Although this is a YA book, I still enjoyed the story - the plot was excting, the characters were interesting and well-written.

Modo, the young shape-shifting hunch-back, and Octavia his partner in spying, have once again been given an assignment by their mysterious employer, Mr Socrates in service of England.

A particular spot on the ocean has suddenly become a dangerous place, where any ships who sail there are damaged at best, having to limp back to port, or sunk at worst with all hands lost. Another agent has been killed investigating, and now Mr. Socrates hopes Octavia and Modo, with their unique skills can figure out what's going on.

As previously mentioned, the story is a good one, intrigues on the high seas, spies from multiple countries, the old nemesis of The Clockwork Guild, and new nefarious characters, all contribute to an enjoyable mystery/thriller.

Although this is a YA book, I still enjoyed the story - the plot was excting, the characters were interesting and well-written.

Modo, the young shape-shifting hunch-back, and Octavia his partner in spying, have once again been given an assignment by their mysterious employer, Mr Socrates in service of England.

A particular spot on the ocean has suddenly become a dangerous place, where any ships who sail there are damaged at best, having to limp back to port, or sunk at worst with all hands lost. Another agent has been killed investigating, and now Mr. Socrates hopes Octavia and Modo, with their unique skills can figure out what's going on.

As previously mentioned, the story is a good one, intrigues on the high seas, spies from multiple countries, the old nemesis of The Clockwork Guild, and new nefarious characters, all contribute to an enjoyable mystery/thriller.

***Possible spoilers***

I enjoyed the first book, and I enjoyed this one even better. This one rather focuses more on Modo and Colette (another spy but for the French) aboard a submarine. The addition of Griff into the story- who makes a perfect creepy villain, also made the book a great read.

What I enjoyed the most out of the story is the underwater city. I absolutely loved that part! the descriptions, the overall feel to it was so rich in description and was easily pictured. It was like reading a description of the lost city of Atlantis. The book has a certain 'Captain Nemo' feel to it because of the adventure at sea but the intrigue is what sets it apart and that's where Griff comes in and provides a spectacular role. He does make a chilling villain despite this book meant for children, I have read nasty villains before, but this one fits perfect for the target age audience.

I thought Colette and Modo made a great team! they worked great together - it's an interesting contrast to what you see with Octavia and Modo (where they bicker at times - which is cute) but Colette seems to be the more calm, mature type character whereas I see Octavia as a small explosive firecracker (for lack of a better terminology!). I'm actually liking the fact that Octavia does really care about Modo, as she does show how she really feel throughout the book.
I'd have to say, I think the only thing I did not really like is the late entrance of the Clockwork Guild. I thought they were going to be in the book for longer but no, so it was just a little disappointing. I was hoping there would be more of them hanging around (Well, Griff doesn't really count. Sort of. I was hoping for more of Miss Hakkandottir.)

This was a great follow up to the First Hunchback Assignments. I did recently grab the third one; Empire of Ruins and am hoping it will be just as good! This series has to be one of my favorites of Children's Fiction.

first of all i will talk about the cover. the person in the middle is obviously Modo. the person on top i am guessing is Miss Hakkandottir because of her metal arm. the person on modo's left has got to be Colette. through her facial appearance you can see both the Chinese and french side of her. on the right is Octavia. she looks soo different from the first book. on the first book she looked so sophisticated. now, not as much. and the other thing i noticed is that in the shadows you can see Griff which is very cool.
the book was pretty funny. the thing about Griff is that i thought he was also a spy who was very fast and quiet like Tharpa. who would have thought he was the first invisible man. i was sooo surprised. i also didn't expect a underworld city. and the ictineo sounds so cool. i love the pictures at the front and back of the book. i didn't expect it to be so big. it has a library, dining room and more. i would have loved to live on that ship underwater. also i think Octavia was jealous of Colette. the way she acted around her proved it. the thing is i wanted to know how Mr.Socrates acted after he see's Modo, because he was sad and trying to hide his emotions after he found out Modo was supposedly dead. overall this was a great book and i am looking forward to the next!!! ( :