Undertow by Michael Buckley #review

Sixteen-year-old Lyric Walker’s life is forever changed when she witnesses the arrival of 30,000 Alpha, a five-nation race of ocean-dwelling warriors, on her beach in Coney Island. The world’s initial wonder and awe over the Alpha quickly turns ugly and paranoid and violent, and Lyric’s small town transforms into a military zone with humans on one side and Alpha on the other. When Lyric is recruited to help the crown prince, a boy named Fathom, assimilate, she begins to fall for him. But their love is a dangerous one, and there are forces on both sides working to keep them apart. Only, what if the Alpha are not actually the enemy? What if they are in fact humanity’s only hope of survival? Because the real enemy is coming. And it’s more terrifying than anything the world has ever seen.

Action, suspense, and romance whirlpool dangerously in this cinematic saga, a blend of District 9 and The Outsiders.

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The story is centered about Lyric Walker, a 16 year old girl living in Coney Island, who has no idea that her family has a secret. Three years ago, the shores  of Coney Island were invaded by unknown species  that have lived centuries under the sea. Of course humans fear the unknown and see them as the enemy.  These abominations (Alpha) of course are disgusted with humans as well.   

Since the invasion,  Coney Island  has been  on lock-down, no one can get in or out without the government's blessing. Then the government decides to integrate the Alpha's children into the human school and see if they can coexist together!  forcing them to attend school together as a great experiment in coexisting. The humans and the Alphas are not a fan of this plan and unfortunately fights and riots ensue.    Lyric is partnered with the prince of this race, and takes on the task of teaching him to read.  Soon a budding romance evolves between the two and Lyric discovers her heritage.

Now she must join forces to help her new found family protect themselves as well as protect the humans for  evil that is on its way.   Once I was done with this book I wanted more.  I want to know what happens to Lyric  and her family.  Was she able to free them, what happened to the Alphas...does the humans and Alphas ever figure out how to coexist together.  I truly hope this is the start of a great series!                                   

Dislosure:  I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes