Out of Air follows a group of five best friends, although it is narrated entirely by Phoebe “Phibs” Ray, who head to Australia for a scuba diving trip before heading to college. The story is presented with ‘before’ and ‘present’ narratives and I felt the book might have been stronger if it had more character points of view, as I quickly grew tired of Phibs and her mooning over one of the boys in the group. We are repeatedly reminded that the others in the group are from much wealthier backgrounds, with Phibs constantly feeling that she would not be part of the ‘Salty Squad’ if she didn’t provide most of the photography for their successful online social media presence. There is a lot of scuba diving in Out of Air, much of which is spent underwater both before and after the arrival in Australia. Although it was a solid enough read I did find it very slow and wonder whether teens may struggle with the lack of action and get bored with the insecurities Phibs continually suffers from.

After finding some gold coins in an earlier dive, which catapulted their social media presence, the group head to Australia and get sucked into a curse connected to an underwater chamber which also has potentially huge treasures, but at a price. Much of the novel follows what happens to Phibs and the boy she falls for, whilst flicking back to her Alzheimer suffering grandmother. Much of the novel is about friendships, developing relationships (with Gabe) and discovering who you are, whilst also throwing in some action sequences as there are modern day pirates also seeking the treasure. The story does develop into body horror, which is graphic in parts, but should still be fine for most readers, I also felt this could have had a more pronounced part of the story given how significant it was. AGE RANGE 13+

Interesting, suspenseful, and I love this new trend of strange ocean happenings, like Shark Heart and Our Wives Beneath the Sea. This is well written and I didn't realize it was YA until updating my reading progress, so great job for capturing the big change from high school to college without it feeling juvenile. I received this as an ARC from St. Martin Press/Wednesday Books via Netgalley.

I loved the premise of this book. The relationships between the main group of characters were good. At times, just slightly hard to follow. I was not expecting the ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and could not put it down. The only thing major I didn't like was the dual timeline POV. It is just not something I like in books unfortunately. Other than that though it was so good. The horror aspects were done very well, especially since it had to do with the deep sea (scary)

This was a pretty fast paced book that throws you in the middle of the story almost, especially with the dual timelines. It starts off at the beginning of one adventure but at the end of another. The story and characters seemed very realistic for what it was. This is obviously a horror/thriller book with some fantasy elements to it so there is some things you have to be easy on with realism. However, for what it is, I found the characters and group dynamic to be very good.

I loved the horror aspect of this book a lot. The way the author described the events and what was happening with everything I could easily imagine it. It, being a book about the sea and the deep sea, was very eerie to me. On top of that the treasure hunting aspect of it and the romance thrown in as well, added up to a very entertaining and fun read. Lastly, I wish we knew more concretely about what happened at the end, I feel like it was not as tied up as I wanted but I still liked it a lot.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend to people who enjoy horror and the sea, as well as dual timelines!

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC copy!

4/5 Stars!
I will definitely be reading more books from this author! Highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a story reminiscent of an "Outer Banks"\diving\mystery\treasure hunter/horror storyline where 5 friends get more than they bargained for when going for a dive into the depths of the ocean.

I definitely enjoyed this book! While the pacing was slow at some points, it was easy to follow along, and there were some good twists in the storyline that I was happy to have been resolved in the end. When I started reading, I was expecting a story about divers who discover treasure and come across not-so-pleasant treasure hunters, but enjoyed the plot going somewhere else with the strange changes the two characters go through, as well as the back story to how the 'Salt Squad" came to be. The story didnt end the way I originally thought it would end, and I was very happy with where Phoebe and her friends ended up, and that Phoebe wasnt alone in the end, and she had some long-awaited answers.

Having never read a story that involved diving, I enjoyed reading about aspects that divers have to know on every dive - like how to surface and why you cant surface too fast, while adding to the storyline. Personally I have never dived before, and really liked the descriptions of the underwater environment that these 5 friends encounter when they dive. I feel like a story like this to include pictures such as the ones the main character Phoebe 'Phibs' takes, would be a really cool additional experience if added into the book.

Being a fan of Outer banks the description of this book was compelling. It did not disappoint. I have always had an attraction to the sea and treasure hunting. If you like the ocean and what it holds this is a must read for you.

This cover is stunning.

The vibes were vibing—a mysterious jaunt into the water, starting from the first page. Well-written and atmospheric. While I stopped at 20%, the writing style is easy to follow, and it feels perfectly aimed for teens and young adults.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

This is definitely geared towards young adults and teens. Author did a good job of conveying the idea of the struggles of developing trust and struggling when doubt and stress come into play.

Wow, Out of Air by Rachel Reiss completely blew me away. This story is intense, emotional, and packed with suspense — I couldn’t put it down.

The protagonist’s journey felt so raw and real. I was rooting for them every step of the way, feeling their fears, struggles, and small victories like I was right there with them. The way Reiss writes is just so vivid — every moment felt alive and gripping.

What I loved most was how this book wasn’t just about surviving physically but also emotionally. It’s about pushing through fear, finding unexpected strength, and holding on even when everything feels impossible. And those twists? They kept me guessing until the very end.

This book stayed with me long after I finished it. If you’re into stories that grab your heart and don’t let go, Out of Air is an absolute must-read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okay this truly was unlike anything I've ever read. Even though it's marketed as horror its not really scary in a way most horror is. It's the fear of the unknown, of loneliness and of the ocean. I did not expect this story to be so magical and thrilling. I'll probably go out and get a physical copy when its released.

Such a quick, good read! Loved the unique storyline and it kept me guessing as to what was happening the whole book. Some of their dives had me stressing 😱 I felt like I was underwater with them!

“My breath heaves in my lungs. I pull my arms in tight and shiver. And that’s when I feel it. Inside me, something shivers back.”

4.50 / 5.00 stars

Out of Air, the debut novel of author and diver Rachel Reiss, is a dark coming of age story set amongst the sea. Phoebe “Phibs” Ray and her tight knight group of friends depart on one last diving adventure before they head off in life’s different directions. But the discovery of an underwater cave threatens to tear them apart (literally). As they sink deeper into the mystery of what’s happening to them, Phibs can’t help but remember another diving trip just a few short months ago that ended in tragedy. Will this teenage group be able to solve the mystery before their time runs out?

Out of Air was such a fantastic read! Reiss starts building an ominous tension right from the start, and continues building to an almost fever pitch by the end. She creates a realistic friendship amongst the group, as well as a down-to-earth friends-to-lovers dynamic. The thriller-mystery element is written so well, slowly peeling back layer after layer that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I also enjoyed how Reiss chose to tell the story as a sort of parallel to what happened with the group a few months before. It was super interesting to me to see both stories unfold at the same time and discover how that situation directly tied to the current.

Being a YA book, there are moments of predictability, but some of them feel more like an accomplished confirmation versus an eyeroll “well, duh!” moment (though there are a few of those, too!). There were also times where I felt like the group of friends was a bit too formal toward each other and just left me with thinking that it was hard for Reiss to fully capture the vibes of a group of teenagers.

Overall, I will definitely add this to my list of recommendations for 2025, especially for those looking for a gripping horror-thriller tale. I’m so excited to see where Rachel Reiss goes from here!

CONTENT WARNINGS: light body horror. I’m very squeamish and was able to tolerate it just fine.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for gifting me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is really fun, and if ocean horror is your thing, I would recommend it based on that alone. It’s clear Reiss has real diving experience, and those were my favorite aspects of the book. The descriptions of ocean life are vivid and frequent, and I was constantly Googling pictures of various kinds of fish so I could see what the characters were seeing. That’s also where the story excels in horror, and a couple encounters with some of the more deadly marine life were tense and frightening. Basically everything in the ocean can kill us without even trying, no supernatural aspects needed.

It does fall a little short on the supernatural, however. I was vibing with the cursed cave and the body horror of whatever they accidentally took from it, and it nicely ramps up the tension for a while. Then it feels like the novel loses confidence in that aspect, handwaves the problem a bit, and never really comes to a full conclusion on it. While I typically don’t have any feelings about romances/love interests, that part is well-developed. We really get a sense of the characters and their friendships, and the found family aspect of the novel is sweet. It’s a nice ending, but as a horror lover, I think it could have gone harder. I received an invitation to read a free e-ARC through NetGalley from the publishers at St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books.

I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book. I loved it!!! I had a hard time putting it down. I have never gone diving but I felt like I was right there and getting the chance to experience it. I was able to connect to each of characters and become engrossed in each of there stories and loved how it all came together. I look forward to reading more from Rachel Reiss

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.