps series. They've got enough about them to really entertain readers of all ages and I think younger readers will definitely enjoy them.

This is completely different to Zohra's previous series. Whereas that was set very much in a fantasy world, this is set in London. Yes there is magic and mystery within it, but it is very much set in a recognisable, if old, London.

Cassia is our main character. She's in her early teens but she's clearly had to grow up quickly and that's made her smart and strong. Which helps her a lot in this book. There are lots of other characters, children and adults, goodies and baddies, mystical and recognisable, and they all work to further Cassia's story.

I think overall I preferred her previous books, but that's because I was fully swept up in the magic of it. This book is grittier and darker, which is great to read but completely different to what I was expecting. It's a harder read as well due to some of the topics touched upon, which I also wasn't expecting for a book aimed at such a young reader.

It was also a lot slower to get going than I expected. I mean, let me contradict myself here, I'll say it does start with a bang, but I was expecting a bit more whimsical-ness earlier on. I understand a scene has to be set, and it's fine as it is, but I wanted more magic a little bit earlier.

It doesn't end on a cliff-hanger, which I thought it would do, but it's a good ending. It wraps up everything from this story but teases the possibility of more. I think the characters' journeys - particularly Cassia's - are really well developed and overall I think it's well paced (for the most part), with interesting characters, it's scary but not too much, it's fun and magical, with heaps of history in it.

I do believe this is the first in a series and so it'll be interesting to see how she follows it up.

[Frompenandpage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassia is a divine protagonist. Full of heart, gall, drive, morality, talent, creativity, and more, she is one of those protagonists that, even when she does wrong, you’re behind her completely because you can see her good intention. Between dealing with her own childhood past, her family dynamic of her father in the Fleet, trying to make a career for herself, and then getting embroiled in this mystery, it takes a special type of lead to guide a reader through that and Zohra Nabi has made sure Cassia is just that!

Teo has my heart completely. With a similarly part-Italian heritage and a musicality about him, I can’t help but warm to him immediately and I rode the wave of his storyline committedly throughout. Between the The Kingdom Over The Sea series and now the Cassia Thorne series, Zohra Nabi continues to shine in her ability to deliver as well rounded secondary characters as her protagonists without falling into any tropes or ‘sidekick’ stereotypes. I adore Teo, and Felix, and Elisabeth, and even the antagonists too. Secondary characters dazzle equally in Deep Dark.

Narrative-wise, there’s a great deal of praise to be heaped on the author here, as there was an exceptional balance of reveals that older (11–12-year-old) readers would get whilst also those complete right turns that even myself, as an adult, couldn’t have imagined. I think that’s important in mystery writing and whodunnits as, especially children, they want to feel like they can work out the mystery with the protagonist too. There’s been a few whodunnits of late that have felt like a collection of right turns and that can be off-putting. Therefore, the ability to parallel those alongside each other throughout the whole novel isn’t easily done and I was thrilled with it!

Emotionally, this novel took me on an absolute journey and is the third book this year that has made me cry in public! I would never dream of saying what it was, but I had to really restrain myself from the ugly sobbing I wanted to do that would’ve got me kicked out of the coffee shop I was reading in. I also laughed from the ribs, smiled like the Cheshire Cat, got angry, and came away from some plot points with a lot to think about!

I am ecstatic that Deep Dark is the first Cassia Thorne book, and I truly hope this is the start of a series that lasts for plenty books to come. For a long time, I’ve been waiting for a detective who I believe could lead a longstanding series like the young detectives of decades past and Cassia is that protagonist. If you haven’t, make sure you go and preorder now and in the meantime, make sure you check out The Kingdom Over The Sea and The City Beyond The Stars because they’re marvellous too…

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassia Thorne lives in Fleet debtors’ prison with her father, spending her days wandering the streets of Victorian London, fending for herself and making a few pennies selling ballads and giving piano lessons.
When the younger brother of one of her friends disappears without trace, she is determined to help with the search. She teams up with friends Teo and Felix and they discover a sinister plot involving city elders and a roaring beast whose home is deep underground. Cassia, Teo and Felix are in a race against time to unravel the mystery and rescue the missing children.
Cassia is a wonderful protagonist who is bold, resourceful, resilient and determined to champion the cause of the street children of Victorian London. Teo and Felix are the perfect secondary characters, each with an interesting back story and each having skills and knowledge which complement those of Cassia.
The descriptions of Victorian London are so vivid and compelling, young readers are sure to look for clues to London’s past next time they visit. The mystery which is central to the plot is complex enough to be interesting whilst still allowing readers to work out the clues alongside Cassia and her friends.
Deep Dark is the first in a series and I can’t wait to read Cassia’s next adventure. Meantime, take a look at Zohra’s other books “The Kingdom Over the Sea” and “The City Beyond the Stars” because they are wonderful too.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassia is essentially on her own in a 19th century London. Moved to the city from India at the age of 9 with her father who was trying to contest a business issue, they soon find themselves living in a debtors prison. Her father is all-consumed by the conspiracy that he believes has been cast against him. So cassia fends for herself as a writer of "news" ballads sung on the streets.

Children have been going missing from those streets and, eventually, someone she knows is among them. Setting out to find them, she unearths a much darker side of the city and the monsters (literal and figurative) therein.

A sharply observed and cleverly told story about class, capitalism and colonialism unfolds. This is a pacy adventure mystery story with a central character who is tenacious, resilient and courageous. She knows her skills and sees the strengths in those around her with whom she partners.

A great middle grade book that can be read on its surface or, like Cassia, explored deeper for a more compelling discussion.

[Sleepy Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this eARC.

Children are going missing from the streets of London, and Cassia Thorne refuses to just stand by and watch.

Nabi’s writing is immaculate; it carries you along with it, poetic and deft.

Our protagonist Cassia is well-rounded—determined and ambitious but not without her anxieties. She’s immediately likeable, and you root for her the whole way through.
The supporting cast of characters was delightful—Teo was my favourite!

The setting is perfectly sketched, capturing the exciting bustle of the city, but not shying away from the grimness of life on the streets. I also loved how it didn’t neglect the diversity that existed in Victorian London.

I love a story about institutional corruption; I love a secret river. I love a MG book that isn’t afraid to get a little dark, but stay hopeful. Honestly, a perfect book that I believe will inspire a new generation of young readers to stand up for what is right.

[Zoe James-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into the gaslit streets of Victorian London with Deep Dark by Zohra Nabi, a gripping historical fantasy where ballad-sellers and pickpockets face shadowy forces beneath the city. With echoes of Dickens and a touch of supernatural magic, this brilliant middle-grade adventure is a page-turner full of heart, horror, and hope. Cassia is a heroine you'll root for – bold, brave, and unforgettable.

✨ Fast-paced and atmospheric
✨ Vivid setting and magical realism
✨ Shows how ordinary people can make a big difference

Perfect for fans of Natasha Hastings, Emma Carroll, and The Clockwork Sparrow.
Published by Simon & Schuster.

#MiddleGradeBooks #MGFantasy #BookReview #BookReel #DeepDark #ZohraNabi #HistoricalFantasy #VictorianLondon #BookTok #DrawingOnBooks #BookRecommendation

[Patrik Bystrom · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not very exciting. While the idea of a pet monster living in the underground rivers of London was interesting, the narrative is poorly executed. There is never really any tension and despite there being a plethora of characters, none of them is well-rounded or interesting.

But more importantly, this reads more like a history research report. The author has clearly read a bunch of texts about London in Victorian times and sought to integrate these in the plot, but it is done without flair and the narrative suffers immensely.

Because this is a YA book I tried to give it a fair chance by reading it aloud with my 12-year-old. He begged me to stop just after the halfway point as the book was too boring.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - a good children’s mystery adventure with monsters both human and not. The characters were nice, if albeit a bit whitewashed in the cover design, and there was a lot of fun London misadventures that gave it a real sense of place and time. It just felt like it lacked something, it was quite a direct novel with little to really stoke the fires of imagination and there was a tone that didn’t reach its full potential, disallowing the mind to really bring this dark seedy world to life.

[Omiai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Nabi's books in the past, but for some reason this one just never grabbed my attention.
don't get me wrong, it was a decent story, but I never connected with the characters and felt it was a bit familiar, like a story I'd read before.
I do think some kids will love it. it's full of mystery and adventure. but as someone who has read a lot of children's books, sadly this one didn't feel very original to me.

[Jen Nishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome book! It is perfectly plotted, beautifully written and contains such character growth and development I couldn’t put it down. The author does such a great job realizing and explaining Dickensian London for the middle grade audience it was insightful but not didactic and lecture-y. A good mystery. Can’t wait for the next Cassia Thorne mystery!

[Gordon Ironside · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story with lots of historical detail that added to the interest. Read the second half of the book very quickly which is a good sign that the story was gripping.
Some aspects of the monster and Cassia's ability to stay alive stretched belief, but overall a high quality book for children. Quite sophisticated vocabulary used, so quite a stretching read for 10-12 year olds.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victorian London comes to life in this book. The characters are endearing, especially Teo. The writing is done exquisitely. There are bits that are a bit dark, so might be more suitable for year 6 or up.

[Betsy Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victorian London, monster mystery, and anti-capitalist allegory all wrapped into one? Check, check and check. Fast paced and entertaining, this is an easy recommendation for any middle-grade and YA readers.

[Kelly Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Libro.fm for the ALC of this book. It was a very fun listen. A fair amount of adventure and mystery (even monsters!) but not too scary. It was fun to see old-time London in a new/different light. Will recommend to our young readers.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great fun! I’m not a Victorian historical kinda gal, but this had so much other appeal about it….. a mythical beast, a secret society, an allure of music. Cassia is a brilliantly fierce and gutsy main character and I loved how she stood up for what’s right. This was properly good.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining listen. Curious as to what Cassia will do next.

[Kirsten Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting twist on a historical time in London. Old London, very Oliwer Twist, but with something lurking in the deep dark and a melody in the air that just isn't right.

[Laura Noakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUBLIME.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5

[Lena Borrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to get into but captivating at the end. There are twists and turns on every page and it is worth a try.