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Water's Break
What if fear itself is the deadliest undercurrent of all?
Nica would do anything to avoid the hassles of her sister’s bonding ceremony—the wrap fittings, hairstyles, and braided fire coral—but she never imagined that the waters covering her planet would be broken. As the heavens rained fire and stone, mountains erupted from the sea and dry ground was birthed on the Deep, dividing the water—and the Olomi people—for the first time in their history.
In the wake of her world’s violent re-formation, Nica’s family is shattered. When the rookie Guardian leaves the safety of the Deep to find her sister, she is abducted by strange landwalkers who possess strength and technology beyond her imagination. Nica realizes that the disaster from above was by their design—a calculated plan to terraform the water planet and conquer her people. All Nica wants to do is find her sister and swim home to safety, but with the landwalkers closing in, escape may not be possible. And if Nica can’t save herself, how can she hope to save her sister—or her people?
Nica would do anything to avoid the hassles of her sister’s bonding ceremony—the wrap fittings, hairstyles, and braided fire coral—but she never imagined that the waters covering her planet would be broken. As the heavens rained fire and stone, mountains erupted from the sea and dry ground was birthed on the Deep, dividing the water—and the Olomi people—for the first time in their history.
In the wake of her world’s violent re-formation, Nica’s family is shattered. When the rookie Guardian leaves the safety of the Deep to find her sister, she is abducted by strange landwalkers who possess strength and technology beyond her imagination. Nica realizes that the disaster from above was by their design—a calculated plan to terraform the water planet and conquer her people. All Nica wants to do is find her sister and swim home to safety, but with the landwalkers closing in, escape may not be possible. And if Nica can’t save herself, how can she hope to save her sister—or her people?
320 pages, Hardcover
Published January 9, 2024
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268 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 9, 2025
2.75⭐️
Our MC is a mermaid. When her sister goes missing, she sets out on a dangerous mission to find her…but it will require her to transform to search on land.
On land, she gets kidnapped & enslaved.
———
I thought this story lingered much longer than necessary. There is also a mix of non-English & made-up words mixed in which, for some reason, was distracting for me this time.
I know our characters aren’t human, but continually referencing children as larvae, fry & spawn felt odd.
I wish this had worked out better, as I’m super keen on finding mermaid stories I love, but for some reason it didn’t quite do it for me 🤷🏼♀️
Beautiful cover though! 😍😍👏🏻👏🏻
Our MC is a mermaid. When her sister goes missing, she sets out on a dangerous mission to find her…but it will require her to transform to search on land.
On land, she gets kidnapped & enslaved.
———
I thought this story lingered much longer than necessary. There is also a mix of non-English & made-up words mixed in which, for some reason, was distracting for me this time.
I know our characters aren’t human, but continually referencing children as larvae, fry & spawn felt odd.
I wish this had worked out better, as I’m super keen on finding mermaid stories I love, but for some reason it didn’t quite do it for me 🤷🏼♀️
Beautiful cover though! 😍😍👏🏻👏🏻
November 21, 2023
“The water kept us kind. The water kept us one.”
Wow! I really loved this book!
The world-building in Water’s Break is amazing! Hansen helps the reader understand this world she has created—both in and out of the water—even though everything is pretty foreign.
Nica is a relatable main character. The supporting cast of characters are all, even the villains, well-developed and well-written.
This is ultimately a story of hope. Despite the many difficulties and challenges that Nica faces, she clings to the hope that she has.
I look forward to more amazing stories from Sophia L. Hansen!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)
I received an ebook ARC of Water’s Break from the publisher or author. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
Wow! I really loved this book!
The world-building in Water’s Break is amazing! Hansen helps the reader understand this world she has created—both in and out of the water—even though everything is pretty foreign.
Nica is a relatable main character. The supporting cast of characters are all, even the villains, well-developed and well-written.
This is ultimately a story of hope. Despite the many difficulties and challenges that Nica faces, she clings to the hope that she has.
I look forward to more amazing stories from Sophia L. Hansen!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)
I received an ebook ARC of Water’s Break from the publisher or author. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
November 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this. Are we getting a second one? Is this a standalone? I want more of the story. It's a rough, harsh story filled with pain and loss. Hansen has a great writing style that worked perfectly for this setting. I hate to mention AVATAR, but if you liked AVATAR, this book should work for you. It's about humans terraforming a planet and the characters are the indigenous people on this planet. They live in the water, they have really cool culture...there's a lot to appreciate.
I'm taking Anthropology as an elective right now and this really resonated in showing the loss of culture through the loss of their names, language, and connection to the water. Hansen handled that really well.
Definitely one to pick up!
I'm taking Anthropology as an elective right now and this really resonated in showing the loss of culture through the loss of their names, language, and connection to the water. Hansen handled that really well.
Definitely one to pick up!
July 23, 2024
A fantastic sci-fi story with elements of both Avatar (the James Cameron films) and Lois Lowry's Son.
Full review to come in Clean Fiction Magazine's Autumn 2024 edition.
Full review to come in Clean Fiction Magazine's Autumn 2024 edition.
March 23, 2025
Very unique story. A little bit of a slow beginning but the characters I really enjoyed as well as the settings. A little more heartbreaking then what I thought it was going to be, but I really enjoyed it. I am happy with how it ended. I feel like there could be a sequel though to the story if the author wanted to write it.
*Thank you to Enclave publishing for a complimentary copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
*Thank you to Enclave publishing for a complimentary copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
May 22, 2025
This was such an intriguing story and concept! I loved the underwater world and the natives’ adaptations and abilities. I found the main character to be realistic and likable, and the subtle the,es of the value of life and faith were a nice touch.
December 26, 2023
This sci-fi debut from Sophia L. Hansen was thought provoking and well written. This story delves into topics such as slavery, the importance of human life, perseverance and hope. Hansen did a great job of world building, and giving depth to her characters both good and evil. “from Water we have come… to Water we shall return.”
Nica, the main character, is a Guardian of the Olomi Water people. When a fiery catastrophe causes the waters and the Olomi people to be separated by rocks and fire, Nica discovers that her sister Rissa is missing, and goes to search for her above water. While on land Nica is captured and becomes enslaved with many other Olomi people by a species which is going extinct. These Delphim instill fear in the Olomi people by depriving them of the Water, using technology against them, beating them into submission, and turning them against each other. By doing this the Delphim create obedient slaves of the Olomi people, and further use them by artificially impregnating the female Olomi with Delphim genes to ensure the continuation of their race. Nica, desperate to go back to the Water to be in communion with her people and escape the Delphim, choses to hope and works to escape and go back to where she belongs. “Don’t let fear control you - its guidance leads to destruction. Believe in hope, and it will lead you to freedom.”
I really enjoyed this read, and would recommend it for older teens and up.
Thank you to the author Sophia L. Hansen and Enclave Publishing for a copy of the eARC of Water’s Break. All opinions are my own.
Nica, the main character, is a Guardian of the Olomi Water people. When a fiery catastrophe causes the waters and the Olomi people to be separated by rocks and fire, Nica discovers that her sister Rissa is missing, and goes to search for her above water. While on land Nica is captured and becomes enslaved with many other Olomi people by a species which is going extinct. These Delphim instill fear in the Olomi people by depriving them of the Water, using technology against them, beating them into submission, and turning them against each other. By doing this the Delphim create obedient slaves of the Olomi people, and further use them by artificially impregnating the female Olomi with Delphim genes to ensure the continuation of their race. Nica, desperate to go back to the Water to be in communion with her people and escape the Delphim, choses to hope and works to escape and go back to where she belongs. “Don’t let fear control you - its guidance leads to destruction. Believe in hope, and it will lead you to freedom.”
I really enjoyed this read, and would recommend it for older teens and up.
Thank you to the author Sophia L. Hansen and Enclave Publishing for a copy of the eARC of Water’s Break. All opinions are my own.
January 23, 2024
This was an extraordinary book! I could tell pretty early in my reading that this was going to be an emotional book for me, and whoa, it was. Through Nica's journey, you feel shock, confusion, anger, fear, despondent, triumph, love, defiance. The world building was incredible, with its unique planet and its inhabitants, the language and customs of the Olomi, and the "research" compound of the Delphim. I kept picturing the second Avatar movie while reading Water's Break, because of the people of the water and the colonialism / invasion by humans, so everything was extra vivid in my mind.
I really enjoyed the progression of seeing the Olomi people before their planet was invaded to what the captive ones experienced with the Delphim. In reading about Colonialism in history and even seeing it play out before our eyes today, it's easy to judge as an outside observer and wonder why people give in or don't fight back. Throughout Water's Break, you can see the break down of people's mind and the conditioning they go through to behave in certain ways because they are just focused on surviving. How people can turn on each other so they don't have to experience pain or face death. Sometimes invasions aren't just physical fights, it's psychological. Even in the darkest moments though, there are people who grasp on to hope to carry them through, so that they can help others at their lowest moments. There is so much symbolism woven throughout this book and I think it can resonate with people of all faiths.
I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of this, worried that Nica's plan would be found out or that certain people would die. There were so many close calls and my heart ached that not everyone could return to the Deep. It was great that some characters had redemption at the end, seeing the error of their ways and selflessly helping others. My favorite quote from the book was said by Zeta - "Child, the Deep cannot be tamed. Nor can it be curbed or contained. Some may place obstacles to direct or influence the flow, but water will not be stopped. It will go over, under, and around those obstacles, eroding what is rock-solid, until those obstacles are reduced to sand. In the end, Water makes its way."
Thank you to the author for the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the progression of seeing the Olomi people before their planet was invaded to what the captive ones experienced with the Delphim. In reading about Colonialism in history and even seeing it play out before our eyes today, it's easy to judge as an outside observer and wonder why people give in or don't fight back. Throughout Water's Break, you can see the break down of people's mind and the conditioning they go through to behave in certain ways because they are just focused on surviving. How people can turn on each other so they don't have to experience pain or face death. Sometimes invasions aren't just physical fights, it's psychological. Even in the darkest moments though, there are people who grasp on to hope to carry them through, so that they can help others at their lowest moments. There is so much symbolism woven throughout this book and I think it can resonate with people of all faiths.
I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of this, worried that Nica's plan would be found out or that certain people would die. There were so many close calls and my heart ached that not everyone could return to the Deep. It was great that some characters had redemption at the end, seeing the error of their ways and selflessly helping others. My favorite quote from the book was said by Zeta - "Child, the Deep cannot be tamed. Nor can it be curbed or contained. Some may place obstacles to direct or influence the flow, but water will not be stopped. It will go over, under, and around those obstacles, eroding what is rock-solid, until those obstacles are reduced to sand. In the end, Water makes its way."
Thank you to the author for the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2024
I love the ocean and have been fascinated by sea creatures since I was a child. While I find "The Little Mermaid" and the popularized versions of mermaids a bit too syrupy for my tastes, I still find myself picking up any book that promises tales of life under the sea. Always hoping for a fresh glimpse of what it could be like to live fully immersed in that world. Few of these books stand out in my mind, even if I enjoyed them for what they were while reading them.
Water's Break is different. Details like the Delphim naming conventions and the concept of planetary terraforming and genetic engineering put this book solidly in the realm of science fiction, and yet these elements are seen through the eyes of a completely non-technological native species. I enjoyed trying to piece together what the invaders are up to based on the limited viewpoint of the main character.
The story opens with such light-hearted fun and family relationships that I was utterly unprepared for how brutal things would get as soon as the main character is captured by the invaders. Reader, beware. This is no fairy tale. This is an unflinching look at what happens when one group of people treat another as if they are mere animals. No civil rights. No moral obligation to respect, kindness, safety, or care. The Delphim treat the Olomi as simply a means to an end, to be made useful and used up.
If you found the Chaos Walking books stimulating, with their deep dive into how the human heart can be molded by harsh circumstances and manipulation, you'll find Water's Break familiar territory. Hansen does a good job of keeping the story from getting too graphic, but there's no way to avoid how grim the situation is. This is an account of Holocaust-esque treatment and survival under slavery. A story of courage in the face of impossible odds, and finding hope where hope has been deliberately stamped out. Over and over again. Highly recommend.
Water's Break is different. Details like the Delphim naming conventions and the concept of planetary terraforming and genetic engineering put this book solidly in the realm of science fiction, and yet these elements are seen through the eyes of a completely non-technological native species. I enjoyed trying to piece together what the invaders are up to based on the limited viewpoint of the main character.
The story opens with such light-hearted fun and family relationships that I was utterly unprepared for how brutal things would get as soon as the main character is captured by the invaders. Reader, beware. This is no fairy tale. This is an unflinching look at what happens when one group of people treat another as if they are mere animals. No civil rights. No moral obligation to respect, kindness, safety, or care. The Delphim treat the Olomi as simply a means to an end, to be made useful and used up.
If you found the Chaos Walking books stimulating, with their deep dive into how the human heart can be molded by harsh circumstances and manipulation, you'll find Water's Break familiar territory. Hansen does a good job of keeping the story from getting too graphic, but there's no way to avoid how grim the situation is. This is an account of Holocaust-esque treatment and survival under slavery. A story of courage in the face of impossible odds, and finding hope where hope has been deliberately stamped out. Over and over again. Highly recommend.
March 22, 2024
I would not recommend this book to a younger audience unless as a parent you read through with them. There are some,
This book is a hard book to read.
The writing is great, the characters are formed pretty well, and the book overall is not a bad book. The world building is so cool, and I might read the second book just to learn more about the Olomi culture and their world. I listened to this book via audiobook, and it helped with knowing how to say the names and keep up with the book. My favorite character was Tal-Zada, Jeralt was a breath of fresh air, and Nica was a strong character in the sense that she kept her mercy and love. It really shows the symptoms of people and when they are faced with fear and the threat of their lives and how they can lose their morals and self in order to survive.
I personally did not enjoy this book. I am very passionate about people and slavery, and I absolutely hate reading about people being abused. My heart hurt with this book.
I think that is the point, but the villains were so evil and with no redemption that my heart was so heavy and sad that they almost overpowered the whole book. When I finally got to the end of this book, I couldn't enjoy the good parts as much because I was so overwhelmed by how much evil was done in the book. This book is like a sci-fi holocaust book. It is a good book and well written and if you want your heart to hurt just read this book.
This book is a hard book to read.
The writing is great, the characters are formed pretty well, and the book overall is not a bad book. The world building is so cool, and I might read the second book just to learn more about the Olomi culture and their world. I listened to this book via audiobook, and it helped with knowing how to say the names and keep up with the book. My favorite character was Tal-Zada, Jeralt was a breath of fresh air, and Nica was a strong character in the sense that she kept her mercy and love. It really shows the symptoms of people and when they are faced with fear and the threat of their lives and how they can lose their morals and self in order to survive.
I personally did not enjoy this book. I am very passionate about people and slavery, and I absolutely hate reading about people being abused. My heart hurt with this book.
I think that is the point, but the villains were so evil and with no redemption that my heart was so heavy and sad that they almost overpowered the whole book. When I finally got to the end of this book, I couldn't enjoy the good parts as much because I was so overwhelmed by how much evil was done in the book. This book is like a sci-fi holocaust book. It is a good book and well written and if you want your heart to hurt just read this book.
January 9, 2024
Water's Break will give you all the feels of Avatar but throw you into a completely different story. The worldbuilding Hansen crafts is rich and believable. Her characters are unique, three dimensional, and I couldn't get enough of them. I even enjoyed reading the antagonists' POVs. (I didn't like them at all. They were pretty horrible, but still quite interesting.)
On that note, this book is told through multiple POVs. Nica is our main POV, but we get to know more about the plot and motivations of those around her. I thought Hansen wove those POV breaks seamlessly. I was never bothered when we were in a new perspective.
Nica, or MC, grew in such a realistic way from an inexperienced guardian trainee to a strong woman who sacrifices what she wants for the good of others. Girac, TAL-zeta, and Pescha were also favorites of mine. Boy, were the bad guys awful! I understood why they did what they did, but it's clear the ends do not justify the means.
Not since the end of Brandon Sanderson's Skyward did I enjoy an ending so much. I had to put my phone down several times just to pump my fists in the air at all the satisfying plot twists. You're going to love this book. Pick it up today!
*I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
On that note, this book is told through multiple POVs. Nica is our main POV, but we get to know more about the plot and motivations of those around her. I thought Hansen wove those POV breaks seamlessly. I was never bothered when we were in a new perspective.
Nica, or MC, grew in such a realistic way from an inexperienced guardian trainee to a strong woman who sacrifices what she wants for the good of others. Girac, TAL-zeta, and Pescha were also favorites of mine. Boy, were the bad guys awful! I understood why they did what they did, but it's clear the ends do not justify the means.
Not since the end of Brandon Sanderson's Skyward did I enjoy an ending so much. I had to put my phone down several times just to pump my fists in the air at all the satisfying plot twists. You're going to love this book. Pick it up today!
*I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2024
This has been quite the adventure with undersea thrills and chills. I have always been intrigued by the sea but have never wanted to scuba dive. With this book I feel like I was able to get a feel of what’s beneath the sea without actually diving into it. The scenery was described beautifully and the characters were fun to get to know.
The story is different from anything I have read yet it did appeal to me. I wanted to see where the author would take this story and I was soon transformed to a place where treatment of some were unfair and mimicked how people are treated if they are different in any way. It is not a feel good story and illustrates how power can overtake people. In the gritty parts of the story there seemed to be hopelessness running through people. Don’t give up on this story though as we see courage, determination and hope. There is always hope.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The story is different from anything I have read yet it did appeal to me. I wanted to see where the author would take this story and I was soon transformed to a place where treatment of some were unfair and mimicked how people are treated if they are different in any way. It is not a feel good story and illustrates how power can overtake people. In the gritty parts of the story there seemed to be hopelessness running through people. Don’t give up on this story though as we see courage, determination and hope. There is always hope.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
March 20, 2024
Water's Break is a story that manages to be thought-provoking as well as exciting and fun to read. I'm just going to highlight a couple of points that stood out to me.
1. The research. The level of detailed description of the physical adaptations of the amphibious Olomi people and the practical realities of living underwater is amazing. The biological accuracy is fascinating (at least for a zoologist!).
2. The social system. The way that captivity and life away from the water really affected and changed the kidnapped Olomi was intriguing. It made me do a lot of reflecting on what people are capable of doing to each other and what a difference hope can make.
3. The characters. I liked the depth of the characters.
I enjoyed Water's Break and highly recommend it for sci-fi readers who want a little less robots and computers and more unique worlds.
1. The research. The level of detailed description of the physical adaptations of the amphibious Olomi people and the practical realities of living underwater is amazing. The biological accuracy is fascinating (at least for a zoologist!).
2. The social system. The way that captivity and life away from the water really affected and changed the kidnapped Olomi was intriguing. It made me do a lot of reflecting on what people are capable of doing to each other and what a difference hope can make.
3. The characters. I liked the depth of the characters.
I enjoyed Water's Break and highly recommend it for sci-fi readers who want a little less robots and computers and more unique worlds.
December 8, 2024
'm not an avid fantasy reader, but I absolutely love this story. It's an amazing novel written by a talented and imaginative writer.
January 19, 2024
Water's Break offers not just an adventure-filled story but a moral tale that instills profound and challenging life lessons to the readers. As the main character, Nica's unwavering faith in God and strong resolve amidst a life-threatening situation encourages the readers to develop their spirituality and faithfulness despite adverse conditions. Her struggles can be compared to the present oppression and discrimination that many individuals face today, proving that even though hardships, hope can still exist.
Sophia Hansen uses religious allusions and metaphors to intertwine the themes of oppression, freedom, faith, hope, and redemption. She impresses upon the reader the importance of remaining faithful to God even in times of adversity and maintaining their sense of self despite external pressures to conform.
Water's Break isn't just an entertaining adventure novel, but a spiritual journey that helps remind readers to treasure their freedom, cherish their faith, and recognize their strength in Jesus and resilience through His Spirit. This book is not only a theological journey but also a powerful reminder of the enduring reality of global oppression and enslavement. It challenges the reader to think about these pressing issues and our brothers and sisters who are being oppressed daily. It urges us not to take our lives for granted. The depiction of enslaved sea people under the oppression of above-ground dwellers gives the narrative an ominous undertone and resonates with our contemporary society's issues.
The saying from water we came, to water we will return serves as a powerful allegory to our lives in this world and hereafter. It reminds us of Jesus, the maker of mankind, but because of sin, not all will return to Him. Those who choose to will be in Him and He in them; we return to true life. In conclusion, this book makes an excellent read for those seeking a book with substance, capable of not only entertaining but enlightening as well. Sophia Hansen has indeed outdone herself with Water's Break.
Anyone who loves a thrilling story infused with spiritual reflections and moral lessons will enjoy reading Water's Break. It prompts us to reflect upon our own life's journey, spiritual walk, and encourages us to maintain an unwavering faith, hope, and resilience, just like Nica, in this ever-evolving world as satan controlling those who are not of Christ.
Sophia Hansen’s Water's Break is a moving, unforgettable, and soul-stirring tale that explores the themes of oppression, survival, hope, and faith. It offers readers a thought-provoking experience that will keep them reflecting long after the book has been closed.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
Sophia Hansen uses religious allusions and metaphors to intertwine the themes of oppression, freedom, faith, hope, and redemption. She impresses upon the reader the importance of remaining faithful to God even in times of adversity and maintaining their sense of self despite external pressures to conform.
Water's Break isn't just an entertaining adventure novel, but a spiritual journey that helps remind readers to treasure their freedom, cherish their faith, and recognize their strength in Jesus and resilience through His Spirit. This book is not only a theological journey but also a powerful reminder of the enduring reality of global oppression and enslavement. It challenges the reader to think about these pressing issues and our brothers and sisters who are being oppressed daily. It urges us not to take our lives for granted. The depiction of enslaved sea people under the oppression of above-ground dwellers gives the narrative an ominous undertone and resonates with our contemporary society's issues.
The saying from water we came, to water we will return serves as a powerful allegory to our lives in this world and hereafter. It reminds us of Jesus, the maker of mankind, but because of sin, not all will return to Him. Those who choose to will be in Him and He in them; we return to true life. In conclusion, this book makes an excellent read for those seeking a book with substance, capable of not only entertaining but enlightening as well. Sophia Hansen has indeed outdone herself with Water's Break.
Anyone who loves a thrilling story infused with spiritual reflections and moral lessons will enjoy reading Water's Break. It prompts us to reflect upon our own life's journey, spiritual walk, and encourages us to maintain an unwavering faith, hope, and resilience, just like Nica, in this ever-evolving world as satan controlling those who are not of Christ.
Sophia Hansen’s Water's Break is a moving, unforgettable, and soul-stirring tale that explores the themes of oppression, survival, hope, and faith. It offers readers a thought-provoking experience that will keep them reflecting long after the book has been closed.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
February 13, 2024
In the vast universe of young adult science fiction, there are stories that not only entertain but also resonate deeply with readers, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. “Water’s Break” by Sophia L. Hansen is one such narrative that captivates from the first page to the last, offering a thrilling adventure filled with twists, turns, and profound emotional depth.
The story centers around Nica and her family preparing for her older sister’s bonding ceremony, a momentous occasion on their planet. However, amidst Nica’s desire to escape the confines of her responsibilities, unforeseen events unfold as the waters on their planet break, setting off a chain reaction of life-altering consequences.
In the blink of an eye, Nica’s sister is taken into captivity, plunging the family into turmoil. Determined to rescue her, Nica and her sisters embark on a perilous journey, braving unknown dangers and facing unimaginable challenges. Yet, fate has more in store as Nica herself becomes ensnared in captivity, thrusting her into a harrowing ordeal that tests her resilience and inner strength.
What sets “Water’s Break” apart is its gripping plot and richly drawn characters who evolve and grow alongside the unfolding events. Through the lens of captivity, the novel explores the depths of the human spirit, showcasing the resilience born out of faith, determination, and love. Hansen deftly weaves together themes of survival, sacrifice, and unbreakable family bonds, creating a narrative tapestry that resonates long after the final page is turned.
As readers delve deeper into the story, they are swept up in the intensity of the journey, unable to tear themselves away. Each twist and revelation propels the narrative forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the fate of the characters they have grown to care for deeply.
“Water’s Break” is a testament to the power of storytelling, offering a thrilling adventure and a poignant exploration of the human experience. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and that the bonds of love and friendship can triumph over even the most daunting of challenges.
So, if you are searching for a young adult science fiction novel that will keep you captivated from start to finish, look no further than “Water’s Break” by Sophia L. Hansen. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into a world of adventure, danger, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The story centers around Nica and her family preparing for her older sister’s bonding ceremony, a momentous occasion on their planet. However, amidst Nica’s desire to escape the confines of her responsibilities, unforeseen events unfold as the waters on their planet break, setting off a chain reaction of life-altering consequences.
In the blink of an eye, Nica’s sister is taken into captivity, plunging the family into turmoil. Determined to rescue her, Nica and her sisters embark on a perilous journey, braving unknown dangers and facing unimaginable challenges. Yet, fate has more in store as Nica herself becomes ensnared in captivity, thrusting her into a harrowing ordeal that tests her resilience and inner strength.
What sets “Water’s Break” apart is its gripping plot and richly drawn characters who evolve and grow alongside the unfolding events. Through the lens of captivity, the novel explores the depths of the human spirit, showcasing the resilience born out of faith, determination, and love. Hansen deftly weaves together themes of survival, sacrifice, and unbreakable family bonds, creating a narrative tapestry that resonates long after the final page is turned.
As readers delve deeper into the story, they are swept up in the intensity of the journey, unable to tear themselves away. Each twist and revelation propels the narrative forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the fate of the characters they have grown to care for deeply.
“Water’s Break” is a testament to the power of storytelling, offering a thrilling adventure and a poignant exploration of the human experience. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and that the bonds of love and friendship can triumph over even the most daunting of challenges.
So, if you are searching for a young adult science fiction novel that will keep you captivated from start to finish, look no further than “Water’s Break” by Sophia L. Hansen. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into a world of adventure, danger, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
June 26, 2024
2.5⭐️
this was an interesting premise, but the execution was not it.
i’m not sure i feel like writing a review but whatever 🤷🏻♀️
🌊 what i liked:
-the deep (i would have liked to see more of the olomi culture BEFORE it got destroyed. basically if chapter 1 took up a greater portion of the book, i would have been on board.)
-the message of staying hopeful/ not giving into fear
-the plot idea
-the olomi people’s design
🌊 what i didnt like:
-pacing. why was this so slow? at about 50ish percent, this story seemed to drag. literally nothing was happening.
-i didn’t connect to the main character at all (or any of them, really). i seriously couldn’t have cared less if she died, which is a problem because the whole point of the book is about her trying to survive
-the romance that literally had no depth. (sea what i did there?)
-the names. it was so hard for me to keep up with who was who, especially when they were being interchanged with their olomi names
-the escape didn’t feel satisfying at all.
-the repetitiveness. i think this is what slowed down the middle and made me feel like reading this was a chore.
-some things felt too convenient.
there was supposed to be like…a lot of emotional impact, but i didn’t feel it. i’m really sad bc i had such high hopes for this :(
this was an interesting premise, but the execution was not it.
i’m not sure i feel like writing a review but whatever 🤷🏻♀️
🌊 what i liked:
-the deep (i would have liked to see more of the olomi culture BEFORE it got destroyed. basically if chapter 1 took up a greater portion of the book, i would have been on board.)
-the message of staying hopeful/ not giving into fear
-the plot idea
-the olomi people’s design
🌊 what i didnt like:
-pacing. why was this so slow? at about 50ish percent, this story seemed to drag. literally nothing was happening.
-i didn’t connect to the main character at all (or any of them, really). i seriously couldn’t have cared less if she died, which is a problem because the whole point of the book is about her trying to survive
-the romance that literally had no depth. (sea what i did there?)
-the names. it was so hard for me to keep up with who was who, especially when they were being interchanged with their olomi names
-the escape didn’t feel satisfying at all.
-the repetitiveness. i think this is what slowed down the middle and made me feel like reading this was a chore.
-some things felt too convenient.
there was supposed to be like…a lot of emotional impact, but i didn’t feel it. i’m really sad bc i had such high hopes for this :(
February 17, 2024
What things are worth every sacrifice...
I'm not really sure what I was expecting when I started Water's Break but it turned out to be quite a different story altogether. The book starts off with a kaboom as the underwater people, the Olomi, face the near destruction of their underwater home and the loss of many of their people. I'll admit that after that, and the next important incident, I found it more difficult to get into the story. That is until much later into Sophia L. Hansen's novel than it should have ever taken me, I finally realized what the story was really talking about...
There was so much more than I could have imagined. It wasn't just a quest to find a lost sister, though that was important. No, it was a story of a girl taking the last step into adulthood as she goes through unimaginable circumstances and pain to discover that there are things more powerful than fear; such as freedom, love, sacrifice, and hope. That those things are always worth fighting for even to the bitter end. And that home, family, and community are worth any and every price. One thing to note is that the tale was definitely on the grittier side so it would be better for mid to older teens.
After that little belated epiphany the story had me quite intrigued and turning those pages. Water's Break really did surprise by the time I reached the end. I really didn't expect to spend so much time thinking about this book even after I finished it but Sophia L. Hansen had me hooked with her vivid world-building and those important elements that I mentioned before. Quite a different and interesting story....
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I'm not really sure what I was expecting when I started Water's Break but it turned out to be quite a different story altogether. The book starts off with a kaboom as the underwater people, the Olomi, face the near destruction of their underwater home and the loss of many of their people. I'll admit that after that, and the next important incident, I found it more difficult to get into the story. That is until much later into Sophia L. Hansen's novel than it should have ever taken me, I finally realized what the story was really talking about...
There was so much more than I could have imagined. It wasn't just a quest to find a lost sister, though that was important. No, it was a story of a girl taking the last step into adulthood as she goes through unimaginable circumstances and pain to discover that there are things more powerful than fear; such as freedom, love, sacrifice, and hope. That those things are always worth fighting for even to the bitter end. And that home, family, and community are worth any and every price. One thing to note is that the tale was definitely on the grittier side so it would be better for mid to older teens.
After that little belated epiphany the story had me quite intrigued and turning those pages. Water's Break really did surprise by the time I reached the end. I really didn't expect to spend so much time thinking about this book even after I finished it but Sophia L. Hansen had me hooked with her vivid world-building and those important elements that I mentioned before. Quite a different and interesting story....
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
January 8, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏.
I am always hesitant to read books that the main characters are not "human".
But again, I was proven wrong.
This book will grip you with its story.
There are a lot of 😱 moments for me.
I only struggled reading and remembering some names. And who is who. But after a few chapters, I got the hang of it.
The story is different but if you enjoyed Avatar: The Way of Water, you will certainly enjoy this one. 🌊
So excited to read more from this author!
I received an e-ARC from the author and the publisher, but the above opinion are my own. 😊
So, go and grab a copy!
Book releases this January.
𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏.
I am always hesitant to read books that the main characters are not "human".
But again, I was proven wrong.
This book will grip you with its story.
There are a lot of 😱 moments for me.
I only struggled reading and remembering some names. And who is who. But after a few chapters, I got the hang of it.
The story is different but if you enjoyed Avatar: The Way of Water, you will certainly enjoy this one. 🌊
So excited to read more from this author!
I received an e-ARC from the author and the publisher, but the above opinion are my own. 😊
So, go and grab a copy!
Book releases this January.
February 9, 2024
This is not a feel good story. In fact some of this story is anything but happy. This is a story that is filled with unfair treatments to others. The author really did a good job of writing the scenes so the reader could really feel what Nica was feeling and experiencing. I myself am afraid of water so never wanted to go underwater so reading this book let me experience a little of what it would be like. If you’re reader who likes fantasy then I say get yourself a copy and enjoy an underwater adventure as well as an above water adventure.
Here is quote that tells what the book is about
“It’s hard to live scared all the time, TAL-zeta.” Nica fiddled with her tunic, twisting the end in her hands. “It’s not . . . it’s not living at all.”
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
Here is quote that tells what the book is about
“It’s hard to live scared all the time, TAL-zeta.” Nica fiddled with her tunic, twisting the end in her hands. “It’s not . . . it’s not living at all.”
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
January 10, 2024
At first, I was admittedly a little confused keeping up with the names in this story, but I am so glad I stuck with this book. It is such a fresh story. The plot is immersive and engaging. It was an inspiring read about perseverance and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. It’s definitely worth the read and you might find yourself wishing you were of the water, too.
January 31, 2024
What a fun read! I was absorbed into Nica’s plight to find her sister amongst the dangers of the “landwalkers” after they’ve abducted her. Her world and her family aren’t what they used to be and nothing will ever be the same. She’s abused and enslaved and struggling to adapt in this new world.
I listened to this audio book and, while I got confused every so often because of name changes and my spaciness 😅, I was able follow along fairly smoothly and delve into the strange world of the Olomi people. Quite a few sci-fi elements to this fantasy story, as well, that were enjoyable and, at times, downright creepy (as intended!) I was swept away in the uniqueness and the adventure!
Here’s a little blurb from the publisher:
“In the wake of her world’s violent re-formation, Nica’s family is shattered. When the rookie Guardian leaves the safety of the Deep to find her sister, she is abducted by strange landwalkers who possess strength and technology beyond her imagination. Nica realizes that the disaster from above was by their design—a calculated plan to terraform the water planet and conquer her people. All Nica wants to do is find her sister and swim home to safety, but with the landwalkers closing in, escape may not be possible. And if Nica can’t save herself, how can she hope to save her sister—or her people?”
I listened to this audio book and, while I got confused every so often because of name changes and my spaciness 😅, I was able follow along fairly smoothly and delve into the strange world of the Olomi people. Quite a few sci-fi elements to this fantasy story, as well, that were enjoyable and, at times, downright creepy (as intended!) I was swept away in the uniqueness and the adventure!
Here’s a little blurb from the publisher:
“In the wake of her world’s violent re-formation, Nica’s family is shattered. When the rookie Guardian leaves the safety of the Deep to find her sister, she is abducted by strange landwalkers who possess strength and technology beyond her imagination. Nica realizes that the disaster from above was by their design—a calculated plan to terraform the water planet and conquer her people. All Nica wants to do is find her sister and swim home to safety, but with the landwalkers closing in, escape may not be possible. And if Nica can’t save herself, how can she hope to save her sister—or her people?”
November 27, 2023
Through unique worldbuilding and dynamic characters, Hansen tells an incredible story of love and indomitable hope in a life upended by violence and suffering, shining light in the darkest of places, and the power of remaining true. Even though everything around Nikka seems to fall apart and become corrupted, she never loses sight of who she is as a free daughter of the water, and that fierce determination sparks life into others and leads toward amazing acts of kindness, ingenuity, selfless acts, and bittersweet triumph.
January 30, 2024
This debut novel by Sophia Hansen takes us into a deep underwater world where community thrives with love and security. When land dwellers arrive to colonize and save their own dying race, the waters break and the people of the water are broken and enslaved. The underwater world’s culture and language were portrayed in beautiful detail.
The book addressed the terrible issue of slavery and its accompanying greed, cruelty, and misuse of power. I wasn’t prepared for this theme to encompass the entirety of the story and found myself skipping over some of the details regarding the land dwellers’ extensive cruelty.
Nica, the protagonist, was a bit difficult to love. She was too emotional, too impulsive, and a bit immature. Yet she grew and matured even in the midst of cruelty and hatred.
It didn’t feel like a YA novel and perhaps that’s what threw me off. Still, those who love high fantasy will likely love this book (as so many other reviewers have attested to). I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
The book addressed the terrible issue of slavery and its accompanying greed, cruelty, and misuse of power. I wasn’t prepared for this theme to encompass the entirety of the story and found myself skipping over some of the details regarding the land dwellers’ extensive cruelty.
Nica, the protagonist, was a bit difficult to love. She was too emotional, too impulsive, and a bit immature. Yet she grew and matured even in the midst of cruelty and hatred.
It didn’t feel like a YA novel and perhaps that’s what threw me off. Still, those who love high fantasy will likely love this book (as so many other reviewers have attested to). I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2024
Love this book! Hansen did a great job capturing our attention with intriguing characters and fast moving story line. This will be a future re read for me!
January 9, 2024
Really interesting concept! I did struggle a bit to connect with the characters/story initially, but that may have just been me and the time in which I read it, so a reread might just solve all that. :)
~~I received an early copy of this book for launch purposes and was not required to leave a positive review.~~
~~I received an early copy of this book for launch purposes and was not required to leave a positive review.~~
December 7, 2023
Sophia builds such a rich world in Water’s Break! The descriptions and creatures she included had me marveling at the beauty found in the ocean. Her characters, too, were well-crafted and compelling, and the story was rounded out with deep, meaningful themes of belonging, community, and hope.
There were several times I found myself lost between scene breaks and unable to follow how the story flowed from one point to another, and the naming convention of using numbers and Greek letters sometimes made it hard to keep characters straight.
Overall, I think this book is great for readers of science fiction, and much of the characters and worldbuilding was reminiscent of Avatar. It was a fun read!
There were several times I found myself lost between scene breaks and unable to follow how the story flowed from one point to another, and the naming convention of using numbers and Greek letters sometimes made it hard to keep characters straight.
Overall, I think this book is great for readers of science fiction, and much of the characters and worldbuilding was reminiscent of Avatar. It was a fun read!
January 20, 2024
This is one of the most original fantasy stories I have read in a long time. Based on the cover, and the fact that it looked like these characters would be underwater creatures, I went into it with a bit of a Little Mermaid preconception. This was anything but. Well-written characters and a fascinating world built for them as they worked to protect themselves and their families from a new and foreign trouble. It took a few chapters in to find my bearings with the characters and their world / language, but once I was in, I was in 100%. And I kept having to step away from the book because I wasn't sure how she was going to end it and whether or not I could handle it! Would not hesitate to recommend this clean, captivating fantasy to an older middle grader or young adult!
April 14, 2024
Writing from the view point of an aqua species gives this book a truly unique feel. The words the author uses to describe the way water connects the Olomi, how they feel each other's movements and emotions shows a deep understanding of what her characters would be like if real. I loved that aspect. I wished there was more of it at the beginning.
The only criticism I have is becouse the story moves so fast right from the opening chapter, it was a bit hard to tell how much time passed between The Braking and other things that happened.
The author handles hard topics like slavery, horrific cruelty, betrayal, expirimenting on slaves, and a birth seen with grace. I recommend this book for 14 years of age and up of the reader can handle difficult subjects. If you are more sensitive I would sugest waiting untill 16.
I recomend for anyone who loves character driven sifi, stories of terraforming, and anyone who finds the sea and water life fascinating.
I really hope there will be more books to follow.
The only criticism I have is becouse the story moves so fast right from the opening chapter, it was a bit hard to tell how much time passed between The Braking and other things that happened.
The author handles hard topics like slavery, horrific cruelty, betrayal, expirimenting on slaves, and a birth seen with grace. I recommend this book for 14 years of age and up of the reader can handle difficult subjects. If you are more sensitive I would sugest waiting untill 16.
I recomend for anyone who loves character driven sifi, stories of terraforming, and anyone who finds the sea and water life fascinating.
I really hope there will be more books to follow.
January 3, 2024
In November, I received an e-Arc of "Water's Break" by Sophia L. Hansen From Enclave Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This debut novel allows readers to journey to another planet, where an underwater fantasy world is home to the Olomi people - a colorful combination of humanoid fish folk.
"Forced to dwell in captivity, outside of their element, deprived of their language-these Olomi would not be assimilated to become mindless drones under this hostile rule. They would leave their mark, reclaiming their culture and identity. Their bodies might be imprisoned, but not their hearts and minds."
This book is stunning inside and out. The world feels very original with a sense of wonder and danger lurking around every corner. The culture of the Olomi people is well-developed, and I think readers will agree this author fully submerges you into this unknown world. This place is not Earth, and you'll definitely pick up on that right away.
I loved the plot of this book. It starts with a bang and doesn't stop until you reach the last page. It's filled with action, unexpected plot twists, and intimate character moments that make this story standout. I grew to love the main character, Nica, through her struggle to deal with her imprisonment, her fierce determination to escape, and her devotion to her people and underwater home.
This is a story that will grip you in a way that tightens over time. It deals with many complex themes that are incorporated so seamlessly you'll find yourself contemplating the events and character decisions long past the initial reading of the book.
Thank you so much to Sophia L. Hansen and Enclave Publishing for sending me an early copy of "Water's Break"! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
"Forced to dwell in captivity, outside of their element, deprived of their language-these Olomi would not be assimilated to become mindless drones under this hostile rule. They would leave their mark, reclaiming their culture and identity. Their bodies might be imprisoned, but not their hearts and minds."
This book is stunning inside and out. The world feels very original with a sense of wonder and danger lurking around every corner. The culture of the Olomi people is well-developed, and I think readers will agree this author fully submerges you into this unknown world. This place is not Earth, and you'll definitely pick up on that right away.
I loved the plot of this book. It starts with a bang and doesn't stop until you reach the last page. It's filled with action, unexpected plot twists, and intimate character moments that make this story standout. I grew to love the main character, Nica, through her struggle to deal with her imprisonment, her fierce determination to escape, and her devotion to her people and underwater home.
This is a story that will grip you in a way that tightens over time. It deals with many complex themes that are incorporated so seamlessly you'll find yourself contemplating the events and character decisions long past the initial reading of the book.
Thank you so much to Sophia L. Hansen and Enclave Publishing for sending me an early copy of "Water's Break"! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
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