Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Undertow is a solid YA dystopian thriller with an inventive premise and timely themes about prejudice and fear of the other. Buckley successfully makes the jump from middle-grade to teen fiction, but parents should know this is a real departure from Sisters Grimm—darker, more violent, and aimed at actual teenagers.

The worldbuilding is creative (ocean warriors! Five Alpha nations! Coney Island militarized!), and Lyric is a strong protagonist. The anti-xenophobia message is clear without being preachy, though watching humans behave terribly for most of the book can be heavy.

The main caveat: this is definitely 13+ territory. Kid reviewers and Common Sense Media agree—no one under 12 should be reading this. There's violence, child death, and a bleakness that's appropriate for teens but would be overwhelming for younger readers. If your kid loved Sisters Grimm at age 9, bookmark this for when they're 13.

For the right age, it's an engaging read with substance beneath the action. Just make sure they're ready for proper YA content first.

Age Fit

This is squarely for ages 13-17, maybe stretching down to mature 12-year-olds who are comfortable with YA violence and dystopian darkness. Fans of Buckley's middle-grade work should wait until they're ready for proper teen content. Adults who enjoy YA dystopian thrillers could also find it engaging.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

55

The book tackles themes of prejudice, xenophobia, and cultural mistrust in a dystopian setting where humans fear and violently reject the Alpha refugees. While these are important themes, the execution involves significant violence, military occupation, and toxic human behavior that dominates the narrative. The romance between Lyric and Fathom provides some emotional grounding, but the overall tone is dark and heavy with humanity at its worst. Parent reviews note 'bad examples' and violence throughout. Not exactly emotionally healthy content, though the anti-prejudice message has merit.

Imaginative

78

Buckley creates an original premise mixing ocean-dwelling warrior races, dystopian Brooklyn, and a Romeo-and-Juliet-style forbidden romance. The worldbuilding of five Alpha nations with distinct cultures and the concept of sea creatures integrating into human society is creative. Common Sense Media and reviews praise the 'innovative, terrifying monsters' and 'phenomenal new heroine.' The blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary dystopia offers fresh territory, though it leans more toward consuming the story than inviting reader creativity or exploration.

Safe

62

This is a YA book with notable content concerns. Common Sense Media and kid reviews recommend it for teens and adults, with one reviewer stating 'no one under twelve should be reading it really.' The book contains violence (military conflict, human-on-Alpha aggression), political corruption, and darker themes around xenophobia and war. StoryGraph reviews mention child death as a content warning. While it's not gratuitous for the YA genre, younger readers picking this up expecting middle-grade Buckley (Sisters Grimm) would encounter unexpectedly mature and violent content. For the intended teen audience, it's appropriately safe, but the gap between author's previous work and this creates risk.

Enriching

72

The book offers substantial commentary on xenophobia, prejudice, refugee crises, and how fear drives human cruelty. The parallel to real-world immigration debates and scapegoating is clear and thought-provoking. Lyric is described as 'smart and snarky' with depth, and the narrative challenges readers to question who the real enemy is. The exploration of cultural mistrust and political manipulation provides ethical growth opportunities. However, it's primarily an action-driven thriller with romance, so the enrichment comes through theme absorption rather than active skill-building. Solid entertainment value with meaningful takeaways.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Original premise blending dystopian sci-fi with underwater fantasy and forbidden romance
Tackles real-world themes of prejudice, refugee crises, and scapegoating through an imaginative lens
Lyric is a compelling, snarky protagonist who's 'smart with rough edges and killer fashion sense'
Fast-paced action that 'reads like a movie' with genuine suspense about who the real enemy is
Strong 4.4 Amazon rating and starred School Library Journal review

⚠

What to Watch For

Significantly more violent and mature than Buckley's Sisters Grimm series—this is true YA, not middle-grade
Contains military violence, child death, and dark themes around xenophobia and political corruption
The dystopian setting is bleak with humans behaving badly throughout much of the narrative
Parent and kid reviews consistently recommend ages 12-13+ only

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the humans reacted with fear and violence instead of curiosity when the Alpha arrived?"
"Have you seen examples in real life where people blame outsiders or refugees for problems? How is that similar to what happens in the book?"
"Lyric and Fathom's relationship is forbidden by both their communities. What makes people fall for each other even when it's 'not allowed'?"
"If you were in Lyric's position, would you have helped Fathom? What would you risk for someone from the 'other side'?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Undertow: Undertow Trilogy, Book 1 Michael Buckley? Put this WISE score on your site