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The Deep Enders #1
The Deep Enders
With his home destroyed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, Murph Turner stumbles into the exotic town of Broome seeking refuge from the conflict that has engulfed the world. Instead, the troubled teen discovers a wild and lawless place brimming with espionage, treachery and romance. Murph is quickly taken under wing by Banjo - a cheeky Aboriginal scamp with a passion for pyrotechnics - and Micki, a beautiful teenager on the run from authorities. As Japanese warships close in on the Australian coastline, the trio is suddenly thrust into a murderous adventure - all set against the backdrop of a true WWII tragedy, so brutal that it was immediately covered up by the Government.
PRAISE FOR THE DEEP
“A gripping read that will have you on the edge of your seat.” – BookBuzz Magazine
"An action-packed adventure filled with wonderful characters, life and color. The Deep Enders is a wild ride for readers!"
– Leah James (Film Producer)
“Amazing writing … you’ll love it. 4.5 stars!” – Grace Radu, Booktube
"There's only one word for The Deep Enders, unputdownable. It has adventure, mystery, gruesome villains, hidden treasures and a trio of friends you can laugh along with." – Aziza Green (author and media consultant)
ABOUT THE
Dave Reardon covered crime, politics and crocodile attacks as a journalist for major newspapers before joining his wife Ann Reardon in producing one of the world's favorite online lifestyle shows with 500 million views on YouTube. Dave has ghostwritten numerous books but The Deep Enders is his first novel.
PRAISE FOR THE DEEP
“A gripping read that will have you on the edge of your seat.” – BookBuzz Magazine
"An action-packed adventure filled with wonderful characters, life and color. The Deep Enders is a wild ride for readers!"
– Leah James (Film Producer)
“Amazing writing … you’ll love it. 4.5 stars!” – Grace Radu, Booktube
"There's only one word for The Deep Enders, unputdownable. It has adventure, mystery, gruesome villains, hidden treasures and a trio of friends you can laugh along with." – Aziza Green (author and media consultant)
ABOUT THE
Dave Reardon covered crime, politics and crocodile attacks as a journalist for major newspapers before joining his wife Ann Reardon in producing one of the world's favorite online lifestyle shows with 500 million views on YouTube. Dave has ghostwritten numerous books but The Deep Enders is his first novel.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2016
62 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Dave Reardon
6 books79 followersHi, I’m Dave … I’m a writer, journalist, speaker, husband, dad to three loud boys & somewhere along the line I inadvertently became a YouTuber too.
I was a reporter for 10 years, covering crime, politics and crocodile for major Australian and international newspapers before heading online with my wife Ann Reardon (the genius behind HowToCookThat – one of the world’s favourite cooking shows).
As well as ghostwriting for some great people, I’ve had a couple of non-fiction leadership books published a few years back and have now branched into the world of Young Adult historical fiction with ‘The Deep Enders’ series of novels.
I live in Melbourne, Australia.
I was a reporter for 10 years, covering crime, politics and crocodile for major Australian and international newspapers before heading online with my wife Ann Reardon (the genius behind HowToCookThat – one of the world’s favourite cooking shows).
As well as ghostwriting for some great people, I’ve had a couple of non-fiction leadership books published a few years back and have now branched into the world of Young Adult historical fiction with ‘The Deep Enders’ series of novels.
I live in Melbourne, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 11, 2016
Three days on the road in a rattly old bus from Darwin to Broome after four weeks at sea from Hawaii to Darwin – sixteen year old Murph Turner was hot, tired and hungry. Evacuated after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, Murph was devastated to leave his mother who was nursing at a big hospital there, caring for the hundreds of wounded. Murph’s dad was in Broome – he was joining him for safety reasons. His mother would join them as soon as she could…
Murph became friends with a mischievous young Aboriginal boy – Banjo was full of fun and Murph found himself soon joining in Banjo’s pranks. And when Murph met Micki he couldn’t believe his eyes – she was beautiful; but could he keep her secret? Skip, Murph’s dad skippered the Azure, heading out to sea in search of pearls. But with the horror of the attack on Darwin, the authorities and military personnel were on edge in Broome where there was a military air base. The Australian Japanese were being rounded up and arrested as spies – Broome had always had Japanese pearl divers, but that was no longer possible.
But there was trouble on the horizon, and not just in the form of the Japanese. Suddenly the evil menace was in full view – would Murph and his friends escape from the intense danger they were in?
The Deep Enders by Aussie author Dave Reardon is a fast paced action adventure which is gripping and heartstoppingly intense! Filled with suspense and mystery, along with nasty bad guys and three friends who are fun and well-crafted, I thoroughly enjoyed The Deep Enders and have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to the author for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Murph became friends with a mischievous young Aboriginal boy – Banjo was full of fun and Murph found himself soon joining in Banjo’s pranks. And when Murph met Micki he couldn’t believe his eyes – she was beautiful; but could he keep her secret? Skip, Murph’s dad skippered the Azure, heading out to sea in search of pearls. But with the horror of the attack on Darwin, the authorities and military personnel were on edge in Broome where there was a military air base. The Australian Japanese were being rounded up and arrested as spies – Broome had always had Japanese pearl divers, but that was no longer possible.
But there was trouble on the horizon, and not just in the form of the Japanese. Suddenly the evil menace was in full view – would Murph and his friends escape from the intense danger they were in?
The Deep Enders by Aussie author Dave Reardon is a fast paced action adventure which is gripping and heartstoppingly intense! Filled with suspense and mystery, along with nasty bad guys and three friends who are fun and well-crafted, I thoroughly enjoyed The Deep Enders and have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to the author for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
June 24, 2016
Video review to come soon!
June 27, 2020
I fully got Deep Enders just because I love Ann Reardon’s YouTube channel! I had no idea what it was about and I think I was picturing some kind of sci-fi. So, it was a complete surprise when it turned out to be WWII historical fiction.
Anyway, I loved it! I never thought about what Australia was like during the war. I thought the characters were well rounded and interesting. The plot was fast moving and exciting, but also poignant and thought provoking. I was impressed with the amount of research it must have taken.
It also turned out to be really relevant to the times.
Anyway, I loved it! I never thought about what Australia was like during the war. I thought the characters were well rounded and interesting. The plot was fast moving and exciting, but also poignant and thought provoking. I was impressed with the amount of research it must have taken.
It also turned out to be really relevant to the times.
Did not finish
July 11, 2019Couldn’t get in,I didn’t like the written style 🤷🏻♀️
June 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this book!!! Historical fiction is rarely my "go-to" when it comes to genres I enjoy reading. However, this book did exactly what I expect from great historical fiction novels, it made me want to learn more about the setting. As one who never learned about Australia and their role during WWII, I found the backdrop to be very interesting. The characters in this story are great and, at its heart, this is truly a story about the power of friendship. During of time of panic and racial injustice, the power of friendship seems to make that all disappear. I would recommend this book for more middle school readers but I personally would have no problem with this book being in my elementary library. There is war time violence and people die in the story, but I didn't find it over graphic. There are a lot of intense moments though that may bother young readers and some of the racial issues may be difficult for young readers. If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially during WWII, this is a great pick.
May 4, 2016
This is a well written, intelligent, action packed & historically illuminating adventure/mystery book that is a brilliant read for anyone (especially the YA crowd.)
June 28, 2025
Deep Enders is a fantastic debut novel with a strong sense of place and a diverse cast of characters.
I especially loved the wonderfully descriptive writing, which never felt flowery, and instead rooted the narrative in its historical setting.
I also appreciated the many different POVs. This method of story-telling can often end up feeling a bit jumbled, but Reardon effortlessly switches between his main and secondary characters to give the reader the full picture of the unfolding events.
Even though it's a fairly short book, I had to pause the audio several times during the third act. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, another calamity befalls our heroes, and I had to catch my breath. My dash camera caught a lot of gasping and "oh no-ing" from me. As a reader it was so satisfying to have every instance of foreshadowing serve a purpose in the action-packed culmination. All the puzzle pieces clicked into place to create a cinematic spectacle.
This book is a great opportunity for young readers to learn about WWII, but adults will enjoy it just as much. Definitely recommend.
I especially loved the wonderfully descriptive writing, which never felt flowery, and instead rooted the narrative in its historical setting.
I also appreciated the many different POVs. This method of story-telling can often end up feeling a bit jumbled, but Reardon effortlessly switches between his main and secondary characters to give the reader the full picture of the unfolding events.
Even though it's a fairly short book, I had to pause the audio several times during the third act. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, another calamity befalls our heroes, and I had to catch my breath. My dash camera caught a lot of gasping and "oh no-ing" from me. As a reader it was so satisfying to have every instance of foreshadowing serve a purpose in the action-packed culmination. All the puzzle pieces clicked into place to create a cinematic spectacle.
This book is a great opportunity for young readers to learn about WWII, but adults will enjoy it just as much. Definitely recommend.
January 29, 2021
I was excited about this book ever since Ann mentioned it in one of her videos. Now that I am reading it, I am finding it very captivating and thrilling. The way Dave has depicted the story leaves the audience in a mode to finish the entire book in one go. It's an absolutely fantastic read, fast paced very funny and very exciting and also sad. The story paints a picture of a troubled time and the amazing adversity of the people at that time, the hilarious antics of Banjo and his attitude to life in general are heartwarming, I couldn't put it down, fatal reading it in bed, because you just keep wanting to read one more chapter to make sure Banjo and Murph survive yet another escapade. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, so much so that I was actually disappointed when I finished it because I wanted more.
July 21, 2022
This book was okay -- the story was better than the writing. The author took on some tough life issues - racism, inability to stand up for what you believe, and social class -- for example, however, then they just give the issue a cursory scene (the character feels uncomfortable/sad/mad).The main characters are pretty flat but still likeable.
I think 9th & 10th graders would enjoy the book, but by the time a person is about 16, the writing will not hold them.
I think 9th & 10th graders would enjoy the book, but by the time a person is about 16, the writing will not hold them.
March 26, 2025
I don't read a lot of YA fiction, but I'm a fan of HowToCookThat with Ann Reardon. So I had to check out one of Dave's books too!
This historical YA fiction tells the story of Murph, who was evacuated from Honolulu after Pearl Harbor. He joined his dad in Broome, Australia. His dad is trying to make a pearl diving business viable again, but There Are Complications. Skip, the dad, got saddled unwilling with the disreputable Finch as a partner.
Murph, meanwhile, makes friends with Banjo, an Aboriginal boy with a lively and exuberant personality. Banjo has a secret too, though not a nefarious one.
I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the plot. The Japanese attack that happens toward the end of the book is exciting and well-written. The writing is perfectly serviceable.
I think the author also showed some sensitivity and thoughtfulness in portraying the attitudes of the time - the worry, the paranoia about the Japanese, who have attacked Australia before and may attack again, and the never-ending problems of racism in the world.
This historical YA fiction tells the story of Murph, who was evacuated from Honolulu after Pearl Harbor. He joined his dad in Broome, Australia. His dad is trying to make a pearl diving business viable again, but There Are Complications. Skip, the dad, got saddled unwilling with the disreputable Finch as a partner.
Murph, meanwhile, makes friends with Banjo, an Aboriginal boy with a lively and exuberant personality. Banjo has a secret too, though not a nefarious one.
I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the plot. The Japanese attack that happens toward the end of the book is exciting and well-written. The writing is perfectly serviceable.
I think the author also showed some sensitivity and thoughtfulness in portraying the attitudes of the time - the worry, the paranoia about the Japanese, who have attacked Australia before and may attack again, and the never-ending problems of racism in the world.
December 19, 2022
I had no idea what this book was about going in. I was a fan of Dave from seeing him on YouTube. When I learned he wrote a novel, I had to check it out. I'm glad I did. I don't typically read historical fiction, so this story was a fascinating departure from what I'm used to. I loved getting to know the main characters. The story was engaging and action-packed. My only complaint is that while reading the ebook version, I didn't notice the Australian slang dictionary until I got to the end of the book. Some sections were hard to follow without that information. Still, a great read.
February 5, 2026
Very fun read. Moves at a quick pace to keep it interesting, but still spends plenty of time developing the characters. At times I wasn’t sure where Reardon was going with some of the characters and side plots, but then they all tied together beautifully in the end, making for a satisfying ending. I really enjoy WWII fiction, and this one was a more fresh and unique take on it, being from an Australian perspective. Enjoyed!
(Also, this book is a pretty clean read if anyone is concerned about that, as I am. Some minor language here and there, and an innocent, almost humorous kiss between two teenagers, but nothing more than that.)
(Also, this book is a pretty clean read if anyone is concerned about that, as I am. Some minor language here and there, and an innocent, almost humorous kiss between two teenagers, but nothing more than that.)
Read
February 8, 2023Historical fiction based on the events during WWII in Broome Australia. A coming of age story of a boy who moves to Broome after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He lives with his dad who owns a purling diving boat.
The story has action, mystery, and building friendships. This is a young adult book. It took me a little bit of time to get into it, but then I really enjoyed the history of a battle that I never knew took place and the story of the boy and his friends.
The story has action, mystery, and building friendships. This is a young adult book. It took me a little bit of time to get into it, but then I really enjoyed the history of a battle that I never knew took place and the story of the boy and his friends.
July 23, 2024
I loved this book!! It was perceptive and brilliant! I enjoyed the characters and loved diving into a part of history that I haven't explored before. The adventures were thrilling and left me longing for more, I attached to and loved the characters! An amazing Australian read, couldn't put this book down and read it within two days. Definitely earns 5 stars, Thanks Dave Reardon for an incredible read.
March 5, 2021
Fantastic read!
An amazing journey into a historical time we barely ever hear about, with a ripping adventure story seamlessly written in, complete with really engaging characters. I hope Dave writes more in this series! As fun as it is watching him eat Ann's creations, I prefer him as an author; more writing please!!
An amazing journey into a historical time we barely ever hear about, with a ripping adventure story seamlessly written in, complete with really engaging characters. I hope Dave writes more in this series! As fun as it is watching him eat Ann's creations, I prefer him as an author; more writing please!!
October 25, 2024
The beginning was a little slow. But, once the action picked up it was fast paced until the very end.
I really enjoyed the personalities of the characters.
The book has a lot of violence ( it takes place in WWII), prejudice (typical for the time and place), and some evil people that you want to reach into the story to throttle. But, no foul language.
Great story for teens to adults.
I really enjoyed the personalities of the characters.
The book has a lot of violence ( it takes place in WWII), prejudice (typical for the time and place), and some evil people that you want to reach into the story to throttle. But, no foul language.
Great story for teens to adults.
January 11, 2022
This is a wonderful tale. It embraces the meaning of friendship, the loyalty of family, and the despair of war. It is well written, and Dave Reardon does a fabulous job narrating.
Listened to this using Chirpbooks.com.
Listened to this using Chirpbooks.com.
August 5, 2024
Action packed YA novel based in a real life Australian town during the Second World War. A tale of friendship, overcoming your demons and prejudice, with a bit of treasure hunting thrown on for good measure.
September 13, 2020
Good book , historical fantasy from WWII
December 1, 2020
I listened to the audio version.
Listening to the author's accent definitely added to the enjoyment of the story.
Listening to the author's accent definitely added to the enjoyment of the story.
March 20, 2024
11:26 PM—
WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2024
10 RAMADAN 1445
3.5 stars.
WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2024
10 RAMADAN 1445
3.5 stars.
June 26, 2024
It’s just plain fun! Exciting adventure story with great and memorable characters. Appropriate for all ages. There’s some history in here too. I can’t wait for the next one!
July 18, 2024
My teens loved this book and Dave's Aussie accent made the audiobook extra enjoyable!
August 14, 2024
Captivating read!
August 15, 2024
A fun book with lots of laughs but also appropriate somberness and respect for the horrific historical events that take place in and around Australia during WWII.
March 1, 2025
Good historical fiction.
I felt I better understood a part of the Way that I never would have understood otherwise.
I felt I better understood a part of the Way that I never would have understood otherwise.
December 9, 2023
I really liked this one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews