What do you think?
Rate this book
The Well's End #2
The Dark Water
To escape Blake Sutton’s army at the end of the enthralling The Well’s End, Mia and her friends jump into the newly gurgling fountain of youth and swim to its very bottom. When they resurface, an astounding world awaits them—an entire underground civilization of humans, the Keepers of the Well.
But instead of finding a safe haven, Mia and her gang are quickly embroiled in a dangerous, high-stakes battle royale. If Mia wants to save everyone she loves and make it back home alive, she’s got to get to the water’s Source before Sutton and his troops, who are still hot on her trail.
With new characters and new threats, Seth Fishman has upped the ante fantastically and delivers another tense, fast-paced adventure in a richly imagined world just below our feet.
But instead of finding a safe haven, Mia and her gang are quickly embroiled in a dangerous, high-stakes battle royale. If Mia wants to save everyone she loves and make it back home alive, she’s got to get to the water’s Source before Sutton and his troops, who are still hot on her trail.
With new characters and new threats, Seth Fishman has upped the ante fantastically and delivers another tense, fast-paced adventure in a richly imagined world just below our feet.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2015
7 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Seth Fishman
9 books156 followersSeth Fishman is a native of Midland, Texas (think Friday Night Lights), and a graduate of Princeton University and the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. He spends his days as a literary agent at The Gernert Company and his nights (and mornings) writing. He lives in LA with his wife and son.
His first picture book (with Isabel Greenberg Illustrating), A HUNDRED BILLION TRILLION STARS, won the Mathical Prize, was a Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Book, and was named a best book of 2017 by Amazon, Space.com and the Planetary Society. His follow up picture book, POWER UP, is out March 19th. He's the author of two YA thrillers, THE WELL'S END and THE DARK WATER.
His first picture book (with Isabel Greenberg Illustrating), A HUNDRED BILLION TRILLION STARS, won the Mathical Prize, was a Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Book, and was named a best book of 2017 by Amazon, Space.com and the Planetary Society. His follow up picture book, POWER UP, is out March 19th. He's the author of two YA thrillers, THE WELL'S END and THE DARK WATER.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 15, 2014
I shall continue the grand tradition of authors giving themselves 5-star reviews, even though I know that some of the other books I have given 5-star reviews have won Nobel Prizes. Just think of it like an A for Effort.
January 29, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program** I was a little worried when the story took kind of a weird turn, but I enjoyed the characters and the writing style so much that the plot turns didn't seem to detract from my overall enjoyment of these books. I would definitely read something from this author again.
March 12, 2015
Mind Blowing epic conclusion! I had so much fun reading this! The Dark Water takes off right where it ended in The Wells End(due-ology); and gets sci-fi-weird, which is just the kind of story I like most. So if your into that, I recommend reading both books back-to-back. I enjoyed it all the way through.
there was a bit of everything in this story, from action, suspense, mystery, sad moments to triumphant heroic moments and strange stuff.
As far as the writing goes, it was well done and much improved from the first book. Mia didn't ramble on as much in my opinion (which I personally liked) and I enjoyed all the characters. The pace was a bit quicker and I also thought the "Source" of the magic life-giving water was very interesting; Made me want to go hug my mom.
The whole story:
The first half is called: "The Wells End"
The second half is called: "The Dark Water"
Based on the ending, I don't know if there will be more, but it ended with the possibility.
Again, I recommend reading both books back-to-back for a better experience.
I will definitely be on the look out for more by Mr. Fishman.
there was a bit of everything in this story, from action, suspense, mystery, sad moments to triumphant heroic moments and strange stuff.
As far as the writing goes, it was well done and much improved from the first book. Mia didn't ramble on as much in my opinion (which I personally liked) and I enjoyed all the characters. The pace was a bit quicker and I also thought the "Source" of the magic life-giving water was very interesting; Made me want to go hug my mom.
The whole story:
The first half is called: "The Wells End"
The second half is called: "The Dark Water"
Based on the ending, I don't know if there will be more, but it ended with the possibility.
Again, I recommend reading both books back-to-back for a better experience.
I will definitely be on the look out for more by Mr. Fishman.
March 2, 2015
This is by the most imaginative and interesting finale to a duology I have ever read!
Read the full review here: http://www.memyshelfandi.com/2015/03/...
Read the full review here: http://www.memyshelfandi.com/2015/03/...
March 11, 2015
Disclaimer: I won a copy of the first book and an uncorrected copy of the second book in a giveaway for goodreads. I will review them both at once.
The premise of this series is rather promising. The main character is also likable. However there is not enough of a plot or action in either book for it to stand alone. Perhaps sold in an omnibus it would work better.
In the first book a prep school comes under attack, and a fast spreading illness makes people age to death. A group of kids tries to escape to a lab facility conveniently located under a mountain for safety. Yea, a little cheesy, but there is a lot of room for good things. However amid the good parts there are two forced teen romances that never ring true. One inlvolves several odd betrayals that are quickly forgiven. Everything in the book is too easy.
As the second book begins, their apparent sanctuary becomes the base camp for another war betweeen science and morality. A new race and world are introduced that were never mentioned in the first book. The writing is also different. Here the action splits between the topsiders and the main character. Neither are, again, convincing. The new world is only decently described, despite the promise of the story and the basic thoughts behind it. The science here becomes mingled into magic and the story falls apart. Science fiction and fantasy work as long as the constructs support the reality the author creates. If the author is going to create a realistic, parallel world with scientific laws we understand, magic cannot be introduced as science with an explanation of, "Ohhhh.....watch.....pretty...."
Basically, this book needs to be one midsize book that is action packed and weaves both worlds throughout the plot line. As it stands, each book falls flat.
The premise of this series is rather promising. The main character is also likable. However there is not enough of a plot or action in either book for it to stand alone. Perhaps sold in an omnibus it would work better.
In the first book a prep school comes under attack, and a fast spreading illness makes people age to death. A group of kids tries to escape to a lab facility conveniently located under a mountain for safety. Yea, a little cheesy, but there is a lot of room for good things. However amid the good parts there are two forced teen romances that never ring true. One inlvolves several odd betrayals that are quickly forgiven. Everything in the book is too easy.
As the second book begins, their apparent sanctuary becomes the base camp for another war betweeen science and morality. A new race and world are introduced that were never mentioned in the first book. The writing is also different. Here the action splits between the topsiders and the main character. Neither are, again, convincing. The new world is only decently described, despite the promise of the story and the basic thoughts behind it. The science here becomes mingled into magic and the story falls apart. Science fiction and fantasy work as long as the constructs support the reality the author creates. If the author is going to create a realistic, parallel world with scientific laws we understand, magic cannot be introduced as science with an explanation of, "Ohhhh.....watch.....pretty...."
Basically, this book needs to be one midsize book that is action packed and weaves both worlds throughout the plot line. As it stands, each book falls flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2015
I'd like to thank the author for a copy of the book and the chance to review it through the GoodReads First Reads program.
Dark Water is the sequel to Well’s End. In this series, you definitely need to read the first book to understand the second one.
I actually liked this book more than the first one. There’s more action and events that keep the story moving along really well. A lot of the teen angst is gone, yay! Mia, the main character, no longer babbles needlessly about her insecurities or her desire for the cute boy that may or may not be a traitor. Mai proves to be a strong person and loyal friend. That’s nice to see.
The author created a new world for the character to explore and was very descriptive of the surroundings. Loyalty, family love, and friendships are tested. Who to trust and not trust is a tough decision to make and characters have to decide quickly.
As with any storyline, some people live – some people die. I was surprised (and sad) by some of the author’s choices. While it was necessary, it was still sad. (I’m STILL upset that Dumbledore died!)
The ending had me wondering where the author was going to go next. Some doors can’t be closed once their open. I’m curious for book 3.
I would defiantly recommend this book.
I would also like to thank the author for writing a “clean” book that my teens can also read.
Dark Water is the sequel to Well’s End. In this series, you definitely need to read the first book to understand the second one.
I actually liked this book more than the first one. There’s more action and events that keep the story moving along really well. A lot of the teen angst is gone, yay! Mia, the main character, no longer babbles needlessly about her insecurities or her desire for the cute boy that may or may not be a traitor. Mai proves to be a strong person and loyal friend. That’s nice to see.
The author created a new world for the character to explore and was very descriptive of the surroundings. Loyalty, family love, and friendships are tested. Who to trust and not trust is a tough decision to make and characters have to decide quickly.
As with any storyline, some people live – some people die. I was surprised (and sad) by some of the author’s choices. While it was necessary, it was still sad. (I’m STILL upset that Dumbledore died!)
The ending had me wondering where the author was going to go next. Some doors can’t be closed once their open. I’m curious for book 3.
I would defiantly recommend this book.
I would also like to thank the author for writing a “clean” book that my teens can also read.
January 28, 2015
So, after reading the back of this novel, I feared the main storyline I loved would become way into the science fiction direction. I was right. As a stand-alone novel, I really enjoyed the story, writing style, and characters both returning and new. However, I wish this book were NOT the sequel to the Well’s End. A magical antidote to an imaginary disease? I can handle, but a species of alien-like creatures? Not my cup of tea. My favorite character probably shifted to Jo in this novel and I also enjoyed the newcomer Lisa, but even so all the characters were well written and I can not think of anyone in particular I did not like. My favorite aspect of the novel had to be the dual perspectives of Mia, Jimmy, and even Jo changing the perspective of the story and giving insight on certain scenes.
March 22, 2015
4.5 Stars. A wonderful journey, but has it ended? The thrilling tale continues with many twists and fast paced action.
October 18, 2016
I enjoyed this book a lot, but I did think it was an odd pairing with the first book. The Dark Water took a very different turn into more of a fantasy/sci-fi genre than a thriller or mystery.
After getting over the plot twist, I did enjoy reading the perspective of Jimmy and found that I really liked his character more than in the first book. He had guts and a stronger persona than I originally thought. I also enjoyed the addition of Lisa into the story. She was an interesting character that I hope another book is developed about.
I found the ending to be interesting and sad. I wish it had been a bit more developed but I guess the author is leaving it open for a possible third book.
After getting over the plot twist, I did enjoy reading the perspective of Jimmy and found that I really liked his character more than in the first book. He had guts and a stronger persona than I originally thought. I also enjoyed the addition of Lisa into the story. She was an interesting character that I hope another book is developed about.
I found the ending to be interesting and sad. I wish it had been a bit more developed but I guess the author is leaving it open for a possible third book.
December 17, 2017
Pretty fun to read, but just tried to do wayyyyy too much. It definitely lost a full point for using the phrase "screamed like a girl" while also having a girl protagonist. That said, if there's a part 3, I'll probably read it.
March 18, 2018
So this was definitely better than the first book. There was a lot more action and suspense, but I still found myself not really caring about the characters. I would recommend this duology but don’t expect it to be a five star read.
August 14, 2017
This book was great!
October 6, 2017
My mistake. I should read the first one.
December 4, 2017
This story went awry for me. I wanted more and it gave me too much and yet less at the same time. Way underwhelming for such a great start!
October 24, 2020
*read for 2020 readathon~*
August 10, 2024
It was practically a different genre from book one so it took me a second to get into it but I got there eventually and it was pretty good.
May 1, 2020
Did not enjoy as much as the first book, but it was still interesting.
September 28, 2016
I enjoyed the first one enough to seek it out again once I saw the sequel had arrived and I wanted to refresh my memory. I didn't enjoy it as much the second time around and I couldn't finish this second book in the series.
The characters were bland - I didn't think the way they were reacting was realistic.
The plot bounced around and was confusing.
Unfortunate, but it happens.
The characters were bland - I didn't think the way they were reacting was realistic.
The plot bounced around and was confusing.
Unfortunate, but it happens.
April 16, 2015
KAT: The Dark Water is the sequel to last year’s The Well’s End, a fast-paced and suspenseful YA SF thriller that I enjoyed despite its reliance on several well-worn teen themes. To discuss The Dark Water, I’ll have to spoil a little of the plot of The Well’s End, so if you’re planning to read that novel, you may want to stop after the next paragraph.
The Well’s End was written in first person from the perspective of Mia Kish, a nationally-ranked swimmer who attends an elite boarding school. When Mia was a toddler, she fell down a well and was eventually rescued as the world watched on CNN. (This story was inspired by Baby Jess... Read More
BILL: Fair warning: spoilers for The Well’s End follow.
The Dark Water is the sequel to Seth Fishman’s The Well’s End and while the first book was a solidly entertaining and exciting book despite issues of weak characterization and a somewhat flat style, the sequel lacks its predecessor’s deftness in pace while it continues to have much of the same issues, making it a weaker novel overall.
At the close of The Well’s End (did I mention there will be spoilers? Seriously, stop now if you haven’t read the first book because I’m going to tell you its ending. No, really. I am), Mia and her friends dove into the miracle-water well to escape Sutton and find Mia’s father. They surface in an underground world, complete... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The Well’s End was written in first person from the perspective of Mia Kish, a nationally-ranked swimmer who attends an elite boarding school. When Mia was a toddler, she fell down a well and was eventually rescued as the world watched on CNN. (This story was inspired by Baby Jess... Read More
BILL: Fair warning: spoilers for The Well’s End follow.
The Dark Water is the sequel to Seth Fishman’s The Well’s End and while the first book was a solidly entertaining and exciting book despite issues of weak characterization and a somewhat flat style, the sequel lacks its predecessor’s deftness in pace while it continues to have much of the same issues, making it a weaker novel overall.
At the close of The Well’s End (did I mention there will be spoilers? Seriously, stop now if you haven’t read the first book because I’m going to tell you its ending. No, really. I am), Mia and her friends dove into the miracle-water well to escape Sutton and find Mia’s father. They surface in an underground world, complete... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
February 8, 2015
I received this book for free through goodreads giveaway program!
This may have been better if I would have read the first book.
This book is fast pace, sometimes confusing, and uses unnecessary fowl language. The book itself is somewhat of a disappointment. It was written as if for young adults or adults, but it has a teen plot. My biggest dismay is the strong language. Do not use adult language if you are following a teen-oriented plot! It has too much teen-like fantasy to appeal to the average adult.
I would only recommend this book to age 17 and older, but only if your imagination is strongly in tact.
SPOILERS AHEAD
So about the plot itself: a magic well with healing abilities and if you go down there is a magic land (think narnia) with a magic map that changes and scrolls that tell the future.
FINAL COMMENTS:
The author seems in between writing for adults or teens. This is what makes the book a bad read. However, the author does have amazing writing potential! They just need to make that one simple choice.
NEED A REVIEW?
I will review any book in exchange for a free copy, but the review will be done on my time. For a small fee I can have a review posted for you by whatever date you would like. I am a speed reader and can do same day reviews. I WILL MESSAGE YOU BEFORE POSTING A REVIEW FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN FOUR STARS if you request me to.
Amanda Renea
This may have been better if I would have read the first book.
This book is fast pace, sometimes confusing, and uses unnecessary fowl language. The book itself is somewhat of a disappointment. It was written as if for young adults or adults, but it has a teen plot. My biggest dismay is the strong language. Do not use adult language if you are following a teen-oriented plot! It has too much teen-like fantasy to appeal to the average adult.
I would only recommend this book to age 17 and older, but only if your imagination is strongly in tact.
SPOILERS AHEAD
So about the plot itself: a magic well with healing abilities and if you go down there is a magic land (think narnia) with a magic map that changes and scrolls that tell the future.
FINAL COMMENTS:
The author seems in between writing for adults or teens. This is what makes the book a bad read. However, the author does have amazing writing potential! They just need to make that one simple choice.
NEED A REVIEW?
I will review any book in exchange for a free copy, but the review will be done on my time. For a small fee I can have a review posted for you by whatever date you would like. I am a speed reader and can do same day reviews. I WILL MESSAGE YOU BEFORE POSTING A REVIEW FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN FOUR STARS if you request me to.
Amanda Renea
May 29, 2015
I feel bad saying this, but I just really disliked this book. I couldn't get into it at all. At the bottom of the well was a town consisting of seven-feet-tall people with huge eyes who were at war and had never seen the real world. This was within the first few pages and already had me thinking that this series was taking a weird turn. It just got crazier and more confusing as the book progressed. I liked the first in the series, but I felt like it just went downhill with the sequel. I guess it just wasn't for me. I probably won't continue with the series :(
October 14, 2015
2nd book in the Well's End series. Mia (17) and her friends had to escape Blake Sutton's army so they plunged into the fountain of youth to swim to safety. Instead of finding peace, the group found an underground civilization of humans who are the "keepers of the well" and they are not happy to see intruders. A battle begins and Mia must locate the source of the well to help cure the terrible virus from spreading on land. Will Mia and her friends find the source and will they make it back home before it it too late?
November 23, 2015
I started listening to this sequel to "The Well's End" and did not like it at all. When I switched to the hard copy, I found it much more interesting. I found myself surprised by the direction the adventure takes; points to Seth Fishman for creative thinking. After diving into the well, Mia and her friends find out that inner-worldly is actually other-worldly. They find themselves involved in civil war and realize how hard it is to choose sides without all the information. There is death, betrayal, and heartbreak, along with empowerment, love, and teamwork. Something for everyone.
February 5, 2015
The fist book in this series was really good. I did not expect the story to go the direction it went in Dark water. I will admit I had a hard time getting through some of it. I liked Jo's character in this book. Mia tended to get on my nerves for some reason. The story flows pretty good but I just could not get my brain to engage with the rest of the story. I absolutely recommend The Wells End though!
July 19, 2015
I enjoyed this sequel to "The Well's End" even though it almost seemed like a different genre than the first book. The book was action-packed and I liked the characters. I have to admit that the first book was my favorite of the two. I was initially skeptical of the turn that the 2nd book took but got wrapped up in the plot pretty quickly.
October 15, 2016
This review is for the audiobook version, read by Katie Schorr.
The story itself is the standard teenage dystopia that is currently so popular. It produced more of a big yawn than any other emotion. The reading by Ms Schorr, however, is excellent with carefully crafted characterizations and an enjoyable rhythm and pace. Her own natural voice as the narrator is very easy on the ears.
The story itself is the standard teenage dystopia that is currently so popular. It produced more of a big yawn than any other emotion. The reading by Ms Schorr, however, is excellent with carefully crafted characterizations and an enjoyable rhythm and pace. Her own natural voice as the narrator is very easy on the ears.
September 4, 2023
i remember really enjoying this book as well, just abt as much as the first book, but from my memory the plot to the second one is fucking insane LMAO. they dive into a well and end up in another world??? i’m all for sci-fi or fantasy when i see it coming, but it ambushed me here. i was thinking more dystopia with the first book and that is just not what i got.
June 24, 2015
*received for free through Goodreads First Reads
Very different from the first book, goes into a bigger sci-fi area and loses a bit of the "what's going on?" feel that the first had. Still well-written but I continue to feel a disconnect from the characters.
Very different from the first book, goes into a bigger sci-fi area and loses a bit of the "what's going on?" feel that the first had. Still well-written but I continue to feel a disconnect from the characters.
April 10, 2015
I liked the first book but this one was not as good for me. I found the story not to be as compelling and the original premise of finding a fountain that can heal diverted into jumbled plot with a new race of humans that are fighting each other and fighting topsiders.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews