The Secret Sea

by Barry Lyga

Overview

ZAK KILLIAN HEARS A VOICE...

A guardian angel? A ghost? No, it can't be...

But then the subway platform begins to flood, and the voice warns him to run! Soon Zak and his best friends Moira and Khalid find themselves in an alternate universe that is both familiar and horrifying. As Zak unravels the mystery behind the voice, he faces decisions that may mean the end of their world at home ― if they can even get home!

In his most propulsive and heartfelt book yet, acclaimed author Barry Lyga explores the depths of friendship, the bonds of family, and the nature of the universe itself.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780990659440
Publisher:	B & Z Books
Publication date:	07/18/2025
Pages:	446
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.99(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Barry Lyga is the author of more than twenty-five books for teens and adults in a variety of genres, including the New York Times bestselling I Hunt Killers and Thanos: Titan Consumed, the origin of the greatest villain in the MCU. He won the Kentucky Bluegrass Award for I Hunt Killers and was named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Steven Beshear in 2015. His novel Boy Toy was lauded as "...an astounding portrayal of what it is like to be the young male victim," and yet has been banned in multiple districts throughout the United States for its unflinching portrayal of child abuse.

Editorial Reviews

"Hold onto your seats. We've got adventure and high-stakes horror here that takes us from our world to another. You did it, Barry. This is the novel you were meant to write." —R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps and Fear Street

“Heart-pounding action. Powerful, eye-popping.” —Gordon Korman, New York Times–bestselling author of the Masterminds and Swindle series

"Readers will love the fast-paced action and terrifying details of the alternate timeline Zak and friends find themselves in, and the satisfying conclusion will leave them considering questions of identity and family." —Publishers Weekly

"Lyga returns to middle grade with a darkly compelling...look at family, morality, and the long-term effects even seemingly small choices can have. A thoughtful—and thought-provoking—piece of science fiction." —Booklist

“Full of twists and turns. . . . It is in some ways reminiscent of Andrew Smith’s The Marbury Lens but not as dark. Science fiction fans of the TV show Fringe will binge read their way through this adventure.” —VOYA

"The narrative’s success ultimately relies on its compelling adventures and character development. This work ultimately delivers the sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian goods and will draw in middle schoolers with its impressive world-building. A strong choice for many young adult and upper–middle grade collections." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher