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Kingsport Chronicles #1
To Kiss the Sea
In the Birde Isles there’s a saying:
You cannot take what the sea is not willing to give.
Ally Kingfisher never gave it much thought until she experienced the sea’s wrath firsthand. But after a near-drowning leaves her with a deeply ingrained fear of the water, Ally still finds herself inexplicably drawn to its depths. As if something is calling to her from beneath the waves, and it only grows louder each year.
Pasha is being punished for something she didn't do, sentenced to a life of solitude until her kin return. But mermaids aren't meant to live alone. Desperate for companionship, Pasha makes a deal that goes spectacularly awry, affecting the lives of everyone on the Isles for years to come.
When a pirate captain kidnaps Ally’s mother and demands Ally deliver the ransom personally, she is forced to leave land for the first time. Turning to Pasha, the one creature whose help she doesn’t want but whose power over the water she needs, Ally strikes a new bargain to get her to her mother. But she’ll have to confront more than her fears along the way…
Because even those in favor are still at the mercy of the sea.
You cannot take what the sea is not willing to give.
Ally Kingfisher never gave it much thought until she experienced the sea’s wrath firsthand. But after a near-drowning leaves her with a deeply ingrained fear of the water, Ally still finds herself inexplicably drawn to its depths. As if something is calling to her from beneath the waves, and it only grows louder each year.
Pasha is being punished for something she didn't do, sentenced to a life of solitude until her kin return. But mermaids aren't meant to live alone. Desperate for companionship, Pasha makes a deal that goes spectacularly awry, affecting the lives of everyone on the Isles for years to come.
When a pirate captain kidnaps Ally’s mother and demands Ally deliver the ransom personally, she is forced to leave land for the first time. Turning to Pasha, the one creature whose help she doesn’t want but whose power over the water she needs, Ally strikes a new bargain to get her to her mother. But she’ll have to confront more than her fears along the way…
Because even those in favor are still at the mercy of the sea.
609 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2023
About the author
C.H. Carter
3 books18 followersC.H. Carter is a fantasy author with a lifelong love of the genre in all its forms. In middle school, she wrote a fan letter to Tamora Pierce and received the most encouraging reply! That experience cemented her desire to become an author. (She also still holds out the hope they can meet in person one day!)
When not writing, you can find her working on a number of rotating projects, obsessing over her rescue dogs, or watching The Golden Girls for the hundredth time.
The Kingsport Chronicles - Now a completed trilogy!
WIP: Midnight at the Garnet Hotel
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
When not writing, you can find her working on a number of rotating projects, obsessing over her rescue dogs, or watching The Golden Girls for the hundredth time.
The Kingsport Chronicles - Now a completed trilogy!
WIP: Midnight at the Garnet Hotel
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 2, 2024
5 stars
Mermaids, pirates and a high stakes fantasy adventure? Sign me up!
When Ally's mom gets kidnapped by a ruthless female pirate, she has to get over her fear of water to go rescue her. Ally teams up with her best friend, Maher, and a new friend, Pasha, who she discovers is a mermaid and is responsible for saving her from drowning when she was young. Long lost secrets are discovered as well as a shocking truth about why Ally was kept from the ocean for years.
This was such a cute fantasy read that had me flying through the pages. I absolutely adored the chapter illustrations at the start of each chapter and bonus points for the chapters being short and easy to fly through.
Carter did an amazing job with this debut novel. There were so many twists and turns along the way and a few mysteries that ended up solved by the end of this book. Multiple POVs provided a large insight into all of the characters and I adored how they all kept their own secrets.
I am actually shocked this only has a handful of reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. If I wasn't previously aware that this was a debut I never would have guessed it. We left on a pretty big cliffhanger so I cannot WAIT until the next book gets released. There is so much more to this tale and I look forward to diving back in once it gets released (I am not-so-secretly hoping for a romance plot line in the next one).
Easily a 5-star read and I recommend this to those who loved books like Daughter of the Pirate King.
Mermaids, pirates and a high stakes fantasy adventure? Sign me up!
When Ally's mom gets kidnapped by a ruthless female pirate, she has to get over her fear of water to go rescue her. Ally teams up with her best friend, Maher, and a new friend, Pasha, who she discovers is a mermaid and is responsible for saving her from drowning when she was young. Long lost secrets are discovered as well as a shocking truth about why Ally was kept from the ocean for years.
This was such a cute fantasy read that had me flying through the pages. I absolutely adored the chapter illustrations at the start of each chapter and bonus points for the chapters being short and easy to fly through.
Carter did an amazing job with this debut novel. There were so many twists and turns along the way and a few mysteries that ended up solved by the end of this book. Multiple POVs provided a large insight into all of the characters and I adored how they all kept their own secrets.
I am actually shocked this only has a handful of reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. If I wasn't previously aware that this was a debut I never would have guessed it. We left on a pretty big cliffhanger so I cannot WAIT until the next book gets released. There is so much more to this tale and I look forward to diving back in once it gets released (I am not-so-secretly hoping for a romance plot line in the next one).
Easily a 5-star read and I recommend this to those who loved books like Daughter of the Pirate King.
December 21, 2023
tl;dr: Well, I did not expect to add a book to my Best Of Indies list this late in the year, but here we are.
Thank you so much to the author and R&R book tours for the eARC. This is an honest review.
In C.H. Carter's "To Kiss the Sea," readers are submerged (hah! I can't help it) into the richly evocative world of the Birde Isles, where the unpredictability and power of the sea reign supreme. When Kingfisher Island struggles to care for its people, its leader makes a bargain with a sleeping, lovely sea goddess in exchange for his family's first daughter. They manage to side-step this bargain by sending all their newborn girls away from the island entirely. Time passes and memories fade until Ally's father assumes it is just a myth; he and his wife welcome a baby girl happily and the priestess of the sea goddess is reminded of the bargain. Ally needs to be delivered when she comes of age.
Ally Kingfisher's relationship with the sea is complex after a near-drowning incident leaves her with a fear of its depths. Despite her fear, Ally feels an inexplicable pull toward the ocean, sensing an elusive call that grows stronger with each passing year. When she does not present herself to the sea, the sea goddess removes her protection from the isle. As the people grow more desperate, pirates lurk and mysteries abound that require Ally to confront not only her deepest fears but also unexpected revelations.
This book was thoroughly my cup of tea. The strengths lay in its exceptional world-building, showcasing intriguing elements such as Lady Blackbeard-esque pirate, the enigmatic Lantern District, and the complex dynamics tied to the sea witch's bargain. The story skillfully weaves a coming-of-age tale while delving into darker themes, offering readers an immersive and multifaceted exploration of the characters' growth and the mysteries surrounding them. The characters are portrayed as charming and endearing, yet also flawed and occasionally frustrating in their decisions, rendering them relatable and authentic. The intricate web of mysteries left unresolved by the end of the book serves to heighten anticipation for the sequel, leaving me RABIDLY anticipating the developments yet to unfold.
This delivers a masterful blend of captivating world-building, engaging characters, and a narrative brimming with mystery and dark undertones. The allure of the Birde Isles, the multifaceted characters, and the unresolved mysteries create an enthralling tapestry.
I NEED to know what happens next!!!
Thank you so much to the author and R&R book tours for the eARC. This is an honest review.
In C.H. Carter's "To Kiss the Sea," readers are submerged (hah! I can't help it) into the richly evocative world of the Birde Isles, where the unpredictability and power of the sea reign supreme. When Kingfisher Island struggles to care for its people, its leader makes a bargain with a sleeping, lovely sea goddess in exchange for his family's first daughter. They manage to side-step this bargain by sending all their newborn girls away from the island entirely. Time passes and memories fade until Ally's father assumes it is just a myth; he and his wife welcome a baby girl happily and the priestess of the sea goddess is reminded of the bargain. Ally needs to be delivered when she comes of age.
Ally Kingfisher's relationship with the sea is complex after a near-drowning incident leaves her with a fear of its depths. Despite her fear, Ally feels an inexplicable pull toward the ocean, sensing an elusive call that grows stronger with each passing year. When she does not present herself to the sea, the sea goddess removes her protection from the isle. As the people grow more desperate, pirates lurk and mysteries abound that require Ally to confront not only her deepest fears but also unexpected revelations.
This book was thoroughly my cup of tea. The strengths lay in its exceptional world-building, showcasing intriguing elements such as Lady Blackbeard-esque pirate, the enigmatic Lantern District, and the complex dynamics tied to the sea witch's bargain. The story skillfully weaves a coming-of-age tale while delving into darker themes, offering readers an immersive and multifaceted exploration of the characters' growth and the mysteries surrounding them. The characters are portrayed as charming and endearing, yet also flawed and occasionally frustrating in their decisions, rendering them relatable and authentic. The intricate web of mysteries left unresolved by the end of the book serves to heighten anticipation for the sequel, leaving me RABIDLY anticipating the developments yet to unfold.
This delivers a masterful blend of captivating world-building, engaging characters, and a narrative brimming with mystery and dark undertones. The allure of the Birde Isles, the multifaceted characters, and the unresolved mysteries create an enthralling tapestry.
I NEED to know what happens next!!!
March 3, 2024
[I received a copy from @pridebooktours for an honest review]
y'all know that when it comes to fantasy that I am extremely picky. It has to keep me engage, world building but not over the top world building where I lose focus, interesting characters, a dash of mystery, and a little potential for romance to blossom. I'm not asking a lot right lol Thankfully To Kiss The Sea checked all my boxes and bonus it had queer rep! I had to pace myself because I didn't want the story to end , and now I have to wait patiently for book 2 .
"What was one expected to wear to bargain with a sea witch?'
To Kiss The Sea is told through multiple POV's ( which includes that of a lesbian character and a gay character), we also get the "villains' POV which I always enjoy. I loved the female leads! Ally has fears but is strong despite them. Pasha, the mermaid, is complex and vulnerable. I loved the progression of their friendship, which start as an obligation and turns genuine. I enjoyed Maher , even though he did always think before he acted or spoke sometimes. And I adored his friend Prim, they were great.
The story is fast-paced with chapters on the shorter side and flows nicely between the characters. I'm not going to go into details but holy bombshell at the end batman and decent cliffhanger. I NEEDED the sequel as soon as I finished, lol
"Until the sea runs dry," Ally repeated. Pasha visibly calmed then, face smoothing and fin relaxing. "Your home is safe with me."
Overall, To Kiss to The Sea by C.H. Carter is a wonderful fantasy that tells the story of a young woman and her deal with a mermaid to save her mother from pirates. Multiple POVs, Queer rep, mermaids, pirates, secrets, and found family make this a fantastic Fantasy read.
y'all know that when it comes to fantasy that I am extremely picky. It has to keep me engage, world building but not over the top world building where I lose focus, interesting characters, a dash of mystery, and a little potential for romance to blossom. I'm not asking a lot right lol Thankfully To Kiss The Sea checked all my boxes and bonus it had queer rep! I had to pace myself because I didn't want the story to end , and now I have to wait patiently for book 2 .
"What was one expected to wear to bargain with a sea witch?'
To Kiss The Sea is told through multiple POV's ( which includes that of a lesbian character and a gay character), we also get the "villains' POV which I always enjoy. I loved the female leads! Ally has fears but is strong despite them. Pasha, the mermaid, is complex and vulnerable. I loved the progression of their friendship, which start as an obligation and turns genuine. I enjoyed Maher , even though he did always think before he acted or spoke sometimes. And I adored his friend Prim, they were great.
The story is fast-paced with chapters on the shorter side and flows nicely between the characters. I'm not going to go into details but holy bombshell at the end batman and decent cliffhanger. I NEEDED the sequel as soon as I finished, lol
"Until the sea runs dry," Ally repeated. Pasha visibly calmed then, face smoothing and fin relaxing. "Your home is safe with me."
Overall, To Kiss to The Sea by C.H. Carter is a wonderful fantasy that tells the story of a young woman and her deal with a mermaid to save her mother from pirates. Multiple POVs, Queer rep, mermaids, pirates, secrets, and found family make this a fantastic Fantasy read.
October 27, 2024
I LOVE this book. The dynamics between the characters are interesting and believable. The dialogue is hilarious (I love Maher and Ally's sass!) To Kiss the Sea has mermaids, pirates, spies, AND it's queer normative!
August 12, 2025
To Kiss the Sea is a triumph of emotional world-building, character-driven storytelling, and inclusive design. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it builds a sanctuary. If you’re drawn to richly layered narratives, Queer Normative worlds, and stories that honor complexity without sacrificing clarity, this one belongs on your shelf.
Some books arrive like a tide—unexpected, immersive, and impossible to forget. This rare debut reads like the work of a seasoned literary cartographer: confident, imaginative, and deeply textured. I’m still marveling that this is C.H. Carter’s first novel. The scope, emotional precision, and architectural beauty of the world-building left me enchanted—and grateful that the next installment is already waiting on my shelf.
📚 Don’t let the page count fool you. This is a long book, yes—but it’s so skillfully written that time inside it feels elastic. Carter’s prose is immersive without being indulgent, and the pacing is buoyed by a cast of characters so fully realized, they feel like old friends by page fifty.
👥 Character is the compass here. Each figure in Kingsport’s orbit is layered, emotionally resonant, and essential to the story’s unfolding. The touchstone pages for each character were a brilliant design choice, grounding me in their identities and relationships while deepening my emotional investment.
🌍 This Queer Normative world feels both radical and natural. The CW page, two maps (yes, MAPS!), and a cast list grouped by location, pronunciation, and pronouns aren’t just helpful—they’re a love letter to thoughtful storytelling. They frame how characters see themselves and each other, inviting readers into a space of empathy and clarity.
In To Kiss the Sea, Carter blends lyrical prose, political intrigue, and found family dynamics within a richly imagined historical fantasy. With LGBTQIA+ and nonbinary representation, a pronoun-integrated index, and motifs of tides, cartography, and emotional architecture, this book is a sanctuary for readers who crave inclusive epic fantasy. Perfect for fans of character-driven narratives, lush world-building, and stories that celebrate queer joy and belonging.
#SueShelfLGBTQ #SueShelfFantasy #SueShelfReads #RedReviews4You
Some books arrive like a tide—unexpected, immersive, and impossible to forget. This rare debut reads like the work of a seasoned literary cartographer: confident, imaginative, and deeply textured. I’m still marveling that this is C.H. Carter’s first novel. The scope, emotional precision, and architectural beauty of the world-building left me enchanted—and grateful that the next installment is already waiting on my shelf.
📚 Don’t let the page count fool you. This is a long book, yes—but it’s so skillfully written that time inside it feels elastic. Carter’s prose is immersive without being indulgent, and the pacing is buoyed by a cast of characters so fully realized, they feel like old friends by page fifty.
👥 Character is the compass here. Each figure in Kingsport’s orbit is layered, emotionally resonant, and essential to the story’s unfolding. The touchstone pages for each character were a brilliant design choice, grounding me in their identities and relationships while deepening my emotional investment.
🌍 This Queer Normative world feels both radical and natural. The CW page, two maps (yes, MAPS!), and a cast list grouped by location, pronunciation, and pronouns aren’t just helpful—they’re a love letter to thoughtful storytelling. They frame how characters see themselves and each other, inviting readers into a space of empathy and clarity.
In To Kiss the Sea, Carter blends lyrical prose, political intrigue, and found family dynamics within a richly imagined historical fantasy. With LGBTQIA+ and nonbinary representation, a pronoun-integrated index, and motifs of tides, cartography, and emotional architecture, this book is a sanctuary for readers who crave inclusive epic fantasy. Perfect for fans of character-driven narratives, lush world-building, and stories that celebrate queer joy and belonging.
#SueShelfLGBTQ #SueShelfFantasy #SueShelfReads #RedReviews4You
August 4, 2024
When Alphonsine (Ally) Kingfisher is born, she is meant to be turned over to the sea goddess to ensure the prosperity of the Birde Isles, as part of a bargain made by her great-grandfather. However, her mother, Lady Rochelle, pleads with her father, the current Lord of the Birde Isles, to spare her. Ally is kept from the sea to protect her from the Sea Goddess, but when her curiosity intuces her into rfw sea aa a child she almost drowns and is saved by a mysterious girl.
Years later, the Birde Isles are in trouble, facing a decline in fish catches and attacks on their trade ships by pirates. When the treacherous pirate Foraoise Dare kidnaps Lady Rochelle, she demands that Ally deliver the random. Forced to face her fear of water, Ally must quickly learn to sail and swim. To make matters worse, she discovers the bargain her great-grandfather made with the sea goddess.
Ally meets the sea goddess, but she reveals herself to be a mermaid named Pasha. Ally befriends Pasha, seeks her help to learn to swim, and requests a new bargain. Ally agrees to go with Pasha into the sea if she helps rescue her mother and return the Birde Isles to its former glory. Will this new bargain be successful, or will the pirate Foraoise’s plan prove too treacherous to defeat?
If you enjoy swashbuckling adventure with character-driven plots, stunning world-building, and intriguing magical mysteries at their core, this is the book for you. Pasha and Ally grow up in very different worlds but experience many of the same things such as abandonment, loneliness, and feeling misunderstood. Sharing these common traits helps them bond and become friends. I was captivated by the story from the start, as Ally was a fascinating character, and once she started to interact with Pasha, I felt the longing and attraction between the two of them. Alongside the main plot, there is court intrigue with duplicitous officials seeking power, and a mysterious group showing up in the shadier part of the island. The story ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read book 2.
Years later, the Birde Isles are in trouble, facing a decline in fish catches and attacks on their trade ships by pirates. When the treacherous pirate Foraoise Dare kidnaps Lady Rochelle, she demands that Ally deliver the random. Forced to face her fear of water, Ally must quickly learn to sail and swim. To make matters worse, she discovers the bargain her great-grandfather made with the sea goddess.
Ally meets the sea goddess, but she reveals herself to be a mermaid named Pasha. Ally befriends Pasha, seeks her help to learn to swim, and requests a new bargain. Ally agrees to go with Pasha into the sea if she helps rescue her mother and return the Birde Isles to its former glory. Will this new bargain be successful, or will the pirate Foraoise’s plan prove too treacherous to defeat?
If you enjoy swashbuckling adventure with character-driven plots, stunning world-building, and intriguing magical mysteries at their core, this is the book for you. Pasha and Ally grow up in very different worlds but experience many of the same things such as abandonment, loneliness, and feeling misunderstood. Sharing these common traits helps them bond and become friends. I was captivated by the story from the start, as Ally was a fascinating character, and once she started to interact with Pasha, I felt the longing and attraction between the two of them. Alongside the main plot, there is court intrigue with duplicitous officials seeking power, and a mysterious group showing up in the shadier part of the island. The story ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read book 2.
August 4, 2026
🌊Book Review🌊
To Kiss the Sea by C.H. Carter
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: None
Did I read this thick ole book in 3 days!? Yes yes I did, and it was so worth it!
I loved absolutely everything about this book, and was hooked on it from the very first word to the very last. We have pirates, mermaids and a girl stuck right in the middle! How could I not fall in love!
The characters were all fantastic, it is Multi POV and this is one of the rare books where I actually liked every chapter and didn’t wish I had to skip certain characters POV. Even our villain who didn’t have as much “show time” was amazingly done in the chapters we did see them in.
The world building was amazing without getting info dumpy or overwhelming, we got good insight into lore and how the world is easily and naturally through out the book.
This is a High Fantasy read with a SLOW romance subplot, like super subtle type of subplot, which I think works perfectly for how things are laid out in the book.
The ending has me in a chokehold and I need to get my hands on the next book as soon as I can, cause I CANNOT with the ending!!
Absolutely recommend I absolutely loved and can’t wait to have more of this story!!
To Kiss the Sea by C.H. Carter
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: None
Did I read this thick ole book in 3 days!? Yes yes I did, and it was so worth it!
I loved absolutely everything about this book, and was hooked on it from the very first word to the very last. We have pirates, mermaids and a girl stuck right in the middle! How could I not fall in love!
The characters were all fantastic, it is Multi POV and this is one of the rare books where I actually liked every chapter and didn’t wish I had to skip certain characters POV. Even our villain who didn’t have as much “show time” was amazingly done in the chapters we did see them in.
The world building was amazing without getting info dumpy or overwhelming, we got good insight into lore and how the world is easily and naturally through out the book.
This is a High Fantasy read with a SLOW romance subplot, like super subtle type of subplot, which I think works perfectly for how things are laid out in the book.
The ending has me in a chokehold and I need to get my hands on the next book as soon as I can, cause I CANNOT with the ending!!
Absolutely recommend I absolutely loved and can’t wait to have more of this story!!
December 17, 2023
First off, let me be clear that this is a romantasy read. Although, it focuses first on the fantasy story aspect with some romance. A bit of sparks between Ally and her friend, Maher. Again, through don't expect tons of intimate moments between these two. Which I am fine with as I loved the story and through it worked perfectly as is. Sometimes, the romance can get in the way or detract from the main storyline.
There is a whole cast of characters in this story. Captain Foraoise, Ally's brothers, Gai, Cal, Luthais, and Pasha to name a few. I was partial to Luthais, despite him being the grumpy brother. Seeing Pasha and Ally interact with each other was great. They both were discovering freedom for the first time and just how strong they both are.
I was so swept up into this world and the characters. I look forward to reading book two.
There is a whole cast of characters in this story. Captain Foraoise, Ally's brothers, Gai, Cal, Luthais, and Pasha to name a few. I was partial to Luthais, despite him being the grumpy brother. Seeing Pasha and Ally interact with each other was great. They both were discovering freedom for the first time and just how strong they both are.
I was so swept up into this world and the characters. I look forward to reading book two.
August 27, 2025
Omg so freaking good!
Ally’s overall character development, working on her fear of the water… so beautifully done!
Maher, Hes still somewhat of a mystery but still seems like such a good friend to Ally!
Pasha. Omg pasha. I need to know more but I’m hooked on her story. I need to know more about why they left her just as much as Ally does lol.
Overall I loved this story. The plot, the characters, the mermaid/sea goddess magic! Theres lgbtq+ representation (at least 2 characters, not together) also which is nice! Definitely checking out the rest of the series!
Also liked:
Short chapters
Chapter artwork (print copy)
Maps
Character index with pronunciation guide.
**Spoilers**
Luthias seems sketchy lol I fear Hes either in on something somehow or he knew about Foraoise maybe?
I think Mahers dad knows something too or Hes just another bad guy lol.
Ally’s overall character development, working on her fear of the water… so beautifully done!
Maher, Hes still somewhat of a mystery but still seems like such a good friend to Ally!
Pasha. Omg pasha. I need to know more but I’m hooked on her story. I need to know more about why they left her just as much as Ally does lol.
Overall I loved this story. The plot, the characters, the mermaid/sea goddess magic! Theres lgbtq+ representation (at least 2 characters, not together) also which is nice! Definitely checking out the rest of the series!
Also liked:
Short chapters
Chapter artwork (print copy)
Maps
Character index with pronunciation guide.
**Spoilers**
Luthias seems sketchy lol I fear Hes either in on something somehow or he knew about Foraoise maybe?
I think Mahers dad knows something too or Hes just another bad guy lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
♡ Pirates
♡ Mermaids
♡ Queer Fantasy
This book was seriously so good, loved it, but the problem is I need more.
I feel like fantasy is sometimes hit or miss with me, either the plot being uninteresting or the characters dull, and it being a confusing mess. This book was none of that. This book was so pleasant to read, to find out what was going to happen next.
The characters were awesome and getting to see different point of views with them was great. They were flawed, had fears and trauma, and overall seemed realistic and lovable.
The setting was wonderful and described so beautifully but also it felt realistic. I enjoyed the fantasy side of it too. It wasn’t confusing or anything I had to look up how to pronounce, it was magical and mysterious and I loved it.
Lastly I’d like to mention that the formatting of this book was such a nice touch, it was seriously so detailed; and art above each chapter was lovely. I also liked the content warning page, it’s always nice to see those included in books.
Thank you to Pride Book Tours on Instagram and to the author for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Spice Level: n/a
POV: Multiple, Third Person
Release Date: 31, October 2023
Rep: Lesbian (MC), Gay (SC), LGBTQIA+ Characters
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
January 5, 2024
Easy Read, Fascinating Story!
I really enjoyed this book, and I’d recommend it. First of all, I LOVE that the chapters are short and easy to follow! I really enjoy reading a good, tangible book, but I don’t have long spurts of time to read, so shorter chapters made me feel like I was making more progress, and it was easier to pick up where I left off.
The story really draws you in, wanting to know what happens next, and it feels like you’ve just jumped into a new world of fantasy. Characters are well-established and believable. Apparently, this book is the first of a series. I’m excited to read how the adventures continue and build upon this first book.
I really enjoyed this book, and I’d recommend it. First of all, I LOVE that the chapters are short and easy to follow! I really enjoy reading a good, tangible book, but I don’t have long spurts of time to read, so shorter chapters made me feel like I was making more progress, and it was easier to pick up where I left off.
The story really draws you in, wanting to know what happens next, and it feels like you’ve just jumped into a new world of fantasy. Characters are well-established and believable. Apparently, this book is the first of a series. I’m excited to read how the adventures continue and build upon this first book.
March 4, 2024
I found the first half of this book quite slow. I think it could have been condensed, and the entire book could use a bit more editing in regard to punctuation.
But once I got to a certain event about halfway through (no spoilers), I couldn't put the book down! The action picks up at that point, and everything that has been set up in the first half of the book comes to a head.
I especially enjoyed the worldbuilding in this story, and I love that it's set in a queer normative society!
Warning that this book ends in a huge cliffhanger, and I am definitely going to read the sequel to find out what happens.
But once I got to a certain event about halfway through (no spoilers), I couldn't put the book down! The action picks up at that point, and everything that has been set up in the first half of the book comes to a head.
I especially enjoyed the worldbuilding in this story, and I love that it's set in a queer normative society!
Warning that this book ends in a huge cliffhanger, and I am definitely going to read the sequel to find out what happens.
March 19, 2024
Thank you for to Pride Book Tours. This is the first book in the fantasy series called "King Spark Chronicles". The story is told from multiple perspectives, following Ally, Pasha, Maher and Fatcoirse. The first half of the book has a slower pace as we get to know the world and the characters. However, the pace picks up in the second half and I found myself more invested in the story and characters. The book has a lovely, sapphic vibe with mythological creatures such as mermaids, and pirates to boot, making it a fantastic read, similar to "Pirates of the Caribbean".
June 7, 2024
This was such a fun and exciting adventure! The first half felt a bit slow with a lot of storylines, but the way it all came together was masterful! The second half was riveting and I can't wait to read the second in the series. The characters really shine in this, funny and flawed. I want more of all the characters and the main settings, which definitely have a Ghibli vibe. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes sea adventure and folklore. I can almost smell the saltwater!
August 15, 2025
4.5 stars
Mermaids, pirates and a high stakes fantasy adventure, oh my! I couldn't put this book down. It was one of the most easy to read books I've ever read.
The world building was impeccable and the characters' relationships were so complex. Ally and Paesha were so sweet and I loved Mahar's quips.
How could you leave us on a cliffhanger like that? *cries*
Only 29 reviews on Goodreads? This needs more hype!!
Mermaids, pirates and a high stakes fantasy adventure, oh my! I couldn't put this book down. It was one of the most easy to read books I've ever read.
The world building was impeccable and the characters' relationships were so complex. Ally and Paesha were so sweet and I loved Mahar's quips.
How could you leave us on a cliffhanger like that? *cries*
Only 29 reviews on Goodreads? This needs more hype!!
December 19, 2023
This one had a slow start and took me a little while to get into. Allie is withheld from doing the things she wants to do by a bargain that her ancestor made. When circumstances that she can’t control takes her mother away from her she seizes the opportunity to take ahold of her destiny and change her life. This had great world and great characters.
December 21, 2023
I DEVOURED this book!
I love that this is Tri-POV. Seeing everything from all three perspectives was a nice change of pace.
It’s far less romance, more fantasy. Usually I can’t get into full on fantasy, but this books has a whole new type of mermaid lore and myths and I loved it. Plus there are pirates!
I can’t wait for the next book
I love that this is Tri-POV. Seeing everything from all three perspectives was a nice change of pace.
It’s far less romance, more fantasy. Usually I can’t get into full on fantasy, but this books has a whole new type of mermaid lore and myths and I loved it. Plus there are pirates!
I can’t wait for the next book
March 6, 2025
kept me reading
Adventure and movement was great a bit much on exploration of gender identity felt a bit much but still very happy to have learned of this writer
Looking forward t the next read
Adventure and movement was great a bit much on exploration of gender identity felt a bit much but still very happy to have learned of this writer
Looking forward t the next read
May 15, 2026
While the book started a little slow, the ending was a major cliff hanger! Each character and setting was described so well you could visualize every part of the story. Now I have to read the other two to know how it ends!
February 11, 2025
I inhaled this book. I need more of this in my world. 💙
December 16, 2025
absolutely the best trilogy for mermaid lovers 😍
March 7, 2024
If you’re looking for a book where the religion focuses on the sea and sea goddesses, mermaids are a dying breed, pirates exist and are ruthless, an underground network of secrets, then To Kiss the Sea may be right for you! Carter does a fantastic job at creating a totally different world that is easy to follow and feels like you are part of. There are lots of POVs and you’ll fall in love with characters like Maher, Pasha, and Pimm.
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