The Mountain in the Sea

In The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler a new sentient species is discovered – on Earth. 

A previously unencountered species of octopus seems to have a language. Video from an unmanned sub show what appears to be both a culture and a language – normally octopuses do not form family groups, so knowledge is not passed down (a requirement for both culture and language). 

Marine biologist Ha Nguyen is flying to the archipelago of Con Dao. The islands were recently purchased by the megacorp DIANIMA and all who were living the were relocated to the mainland. 

When Dr Nguyen arrives, she is greeted by the world’s most advanced AI person and a security specialist that would give monsters nightmares. 

Nayler has written a fascinating story of intelligent life and consciousness. This is a great book.

Nayler. Ray. (2022). The Mountain in the Sea. New York: MCD.

Out of Time

Out of Time by David Klass is an environmental thriller.

Green Man is a terrorist who is committing acts in the name of waking people up to climate change and the fact that soon it will be too late to make the changes that may keep the Earth inhabitable. 

Each target is a threat to the environment. Once the attack happens a letter is sent to the media explaining why that industry must change. 

Tom Smith is a young FBI agent who finds patterns. He is assigned to the task force searching for Green Man. 

This is a great thriller. Klass has written a fast-paced ride. 

Klass, David. (2020). Out of Time. New York: Dutton.

The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean

The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey is a nonfiction trill as she follows the possibility of massive waves around the globe with surfers, scientists, insurance agents and wreck salvagers.

Think of the wave at the end of Point Break - so big it is impossible to ride or even survive. Now consider that as larger waves were discovered by surfers, they adapted to the greater speed. Big wave surfers are towed to the wave crest by jet skis. 

What causes these waves? And the waves that are said to have eaten ships in the part of the map that used to say, "There be monsters?" And how can they be predicted for ships' safety?

Casey tells us the answers and current theories in this wonderful book. From Hawaii with Laird Hamilton to South Africa with a man who salvages ships in the most likely place for them to sink on the planet, she breaks down what is known and what it still to discover about the ocean and its waves, moods and forces.

If you are looking for an engaging, heart-pumping read in nonfiction, I wholly recommend this book.

Casey, Susan. (2010). The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean. New York: Doubleday.