London Shah is a British-born Muslim of Afghan descent. Shelives in London, via England s beautiful North. When she s not busy reimaginingthe past, plotting an alternate present, or dreaming up a surreal future, she smost likely drinking copious amounts of tea, eating all the sweets and cakes,strolling through Richmond Park or along the Thames, getting lost on an eveningin the city s older, darker alleyways (preferably just after it s rained), listeningto punk rock, or losing herself in a fab sci-fi/fantasy film or book. If shecould have only one superpower, it would be to breathe underwater.
Shah's debut is a fast-paced masterpiece from start to finish. Readers will fall in love with passionate, persistent Leyla as well as her secretive, swoon-worthy companion, Ari. While the tropes of dystopian fiction-corrupt government, fear of the unknown-will be easily recognizable by fans of the genre, Shah has skillfully shaped a gorgeous world unlike any those fans have seen before. But be forewarned: the book ends on a jaw-dropping cliff-hanger. Highly recommended. --?School Library Journal Riveting and exciting, The Light at the Bottom of the World is a heart-racing adventure that reveals compelling and necessary truths about several critical issues of our times, while delivering all the thrills and twists of an epic quest. A stand-out, must-read book that engulfed me in its enthralling world and characters. Leyla McQueen is queen of the (under)seas! --?S. K. Ali, author of 2018 Morris finalist Saints and Misfits and Love from A to Z A work of fathomless imagination. --?Samantha Shannon, New York Times best-selling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree The Light at the Bottom of the World is a wonderfully refreshing epic adventure, with dynamite worldbuilding and a crafty heroine. Leyla's determination and talent will keep you hooked in her story, and you will be begging for Shah's next book before you've even finished this one. --?Rachel Strolle: Teen Librarian, Glenside Public Library District