The Secret Sea

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Recommended for grades 5-8.

Zak keeps hearing a voice in his head or at least he thinks he is, but is unsure. His parents are over protective of what he does because of his heart condition, which leaves plenty of time for his imagination to run wild. But, Zach and his friends don't believe this is his imagination and discover an alternate NYC that leads him to the ghost of his dead twin that he subconsciously forgot. But, it is not his twin that is calling him -- it is a ghost that died 300 years ago and was reawaken when the World Trade towers collapsed on 9/11.

This dark tale takes a look at family, morality and the effects that choices have on life, even the smallest of choices. Well developed story line and character development. Zak discovers that his twin died of TTTS (Twin-to-Twin syndrome), which is further described in the Author's Notes at the end. Also in the story, is Zak's discovery of an 300 year-old-boat that was actually found when demolishing the World Trade Centers -- this too, is factual with more information found in the notes section.

Anyone who is a fan of Barry Lyga will enjoy this book. Must have for library shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent