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Out of Air
Wilder Girls meets Outer Banks where a group of scuba diving friends stumbles across lost treasure, a legendary cave, and a new type of power... that comes at a price.
The deeper you go, the darker you fall.
Phoebe “Phibs” Ray is never more at home than when she’s underwater. On a dive six months ago, she and her four closest friends discovered a handful of ancient gold coins, rocketing them into social media fame. Now, their final summer together after high school, they’re taking one last trip to a distant Australian island to do what they love most – scuba dive.
While diving a local reef, Phibs discovers a spectacular underwater sea cave, rumored to be a lost cave with a buried treasure. But when Phibs and her best friend Gabe surface from the cave, they notice that they're undergoing strange changes. Oozing gashes that don’t heal. Haunting whispers in their heads... Something has latched onto them, lurking beneath their skin, transforming them from the inside out.
When treasure hunters arrive, desperate to find the location of the cave and hold Phibs’ group for ransom, she’ll do anything to keep her friends safe. In the process she learns that, of all the dreadful creatures of the sea, she might be the most terrifying of them all.
A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books.
The deeper you go, the darker you fall.
Phoebe “Phibs” Ray is never more at home than when she’s underwater. On a dive six months ago, she and her four closest friends discovered a handful of ancient gold coins, rocketing them into social media fame. Now, their final summer together after high school, they’re taking one last trip to a distant Australian island to do what they love most – scuba dive.
While diving a local reef, Phibs discovers a spectacular underwater sea cave, rumored to be a lost cave with a buried treasure. But when Phibs and her best friend Gabe surface from the cave, they notice that they're undergoing strange changes. Oozing gashes that don’t heal. Haunting whispers in their heads... Something has latched onto them, lurking beneath their skin, transforming them from the inside out.
When treasure hunters arrive, desperate to find the location of the cave and hold Phibs’ group for ransom, she’ll do anything to keep her friends safe. In the process she learns that, of all the dreadful creatures of the sea, she might be the most terrifying of them all.
A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 13, 2025
77 people are currently reading
21522 people want to read
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May 13, 2025
જ⁀➴ 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Reiss, and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Update (5/13/2025): Happy publishing day to Out of Air!
🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
I think 2025 is THE year for publishing; I don't think I've been so excited to read so many books before. I’ve been reading a lot of debut novels this year--most of them are ARCs--and obviously some are good, and some of them...not so much. I'm glad to say that this debut by Rachel Reiss was amazing and I get to continue to add to my list of great debuts that I hope that more people read and give a chance this year!
Phoebe "Phibs" Ray, along with her four best friends, twins Will and Gabe and Isabel and her girlfriend, Lani, are the Salt Squad, a group of friends who went viral on social media for their scuba and diving content but also for finding five Spanish gold coins in a dive once that was worth millions of dollars. As their last hurrah for the last bit of their summer after high school graduation and before they all head their separate ways to go to college, they decide to head out to Lani's uncle's home on a remote island off the coast of Australia to do some scuba diving. When Phibs, Will, and Gabe come across a hidden cave and resurface, Gabe and Phibs start to change--weird injuries that only get worse with time, voices in their heads, and the feeling that something is destroying them from the inside out. As their situation grows more deadly and treasure hunters on their trail trying to find the same cave they did in search of treasure, the crew has to figure out what's going on with Gabe and Phibs before it's too late. The story has a dual timeline, alternating between the present day and five months prior to the Australia trip.
The Outer Banks vibes were definitely here. I know it's also pitched as Outer Banks meets Wilder Girls but I haven't read Wilder Girls to make that comparison. It's clear that there's a lot of influences from the TV show, from the way the characters are and their roles in the Salt Squad to the treasure hunt subplot. If I were to make comparisons between the book and Outer Banks, I'd say that Lani is like John B in the sense that she's the "leader" of the group, Isabel is like Pope where she tries to be the peacekeeper and keep things in order, and Will is like JJ where he's constantly searching for the next big thing and acts impulsively at times. I don't think Phibs and Gabe 100% fit the personalities of any of the other Pogues we see in the TV show so they're unique in that sense, but I guess you could say Phibs is sorta like Sarah when it comes to being a little boy-crazy (more on that later), but even that for me is a stretch. You also get the "Pogue" and "Kook" vibes from the story with the characters; it's sort of like a reverse "Pogues" situation where all of the members except for Phibs come from wealth instead of the other way around in Outer Banks. Even with all of that, you can tell right away that the Salt Squad is tight-knit and I loved the summer vibes that the book gave me!
I think the one thing this book did right was the horror aspect. Now, I'm not the kind of person to get queasy over body horror--working in the healthcare field desensitizes you to all of that, trust me--but I will admit that even I was ever-so-slightly cringing at the body horror throughout the story, so count me impressed in that department. I will say that if you're the kind of person who can't handle body horror, I would suggest proceeding with caution or skipping this book entirely because the descriptions do get somewhat graphic.
The only critiques I would have about the book are about Phibs, the communication among the characters, and the ending. For starters, I felt that Phibs was a little too boy-crazy at times with her crush over a certain someone in the story, although I will admit that I think it was good that the romance overall was just a subplot and wasn't a major factor in the story considering the Salt Squad had ah...bigger fish to fry. It was cute though! She was also very quick to jump to conclusions and point fingers and accuse people--well, more like a certain someone-- without hearing their side of the story first.
The miscommunication trope was alive and well in this story, specifically with Lani. She's supposed to be the Salt Squad's "ringleader," so you would think that she would keep communication transparent and open with everyone, but nope! I feel like this book could've ended about 100 pages in if Lani explained everything the group was getting into with the Australia trip, but the miscommunication, Lani's crypticness and gatekeeping of information was what made the story keep going, and I feel like the entire story wouldn't have happened the way it did if Lani just...used a few brain cells. As for the ending, I feel like it was more open-ended and left up to interpretation as to what happens afterwards, which may bother some people because it doesn't 100% resolve. I don't know if that means there'll be a second book later on down the line, but I also have a feeling this book will be a standalone and we just have to live with not having a perfectly tied up ending with perfect closure.
If you're looking for a debut YA thriller/horror novel to read this summer that's giving all the summer vibes, I think this is the book you'll be looking for! It was a fast read and I can't wait to see what Rachel Reiss has in store for the future! (and as always, continue to support debut authors!)
🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Trigger/content warnings: body horror, death of a loved one, Alzheimer's disease, recounted amputation, hospitalization
⋆˙⟡ 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒 (5/10/25): So this isn't a reading update per se, but I just wanted to make a PSA to let everyone know that if you're a person that judges a book by its cover before you read it (we're all guilty of this at some point, let's be real here) and if you have the chance to go to a bookstore and see this book in person, do it! I saw a lone copy of it out at Barnes & Noble early, hiding on one of the shelves, and the cover is so much more detailed and prettier in person. Looking at it on a computer or a phone screen doesn't do it justice at all.
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: I’m so excited to read this! This is giving me Outer Banks vibes, but there’s a horror element to it?! And it involves a group of divers in Australia? A mysterious illness? A treasure hunt? GOLD?! Sign me up.🤿🌊⭐️ The weather’s getting warmer now—it’s feeling like summer—and the sun’s shining so I hope this is a good summer read!☀️🌴🌊
This is ARC 4/8 I need to finish this month and ARC 1/2 for next week’s deadline!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Reiss, and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Update (5/13/2025): Happy publishing day to Out of Air!
"There are those who are tethered to the land, with deep roots to the earth. To the trees and the mountains. Then there are those like us. Drawn to the ocean. Pulled by an innate need to see the waves, to smell the sea air, to be caught in its grip. We don't just need it. We can't survive without it."
🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
I think 2025 is THE year for publishing; I don't think I've been so excited to read so many books before. I’ve been reading a lot of debut novels this year--most of them are ARCs--and obviously some are good, and some of them...not so much. I'm glad to say that this debut by Rachel Reiss was amazing and I get to continue to add to my list of great debuts that I hope that more people read and give a chance this year!
Phoebe "Phibs" Ray, along with her four best friends, twins Will and Gabe and Isabel and her girlfriend, Lani, are the Salt Squad, a group of friends who went viral on social media for their scuba and diving content but also for finding five Spanish gold coins in a dive once that was worth millions of dollars. As their last hurrah for the last bit of their summer after high school graduation and before they all head their separate ways to go to college, they decide to head out to Lani's uncle's home on a remote island off the coast of Australia to do some scuba diving. When Phibs, Will, and Gabe come across a hidden cave and resurface, Gabe and Phibs start to change--weird injuries that only get worse with time, voices in their heads, and the feeling that something is destroying them from the inside out. As their situation grows more deadly and treasure hunters on their trail trying to find the same cave they did in search of treasure, the crew has to figure out what's going on with Gabe and Phibs before it's too late. The story has a dual timeline, alternating between the present day and five months prior to the Australia trip.
The Outer Banks vibes were definitely here. I know it's also pitched as Outer Banks meets Wilder Girls but I haven't read Wilder Girls to make that comparison. It's clear that there's a lot of influences from the TV show, from the way the characters are and their roles in the Salt Squad to the treasure hunt subplot. If I were to make comparisons between the book and Outer Banks, I'd say that Lani is like John B in the sense that she's the "leader" of the group, Isabel is like Pope where she tries to be the peacekeeper and keep things in order, and Will is like JJ where he's constantly searching for the next big thing and acts impulsively at times. I don't think Phibs and Gabe 100% fit the personalities of any of the other Pogues we see in the TV show so they're unique in that sense, but I guess you could say Phibs is sorta like Sarah when it comes to being a little boy-crazy (more on that later), but even that for me is a stretch. You also get the "Pogue" and "Kook" vibes from the story with the characters; it's sort of like a reverse "Pogues" situation where all of the members except for Phibs come from wealth instead of the other way around in Outer Banks. Even with all of that, you can tell right away that the Salt Squad is tight-knit and I loved the summer vibes that the book gave me!
I think the one thing this book did right was the horror aspect. Now, I'm not the kind of person to get queasy over body horror--working in the healthcare field desensitizes you to all of that, trust me--but I will admit that even I was ever-so-slightly cringing at the body horror throughout the story, so count me impressed in that department. I will say that if you're the kind of person who can't handle body horror, I would suggest proceeding with caution or skipping this book entirely because the descriptions do get somewhat graphic.
The only critiques I would have about the book are about Phibs, the communication among the characters, and the ending. For starters, I felt that Phibs was a little too boy-crazy at times with her crush over a certain someone in the story, although I will admit that I think it was good that the romance overall was just a subplot and wasn't a major factor in the story considering the Salt Squad had ah...bigger fish to fry. It was cute though! She was also very quick to jump to conclusions and point fingers and accuse people--well, more like a certain someone-- without hearing their side of the story first.
The miscommunication trope was alive and well in this story, specifically with Lani. She's supposed to be the Salt Squad's "ringleader," so you would think that she would keep communication transparent and open with everyone, but nope! I feel like this book could've ended about 100 pages in if Lani explained everything the group was getting into with the Australia trip, but the miscommunication, Lani's crypticness and gatekeeping of information was what made the story keep going, and I feel like the entire story wouldn't have happened the way it did if Lani just...used a few brain cells. As for the ending, I feel like it was more open-ended and left up to interpretation as to what happens afterwards, which may bother some people because it doesn't 100% resolve. I don't know if that means there'll be a second book later on down the line, but I also have a feeling this book will be a standalone and we just have to live with not having a perfectly tied up ending with perfect closure.
If you're looking for a debut YA thriller/horror novel to read this summer that's giving all the summer vibes, I think this is the book you'll be looking for! It was a fast read and I can't wait to see what Rachel Reiss has in store for the future! (and as always, continue to support debut authors!)
🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪼⋆｡𖦹°🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Trigger/content warnings: body horror, death of a loved one, Alzheimer's disease, recounted amputation, hospitalization
⋆˙⟡ 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒 (5/10/25): So this isn't a reading update per se, but I just wanted to make a PSA to let everyone know that if you're a person that judges a book by its cover before you read it (we're all guilty of this at some point, let's be real here) and if you have the chance to go to a bookstore and see this book in person, do it! I saw a lone copy of it out at Barnes & Noble early, hiding on one of the shelves, and the cover is so much more detailed and prettier in person. Looking at it on a computer or a phone screen doesn't do it justice at all.
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: I’m so excited to read this! This is giving me Outer Banks vibes, but there’s a horror element to it?! And it involves a group of divers in Australia? A mysterious illness? A treasure hunt? GOLD?! Sign me up.🤿🌊⭐️ The weather’s getting warmer now—it’s feeling like summer—and the sun’s shining so I hope this is a good summer read!☀️🌴🌊
This is ARC 4/8 I need to finish this month and ARC 1/2 for next week’s deadline!
January 13, 2025
“Every time I slip into the ocean, it’s like going home.” -Sylvia Earle
Woohoo!!! Out of Air is a chilling, gripping, intense, eerie, and thrilling page turner! I did not want to put this book down and was sad when it ended. I was completely enthralled in the plot, glued to the pages, and loving every single page of this book! I loved the tension, the creepiness, the underwater world, the characters, the mysteries, and the horrors that awaited the divers deep in the ocean!
I was swept away by the author’s wonderful and descriptive writing. I felt as if I were right in the mist of the action as a silent observer; or shall I say diver. I also loved the friendship group that the five teens formed. There was a socio-economic divide, but they banded together through their love of the ocean, diving, and exploring.
The ocean is vast, deep, dark, wonderous, mysterious, and intriguing. But as the diving group learned, the ocean can also be creepy, horrific, unforgiving, and dangerous. I felt for both Gabe and Phibs and what happened to them after they emerged from the underwater cave they discovered.
This book has a little bit of everything - formed family, a sense of community, romance, friendship, family bonds, mystery, and romance. I loved how all of these blended together in Out of Air. I also enjoyed how this book was told through the present day and through glimpses into the past.
In case my review does not say it enough, I loved this book!
Atmospheric, chilling, horrific, and wonderfully written!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Booksand NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange e for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Woohoo!!! Out of Air is a chilling, gripping, intense, eerie, and thrilling page turner! I did not want to put this book down and was sad when it ended. I was completely enthralled in the plot, glued to the pages, and loving every single page of this book! I loved the tension, the creepiness, the underwater world, the characters, the mysteries, and the horrors that awaited the divers deep in the ocean!
I was swept away by the author’s wonderful and descriptive writing. I felt as if I were right in the mist of the action as a silent observer; or shall I say diver. I also loved the friendship group that the five teens formed. There was a socio-economic divide, but they banded together through their love of the ocean, diving, and exploring.
The ocean is vast, deep, dark, wonderous, mysterious, and intriguing. But as the diving group learned, the ocean can also be creepy, horrific, unforgiving, and dangerous. I felt for both Gabe and Phibs and what happened to them after they emerged from the underwater cave they discovered.
This book has a little bit of everything - formed family, a sense of community, romance, friendship, family bonds, mystery, and romance. I loved how all of these blended together in Out of Air. I also enjoyed how this book was told through the present day and through glimpses into the past.
In case my review does not say it enough, I loved this book!
Atmospheric, chilling, horrific, and wonderfully written!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Booksand NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange e for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
April 30, 2025
Out of Air by Rachel Reiss
Expected Publication: May 13, 2025
Genre: YA Horror / Supernatural Thriller
Format: Digital ARC
Haunting, immersive and transformative! The deeper they dove, the darker things became.
I think the cover for Out of Air is absolutely stunning—so attractive and striking—and I love how it reflects the story so perfectly. It is eerie and bold, just like what lies beneath the surface of this book.
I am always drawn to underwater stories, especially when they drift into darker, stranger territory and this one grabbed me from the start. Phoebe, or “Phibs,” is at home in the sea, but when she and her friends discover a mysterious underwater cave off a remote Australian island, things take a chilling turn. There is this steady, creeping dread that builds so beautifully as she and her friend Gabe start changing in terrifying ways and I was completely hooked.
The transformation aspect was done so well, both physically and emotionally, and I loved how it tangled with the theme of identity and power. There is treasure and danger and tension, but also a strong, heartfelt look at friendship and what we are willing to become to protect the ones we love.
And the setting? Utterly vivid. I could picture the reef, the cave, the rising panic when things began to unravel. It felt like the ocean itself was a character and not always a kind one.
Out of Air is sharp, strange and unforgettable.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This one is perfect for readers who love their YA horror soaked in saltwater and secrets.
Expected Publication: May 13, 2025
Genre: YA Horror / Supernatural Thriller
Format: Digital ARC
Haunting, immersive and transformative! The deeper they dove, the darker things became.
I think the cover for Out of Air is absolutely stunning—so attractive and striking—and I love how it reflects the story so perfectly. It is eerie and bold, just like what lies beneath the surface of this book.
I am always drawn to underwater stories, especially when they drift into darker, stranger territory and this one grabbed me from the start. Phoebe, or “Phibs,” is at home in the sea, but when she and her friends discover a mysterious underwater cave off a remote Australian island, things take a chilling turn. There is this steady, creeping dread that builds so beautifully as she and her friend Gabe start changing in terrifying ways and I was completely hooked.
The transformation aspect was done so well, both physically and emotionally, and I loved how it tangled with the theme of identity and power. There is treasure and danger and tension, but also a strong, heartfelt look at friendship and what we are willing to become to protect the ones we love.
And the setting? Utterly vivid. I could picture the reef, the cave, the rising panic when things began to unravel. It felt like the ocean itself was a character and not always a kind one.
Out of Air is sharp, strange and unforgettable.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This one is perfect for readers who love their YA horror soaked in saltwater and secrets.
January 9, 2025
If you enjoyed Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield or the Outer Banks show - you might really like this! An underwater thriller with a bit of a horror twist is exactly what I needed during the snow-pocalypse of Kentucky 2025!
Things I Loved:
- Out of Air showcases what it's really like to see wealthy groups living close to poor/down-on-their-luck people. The kids intermingle and become a tight-knit family feeling group - but there are always secrets in every group.
- THE ENDING!! So good! I love a twist.
- Forever enjoying books that make me want to travel - and the descriptions of the sea life off the coast of Australia are amazing. Would love to travel there and snorkel!!
**Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🦋 || Check out the new Southern Lady Reads YouTube channel!!
Things I Loved:
- Out of Air showcases what it's really like to see wealthy groups living close to poor/down-on-their-luck people. The kids intermingle and become a tight-knit family feeling group - but there are always secrets in every group.
- THE ENDING!! So good! I love a twist.
- Forever enjoying books that make me want to travel - and the descriptions of the sea life off the coast of Australia are amazing. Would love to travel there and snorkel!!
**Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🦋 || Check out the new Southern Lady Reads YouTube channel!!
September 26, 2025
Out of Air is a YA Thriller novel that follows a group of scuba diving teens, who get in too deep after discovering a legendary cave, and the power that dwells there.
This sounds creepy, right?
And that's exactly why I picked it up. I love the idea of following a group of teen divers, and honestly, caves kind of scare me, particularly those you access via water.
I think there so much that can be hidden there, or go wrong, so the possibilities are endless!
This story is full of teen drama, and mainly follows Phibs Ray, and her five friends, who 6-months ago discovered a handful of ancient coins while on a dive. This find boosted them into some social media stardom.
In the current timeline, they have just graduated high school and are taking one last scuba trip together to an island off the coast of Australia. It's there that they discover the cave, which seems to cause strange changes in some of the young explorers after surfacing.
From there we have some interactions with other treasure hunters, as well as spooky physical and mental ailments going on with the teens.
Overall, this was a good story. Reiss brought some interesting concepts to the page, and I loved that we were following teen divers. With this being said though, I did find the construction a little messy and I'm not sure how memorable it's going to be long-term.
Even a few hours after finishing it, I had already forgotten all the character's names except for Phibs, which to me just sort of shows that it lacked that special something to make it lurk around in my brain.
Also, the Horror aspects of the plot were slow to get going, and there wasn't a ton of distinction between Past/Present in the audio version, which made it slightly confusing.
It would say it at the top of the chapter, but it all felt very one note, so was easy to get lost in time.
These are small quips though, overall, it's entertaining, and I think it would be a great Summer Read for Teens interested in diving and ocean exploration.
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I would definitely pick up future work from this author. I'm intrigued!
This sounds creepy, right?
And that's exactly why I picked it up. I love the idea of following a group of teen divers, and honestly, caves kind of scare me, particularly those you access via water.
I think there so much that can be hidden there, or go wrong, so the possibilities are endless!
This story is full of teen drama, and mainly follows Phibs Ray, and her five friends, who 6-months ago discovered a handful of ancient coins while on a dive. This find boosted them into some social media stardom.
In the current timeline, they have just graduated high school and are taking one last scuba trip together to an island off the coast of Australia. It's there that they discover the cave, which seems to cause strange changes in some of the young explorers after surfacing.
From there we have some interactions with other treasure hunters, as well as spooky physical and mental ailments going on with the teens.
Overall, this was a good story. Reiss brought some interesting concepts to the page, and I loved that we were following teen divers. With this being said though, I did find the construction a little messy and I'm not sure how memorable it's going to be long-term.
Even a few hours after finishing it, I had already forgotten all the character's names except for Phibs, which to me just sort of shows that it lacked that special something to make it lurk around in my brain.
Also, the Horror aspects of the plot were slow to get going, and there wasn't a ton of distinction between Past/Present in the audio version, which made it slightly confusing.
It would say it at the top of the chapter, but it all felt very one note, so was easy to get lost in time.
These are small quips though, overall, it's entertaining, and I think it would be a great Summer Read for Teens interested in diving and ocean exploration.
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I would definitely pick up future work from this author. I'm intrigued!
February 18, 2025
First of all, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
It's my first time reading about divers, and it's so atmospheric!
Five friends, an underwater cave, treasure, and an unexplainable illness
•1 pov
•Love and friendship
•Secrets
•The underwater world
I was intrigued from beginning to end, and I wish it had more content. The book felt like a short story, but I still enjoyed reading it.
Everything is described as if I were underwater myself. Even though I'm afraid of swimming, diving movies are among my favorites, so after reading the synopsis, I eagerly picked it up.
It’s somewhat reminiscent of "Outer Banks," with a group of teens, problems, secrets, and treasure, but it's not fair to compare or expect an exact match.
Now I want more books like this!
For the idea, a huge plus!
📷🌊🪙🪼
It's my first time reading about divers, and it's so atmospheric!
Five friends, an underwater cave, treasure, and an unexplainable illness
•1 pov
•Love and friendship
•Secrets
•The underwater world
I was intrigued from beginning to end, and I wish it had more content. The book felt like a short story, but I still enjoyed reading it.
Everything is described as if I were underwater myself. Even though I'm afraid of swimming, diving movies are among my favorites, so after reading the synopsis, I eagerly picked it up.
It’s somewhat reminiscent of "Outer Banks," with a group of teens, problems, secrets, and treasure, but it's not fair to compare or expect an exact match.
Now I want more books like this!
For the idea, a huge plus!
📷🌊🪙🪼
May 16, 2025
This book that promised me Outer Banks vibes with scuba-diving teens chasing treasure but ended up feeling more like an underwater The Descent with a side of teenage angst. I cracked open this thriller expecting sun-soaked drama, salty friendships, and a treasure hunt to make John B proud. Instead, I got a creepy supernatural cave that hogged the spotlight and left me wishing for more pogue-style shenanigans. It’s not a bad book, but it’s like ordering a piña colada and getting a seaweed smoothie.
First, the good stuff. Reiss knows her way around a reef. The scuba-diving scenes are so vivid I could practically feel the regulator in my mouth and the ocean’s weight pressing down. Phoebe “Phibs” Ray, our protagonist, is a dive-shop kid with a knack for finding trouble—er, I mean, ancient gold coins. Her crew, the Salt Squad, is a tight-knit gang of five high school grads who’ve gone viral for their Florida Keys treasure find. Now, they’re off to an Australian island for one last dive before college splits them up, and Phibs is stuck in her dead-end town taking care of her ailing grandmother. The setup is pure gold: remote atoll, rumored lost cave, and a group of friends. Reiss nails the sensory details—coral glittering like a disco ball, the eerie silence of the deep, the panic of checking your oxygen gauge. I was hooked, ready for a high-stakes treasure chase.
Then, the plot takes a hard left into supernatural territory, and I’m not sure I bought the ticket for this ride. Phibs and her crush, Gabe, discover a sea cave that’s less “pirate loot” and more “eldritch horror Airbnb.” After breathing some funky air pocket, they start… changing. Think oozing gashes, whispers in their heads, and a vibe that screams “we accidentally pissed off a sea demon.” I was hoping for more OBX-style treasure-hunting drama—rival crews, cryptic maps, maybe a shady boat captain with a gold tooth. Instead, the cave’s spooky mojo takes center stage, and the treasure hunt feels like an afterthought. It’s like Reiss started writing a Netflix banger but got sidetracked by a Stranger Things fanfic. I wanted pogues vs. kooks, not teens vs. sentient cave slime that leaves a slit on their bodies that kept conjuring alien vaginas in my minds eye (I’m sorry you had to read that).
The characters are a mixed bag. Phibs is a solid lead—gritty, loyal, and carrying the weight of her grandma’s dementia and a murky family history. Her voice feels real, like she could be your sarcastic cousin who’s always got a dive knife handy. Gabe, her love interest, is fine—broody, dark-skinned, and diver-hot—but their romance simmers without ever boiling over. The rest of the Salt Squad? Kinda flat. Lani’s the “wild one,” Isabel’s the “smart one,” and Will’s… there. They’re more archetypes than people, and I wanted more of their messy group dynamic to shine. There’s a dual timeline flashing back to their coin find six months ago, which adds some depth but also bogs down the pace. I kept thinking, “Less moping about the past, more hunting for that cave loot!”
The writing is where Reiss shines. Her prose is lush without being purple, painting the ocean as both gorgeous and terrifying. The pacing? Oof. The first half drags like a dive with a faulty fin, and the supernatural stuff feels rushed at the end, like Reiss realized she had 50 pages to wrap up the cave’s curse. And don’t get me started on the open ending—it’s less “intriguing cliffhanger” and more “wait, that’s it?” I flipped the last page expecting a bonus chapter, only to find acknowledgments. Rude.
There’s a moment where Phibs and Gabe are dodging treasure hunters who’ve taken the squad hostage, and I was SO CLOSE to cheering—finally, some high-stakes drama! But then the cave’s creepy whispers kicked in, and I deflated faster than a punctured floatie. I wanted more of that hostage chaos, maybe a boat chase or a betrayal to spice things up. Instead, the supernatural plot swallowed the action like a shark gulping a minnow.
It’s does have heart, killer diving scenes, and a promising debut vibe from Reiss, who clearly knows her stuff (she’s a real-life scuba diver, per the bio). But the supernatural cave hogged the spotlight, leaving the treasure-hunting drama I craved high and dry. If you’re into ocean horror with a side of teen feels, you’ll probably dig this. If, like me, you wanted Outer Banks with flippers, you might surface feeling a bit shortchanged. Here’s hoping Reiss’s next book leans harder into the treasure and less into the cursed-cave vibes. I’ll still dive into her future work—just maybe with a bigger oxygen tank.
First, the good stuff. Reiss knows her way around a reef. The scuba-diving scenes are so vivid I could practically feel the regulator in my mouth and the ocean’s weight pressing down. Phoebe “Phibs” Ray, our protagonist, is a dive-shop kid with a knack for finding trouble—er, I mean, ancient gold coins. Her crew, the Salt Squad, is a tight-knit gang of five high school grads who’ve gone viral for their Florida Keys treasure find. Now, they’re off to an Australian island for one last dive before college splits them up, and Phibs is stuck in her dead-end town taking care of her ailing grandmother. The setup is pure gold: remote atoll, rumored lost cave, and a group of friends. Reiss nails the sensory details—coral glittering like a disco ball, the eerie silence of the deep, the panic of checking your oxygen gauge. I was hooked, ready for a high-stakes treasure chase.
Then, the plot takes a hard left into supernatural territory, and I’m not sure I bought the ticket for this ride. Phibs and her crush, Gabe, discover a sea cave that’s less “pirate loot” and more “eldritch horror Airbnb.” After breathing some funky air pocket, they start… changing. Think oozing gashes, whispers in their heads, and a vibe that screams “we accidentally pissed off a sea demon.” I was hoping for more OBX-style treasure-hunting drama—rival crews, cryptic maps, maybe a shady boat captain with a gold tooth. Instead, the cave’s spooky mojo takes center stage, and the treasure hunt feels like an afterthought. It’s like Reiss started writing a Netflix banger but got sidetracked by a Stranger Things fanfic. I wanted pogues vs. kooks, not teens vs. sentient cave slime that leaves a slit on their bodies that kept conjuring alien vaginas in my minds eye (I’m sorry you had to read that).
The characters are a mixed bag. Phibs is a solid lead—gritty, loyal, and carrying the weight of her grandma’s dementia and a murky family history. Her voice feels real, like she could be your sarcastic cousin who’s always got a dive knife handy. Gabe, her love interest, is fine—broody, dark-skinned, and diver-hot—but their romance simmers without ever boiling over. The rest of the Salt Squad? Kinda flat. Lani’s the “wild one,” Isabel’s the “smart one,” and Will’s… there. They’re more archetypes than people, and I wanted more of their messy group dynamic to shine. There’s a dual timeline flashing back to their coin find six months ago, which adds some depth but also bogs down the pace. I kept thinking, “Less moping about the past, more hunting for that cave loot!”
The writing is where Reiss shines. Her prose is lush without being purple, painting the ocean as both gorgeous and terrifying. The pacing? Oof. The first half drags like a dive with a faulty fin, and the supernatural stuff feels rushed at the end, like Reiss realized she had 50 pages to wrap up the cave’s curse. And don’t get me started on the open ending—it’s less “intriguing cliffhanger” and more “wait, that’s it?” I flipped the last page expecting a bonus chapter, only to find acknowledgments. Rude.
There’s a moment where Phibs and Gabe are dodging treasure hunters who’ve taken the squad hostage, and I was SO CLOSE to cheering—finally, some high-stakes drama! But then the cave’s creepy whispers kicked in, and I deflated faster than a punctured floatie. I wanted more of that hostage chaos, maybe a boat chase or a betrayal to spice things up. Instead, the supernatural plot swallowed the action like a shark gulping a minnow.
It’s does have heart, killer diving scenes, and a promising debut vibe from Reiss, who clearly knows her stuff (she’s a real-life scuba diver, per the bio). But the supernatural cave hogged the spotlight, leaving the treasure-hunting drama I craved high and dry. If you’re into ocean horror with a side of teen feels, you’ll probably dig this. If, like me, you wanted Outer Banks with flippers, you might surface feeling a bit shortchanged. Here’s hoping Reiss’s next book leans harder into the treasure and less into the cursed-cave vibes. I’ll still dive into her future work—just maybe with a bigger oxygen tank.
April 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
LMAO! Well, this YA certainly held me in the palm of its hand. I wasn't sure if I would call this a sci-fi( supernatural) or not. That's the genre that came to my mind the most. Reminded me of Annihilation a bit. Again, I am just trying to find some way to explain this book. Then again, other reviewers are calling this a mystery thriller. So, maybe I am the one adrift at sea?
A group of high school graduates who are spending their last summer before college, enjoying what they love the most-scuba diving and searching the ocean's floor. They stumble upon a few things they shouldn't and get in a heck of a lot of trouble. The chapters alternate from the present to several months before, and it is soon evident that the past and present will collide.
So, I did like this even if some of the characters grated on my nerves, and I questioned how well teenagers could scuba dive without any supervision. The ending certainly still has me thinking, and it's been over a week since I finished.
Love that book cover.
Expected Publication 13/05/25
Goodreads Review 28/04/25
LMAO! Well, this YA certainly held me in the palm of its hand. I wasn't sure if I would call this a sci-fi( supernatural) or not. That's the genre that came to my mind the most. Reminded me of Annihilation a bit. Again, I am just trying to find some way to explain this book. Then again, other reviewers are calling this a mystery thriller. So, maybe I am the one adrift at sea?
A group of high school graduates who are spending their last summer before college, enjoying what they love the most-scuba diving and searching the ocean's floor. They stumble upon a few things they shouldn't and get in a heck of a lot of trouble. The chapters alternate from the present to several months before, and it is soon evident that the past and present will collide.
So, I did like this even if some of the characters grated on my nerves, and I questioned how well teenagers could scuba dive without any supervision. The ending certainly still has me thinking, and it's been over a week since I finished.
Love that book cover.
Expected Publication 13/05/25
Goodreads Review 28/04/25
September 10, 2025
High school is over, and Phoebe and her friends will soon be going their separate ways. She’ll be caring for her aging grandmother and they’ll be going off to college. But the avid scuba divers are going on one last adventure—and it’s a big one. Thanks to one friend’s deep-pocketed parents, they’re diving off a remote part of Australia. On the dive, Phoebe and a friend discover a secret cave. When they report their findings, they learn the cave is considered cursed. They start to feel weird bodily effects, like a separate entity is moving around jnside their bodies. Has the curse latched on to them? And if so, is it too late to reverse it?
I mostly enjoyed this story. The mystery of the curse was eerie in the best possible way. I loved the body horror angle, which I wasn't expecting from this book. The ending was NOT what I expected, but I thought it was fantastic. Still, some elements kept this from being a five-star read for me. The main one is that the story felt a bit disjointed. There was so much going on (not just the curse, but also a missing parent, a stolen coin, and possible secret powers) that I got whiplash. And it alternated between two timelines in a way that really undercut the tension. Just when things got exciting, we'd pop over into the other timeline.
Overall, though, this was a fun read! It's the kind of YA that I think teens and adults will both enjoy. It's a dark story with realistic-feeling teen characters. I didn't LOVE it, but I think a lot of readers will!
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a physical ARC!
I mostly enjoyed this story. The mystery of the curse was eerie in the best possible way. I loved the body horror angle, which I wasn't expecting from this book. The ending was NOT what I expected, but I thought it was fantastic. Still, some elements kept this from being a five-star read for me. The main one is that the story felt a bit disjointed. There was so much going on (not just the curse, but also a missing parent, a stolen coin, and possible secret powers) that I got whiplash. And it alternated between two timelines in a way that really undercut the tension. Just when things got exciting, we'd pop over into the other timeline.
Overall, though, this was a fun read! It's the kind of YA that I think teens and adults will both enjoy. It's a dark story with realistic-feeling teen characters. I didn't LOVE it, but I think a lot of readers will!
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a physical ARC!
June 3, 2025
Out of Air follows a group of diver friends who explore a remote cave and start to experience strange phenomenon afterwards. Although the story was not what I was expecting (I thought the entirety of the book would take place in the cave and revolve around being trapped), I really enjoyed the story regardless. Out of Air is a cross between a mystery and a horror novel, focussing more on body horror than atmospheric horror. We follow the main character in both past and present timelines. While reading, I sometimes felt like there was too much going on and worried how the story would resolve itself. However, by the end of the book everything wrapped up perfectly. All the flashbacks helped inform the characters relationships and reasoning behind their decisions. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Even when I wasn't sure where exactly the story was going, I was having a good time. This book has the perfect vibes for any horror fans looking for summer reads. The body horror elements will satisfy the horror-fan in you, but the coastal setting is perfectly dreamy for the summer.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 2, 2025
Ya'll....this is not what I was expecting when I picked it up; however, it worked out well. Definitely be mindful of this one if you're not a fan of body horror.
Out of Air is one of those books that feels like it will lead in one direction, but takes the reader by surprise. If you're going into this book expecting some great pirate heist, you'll be greatly disappointed. It's definitely is a book that leans heavily into horrific events that correlate strongly with body horror. Reiss did a wonderful job highlighting the relationship between the characters as well as the impact of wealth disparity on both the community and their friendships. There were moments when this book literally made me feel like I was drowning and it literally gave me the urge to scratch my skin off. If you're not a fan of body horror, this will not be the book for you. Though I liked the overall direction of the story, the ending could have used a tad bit more development. Overall, this was a good read and I'm looking forward to checking about more books by Reiss. The writing was great and it's clear that Reiss did her research on diving. If you're interested in hearing more of my thoughts check out this reading vlog: https://youtu.be/aIuV134VnsQ
Out of Air is one of those books that feels like it will lead in one direction, but takes the reader by surprise. If you're going into this book expecting some great pirate heist, you'll be greatly disappointed. It's definitely is a book that leans heavily into horrific events that correlate strongly with body horror. Reiss did a wonderful job highlighting the relationship between the characters as well as the impact of wealth disparity on both the community and their friendships. There were moments when this book literally made me feel like I was drowning and it literally gave me the urge to scratch my skin off. If you're not a fan of body horror, this will not be the book for you. Though I liked the overall direction of the story, the ending could have used a tad bit more development. Overall, this was a good read and I'm looking forward to checking about more books by Reiss. The writing was great and it's clear that Reiss did her research on diving. If you're interested in hearing more of my thoughts check out this reading vlog: https://youtu.be/aIuV134VnsQ
June 3, 2025
* 3⭐️0🌶️
* Follows a group of five high school graduate divers called the salt squad.
* This book was SO atmospheric I honest to god felt like I was there diving and I was getting the worst anxiety ever.
* The book was good. I read it in one sitting. The friendships were interesting. There was lies between them but not earth shattering. There was treasure and treasure hunters and undersea creatures. It was just so atmospheric.
* Yes, no, or maybe?: yes
* Read if you like: stories about diving, being scared of the ocean. Treasure hunting. Secrets. Sci-fi creepy illness. LGBTQ rep.
* Follows a group of five high school graduate divers called the salt squad.
* This book was SO atmospheric I honest to god felt like I was there diving and I was getting the worst anxiety ever.
* The book was good. I read it in one sitting. The friendships were interesting. There was lies between them but not earth shattering. There was treasure and treasure hunters and undersea creatures. It was just so atmospheric.
* Yes, no, or maybe?: yes
* Read if you like: stories about diving, being scared of the ocean. Treasure hunting. Secrets. Sci-fi creepy illness. LGBTQ rep.
May 20, 2025
TW/CW: Alzheimer's, gory scenes, classism, child abandonment, language, mourning, toxic friendships, blood, violence
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
Phoebe “Phibs” Ray is never more at home than when she’s underwater. On a dive six months ago, she and her four closest friends discovered a handful of ancient gold coins, rocketing them into social media fame. Now, their final summer together after high school, they’re taking one last trip to a distant Australian island to do what they love most – scuba dive.
While diving a local reef, Phibs discovers a spectacular underwater sea cave, rumored to be a lost cave with a buried treasure. But when Phibs and her best friend Gabe surface from the cave, they notice that they're undergoing strange changes. Oozing gashes that don’t heal. Haunting whispers in their heads... Something has latched onto them, lurking beneath their skin, transforming them from the inside out.
When treasure hunters arrive, desperate to find the location of the cave and hold Phibs’ group for ransom, she’ll do anything to keep her friends safe. In the process she learns that, of all the dreadful creatures of the sea, she might be the most terrifying of them all.
Release Date: May 13th, 2025
Genre: YA Horror
Pages: 304
Rating: ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Atmospheric
2. Audiobook is intense (give the narrator an award she was great!)
What I Didn't Like:
1. Cheesy things happen
2. Boring
3. Gabe/Phibs (love) storyline
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
Right out the door we learn that Phibs is the poor one surrounded by rich friends. With that troupe in place we are supposed to believe that Phibs is so poor but she can have an expensive hobby such as scuba diving. Yeah, her family's friend pays for this journey but she had to get here to where she could scuba dive.
Soooooo Phibs is obsessed with Gabe. It drives me insane how much we have to hear it over and over.
Okay Phibs why bring such a special camera with you on a boat if you are worried about it getting more damaged?
Why do they want to start a scuba social media when they are going to be moving away for school? It doesn't make sense.
God, teenagers are so dramatic. Lol. Everything is the end of the world.
There it is our main character reminding us that she hasn't eaten in so long. Why??
So this place was so horrible and dangerous that Phibs friend (does her name even matter - they all sound the same and have no character development) threatens to throw Phibs most prized possession overboard, but then suggests they do a night dive into the same cave not even 24 hours later. Still absolutely no explanation for why she behaved this way. Personally I think her friends are terrible. Now her friend has to see it for herself ah.
I'm 152 pages into this book and maybe a few things have happened that I would consider interestingly horrorish. Other than that it's been pretty much Phibs obsession of Gabe and her googly eyes for him. Pretty boring so far. Currently she's getting attacked by a tiger shark but Gabe has stepped in to save her. How very Twilight. I know it's a YA but give us readers something more. Please! I might dnf this at 75% (page 230) if something doesn't happen.
Are beach people always in bikinis and swim trunks? They get into a fight and just strip off into their swim clothes around every corner. The characters just leave the store empty to go out to the water to have a talk.
I laughed so hard when Loni lost her fingers. It was so random and crazy.
Oh and right after that we jump into that the sheriff is Phibs dad. How random and out of this world.
Well you know you're in a YA book because now there is a love triangle between brothers Will and Gabe. How stupid. I don't need this.
Story line of the sheriff trying to kill them for the coins they found and posted on social media is ridiculous. Like no one would investigate the death of them after they posted the coins.
Final Thoughts:
The beginning of this book kind of drove me off the deep end. It kept cycling through the same things over and over;
• Phibs in love with Gabe
• Grandma's memory is disappearing
• Being poor
• Grandpa is dead
Too much going on in this book. I dnfed this because I was already barely caring then we get this weird Goonies scene of the treasure hunters finding the teens and telling them all their plans and who they were. Just too much happening in this book for you to focus on. What are we suppose to be caring about? The love triangle? Grams having Alzheimer's? Phibs being poor? The coins? Phibs finding out who her mother is? Being kidnapped and forced to show the treasure spot? Or covering up the murder of her dad the sheriff? - - TOO MUCH!
All the characters are cookie cutters of one another. All straight white rich people and the only one who isn't rich is the one that is like middle class. Don't tell me that you are soooo poor but are able to live in Key West, go surfing whenever you want, and your home life is still okay despite your grandma needing medical care (which if she loved her so much it seems like she didn't really do anything to advocate for her safety just left her alone all the time).
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
Phoebe “Phibs” Ray is never more at home than when she’s underwater. On a dive six months ago, she and her four closest friends discovered a handful of ancient gold coins, rocketing them into social media fame. Now, their final summer together after high school, they’re taking one last trip to a distant Australian island to do what they love most – scuba dive.
While diving a local reef, Phibs discovers a spectacular underwater sea cave, rumored to be a lost cave with a buried treasure. But when Phibs and her best friend Gabe surface from the cave, they notice that they're undergoing strange changes. Oozing gashes that don’t heal. Haunting whispers in their heads... Something has latched onto them, lurking beneath their skin, transforming them from the inside out.
When treasure hunters arrive, desperate to find the location of the cave and hold Phibs’ group for ransom, she’ll do anything to keep her friends safe. In the process she learns that, of all the dreadful creatures of the sea, she might be the most terrifying of them all.
Release Date: May 13th, 2025
Genre: YA Horror
Pages: 304
Rating: ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Atmospheric
2. Audiobook is intense (give the narrator an award she was great!)
What I Didn't Like:
1. Cheesy things happen
2. Boring
3. Gabe/Phibs (love) storyline
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
Right out the door we learn that Phibs is the poor one surrounded by rich friends. With that troupe in place we are supposed to believe that Phibs is so poor but she can have an expensive hobby such as scuba diving. Yeah, her family's friend pays for this journey but she had to get here to where she could scuba dive.
Soooooo Phibs is obsessed with Gabe. It drives me insane how much we have to hear it over and over.
Okay Phibs why bring such a special camera with you on a boat if you are worried about it getting more damaged?
Why do they want to start a scuba social media when they are going to be moving away for school? It doesn't make sense.
God, teenagers are so dramatic. Lol. Everything is the end of the world.
There it is our main character reminding us that she hasn't eaten in so long. Why??
So this place was so horrible and dangerous that Phibs friend (does her name even matter - they all sound the same and have no character development) threatens to throw Phibs most prized possession overboard, but then suggests they do a night dive into the same cave not even 24 hours later. Still absolutely no explanation for why she behaved this way. Personally I think her friends are terrible. Now her friend has to see it for herself ah.
I'm 152 pages into this book and maybe a few things have happened that I would consider interestingly horrorish. Other than that it's been pretty much Phibs obsession of Gabe and her googly eyes for him. Pretty boring so far. Currently she's getting attacked by a tiger shark but Gabe has stepped in to save her. How very Twilight. I know it's a YA but give us readers something more. Please! I might dnf this at 75% (page 230) if something doesn't happen.
Are beach people always in bikinis and swim trunks? They get into a fight and just strip off into their swim clothes around every corner. The characters just leave the store empty to go out to the water to have a talk.
I laughed so hard when Loni lost her fingers. It was so random and crazy.
Oh and right after that we jump into that the sheriff is Phibs dad. How random and out of this world.
Well you know you're in a YA book because now there is a love triangle between brothers Will and Gabe. How stupid. I don't need this.
Story line of the sheriff trying to kill them for the coins they found and posted on social media is ridiculous. Like no one would investigate the death of them after they posted the coins.
Final Thoughts:
The beginning of this book kind of drove me off the deep end. It kept cycling through the same things over and over;
• Phibs in love with Gabe
• Grandma's memory is disappearing
• Being poor
• Grandpa is dead
Too much going on in this book. I dnfed this because I was already barely caring then we get this weird Goonies scene of the treasure hunters finding the teens and telling them all their plans and who they were. Just too much happening in this book for you to focus on. What are we suppose to be caring about? The love triangle? Grams having Alzheimer's? Phibs being poor? The coins? Phibs finding out who her mother is? Being kidnapped and forced to show the treasure spot? Or covering up the murder of her dad the sheriff? - - TOO MUCH!
All the characters are cookie cutters of one another. All straight white rich people and the only one who isn't rich is the one that is like middle class. Don't tell me that you are soooo poor but are able to live in Key West, go surfing whenever you want, and your home life is still okay despite your grandma needing medical care (which if she loved her so much it seems like she didn't really do anything to advocate for her safety just left her alone all the time).
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2025
*thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for providing free early access to this title in exchange for an honest review*
This book had me holding my breath like a deep sea diver. I gobbled this up like a 12ft long male tiger shark. It was incredibly atmospheric, suspenseful, and claustrophobic. Alleged buried treasure? Freaky underwater cave? Tension sowed within the group? The vibes were there.
Honestly, I have no notes or critiques. This book was fantastic.
I was so impressed with this debut. I'm not super into YA or new adult, but this one was so well written and had enough going on that I was consistently engaged as the reader. I'm going to be checking back in on this author when she adds more to her backlog.
This book had me holding my breath like a deep sea diver. I gobbled this up like a 12ft long male tiger shark. It was incredibly atmospheric, suspenseful, and claustrophobic. Alleged buried treasure? Freaky underwater cave? Tension sowed within the group? The vibes were there.
Honestly, I have no notes or critiques. This book was fantastic.
I was so impressed with this debut. I'm not super into YA or new adult, but this one was so well written and had enough going on that I was consistently engaged as the reader. I'm going to be checking back in on this author when she adds more to her backlog.
May 8, 2025
I don’t read a lot of contemporary YA fiction, but I can never resist an underwater horror novel. There’s nothing creepier to me than the unknown depths of the ocean, and Rachel Reiss definitely plays into that idea in Out of Air. In this aquatic thriller, a group of friends takes a graduation trip to the Australian coast to dive in some of the best waters the world has to offer. Phoebe and her friends skyrocketed to social media fame six months ago, when they made a surprising discovery on a dive off the coast of the Florida Keys, and they’re planning to film more content in Australia for their channel. But they dive a bit too deeply this time, discovering a mysterious and wondrous underwater cave – and when they surface, they bring something uninvited along with them.
Out of Air is a mish-mash of genres – high-seas adventure, coming-of-age, horror, thriller, family drama, and a bit of romance – all perfectly balanced in an engaging narrative that alternates between the past and the present. The underwater scenes are written so vividly; Rachel Reiss transports the reader to the depths of the ocean with stunning descriptions of aquatic life, juxtaposing the beauty of the underwater world with its inherent threats and the claustrophobic nature of diving. I listened to the audiobook, and Gail Shalan’s emphatic narration immersed me even more in the world of the novel.
The body horror is handled really well, the characters are interesting, and Reiss reveals some answers while keeping just enough unexplained so the book gives you this lingering feeling of unease. The conclusion left me feeling completely satisfied, and a little bit haunted. Out of Air has similar vibes to Our Wives Under the Sea and Annihilation, so if you enjoyed those books, definitely give this one a try. Even though YA isn’t my normal genre, I’m really glad I did. Thank you to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for the early reading opportunity.
Out of Air is a mish-mash of genres – high-seas adventure, coming-of-age, horror, thriller, family drama, and a bit of romance – all perfectly balanced in an engaging narrative that alternates between the past and the present. The underwater scenes are written so vividly; Rachel Reiss transports the reader to the depths of the ocean with stunning descriptions of aquatic life, juxtaposing the beauty of the underwater world with its inherent threats and the claustrophobic nature of diving. I listened to the audiobook, and Gail Shalan’s emphatic narration immersed me even more in the world of the novel.
The body horror is handled really well, the characters are interesting, and Reiss reveals some answers while keeping just enough unexplained so the book gives you this lingering feeling of unease. The conclusion left me feeling completely satisfied, and a little bit haunted. Out of Air has similar vibes to Our Wives Under the Sea and Annihilation, so if you enjoyed those books, definitely give this one a try. Even though YA isn’t my normal genre, I’m really glad I did. Thank you to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for the early reading opportunity.
May 28, 2025
The all around plot for this book is what initially drew me in and I stayed mostly focused, although after 60% I was FINALLY into it. These characters were mediocre at best, and a few of them seemed so similar I actually lost track of who was who...
The shark scene at first was great though! We also had some pretty good descriptions of the dives so that kept me intrigued, a big part of the 3 stars is the descriptions! I just expected more from this based on the reviews that I saw, but it wasn't horrible.
The ending got freakin weird... we took a strange turn and I commend the creativity but I was like
Oh well, not a bad one but not a great one! If you love diving or are scared of the ocean this would be scary to you I think.. although it did seem pretty strong on the YA aspect.
The shark scene at first was great though! We also had some pretty good descriptions of the dives so that kept me intrigued, a big part of the 3 stars is the descriptions! I just expected more from this based on the reviews that I saw, but it wasn't horrible.
The ending got freakin weird... we took a strange turn and I commend the creativity but I was like
Oh well, not a bad one but not a great one! If you love diving or are scared of the ocean this would be scary to you I think.. although it did seem pretty strong on the YA aspect.
May 10, 2025
A group of teenaged divers stumbles across a deep-water cave while on the hunt for treasure and one last summer of free exploration. Soon, they find that their discovery has kicked off a chain of events — and possibly an ancient curse. Will they ever be able to go back to life as they knew it before?
This novel has a lot of promise for a fun summer read, especially for its intended young adult audience. For adults looking for a YA book that can cross over into general audience appeal, however, this is probably not the best choice. I found there to be a little too much angst and too many poor character decisions to resonate with it. It's a unique premise, though, and I did find the plot entertaining.
Unfortunately, I also found the narration problematic, as the narrator delivers the majority of the book with an almost hysteria-tinged urgency. While this isn't entirely inappropriate for a scifi thriller and a young main character, such a consistent use of this technique just grated on my nerves. It wasn't so much that I was feeling the plot tension as I was just plain annoyed.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, and Rachel Reiss for an advance listening copy for honest review.
This novel has a lot of promise for a fun summer read, especially for its intended young adult audience. For adults looking for a YA book that can cross over into general audience appeal, however, this is probably not the best choice. I found there to be a little too much angst and too many poor character decisions to resonate with it. It's a unique premise, though, and I did find the plot entertaining.
Unfortunately, I also found the narration problematic, as the narrator delivers the majority of the book with an almost hysteria-tinged urgency. While this isn't entirely inappropriate for a scifi thriller and a young main character, such a consistent use of this technique just grated on my nerves. It wasn't so much that I was feeling the plot tension as I was just plain annoyed.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, and Rachel Reiss for an advance listening copy for honest review.
April 14, 2025
4.25 rounded up!
I have always been terrified to dive, and this book solidified it even more so for me. The feeling of absolute claustrophobia was so prominent in this read, especially as they ventured into the caves. Caves in the ocean??? PASS.
I loved how adventurous and care-free these kids were though. Their zest to really go for it and not look back was enduring. It kind of reminded me of how you think you'll always be best friends with your high school friends and how nothing will ever come between that. Their bonds are truly there and air tight.
I cruised through this in two days and loved every minute of it. I had water envy all throughout my listen and really enjoyed how this one wrapped up. Thank you for my ALC!
I have always been terrified to dive, and this book solidified it even more so for me. The feeling of absolute claustrophobia was so prominent in this read, especially as they ventured into the caves. Caves in the ocean??? PASS.
I loved how adventurous and care-free these kids were though. Their zest to really go for it and not look back was enduring. It kind of reminded me of how you think you'll always be best friends with your high school friends and how nothing will ever come between that. Their bonds are truly there and air tight.
I cruised through this in two days and loved every minute of it. I had water envy all throughout my listen and really enjoyed how this one wrapped up. Thank you for my ALC!
August 29, 2025
I was hoping to love this as much as I loved outer banks but this was very mid range for me. The book itself reads very YA and I was not a fan of the audio narrator.. the entire book was very over dramatized via narration and it was so over stimulating to my brain listening to the narrator screech for the majority of the book.
May I have liked it more on physical? Maybe.. but given the fact the vibes are very YA I honestly don’t think it would have made much difference
May I have liked it more on physical? Maybe.. but given the fact the vibes are very YA I honestly don’t think it would have made much difference
February 20, 2025
~~Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!~~
I was kinda excited when I got this, because a scuba-diving horror/thriller sounded so good to me. But, unfortunately, this didn't quite deliver on the premise like I hoped it would.
Despite the whole premise hinging on this group being friends, I don't think anyone in this group genuinely liked each other except maybe Phoebe and Gabe, but even with them the romance was flat and more telling they loved each other rather than just showing us. I spent so much of the book being annoyed at everyone's secret keeping, Phoebe being jealous and spiteful at her friends' wealth, and just the lack of enjoyable, three dimensional personalities. There are also some villains who pop into the plot who are more caricatures than characters who are used as plot fodder; they exist for no other purpose.
The mystery was so weak and not explored well enough. We learn some vague backstory about the cave, only to get hints of connections, like the matter of Phoebe's mom, that are never fully answered by the end of the book when
The only thing I somewhat liked was the seemingly faithful depictions of scuba diving. I wouldn't know since I haven't done it, but apparently the author is a deep sea diver herself, and it shows in the descriptions whenever the characters dive. It made the atmosphere heavy sometimes, but that's about it.
I was kinda excited when I got this, because a scuba-diving horror/thriller sounded so good to me. But, unfortunately, this didn't quite deliver on the premise like I hoped it would.
Despite the whole premise hinging on this group being friends, I don't think anyone in this group genuinely liked each other except maybe Phoebe and Gabe, but even with them the romance was flat and more telling they loved each other rather than just showing us. I spent so much of the book being annoyed at everyone's secret keeping, Phoebe being jealous and spiteful at her friends' wealth, and just the lack of enjoyable, three dimensional personalities. There are also some villains who pop into the plot who are more caricatures than characters who are used as plot fodder; they exist for no other purpose.
The mystery was so weak and not explored well enough. We learn some vague backstory about the cave, only to get hints of connections, like the matter of Phoebe's mom, that are never fully answered by the end of the book when
The only thing I somewhat liked was the seemingly faithful depictions of scuba diving. I wouldn't know since I haven't done it, but apparently the author is a deep sea diver herself, and it shows in the descriptions whenever the characters dive. It made the atmosphere heavy sometimes, but that's about it.
April 30, 2025
"Never forget what the ocean is capable of. If you forget, it will come for you, too."
Phoebe loves the water. She's a pro on her high school swim team and loves to dive and snorkel. So a summer job in the keys at a dive shop is the perfect spot for her. But it's not just a job - she meets 4 amazing friends who have the same love of the water, of diving, of adventure. But a trip to Australia as their last hoorah before the end of senior year and heading off to college, they forgot just how strong the ocean is.
This was such an atmospheric story. It felt claustrophobic and scary. The ocean is dark and vast - can we ever really know what all is down there? When Phoebe spots a crack in the wall, you can almost feel the horror story rise up. You want to shake your head and yell "Don't go in there." That ominous feeling of suspense is well placed on every page. As things spun wildly out of control, my jaw dropped. Creepy, horrific, and absolutely mesmerizing - I was glued to the page from the start. A fantastic horror filled read of things that are easy to picture and fear. I loved it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Phoebe loves the water. She's a pro on her high school swim team and loves to dive and snorkel. So a summer job in the keys at a dive shop is the perfect spot for her. But it's not just a job - she meets 4 amazing friends who have the same love of the water, of diving, of adventure. But a trip to Australia as their last hoorah before the end of senior year and heading off to college, they forgot just how strong the ocean is.
This was such an atmospheric story. It felt claustrophobic and scary. The ocean is dark and vast - can we ever really know what all is down there? When Phoebe spots a crack in the wall, you can almost feel the horror story rise up. You want to shake your head and yell "Don't go in there." That ominous feeling of suspense is well placed on every page. As things spun wildly out of control, my jaw dropped. Creepy, horrific, and absolutely mesmerizing - I was glued to the page from the start. A fantastic horror filled read of things that are easy to picture and fear. I loved it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
May 30, 2025
My main takeaway from this book? Whatever happens under the surface of the ocean is absolutely none of my business🙂↔️
This a chilling and fast-paced YA supernatural thriller, centered around a group of teens that go underwater diving as a hobby. It’s told in dual timelines where there are flashbacks to a horrible past event and then flips back to the present day, focusing on a final diving adventure before everyone goes their own ways. I was invested in this from the start because of how immersive and well written the underwater adventures were.
The horror and supernatural elements were done really well and was on theme with the storyline. The author was very creative in setting this up. I was constantly on the edge of my seat because of how vivid and graphic some of the scenes were. All the underwater scenes were so eerie and yet really really cool! The diving scenes with the relevant terminology were also done quite well, so it felt like I was learning more about as I went through with the story.
The characters were pretty standard teens, and some of them were quite annoying. Lani was probably the only one I liked because she was the most rational out of the five of them and very brave. No one communicated well, which made alot of their arguments very frustrating. Pheobe, the FMC, had potential and I liked her determination to do what felt like right, but she was also very dumb in some of her decisions. I couldn’t really connect with the group and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the romance because it was more of a subplot.
Some parts felt too fast paced for me to the point where the conflicts felt rushed. There were also many unresolved questions by the end, which left me more confused than satisfied with how the story ended.
Despite the room for improvement, this wasn’t a bad book! I did enjoy it and still had a lot of fun with it. I would love to read more things like this by this author. This book had a lot of potential and is a wonderful debut. I loved the concept in combining the supernatural elements with the mysterious atmosphere of what lurks underwater.
3.5/5
This a chilling and fast-paced YA supernatural thriller, centered around a group of teens that go underwater diving as a hobby. It’s told in dual timelines where there are flashbacks to a horrible past event and then flips back to the present day, focusing on a final diving adventure before everyone goes their own ways. I was invested in this from the start because of how immersive and well written the underwater adventures were.
The horror and supernatural elements were done really well and was on theme with the storyline. The author was very creative in setting this up. I was constantly on the edge of my seat because of how vivid and graphic some of the scenes were. All the underwater scenes were so eerie and yet really really cool! The diving scenes with the relevant terminology were also done quite well, so it felt like I was learning more about as I went through with the story.
The characters were pretty standard teens, and some of them were quite annoying. Lani was probably the only one I liked because she was the most rational out of the five of them and very brave. No one communicated well, which made alot of their arguments very frustrating. Pheobe, the FMC, had potential and I liked her determination to do what felt like right, but she was also very dumb in some of her decisions. I couldn’t really connect with the group and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the romance because it was more of a subplot.
Some parts felt too fast paced for me to the point where the conflicts felt rushed. There were also many unresolved questions by the end, which left me more confused than satisfied with how the story ended.
Despite the room for improvement, this wasn’t a bad book! I did enjoy it and still had a lot of fun with it. I would love to read more things like this by this author. This book had a lot of potential and is a wonderful debut. I loved the concept in combining the supernatural elements with the mysterious atmosphere of what lurks underwater.
3.5/5
June 7, 2025
"We must go and see for ourselves." - Jacques Cousteau
3.5 stars. The main character annoyed the hell out of me, but there were a lot of other things happening that held my interest. Mild thematic spoilers incoming, but nothing that will spoil plot points.
Out of Air is a brisk YA thriller centering on five friends / small time influencers nicknamed "The Salt Squad" after their passion for diving. Our main character is Phoebe aka Phibs. A talented diver and photographer with a knack for seeing what others miss, she is our first person POV narrator. Phibs also has an unfortunate knack for annoying the ever loving shit out of me and making terrible decisions. Like, really really dumb ones.
But before we get to my annoyances, lets set the scene and head down under! A sparsely populated Australian island and the waters surrounding it are a perfect location for The Salt Squad's last adventure before they go their separate ways for college / post high school life. There are also plentiful flashbacks of the Squad in Florida, including a night in The Keys where it's clear something went horribly, bloodily, deadly wrong.
"Never forget what the ocean is capable of. If you forget, it will come for you too."
In addition to Phibs, The Salt Squad includes twin brothers Will and Gabe, who are total opposites. Will is reckless and currently in Phoebe's cross-hairs due to a grudge, while Gabe is more temperate and chill, qualities that Phibs finds very attractive. Rounding out the group we have the best characters; Isabel, a talented free driver, & her girlfriend Lani, the most responsible member of the group who unfortunately lost several fingers during that night five months ago in The Florida Keys.
But they don't talk about that or the nightmares it caused. It's one of their unspoken rules, along with standard safety stuff, like making decompression stops and absolutely NO CAVES. Together the squad dives deep into the blue and deeper into danger. And what initially seems like a risky decision to see some breathtaking underwater features becomes a frightening mystery before they can even comprehend the depths of what they've uncovered.
"We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far." - H.P. Lovecraft
Okay! The scene has been set. I don't want to get too into plot details for spoilers sake, but I need to discuss the characters and their sometimes bizarre decision making. And by "characters" I mostly mean Phoebe.
“A woman's heart is an ocean of deep secrets.”― James Cameron
Lets discuss Phibs' heart and the many secrets within. She is seriously crushing on Gabe and while it was kind of cute and puppy love-ish early on, it wore at me. Especially once the plot is majorly under way and lives are endangered, I just do not understand the amount of mental space she devotes to him.
I frankly don't like Phibs much at all, even though she does have more sympathetic elements such as her family history and uncertain future. She's accusatory and mistrustful, has major abandonment issues and is terrrrrrrible at communication. It seems like lack of communication is a foundational element of the story, because if these characters would actually talk to each other instead of shutting down or straight up LYING, the story would have ended 50 pages in.
There were so many instances of people keeping things from each other "for their own good" or simply saying 'don't do this' without offering context or additional information that would be pretty fucking important to know! Or just responding to straight forward questions with capital L LIES?
Aren't these people supposed to be your friends? Why the fuck you lying? Why you always lying?
After a while, I was solely rooting for the lesbians because they are the only characters who seem to have an ounce of self preservation or any perception of danger. Lani & Isabel care about each other, and about all their friends, being rightfully freaked out when they haven't resurfaced from a dive on time or start running a fever. Lani in particular is brave, responsible, and does her best to have productive conversations and repair the group dynamic after the drama and yelling has passed. She's kind, but not a pushover; at one point, someone demands an apology from her and she straight up says, "can't be sorry if I'm not." Queen shit. 👑
I'm aware that this is a lot of complaints, but I don't hate this book, despite my issues with the main character. It's well paced, the underwater sections can be appropriately majestic and eerie, and it's quite creative. I also liked the ending. It was satisfying, while also having a weirdly unsettling undertone that works for me. It doesn't make me like Phoebe more, but after learning how she views the conclusion of the events that have transpired, I think I understand her more. It's an interesting choice, and I respect it.
"Every time I slip into the ocean, it's like going home.” - Sylvia Earle
Whew. I wrote way too much. TLDR; if you can handle an annoying POV and some frustrating communication issues, it's an easy, creative read that's worth your time.
In closing, I have one important question for you. Why do divers back-flip out of the boat to get into the water?
Because if they did a front-flip, they'd still be in the boat.
Thanks to Wednesday Books for the arc!
3.5 stars. The main character annoyed the hell out of me, but there were a lot of other things happening that held my interest. Mild thematic spoilers incoming, but nothing that will spoil plot points.
Out of Air is a brisk YA thriller centering on five friends / small time influencers nicknamed "The Salt Squad" after their passion for diving. Our main character is Phoebe aka Phibs. A talented diver and photographer with a knack for seeing what others miss, she is our first person POV narrator. Phibs also has an unfortunate knack for annoying the ever loving shit out of me and making terrible decisions. Like, really really dumb ones.
But before we get to my annoyances, lets set the scene and head down under! A sparsely populated Australian island and the waters surrounding it are a perfect location for The Salt Squad's last adventure before they go their separate ways for college / post high school life. There are also plentiful flashbacks of the Squad in Florida, including a night in The Keys where it's clear something went horribly, bloodily, deadly wrong.
"Never forget what the ocean is capable of. If you forget, it will come for you too."
In addition to Phibs, The Salt Squad includes twin brothers Will and Gabe, who are total opposites. Will is reckless and currently in Phoebe's cross-hairs due to a grudge, while Gabe is more temperate and chill, qualities that Phibs finds very attractive. Rounding out the group we have the best characters; Isabel, a talented free driver, & her girlfriend Lani, the most responsible member of the group who unfortunately lost several fingers during that night five months ago in The Florida Keys.
But they don't talk about that or the nightmares it caused. It's one of their unspoken rules, along with standard safety stuff, like making decompression stops and absolutely NO CAVES. Together the squad dives deep into the blue and deeper into danger. And what initially seems like a risky decision to see some breathtaking underwater features becomes a frightening mystery before they can even comprehend the depths of what they've uncovered.
"We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far." - H.P. Lovecraft
Okay! The scene has been set. I don't want to get too into plot details for spoilers sake, but I need to discuss the characters and their sometimes bizarre decision making. And by "characters" I mostly mean Phoebe.
“A woman's heart is an ocean of deep secrets.”― James Cameron
Lets discuss Phibs' heart and the many secrets within. She is seriously crushing on Gabe and while it was kind of cute and puppy love-ish early on, it wore at me. Especially once the plot is majorly under way and lives are endangered, I just do not understand the amount of mental space she devotes to him.
I frankly don't like Phibs much at all, even though she does have more sympathetic elements such as her family history and uncertain future. She's accusatory and mistrustful, has major abandonment issues and is terrrrrrrible at communication. It seems like lack of communication is a foundational element of the story, because if these characters would actually talk to each other instead of shutting down or straight up LYING, the story would have ended 50 pages in.
There were so many instances of people keeping things from each other "for their own good" or simply saying 'don't do this' without offering context or additional information that would be pretty fucking important to know! Or just responding to straight forward questions with capital L LIES?
Aren't these people supposed to be your friends? Why the fuck you lying? Why you always lying?
After a while, I was solely rooting for the lesbians because they are the only characters who seem to have an ounce of self preservation or any perception of danger. Lani & Isabel care about each other, and about all their friends, being rightfully freaked out when they haven't resurfaced from a dive on time or start running a fever. Lani in particular is brave, responsible, and does her best to have productive conversations and repair the group dynamic after the drama and yelling has passed. She's kind, but not a pushover; at one point, someone demands an apology from her and she straight up says, "can't be sorry if I'm not." Queen shit. 👑
I'm aware that this is a lot of complaints, but I don't hate this book, despite my issues with the main character. It's well paced, the underwater sections can be appropriately majestic and eerie, and it's quite creative. I also liked the ending. It was satisfying, while also having a weirdly unsettling undertone that works for me. It doesn't make me like Phoebe more, but after learning how she views the conclusion of the events that have transpired, I think I understand her more. It's an interesting choice, and I respect it.
"Every time I slip into the ocean, it's like going home.” - Sylvia Earle
Whew. I wrote way too much. TLDR; if you can handle an annoying POV and some frustrating communication issues, it's an easy, creative read that's worth your time.
In closing, I have one important question for you. Why do divers back-flip out of the boat to get into the water?
Because if they did a front-flip, they'd still be in the boat.
Thanks to Wednesday Books for the arc!
December 23, 2025
This book made me stay up till 3am in its watery depths and then annoyed me with the ending. Was it worth it?…Mostly.
Phoebe (aka Phibs) is more at home in the water than anywhere else. There, no one cares about where you come from. She can escape the thought of her grandma, who’s slowly losing her memory. The fact that her mother abandoned her, and that all her friends are rich, with scholarships and universities waiting to be claimed. But she can’t leave home.
She finds comfort in the Salt Squad. At first, their page was a place for them to document their adventures…until Phoebe finds some ancient gold coins, rocketing them to social media fame. Now they’re going on one last adventure before her friends all leave for university. Phoebe’s terrified, but determined to live in the moment.
They dive, and while exploring a reef, Phibs is drawn to a crack in the rock. Following it, she finds the entrance to a beautiful sea cave. It’s not a smart decision—breaking one of their rules—but they swim in. When they surface, there are things that can’t be explained: gashes that won’t heal, personalities that have changed, and whispers that no one but Phoebe and her friend Gale can hear.
I initially didn’t love the writing style, but as I read, it grew on me. I’ve only been snorkeling once (though I love swimming), and I felt the writing conveyed what it’s like to be underwater. The writing was also cringe at times. While I found it a little hard to get into the story at first, the plot gripped me. Every time I put the book down, I picked it right back up. I didn’t go to bed until I finished it. However, the way some of the loose ends were tied up was just plain awful.One of my bigger issues is that Phoebe’s priorities feel off at times. The whole time, she’s thinking about how she doesn’t quite fit in and how they’re all going to leave her. I get it—it’s probably rough. But come on. I want to read about the horror, not your personal issues. We get enough of that in the flashbacks (which, by the way, worked really well! Things were revealed only when necessary. I loved them).
Speaking of the horror, it didn’t make that much sense. Nothing is ever fully explained. The bodily wounds, etc., were creepy, but I didn’t understand them. The myth is never revealed to the extent I wanted it to be either. Lani, one of Phoebe’s friends, is immediately terrified when she hears they went into the cave. She later explains, after much begging from her friends (which also felt like a waste of time! Just share! It’s not about you right now!), the myth—just not well enough for my liking.
The side characters weren’t explored enough for me. We see a few kisses, but we don’t know much about what led up to the romances. Phoebe’s constantly thinking about her grandma, but we don’t get more than a few scenes with her. Phibs and Will clash constantly, but again, we don’t fully understand why. I wish we’d gotten a flashback showing Phoebe and Will’s friendship before things went sour. And why is Will so manipulative? What makes Phoebe and her friend Izz so close? I need more context to fully understand and love the characters. The villains also felt cartoonish. They were basically one-dimensional. Their motivation was “treasure hunting,” but they honestly just seemed dumb.
Overall, it kept my attention. There were a few aspects that stopped me from loving this, but it was still a solid read.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Phoebe (aka Phibs) is more at home in the water than anywhere else. There, no one cares about where you come from. She can escape the thought of her grandma, who’s slowly losing her memory. The fact that her mother abandoned her, and that all her friends are rich, with scholarships and universities waiting to be claimed. But she can’t leave home.
She finds comfort in the Salt Squad. At first, their page was a place for them to document their adventures…until Phoebe finds some ancient gold coins, rocketing them to social media fame. Now they’re going on one last adventure before her friends all leave for university. Phoebe’s terrified, but determined to live in the moment.
They dive, and while exploring a reef, Phibs is drawn to a crack in the rock. Following it, she finds the entrance to a beautiful sea cave. It’s not a smart decision—breaking one of their rules—but they swim in. When they surface, there are things that can’t be explained: gashes that won’t heal, personalities that have changed, and whispers that no one but Phoebe and her friend Gale can hear.
I initially didn’t love the writing style, but as I read, it grew on me. I’ve only been snorkeling once (though I love swimming), and I felt the writing conveyed what it’s like to be underwater. The writing was also cringe at times. While I found it a little hard to get into the story at first, the plot gripped me. Every time I put the book down, I picked it right back up. I didn’t go to bed until I finished it. However, the way some of the loose ends were tied up was just plain awful.One of my bigger issues is that Phoebe’s priorities feel off at times. The whole time, she’s thinking about how she doesn’t quite fit in and how they’re all going to leave her. I get it—it’s probably rough. But come on. I want to read about the horror, not your personal issues. We get enough of that in the flashbacks (which, by the way, worked really well! Things were revealed only when necessary. I loved them).
Speaking of the horror, it didn’t make that much sense. Nothing is ever fully explained. The bodily wounds, etc., were creepy, but I didn’t understand them. The myth is never revealed to the extent I wanted it to be either. Lani, one of Phoebe’s friends, is immediately terrified when she hears they went into the cave. She later explains, after much begging from her friends (which also felt like a waste of time! Just share! It’s not about you right now!), the myth—just not well enough for my liking.
The side characters weren’t explored enough for me. We see a few kisses, but we don’t know much about what led up to the romances. Phoebe’s constantly thinking about her grandma, but we don’t get more than a few scenes with her. Phibs and Will clash constantly, but again, we don’t fully understand why. I wish we’d gotten a flashback showing Phoebe and Will’s friendship before things went sour. And why is Will so manipulative? What makes Phoebe and her friend Izz so close? I need more context to fully understand and love the characters. The villains also felt cartoonish. They were basically one-dimensional. Their motivation was “treasure hunting,” but they honestly just seemed dumb.
Overall, it kept my attention. There were a few aspects that stopped me from loving this, but it was still a solid read.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2025
Out of Air is a fast-paced supernatural thriller that had my heart racing from beginning to end. From the beginning, you are immediately thrown into the mystery of the underwater sea cave that Phibs and her best friend Gabe finds and the strange changes that start to occur when they return to the surface. As the group tries to figure out how to reverse the changes that are starting to take over, Phibs also deals with her friends growing distant after the events that lead their group to social media fame. The events are slowly told through dual timelines throughout the book. The ending took me by surprise and although the ending did not answer all of my questions I had throughout this book, the ending left several possibilities for our main characters that left me thinking about this book for several days afterwards. Overall, this was an atmospheric debut, and I am excited to see what is next for this author.
I would highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator does a fantastic job with the variety of characters. The description of the ocean, and their diving adventures was some of my favorite parts of this book. The author and narrator do a great job in immersing the reader with the atmosphere of the ocean and the mysterious creatures that live there.
Out of Air comes out May 13th.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review Out of Air. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I would highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator does a fantastic job with the variety of characters. The description of the ocean, and their diving adventures was some of my favorite parts of this book. The author and narrator do a great job in immersing the reader with the atmosphere of the ocean and the mysterious creatures that live there.
Out of Air comes out May 13th.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review Out of Air. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 8, 2025
Even though it is probably the last place you should read this, this book was a perfect beach read.
The Wilder Girls comp is PERFECT for this. This was a speculative body/ocean horror that has incredible vibes alongside a story I could not tear myself away from. Inhaled this like I was on the bottom of the ocean with an emptying tank, what can I say.
This was so unbelievably compelling though, which is why it felt like a really good read for a day at the beach. It's surprisingly short but keeps you riveted with every page. I loved the characters. With so many personalities in the Salt Squad, I was impressed by how easy they were to differentiate from each other. Phoebe is a great narrator, and her backstory made her the most interesting character. I do think some of the mystery elements came a little late in the book, especially considering how short this was, but it didn't make me love the book any less.
For some reason, I received an audio ARC, an e-ARC, and a paperback ARC from the publisher, and I must thank them profusely because if they were trying to tell me I needed this book in my life, they were very right. I continue to be terrified and fascinated by the ocean in equal measures.
The Wilder Girls comp is PERFECT for this. This was a speculative body/ocean horror that has incredible vibes alongside a story I could not tear myself away from. Inhaled this like I was on the bottom of the ocean with an emptying tank, what can I say.
This was so unbelievably compelling though, which is why it felt like a really good read for a day at the beach. It's surprisingly short but keeps you riveted with every page. I loved the characters. With so many personalities in the Salt Squad, I was impressed by how easy they were to differentiate from each other. Phoebe is a great narrator, and her backstory made her the most interesting character. I do think some of the mystery elements came a little late in the book, especially considering how short this was, but it didn't make me love the book any less.
For some reason, I received an audio ARC, an e-ARC, and a paperback ARC from the publisher, and I must thank them profusely because if they were trying to tell me I needed this book in my life, they were very right. I continue to be terrified and fascinated by the ocean in equal measures.
April 28, 2025
*Audiobook
“Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.”
Thanks to #macmillanaudio for my #gifted copy of this Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This one was entertaining enough but I never felt fully connected to any of the characters and while the premise was cool…the story was just ok. To be fair, I don’t typically end up enjoying YA books for the most part. The dialogue was very YA, not bad…just not for me. However the audio narrator did an excellent job.
It seemed repetitive at times, I felt like it just went on and on. I think this would’ve made a cool novella like <200 pages…maybe ditch the romance aspect, keep the lore of the cave, ditch some of the pointless bickering, keep the grandma and her history. The romance angle wasn’t really necessary and the chemistry just wasn’t there. I think it’s kind of hard to do romance & horror at the same time.
I’d describe this as a YA suspense novel with a sprinkling of romance.
I always enjoy learning new things in my reading adventures and this book was pretty great for that. I had never heard of a sea wasp / box jelly fish before reading this one. Ugh I hope I never encounter one. Luckily chances are I never will because they live in coastal waters from northern Australia and New Guinea to Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam.
“Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.”
Thanks to #macmillanaudio for my #gifted copy of this Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This one was entertaining enough but I never felt fully connected to any of the characters and while the premise was cool…the story was just ok. To be fair, I don’t typically end up enjoying YA books for the most part. The dialogue was very YA, not bad…just not for me. However the audio narrator did an excellent job.
It seemed repetitive at times, I felt like it just went on and on. I think this would’ve made a cool novella like <200 pages…maybe ditch the romance aspect, keep the lore of the cave, ditch some of the pointless bickering, keep the grandma and her history. The romance angle wasn’t really necessary and the chemistry just wasn’t there. I think it’s kind of hard to do romance & horror at the same time.
I’d describe this as a YA suspense novel with a sprinkling of romance.
I always enjoy learning new things in my reading adventures and this book was pretty great for that. I had never heard of a sea wasp / box jelly fish before reading this one. Ugh I hope I never encounter one. Luckily chances are I never will because they live in coastal waters from northern Australia and New Guinea to Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam.
June 5, 2025
#ad much love for my finished copy @wednesdaybooks #partner
& @macmillan.audio + @netgalley #partner for the ALC
🅾🆄🆃 🅾🅵 🅰🅸🆁
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴡ
A debut book that just blew right up out of the water - and I suspect - will make a huge splash! Ohhhhh this book was so good guys!! It’s tense, mysterious, and full of action. I finished in one sitting.
They call themselves the Salt Squad. A group of 5 friends. Twin brothers, Gabe and Will, Lani, Isobel, and Phoebe. But their friendships are tested when something goes horribly wrong after a dive.
They found THE cave and all agreed to never tell a sole. They’ve heard rumblings of rumors of terrible things happening to those who dare dive there. But it’s too late for that now. Because the cave where they found some treasure is cursed, and they’ve been marked.
Out of Air by Rachel Reiss is a fast-paced YA thriller that you won’t be able to put down. Alternating between the present and 5 months prior there’s never a dull moment. It’s so full of twist and turns that’ll it’ll give you whiplash.
This book delivered!!! Oof. The suspense and action in this book is something you can actually feel. I love diving/cave thrillers and I really loved this one so much; it’s right up there with The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling - which I also recommend.
The narrator did the most superb job narrating this story. During the high-tension moments she shift her voice at the most perfect places. She’s one of those narrators that make the story come alive. Just fantastic!
Cannot wait to see what this author creates next; because if it’s anything like this book I’m gonna be hooked! ALL THE STARS!!
This would make the perfect movie or limited series!! Where you at Netflix, Hulu?????
Triggers
Alzheimer’s
Death and Dying
& @macmillan.audio + @netgalley #partner for the ALC
🅾🆄🆃 🅾🅵 🅰🅸🆁
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴡ
A debut book that just blew right up out of the water - and I suspect - will make a huge splash! Ohhhhh this book was so good guys!! It’s tense, mysterious, and full of action. I finished in one sitting.
They call themselves the Salt Squad. A group of 5 friends. Twin brothers, Gabe and Will, Lani, Isobel, and Phoebe. But their friendships are tested when something goes horribly wrong after a dive.
They found THE cave and all agreed to never tell a sole. They’ve heard rumblings of rumors of terrible things happening to those who dare dive there. But it’s too late for that now. Because the cave where they found some treasure is cursed, and they’ve been marked.
Out of Air by Rachel Reiss is a fast-paced YA thriller that you won’t be able to put down. Alternating between the present and 5 months prior there’s never a dull moment. It’s so full of twist and turns that’ll it’ll give you whiplash.
This book delivered!!! Oof. The suspense and action in this book is something you can actually feel. I love diving/cave thrillers and I really loved this one so much; it’s right up there with The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling - which I also recommend.
The narrator did the most superb job narrating this story. During the high-tension moments she shift her voice at the most perfect places. She’s one of those narrators that make the story come alive. Just fantastic!
Cannot wait to see what this author creates next; because if it’s anything like this book I’m gonna be hooked! ALL THE STARS!!
This would make the perfect movie or limited series!! Where you at Netflix, Hulu?????
Triggers
Alzheimer’s
Death and Dying
January 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
In this book we follow 'Phibs' & her diving group the Salty Squad as they adventure down under to have a final summer trip before they all head their separate ways at college. Now, will this trip bring them closer together or create a greater shift in the already rocky relationships? Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were a few aspects that I found to be a little rough around the edges and could have been smoothed out a little more, but those parts did not sway me from loving this book as a whole. I thought the attention to detail that was put into the story to help noobs that don't know diving terms was amazing, I felt so immersed in the ocean and the world there. I feel like I can start diving tomorrow, I won't though.. this book will keep me out of the ocean for the next few months.
Out of Air is a page turning YA thriller, I absolutely could not put this book down. If you were like me and binged the first season of 'Outer Banks' during the shutdown and have been chasing the high of that show ever since, this is a good start. For a YA there were elements of suspense I have not been able to find in a lot of my reads. I found myself holding my breath with Phibs as she was racing towards the surface, the relationship drama filled my teenage angst heart, and with a little hint of fantasy this book had me feeling all of the emotions. For a Debut, this book stands tall and I am very excited for the future of Reiss' work.
In this book we follow 'Phibs' & her diving group the Salty Squad as they adventure down under to have a final summer trip before they all head their separate ways at college. Now, will this trip bring them closer together or create a greater shift in the already rocky relationships? Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were a few aspects that I found to be a little rough around the edges and could have been smoothed out a little more, but those parts did not sway me from loving this book as a whole. I thought the attention to detail that was put into the story to help noobs that don't know diving terms was amazing, I felt so immersed in the ocean and the world there. I feel like I can start diving tomorrow, I won't though.. this book will keep me out of the ocean for the next few months.
Out of Air is a page turning YA thriller, I absolutely could not put this book down. If you were like me and binged the first season of 'Outer Banks' during the shutdown and have been chasing the high of that show ever since, this is a good start. For a YA there were elements of suspense I have not been able to find in a lot of my reads. I found myself holding my breath with Phibs as she was racing towards the surface, the relationship drama filled my teenage angst heart, and with a little hint of fantasy this book had me feeling all of the emotions. For a Debut, this book stands tall and I am very excited for the future of Reiss' work.
February 28, 2025
First off, I’d like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for this ARC.
Out of Air follows the main character Phoebe’s point of view as her and her four friends go to a remote island for one last dive trip before they all go off to college. Except this trip didn’t go how they expected it to after they find a mysterious cave and Phoebe’s friend Gabe starts to act unlike himself.
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. It captured the essence of being underwater perfectly which I’m sure was thanks to the author’s personal experience in diving. From the start it was easy to connect with the characters and I felt like I was able to understand the dynamic of their friend group pretty quickly. Each character in the group was well developed and had their own distinct personality and role within the friend group which I found very impressive.
The main plot doesn’t really kick in until about halfway through the story. The beginning of the book was a lot of background information and although it was interesting I kept wondering when things in the cave would really start to kick off. Otherwise this was such an atmospheric read and it felt like a nice break from what I normally read.
Out of Air follows the main character Phoebe’s point of view as her and her four friends go to a remote island for one last dive trip before they all go off to college. Except this trip didn’t go how they expected it to after they find a mysterious cave and Phoebe’s friend Gabe starts to act unlike himself.
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. It captured the essence of being underwater perfectly which I’m sure was thanks to the author’s personal experience in diving. From the start it was easy to connect with the characters and I felt like I was able to understand the dynamic of their friend group pretty quickly. Each character in the group was well developed and had their own distinct personality and role within the friend group which I found very impressive.
The main plot doesn’t really kick in until about halfway through the story. The beginning of the book was a lot of background information and although it was interesting I kept wondering when things in the cave would really start to kick off. Otherwise this was such an atmospheric read and it felt like a nice break from what I normally read.
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