If you love outer banks than grab that cozy blanket and get ready to dive into this novel

Immediately my attention was grasped by the cover of this novel and then reading the synopsis I had to request to read the ARC

Reiss immediately grasped my attention in chapter one , I was expecting this book to be more than one POV but, it is only based on one which I absolutely loved about it and I think it fit the story line perfectly.

Five friends absolutely love the sea and love to dive, they find an underwater cave which leads to an unexplained illness and a treasure.

I’ve never read a book about diving and I’m absolutely terrified to try it because sharks so, I was happy to be able to experience it at the safety of my own couch.

A cute YA novel that has you sitting at the edge of your seat from the minute you read it to discover what exactly happened to these 5 friends who all have something tying them all together and keeping them close.

The first half of the book each chapter ended in cliff hanger after cliff hanger and needed me wanting to read on because I cannot put a book down when there’s a cliff hanger ended to a chapter. Moving through to the next half, just when I think I know what’s going to happen another cliff hanger is thrown into the mix making me second guess what I think I know.

A unique debut novel that had me feeling like I was part of the “salty squad”




*Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday books for allowing me to read this ARC*

It had a slow start (to me), but a few chapters in, I was engulfed in the story. I loved the imagery and connection and mystery to the sea. I think the author did a good job of describing the beauty of the sea life.

Thank you, Rachel Reiss NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

If you're like me when you read, it's like a movie going off in your mind. This book definitely had that going for me in high definition. The details of the ocean and just everything were so beautiful. I felt like I was there with them scuba diving with them and enjoying every moment with them. There is danger, loss, atmosphere, and so much in this book. From the start, it's decently paced, and the further in you get, it definitely picks up speed. I had a hard time putting it down, wanting to know what was going to happen next. Of course, the only trigger warnings i think that needs to be mentioned is body horror. It's more body transformation of a sort, but it's painful and startling.

Scuba diving, the open ocean, and friends, what could be more perfect? What if you found gold? Or even a cave rumored to hold treasures that could pay for anything you desired? Phibs and her friends end up finding this rumored cave, but something latched onto her and one other. Something is now deep in their skin, changing them and making them sick. Will they survive this, or will it cause unknown damages? What will happen once others find out they found this cave? So much happens, and if you want to know, read and find out.

I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The ending does kinda leave you wanting more. I won't spoil it. It leaves you wondering if perhaps there will he another book and if not it will leave you wondering some things. Even so, it was a really great book. Leaves you to question what's really out there in the ocean and should hidden things be uncovered.

I don’t think I really even had an idea what I was going into. But I’m glad. This was actually such an exciting and fast-paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat. The world-building is vivid, with a unique take on a dystopian setting that feels both fresh and immersive. The protagonist’s journey is compelling, and her determination to navigate a world where survival is constantly in question really drove the narrative.

The emotional stakes are high, and the relationships in the story feel real and grounded, adding depth to the action-packed plot. While the story is gripping, there were moments where I felt some details were rushed, but they didn’t take away from the overall experience.

If you’re a fan of dystopian stories with strong, relatable characters and high tension, Out of Air is definitely worth picking up. It’s a thrilling ride that doesn’t let up, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next. 4/5 stars.

Not sure even where to start. Just wow. I’ve never read anything like this- fantasy, romance, thriller…. It was all those things. The final sentences I read multiple times to see if it ended like I think it did…. The only thing that made it 4 versus 5 stars was the timeline hopping. It could make it hard to stay engaged and focused when every chapter was a new timeline. Overall good work and I’d recommend it as a page turner with twists you won’t see coming.

I don't exactly know how to classify this book and it leaves as many questions as it answers. It's sea world horror but grounded in some reality. It's tough to connect with any of the characters since everything literally happens over a day, and the flashbacks don't feel organic to the story enough to make me as a reader care about Gram and Phoebe. That said it's a quick read and gives a lot of room for interpretation.

Join the adventures of Phibs and her friends as they navigate life’s biggest hurdles, including what life has next after school, growing up and how every decision makes a ripple through life’s future.

The author tackles the coming of age very well, along with the struggles we all feel.

The ending honestly left me wanting more with a very abrupt ending (not sure in a good way). It feels like it just needs another chapter or two. It left a lot of questions. I’m not sure if the goal is another book or not. And I’m not sure it ever answers exactly what’s going on, which is frustrating as a reader but it was a nice book to get lost in for a bit.

For a debut novel, I’m curious to see what comes next. The pace & world building was good. Some things felt like they could have been explored a bit more. It was nice pacing, otherwise.

This book was fun! It was very different from the other books I've read and it could easily be placed in multiple different genres honestly. If you've been a fan of outer banks, you'll like this book! It seriously gave me alot of the same vibes, it was like outer banks with some creepiness added in!

I liked that perfectly blends the excitement of scuba diving with the mystery of a treasure hunt.
The discovery of the underwater sea cave, rumored to hold buried treasure, sets the stage for a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists. Phibs and her best friend Gabe's strange transformations add an intriguing and eerie element to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The presence of treasure hunters and the ensuing danger only heightens the suspense, making it impossible to put the book down. I loved that this book is the blend of light-hearted moments and high-stakes drama. The friendship and loyalty among the characters shine through, even as they face terrifying challenges.

If you’re looking for a delightful and adventurous read that will leave you yearning for your own underwater escapade—minus the creepy transformations, then check this one out.


3.5 rounded

The writing on this one didn't blow me away but I really enjoyed the oceanic horror and scuba diving aspects of the book. I am a scuba diver and it's so rare to see it portrayed in fiction in a way that's accurate and captures what's really magical about it. It's a fast read and a fun spooky thriller although a lot of questions remain unanswered at the end.

This book is so unlike anything I’ve read before. I want to give a huge shoutout to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book before its release date in exchange for a truthful review.

The beginning of the book had me in my Outer Banks moment. A group of friends from different backgrounds coming together in the own “Salt Squad” family. It was truly heart warming and I loved how each character clearly had their own defining qualities. Their diving adventures and quest to find lost treasures had me on the edge of my seat. The first half of the book I couldn’t put down. I needed answers. Every chapter ending in a cliff hanger. As I got to the middle to end, I felt things feel more flat. Yes there was mystery to be solved. Peril and tension in the group, but it just didn’t live up to the excitement of an ending I thought it could have. I also felt the ending left me with more questions than answers. Seems unfinished in some ways. I still think it’s a great read especially if you love Outer Banks or any book with some mystery and adventure. Still a solid 4 star in my opinion

I couldn’t put it down. This was such a fun, unique read for a debut novel.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press | Wednesday Books for the ARC

I really enjoyed this story! Gave me a little bit of outer banks vibes with the treasure hunting and the group of friends! I thought it was great and fast paced! Filled with action! I would definitely recommend!

I have the biggest weakness for horror/thriller books about the ocean. I immediately had to pick this up.

Five friends go on one final scuba dive in Australia before they head off to college where they find a hidden cave. Of course they have to explore and after they return to shore, they start to notice strange changes. Later on the friends are taken as ransom by treasure hunters in an effort to gain knowledge on the location of this cave.

This was an entertaining read and had me curious about what was happening to them internally. I was less interested in the treasure hunter aspect of this story though. It reminded me a bit of the Outer Banks show. This story alternates between the past and present day. At times it felt a bit slow but I loved the urban legend feel that this had.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

TW: body horror, death, gore, violence, murder, injury detail, blood, kidnapping

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: LOVED the book and I'll be thinking about it for a long time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Definitely a good read and would recommend it for most people.
⭐️⭐️⭐️: It was a decent book, but something about it didn't meet expectations.
⭐️⭐️: Didn't really enjoy it.
⭐️: Did not like it at all and probably wouldn't recommend.

If you're a fan of Outer Banks, The Goonies, the Dive Club show on Netflix, or maybe even H2O: Just Add Water, then you will enjoy this book! We follow five dive obsessed teens and along the way they find themselves finding treasure, testing friendships, getting themselves into dangerous and fatal situations, and uncovering secrets the ocean hid within her depths.

I want to thank Rachel Reiss and Netgalley for the early access to read this book. I enjoyed this book very much. I had been trying to find something that fit the vibe of Outer Banks for awhile, so when I came across this book I got so excited! It's a fun, atmospheric, yet also creepy read, that has you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I also appreciated that this was not a spicy book. If you're looking for a book that's toned down in that area, this is a great pick. Overall, I believe most people who enjoy YA, thriller, and mystery books would like this book, so dive in and have an adventure!

This review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram on May 13, 2025.

This is one of the few books that is written with such talent that the reader can feel the experience as they read. I enjoy the book while it is not the type or genre I usually read there is a lot to like and it will be a hit with the YA group.

Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this adventurous read in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

In this book we follow 'Phibs' & her diving group the Salty Squad as they adventure down under to have a final summer trip before they all head their separate ways at college. Now, will this trip bring them closer together or create a greater shift in the already rocky relationships? Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were a few aspects that I found to be a little rough around the edges and could have been smoothed out a little more, but those parts did not sway me from loving this book as a whole. I thought the attention to detail that was put into the story to help noobs that don't know diving terms was amazing, I felt so immersed in the ocean and the world there. I feel like I can start diving tomorrow, I won't though.. this book will keep me out of the ocean for the next few months.

Out of Air is a page turning YA thriller, I absolutely could not put this book down. If you were like me and binged the first season of 'Outer Banks' during the shutdown and have been chasing the high of that show ever since, this is a good start. For a YA there were elements of suspense I have not been able to find in a lot of my reads. I found myself holding my breath with Phibs as she was racing towards the surface, the relationship drama filled my teenage angst heart, and with a little hint of fantasy this book had me feeling all of the emotions. For a Debut, this book stands tall and I am very excited for the future of Reiss' work.

Overall, this was a cute read. It was definitely something different than the spicy romances that I read. I don’t mind reading YA books but I did feel a little too “old” for this one at certain points. Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy!

Oh my god, I don’t know what to say. I loved this so much. I was pitched this book after seeing that it was kinda like outer banks and I love the premise of the show so I wanted to give this a chance and I’m so glad I did. I normally don’t read thriller or horror novels but I’m glad that I decided to branch out. I loved the idea of this book because I love the ocean and stories that can be told. I just wish this was longer, the story was really started to pick up and the next thing I know I’m on the last chapter and the ending is kinda an open ending and I don’t know how to feel. I just wanted and needed more.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book.

Out of Air by Rachel Reiss is a gripping and atmospheric YA novel that masterfully blends science fiction with emotional depth. Set in a future where the world is plagued by environmental collapse and air scarcity, the book follows the journey of Cassie, a teenager living in a world where every breath is precious. When the air supply becomes even more limited, Cassie’s survival instincts are put to the test as she navigates an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable world.

Reiss excels at world-building, creating a hauntingly believable society where the consequences of climate change are felt on a personal level. The tension between the characters' desperation for survival and the moral dilemmas they face is palpable. Cassie is a compelling protagonist—resilient, resourceful, and flawed in a way that makes her easy to empathize with. Her journey is as much internal as external, exploring themes of identity, sacrifice, and the will to live in a world that seems to be running out of both resources and hope.

The pacing is swift, with enough twists and moments of intense action to keep the reader engaged, but it’s the quieter, more reflective moments that truly stand out. The relationships between the characters, particularly Cassie and her companions, are nuanced and well-developed, adding layers of emotional complexity to the story.

One of the standout features of Out of Air is its relevance to current global concerns, particularly regarding climate change and sustainability. While the book doesn’t preach, it forces readers to reflect on the consequences of environmental neglect and the fragility of the world we inhabit. It’s a chilling reminder that the future we’re building today may not be one we want to inherit tomorrow.

While the ending may leave some questions unanswered, it does an excellent job of leaving the reader both satisfied and contemplative. Out of Air is a thought-provoking, fast-paced dystopian tale that will resonate with fans of YA fiction and anyone interested in the intersection of science fiction and climate activism.

Rating: 4.5/5