Cuttlefish [Hardcover]

The best science fiction is based on believable technology.

David Freer has created an alternate history based on believable environmental events. There's a little Jules Verne in the story of the Cuttlefish.

A coal fired submarine that sails on hydrofoils and outwits the British Empire. It works for me.

It's a good read. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I am a sucker for the Hermione Grangers of fiction, and Clara Calland is one of those. Bright, brave and adventurous, her story, and the story of all those who sail in the Cuttlefish, is exciting and charming.

There is much too much world here for this to be a one off. I hope Mr. Freer will soon favor us with more tales of the Cuttlefish, Clara, and Tim.

Dave Freer's Cuttlefish is absolutely astonishing! It's 1953 and the world is severely altered by the effects of the Melt. Parts of London are underwater, where old tunnels are inhabited by the Underpeople, and the western part of Australia is dry and sandy. The novel will entertain readers of all ages with it's underwater adventure, humor, and intriguing alternate history. The friendships forged over the course of the novel will no doubt extend to the readers who won't help but become fascinated by the variety of characters and backgrounds.

Clara Calland, the bookish outcast of St. Margaret's School for the Children of Officers and Gentleman, embarks on a terrifying journey that takes her and her mother, Dr. Calland, from Ireland to the dry country of Westralia. She finds a place with the crew of an illegal submarine, learning navigation and doing certain chores as if she were a cabin boy herself. While aboard the Cuttlefish, Clara becomes fast friends with cabin boy, Tim Barnabas. Tim grew up in London's underwater tunnels, taking on a submariner job at the urging of his mother so that he would always have food. He proves to be brave, trustworthy to Clara and his superiors and an excellent submariner. Freer takes a very interesting turn when it comes to this character. Tim is persecuted and called "darkie" because of his mixed heritage. Though he was born in London, his father came from Jamaica and the fact that Tim is darker than the other crew members causes a few incidents of racism and prejudice. Tim's character and his friendship with Clara is another layer added to Cuttlefish's deeply layered plot.

Tim and Clara's friendship is the most steadily constant during a tremulous time. Clara and Dr. Calland are stuck in a cat and mouse game, running from the Mensheviks and the British Imperial Intelligence, headed by Duke Malcolm. Yet, here are these two young teens who hardly panic in stressful situations and both cherish their growing relationship. Clara stands up for Tim when he's wrongly accused of thievery, and Tim backs up Clara in whatever crazy plots she comes up with. Cuttlefish is exciting for all the action and suspense, and even more so for the blend of steampunk, historical fiction, and science fiction elements. Pick up a copy of Cuttlefish and you won't put it down until the last page is read!
*Book provided via publisher in exchange for an honest review*
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