Seaborne: Book 2 of the Terrafolk Trilogy

by Francesca Crispo, Sarah Liu (editor), Melissa Hudson (illustrator)

Finally reunited after their share of tragedy, a magickless Mycel and Earwyn have left Seattle in the rearview. They must visit the far-off island of Aolan and their terrafolk kin in Alaska to gather allies before returning to the forest realm of Yannava. With the fates of humankind and their kingdoms at stake, time is against the unlikely group, human roommate and animal familiars included. As Ulmos closes in and Mycel’s pregnancy advances, can she convince her people to fight alongside her, or will her past mistakes cement her exile from her homeland?

Content this book contains explicit descriptions of sexual activities; mentions of infertility; betrayal by family members; mentions of sexual assault (in a flashback); and death/burial.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Heathers Lit Voyage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seaborne: Book 2 of the Terrafolk Trilogy by Francesca Crispo takes readers on an exhilarating journey that surpasses the wonder and excitement of its predecessor. The seamless continuation of the characters’ adventures from the first book immediately immerses readers back into the captivating world Crispo has created.

The novel brilliantly employs tropes such as found family, fantasy worlds, and magic, weaving them together with skillful representation and includes differently abled characters 💕. This not only enriches the narrative but also adds depth and relatability to the story.

Crispo crafted a gripping plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The stakes are high as the protagonists, including the magickless Mycel and Earwyn, embark on a quest to gather allies and confront looming threats. The inclusion of human roommates and animal familiars adds an extra layer of charm and complexity to the narrative.

One of the highlights of “Seaborne” is the exploration of themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit. The characters face challenges that test their bonds and convictions, making their triumphs all the more satisfying.

Overall, “Seaborne” is a captivating and thought-provoking read that surpasses expectations. Crispo’s rich storytelling and well-developed characters make this a standout addition to the fantasy genre. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Terrafolk Trilogy.

[Rikka Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me feeling so many emotions. Having already established ties to these characters, it makes their grief, their struggles and their triumphs even stronger for the reader.

Crispo takes on a continued journey in this book as we see our characters move on from Seattle in search of alliances. With changes in the characters personal and relationship dynamics, we see them all breaching personal separations while trying to find their way back to being a strong unit without the glue that heald them together. With the impending fight to protect not only themselves, humans ans other terrafolk, we get to see FMC Mycel decide where she lies in this conflict and whether that will lead her back to her crown, all while pregnant.

This story was seamless. I feel that Crispo really hit the hammer on the head with depicting characters thoughs and perspective while adding complex emotives into the mix. While we will not be lacking in the spice, the plot does not lack from the continued physical connection between our favorite couple. I cannot wait to see how we finish out this trilogy and commend Crispo on superb work!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

🌲🐦‍⬛🌿
Francesca Crispo does it again with Seaborne! If you’re familiar with my page you’ll know I gave Rabbit Heart, the first book in The Terrafolk Trilogy, 5 stars last year. I had high expectations for the second book, and it did not disappoint!

🦈🌊🦦
We find our characters right where we left them - the ones that get it, get it - and it is a bit of a heavy beginning, with both of our MCs struggling through their recent tragedy. However, they quickly begin this incredible exploration of their struggles and the journey of how they overcome their fears and their feelings. And while I am in nowhere near the same situation as Mycel, I connected so strongly to her feelings of needing to take care of everything and everyone in her found family.
And somehow I fall in love with Mycel and Earwyn for a second time? The banter between these two and the *tension* that comes with that is just 🌶️🥵🩷

🌋🐻‍❄️❄️
This book spans several different locations and significant events that I feel like so much happened in the length of this book, but the pacing was good! I was intrigued the whole way and I was shocked when I reached the end. I can’t wait to read the third book, Woman King! ❤️

Thank you to the author for the eARC! I’ve already ordered my paperback copy so I can do an annotating reread, to match my annotated copy of Rabbit Heart 🐰💖🐇

[Katie Niper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Terrafolk series and it did not disappoint!!! This series is unique, fast paced, totally bingeable, and leaves you dying for more. Also, just gonna say it, the spice is SO. GOOD. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Our two main characters, Mycel and Earwyn, are reunited and begin their journey to finding allies to fight with them against the evil forces within the Terrafolk threatening the humans and them for standing against it.

I liked this book even more than the first— mainly because we get dual POV of both main characters. I really, REALLY enjoyed getting to see Earwyn’s perspective and witnessing his struggles to heal after all that he has endured. I especially love the moments between him and Mycel that touch on his trauma. I thought it was handled very well and I love the representation of a male with this kind of trauma when you typically see mainly women written with it.

The ending has me actually deceased and I can NOT wait for book 3 and the conclusion!! Dying to see what happens.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel did not disappoint. I feel like I was on a roller coaster going through all the feels. These characters really go through the ringer, while trying to find themselves. Seeing how their love for each other overcomes it all was the icing on the cake. Then throw in a little bit of spice with a great plot. *Chefs kiss*

Character development was on point and we get two POV’s which helps us understand both equally.

World building was superb. Can’t wait for the final conclusion of this trilogy.

Thank you for the ARC Francesca Crispo.

[Skye Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a lover of nature, whimsically wonderful familiars, found family, and the power of love... then you need to read this series. Seaborne jumps right into where we left off at Rabbit Heart.

Mycel and Earwyn are reunited, and we learn more about the Terrafolk in this novel. However, the emotional connection with these characters is the true heart of the story. Every being, magical, human, animal...have emotions that are breathtakingly tragic and joyful, Francesca makes sure the reader understands the depths of each individual and how they connect as a whole. I truly cannot wait for the conclusion of this series.

And the spice is delicious 😋

[HannahsHardcovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

This is book 2 in the Terrafolk Trilogy, and it is utterly fantastic!

Plot: This book follows the continued journey of Mycel, and Earwyn. The potential for war is looming, and the need for allies is high. With familial dangers, changes, and the traversing of dangerous new territories, Mycel and Earwyn are in for quite the adventure.

Characters: They are perfect, that is all that I can say. So well, and clearly written, there are moments that I swore I could picture them in my head, and if you know me, you know how near impossible that is! The writing style that Francesca has is so vivid and beautiful, and I adore everything by her so far!

Overall: I loved this book, the story, and the characters, but there was just something that I felt was missing. I am so excited to see what happens in book 3, whenever that is set to be released!

Stars: 4/5
Spice: 2/5

[Julia Woodford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t stop falling in love with these characters and their vulnerability and courage. Crispo demonstrates the definition of kindness and integrity in the ways her characters interact with one another and strive to always do the right thing, no matter how hard or uncomfortable. I can’t wait for the third book and I’ll be so sad for this journey to end.

[Kayla Canning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please make sure you read the first in the series!!!

This story is such a great sequel!! Already knowing the characters, when ever they face a struggle it feels as though you are there going through it with them!

I don’t want to give too much away but this really is a great story!! Can’t wait for the next!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun story and I was throughly entertained while I was reading it. It was difficult to not read it all in one sitting. The relationship between Mycel and Eawyn was so beautiful and the love they had for each other was so palpable and apparent at every turn during the course of the story. What a wonderful sequel to Rabbit Heart and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you Francesca for the ARC of this wonderful story.

[Raynbow Corleone · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review** So much character growth from the first book. So amazing. Emotions galore. The MFC is making decisions that will shape the outcome. Dual POV, which we all know is my favorite, helps us understand a lot more than we thought! I failed myself by reading both books back to back, but I am so glad I did. I cannot wait for the final book, Crispo’s growth in this world, and her writing are to die for!

[Alexis Almanzar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Level: ♥︎♥︎♥︎♡︎♡︎
Review: I absolutely dove into this book. This is the second book to the Terrafolk series. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I felt that there wasn’t a dull moment. It was great to see the different ways the different Terrafolk communities ruled and their beliefs.

I also have to say that Earwyn’s growth as far as self love and trauma healing was great. Which leads me to the intimate scenes… the author has grown tremendously in her writing from book one to this one. I was absolutely pulled into the scenes and thoroughly enjoyed reading every bit of this book. I love seeing the growth from the author between books, I live for it! I can’t wait for the next book 🖤

[Kaitlyn Lopez-Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Francesca for sending me a copy. I really loved Rabbit Heart, so diving back into this world was amazing.

Rabbit Heart ended on such a sad cliffhanger, so Seaborne started off on a bit of a somber note as well. I loved getting both Earwyn and Mycel’s POV as it made me like him a lot more in this book and then appreciate Mycel from another perspective. Mycel tackles pregnancy in this book and I think this was my first in depth experience of reading a magical being during pregnancy which had some comedic moments and then some very sweet moments.

The book had really great pacing. I read the whole book in two sittings, and Francesca has a really good way of keeping you hooked the whole time. As a PNW girly, I love Francesca’s setting for this series. And my grandpa lives in Alaska so that holds a big spot in my heart. That’s one of my favorite places in the world. This book has some very cozy cottage core moments and I like how the parts are separated by season.

There were some really fun new characters such as polar bears, an arctic fox and a kestrel. And then the lovable familiars Maz and Genny have a lot of moments in this book. I love the way the author makes you care about the characters both big and small, and then adds in one large terrifying creature to create some action.

There was a bit of spice in this book ( 🌶️🌶️🌶️ ) and some trauma work. I think it was beautifully done, and the scenes were woven right into the plot where they belonged. Check the triggers if you have anything specific you’re looking to avoid!

I loved this book. The ending was so sweet, and I cannot wait for book three!!

[The Tale Whale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a stunning read for the second book in the series. I appreciated the raw depiction of trauma and struggles with mental health and felt that it elicited strong feelings. Despite the traumatic circumstances and undertones throughout the book, I was so happy to see the characters I knew and loved from Rabbit Heart (book 1 of the Terrafolk Trilogy) attempt to navigate their challenges and current situation together. I especially appreciated watching the dynamic shift between the characters while retaining aspects of their former lives.

Mycel, the strong and determined FMC, and Earwyn, her supportive husband embark on a perilous journey along with their friends to find their roles in the world and more importantly, save humanity. With the threat of Ulmos looming before them, it seems as if time is running out.

While Mycel seemed like a very independent and powerful character in the previous book, I felt like her role as a leader was cemented in this book and I loved watching her evolve to fill this position. It was so inspiring to see how far she’d come from the beginning of the first book.

Earwyn’s POV was well-written and I felt like his personal struggles were incredibly realistic and made him seem more human. I liked getting to know him better and on a deeper level than in the last book.

I really enjoyed this one and appreciated the short chapters! Seaborne was a great continuation to the Terrafolk trilogy and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a little magick and adventure in their lives. Book 3 of the Terrafolk trilogy is coming out later this year, and I can’t wait!

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaborne is an engrossing, suspenseful, adventurous, magical, mysterious, fun, imaginative, and excellent story! This is the second book in the Terrafolk Trilogy. I highly recommend reading Rabbit Heart, the first book in the series, before this book because they build on each other. This adult fantasy has a little bit everything like the first book, but it is a heavier read with war, mentions of infertility, death, betrayal, and mentions of sexual assault. Mycel and Earwyn have experienced many tragedies and there are still more tragedies to come. However, these characters are still extremely lovable, remain true to themselves, and never give up!

The stakes are high as magickless Mycel and Earwyn embark with the mission of gathering allies in mind. Humankind and their kingdoms are in grave danger. Without Allies to confront the looming threat they don't stand a chance. The couple's bond is tested, friendships are tested, family is found, family is lost, forgiveness of others and self is necessary, and redemption must be earned.

I was completely captivated by this story! It draws you in and never lessens its exhilaration. Full of twists, turns, and excitement this book left me wishing I pick up this genre more often. I cannot wait until the third book in the series is released!!

[readwith.rylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If not now, then when? The world may fall apart, but we can't let our union go down with it"

"I could never. There isn't a word for what you are to me... a best-friend-soul-mate, basically. Hope you like that title."

Seaborne was written so beautifully I think I loved it even more than Rabbit Heart (which is very hard to top). In this book we see Mycel and her group travel to find allies to aid in the war against Ulmos. This book had me feeling extremely emotional and I was feeling everything the characters felt right along with them. The beautiful growth in relationship between Earwyn and Mycel was amazing as they navigate through grief and trauma together and learn to process everything together and as individuals. As someone who was raised and currently lives in Alaska I love seeing work that takes place here and doesn't make it out to be a complete frozen wasteland. Even more incredible seeing accurate representation of town names and Alaskan Native culture was so amazing for me to see "It's not Barrow anymore, ya know. It's Utqiaġvik, that's its rightful Iñupiaq name". The world of the Terrafolk is beautiful and I am so grateful to have received and ARC copy of this book after falling in love with everything about it. Francesca Crispo has easily become my favorite author and I will never not rave about her books and the beautiful writing she has.

[Lyssa Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Francesca Crispo for a copy of SeaBorne!
Seaborne is the second book in the amazing Terrafolk Trilogy! The way this story unfolds was perfect for me. Crispo does an amazing job of perfectly pacing her stories. The spice within this book is a 5 out of 5, and I love seeing Mycel and Earwyn's story through physical affection develop throughout this story, especially with the hardships he endured in the last book. The found family within this story through the Allies is something I adore because I think it is so hard to find books that write about this concept so well. Crispo is such a well-written author, and all of her characters are so full of life. Sometimes having so many characters some can fall short whether it be in personality or just their purpose in the story in general, but that is NEVER the case for Crispo's characters. Toward the end of the book, without spoiling, there were so many things uncovered and characters that were introduced or even re-introduced came as such a shock to me.
I highly recommend this book! This is the first fantasy/romance trilogy I have ever read and I am obsessed! Crispo perfectly intertwines the elements of magic and romance within Seaborne, and I had such a hard time putting it down. I cannot wait for the third and final book within this trilogy and I am not ready for these characters' stories to end.

[Brianna Tednes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sea Borne by Francesca Crispo

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the second book in her Terrafolk Trilogy. It continued the story of Mycel and Earwyn’s love and devotion to what is best for their courts. Sea Borne specifically brings into play a ton of world building and understanding of the courts, how they relate to eachother and their play into the mortal world.

I gave Sea Borne 4 stars because overall it’s a wonderful continuation for Rabbit Heart (5⭐️ for me) and continues to show the person Mycel is to all living creatures, not just those she was raised to protect. While all the world building is necessary, for me it seemed to slow down the story a bit and while i like world building because it was important, i did take longer to read this compared to others since i am a reader who loves action after action and twists after turns. This story however is more about getting their footing together and onto the right path before the heavy set action would take place which is something needed to have an overall understanding of the worlds.

[Hannah Shumpert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that makes you cry is worth all the pain, and this one did just that.

This series has been developing the softest and most relatable fantasy characters that I've ever seen. There is such wholesomeness between our two mains even when they are facing a whole kingdom wanting them...gone...

Francesca makes you grieve with these characters...laugh with them....everything. She gives us all the feels.

Is it action packed? no you won't get whiplash, but there is adventure, perils, new lands and peoples to explore!

My favorite part of this series has been that the first book was light on world building- letting us bond with the characters, and now in this book we get to see their world so much more.

-Arc review-

[bexbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was truly delightful to be back in this world again with these characters. Since this is a book too, you can't really do a synopsis or a brief summary of what this book is about without spoiling. What happens in the first book. It is really important though to have read the first book to fully understand what's going on in this.

The world building was so good in this. It was so rich and well developed and it was even more fully flushed out than it was in the first book which I did think was possible.

I have grown ridiculously attached to this group of characters and I'm fully invested in everything that will happen to them.

If you are a fan of fantasy romance then this is definitely a series that you need to pick up. You are missing out by not reading this fabulous series

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If I couldn’t find home in the ocean, I was being reminded that it sat right before me in the form of a woman so soft and sweet that she radiated her own sunlight. I let myself soak it up.”

Loved this book and stayed past 1 am to finish it! It felt like I was traveling alongside Mycel trying to get allies and fighting against the enemy. I love how much love Mycel and Erwyn have but it’s not unrealistic. It feels real and the connection they have is strong. I love the fantasy and the real world combination. It’s definitely a good read that will keep you on your toes. I really did hate the mini cliffhanger but it’s sooo good so definitely must read!

[Laura DeGrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has proven great ingenuity in her crafting skills for the second installment of the Terrafolk trilogy.
Mycel continues on her quest to save the world from tyranny and to reunite with her people.
Earwyn struggles with his identity at her side.
An ocean dinosaur hunts them on their travels.
Loss of Firth destroys bonds in need of repair.
Hope strenghthens upon newfound friends.
Will they survive the battles before them?
Who is to come to their aid?
What secret does Mycel's family keep?
**chapters segments in dual points of view

[Bri Vesely · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I miss Firth. The moment of closure was so sweet and emotional and made me want to see more of Zara.

If Rabbit Heart is a love letter to nature, this one is a love letter to community. The way the characters care so much about their people and their found family, how they are willing to fight for them and protect them is so special.
Even though Earwyn isn’t my type of guy, it was really refreshing seeing a man so vulnerable in a story and it making him stronger.
I am so excited to see what the conclusion to this story brings in Woman King.

[Amber Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Francesca, for sending me an ARC for a review!

This was a great continuation from Rabbit Heart. We get to see Earwyn and Mycel try to heal and nurture their relationship after Earwyn's capture, as well as going through grief. They're trying to figure out next steps, finding allies, and preparing for war with Earwyn's kingdom. We get new friends, and go back to Yannavah. This was a great build up book to what will happen next!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Booked By Raven Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man was this a roller coaster ride. My emotions were all over the place with how Francesca continued their journey after losing the glue that held our characters together. She spun this tale seamlessly by showing all the characters dealing with grief/separation/re-discovery and how they all work through it, coming back together stronger. I thoroughly enjoyed every spicy scene and having more shifters/elementals introduced to the story. Can’t wait for the final book!!

[Christina B]

This was hard for me to get through I tried to read it before its release date so I could post a review but I got this as an ARC and knowing my review wouldn't be above 3 stars I didn't want to post anything yet