In the near future, a deep-sea octopus species rises into the shallows and its intelligence is revealed to humankind. Dr. Nguyen is sent to an island to study them, joining an intimidating security agent and the world’s first true android. 

Despite this book’s premise, it wasn’t really about octopi. Mostly, it was about the concept of intelligence, explored through humans, nature, and AI, and the struggle for power around the world that erupts over this idea. It was a really cool concept that was executed very well. The Mountain in the Sea is a web of stories, following different characters, that slowly overlap and weave together. It was a little confusing to follow, but also really really interesting. And Ray Nayler’s writing was absolutely gorgeous. I loved this book.