"Dark Flood" by Karon Alderman is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that pulls readers into a world of suspense, mystery, and hidden secrets. Alderman’s writing is taut and immersive, crafting a story that is both chilling and compelling from the very first page.

Set against the backdrop of a town besieged by rising waters, the novel follows characters who are not only battling the physical threat of the flood but also the darker, more insidious dangers that the floodwaters uncover. As the water levels rise, so do the tensions, unearthing long-buried secrets and forcing the characters to confront their pasts. Alderman expertly weaves together multiple storylines, creating a narrative that is both complex and satisfying, with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge.

The atmosphere in "Dark Flood" is one of its strongest elements, with Alderman’s vivid descriptions of the encroaching flood creating a palpable sense of danger and urgency. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, each grappling with their own fears and motivations as the floodwaters bring their inner demons to the surface.

"Dark Flood" is more than just a disaster novel; it’s a deep exploration of human nature, survival, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Karon Alderman has crafted a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful, character-driven stories. This is a book that will leave you breathless, both from its intense plot and its insightful look into the darker corners of the human psyche.

Archie lives with his Mam and Granda. Granda is not able to get out the way he used to, so Archie and his friends Deela and Kyle come up with a plan to raise money to buy him a mobility scooter - playing the fiddle the way Granda taught him. However, twins who’ve moved in across the street have other plans and can’t resist causing trouble.

When Archie is caught up in a storm, he finds himself underground with miners trapped in an accident that happened over two hundred years before.

As a time travel story, I found the ‘portal’ to the past quite a weak one. However, I’m prepared to forgive this as I enjoyed the modern day tale of friendship, family and standing up to bullies a good one.

I live a couple of miles from the location where this story is set and yet I’d never heard of that particular mining disaster. I loved the inclusion of all the local settings and could easily picture where the boys were. I also liked that the story was written in the Geordie dialect throughout, not just the dialogue.

I think this will become a firm favourite in terms of historical novels set in Newcastle.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A really engaging read, which meshes present with past to commemorate lives lost and to affirm lives yet to live. An homage to community and local heritage which shows the importance of keeping both alive.
Full disclosure: I was born and bred in North Tyneside so this book is in my vernacular and I love that. In fact, the whole first person narrative is in dialect not just the dialogue- I love that decision. I’m keen to see how it is received elsewhere.

Archie and his friends Deela and Kyle are on holiday for the summer. Archie’s ‘granda’s’ health is failing and the children make a plan to earn money to buy him a mobility scooter. Granda has always been a big part of Archie’s life, unlike his dad. The children’s summer is marred somwhat by the boys who live opposite Archie-the Robson Twins- and their reign of terror in the area.
One day, the children notice an archaelogical survey is being carried out close to where they live at the scene of an infamous pit disaster that happened two centuries before. This welcomes in our first hint about what is to come.

I was a bit worried: along with whippets and flatcaps, mines are a bit of an obvious symbol of north east life but I loved the way the story around the pit disaster developed, although very sad. I think the time slip was done in a really interesting way and well-managed. There are some harrowing moments but its sensitively done. Dark Flood quietly raises some important social questions about today and shines a light on the plight of miners and their families in the past.

Dark Flood vividly brought back ‘Thunder Thursday’ where a supercell thunderstorm hit only the north east of England creating chaos in minutes. Just in case anyone thought the weather event being described was far-fetched.

On a personal note, I think I’d like have to have got to the time shift a little bit sooner: it’s a fascinating flashback to a terrible moment but it comes relatively late in the story.

I would have loved some sort of (even start of a ) redemption arc for the Robson twins- linked to their ancestors or something! Their villainy is a bit one-dimensional, and they are universally hated, which makes for great conflict and tension but these boys have had difficult lives and the teacher in me wanted to see at least a glimmer of hope for their future rehabilitation.

A geet canny book that I cannet wait to share with me class.

Thanks to Karon Alderman, Hachette and Net Galley for an eARC of Dark Flood.

A time-travel or timelines-colliding type of story that originates in the Heaton Colliery Disaster.

We observe the story through Archie’s POV. It is full of adventures, functions as a mystery and despite the fantasy elements, approaches grief realistically. It also has a glossary to make the voices of Archie and other characters easier to understand.

It is rather long, complex and deals with some challenging themes, hence, is not the best fit for younger children, but it is a nice read for YA and older children. I have never read a time-bending book about a mine accident before, I think, and was glad to be informed about it, and this book made me contemplate on several difficult matters as well as heart-warming love and connection of our loved ones. I am planning to introduce my child to it when they are older.