Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was an ok read. Found myself wanting to rush to finish to get to something else however.

Though the premise of Out of Air was extremely intriguing, the treasure finding, the mystery, the beautiful backdrop, it started off boring. Phoebe was an uninteresting character and I was not invested in her and her friend group. And parts of the story did not make sense to me. What kept me invested were the amazing descriptions of the ocean. Overall, it was an okay story but not as engaging as I would have liked it to be.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Out of Air by Rachel Reiss is a standalone YA horror/thriller/suspense novel and really makes you think, what would I do in this situation? Doubt I’d make it, maybe the delulu version of my mind could survive. What about yall?

Again, this is not my usual genre of enjoyment, but I have to say, this book kept me engaged. This is the first time I’ve read something like this. It’s interesting because I watch this type of stuff all of the time, but never read it. It takes on a whole different perspective when it’s in my mind versus watching it. I don’t know if I’m going to keep reading this genre, but I did enjoy this particular book.

The intensity was done very well overall and let me tell y'all, the treasure isn’t worth it. Stay out of the caves haha! Phibs and her friends were on some craziness to actually go and try their luck some more. Not only are they transforming but also dealing with other people trying to hurt them. This is like The Decent but in water. Yeah, I couldn’t do it.

This was good overall, but it’s not my favorite. I’m sure there will be readers who will love this and it will be a perfect match for them. I hope this finds its forever home and thrives!

I look forward to checking out more from Rachel.

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of Out of Air from Rachel Reiss via NetGalley

As someone who has only snorkeled and never gone scuba diving the vivid descriptions of life under water were so fun, as was the body horror and adventurous Outer Banks treasure hunting mystery.

Out of Air by Rachel Reiss was such a fun read! I went into this read expecting slight suspense, a fun summer read, and a little mystery/treasure hunt vibe. LET ME TELL YOU, this did not disappoint! While some inner monologue felt a bit repetitive at times, it felt realistic. I LOVED being so fully immersed in this friend group, the dynamic is unreal. The twists were shocking and unexpected, the suspense was suspense-ing. I ate it up! It was really well paced and legitimately just a really fun read. It's also the perfect palette cleanser to get you out of that reading funk!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for sending my this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

I am so drawn to stories that take place in and around water, and Out of Air was no different. While I have no experience with diving, I do understand so much of what our narrator Phoebe feels when she is in the water, in her element, really. I loved the "found family" aspect of the story, especially since Phoebe has experienced way too much loss in her young life. But one of her group (or maybe more, I am not spoiling!) is hiding some pretty big stuff.

The setting is superb- present day, an island off the coast of Australia, I don't think it's real (Google doesn't seem to think so) but it seems fabulous. In flashbacks, we are transported to the group's home turf of the Florida Keys, which is equally great. The atmosphere of the whole book was on point, both the sea vibes and the mysterious ones. I also enjoyed the potential romance between Phoebe and Gabe, as well as just the friendship dynamics.

The ending left me a little underwhelmed, though it was tied up, so I can live with it. It took a turn that I perhaps didn't quite expect, but that is probably a personal preference. I also enjoyed the adventure/survival aspects of the story as well, especially when the stakes got really high.

Overall, it was an exciting story with compelling characters, and one I'd recommend.

This was a fun read. Perfect for fans of Outer Banks and a touch of the creep factor. The author did a great job of bringing the underwater caves to life.

3.75* -- This read surprised me! It's one of those books where it kind of feels like not much happened and there are still questions remaining, but I was hooked and read it really quickly. Would definitely be interested in the authors future books.

Rating: 4 stars

I received a digital copy of this book through the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review.

Out of Air was an enjoyable read for me. It’s the perfect type of book to read for anyone interested in learning about diving and anyone who enjoys the sea without having to leave the comfort of their home. The imagery the author uses throughout the story to describe where Phibs and her friends were when they went diving made me feel like I was right there with them, waiting to see what they would uncover next. And it made me interested in reading her story to see what would happen with her and her friends.

What I also enjoyed about this book was the switch between the past and the present. I felt like it was a wonderful way to get to know this group of teens and get an understanding of their dynamics together. I also feel like it gave me a better understanding of what had happened to them six months ago, which had resulted in their little group getting the amount of media attention they received. It also felt like a great way to connect to what was presently going on because you can see how the choices they made then impacted their present.

Out of Air is also a book that has an overall great vibe, as I felt many different emotions while reading it. I feel like this is because, as the plot unfolds, you can feel the tension in the air as you know there’s something bad that’s going to happen, but you don’t necessarily know what. But with each turn of the page, you can feel it, which makes you want to continue reading the story to find out what’s going to happen. The pacing of the story in this book was just perfect for what was going on, so I couldn’t wait to continue reading it.

I even enjoyed the open ending. As a reader, I felt like it allowed me to interpret what I felt would happen with these characters after everything they endured. I do, however, feel like this book ended too suddenly for what was going on. This bothered me because I feel like there was more to their story that could’ve been told. I also feel like a lot of the conflicts in this book were too easily resolved, which could also be a part of why I feel like this story needed more story in it than what I read. The best example that comes to mind for me is when Phibs finds out who in her friend group is the one who kept their coin when she had asked her friends to turn them in. The reason we found out is that this character tells Phibs they kept the coin and tells her why as well. And then it ends up becoming a non-issue once it’s revealed, too, even though she’s been upset about it the whole time.

If there is anything else with this book I didn’t enjoy it would have to be a lack of character development. Granted, I didn’t mind the story being told from Phibs’ perspective. But what bothered me was that I feel like with this book, what happened to these characters could’ve easily happened to anyone, as I feel like these characters didn’t have much of a personality to me. It bothered me, though, because of how much I enjoyed reading this book, that I wanted these characters to have a little more personality than they do.

But overall, I enjoyed reading Out of Air. It was the perfect read for me as someone who’s always loved the ocean and was curious to learn about diving. It also felt like this book provided the perfect amount of tension in the story, which makes you want to continue to read it to find out what happens next for anyone who likes stories that have tension in them. Out of Air was published on May 13, 2025, for those interested in reading this book.

Phoebe and her friends are on a summer trip in Australia to do some diving after high school. After they found gold coins months prior, and shot to social media fame, they want one last summer together. When they come across a cave that’s rumoured to have treasure, they have deal with treasure hunters trying to track them down. But treasure wasn’t the only thing in that case, and Phoebe and Gabe are starting to feel the changes.

Out of Air is a young adult thriller/horror, but it doesn’t feel too young adult. Although the characters are just finishing high school, and there is some awkward high school romance, this book did manage to feel like it was for adult readers too. I think that comes from the horror portion of the book, while it’s not excessively violent, there is body horror, and that makes it feel like this is for older readers. It made my skin crawl a little from some of the descriptions, but again, it’s not too over the top for readers who aren’t really used to body horror.

The setting is fantastic and the descriptions of diving, and the underwater cave, and even the marine life, is all really well done. That was probably my favourite thing about this book. I am not an ocean person. I will never go diving. But reading this felt like I could experience it just a little bit, and it made it oddly enticing and beautiful despite the whole “this is a horror and underwater things are dangerous and mysterious”.

The plot itself was fun and interesting. Finding out about the legends of the underwater cave, and the changes that Phoebe and Gave go through was fascinating. But there is two timelines, jumping back to when they found the gold coins as well, and I didn’t find the earlier timeline quite as engaging. We spend a lot of time with what happens earlier, and it feels like it’s quite late in the book when the treasure hunters show up. It didn’t feel like that was the priority of the story, even though it should have been. That section of the book goes by quite quickly, and I was disappointed to not have a bit more from that part of the story. It made it feel like we only got a few chapters of a the thriller part of the book.

This was a fun enjoyable read, and I think if you’re a fan of body horror, underwater mysteries and entities, you’ll enjoyed reading this one. But I would have liked more from it, personally.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A group of teenage divers find a mysterious cave on a diving trip.

This book reads like a debut YA. It definitely had potential to be great, but it just didn't come together in a way that left me satisfied. The plot had a lot of potential, though there were a few too many plot holes that come together in a way that left me feeling like the story was rushed rather than thoughtfully planned out. I think the author tried to tackle too many story lines and wasn't able to give the main ones all her attention, and the ending left me wishing we had some more answers. I put the books down and was still a bit confused about where we left everyone.

I also had a hard time getting invested in the characters. Their friendship didn't feel authentic, especially when it became more fraught as the book goes on. I had a hard time connecting with the characters.

I will say that the plot was certainly unique though! I really liked the diving aspect - and I would actually say that the setting was the strongest element of the book! It made me want to go swimming - maybe not diving into underwater caves but def getting my feet wet.

As an adult woman, I really enjoyed this book.  It is categorized as a young adult novel, so it would be the perfect opportunity for a buddy read with a teen!  It captivated me from the very beginning and I had to know what would happen!  If you are interested in diving or just want to read about it and never actually want to go, you will be thrilled either way with the content!  This book feels modern, relevant, and current!  I highly recommend for anyone who wants an adventure or is craving a page-turner this summer!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3 & 1/2 stars)

Thanks to Rachel Reiss, Netgalley, & Wednesday Books for the ARC of this book!

Out of Air is a YA mystery, filled with friendship, treasure hunting, salty sea water, and a science fiction twist.

Keep in mind this is a YA mystery. I don’t read a ton of YA anymore, but it was still an enjoyable mystery, and I thought the science fiction element made it more interesting.

Imagery is Reiss’s strong suit — especially in her explanation of diving processes and the scenery underwater. I know little about diving, so I appreciated the way she explains the process without going overkill on the details.

I do feel like at points this book was trying a little too hard to be Outer Banks. It’s marketed for fans of the show, and there are some very strong comparisons between the protagonists, the plot, and even the seedy villains. Missing treasure-hunting parent? Check. Accidentally stumbling upon missing historic gold, and then people trying to kill you over it? Check. Sketchy villain with a surprising connection to our main character? Check.

I honestly kept picturing the five main teenaged characters as the five main protagonists in Outer Banks with the narrator, Phoebe, as a gender-bent John B 🤣

The science fiction spin is genuinely unique — the premise of an underwater cave “cursing” those who breathe its air.

Overall this was an entertaining book! Would recommend for fans of YA mysteries of any form (tv shows like Outer Banks or books like AGGGTM).

Rachel Reiss's debut novel, Out of Air, is a captivating blend of underwater adventure, supernatural intrigue, and emotional depth. Set against the backdrop of the Florida Keys and a remote Australian island, the story follows Phoebe "Phibs" Ray and her close-knit group of friends, the Salt Squad, as they embark on their final summer together before college.

The narrative alternates between two timelines: the present, where Phibs and her friends discover a mysterious underwater cave rumored to be cursed, and the past, which unveils the events leading up to their fateful dive. This dual-timeline structure effectively builds suspense and gradually reveals the secrets that bind the group.

Phibs is a compelling protagonist—resilient, introspective, and grappling with her own identity and place within the group. Her evolving relationship with Gabe, her best friend and secret crush, adds a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their bond is tested as they confront the supernatural forces unleashed by their dive.

The novel delves into themes of environmentalism, identity, and the consequences of tampering with the unknown. Reiss's vivid descriptions of the underwater world immerse readers in the eerie beauty of the ocean, making it almost a character in its own right. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a conclusion that is both unexpected and thought-provoking.

While the supernatural elements are intriguing, some readers may find the pacing uneven at times. The shifts between timelines can be disorienting, and certain plot points may feel underdeveloped. However, these minor drawbacks do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.

In conclusion, Out of Air is a hauntingly atmospheric novel that combines elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural. It's a compelling read for fans of YA thrillers who appreciate complex characters and a narrative that explores the depths of both the ocean and the human psyche.

Oh the suspense! I watched a cave diving documentary once and since then have been obsessed with diving'- although I have zero want to ever dive 😂. This was a dark, atmospheric, suspense/thriller. Then add in a pinch of horror. I really wish the author had gone deeper with the horror vibe. However the suspense was over the top! I read this book in less than a day.

A group of friends from Key West find some lost treasure while diving off the coast. In the spotlight for finding some coins, the group happens upon a hidden sea cave: venturing in to the dark caverns where hidden dangers lurk.

Can't wait to read more from this author.

This book gave outer banks but better. I don't think I've ever read a story quite like this one. It kept me on the edge of seat the entire time and I loved that so much about this book.

TW/CW: Alzheimer's, gory scenes, classism, child abandonment, language, mourning, toxic friendships, blood, violence

*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
Phoebe “Phibs” Ray is never more at home than when she’s underwater. On a dive six months ago, she and her four closest friends discovered a handful of ancient gold coins, rocketing them into social media fame. Now, their final summer together after high school, they’re taking one last trip to a distant Australian island to do what they love most – scuba dive.

While diving a local reef, Phibs discovers a spectacular underwater sea cave, rumored to be a lost cave with a buried treasure. But when Phibs and her best friend Gabe surface from the cave, they notice that they're undergoing strange changes. Oozing gashes that don’t heal. Haunting whispers in their heads... Something has latched onto them, lurking beneath their skin, transforming them from the inside out.

When treasure hunters arrive, desperate to find the location of the cave and hold Phibs’ group for ransom, she’ll do anything to keep her friends safe. In the process she learns that, of all the dreadful creatures of the sea, she might be the most terrifying of them all.
Release Date: May 13th, 2025
Genre: YA Horror
Pages: 304
Rating: ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Atmospheric
2. Audiobook is intense (give the narrator an award she was great!)

What I Didn't Like:
1. Cheesy things happen
2. Boring
3. Gabe/Phibs (love) storyline


Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}

Right out the door we learn that Phibs is the poor one surrounded by rich friends. With that troupe in place we are supposed to believe that Phibs is so poor but she can have an expensive hobby such as scuba diving. Yeah, her family's friend pays for this journey but she had to get here to where she could scuba dive.

Soooooo Phibs is obsessed with Gabe. It drives me insane how much we have to hear it over and over.

Okay Phibs why bring such a special camera with you on a boat if you are worried about it getting more damaged?

Why do they want to start a scuba social media when they are going to be moving away for school? It doesn't make sense.

God, teenagers are so dramatic. Lol. Everything is the end of the world.

There it is our main character reminding us that she hasn't eaten in so long. Why??

So this place was so horrible and dangerous that Phibs friend (does her name even matter - they all sound the same and have no character development) threatens to throw Phibs most prized possession overboard, but then suggests they do a night dive into the same cave not even 24 hours later. Still absolutely no explanation for why she behaved this way. Personally I think her friends are terrible. Now her friend has to see it for herself ah.

I'm 152 pages into this book and maybe a few things have happened that I would consider interestingly horrorish. Other than that it's been pretty much Phibs obsession of Gabe and her googly eyes for him. Pretty boring so far. Currently she's getting attacked by a tiger shark but Gabe has stepped in to save her. How very Twilight. I know it's a YA but give us readers something more. Please! I might dnf this at 75% (page 230) if something doesn't happen.

Are beach people always in bikinis and swim trunks? They get into a fight and just strip off into their swim clothes around every corner. The characters just leave the store empty to go out to the water to have a talk.

I laughed so hard when Loni lost her fingers. It was so random and crazy.

Oh and right after that we jump into that the sheriff is Phibs dad. How random and out of this world.

Well you know you're in a YA book because now there is a love triangle between brothers Will and Gabe. How stupid. I don't need this.

Story line of the sheriff trying to kill them for the coins they found and posted on social media is ridiculous. Like no one would investigate the death of them after they posted the coins.

Final Thoughts:
The beginning of this book kind of drove me off the deep end. It kept cycling through the same things over and over;
• Phibs in love with Gabe
• Grandma's memory is disappearing
• Being poor
• Grandpa is dead

Too much going on in this book. I dnfed this because I was already barely caring then we get this weird Goonies scene of the treasure hunters finding the teens and telling them all their plans and who they were. Just too much happening in this book for you to focus on. What are we suppose to be caring about? The love triangle? Grams having Alzheimer's? Phibs being poor? The coins? Phibs finding out who her mother is? Being kidnapped and forced to show the treasure spot? Or covering up the murder of her dad the sheriff? - - TOO MUCH!

All the characters are cookie cutters of one another. All straight white rich people and the only one who isn't rich is the one that is like middle class. Don't tell me that you are soooo poor but are able to live in Key West, go surfing whenever you want, and your home life is still okay despite your grandma needing medical care (which if she loved her so much it seems like she didn't really do anything to advocate for her safety just left her alone all the time).

IG | Blog

Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this unique book. It did have an "Outer Banks" show feel to it blended with a little horror that felt kind of mythological. It's a little difficult to explain but it worked well and kept me entertained.

The story centers around five friends who have bonded over diving. Four of them are quite wealthy while the fifth one, who is new to the group, is from the "other side of the tracks" and has no money. Yet, it doesn't matter because they feel like family to one another. When their hobby places them in harm's way, they stay together and hold firmly in their trust in one another.

When they travel to a remote island for a vacation, they don't believe the local myths are true until they experience it first hand. Then, they have to figure out how to try to undo the damage. But can they? And on top of trying to remedy a life-changing "curse," they also have to battle treasure hunters. It's an action packed book with a creative and well-written storyline.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The narration was very good and kept me engaged. I enjoyed being able to go back and forth between the ebook and audiobook. This book lent itself well to the audiobook format. 4 1/2 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook.

Good story, nothing special. First read with this author, would try another book. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book