This book was sooooo good. I read it in less than 24 hours. A FANTASTIC debut from Rachel Reiss. You can can she had knowledge of scuba diving. The description of this book being like Outer Banks and Wilder Girls was spot on! A perfect YA, minimal swearing, intriguing plot, side teen romance, and a dash of fantasy. I loved it and am screaming from the rooftops for people to read this.

I received this book as an ebook ARC from NetGalley, and I'm thrilled to have read it!

While I was originally thrown by the flashbacks and multiple timestamps that were shown throughout the first third of the book, things slowly started coming together, building up to a whirlpool of a climax and never quite letting go. The aspect of found family, the inherent sense of loyalty, and the love that the "Salt Squad" have between them feels real, not shoehorned or too perfect, but a steady compare and contrast project between caring too much for each other and trying to be selfish at the same time.

The mystery and thriller portions of this book are unexplained in some of the best ways, and Reiss does an excellent job of portraying the joy, wonder, awe, and fear of scuba and cave diving, especially with real-life tragedies that have haunted some of the most beautiful places on earth. The war between beauty and calm and raging waves is balanced well, and it kept me hooked and ready to keep reading to find out what I could.

Overall, Out of Air was a very good book, which (for me) only missed out on 5 stars because the timelines (especially at the beginning) were rather confusing. Things definitely made more sense at the end, I just wish they'd made that much sense more toward the beginning!

Title: Our of Air by Rachel Reiss
Genre: YA Thriller
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
📖 304 pages

The deeper you go, the darker you fall.

Scuba Diving
Treasure Hunters
Underwater Caves
Flashbacks/Dual Timelines

This ended up being an intriguing mix of YA fantasy and thriller, with a smidge of horror. The pacing was a little slow, but I still enjoyed the couple of twists and the lore aspect. This was a great debut novel and I look forward to reading the Reiss's work in the future!

Thank you so much, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the digital review copy

Out of Air by Rachel Reiss is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that had my anxiety spiking with every page! Following Phibs and her friends on a final summer dive to an isolated Australian island, the story quickly descends into a gripping nightmare when they uncover a mysterious underwater cave. The eerie transformations, sinister whispers, and relentless treasure hunters create an atmosphere of palpable tension that never lets up. With vivid descriptions and escalating stakes, Reiss masterfully captures the terrifying allure of the ocean’s depths while exploring themes of loyalty and survival.

Thanks NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC.

“Never forget what the ocean is capable of. If you forget, it will come for you, too.”

This book is outside my normal wheelhouse but something about the description and the cover just drew me in and I am glad I branched out and read this YA thriller / creepy psychological horror book. It just sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down since there was always another twist I needed to figure out and a new oh my god moment. The story follows Phoebe and her friends who are dealing with the fallout of an incident from 6 months ago while enjoying a last summer trip diving in Australia before they all go their own ways after high school. As the story is told in the present with chapters flashing back to the previous incident allowing it to unfold in the same time the current timeline does. I can’t say anymore because I don’t want to risk a spoiler but trust me if this book sounds even slightly interesting to you then you should pick it up, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

An interesting read where a group of divers go to Australia for a last trip before they all go off to college. The group is already fragile and breaking apart and a mysterious cave that has magical powers affects two of the group. And they have no idea why they are starting to change physically and mentally. Not my favorite, but a quick read.

3.5 stars

I loved the premise of the book, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
The diving aspect was very interesting to me as someone who has no experience in that area, and I could feel the tension and urgency when the characters were diving and trying not to run out of air. However, I feel that the atmosphere was disrupted by the chapters set in the past and could have been used to explore the events of the present in more depth. The pacing was also very quick, which didn't allow me to connect to the characters and story as much as I would have liked. Some of their decisions and actions were also quite frustrating to me, so I would have liked more insight into the other members of the Salt Squad.

Unfortunately, I ended up feeling unsatisfied with the ending. I was confused by some of the details (one non-spoilery example: what was under their skin, causing the changes? and what's the endgame of the 'transformation'). I just didn't like the outcome in general, to be honest.

Despite all this, I see potential, and this is a debut novel, so I'm interested in what the author writes in the future.

What a dive! Reiss' debut novel is an exciting mix of friendship, adventure, and serendipity. It gave off strong Outer Banks vibes, with a tight-knit group of friends chasing their passions of diving together, and the thrill of hidden treasure, history, and treasure hunters. The story’s vibrant details and emotional depth were immersive, and the vivid descriptions of ocean life made me want to go diving myself. There’s also a twist of oceanic horror that adds an intriguing layer. I loved the overall atmosphere of the book and am definitely interested in reading future novels by Reiss! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

I struggled with how to categorize this one except that it was YA in some forms. There was fantasy and horror and even some romance. A debut that was a mashup of emotions while I flipped the pages trying to figure out what I had picked up.

It’s the story of 5 friends: 3 girls and 2 fraternal brothers. The odd (wo) man out is the only one who isn’t coupled in some way… the girls being in a relationship and the boys being twins. But Phoebe finds a kinship to them as they’re all drawn to the ocean… a magnetic pull between them and the vast horror that is calling them and could kill in them in the same breath.

There’s mystery over what happened to Phoebe’s mom. The bizarre transformation happening to Gabe and her. And the treasure hunters that find a space in the dark swells of this book.

And to be honest I don’t even know what I think except that my fear of the power of the ocean that both calms me when I stare at it… and frightens me when I step in it… had me binging this one.

A thriller fantasy of sorts. Unique in some ways and YA in tone, it’s one for readers who like this type of a mash up.

Also, I’m never going in the ocean again😂 it is literally all my fears in one book. Esp the box jellyfish that I had no idea about but made me google if they were in fact real.

I’m gonna chalk it up to an escapist book. I liked it because it felt fresh. So curious on where this debut author will go next.

Thank you @dial for the gifted copy!
3.75 ⭐️

First of all, thank you for the ARC!

It's my first time reading about divers, and it's so atmospheric!

Five friends, an underwater cave, treasure, and an unexplainable illness
•1 pov
•Love and friendship
•Secrets
•The underwater world

I was intrigued from beginning to end, and I wish it had more content. The book felt like a short story, but I still enjoyed reading it.

Everything is described as if I were underwater myself. Even though I'm afraid of swimming, diving movies are among my favorites, so after reading the synopsis, I eagerly picked it up.

It’s somewhat reminiscent of "Outer Banks," with a group of teens, problems, secrets, and treasure, but it's not fair to compare or expect an exact match.

Now I want more books like this!

For the idea, a huge plus!

📷🌊🪙🪼

*4.5 stars*

Out of Air is a fun YA ocean horror adventure! I am always down for ocean horror, so I was intrigued by this book's premise; and it delivered on the creepy. I think this one is best jumped into with as few spoilers as possible, so I won't say much about the plot other than it is very well written; it does start as more of a slow burn, but in a good way that allows the horror to develop. I would recommend Out of Air to fans of Those We Drown by Amy Goldsmith, Under the Surface by Diana Urban, or any readers who enjoy YA ocean horror, body horror, or survival stories.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for the arc! All thoughts & opinions stated in the review are my own.

If you enjoyed Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield or the Outer Banks show - you might really like this! An underwater thriller with a bit of a horror twist is exactly what I needed during the snow-pocalypse of Kentucky 2025!

Things I Loved:
- Out of Air showcases what it's really like to see wealthy groups living close to poor/down-on-their-luck people. The kids intermingle and become a tight-knit family feeling group - but there are always secrets in every group.
- THE ENDING!! So good! I love a twist.
- Forever enjoying books that make me want to travel - and the descriptions of the sea life off the coast of Australia are amazing. Would love to travel there and snorkel!!

**Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

right off the bat, this book was such an interesting concept with a beautiful book cover! i was definitely drawn by the cover and the title. i know nothing about scuba diving, i just thought it was pretty. however there was a lot of scuba jargon, which i didn’t get. something like a scuba index would have been great to reference.

i am always very curious when authors use present tense over past. the writing was very descriptive without feeling boring which is something i appreciated. the writing was also perfectly anxiety inducing for a person who is terrified of scuba diving. the writing of this book gives me the same vibes that the outer banks did.

Book:
OUT OF AIR by Rachel Reiss
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the earc (May 13)

Review:
4⭐
When Phoebe and her friends go on a diving excursion in Australia, they discover an underwater cave that houses treasures and something almost supernatural. After breathing in air from an air pocket, Phoebe and her friend Gabe begin changing. While trying to figure out what happened, treasure hunters show up and threaten the group, wanting the treasure. They know what happened 6 months ago, and if they spill it, the group will be forever changed. Phoebe will do whatever it takes to keep the Salt Squad safe.
OUT OF AIR is an atmospheric novel that takes the reader on a journey through majestic water and diving excursion without leaving the house. The book starts off with the group on vacation. I'd like to say that this book hooked me from page one, but I thought it started a tad slow. However, as the novem progresses and the risks versus reward progresses, OUT OF AIR picks up.
Throughout the second half, maybe even after the first third, this book is easily devourable. I would describe this as gasping for air, like needing to know what's going on, if they can stop the changes like some needs air.
I really liked how Reiss wove everything together from present day to what happened to the group a few months before. It helped add insight that I felt was needed, especially as the story progressed with the cave and whatnot. Not only is this book interesting, but there is a level of emotion that coats the mind in a way that left tears prickling my eyes, and my heart racing with sadness and worry.
OUT OF AIR offers a mystery that's different than the whodunit I'm used to. It reminded me of something Amy Goldsmith would write, which is amazing. OUT OF AIR is definitely something I would recommend to those looking for an underwater source of entertainment that evolves in a freaky, sciencey type of way.

Whoa. What a fun ride this one was! Through the book there were great twists and turns the keep you on your toes.

When 5 friends take that end of high school trip before going their own ways for college and beyond, none of them can know what the ocean holds for them in a remote section of ocean off the coast of Australia. There are various flash backs throughout the book that dole out the events that lead the crew to where they are now. Little do they all know that there are mysteries and secrets surrounding more of the trip than they’d originally planned.

The group’s dynamic is very relatable and you feel how they’re all trying to deal with this big life transition. A well written and engaging read!

Out of Air by Rachel Reiss is a book that water adventure lovers will enjoy. I recommend it if you’re in the mood for a good time.

I highly enjoyed this book! Adventures meets twisty romance. I was HOOKED! This is a must read if you love the outdoors and some love mixed in.

Out of Air was a phenomenal and encaptivating read and I loved every second of it. It truly does give Outer Banks vibes with the friendship between Phibs and the others and I loved all the very bizarre magic and mystery that follows after they discover the underwater cave in the Australian island. I also enjoyed that the books timeline went in the past when the reader wasn't experiencing the present happenings. I felt like the pacing was perfect and at no point did I find myself bored, The visuals of the horrific things happening to Phibs and Gabe's bodies is true "underwater" horror and I also enjoyed that it was connected to a legend. Throughout the whole book I felt like there was enough description that I felt like I was inside the story itself and I absolutely love when an author can capture that for a reader. This book was suspenseful, it was emotional, it was downright weird. Readers who love creepy underwater horror and thrillers are absolutely going to eat this book up.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rachel Reiss’s “Out of Air” is a fast-paced and atmospheric YA thriller that plunges you into the mysterious depths and potential horrors of ocean diving. Set against the vivid backdrop of a remote island off the coast of Western Australia, this book offers a unique perspective into ocean diving and the desire to not be alone. Before going into this review, please note that there are copious amounts of body horror throughout this book as Phibs and Gabe start to transform after going into an underwater cave; the body horror elements are descriptive and may be too much for some readers.

The story centers on five young American friends—the self-proclaimed "Salt Squad"—who share a passion for diving. Phoebe, nicknamed Phibs, is the outsider of the group, hailing from a less privileged background and burdened by responsibilities to her family. She feels increasingly alienated as her friends prepare to leave for college, highlighting themes of belonging and jealousy, which some younger readers may relate to. The group’s seemingly idyllic diving trip takes a dark turn when Phibs, along with Gabe, one of the twins, enters a forbidden underwater cave and breathes from an air pocket that begins to change their bodies in strange and horrifying ways.

The dual timeline structure alternates between the present-day nightmare of their current dive and flashbacks to different periods of time in Phibs’ life, like showing how her friendships started with the Salt Squad, though the main focus is on a traumatic dive six months earlier when the Salt Squad discovered a cache of Golden Age coins, propelling them to internet fame. While the flashbacks provide context for the group’s dynamics and tensions, I wanted more of a focus on the present timeline.

The supernatural and horror elements are central to the story. The body horror involving Phibs and Gabe—who develop slits in their bodies and begin evolving into something suited for the open water—offers moments of creepiness but lacks the slow, escalating tension that could have made the changes more terrifying. Instead, these transformations feel rushed and secondary to the personal drama and romantic subplots, which sometimes overshadow the main story, especially the romance between Phibs and Gabe. I wanted more of a focus on the body horror since that was the most unique and interesting part of the book to me, though I also enjoyed the diving aspects.

Reiss excels in creating an immersive setting. The vivid descriptions of the ocean and diving scenes evoke a sense of beauty and danger, and the eerie, isolated island enhances the book’s suspenseful tone. The exploration of privilege and power dynamics within the Salt Squad, especially through the character of Lani, adds layers to the story. Lani’s secretive and domineering behavior drives much of the conflict.

Overall, I really enjoyed the fast-paced plot with plenty of action and suspense as well as the commentary about belonging and privilege. The ending did feel a bit unresolved, though it made sense with Phibs’s overall desire for companionship and belonging. “Out of Air” is an engaging and atmospheric read that will appeal to fans of YA thrillers and speculative fiction. While it doesn’t fully capitalize on its horror potential, its unique premise, fast pace, and emotionally resonant themes make it a worthwhile dive into the depths of friendship, transformation, and finding a place to belong.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an early copy of this, all opinions are my own.

Imagine loving the ocean so much that you want to become part of it. I mean, that is really what this book felt like! It is a love story, sure, but a pretty messed up one at that.

The author is so incredibly descriptive with her writing - I found myself squirming in my seat and scratching my neck and ankle at different parts of the story. I would get so lost in the story, then the real gross descriptive parts would come up and I felt like I was almost feeling those sensations myself. Gross, real gross. That is what I've got to say about it!

I had theories about the story too. I kept expecting the people to find mermaids or become mermaids, since there is a sort of dark fantasy element to the story. The story is for sure set in a real world, there is just some very not-real things happening to these kids, more of the magical phenomena more than anything. Or.....was the cave really cursed? Who can really say whether magic exists in our world or not?

There is a sense of unease throughout the whole story, even the good parts. I knew nothing was ever as good as it seemed, and the author did a good job of giving us crumbs all the way up to the big reveal. I mean, the love interest was like "I need to tell you something" then kissed the girl and never brough it up again. WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! Of course, we find out at the end of the book....but I spent the whole story trying to guess what he was going to say, or how things could get worse than they already are.

This book is a debut, and a strong one!

All in all, I really got sucked into this story and quickly became invested. Some of the descriptors really had me squirming, but I also could not look away - lest I miss something crucial. This is a standalone so no sequel, but the ending is a bit open. It is nice to imagine where the characters can go from here, in their little ending that is not particularly happy, but could be happy for them. Worth the read, and I look forward to it coming out in 2025.
Content Warnings: mental illness, dementia, toxic relationship, abusive relationship, gaslighting, injury/injury detail, body horror, death, violence