The Dark Deeps (2010)

I'm giving away a copy of The Dark Deeps on my blog this week: www.ink-spells.blogspot.com

Reviewed by Theresa L. Stowell for TeensReadToo.com

In the first book of THE HUNCHBACK ASSIGNMENTS, Modo becomes a spy for his guardian, Mr. Socrates. During his premier assignment, he meets and becomes infatuated with Octavia Milkweed, a girl close to his age. In this second book, Slade channels Jules Verne as he introduces young readers to the world of steampunk adventures.

Now, despite their youth, Modo will be asked to pose as Octavia's husband. Though it seems like a dream come true, Modo will experience significant discomfort as he has to continually transform his features, so Octavia will not discover his true identity.

As Modo's and Octavia's exciting new adventure takes off, they are sent to America aboard a steamship to find another one of Mr. Socrates' agents. Once they arrive, however, they are given the tragic news of the agent's death, and they are thrust into another ocean-going escapade. This time, they are setting off to find out what they can about the mysterious IctÍneo, but the only clues they have are its longitude and latitude and a loose definition of the word that suggests a connection or resemblance to a large fish.

When the rusty ship they are traveling on is damaged on the voyage, Modo is thrown overboard. Octavia struggles with the idea that Modo is dead or will be soon as their ship leaves the area to get repairs. Surprisingly, Modo is saved and learns more about the IctÍneo than he thought was possible.

Interspersed with exciting exploits, frightening villains, and shadowy locations, this segment of Modo's and Octavia's service is a fun, fast read for all ages. ( )

No sparkley vampires here. No hunky werewolves. No angels. Our hero is a grossly disfigured hunchback named Modo who has a special talent to turn transform himself so he looks like any other person. He was bought/adopted/taken in by Mr. Socrates who sequestered him for the first years of his life and gave him an intense education both mentally and physically.

In this second episode of the series Mr. Socrates has Modo and Octavia pose as husband and wife to investigate the disappearance of a French spy name Colette Burnett. She had been investigating the mysterious disappearance and/or destruction of boats in an area of the ocean off Iceland. Their own ship becomes the latest victim of the mystery and Modo finds himself the guest of Captain Monturiol, the daughter of a brilliant scientist with a most remarkable vision for a new country, aboard a submarine.

We meet new characters, both good guys and members of the evil Clockwork Guild including Griff, an invisible man who seems to be mentally affected by the potion given to him to make him able to bend light but does nothing to improve his obnoxious personality. Miss Hakkandottir (I love this name) is an amazing villain with mechanical hands. She lives to continue hunting Modo in future books.

Arthur Slade makes Saskatoon, Saskatchewan his home and I can only wonder if this locale gives a boost to his fantastic imagination. I will be on the lookout for more Modo adventures. ( )

***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. ( )