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The Vanishing Deep

The Vanishing Deep

by Astrid Scholte

Bestselling author Astrid Scholte, returns with a thrilling adventure in which the dead can be revived...for a price.

Seventeen-year-old Tempe was born into a world of water. When the Great Waves destroyed her planet five hundred years ago, its people had to learn to survive living on the water, but the ruins of the cities below still called. Tempe dives daily, scavenging the ruins of a bygone era, searching for anything of value to trade for Notes. It isn't food or clothing that she wants to buy, but her dead sister's life. For a price, the research facility on the island of Palindromena will revive the dearly departed for twenty-four hours before returning them to death. It isn't a heartfelt reunion that Tempe is after; she wants answers. Elysea died keeping a terrible secret, one that has ignited an unquenchable fury in Tempe: Her beloved sister was responsible for the death of their parents. Tempe wants to know why.

But once revived, Elysea has other plans. She doesn't want to spend her last day in a cold room accounting for a crime she insists she didn't commit. Elysea wants her freedom and one final glimpse at the life that was stolen from her. She persuades Tempe to break her out of the facility, and they embark on a dangerous journey to discover the truth about their parents' death and mend their broken bond. But they're pursued every step of the way by two Palindromena employees desperate to find them before Elysea's time is up--and before the secret behind the revival process and the true cost of restored life is revealed.

Praise for The Vanishing Deep:
A 2022 Isinglass Teen Readers' Choice Award Long List Pick
A 2021 Texas Tayshas Reading List Pick

A Spring 2020 Apple Most Anticipated Book

“This riveting YA thriller . . . is among the most exciting stuff being put out in the genre right now.” —Entertainment Weekly

“An immersive, fast-paced story about survival, grief, guilt, and second chances.” —School Library Journal

“Tensions [are kept] high as the characters explore a detailed, inventive, lovingly crafted world . . . the narrative’s sea legs come through deep, resonant characterizations and the characters’ intense emotional inner lives. A seaworthy stand-alone.” —Kirkus Reviews

"[In] this fast-paced ecological thriller . . . Scholte builds palpable suspense through Lor and Tempe's alternating narratives while offering timely commentary on sustainability and responsible stewardship of land and sea." —Publishers Weekly

"Scholte's intricate world building stands out from the usual run of post-apocalyptic novels, with a particular emphasis on the effects of a world steeped in overconsumption and an eco-apocalypse. . . Readers will be left with deep questions about personal sacrifice and emotional closure." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Praise for Four Dead Queens:
An Indie Bestseller
An Amazon Best Book — March 2019
A Blue Spruce Book Award Nominee – 2020
A Texas Tayshas Reading List Pick – 2020


“A good, devious mix of some of the best fantasy and murder mystery that YA has had to offer recently.” Entertainment Weekly

“Astrid Scholte's propulsive debut YA novel checks all the boxes for an addictive read.” Refinery29

Four Dead Queens is a darkly delicious tale that keeps you in constant suspense. A thrilling, genre-blending book perfect for fans of both fantasy and murder mysteries. I just might be the fifth dead queen because this story—with its labyrinthine twists and turns—slayed me in every possible way.” Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series

"[An] exciting fantasy debut . . . stunning." —Paste

A cinematic thrill ride brimming with murder, mayhem, and twists that will shock you, Four Dead Queens is sure to be your next obsession. Absolutely riveting.” —Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series

“Astrid Scholte breaks into the fantasy genre with a triumphant, exciting debut that will keep readers guessing all the way to final chapter. Four Dead Queens is not to be missed!” Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Give the Dark My Love

  • Pages: 448 Pages
  • Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
  • Imprint: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
  • ISBN: 9780525513964
Penguin Teen