Book Review: Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

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Let me just say it straight: Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan was amazing.

I went in expecting a fun, fast-paced adventure (because it’s Rick Riordan, after all), but what I got was so much more. This book isn’t just a retelling or reimagining of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea—it’s a powerful story packed with modern themes, brilliant characters, and genuine representation that’s often missing in mainstream middle-grade/YA fiction.

Representation Done Right

First off: the representation in this book? Chef’s kiss. Riordan weaves in a diverse cast without making it feel like tokenism or checkbox diversity. It’s just natural—and that’s what makes it so powerful.

  • We see autistic characters presented with depth and respect. Their strengths and perspectives are celebrated, not stereotyped.

  • The protagonist, Ana Dakkar, is Indian-American, and it’s not just her name or background that reflects her identity—it’s how she sees the world, her family legacy, and how she carries herself. Representation like this matters, especially for young readers who rarely see heroes who look or sound like them.

  • There are African and other BIPOC characters who are central to the story, not sidelined. Everyone on the crew matters—and everyone brings something valuable to the table.

A Heroine Who’s Real

Ana is such a refreshing protagonist. She’s brave, smart, uncertain, overwhelmed—and real. One of the moments that struck me the most (and honestly, made me admire Riordan even more as a writer) was when Ana gets her period right in the middle of this life-changing, high-stakes journey.

That moment isn’t played for laughs or brushed aside. It’s treated honestly, as something so many people deal with—even while saving the world. And it made Ana feel even more human. Like yeah, she might have the fate of the Nautilus and the ocean itself on her shoulders, but she still has to deal with cramps and tampons. Relatable and realistic. I felt for her, but I also appreciated the inclusion—because it’s such a normal thing that rarely shows up in adventure fiction.

A Plot That Never Lets Go

The story itself? Absolutely gripping. From the first chapter, Riordan throws you into a world of underwater academies, ancient tech, secrets from the past, and enemies around every corner. The pacing is tight, the twists are sharp, and the stakes keep rising.

And somehow, even with all the action, the book still manages to be funny, heartfelt, and reflective. Riordan balances humor and gravity like a pro (which, let’s be honest, he is).

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a book that’s not only wildly entertaining but also matters—Daughter of the Deep is it.

It's bold in its representation. It's unafraid to address things like grief, identity, periods, and moral complexity. And it's a reminder that diverse voices belong in adventure stories—not just on the sidelines, but at the center of the action.

Rick Riordan continues to evolve as an author, and this book proves he’s not just telling myths—he’s building new narratives that reflect the world we live in today.

10/10. Would board the Nautilus again.


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