Out of Air by Rachel Reiss Summary, Characters and Themes

Out of Air by Rachel Reiss is a suspenseful, emotional novel that follows a group of close friends, known as the Salt Squad, on an adventurous dive trip to the mysterious Marimont Archipelago off the coast of Western Australia.  The story unfolds through the eyes of Phoebe, the narrator, as she captures their diving explorations and experiences with her camera.

What begins as a thrilling adventure soon takes a darker turn as the group uncovers a hidden underwater cave filled with danger, secrets, and unsettling discoveries.  As tensions rise and relationships are tested, the squad must confront both internal and external forces that threaten to unravel their bond. The novel delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the consequences of their actions, set against the dangerous beauty of the ocean.

Summary

Phoebe, the narrator of the story, along with her best friend Gabe, Gabe’s twin brother Will, their diver friend Isabel, and Lani, their captain, form a close-knit group known as the Salt Squad.  The squad is embarking on a summer diving trip to the Marimont Archipelago off the coast of Western Australia.

The friends are united by their shared love of the ocean, diving, and photography, with Phoebe documenting their journey through her prized Nikon Z camera.  However, the trip soon becomes more complicated than anyone could have imagined, as they encounter strange and mysterious forces both in the water and within their relationships.

As they explore the depths of the ocean, the group stumbles upon an underwater cave hidden beneath the sea.  Intrigued by the cave’s eerie atmosphere, they decide to dive deeper despite warnings about its dangerous nature.

Phoebe feels an inexplicable pull toward the cave, recalling a past dive where she discovered ancient gold coins.  As the group ventures further, the tension in their relationships intensifies, particularly between Phoebe and Gabe, as they navigate the complexities of their friendship and unspoken feelings for each other.

Things take a darker turn when the group encounters a tiger shark during their dive.  The terrifying creature adds to the mounting tension and unease surrounding the cave.

The shark’s presence forces the squad to make a swift escape, and in the chaos, some members begin to experience strange physical symptoms.  Gabe develops unexplained wounds on his skin, and Phoebe feels an unsettling attraction to the ocean, as though something is drawing her in.

These strange occurrences only add to the growing sense of foreboding that hangs over the group.

The group’s dynamic begins to shift as Lani, the usually calm and composed captain, reacts intensely to the photos Phoebe takes of the cave.  Lani insists that the images never be shared, which sparks suspicion and concern within the squad.

Phoebe, who had hoped to capture their adventure for posterity, begins to question why Lani is so adamant about keeping the memories private.  As tensions rise, Phoebe reflects on her own sense of belonging and how she often feels like an outsider among her wealthier friends.

The emotional and physical strain of the cave dive begins to wear on the squad, and each member starts to deal with their inner demons.  Isabel, who usually remains calm, suddenly breaks down in anger, revealing how much the trip and the looming changes to their lives are affecting her.

The group is forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and the emotional baggage they’ve been carrying with them.  For Phoebe, the trip is a journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and the looming uncertainty of her future.

As the squad continues to dive and explore the mysterious cave, they discover that there may be more at play than just physical danger.  Phoebe begins to suspect that the air in the cave has a strange effect on them.

The physical changes they are experiencing, including Gabe’s worsening condition and Phoebe’s unsettling connection to the ocean, point to a deeper, more sinister force that may be at work.

The squad’s adventure takes a critical turn when they encounter a rival group of treasure hunters, led by a man named Samson.  The treasure hunters, who are also seeking the riches rumored to be hidden in the cave, pose a new threat to the squad’s safety.

Despite their efforts to keep the location of the cave secret, Phoebe and her friends are forced into a dangerous confrontation with the treasure hunters.  As tensions rise, Phoebe begins to unravel the mystery of her father’s disappearance and how it may be tied to the cave and the treasure hunters.

The situation escalates when the group discovers that the cave’s air may be cursed, causing irreversible physical changes in those who breathe it in.  The curse, which has affected the squad in increasingly alarming ways, becomes the focal point of their struggle for survival.

Phoebe, Gabe, and the rest of the group must decide whether to confront the sinister forces within the cave or abandon their search for answers and escape before it’s too late.

As they continue to navigate the dangers of the cave and the growing threat from the treasure hunters, Phoebe and Gabe’s relationship deepens.  Their emotional connection is tested by the events unfolding around them, and they must learn to trust each other in the face of the unknown.

Meanwhile, Lani’s erratic behavior grows more concerning, and it becomes clear that she is hiding a dark family secret tied to the cave’s mysterious power.  Lani’s aunt, who disappeared under strange circumstances years ago, is a key figure in the mystery surrounding the cave and the treasure.

The stakes heighten when the group is forced to confront not only the dangers posed by the treasure hunters but also the terrifying reality of the cave’s curse.  As they dive deeper into the underwater labyrinth, the group faces a series of deadly challenges, including a swarm of venomous box jellyfish.

Phoebe, who seems to have developed an eerie connection to the ocean, attempts to protect her friends from the creatures, but not without loss.  Samson, one of the treasure hunters, succumbs to the jellyfish’s venom, further escalating the tension and fear within the group.

In the final moments of the story, Phoebe and Gabe are left to grapple with the lasting effects of their time in the cave.  The physical changes they’ve undergone, along with the emotional toll of their experiences, leave them forever changed.

As the story concludes, Phoebe reflects on her newfound bond with Gabe and the ocean, realizing that they are now bound to the sea in ways they cannot escape.  The cave, once a place of fear and danger, has become a symbol of the squad’s transformation, and the future they face is uncertain but irrevocably shaped by their experiences.

Characters

Phoebe

Phoebe, the narrator of Out of Air, serves as the emotional core of the story, and her internal struggles drive much of the plot.  She is a passionate diver and photographer, yet beneath her love for the sea lies a deep sense of feeling like an outsider.

Growing up in a less affluent background than her friends, Phoebe often feels disconnected from them, particularly when their wealth and privileged lives come into play.  Her camera, a gift from her late grandfather, symbolizes her connection to her past and her desire to capture and preserve moments, especially those that hold deep personal significance.

As the group’s journey unfolds, Phoebe becomes increasingly affected by the eerie and supernatural elements of the cave, struggling with physical and emotional changes that mirror her growing sense of entrapment.  Her evolving relationship with Gabe further complicates her internal conflict, as she grapples with her feelings for him and the tension that builds between them.

Ultimately, Phoebe’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, as she faces both the terrifying realities of the cave and the emotional weight of her own past.

Gabe

Gabe is Phoebe’s best friend and a key member of the Salt Squad.  His bond with Phoebe is initially one of friendship, but as the plot develops, it becomes clear that there are deeper, unspoken feelings between them.

Gabe’s personality is shaped by his close relationship with his twin brother Will and his strong emotional ties to the group.  However, his behavior takes a troubling turn during the diving trip, particularly after the mysterious and dangerous events in the cave.

Gabe begins to exhibit strange physical symptoms, which suggest that the cave’s air has infected him, and these changes reflect his inner turmoil.  His outward aloofness and retreat into solitude during key moments of the trip signal his growing sense of alienation, and his relationship with Phoebe becomes a focal point for her emotional journey.

Gabe’s struggle with his condition and his avoidance of Phoebe create a tension that underscores the deeper psychological and supernatural forces at play.  As Phoebe’s closest friend and confidant, Gabe’s transformation ultimately parallels Phoebe’s own, and their shared experiences push their relationship to new, uncharted emotional territories.

Lani

Lani is the captain of the Salt Squad and a key figure in Out of Air.  Her role as the group’s leader is pivotal, yet she carries a heavy emotional burden that is gradually revealed throughout the story.

Lani’s behavior is unpredictable, especially as tensions mount within the group and the mystery surrounding the cave deepens.  Her protective instincts toward her friends are apparent, but her actions often seem cryptic or erratic, which only heightens the sense of unease that permeates the group.

The haunting memory of her aunt Leila’s disappearance at sea serves as a shadow over Lani, and it becomes clear that the cave’s secrets are more personal to her than anyone realizes.  As Lani’s struggles with the cave’s dark forces become more apparent, she wrestles with both her own internal demons and her responsibility as the leader of the group.

Her emotional and physical responses to the events around her become increasingly intense, especially when she reacts strongly to the photos Phoebe captures in the cave.  Lani’s complex character arc reveals her vulnerability, as she grapples with a past that she cannot escape, even as she tries to protect those closest to her.

Isabel

Isabel is the wealthiest member of the Salt Squad, and her family’s affluence places her in stark contrast to the rest of the group, particularly Phoebe, who struggles with feelings of inferiority due to her lower socio-economic background.  Despite her family’s wealth, Isabel remains grounded and deeply loyal to her friends.

Her down-to-earth nature and unpretentious personality make her a stabilizing force within the group, even as tensions begin to rise among the others.  Isabel’s presence brings a sense of calm and practicality to the group’s adventures, and she often serves as a mediator when conflict arises.

However, her quiet strength masks a depth of emotion, especially as the group faces life-threatening dangers and the unraveling of their relationships.  Isabel’s loyalty to the Salt Squad and her willingness to confront the challenges they face together are key aspects of her character, though her wealth and the lifestyle it affords her often become sources of unspoken tension.

Her deep bond with the group remains unwavering, even as she grapples with the complexities of their shared experiences.

Will

Will is Gabe’s fraternal twin brother and another central figure in the Salt Squad.  Although he shares a deep bond with his twin, Will often appears to operate in the background, quietly navigating the complex dynamics of the group.

Will’s relationship with Gabe is one of subtle rivalry and camaraderie, which adds layers to his character.  He is more introspective and emotionally reserved than Gabe, often keeping his thoughts and feelings to himself.

However, as the tensions among the group intensify, Will’s actions and his hidden emotions start to surface.  His behavior grows increasingly suspicious, especially when Phoebe begins to believe he has hidden one of the treasure coins they found during their dives.

Will’s role in the group is one of emotional depth and quiet support, but his personal conflicts and the secrets he keeps from the others add an element of mystery to his character.  As the story unfolds, Will’s true emotional struggles become more apparent, and he is forced to confront both his own inner turmoil and the shifting dynamics of the Salt Squad.

Themes

The Power of the Sea and the Unknown

In Out of Air, the ocean represents both beauty and danger, constantly shifting between a source of wonder and a menacing force.  The sea’s unpredictability mirrors the characters’ internal struggles and the unknowns they are forced to confront.

The group of friends, known as the Salt Squad, initially sees the ocean as a place of exploration and joy, a setting for bonding over their shared love of diving and photography.  However, as they venture deeper into the mysterious Marimont Archipelago, the ocean reveals its darker, more dangerous side, particularly with the discovery of the underwater cave.

The cave, with its eerie atmosphere and potential curse, becomes a symbol of the unknown forces that exist not only within the sea but also within the characters themselves.  It is a place where the line between the physical and psychological blurs, where the ocean’s ancient mysteries infect and transform the characters in ways they cannot control.

The sea’s power is not only external but internal as well, as it begins to pull Phoebe and the others into its depths, both literally and figuratively, altering their perceptions, their relationships, and even their bodies.  The sea’s ability to both nurture and destroy becomes central to the story, as the group must navigate its dangers while confronting their personal fears and unspoken truths.

Friendship and the Erosion of Bonds

At the core of Out of Air is the theme of friendship, particularly how it is tested by external pressures and personal insecurities.  The Salt Squad begins their journey as a tight-knit group of friends, united by their shared love of diving and their deep bond.

However, as they embark on their journey and face the dangers of the cave and the looming threat of treasure hunters, their relationships begin to unravel.  Tensions surface as secrets are revealed, and personal struggles come to light.

Phoebe, in particular, grapples with feelings of inadequacy, especially when compared to her wealthier friends like Isabel, whose privileged background starkly contrasts with Phoebe’s more humble upbringing.  This tension is further exacerbated by Gabe’s changing behavior and the mysterious physical symptoms he and Phoebe begin to experience after the dive into the cave.

The group’s unity begins to fray as mistrust and fear seep in.  Lani, the captain, becomes increasingly distant, and her erratic behavior only heightens the group’s concerns.

The emotional weight of the cave’s curse and the strange forces it seems to exert on them drive a wedge between the friends, pushing them to confront their vulnerabilities and test the limits of their loyalty.  In the end, the survival instinct binds them together once again, but the cracks in their friendships remain, highlighting how external forces, like the curse of the cave, can alter the dynamic between even the closest of friends.

Identity and Transformation

As the group faces the consequences of their dive into the cave, a prominent theme in Out of Air emerges: identity and the irreversible nature of change.  Phoebe, in particular, struggles with a deep internal conflict about her identity, both in terms of her place in the group and her relationship with the ocean.

The strange physical changes she undergoes—marked by gashes on her skin—are symbolic of her broader transformation, as she begins to feel a stronger connection to the sea, a connection that both terrifies and fascinates her.  The cave’s atmosphere seems to be altering the very essence of those who enter it, and this physical transformation becomes a metaphor for the internal shifts happening within the characters.

Phoebe’s relationship with the ocean evolves from a place of wonder to one of fear, as she realizes that the sea is no longer something she can simply explore but something that is now a part of her.  The same can be said for Gabe, whose own condition deteriorates as a result of the cave’s air.

This shared transformation forces Phoebe to reckon with the inevitability of change, both within herself and in her relationships.  She must accept that the forces she is grappling with—both the ocean’s pull and the emotional turmoil within her—are beyond her control.

The theme of transformation speaks to the larger journey of self-discovery that the characters must undergo, as they come to terms with who they are becoming in the face of both external and internal forces.

Secrets and Guilt

Throughout Out of Air, the theme of secrets and guilt runs deep, affecting each member of the Salt Squad in various ways.  The characters, especially Phoebe, struggle with the weight of their past decisions and the secrets they keep from one another.

Phoebe, in particular, is haunted by her role in leading the treasure hunters to the cave, a decision that not only endangers her friends but also exposes the darker side of her family history.  Her guilt over this decision is compounded by the guilt she feels about her grandmother’s death, a memory that lingers over her like a shadow.

The cave itself, with its ominous presence and the potential curse it holds, becomes a physical manifestation of the characters’ hidden fears and unresolved emotions.  Lani, who tries to control the group’s narrative by keeping the photos of the cave secret, represents the theme of repression, as she refuses to confront the painful truth of her family’s past.

The characters’ secrets are not just about hiding actions, but about avoiding the confrontation of their deeper emotional struggles, such as Phoebe’s struggle with her own self-worth and the tension between her and Gabe.  The weight of these secrets becomes too much to bear, leading to a breakdown in the group’s cohesion.

As the characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the secrets they have kept, the novel explores how guilt, when left unresolved, can corrode relationships and lead to a fractured sense of self.  In the end, the characters must face their guilt head-on, recognizing that only by doing so can they begin to heal from the emotional wounds that have been festering throughout their journey.

The Curse of the Past

The theme of the past and its haunting presence is ever-present in Out of Air, with the characters constantly confronted by the consequences of their actions and the hidden histories that shape their present.  The mysterious cave, with its dark and eerie atmosphere, serves as a metaphor for the past that the characters cannot escape.

For Phoebe, the cave is linked to her family’s history, particularly the unresolved mystery surrounding her father’s connection to the treasure hunters.  The past is not something that can be forgotten or ignored, and it resurfaces in the form of strange occurrences, such as Gabe’s worsening condition and the eerie presence of the cave itself.

Lani’s family history, marked by the disappearance of her aunt Leila at sea, also brings the weight of the past into the present, as the legend surrounding her aunt’s fate parallels the dangerous allure of the cave.  The past is shown to be a force that is both inevitable and inescapable, particularly for Phoebe, whose journey is intertwined with uncovering the secrets of her family’s history.

The characters are forced to confront these pasts, not only in a literal sense but also emotionally, as they come to terms with how the ghosts of their previous actions continue to shape their futures.  The curse of the past, whether in the form of family secrets or emotional trauma, becomes an ever-present shadow that looms over the characters, preventing them from moving forward until they confront it.