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Kingsport Chronicles #2
To Brave the Deep
The kiss of the sea leaves a hunger that can’t be fulfilled.
Tossed overboard from the pirate ship that holds her mother hostage, Ally Kingfisher is stranded — and alone. Outnumbered by her enemies, the only option is to seek out a friend she wronged, and put things to rights. But the vastness of the ocean holds a power that threatens to pull Ally into its depths once and for all.
Haunted by dashed hopes, Pasha finds herself unable to return home to the Birde Isles, with its tainted memories of Ally. Determined to pursue her own family secrets, Pasha decides to silence her heart and find her shoal. Until Ally turns up on the back of a sea monster…When some unexpected allies join them, Ally and Pasha’s rescue mission seems set for success. But the pirates have tricks of their own, and ways of breaking the strongest bonds of trust.
Still, there’s more lurking beneath the waves than pirates or sea monsters. Something ancient — something that has been waiting a long time for the last mermaid to leave the Birde Isles.
The Kingsport Chronicles continue with To Brave the Deep, sequel of To Kiss the Sea.
Tossed overboard from the pirate ship that holds her mother hostage, Ally Kingfisher is stranded — and alone. Outnumbered by her enemies, the only option is to seek out a friend she wronged, and put things to rights. But the vastness of the ocean holds a power that threatens to pull Ally into its depths once and for all.
Haunted by dashed hopes, Pasha finds herself unable to return home to the Birde Isles, with its tainted memories of Ally. Determined to pursue her own family secrets, Pasha decides to silence her heart and find her shoal. Until Ally turns up on the back of a sea monster…When some unexpected allies join them, Ally and Pasha’s rescue mission seems set for success. But the pirates have tricks of their own, and ways of breaking the strongest bonds of trust.
Still, there’s more lurking beneath the waves than pirates or sea monsters. Something ancient — something that has been waiting a long time for the last mermaid to leave the Birde Isles.
The Kingsport Chronicles continue with To Brave the Deep, sequel of To Kiss the Sea.
- GenresFantasy
525 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2024
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
C.H. Carter
3 books15 followersC.H. Carter is a fantasy author with a lifelong love of the genre in all its forms. In middle school, she wrote a fan letter to Tamora Pierce and received the most encouraging reply! That experience cemented her desire to become an author. (She also still holds out the hope they can meet in person one day!)
When not writing, you can find her working on a number of rotating projects (Crochet, anyone?) and obsessing over her two rescue dogs.
THE KINGSPORT CHRONICLES - Now a completed trilogy!
TO KISS THE SEA (October 2023)
TO BRAVE THE DEEP (May 2024)
TO FREE THE WAVES (May 2025)
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
When not writing, you can find her working on a number of rotating projects (Crochet, anyone?) and obsessing over her two rescue dogs.
THE KINGSPORT CHRONICLES - Now a completed trilogy!
TO KISS THE SEA (October 2023)
TO BRAVE THE DEEP (May 2024)
TO FREE THE WAVES (May 2025)
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 30, 2024
overall rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ | vibes: mermaids, pirates and deep sea adventure | writing: amazing | ending: omggg I need the next one immediately
Carter immediately brings us back into Ally's world after that CLIFFHANGER she left us on in To Kiss the Sea. I absolutely ADORE these books and am still utterly shocked that BookTok and Booksta haven't taken them and turned them into the next big thing. This is one of those books I feel drawn into and that I can watch like a movie in my head while I am reading them.
We get a few new POVs in this one and I enjoy every single character - but the main MC Ally is the most interesting. Torn between wanting to be with her family and friends but feels like she is being pulled into the ocean. I loved how her relationship with Pasha bloomed during this book. There are also a few other LGBTQ+ relationships that are blooming as well... but I'll have to wait for the final book in this trilogy to find out.
There's something for everyone in these books - action, adventure, mermaids, pirates, love and a bit of a mystery. It's YA too so really everyone can enjoy it. There's so much character development in this one so we really get to feel these characters growing and watching them come into adulthood. I never saw the mystery aspect of it coming from a mile away and am still shocked.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend this series to those who loved Daughter of the Pirate King and movies like Pirates of the Caribbean. You won't be disappointed.
Big thanks to C.H. Carter and Pride Book Tours for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
Carter immediately brings us back into Ally's world after that CLIFFHANGER she left us on in To Kiss the Sea. I absolutely ADORE these books and am still utterly shocked that BookTok and Booksta haven't taken them and turned them into the next big thing. This is one of those books I feel drawn into and that I can watch like a movie in my head while I am reading them.
We get a few new POVs in this one and I enjoy every single character - but the main MC Ally is the most interesting. Torn between wanting to be with her family and friends but feels like she is being pulled into the ocean. I loved how her relationship with Pasha bloomed during this book. There are also a few other LGBTQ+ relationships that are blooming as well... but I'll have to wait for the final book in this trilogy to find out.
There's something for everyone in these books - action, adventure, mermaids, pirates, love and a bit of a mystery. It's YA too so really everyone can enjoy it. There's so much character development in this one so we really get to feel these characters growing and watching them come into adulthood. I never saw the mystery aspect of it coming from a mile away and am still shocked.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend this series to those who loved Daughter of the Pirate King and movies like Pirates of the Caribbean. You won't be disappointed.
Big thanks to C.H. Carter and Pride Book Tours for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
May 15, 2024
This series is such a comfort read despite the high stakes of it all. Sometimes you just need an exceptionally written Upper YA fantasy with phenomenal and diverse characters where the world is queer normative. LOVE this series SO MUCH.
This is the continuation of The Kingsport Chronicles and it offers a thrilling adventure on the high seas filled with romance, friendship, and ancient mysteries. Carter's storytelling shines in this Upper YA fantasy, delivering rich world-building and diverse characters. These characters are wonderful and feel like friends as you're reading them. I cannot stress how amazing it is that Carter can make me so affectionately attached to these characters.
The romance between Ally and Pasha is sweet and heartwarming. There is also the hints of a romance (??) that I am ravenously eager to read more about. All of the relationships (platonic, familial, and romantic) between the characters are beautifully depicted and feel so genuine.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to balance high stakes with moments of comfort. The dialogue is funny and charming and the pacing kept me eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next twist and turn.
Overall, this is a standout addition to The Kingsport Chronicles series, showcasing Carter's talent for crafting compelling stories filled with adventure and intrigue. I love it JUST as much as the first one!
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
This is the continuation of The Kingsport Chronicles and it offers a thrilling adventure on the high seas filled with romance, friendship, and ancient mysteries. Carter's storytelling shines in this Upper YA fantasy, delivering rich world-building and diverse characters. These characters are wonderful and feel like friends as you're reading them. I cannot stress how amazing it is that Carter can make me so affectionately attached to these characters.
The romance between Ally and Pasha is sweet and heartwarming. There is also the hints of a romance (??) that I am ravenously eager to read more about. All of the relationships (platonic, familial, and romantic) between the characters are beautifully depicted and feel so genuine.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to balance high stakes with moments of comfort. The dialogue is funny and charming and the pacing kept me eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next twist and turn.
Overall, this is a standout addition to The Kingsport Chronicles series, showcasing Carter's talent for crafting compelling stories filled with adventure and intrigue. I love it JUST as much as the first one!
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
July 30, 2024
Ally and Pasha are back! Two of my fave casts in upper YA fantasy is back to continue where we left off from To Kiss the Sea. For a sequel, it definitely got much better. The plot got sharper and the dialogues more endearing to read. I loved the first book when I read it because of the approach of blending art and stories.. the sequel just got more beautiful 😍
August 4, 2024
Ally was thrown overboard into the sea at the end of the last book and left for dead. However, she receives help from a sea creature that rescues her. Ally wants to return to Pasha to apologize for the harsh words she spoke, to seek her help to save her family and to understand the powerful pull from the sea she is feeling.
Meanwhile, Pasha is heartbroken by the situation with Ally and cannot bring herself to return to Birde Isles due to the painful memories. She plans to search for her long-absent shoal, but before she can leave, Ally arrives, accompanied by a surprising companion.
Together, they are determined to rescue Lady Rochelle, Maher, and their crew and they must devise a plan of attack that will surprise the cunning pirate Foraoise Dare. Despite the possibility of success in their quest, Pasha and Ally must uncover who among their family and friends provided Dare with the knowledge to defeat their ships and locate Lady Rochelle on the high seas in the first place. This knowledge might cause shockwaves throughout Birde Isles and have devastating consequences for everyone.
Meanwhile, something ancient and dark beneath the waves has been awakened, is gaining strength, and is biding its time before it strikes.
I loved Book One, but this instalment was much more of an emotional rollercoaster as Pasha and Ally both come to terms with their feelings for each other and try to figure out how to move forward in their lives together. The storyline surrounding who was responsible for giving Dare her secret knowledge was a surprising plot twist that I didn't see coming. This added depth to the storyline providing Maher and other characters to be fleshed out. Overall, this book developed the already incredible world-building and delved into the backgrounds of each of the main characters, providing an equally moving and thrilling journey that expanded each of the compelling narrative threads from book 1. Once again, we end on a cliffhanger, so I'm going to need book 3 ASAP!
Meanwhile, Pasha is heartbroken by the situation with Ally and cannot bring herself to return to Birde Isles due to the painful memories. She plans to search for her long-absent shoal, but before she can leave, Ally arrives, accompanied by a surprising companion.
Together, they are determined to rescue Lady Rochelle, Maher, and their crew and they must devise a plan of attack that will surprise the cunning pirate Foraoise Dare. Despite the possibility of success in their quest, Pasha and Ally must uncover who among their family and friends provided Dare with the knowledge to defeat their ships and locate Lady Rochelle on the high seas in the first place. This knowledge might cause shockwaves throughout Birde Isles and have devastating consequences for everyone.
Meanwhile, something ancient and dark beneath the waves has been awakened, is gaining strength, and is biding its time before it strikes.
I loved Book One, but this instalment was much more of an emotional rollercoaster as Pasha and Ally both come to terms with their feelings for each other and try to figure out how to move forward in their lives together. The storyline surrounding who was responsible for giving Dare her secret knowledge was a surprising plot twist that I didn't see coming. This added depth to the storyline providing Maher and other characters to be fleshed out. Overall, this book developed the already incredible world-building and delved into the backgrounds of each of the main characters, providing an equally moving and thrilling journey that expanded each of the compelling narrative threads from book 1. Once again, we end on a cliffhanger, so I'm going to need book 3 ASAP!
October 27, 2024
A thrilling follow up to a cliffhanger!
I loved getting to revisit all of my favorite characters from To Kiss the Sea (and get to know some others better)
We still have plenty of mermaids, pirates, and spies, oh my! I was pleased to dive even further (if you'll excuse the pun) into the mermaid lore of the Bird Isles. Ally is endearing as always, and I loved watching her relationship with Pasha develop!
Without giving too much away, I'll say that I got chills at the end! C.H. Carter loves to leave us wanting more. Can't wait for book 3!
I loved getting to revisit all of my favorite characters from To Kiss the Sea (and get to know some others better)
We still have plenty of mermaids, pirates, and spies, oh my! I was pleased to dive even further (if you'll excuse the pun) into the mermaid lore of the Bird Isles. Ally is endearing as always, and I loved watching her relationship with Pasha develop!
Without giving too much away, I'll say that I got chills at the end! C.H. Carter loves to leave us wanting more. Can't wait for book 3!
August 8, 2024
"The kiss was slow and sweet. How had she lived so long without this? And though this new worry had taken root at the back of **** mind, **** companionship was a reminder that she wouldn’t have to face any of this alone."-
For me, this book, Book 2 (TO BRAVE THE DEEP- TBTD) of the High Romantic Fantasy Series KINGSPORT CHRONICLES was about true friendships.
When you have the right partner, the perfect partner who clings to you like a magnet with iron & stays with you in thick & thin then you can face any obstacle, surpass any hurdle in life.
It has a perfect fantasy cast, mermaids, sea monsters, pirates, spies and the most dangerous of all, humans.
76 chapters with multiple POVs makes it an interesting read.
Initially I was keeping the tally of the character names but thankfully found the index, at the end of the book, with detailed character names & explanation which was really helpful! And guess what, Foraoise, a character's name in the book is an actual person.
The cover is pretty & enchanting with a shipwreck and a mermaid's tail in focus and the inside of the book is beautiful with 3 maps and gorgeous designs & fonts which makes the reading experience very pleasing to the eye.
The language is pretty simple & the writing style, very easy to adapt to.
Content/ Trigger warnings are explicitly given in the beginning of the book itself, which is a plus on the author's behalf.
It covers a whole bunch of troupes;
Fairytale retelling
Epic fantasy
Found family
Mental health rep
Friends to lovers
Enemies to friends
Queer normative society
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Sapphic romance.
My heart ached for Ally when in the beginning itself she lost touch of Maher & Pasha & her mother but then the story had just begun & obviously it got better.
I think book 2 can be read without reading book 1 but it is better to have enjoyed book 1 to have a better understanding of the storyline & the characters.
The ending, is a cliffhanger but a satisfying one.
Book 3, "To Free The Waves " , will be out soon.
For me, this book, Book 2 (TO BRAVE THE DEEP- TBTD) of the High Romantic Fantasy Series KINGSPORT CHRONICLES was about true friendships.
When you have the right partner, the perfect partner who clings to you like a magnet with iron & stays with you in thick & thin then you can face any obstacle, surpass any hurdle in life.
It has a perfect fantasy cast, mermaids, sea monsters, pirates, spies and the most dangerous of all, humans.
76 chapters with multiple POVs makes it an interesting read.
Initially I was keeping the tally of the character names but thankfully found the index, at the end of the book, with detailed character names & explanation which was really helpful! And guess what, Foraoise, a character's name in the book is an actual person.
The cover is pretty & enchanting with a shipwreck and a mermaid's tail in focus and the inside of the book is beautiful with 3 maps and gorgeous designs & fonts which makes the reading experience very pleasing to the eye.
The language is pretty simple & the writing style, very easy to adapt to.
Content/ Trigger warnings are explicitly given in the beginning of the book itself, which is a plus on the author's behalf.
It covers a whole bunch of troupes;
Fairytale retelling
Epic fantasy
Found family
Mental health rep
Friends to lovers
Enemies to friends
Queer normative society
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Sapphic romance.
My heart ached for Ally when in the beginning itself she lost touch of Maher & Pasha & her mother but then the story had just begun & obviously it got better.
I think book 2 can be read without reading book 1 but it is better to have enjoyed book 1 to have a better understanding of the storyline & the characters.
The ending, is a cliffhanger but a satisfying one.
Book 3, "To Free The Waves " , will be out soon.
May 14, 2024
♡ Slow Burn
♡ Found Family
♡ Friends to Lovers
Ally, one of the main characters is pulled into the depths of the ocean, outnumbered and defeated, she was determined to mend a relationship with a person she wronged. Pasha dealing with family secrets and haunted by nightmares. They team up in hopes of defeating the pirates who took so much already. This book is filled with adventure and all the of mermaid vibes you could wish for.
I absolutely loved this book, the mental health rep was great, the characters were just as amazing as the first book. Ally and Pasha were an iconic duo, their relationship was so cute and comforting to read.
The setting and all the underwater moments were described so beautifully. And of course, the adventure of this was addictive to read. I don’t know how but even ending on a bit of a cliffhanger I was completely happy with how this book ended.
Thank you so much to the author for this eARC copy in exchange for an honest review!!
Spice Level: n/a
Angst Level: 💧💧(2/5)
POV: Multiple, Third Person
Release Date: 14, May 2024
Rep: LGBTQIA+, Mental Health
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Abandonment, Blood, and Cursing
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual assault
July 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The character development and the way mental health was depicted were truly exceptional. The bond between Ally and Pasha was incredibly heartwarming. In the sequel to "To Kiss the Sea," we follow the amazing journey of Pasha, a solitary mermaid, and Ally Kingfisher, as they work together to protect both their terrestrial and aquatic realms from powerful enemies. The book is brimming with adventure, delightful surprises, and unwavering optimism. The vivid portrayal of the setting and underwater scenes completely transported me to a magical world. Even though the conclusion was filled with suspense, I found the ending to be immensely satisfying. I wholeheartedly recommend this enchanting and captivating read to anyone looking for a truly magical and uplifting experience!
#MermaidAdventure #CharacterDevelopment #EmotionalJourney #UnderwaterWorld #FriendshipGoals #BookReview #FantasyFiction #MermaidVibes #FamilySecrets #OvercomingChallenges
#MermaidAdventure #CharacterDevelopment #EmotionalJourney #UnderwaterWorld #FriendshipGoals #BookReview #FantasyFiction #MermaidVibes #FamilySecrets #OvercomingChallenges
May 31, 2024
Pasha and Ally are back!
To Brave the Deep, Book 2 of the Kingsport Chronicles trilogy and the latest offering by newcomer C.H. Carter, is guaranteed to once again delight fantasy devotees. This sequel to To Kiss the Sea continues the adventures of the lonely mermaid, Pasha, and her sea-kissed human companion Ally Kingfisher, daughter of the ruling house of the Birde Isles, as they seek to save their earthly and watery worlds from powerful enemies and, while they’re at it, to find and save themselves. Summoning the forces of the sea and the courage of the ages, they take the reader on a surprising, one-of-a-kind journey full of heart, action, twists and turns, and hope. Enjoy!
To Brave the Deep, Book 2 of the Kingsport Chronicles trilogy and the latest offering by newcomer C.H. Carter, is guaranteed to once again delight fantasy devotees. This sequel to To Kiss the Sea continues the adventures of the lonely mermaid, Pasha, and her sea-kissed human companion Ally Kingfisher, daughter of the ruling house of the Birde Isles, as they seek to save their earthly and watery worlds from powerful enemies and, while they’re at it, to find and save themselves. Summoning the forces of the sea and the courage of the ages, they take the reader on a surprising, one-of-a-kind journey full of heart, action, twists and turns, and hope. Enjoy!
July 27, 2024
The second book in the Kingsport Chronicles series by C.H. Carter picks up right after the climactic ending of book 1. To Brave the Deep will keep you hooked from beginning to end with sea monsters, mermaid kisses, sapphic romance, betrayal, ghost ships, undead pirates and the closure of one story arc with the beginnings of another. I can't wait to see what C.H. Carter has in store next for these wonderful characters.
March 5, 2025
DUDE, I am shipping the everloving bejeebus out of Mahir and Lu. Also, Khafra is 100% Jafar. This likely means that I will, in the third book, give Ezmira a voice like Gilbert Gottfried. I want a bff like Mahir.
These are all my opinions and I'm not sorry. ❤️
These are all my opinions and I'm not sorry. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
I was insanely hooked to this trilogy and still have yet to read the very last book
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews