The Dark Deeps [Hardcover]

Reason for Reading: Next in the series. I'm a fan of the author's and I read every new book he publishes.

Modo and Octavia's assignment is to investigate certain co-ordinates where something referred to as big fish has been sinking fishing boats and any ships that enter that water near Iceland. Modo and Octavia are separated and 'tavia does not play a large role in this story. Instead Modo finds himself kidnapped along with a French spy who has been working the same case for her government. Modo and Colette spend this adventure together which takes them underwater to a strange life aboard their world's first submarine; they are taken to the ideological, socialist, utopia the captain is building and protecting. But they have been infiltrated and it isn't long before the Clockwork Guild shows up in the form of Miss Hakkandottir.

I loved this book, even more than the first one I think! Taking to the underwater world is exciting and creates a unique setting compared to book one. One thing I really like that Slade has done here is rather than populate book two with all the characters he has already established, he's chosen a few to be the heroes and villain, given the others smaller parts or mere mentions, while allowing a few new characters to make a fresh story. I find this way of writing a series keeps it vibrant and original. Modo's relationship with Colette was intriguing and very different than his with Octavia. Colette, being French, is more forward with Modo and he experiences some new dynamics with a woman. I loved Colette, she is a fiery character who charges every page she is on. While Octavia is not as central a figure this time around she still has enough time in the story to satisfy fans and she also goes through some emotional experiences that the reader at least can tell have affected her feelings for Modo.

The plot itself is non-stop action with an ever present disturbing atmosphere. The new villain is a creepy presence and Miss Hakkandottir is her glorious cruel and ego-centric self. A great entry in The Hunchback Assignments brings another dark, atmospheric story that starts in an alternate London but travels to America, Iceland and down into the oceanic dark deeps.

***Possible spoilers***

I enjoyed the first book, and I enjoyed this one even better. This one rather focuses more on Modo and Colette (another spy but for the French) aboard a submarine. The addition of Griff into the story- who makes a perfect creepy villain, also made the book a great read.

What I enjoyed the most out of the story is the underwater city. I absolutely loved that part! the descriptions, the overall feel to it was so rich in description and was easily pictured. It was like reading a description of the lost city of Atlantis. The book has a certain 'Captain Nemo' feel to it because of the adventure at sea but the intrigue is what sets it apart and that's where Griff comes in and provides a spectacular role. He does make a chilling villain despite this book meant for children, I have read nasty villains before, but this one fits perfect for the target age audience.

I thought Colette and Modo made a great team! they worked great together - it's an interesting contrast to what you see with Octavia and Modo (where they bicker at times - which is cute) but Colette seems to be the more calm, mature type character whereas I see Octavia as a small explosive firecracker (for lack of a better terminology!). I'm actually liking the fact that Octavia does really care about Modo, as she does show how she really feel throughout the book.
I'd have to say, I think the only thing I did not really like is the late entrance of the Clockwork Guild. I thought they were going to be in the book for longer but no, so it was just a little disappointing. I was hoping there would be more of them hanging around (Well, Griff doesn't really count. Sort of. I was hoping for more of Miss Hakkandottir.)

This was a great follow up to the First Hunchback Assignments. I did recently grab the third one; Empire of Ruins and am hoping it will be just as good! This series has to be one of my favorites of Children's Fiction.

(May Contain Spoilers)

Another adventure with Modo and Octavia. This time they set out to see to investigate a possible sea monster causing havoc in the northern Atlantic. The ship they are on gets rammed and Modo is tossed into the frigid waters. He gets rescued by the crew of the Ictineo, a submarine patrolling in the area and learns the real reason they are marking their territory in this part of the ocean.

As in the first book Modo's still very conscious about his real face and not willing to show others even Octavia who he really cares for. So when he's onboard the Ictineo and learns about their plans and what they are trying to create, he understands and is tempted to join them. I noticed that Octavia's always wants to be the more dominant one when it comes to Modo. Maybe because she's older and feels that she's more experienced in espionage but she's always trying to take the lead in the investigation and not letting Modo have his say. But when Modo disappears into the waters, she's desperate to find him and it shows that she cares more for Modo than even she realizes.

Most of the story takes place with Modo onboard the Ictineo submarine so I found it very useful that a picture of the submarine was included on the inside cover of the book. Not only do you get an exterior look of the ship, but you can see what the layout of the ship is like on the inside as the characters frequently moved from room to room while onboard the submarine.

I read the first book a while back and this second book just exceeded my expectations. The story pulls you in and you become invested in the characters new and old...and I was even sad to see some of the new characters go. I highly recommend this series and it would be a great read for boys, girls and adults as well.