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The Sea at the End of Everything
In a village by the sea, there are many stories.
Two sisters live along the coast. Their windows are lit with lanterns, for one is a witch the sea spat back to shore, and the other is still finding her way home.
Maren is the first to take in a poor young man washed into their harbor during a raging storm. She takes him not to her own lonesome cottage, but to that of her sister. Many months have passed since Vivian herself was spit back from the sea, her eyes faraway and words stolen from her lungs. With their strange new patient, Maren will need the extra help, and perhaps find her way back to her sister in the process.
But their poor drowned sailor is not merely a man lost at sea. Plagued with dreams of monsters from the depths and Vivian’s ominous hints, Maren must unwind the mystery of his origins while strange scales appear on the moors, livestock are attacked by unknown teeth, and the growing storm threatens to tear their small village from the cliffs.
Two sisters live along the coast. Their windows are lit with lanterns, for one is a witch the sea spat back to shore, and the other is still finding her way home.
Maren is the first to take in a poor young man washed into their harbor during a raging storm. She takes him not to her own lonesome cottage, but to that of her sister. Many months have passed since Vivian herself was spit back from the sea, her eyes faraway and words stolen from her lungs. With their strange new patient, Maren will need the extra help, and perhaps find her way back to her sister in the process.
But their poor drowned sailor is not merely a man lost at sea. Plagued with dreams of monsters from the depths and Vivian’s ominous hints, Maren must unwind the mystery of his origins while strange scales appear on the moors, livestock are attacked by unknown teeth, and the growing storm threatens to tear their small village from the cliffs.
202 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2024
8 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Emily McCosh
44 books222 followersEmily McCosh is a graphic designer, writer of strange things, and daydreamer extraordinaire. She currently lives in California with her two parents, two dogs, one fish, one tree swing, and innumerable characters who need to learn some manners. Her fiction has appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Shimmer Magazine, Galaxy’s Edge, Flash Fiction Online, Nature: Futures, and elsewhere.
Find her online on her writing and bookish YouTube channel, website where she sometimes blogs, and Instagram full of sappy poetry.
YouTube: Emily McCosh
TikTok: emilymccosh
Instagram: emily_mccosh
Blog: oceansinthesky.com
Facebook & Twitter: @wordweaveremily
Find her online on her writing and bookish YouTube channel, website where she sometimes blogs, and Instagram full of sappy poetry.
YouTube: Emily McCosh
TikTok: emilymccosh
Instagram: emily_mccosh
Blog: oceansinthesky.com
Facebook & Twitter: @wordweaveremily
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 26, 2023
I got the amazing opportunity to get to beta read this book earlier in the year and it's one of my favorites. Emily created such a wondrously unique tale! I'll definitely do a more indepth review once I get my physical copy and reread it but for now add it to you're tbr and check out the Kickstarter for this fantastic book!
March 25, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first review in english so I’m a little nervous, sorry for any grammar mistakes.
Without further though, i adored this book! When the narrative has whimsical, misteryous and magical vibes, i’m simply hooked. This happened when i read the other book by Emily (Under the Earth over the sky), and now, happened again.
I love when books portrait the ocean, and the way the author writes about it here is incredible. Usually, i don’t really prefer an open ending, but in this case i think matches perfectly.
I almost gave it 5 stars, but i felt that if the story was a little bit longer, we could had more development from the sisters.
This is my first review in english so I’m a little nervous, sorry for any grammar mistakes.
Without further though, i adored this book! When the narrative has whimsical, misteryous and magical vibes, i’m simply hooked. This happened when i read the other book by Emily (Under the Earth over the sky), and now, happened again.
I love when books portrait the ocean, and the way the author writes about it here is incredible. Usually, i don’t really prefer an open ending, but in this case i think matches perfectly.
I almost gave it 5 stars, but i felt that if the story was a little bit longer, we could had more development from the sisters.
January 31, 2024
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Emily McCosh is the queen of setting and atmospheric writing. I always feel like I’m there in the story alongside the characters, but as if it were all a hazy dream. I really like this style of writing, and it was one of the things I loved most about Under the Earth, Over the Sky.
However, I felt like the plot lagged a bit in this one. It is a novella, and one you can read and enjoy on a rainy day in one sitting, but it felt like it focused on parts of the story that I was not interested in. I wanted more interactions between the sisters, perhaps more flashbacks to show me how different her sister was, instead of just telling me she was different.
The sister’s relationship is the core of this story, along with Haf, a mysterious man who washes up on shore. The sister’s relationship is strained because of an incident that happened, but I could not figure out the timeline for the life of me. I thought they were both young girls, but then one sister is married, so she must be older. Marren talks of the incident happening when they were young, but then remarks if Vivian’s husband noticed a change in her too. I was just so confused about the timeline (also how old are the women?), and how recent this development was. I also would have loved to see more interaction between Rocco (Vivian’s husband) and Marren to get more of an idea of their relationship and their feelings about Vivian.
Despite the areas that left me desiring more, I think this is a sweet, cozy, short read. The artwork in this novel is STUNNING and elevates the story.
Emily McCosh is the queen of setting and atmospheric writing. I always feel like I’m there in the story alongside the characters, but as if it were all a hazy dream. I really like this style of writing, and it was one of the things I loved most about Under the Earth, Over the Sky.
However, I felt like the plot lagged a bit in this one. It is a novella, and one you can read and enjoy on a rainy day in one sitting, but it felt like it focused on parts of the story that I was not interested in. I wanted more interactions between the sisters, perhaps more flashbacks to show me how different her sister was, instead of just telling me she was different.
The sister’s relationship is the core of this story, along with Haf, a mysterious man who washes up on shore. The sister’s relationship is strained because of an incident that happened, but I could not figure out the timeline for the life of me. I thought they were both young girls, but then one sister is married, so she must be older. Marren talks of the incident happening when they were young, but then remarks if Vivian’s husband noticed a change in her too. I was just so confused about the timeline (also how old are the women?), and how recent this development was. I also would have loved to see more interaction between Rocco (Vivian’s husband) and Marren to get more of an idea of their relationship and their feelings about Vivian.
Despite the areas that left me desiring more, I think this is a sweet, cozy, short read. The artwork in this novel is STUNNING and elevates the story.
October 5, 2024
I was one of the kickstarter supporters for the hardcover of this book!
I love the atmospheric writing. McCosh does an excellent job of painting imagery, imagination, and personification into this novella.
I like the relationship that develops between Maren and Haf. Where this book falls a bit short for me is in the relationship between the two sisters; I would have liked to see more focus on their relationship changing and healing.
Overall, would definitely recommend and I'm proud to be an owner of this GORGEOUS book. the art is especially stunning. Seriously. gorgeous.
I love the atmospheric writing. McCosh does an excellent job of painting imagery, imagination, and personification into this novella.
I like the relationship that develops between Maren and Haf. Where this book falls a bit short for me is in the relationship between the two sisters; I would have liked to see more focus on their relationship changing and healing.
Overall, would definitely recommend and I'm proud to be an owner of this GORGEOUS book. the art is especially stunning. Seriously. gorgeous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
McCosh has done it again! This is for my whimsical girls, my studio ghibli girls, my hopeless romantic girls, and the girls who have always felt a connection to the sea.
Basically, this book is for those who love Ponyo and Howl’s Moving Castle. What a gorgeous novella
-4.75 stars
Basically, this book is for those who love Ponyo and Howl’s Moving Castle. What a gorgeous novella
-4.75 stars
January 29, 2024
In exchange for an honest review, I was gifted the eARC. And I wish I could read it for the first time again, and again.
I loved Under the Earth, Above the Sky immensely but I LOVED The Sea at the End of Everything. The feeling of falling in love with Haf & his strangeness through Maren’s eyes. The two sisters of the sea but in different ways. The writing is sublime as usual & Emily paints the best pictures.
This felt like a fairytale & lore of a little village.
Highly recommend for a quick read.
I loved Under the Earth, Above the Sky immensely but I LOVED The Sea at the End of Everything. The feeling of falling in love with Haf & his strangeness through Maren’s eyes. The two sisters of the sea but in different ways. The writing is sublime as usual & Emily paints the best pictures.
This felt like a fairytale & lore of a little village.
Highly recommend for a quick read.
February 20, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange if an honest review. However, it made me realize that I cannot easily read books in e-form. Thus, I ended up purchasing this book once it came out to fully enjoy it. I am so happy that I did. The experience that this book provides best lends itself to being enjoyed in front of a fire on a cold rainy evening and the physical copy is not something to miss out on with the array of stunning artwork throughout. McCosh has a silky way of writing that makes her works seem like elongated poems. This story in particular has an ageless quality to it that makes me imagine re-reading it over the years on stormy nights. The story is soft spoken but filled with emotion. I appreciate short fiction, but it left me wanting more from this world.
November 28, 2023
A dreamy melody of a book.
December 25, 2023
I love this book with my whole heart. It feels like a dream. Maren and Vivian are written so well, I had a blast reading this!!
Read
March 8, 2025so atmospheric, loved the writing
October 18, 2025
Enchanting!
August 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are deep and their evolution is obvious. A truly immersive short story, it felt like I was transported to the “real life events” of a small town folk tale.
December 19, 2024
A very good and cozy read! I especially liked the characters, Maren is an excellent protag and I liked how everyone's behavior made sense along with how you were suspicious of them as well
February 6, 2024
I received an eARC for an honest review.
This is my first Emily McCosh book. It was lovely; very atmospheric. The prose was beautiful, but at times a bit confusing. Even though this is only a novella (so pretty short) the characters and world building were very fleshed out and I felt connected.
This was such a a cozy read, I really enjoyed it.
This is my first Emily McCosh book. It was lovely; very atmospheric. The prose was beautiful, but at times a bit confusing. Even though this is only a novella (so pretty short) the characters and world building were very fleshed out and I felt connected.
This was such a a cozy read, I really enjoyed it.
May 12, 2024
This was such a pleasant, whimsical read. I enjoyed the subtle romance and the softness of the characters. I highly recommend if you want something low stakes with whimsy, restored relationships, and a cozy seaside setting.
January 25, 2024
I can't even begin to express how beautiful this book was.
February 1, 2024
I received this copy as an eARC in return for an honest review. This was a beautifully written short story. I very much enjoyed the lore that the author used and the characters she created. The sister’s relationship and their relationship with the villagers was thoughtful and felt real, the characters had depth. It was a quick read but I was left feeling very satisfied with how everything went. Definitely would recommend to people who enjoy a bit of folklore.
February 1, 2024
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is beautifully written. The descriptions are evocative and interesting. The characters feel real and so does the town. I will say not much of anything happens, so if you’re looking for action this isn’t for you. If not for the after chapter I would have liked it significantly less but that really tied this together. I enjoyed this book and will absolutely be reading more from Emily McCosh
This book is beautifully written. The descriptions are evocative and interesting. The characters feel real and so does the town. I will say not much of anything happens, so if you’re looking for action this isn’t for you. If not for the after chapter I would have liked it significantly less but that really tied this together. I enjoyed this book and will absolutely be reading more from Emily McCosh
February 14, 2024
I was gifted this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely adored this read! With Emily’s vivid storytelling it’s difficult to NOT feel completely immersed in this world! It felt like a fairytale! An incredible story of two sisters navigating their worlds and everything that comes with it!
I absolutely adored this read! With Emily’s vivid storytelling it’s difficult to NOT feel completely immersed in this world! It felt like a fairytale! An incredible story of two sisters navigating their worlds and everything that comes with it!
November 28, 2023
There is a broken lighthouse along the reckless side of the coast.
Perhaps the most atmospheric McCosh book I have read thus far, dripping salt water and drenched in cold melancholy like the spray of the sea - it is this canvas, moody and mysterious, which allows the moments of genuine warmth sprinkled throughout the narrative to take root and flourish.
Maren is a likable protagonist who slowly won my affections throughout this novella; her relationship with her spiritually distant sister was compelling, and even the side-characters who are glimpsed rather than known are like bright snaps of color in a sea of misty grey.
The Sea at the End of Everything takes inspiration more than it borrows from folklore, which keeps things feeling fresh and unexpected, blending "old" and "new"; the era felt timeless, the location nondescript and yet somehow entirely memorable.
SPOILER:
To say anything more would be to dampen the little explosion of color and flavor that comprises this charming novella: savor it, because it will be over all too quickly!
I would recommend this to enthusiasts of atmospheric fantasy and folk tales.
Perhaps the most atmospheric McCosh book I have read thus far, dripping salt water and drenched in cold melancholy like the spray of the sea - it is this canvas, moody and mysterious, which allows the moments of genuine warmth sprinkled throughout the narrative to take root and flourish.
Maren is a likable protagonist who slowly won my affections throughout this novella; her relationship with her spiritually distant sister was compelling, and even the side-characters who are glimpsed rather than known are like bright snaps of color in a sea of misty grey.
The Sea at the End of Everything takes inspiration more than it borrows from folklore, which keeps things feeling fresh and unexpected, blending "old" and "new"; the era felt timeless, the location nondescript and yet somehow entirely memorable.
SPOILER:
To say anything more would be to dampen the little explosion of color and flavor that comprises this charming novella: savor it, because it will be over all too quickly!
I would recommend this to enthusiasts of atmospheric fantasy and folk tales.
February 7, 2024
I was delighted with this novella! I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started it (other than knowing it was an Emily McCosh story and therefore odds were high I would love it), but it exceeded any expectations I had! The book was so atmospheric and lush. I was filled with the desire to move to a lighthouse on the coast and wear thick cableknit sweaters while watching the stormy sea by candlelight...
I can't say much else without spoiling. But just go in, ready to smell the salty ocean spray, feel the frigid wind as it blows across the cliffside, and enjoy the story of two sisters...and one very strange young man.
Content warning: one "a" word
I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review, either positive or negative. All thoughts are honest and my own.
I can't say much else without spoiling. But just go in, ready to smell the salty ocean spray, feel the frigid wind as it blows across the cliffside, and enjoy the story of two sisters...and one very strange young man.
Content warning: one "a" word
I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review, either positive or negative. All thoughts are honest and my own.
January 11, 2025
4.5 stars — i received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. this is a phenomenal novella. it’s hauntingly atmospheric and beautiful. it made me want to live in a village by the sea. i could practically feel the storm’s freezing winds and the ocean’s salt spray hitting my face. it felt like i was there and that’s a credit to the author’s talent for writing vivid descriptions. if this novella made me wish i had one thing more, it’s a sister i could face the world with. what a heart filled tale of two sisters finding their way back to each other. i love the characters we meet (rocco’s my favorite) and the incredible illustrations, that breathe even more life into this story.
February 4, 2024
I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I first dipped my toes into McCosh's storytelling with her debut Under the Earth, Over the Sky.
The Good
Like Under the Earth, Over the Sky, The Sea at the End of Everything has a fascinating premise. McCosh proves that she's good at imagining unexpected and novel stories. The prose is atmospheric and McCosh lets the intimate cast unravel slowly.
The Bad
The prose sometimes sacrifices clarity for atmosphere. McCosh loses a lot of the strength of her prose by how confusing some of the descriptions are. This also bleeds into the mystery. While I love mystery in stories, this one landed flat. Without the context or setup of the mystery that frames the questions you want the reader to ask, I was left more confused that curious.
Simple aspects of the mystery were also withheld unnecessarily in the beginning, like what happened to Vivian. Maren knows and thinks about it, but doesn't give any details.
This leads me to Maren, the main character.
Maren was the one striking blemish on the story and she got progressively more frustrating. RANT BELOW:
The little things that didn't work
1. McCosh often chooses to describe things in the abstract when details would be so much more grounding for the moment.
2. There is little to no tension in the story
3. It's not clear how old the sisters are. I started off imagining Maren was in her 60's. I'm still not sure how old they are.
I don't think I am the audience for McCosh's stories, but I can point out who might be:
If you enjoy meandering stories without too much tension, a unique premise, intimate cast, and atmospheric prose, please do pick this story up!
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I first dipped my toes into McCosh's storytelling with her debut Under the Earth, Over the Sky.
The Good
Like Under the Earth, Over the Sky, The Sea at the End of Everything has a fascinating premise. McCosh proves that she's good at imagining unexpected and novel stories. The prose is atmospheric and McCosh lets the intimate cast unravel slowly.
The Bad
The prose sometimes sacrifices clarity for atmosphere. McCosh loses a lot of the strength of her prose by how confusing some of the descriptions are. This also bleeds into the mystery. While I love mystery in stories, this one landed flat. Without the context or setup of the mystery that frames the questions you want the reader to ask, I was left more confused that curious.
Simple aspects of the mystery were also withheld unnecessarily in the beginning, like what happened to Vivian. Maren knows and thinks about it, but doesn't give any details.
This leads me to Maren, the main character.
Maren was the one striking blemish on the story and she got progressively more frustrating. RANT BELOW:
The little things that didn't work
1. McCosh often chooses to describe things in the abstract when details would be so much more grounding for the moment.
2. There is little to no tension in the story
3. It's not clear how old the sisters are. I started off imagining Maren was in her 60's. I'm still not sure how old they are.
I don't think I am the audience for McCosh's stories, but I can point out who might be:
If you enjoy meandering stories without too much tension, a unique premise, intimate cast, and atmospheric prose, please do pick this story up!
January 22, 2024
4/5 Stars - A a gothic dream of mystery and raging ocean storms
The Sea at the End of Everything, by Emily McCosh, is a beautifully haunting novella about two sisters and the mysterious man they find injured by a storm. I absolutely adored McCosh's descriptions of oceans and storms. For example:
"Raindrops fling themselves through the halo of light. Ocean mist carried up by the wind sprays her face. The scent of salt and sea plants and storm electricity shape the air."
Descriptions like this created an immersive ambiance that really pulled me into the story. If you're someone who loves stormy days at the beach, then you'd love this book purely because of its vibes. And if you're someone who loves classic gothic literature, then you'd love this book because of its plot.
The haunting moors and trance-like dreams made me think of books like Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera. It's a sleek and spooky story that still has a strong sense of elegance.
While I really enjoyed this book, there were a couple of things that bugged me as I read. Firstly, I couldn't pin down the time period it was set in. It clearly isn't meant to be set in contemporary times. If I were to guess, I'd say 1700s-1800s, but that's the best I can do. The only other issue I had was primarily in the first couple of chapters, and it was an abundance of phrases such as "Maren did." Here's a quote from the first chapter.
"Maren believes her sister has taken to lighting them. It is not her husband's doing. Maren finds the challenge unnerving."
When I first read this, I was a little worried that this style of short sentences and to-the-point statements would be common throughout the book. Since this paragraph structure is not my personal favorite, I was not sure how much I would enjoy a book written this way. However, I bring all this up to assure readers that this is not a common occurrence throughout the book. In fact, the following chapters are written quite beautifully. And, as I already mentioned, the ambiance it creates is absolutely gorgeous.
***Thank you, Emily McCombs, for giving me an ARC of The Sea at the End of Everything in exchange for an honest review***
The Sea at the End of Everything, by Emily McCosh, is a beautifully haunting novella about two sisters and the mysterious man they find injured by a storm. I absolutely adored McCosh's descriptions of oceans and storms. For example:
"Raindrops fling themselves through the halo of light. Ocean mist carried up by the wind sprays her face. The scent of salt and sea plants and storm electricity shape the air."
Descriptions like this created an immersive ambiance that really pulled me into the story. If you're someone who loves stormy days at the beach, then you'd love this book purely because of its vibes. And if you're someone who loves classic gothic literature, then you'd love this book because of its plot.
The haunting moors and trance-like dreams made me think of books like Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera. It's a sleek and spooky story that still has a strong sense of elegance.
While I really enjoyed this book, there were a couple of things that bugged me as I read. Firstly, I couldn't pin down the time period it was set in. It clearly isn't meant to be set in contemporary times. If I were to guess, I'd say 1700s-1800s, but that's the best I can do. The only other issue I had was primarily in the first couple of chapters, and it was an abundance of phrases such as "Maren did." Here's a quote from the first chapter.
"Maren believes her sister has taken to lighting them. It is not her husband's doing. Maren finds the challenge unnerving."
When I first read this, I was a little worried that this style of short sentences and to-the-point statements would be common throughout the book. Since this paragraph structure is not my personal favorite, I was not sure how much I would enjoy a book written this way. However, I bring all this up to assure readers that this is not a common occurrence throughout the book. In fact, the following chapters are written quite beautifully. And, as I already mentioned, the ambiance it creates is absolutely gorgeous.
***Thank you, Emily McCombs, for giving me an ARC of The Sea at the End of Everything in exchange for an honest review***
January 20, 2024
This was such a delightful read! The prose in the book is stunning and I found myself really doing my best to take my time reading and digesting every word. It has an almost dream-like quality. The haunting atmosphere and descriptions of the setting were so vivid and beautiful, the world around the characters felt almost like a character of its own (which in a sense it truly was).
I find myself wishing for more chapters of this book, though to me that means this book did exactly what it needed to do and gave me a lot to think about with regards to these characters. This brief look we got into this small village and its inhabitants was wonderful, and I loved our small group of main characters! Especially the relationship between Maren and Vivian, and the sort of grief we see Maren go through. Though her sister returned to her from the sea, she isn't the same, and I enjoyed seeing Maren trying to parse through the feeling of loss for how Vivian was before she was lost.
A lot of components are still left in sort of mystery at the end, which again I'll personally enjoy pondering now that I've finished the book. The focus of this story for me was primarily the relationships between the characters and their shift throughout the story, with the mystery existing in the background and as a catalyst for the growth of our characters. So, if you go into this looking for a cut and dry solved mystery, you may leave disappointed.
If you gravitate towards heavily plot-driven/fast-paced books or books of that sort, this may not be for you. However, if you like beautiful prose and more character-focused and atmospheric stories with some mystery, then I can't recommend this enough! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, as there aren't many authors I read who write stories quite like these.
Again, what a beautiful book both in prose and also physically! I especially loved the illustrations throughout the book! They really added to the atmosphere while reading and helped to really visualize the setting.
(Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!)
I find myself wishing for more chapters of this book, though to me that means this book did exactly what it needed to do and gave me a lot to think about with regards to these characters. This brief look we got into this small village and its inhabitants was wonderful, and I loved our small group of main characters! Especially the relationship between Maren and Vivian, and the sort of grief we see Maren go through. Though her sister returned to her from the sea, she isn't the same, and I enjoyed seeing Maren trying to parse through the feeling of loss for how Vivian was before she was lost.
A lot of components are still left in sort of mystery at the end, which again I'll personally enjoy pondering now that I've finished the book. The focus of this story for me was primarily the relationships between the characters and their shift throughout the story, with the mystery existing in the background and as a catalyst for the growth of our characters. So, if you go into this looking for a cut and dry solved mystery, you may leave disappointed.
If you gravitate towards heavily plot-driven/fast-paced books or books of that sort, this may not be for you. However, if you like beautiful prose and more character-focused and atmospheric stories with some mystery, then I can't recommend this enough! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, as there aren't many authors I read who write stories quite like these.
Again, what a beautiful book both in prose and also physically! I especially loved the illustrations throughout the book! They really added to the atmosphere while reading and helped to really visualize the setting.
(Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!)
November 5, 2024
I will start off with that I absolutely love and adore this book! It more relaxed and enjoyable but there are some flaws but I'll talk about those later.
This book is a great cozy read, just bundling up on a lazy day and reading this while it raining is the best. As it a story about a village by the sea with their small superstitions just trying to get by but they aren't bad people just maybe a bit fearful when things go wrong. It starts off with out protagonist finding a 'shipwrecked' man on the shore who looks terrible with other villagers inspecting.
Another aspect is the protagonist has a sister who is also a focal point being known as the witch of the sea ever since there was an incident where she got lost at sea then returned to land. While our Protagonist has felt like her sister has become greatly distant from her while healing the shipwrecked man. This is the summary and this is very much what you will get so don't worry you will get it!
Now to the con's...
The sisters don't get much interactions unfortunately while it makes sense in context I feel it could have been fixed with maybe flash backs or more conversation of when they were children. To help paint a picture of how much things have changed even if briefly since it makes it hard to connect why they are distant. As we get more interactions with Haf, the name of the shipwrecked man, then her with her sister.
This book is meant to be a short read, however, so I can understand why would sacrifice some of that but I feel even just some conversation like mentioning more of how close they were. Like them playing or anything would have come a long way to develop the siblings. But in the end it is sweet and chill read with the ending actually pulling a smile on my face.
This book is a great cozy read, just bundling up on a lazy day and reading this while it raining is the best. As it a story about a village by the sea with their small superstitions just trying to get by but they aren't bad people just maybe a bit fearful when things go wrong. It starts off with out protagonist finding a 'shipwrecked' man on the shore who looks terrible with other villagers inspecting.
Another aspect is the protagonist has a sister who is also a focal point being known as the witch of the sea ever since there was an incident where she got lost at sea then returned to land. While our Protagonist has felt like her sister has become greatly distant from her while healing the shipwrecked man. This is the summary and this is very much what you will get so don't worry you will get it!
Now to the con's...
The sisters don't get much interactions unfortunately while it makes sense in context I feel it could have been fixed with maybe flash backs or more conversation of when they were children. To help paint a picture of how much things have changed even if briefly since it makes it hard to connect why they are distant. As we get more interactions with Haf, the name of the shipwrecked man, then her with her sister.
This book is meant to be a short read, however, so I can understand why would sacrifice some of that but I feel even just some conversation like mentioning more of how close they were. Like them playing or anything would have come a long way to develop the siblings. But in the end it is sweet and chill read with the ending actually pulling a smile on my face.
January 23, 2024
I was fortunate enough to have been chosen as an ARC reader for The Sea at the End of Everything. Though it is a short novela, I still think it is significant to say that I read it in a single sitting.
Writing: 9.5/10
Likability: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
World: 10/10
Uniqueness: 10/10
The story is delightfully atmospheric and resonates deeply with emotion. The characters are whole and fleshed-out despite having little time to establish themselves, and the worldbuilding and backstory are seamlessly woven throughout the text in a way that draws you in deeper instead of coming off as info-dumping. The description is riveting and vivid, real in a way that captures the senses. The illustrations throughout added a wonderful element of whimsy and beauty to the story, and I was happy to find that the text didn't use the images as a crutch; the story works perfectly independently of the gorgeous illustrations. The subtle romance, the sisterly relationship, and the odd charm of this village by the sea totally hooked me from start to finish. I love that the story was, in a way, very genre-centric. The things that Maren, the MC, thinks and feels that may alarm someone in another story feel natural and real in the setting and atmosphere Maren exists within. I enjoyed the near-creepiness of some of the elements, the longing, the deep connections, and the different expressions of love and character and community throughout the story's entirety. My best read of the year so far, easily!
Writing: 9.5/10
Likability: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
World: 10/10
Uniqueness: 10/10
The story is delightfully atmospheric and resonates deeply with emotion. The characters are whole and fleshed-out despite having little time to establish themselves, and the worldbuilding and backstory are seamlessly woven throughout the text in a way that draws you in deeper instead of coming off as info-dumping. The description is riveting and vivid, real in a way that captures the senses. The illustrations throughout added a wonderful element of whimsy and beauty to the story, and I was happy to find that the text didn't use the images as a crutch; the story works perfectly independently of the gorgeous illustrations. The subtle romance, the sisterly relationship, and the odd charm of this village by the sea totally hooked me from start to finish. I love that the story was, in a way, very genre-centric. The things that Maren, the MC, thinks and feels that may alarm someone in another story feel natural and real in the setting and atmosphere Maren exists within. I enjoyed the near-creepiness of some of the elements, the longing, the deep connections, and the different expressions of love and character and community throughout the story's entirety. My best read of the year so far, easily!
February 5, 2024
Got this book as an ARC in exchange for giving a review.
Where do I begin? This book had anything you might want for a cozy read, the setting, the mystery, the sisterhood.
Without spoilers, Maren and Vivian’s relationship was a highlight of this book. Vivian, who is perceived by others as a witch for how reserved she acts after re-emerging from the sea, and Maren who just wants her sister. Maren longs for the sister she lost, and the struggles to understand her. We do not get a POV for Vivian, but her character is still intriguing, with the mysterious aura that followed her presence, her being drawn to the sea, and still caring for her sister in the most subtle gestures. Other side characters are memorable too despite this being only a short novella.
Another thing that is beautifully done is the coastal setting. Adding to that is the unrelenting storm that brews above the village, and you have a book you can curl up in blankets to read while it rains outside. Anytime Maren ventures out, the writer makes sure to craft this small village into a memorable, beautiful scenery, with its beach and cliff meeting the sea, the waves that wash up mysterious people, the lighthouse toppled by the same waves, the local people’s own lore surrounding such things, and just the smalltown feel.
By the end, the book left me with a feeling of both a sense of conclusion and yet a sense of mystery.
Where do I begin? This book had anything you might want for a cozy read, the setting, the mystery, the sisterhood.
Without spoilers, Maren and Vivian’s relationship was a highlight of this book. Vivian, who is perceived by others as a witch for how reserved she acts after re-emerging from the sea, and Maren who just wants her sister. Maren longs for the sister she lost, and the struggles to understand her. We do not get a POV for Vivian, but her character is still intriguing, with the mysterious aura that followed her presence, her being drawn to the sea, and still caring for her sister in the most subtle gestures. Other side characters are memorable too despite this being only a short novella.
Another thing that is beautifully done is the coastal setting. Adding to that is the unrelenting storm that brews above the village, and you have a book you can curl up in blankets to read while it rains outside. Anytime Maren ventures out, the writer makes sure to craft this small village into a memorable, beautiful scenery, with its beach and cliff meeting the sea, the waves that wash up mysterious people, the lighthouse toppled by the same waves, the local people’s own lore surrounding such things, and just the smalltown feel.
By the end, the book left me with a feeling of both a sense of conclusion and yet a sense of mystery.
February 6, 2024
I received an eArc of this book for an honest review.
So ultimately I loved this book. It had a perfectly cosy gothic environment and the focus the author gave on the sisters and family relationship was lovely. Scenes with then very much read as actually sibling scenes which was very much appreciated - too often authors who write siblings can write them quite strangely. The art work in this is also absolutely fantastic and I'm definitely going to be seeing if I can track down a coloured illustrated version from the authors kickstarter when I have a chance.
The only thing that pulled it down from a 5 to a 4 is, like other reviews have stated, the timeline was a bit difficult to follow and there are occasional instances of scenes where showing instead if telling might have been more beneficial. But as it stands its definitely a lovely book you can easily read in one setting and come away satisfied with the ending and the characters. Will be reccomending it to all my friends.
So ultimately I loved this book. It had a perfectly cosy gothic environment and the focus the author gave on the sisters and family relationship was lovely. Scenes with then very much read as actually sibling scenes which was very much appreciated - too often authors who write siblings can write them quite strangely. The art work in this is also absolutely fantastic and I'm definitely going to be seeing if I can track down a coloured illustrated version from the authors kickstarter when I have a chance.
The only thing that pulled it down from a 5 to a 4 is, like other reviews have stated, the timeline was a bit difficult to follow and there are occasional instances of scenes where showing instead if telling might have been more beneficial. But as it stands its definitely a lovely book you can easily read in one setting and come away satisfied with the ending and the characters. Will be reccomending it to all my friends.
February 29, 2024
It's rare that I give a book five stars. The criteria for that can be wishy-washy I will admit, but the main things that do it, is being able to make me think about the book when I'm not reading it. This Novella had everything I didn't know I was looking for. Haunting and cozy in the same breath. The world was well realized. The characters were alive on the page. The writing, oh my, the writing was beautiful! Engrossing and vivid. I could feel the cold chill of the rain against my skin. I could hear the roaring waves and the wind from the storms. I could taste the salt in the air and feel my feet pressing against wet mud. This was a wholly beautiful experience and I didn't want it to end. I even forced myself to read slower just so I could stay in the world longer. I wholly recommend this book if you want something quick to read, but still want to be pulled into an interesting world with compelling characters.
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