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Across the Great Ocean: Desolation
Official Artwork: E-Book comes with 3 illustrations that bring the characters of ATGO to life!
With nothing to her name except a flimsy hunting bow, Nyla faces a cower in the shadows and watch her land fall to darkness or rise and become the light her people need.
Sixteen-year-old Nyla lost her mother, sisters, and only friends to a devastating plague that swept across the world, leaving the already-impoverished southern side of the Suhai Empire in ruins. With the arrival of the northern militia come promises of aid for recovery, but dark whispers of their ulterior motives closely follow.
Just when Nyla thinks she can’t endure any more loss, her father mysteriously vanishes. As her remaining family scrambles to find stability amidst his disappearance, her older brother is revealed to not only be a part of the southern underground resistance but wanted for treason by the militia. Refusing to lose anyone else, Nyla and her two brothers flee to evade execution, and on their desperate journey, they unveil the militia’s dark intentions - and they are far more sinister than ever imagined.
Filled with epic battles, treachery, troubled love, and twists worthy of the darkest thrillers, “Across the Great Ocean” is a must-read for young adult dystopian fantasy fans.
With nothing to her name except a flimsy hunting bow, Nyla faces a cower in the shadows and watch her land fall to darkness or rise and become the light her people need.
Sixteen-year-old Nyla lost her mother, sisters, and only friends to a devastating plague that swept across the world, leaving the already-impoverished southern side of the Suhai Empire in ruins. With the arrival of the northern militia come promises of aid for recovery, but dark whispers of their ulterior motives closely follow.
Just when Nyla thinks she can’t endure any more loss, her father mysteriously vanishes. As her remaining family scrambles to find stability amidst his disappearance, her older brother is revealed to not only be a part of the southern underground resistance but wanted for treason by the militia. Refusing to lose anyone else, Nyla and her two brothers flee to evade execution, and on their desperate journey, they unveil the militia’s dark intentions - and they are far more sinister than ever imagined.
Filled with epic battles, treachery, troubled love, and twists worthy of the darkest thrillers, “Across the Great Ocean” is a must-read for young adult dystopian fantasy fans.
Paperback
First published February 4, 2024
7 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Mary
2 books32 followersMeet Virginia Mary, author of trilogy Across the Great Ocean, lover of literature, photography, cats, & all things outdoors...
When she is not working on her fantasy adventure trilogy, you can find her somewhere in the sun, sipping her favorite tea & smelling the flowers. Her favorite authors are Edward Abbey, George RR Martin, & J.R.R. Tolkien, whom she has drawn deep inspiration from.
When she is not working on her fantasy adventure trilogy, you can find her somewhere in the sun, sipping her favorite tea & smelling the flowers. Her favorite authors are Edward Abbey, George RR Martin, & J.R.R. Tolkien, whom she has drawn deep inspiration from.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 7, 2024
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow! What a great debut novel.
I got all of the Avatar the last Air Bender vibes with this one.
I found myself thrown into this storh right from the beginning and was rooting for these characters all the way through.
It had strong dystopian/tyrannical government vibes and kept you guessing on what was going to happen next.
What a beautiful, tough, scary, and wild adventure that these young children take to help save the world in anyway they can.
You get:
• YA Fantasy
• World At War
• Quest
• Rebellion
• Chosen One
• Hero's Journey
• Past Trauma
I can't wait to read the second one of this series! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
Wow! What a great debut novel.
I got all of the Avatar the last Air Bender vibes with this one.
I found myself thrown into this storh right from the beginning and was rooting for these characters all the way through.
It had strong dystopian/tyrannical government vibes and kept you guessing on what was going to happen next.
What a beautiful, tough, scary, and wild adventure that these young children take to help save the world in anyway they can.
You get:
• YA Fantasy
• World At War
• Quest
• Rebellion
• Chosen One
• Hero's Journey
• Past Trauma
I can't wait to read the second one of this series! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
October 15, 2024
This book begins with a chapter of history and worldbuilding that some may find overwhelming, as you're introduced to a lot of different countries and leaders. But I encourage you to press on like I did, because as soon as the main characters appeared everything started to fall into place.
As survivors of a plague that killed half their family, 15 year old Nyla, her older brother Benjin and younger brother Luka, and Benjin's best friend Laago are just trying to survive when they have to flee from an oppressive militia that harasses their homeland. Soon they are pulled into a quest that takes them across the empire.
Character is Virginia Mary's strong suit. Nyla is a well-rounded and likeable heroine with flaws and vulnerabilities who I was always rooting for. Six year old Luka is consistently adorable. Laago provides some needed comic relief and banter to what is overall a quite serious journey. And I enjoyed most of the side characters they met along the way.
Many YA/MG books are big on found family, and there is some of that here with Laago. But what I really appreciated was the bonds between the siblings and how that was a significant focus. There was also some great reflection on what it would really be like to grow up in the middle of a war and how we see our enemies.
Grief is a major theme throughout this book, but there are still moments of connection, joy, and even whimsy. It's clear the author has thought so much about this world and the interplay between different countries and cultures. I wasn't always clear on all the political aspects, but I always had a sense of what the characters wanted and their growth arcs, and that kept me engaged.
I'd recommend Across the Great Ocean for anyone who enjoys serious but imaginative lower YA fantasy, particularly quest stories. There is violence and heavy themes, but no spice or swearing.
I'm glad I traveled across the great ocean with this family!
As survivors of a plague that killed half their family, 15 year old Nyla, her older brother Benjin and younger brother Luka, and Benjin's best friend Laago are just trying to survive when they have to flee from an oppressive militia that harasses their homeland. Soon they are pulled into a quest that takes them across the empire.
Character is Virginia Mary's strong suit. Nyla is a well-rounded and likeable heroine with flaws and vulnerabilities who I was always rooting for. Six year old Luka is consistently adorable. Laago provides some needed comic relief and banter to what is overall a quite serious journey. And I enjoyed most of the side characters they met along the way.
Many YA/MG books are big on found family, and there is some of that here with Laago. But what I really appreciated was the bonds between the siblings and how that was a significant focus. There was also some great reflection on what it would really be like to grow up in the middle of a war and how we see our enemies.
Grief is a major theme throughout this book, but there are still moments of connection, joy, and even whimsy. It's clear the author has thought so much about this world and the interplay between different countries and cultures. I wasn't always clear on all the political aspects, but I always had a sense of what the characters wanted and their growth arcs, and that kept me engaged.
I'd recommend Across the Great Ocean for anyone who enjoys serious but imaginative lower YA fantasy, particularly quest stories. There is violence and heavy themes, but no spice or swearing.
I'm glad I traveled across the great ocean with this family!
July 5, 2024
Across the Great Ocean is a coming of age fantasy adventure, following siblings Nyla, Benjin, and Luka as they are sent on a quest to deliver a message across a dangerous land.
This is one of those fantasies about found family and friendship that feels like a warm blanket to sink into. It excels with the dynamics between its characters. The relationships between Nyla, her brother Benjin, and their friends was my favourite part. They experience much love and loss on their journey and the way they drew closer through all these trials was heart-warming to read.
The writing felt a bit younger than the upper YA I was expecting (despite a few grisly scenes), as it communicates its life lessons in a clear way that feels fitting for younger teens. That said, I think its fantastic for that audience, particularly with POV Nyla, who is a relatable, ordinary girl who demonstrates the kind of real strength and resilience through her struggles that would be inspiring for anyone growing up.
My only real reservation is that the book could sometimes get a bit too bogged down in exposition, particularly in its dialogue. Regardless, there is a lot to love here. I really enjoyed these characters and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!
This is one of those fantasies about found family and friendship that feels like a warm blanket to sink into. It excels with the dynamics between its characters. The relationships between Nyla, her brother Benjin, and their friends was my favourite part. They experience much love and loss on their journey and the way they drew closer through all these trials was heart-warming to read.
The writing felt a bit younger than the upper YA I was expecting (despite a few grisly scenes), as it communicates its life lessons in a clear way that feels fitting for younger teens. That said, I think its fantastic for that audience, particularly with POV Nyla, who is a relatable, ordinary girl who demonstrates the kind of real strength and resilience through her struggles that would be inspiring for anyone growing up.
My only real reservation is that the book could sometimes get a bit too bogged down in exposition, particularly in its dialogue. Regardless, there is a lot to love here. I really enjoyed these characters and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!
December 30, 2024
Such an outstanding debut! My absolute favorite is the world building. Discovering the world, the characters, and the turns is my favorite part of any fantasy novel. Across the Great Ocean is layered, rich, and surprising.
If you’re looking for something new in fantasy - read this!!! Absolutely in my top 10 of the year!!!
If you’re looking for something new in fantasy - read this!!! Absolutely in my top 10 of the year!!!
January 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’d Like to Thank @virginiamaryarts for allowing me to read this ARC.
This is a YA fantasy, which is usually not my go to, but I loved it. The character growth was expertly done and the sense of adventure, love, loss, and trauma was well woven together to create a fantastic story🤍
Laago has my whole heart🖤
I will say, I am not super great at remembering things so I did have to refer to the map when I got a tad confused with the world building, but that’s a me problem😆. I so wish underground forests were a real thing though because I would love to see such magic in real life🥰
I’d Like to Thank @virginiamaryarts for allowing me to read this ARC.
This is a YA fantasy, which is usually not my go to, but I loved it. The character growth was expertly done and the sense of adventure, love, loss, and trauma was well woven together to create a fantastic story🤍
Laago has my whole heart🖤
I will say, I am not super great at remembering things so I did have to refer to the map when I got a tad confused with the world building, but that’s a me problem😆. I so wish underground forests were a real thing though because I would love to see such magic in real life🥰
January 7, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)
Spice: (0/5)
Format: e-ARC (421 pages)
Recommendation: I highly recommend Across the Great Ocean to anyone who is a fan of quest fantasy, coming-of-age novels, or books with profound/timeless life lessons.
Similar Styles: LotR/The Hobbit, Avatar The Last Airbender, GoT, Life of Pi
Across the Great Ocean is an absolutely beautiful and poignant Upper YA fantasy in which the reader has the rare opportunity to witnesses Nyla, the main protagonist, become wise beyond her years through the trauma and hardship she endures and overcomes. ATGO is truly unlike any book I’ve ever read and is impossible to narrow down to a single genre. I truly believe that readers of any age, from teenagers to adults, will fall in love with the world of ATGO and will walk way with an appreciation of the values engrained in the book as well as an immediate need for Book 2!
Virginia Mary intricately weaves complex themes of loss and love, tragedy and hope, and destruction and growth into the storyline, furthering the plot and character development of the main protagonist, Nyla. While the story takes place in a post-plague, pre-war world, Virginia Mary maintains an air lightheartedness throughout the book through the playful bantering and bickering that occurs between the rag-tag group of adventurers. The dynamic between Nyla and her siblings, as well as their family friend, Laago, will have you laughing, gasping, and bawling.
The pacing of ATGO is fluid throughout, however, the last 25% will have you on the edge of your seat! I could not put this book down and was annotating every page like a mad-woman - truly, my e-ARC is full of highlighted quotes and unhinged, all-caps commentary as I was flying through. I honestly cannot wait for book 2 and will be preordering multiple copies of ATGO immediately so I can display it on my shelf and force everyone around me to read it!
I was honestly torn between a 4.5 and a 5-star rating for ATGO, but ultimately landed on 4.5 as the world-building, while necessary, was a bit overwhelming at times and took me out of the story as I had to flip backwards, check the map, or look up something to mentally realign.
Favorite Quotes (Possible Spoilers):
“He was like a flame, he could be right in front of you, but you could never have him. If you reached in, you only got burnt. But if you sat close, you felt his warmth deep within your soul. Above all else, he was there to bring light to our world.”
“Miss me?” “More than you would ever know.”
“They fight because they are ordered to; we fight because if we don’t, our entire world will burn to ash and because of that, they will never prevail.”
“We can live by love or die by fear.”
“It is time for you to stop searching elsewhere for light and to create it within yourselves. This is the purest form of hope and it will take you much farther than any other form could.”
Spice: (0/5)
Format: e-ARC (421 pages)
Recommendation: I highly recommend Across the Great Ocean to anyone who is a fan of quest fantasy, coming-of-age novels, or books with profound/timeless life lessons.
Similar Styles: LotR/The Hobbit, Avatar The Last Airbender, GoT, Life of Pi
Across the Great Ocean is an absolutely beautiful and poignant Upper YA fantasy in which the reader has the rare opportunity to witnesses Nyla, the main protagonist, become wise beyond her years through the trauma and hardship she endures and overcomes. ATGO is truly unlike any book I’ve ever read and is impossible to narrow down to a single genre. I truly believe that readers of any age, from teenagers to adults, will fall in love with the world of ATGO and will walk way with an appreciation of the values engrained in the book as well as an immediate need for Book 2!
Virginia Mary intricately weaves complex themes of loss and love, tragedy and hope, and destruction and growth into the storyline, furthering the plot and character development of the main protagonist, Nyla. While the story takes place in a post-plague, pre-war world, Virginia Mary maintains an air lightheartedness throughout the book through the playful bantering and bickering that occurs between the rag-tag group of adventurers. The dynamic between Nyla and her siblings, as well as their family friend, Laago, will have you laughing, gasping, and bawling.
The pacing of ATGO is fluid throughout, however, the last 25% will have you on the edge of your seat! I could not put this book down and was annotating every page like a mad-woman - truly, my e-ARC is full of highlighted quotes and unhinged, all-caps commentary as I was flying through. I honestly cannot wait for book 2 and will be preordering multiple copies of ATGO immediately so I can display it on my shelf and force everyone around me to read it!
I was honestly torn between a 4.5 and a 5-star rating for ATGO, but ultimately landed on 4.5 as the world-building, while necessary, was a bit overwhelming at times and took me out of the story as I had to flip backwards, check the map, or look up something to mentally realign.
Favorite Quotes (Possible Spoilers):
“He was like a flame, he could be right in front of you, but you could never have him. If you reached in, you only got burnt. But if you sat close, you felt his warmth deep within your soul. Above all else, he was there to bring light to our world.”
“Miss me?” “More than you would ever know.”
“They fight because they are ordered to; we fight because if we don’t, our entire world will burn to ash and because of that, they will never prevail.”
“We can live by love or die by fear.”
“It is time for you to stop searching elsewhere for light and to create it within yourselves. This is the purest form of hope and it will take you much farther than any other form could.”
February 2, 2024
I’m really happy I got the chance to read this. It’s the kind of story fantasy lovers and folks who aren’t familiar with the genre alike can get into. This is a sentimental story, in a good way. Miller’s writing is delicate and thoughtful. It’s clear she’s well-read in the YA genre, but this book also gives me some vibes of more literary works like (weirdly enough) Emerson and Dickens with the rumination on nature and the generation of orphans.
This might be weird to say but I like how little snark there is in this book. A lot of YA books today are just full of it, especially between siblings. It’s not that that this book doesn’t have any snark, but it’s rare and restrained. There was a scene where lead Nyla says something to her older brother Benjin about carrying her younger brother to bed. I’m so conditioned by snark I expected Benjin to have some snappy reply. Instead he said, “The moon looks beautiful, huh?” And I felt so warm and comfortable to hear that line. It really made me fall in love with Benjin. Considering all the things these folks have been through, it was great to have them simply be kind to each other and take a moment to admire beauty.
It’s a rich world. The locations are absolutely fabulous, especially when the writer is writing about nature. I love the underground forest so much! They don’t feel like generic fantasy locations, either. Like, the city they start in reminds me of a sort of 1800s-era London or New York, but not in a steampunk way. Instead, it has the dirty feel of the industrial age, with lots of people cramped into tiny houses. If Dickenspunk is a thing, that’s what this would be.
The downside of that is there are a lot of names toward the beginning, especially of places, and I found myself hoping that I’d be reminded of place names if they became especially relevant. (This is mostly true, I think.) She’s such a good writer of emotion and sensation that I wanted her to forget about the names and just tell me what these places were like, anyway. And luckily, she does that lavishly.
This is not a peaceful or cozy book exactly: the pace is tense and death is a real possibility. But the feeling of gentleness set up between the siblings lingers in a really rewarding way. Early on, the main character says, “Some people assumed that positivity was something you were born with, but it was not. It was something that you had to work for every single day.” It’s a nice change to see a character work to be happy, instead of work to save the magic maguffin, or kill the evil monster, or whatever. Of course, there is action in the book, and tension, and evil villains, but what makes this book really worth a read is the gentleness.
If you’re a regular YA reader, you’ll find a lot to love here, and even if you’re not a big fan of genre fiction, you’ll find some great prose and relatable characters.
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC reader.
This might be weird to say but I like how little snark there is in this book. A lot of YA books today are just full of it, especially between siblings. It’s not that that this book doesn’t have any snark, but it’s rare and restrained. There was a scene where lead Nyla says something to her older brother Benjin about carrying her younger brother to bed. I’m so conditioned by snark I expected Benjin to have some snappy reply. Instead he said, “The moon looks beautiful, huh?” And I felt so warm and comfortable to hear that line. It really made me fall in love with Benjin. Considering all the things these folks have been through, it was great to have them simply be kind to each other and take a moment to admire beauty.
It’s a rich world. The locations are absolutely fabulous, especially when the writer is writing about nature. I love the underground forest so much! They don’t feel like generic fantasy locations, either. Like, the city they start in reminds me of a sort of 1800s-era London or New York, but not in a steampunk way. Instead, it has the dirty feel of the industrial age, with lots of people cramped into tiny houses. If Dickenspunk is a thing, that’s what this would be.
The downside of that is there are a lot of names toward the beginning, especially of places, and I found myself hoping that I’d be reminded of place names if they became especially relevant. (This is mostly true, I think.) She’s such a good writer of emotion and sensation that I wanted her to forget about the names and just tell me what these places were like, anyway. And luckily, she does that lavishly.
This is not a peaceful or cozy book exactly: the pace is tense and death is a real possibility. But the feeling of gentleness set up between the siblings lingers in a really rewarding way. Early on, the main character says, “Some people assumed that positivity was something you were born with, but it was not. It was something that you had to work for every single day.” It’s a nice change to see a character work to be happy, instead of work to save the magic maguffin, or kill the evil monster, or whatever. Of course, there is action in the book, and tension, and evil villains, but what makes this book really worth a read is the gentleness.
If you’re a regular YA reader, you’ll find a lot to love here, and even if you’re not a big fan of genre fiction, you’ll find some great prose and relatable characters.
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC reader.
August 11, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 and more!
First of all, I want to thank to Virginia, one of the kindest souls I've met on earth for writing this book and letting us meet with these characters.
I have a strong bond with every single one of them. Benjin, Nyla, Laago, Luka... and the others they met on their journey who helped them both mentally and phsically.
There are lots of wise quotes spread around the book which I highlighted a lot. And they all mean something in our real world if you give them a thought. I'm admiring the wisdom in this book.
It's not just a regular fantasy book, It's also like a mirror that reflects the real world in different shapes.
I love that in this fantasy world, we have some glimpses of modern world but also we have the spirit of the fantasy as well. I love that Nyla was working at the factory, living in an apartment, living in a polluted city by the factories. Yet it still has the feelings of fantasy towns and walled cities and festivals and villages. She uses a bow, Benjin uses a sword, there are little boats and war ships. I really like this contraversy, and i love that it's not just a basic fantasy that was inspired from medieval age. They have technology that kinda reminds me of Avatar the Last Airbender to be honest.
About characters:
4 kids that had already seen the worse in life are going on a difficult, dangerous but important journey. The world's fate might be in their hands. But what I love the most is their love for each other. I think in the end, if the world collapses or something, their love still would matter the most for me. Because all these kids has the most beautiful hearts like I haven't seen in any character in a long time.
I'd like to talk about Nyla, our 15 year old protagonist, who is struggling but also to me she is a real hero. A huge one. She may not have any superpowers (yet) but she has a strong innocent heart. The way she sees the world, the purest form of love she has for the others around her impresses me. I love that she prays for the best for the people around her secretly and emphasise everything easily. I get really emotional every time she prays to the moon goddess, Eura.
Benjin has been a very lovable character, with all his sacrifices for his siblings and everything but there was someone else who stole my heart: Laago.
When I look back to my e-reader my highlights, I notice that most of my highlights are either quotes about him or things he said. I wished so damn hard for him to have a peaceful life. I was in love with him because even though after everything he had gone through, he has still light in his, still has love to give. He is a precious character for me, and always will.
For our little Luka, I feel sad for him that he had to go through this journey with his siblings but if we ever get to see him older, I feel like he is going to be a great person :)
My overall opinion is, I can't wait for book two!!
I have very few special & emotinoally attached (my precious i can say) books as I can count on the fingers of my hand. And this became one of them. This book will always have a space in my heart between Ursula Le Guin and Ghibli movies and ATLA :)
Once again, Thank you Virginia for all these words that changed my life for better.
-Magnolia
First of all, I want to thank to Virginia, one of the kindest souls I've met on earth for writing this book and letting us meet with these characters.
I have a strong bond with every single one of them. Benjin, Nyla, Laago, Luka... and the others they met on their journey who helped them both mentally and phsically.
There are lots of wise quotes spread around the book which I highlighted a lot. And they all mean something in our real world if you give them a thought. I'm admiring the wisdom in this book.
It's not just a regular fantasy book, It's also like a mirror that reflects the real world in different shapes.
I love that in this fantasy world, we have some glimpses of modern world but also we have the spirit of the fantasy as well. I love that Nyla was working at the factory, living in an apartment, living in a polluted city by the factories. Yet it still has the feelings of fantasy towns and walled cities and festivals and villages. She uses a bow, Benjin uses a sword, there are little boats and war ships. I really like this contraversy, and i love that it's not just a basic fantasy that was inspired from medieval age. They have technology that kinda reminds me of Avatar the Last Airbender to be honest.
About characters:
4 kids that had already seen the worse in life are going on a difficult, dangerous but important journey. The world's fate might be in their hands. But what I love the most is their love for each other. I think in the end, if the world collapses or something, their love still would matter the most for me. Because all these kids has the most beautiful hearts like I haven't seen in any character in a long time.
I'd like to talk about Nyla, our 15 year old protagonist, who is struggling but also to me she is a real hero. A huge one. She may not have any superpowers (yet) but she has a strong innocent heart. The way she sees the world, the purest form of love she has for the others around her impresses me. I love that she prays for the best for the people around her secretly and emphasise everything easily. I get really emotional every time she prays to the moon goddess, Eura.
Benjin has been a very lovable character, with all his sacrifices for his siblings and everything but there was someone else who stole my heart: Laago.
When I look back to my e-reader my highlights, I notice that most of my highlights are either quotes about him or things he said. I wished so damn hard for him to have a peaceful life. I was in love with him because even though after everything he had gone through, he has still light in his, still has love to give. He is a precious character for me, and always will.
For our little Luka, I feel sad for him that he had to go through this journey with his siblings but if we ever get to see him older, I feel like he is going to be a great person :)
My overall opinion is, I can't wait for book two!!
I have very few special & emotinoally attached (my precious i can say) books as I can count on the fingers of my hand. And this became one of them. This book will always have a space in my heart between Ursula Le Guin and Ghibli movies and ATLA :)
Once again, Thank you Virginia for all these words that changed my life for better.
-Magnolia
November 13, 2024
Across the Great Ocean: Desolation by Virginia Mary is a captivating dystopian YA fantasy that thrusts readers into a world of war, treachery, and survival. Sixteen-year-old Nyla, armed with nothing but a flimsy hunting bow, faces a critical decision: hide in the shadows and watch her land fall to darkness, or rise and become the light her people so desperately need.
After a devastating plague wipes out her mother, sisters, and closest friends, Nyla finds herself alone in the ruins of the southern Suhai Empire, an already-impoverished region. When the northern militia arrives, promising aid and recovery, dark whispers of their true intentions begin to surface.
A coming-of-age fantasy adventure that follows siblings Nyla, Benjin, and Luka and their friend Laago on a perilous quest to deliver a crucial message across a dangerous land. The heart of this novel lies in its exploration of found family and friendship, offering a sense of comfort and warmth that readers can easily sink into. The relationships between Nyla, her brother Benjin, and their companions are the highlight of the story. Their journey is marked by love, loss, and a growing bond that deepens through every trial they face—a truly heartwarming aspect of the book.
While the writing feels somewhat younger than expected for an upper YA novel, it is perfectly suited for its intended audience. The narrative conveys life lessons clearly, making it accessible and relatable for younger teens. Nyla, in particular, stands out as an ordinary girl who shows remarkable strength and resilience throughout her struggles, making her a source of inspiration for readers navigating their own challenges.
The only downside is that at times, the book becomes bogged down in exposition, especially during dialogue-heavy sections. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise engaging story. The characters are delightful, and their journey is one readers will be eager to continue. Overall, Across the Great Ocean is a charming and heartfelt tale that I look forward to following in future installments, earning it a solid 3.5-star rating.
Tropes:
🌊YA Fantasy
🌊Coming Of Age
🌊Chosen One
🌊Fate VS. Free Will
🌊Brother's Best Friend
🌊Hero's Journey
🌊LGBTQ Rep
#themusestory
After a devastating plague wipes out her mother, sisters, and closest friends, Nyla finds herself alone in the ruins of the southern Suhai Empire, an already-impoverished region. When the northern militia arrives, promising aid and recovery, dark whispers of their true intentions begin to surface.
A coming-of-age fantasy adventure that follows siblings Nyla, Benjin, and Luka and their friend Laago on a perilous quest to deliver a crucial message across a dangerous land. The heart of this novel lies in its exploration of found family and friendship, offering a sense of comfort and warmth that readers can easily sink into. The relationships between Nyla, her brother Benjin, and their companions are the highlight of the story. Their journey is marked by love, loss, and a growing bond that deepens through every trial they face—a truly heartwarming aspect of the book.
While the writing feels somewhat younger than expected for an upper YA novel, it is perfectly suited for its intended audience. The narrative conveys life lessons clearly, making it accessible and relatable for younger teens. Nyla, in particular, stands out as an ordinary girl who shows remarkable strength and resilience throughout her struggles, making her a source of inspiration for readers navigating their own challenges.
The only downside is that at times, the book becomes bogged down in exposition, especially during dialogue-heavy sections. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise engaging story. The characters are delightful, and their journey is one readers will be eager to continue. Overall, Across the Great Ocean is a charming and heartfelt tale that I look forward to following in future installments, earning it a solid 3.5-star rating.
Tropes:
🌊YA Fantasy
🌊Coming Of Age
🌊Chosen One
🌊Fate VS. Free Will
🌊Brother's Best Friend
🌊Hero's Journey
🌊LGBTQ Rep
#themusestory
February 3, 2024
"We can live by love or die by fear."
I can't thank Virginia enough for sharing the advance copy of this with me. Once I started reading, I was totally hooked and couldn't tear myself away from the story.
This book is like a cozy blanket of fantasy. I adored the way the author painted the scenes with words. It's like every sentence was crafted with care and made to be beautiful.
The heart of the story is Nyla, a sixteen-year-old girl who's been through so much. She lost her mom, sisters, and friends to a terrible plague that ravaged their world. Then, when things couldn't get any worse, her dad disappears too. Nyla refuses to lose anyone else. With her brothers and a friend by her side, she sets out on a wild adventure to uncover the truth behind the northern militia's shady motives.
Despite the hardships they face, Nyla and her companions discover that there is more to life than the poverty-stricken existence they have known. Along the way, they encounter kindness and friendship that leave a lasting impact on them.
I was blown away by the author's world-building skills. It's like the author created a whole new universe for us to explore, with its landscapes and creatures. It's so rich and detailed, you can almost picture yourself there.
And let's not forget the characters! They're so richly drawn and full of life, you'll feel like you've known them forever. Every interaction feels so real and alive.
ATGO is more than just a fantasy novel, it's a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable power of hope. It's about finding light in the darkest of times.
If you're looking for a captivating fantasy read with richly drawn characters and an immersive world, look no further than "Across the Great Ocean". Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey of adventure, discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit.
I'm eagerly looking forward to diving back into this world in the next book!!
I can't thank Virginia enough for sharing the advance copy of this with me. Once I started reading, I was totally hooked and couldn't tear myself away from the story.
This book is like a cozy blanket of fantasy. I adored the way the author painted the scenes with words. It's like every sentence was crafted with care and made to be beautiful.
The heart of the story is Nyla, a sixteen-year-old girl who's been through so much. She lost her mom, sisters, and friends to a terrible plague that ravaged their world. Then, when things couldn't get any worse, her dad disappears too. Nyla refuses to lose anyone else. With her brothers and a friend by her side, she sets out on a wild adventure to uncover the truth behind the northern militia's shady motives.
Despite the hardships they face, Nyla and her companions discover that there is more to life than the poverty-stricken existence they have known. Along the way, they encounter kindness and friendship that leave a lasting impact on them.
I was blown away by the author's world-building skills. It's like the author created a whole new universe for us to explore, with its landscapes and creatures. It's so rich and detailed, you can almost picture yourself there.
And let's not forget the characters! They're so richly drawn and full of life, you'll feel like you've known them forever. Every interaction feels so real and alive.
ATGO is more than just a fantasy novel, it's a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable power of hope. It's about finding light in the darkest of times.
If you're looking for a captivating fantasy read with richly drawn characters and an immersive world, look no further than "Across the Great Ocean". Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey of adventure, discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit.
I'm eagerly looking forward to diving back into this world in the next book!!
February 21, 2024
Filled with epic battles, treachery, troubled love, and twists worthy of the darkest thrillers, “Across the Great Ocean” is a must-read for young adult dystopian fantasy fans. Official Artwork: E-Book comes with 3 illustrations that bring the characters of ATGO to life!
Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Nyla lost her mother, sisters, and only friends to a devastating plague that swept across the world, leaving the already-impoverished southern side of the Suhai Empire in ruins. With the arrival of the northern militia come promises of aid for recovery, but dark whispers of their ulterior motives closely follow.
Just when Nyla thinks she can’t endure any more loss, her father mysteriously vanishes. As her remaining family scrambles to find stability amidst his disappearance, her older brother is revealed to not only be a part of the southern underground resistance but wanted for treason by the militia. Refusing to lose anyone else, Nyla and her two brothers flee to evade execution, and on their desperate journey, they unveil the militia’s dark intentions - and they are far more sinister than ever imagined.
My Review:
ATGO is a well written book which had me hooked from the very beginning. The book is perfect for readers who love to read dystopian YA fantasy books. I loved the protagonist Nyla who was sweet and kind yet strong and fierce at the same time. I absolutely loved the illustrations which furthermore helps to connect with the story & characters and imagine them. The book ends in a cliffhanger since it is a part of a trilogy & I just can't wait to find out what happens next!
I'd like to thank @virginiamaryarts for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of ATGO!❤️
Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Nyla lost her mother, sisters, and only friends to a devastating plague that swept across the world, leaving the already-impoverished southern side of the Suhai Empire in ruins. With the arrival of the northern militia come promises of aid for recovery, but dark whispers of their ulterior motives closely follow.
Just when Nyla thinks she can’t endure any more loss, her father mysteriously vanishes. As her remaining family scrambles to find stability amidst his disappearance, her older brother is revealed to not only be a part of the southern underground resistance but wanted for treason by the militia. Refusing to lose anyone else, Nyla and her two brothers flee to evade execution, and on their desperate journey, they unveil the militia’s dark intentions - and they are far more sinister than ever imagined.
My Review:
ATGO is a well written book which had me hooked from the very beginning. The book is perfect for readers who love to read dystopian YA fantasy books. I loved the protagonist Nyla who was sweet and kind yet strong and fierce at the same time. I absolutely loved the illustrations which furthermore helps to connect with the story & characters and imagine them. The book ends in a cliffhanger since it is a part of a trilogy & I just can't wait to find out what happens next!
I'd like to thank @virginiamaryarts for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of ATGO!❤️
January 31, 2024
I was absolutely enamored with the writing in Across the Great Ocean from start to finish. Many times, I read books and while they are well written, the descriptions don't allow me to fully immerse myself in the storyline because they feel stilted or overdone. However, in Across the Great Ocean, the world building was so immaculate that I felt as if I were a part of the story from start to finish, which I absolutely loved. Not only was the setting masterfully written and described, each of the characters felt like living, breathing people that I wish to death I could meet.
Across the Great Ocean is a novel I would recommend to anyone who loves YA Fantasy or YA Dystopian novels, because this one is both in a way that feels fresh in a world with so many books that feel like reiterations of one another. Thank you @virginiamaryarts for letting me read this book prior to its release, and I wish you the greatest success! I cannot express how much I loved reading your book, and I can't wait to see what you write next!
Across the Great Ocean is a novel I would recommend to anyone who loves YA Fantasy or YA Dystopian novels, because this one is both in a way that feels fresh in a world with so many books that feel like reiterations of one another. Thank you @virginiamaryarts for letting me read this book prior to its release, and I wish you the greatest success! I cannot express how much I loved reading your book, and I can't wait to see what you write next!
November 28, 2024
Nyla is a girl living in poverty in a dystopian society. She embarks on an unexpected journey with her siblings/friends, where they must rely on each other to make it through. I enjoyed the entire story, but the second half of the book is what really caught my attention. It is a coming of age novel that focuses on family, friendship, loss, love, depression, and trust. One thing that caught my attention is that the characters go through a lot of hard trials but they meet people who remind them of the good that is in the world. I loved being a part of reading the character development. I have underlined several parts but my favorite line is this one "there is always hope. The world is still bright and colorful, if you look in the right places". I can't wait to read the next book... Rating 4.5 🫶
February 20, 2024
I loved this book!! If you are a fan of quests, coming of age, upper YA - you love it too. Virginia Mary heralds great adventure stories like Avatar the Last Airbender, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and the amazing stories that have come from Studio Ghibli.
Nyla is the perfect protagonist and I think Virginia shows us a true perspective of a young teenager facing devastation. We see Nyla struggle with having young womanhood and essentially become a vigilante overnight. Their adventure had so many beautiful moments that I even started to notice small beautiful moments happening in my own life while reading the book.
There were times where I felt a chapter went on for too long but as soon as I finished it, I wouldn’t ask Virginia to reduce it by a syllable.
Nyla is the perfect protagonist and I think Virginia shows us a true perspective of a young teenager facing devastation. We see Nyla struggle with having young womanhood and essentially become a vigilante overnight. Their adventure had so many beautiful moments that I even started to notice small beautiful moments happening in my own life while reading the book.
There were times where I felt a chapter went on for too long but as soon as I finished it, I wouldn’t ask Virginia to reduce it by a syllable.
October 8, 2025
Across the Great Ocean: Desolation is an absolute great read! This YA coming-of-age, dystopian fantasy adventure kicks off with Nyla, her two brothers, and a friend embarking on a crucial journey to save their home. I was hooked from the first page. It's a perfect blend of action and genuine emotion.
The author excels at making the world and the characters feel real, even when they're facing unbelievable hardships. Every step of their quest brings new challenges, discoveries, and powerful life lessons that resonated deeply. If you're a fan of the genre and looking for your next obsession, grab this book. Since this is just the first installment of a trilogy, I'm already clearing my schedule for the rest!
The author excels at making the world and the characters feel real, even when they're facing unbelievable hardships. Every step of their quest brings new challenges, discoveries, and powerful life lessons that resonated deeply. If you're a fan of the genre and looking for your next obsession, grab this book. Since this is just the first installment of a trilogy, I'm already clearing my schedule for the rest!
February 8, 2024
Across the great ocean 🌊 🛶
(ARC review)
page count:
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
review: If I had to describe this book in one word it would be dreamy ☁️ . The characters were so written and all I want to do is learn everything thiss is about them. The plot kept me hooked from page one! It was the perfect balance of cozy and complex fantasy. If you love watching cozy cartoons that’s have an amazing plot this book is for you! Also I have never seen character art the captured the vibe of a book so well! I definitely recommend this book 100%! Plus the author is literally the sweetest person ever!
January 19, 2024
I feel very honoured to have read this wonderful book prior to release.
This was such a wholesome YA fantasy story about a group of siblings trying to navigate the world through adventure, love, loss, and trauma.
Laago is my favourite 🥹
The underground forest sounds absolutely magical and I’m so sad it’s not real!
The characters are very relatable their development is very well done. This is a beautiful story far and I cannot wait to see what book 2 holds for them!
This was such a wholesome YA fantasy story about a group of siblings trying to navigate the world through adventure, love, loss, and trauma.
Laago is my favourite 🥹
The underground forest sounds absolutely magical and I’m so sad it’s not real!
The characters are very relatable their development is very well done. This is a beautiful story far and I cannot wait to see what book 2 holds for them!
October 16, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
☆Amazing YA Fantasy☆
I'm obsessed with all of these characters! They're amazing. This author did an inedible job putting this story together. It's a mix of action, family, friendship, loss, depression and more. The way it was written is so flawless. It flowed perfectly and really was such an incredible and powerful read! I'm so stoked to read the next book!
Thanks so much to the author and Haylingbookstorm for the ARC!
☆Amazing YA Fantasy☆
I'm obsessed with all of these characters! They're amazing. This author did an inedible job putting this story together. It's a mix of action, family, friendship, loss, depression and more. The way it was written is so flawless. It flowed perfectly and really was such an incredible and powerful read! I'm so stoked to read the next book!
Thanks so much to the author and Haylingbookstorm for the ARC!
January 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This YA fantasy had me at the edge of my reading bean bag on multiple occasions! The characters are very easy to relate to and empathize for, it feels as if I know them in real life at this point. Such a beautiful story so far, looking forward to adding a physical copy to my shelves and the release of Book II. Loved it!!
This YA fantasy had me at the edge of my reading bean bag on multiple occasions! The characters are very easy to relate to and empathize for, it feels as if I know them in real life at this point. Such a beautiful story so far, looking forward to adding a physical copy to my shelves and the release of Book II. Loved it!!
October 13, 2024
ARC Review✨: First off, this book is definitely for a younger YA audience. However, the books preaches about overcoming odds and finding strength in friendship. As someone who doesn’t normally go for these types of books, I wasn’t totally into it however I could see how a younger reader would absolutely love this book
January 16, 2024
Across the Great Ocean is a masterfully written coming of age story about a young girl named Nyla whose world has been turned upside down due to a plague and a very corrupt militia. Nyla finds herself having to grow up fast to deal with her personal circumstances as well as having to do what she can to save the Empire she loved so much. The book is filled with twists and turns, hardships and triumphs as we get to witness a young Nyla grow up and become a proficient and brave warrior, wise beyond her years. From the time I opened this book, to the very last page, I was completely engaged with the characters and was able to allow the author and her story sweep me away.
As a mother of 5, it was always difficult to find an appropriate book for a young adult reader. This book checks all the boxes. The characters are relatable, lessons can be learned and wisdom can be gained. I cannot recommend this book more. Bravo Virginia Mary!
dnf
September 20, 2024DNF @ 40%, I tried sticking with this since it sounds like such an interesting premise and has so many great reviews, but I just don’t think it’s for me.
February 4, 2025
Across the Great Ocean is what I would call soft fantasy. I don't mean that in any negative way. The reason for that is because the protagonist Nyla is a kind, sweet young woman who wants the best for her family and herself. She just wants them all to be okay.
Across the Great Ocean is a YA dystopian novel. The setting is a world that is very much changed after a plague that took so many lives and left people broken. In Nyla's country an external force came to 'protect' the people, but they only made life much harder for the citizens. Because of an incident, Nyla and her brothers needed to flee their home. Not long after they came into contact with a group of people that are part of a resistance. The four of them go on a dangerous and long quest to deliver a message that could change the future for many people.
Across the Great Ocean deals with death, growing pains and friendship. Along the way, Nyla, her brothers Benjin and Luka, and their childhood friend Laagos learn that their poor life is not the only life there is. They get to know each other better, meet some kind people that leave their mark on the children. They also have some run-ins with lowlifes. With each interaction, Nyla grows and learns more about herself. Her look on the world is realistic, she has no dreams of grandeur or riches. That part of her I found quite relatable.
Nyla also learns love and a growing romance with her brother's friend is woven throughout the novel. The build-up is subtle, but you'll notice it. Romance is not my genre, but I liked the way this was written. Besides romance, politics also has its place in the novel. Not heavy-handed, but the characters do tell each other about the different kinds of governments and how they handled the New Plague. All the politics and the other 'big themes' are part of in-story conversations and it makes the world so much relatable. Virginia Mary makes good use of philosophical pondering.
The best thing about this novel, is the worldbuilding: from the various landscapes, the people and animals, the countries and interactions between them. Virginia Mary really knows how to bring all aspects of a country together, put it in a fantasy setting and create a new world you wish you could explore.
I recommend this book for people who like fantasy, are a fan of The Last Airbender and enjoy some good dialogue between characters.
Across the Great Ocean is a YA dystopian novel. The setting is a world that is very much changed after a plague that took so many lives and left people broken. In Nyla's country an external force came to 'protect' the people, but they only made life much harder for the citizens. Because of an incident, Nyla and her brothers needed to flee their home. Not long after they came into contact with a group of people that are part of a resistance. The four of them go on a dangerous and long quest to deliver a message that could change the future for many people.
Across the Great Ocean deals with death, growing pains and friendship. Along the way, Nyla, her brothers Benjin and Luka, and their childhood friend Laagos learn that their poor life is not the only life there is. They get to know each other better, meet some kind people that leave their mark on the children. They also have some run-ins with lowlifes. With each interaction, Nyla grows and learns more about herself. Her look on the world is realistic, she has no dreams of grandeur or riches. That part of her I found quite relatable.
Nyla also learns love and a growing romance with her brother's friend is woven throughout the novel. The build-up is subtle, but you'll notice it. Romance is not my genre, but I liked the way this was written. Besides romance, politics also has its place in the novel. Not heavy-handed, but the characters do tell each other about the different kinds of governments and how they handled the New Plague. All the politics and the other 'big themes' are part of in-story conversations and it makes the world so much relatable. Virginia Mary makes good use of philosophical pondering.
The best thing about this novel, is the worldbuilding: from the various landscapes, the people and animals, the countries and interactions between them. Virginia Mary really knows how to bring all aspects of a country together, put it in a fantasy setting and create a new world you wish you could explore.
I recommend this book for people who like fantasy, are a fan of The Last Airbender and enjoy some good dialogue between characters.
March 11, 2024
Thank you Virginia for providing me with the ARC.
Favorite Character: Nyla
Favorite Quotes:
When men unite their minds, they can forge wonders of beauty. However, more often than not, they opt for destruction over creation.
Life would be easy if everything was black and white, but it isn’t. It would be easy if there was one side to every story, but there isn’t.
My Thoughts:
Across the Great Ocean was a long spiritual journey that these kids are on. Along the journey, they come to appreciate the things they have in life instead of worrying over what they don’t have or what is to come yet. This book was full of dystopian elements.
Things I like,
Nyla, Luka, Benji, Laago. The journey started with these four out of necessity but soon became the most life-affirming journey. Later, along the line they are joined by Jon and one former council member. I loved every character in this book.
Everyone grew due to the harrowing journey they suffered through. Nyla was the character who understood pain the most apart from everyone else. I feel like she grew the most of all of them. I liked Benji and Laago's friendship.
The side characters, our main character met in the places they visited. These side characters helped sculpt these kids' minds and hearts and they taught them important life lessons.
I remember the weapon manufacturer who sold his fortune and donated it, building a Sakura tree at every checkpoint, the lady with the fox who lived alone who happened to be a world explorer and many others. They all meant something to our main characters and me.
The world that we got to see via these kids' eyes as described by Virginia was bleak with beautiful undertones. I liked all the descriptions that we got of the surroundings.
Things I dislike,
The magic system/individual fighting style left much to the imagination of the readers. I would have loved some more details regarding this area.
The scenes where we needed some rest as in more time didn’t get that time and it went by too fast for me.
This book perfectly showed us the Desolation part of the title and one of the ending scenes was hard for me to read through but I believe the character needed to go through that.
Overall, I liked where the book ends setting us up perfectly for the next book. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Favorite Character: Nyla
Favorite Quotes:
When men unite their minds, they can forge wonders of beauty. However, more often than not, they opt for destruction over creation.
Life would be easy if everything was black and white, but it isn’t. It would be easy if there was one side to every story, but there isn’t.
My Thoughts:
Across the Great Ocean was a long spiritual journey that these kids are on. Along the journey, they come to appreciate the things they have in life instead of worrying over what they don’t have or what is to come yet. This book was full of dystopian elements.
Things I like,
Nyla, Luka, Benji, Laago. The journey started with these four out of necessity but soon became the most life-affirming journey. Later, along the line they are joined by Jon and one former council member. I loved every character in this book.
Everyone grew due to the harrowing journey they suffered through. Nyla was the character who understood pain the most apart from everyone else. I feel like she grew the most of all of them. I liked Benji and Laago's friendship.
The side characters, our main character met in the places they visited. These side characters helped sculpt these kids' minds and hearts and they taught them important life lessons.
I remember the weapon manufacturer who sold his fortune and donated it, building a Sakura tree at every checkpoint, the lady with the fox who lived alone who happened to be a world explorer and many others. They all meant something to our main characters and me.
The world that we got to see via these kids' eyes as described by Virginia was bleak with beautiful undertones. I liked all the descriptions that we got of the surroundings.
Things I dislike,
The magic system/individual fighting style left much to the imagination of the readers. I would have loved some more details regarding this area.
The scenes where we needed some rest as in more time didn’t get that time and it went by too fast for me.
This book perfectly showed us the Desolation part of the title and one of the ending scenes was hard for me to read through but I believe the character needed to go through that.
Overall, I liked where the book ends setting us up perfectly for the next book. I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 19, 2024
I am grateful to @virginiamaryarts for letting me read this book before the release date. She writes a great story with heartfelt content.
Nyla is a girl who lives in poverty in a dystopian society. She embarks on an unexpected journey with her siblings/friend, where they have to rely on each other to make it through.
I enjoyed this entire story but the 2nd half of the book is what really grabbed my attention. It's a coming of age novel that focuses on family, friendship, loss, love, depression, and trust. One thing that stood out to me was the characters face a lot of trials but they always meet people along the way to remind them of the good in the world.
The character development was fun to read. There were numerous quotes that really stood out to me. My favorite one was "there is always hope. The world is still bright and full of color, if you look in the right places."
Excited for book 2!
Nyla is a girl who lives in poverty in a dystopian society. She embarks on an unexpected journey with her siblings/friend, where they have to rely on each other to make it through.
I enjoyed this entire story but the 2nd half of the book is what really grabbed my attention. It's a coming of age novel that focuses on family, friendship, loss, love, depression, and trust. One thing that stood out to me was the characters face a lot of trials but they always meet people along the way to remind them of the good in the world.
The character development was fun to read. There were numerous quotes that really stood out to me. My favorite one was "there is always hope. The world is still bright and full of color, if you look in the right places."
Excited for book 2!
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