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Break Wide the Sea #1
Break Wide the Sea
In New York Times bestselling author Sara Holland's new novel, Break Wide the Sea, a young woman cursed with a fatal heartbreak-induced sickness must race against time to find a cure and protect her family legacy from the ancient finfolk that would destroy it, the fiancé that would kill her for it, and the boy who would love her if she forsook it.
In the treacherous waters surrounding Kirkrell, sailors hunting magic whales live in fear of the finfolk--bloodthirsty sea fae who sink ships and curse bloodlines. Nineteen-year-old Annie, as heir to the city's preeminent whaling company, is determined to carry on her parents' life's work. But she keeps a secret from she's cursed to transform into a monster, with scales spreading up her arms and claws growing from her fingertips.
Her fiancé August offers comfort, but their love falls apart when Annie discovers his plan to take over the company. Desperate, Annie makes a deal with Silas Price, a young captain rumored to be half-finfolk. He says he knows how to break the curse – but only if Annie promises to stop the practice of whaling forever.
As Annie, August and Silas sail north, Annie wrestling with her family's legacy, the threat of the finfolk and August's ambitions increasingly force her to put her trust in Silas. Yet Silas has secrets of his own, and they might be the most dangerous of all.
In the treacherous waters surrounding Kirkrell, sailors hunting magic whales live in fear of the finfolk--bloodthirsty sea fae who sink ships and curse bloodlines. Nineteen-year-old Annie, as heir to the city's preeminent whaling company, is determined to carry on her parents' life's work. But she keeps a secret from she's cursed to transform into a monster, with scales spreading up her arms and claws growing from her fingertips.
Her fiancé August offers comfort, but their love falls apart when Annie discovers his plan to take over the company. Desperate, Annie makes a deal with Silas Price, a young captain rumored to be half-finfolk. He says he knows how to break the curse – but only if Annie promises to stop the practice of whaling forever.
As Annie, August and Silas sail north, Annie wrestling with her family's legacy, the threat of the finfolk and August's ambitions increasingly force her to put her trust in Silas. Yet Silas has secrets of his own, and they might be the most dangerous of all.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2025
70 people are currently reading
18009 people want to read
About the author
Sara Holland
8 books2,823 followersSara Holland is the New York Times-bestselling author of EVERLESS, EVERMORE, HAVENFALL, and PHOENIX FLAME. She grew up in small-town Minnesota among hundreds of books. She worked in a tea shop, a dentist’s office, and a state capitol building before heading to New York to work in publishing. These days, she can be found exploring the city’s bookstores or finding new ways to put caffeine in her bloodstream.
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November 11, 2025
From the first page, Break Wide the Sea pulls you under its dark, swirling depths with the inexorable force of a riptide. Sara Holland has crafted a lush, atmospheric fantasy where every crashing wave carries both promise and peril, and the line between human and monster dissolves like sea foam on the shore.
Annie Kirkrell is a protagonist who will carve herself into your heart with her sharp edges and vulnerable core. Heir to a whaling empire yet cursed to become the very thing her family hunts, her physical transformation into a finfolk-creature serves as a breathtaking metaphor for the terrifying, exhilarating process of self-discovery. The gradual spread of scales across her skin mirrors her dawning realization that everything she's been taught - about loyalty, legacy, and love - might be built on foundations as unstable as shifting tides.
The romance here is a dangerous riptide of its own. Silas, with his mysterious half-fae heritage and guarded heart, is the perfect counterpoint to Annie's stormy determination. Their chemistry crackles with the electricity of a gathering squall, each interaction laced with equal parts attraction and mistrust. Meanwhile, the betrayal by fiancé August adds delicious complexity, turning what could have been a simple love triangle into a profound exploration of how love can both poison and purify.
Holland's worldbuilding shines brightest in her depiction of the finfolk. These aren't your grandmother's mermaids - they're terrifying, alluring, and utterly alien, their motives as inscrutable as the ocean's depths. The magical whales and their luminous harvest add a layer of moral complexity that elevates the story beyond typical fantasy fare.
If I had one wish, it would be for even more immersive descriptions of the Arctic setting and finfolk realms - I wanted to taste the salt spray, feel the bone-deep cold of northern waters, and lose myself completely in their underwater kingdoms. That said, the emotional journey more than compensates, building to an ending that left me emotionally wrecked in the best possible way.
Break Wide the Sea is that rare fantasy that manages to be both pulse-pounding adventure and poignant character study. It's a story about the monsters we become to survive, the families we choose versus those we're born into, and the terrifying freedom of charting your own course.
Boundless thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for this breathtaking ARC. Being invited to embark on Annie's transformative journey was an honor I won't soon forget - this is exactly the kind of bold, emotionally resonant YA fantasy that reminds me why I fell in love with the genre.
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Annie Kirkrell is a protagonist who will carve herself into your heart with her sharp edges and vulnerable core. Heir to a whaling empire yet cursed to become the very thing her family hunts, her physical transformation into a finfolk-creature serves as a breathtaking metaphor for the terrifying, exhilarating process of self-discovery. The gradual spread of scales across her skin mirrors her dawning realization that everything she's been taught - about loyalty, legacy, and love - might be built on foundations as unstable as shifting tides.
The romance here is a dangerous riptide of its own. Silas, with his mysterious half-fae heritage and guarded heart, is the perfect counterpoint to Annie's stormy determination. Their chemistry crackles with the electricity of a gathering squall, each interaction laced with equal parts attraction and mistrust. Meanwhile, the betrayal by fiancé August adds delicious complexity, turning what could have been a simple love triangle into a profound exploration of how love can both poison and purify.
Holland's worldbuilding shines brightest in her depiction of the finfolk. These aren't your grandmother's mermaids - they're terrifying, alluring, and utterly alien, their motives as inscrutable as the ocean's depths. The magical whales and their luminous harvest add a layer of moral complexity that elevates the story beyond typical fantasy fare.
If I had one wish, it would be for even more immersive descriptions of the Arctic setting and finfolk realms - I wanted to taste the salt spray, feel the bone-deep cold of northern waters, and lose myself completely in their underwater kingdoms. That said, the emotional journey more than compensates, building to an ending that left me emotionally wrecked in the best possible way.
Break Wide the Sea is that rare fantasy that manages to be both pulse-pounding adventure and poignant character study. It's a story about the monsters we become to survive, the families we choose versus those we're born into, and the terrifying freedom of charting your own course.
Boundless thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for this breathtaking ARC. Being invited to embark on Annie's transformative journey was an honor I won't soon forget - this is exactly the kind of bold, emotionally resonant YA fantasy that reminds me why I fell in love with the genre.
medium.com
July 22, 2025
This book was completely immersive and original! It is a young adult novel that is filled with a lot of mystery. It includes magical whales, heartbreak, a curse, betrayal, ambition and survival! The characters in this story are strongly developed, lovable and diverse. This story captivated me and I found it to be very thought provoking. It has a clear thesis, flows well and is easy to read. It is extremely adventurous, tense, emotional and dark. This story includes fae mythology, a love triangle and ethical tension. This author had a great imagination and I am very grateful that I found a new fantasy author! I plan on reading more of her books! The atmosphere and the vivid imagery in this story was amazing! The story is very gripping and exciting!
“Break Wide The Sea” is part of a series and this book comes with an immersive story where a young woman is cursed with heartbreak induced sickness, which is fatal. She has to go against time to get a cure that will protect her family legacy from the finfolk that would destroy it! A lot happens and the ending will leave you wanting more! Overall, I rate this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Content warnings include body horror, violence, death of a parent and grief. Fans that love reading young adult novels that are about marine folklore, morally grey characters, along with emotional depth, would really enjoy this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Sara Holland and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for this digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on November 11, 2025!
“Break Wide The Sea” is part of a series and this book comes with an immersive story where a young woman is cursed with heartbreak induced sickness, which is fatal. She has to go against time to get a cure that will protect her family legacy from the finfolk that would destroy it! A lot happens and the ending will leave you wanting more! Overall, I rate this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Content warnings include body horror, violence, death of a parent and grief. Fans that love reading young adult novels that are about marine folklore, morally grey characters, along with emotional depth, would really enjoy this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Sara Holland and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for this digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on November 11, 2025!
November 14, 2025
2.25⭐️
╰► 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗲𝘄!
𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 11, 2025
❰ 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭. 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧'𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰! ❱
₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨📋
╰┈➤ 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙬𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗳𝗮𝘅, 𝗮 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸, 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 (hunting of whales) 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆. 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳-𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿. 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲, 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲́, 𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆'𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆, 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆'𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭
╰┈➤ this book was a big sigh. i’m so disappointed that it wasn’t as great as I thought it was going to be. it sounded like it was going to be a banger just based off of the description—and what really got me was the cover! but, this was not a banger at all. the ending was alright but nothing that i was flabbergasted by. (it does end off on a cliffhanger)
₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥ 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩🎥
╰┈➤ this book was giving off the same vibes as 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮 (which i did not enjoy as much), and i feel as though the plot wasn’t plotting until the very end. i do think the balance between the romance and the fantasy was well written, but the romance was honestly kind of annoying. like at that point i think it should just be nonexistent.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨🪡
╰┈➤ annie was very naive and she didn’t want to believe the bad things her fiancé planned to do… AND she STILL continued to kiss all up on him and do the devils tango. then next thing you know, she wants to be all up on silas. i didn’t feel a connection, a spark, or a fucking crumb of affection that they had towards one another. it was like a whisper in the wind. so… i didn’t like annie, and i definitely didn’t like august because he was such an asshole. and honestly, i just didn’t care much for silas.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣🔒
╰┈➤ the writing of this book is very good, and all what i just said is just my opinion. if the synopsis intrigues you, then i would say go for it, but personally, i won’t be reading the next book that comes out.
°•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•
❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･pre-read ʚɞ
this is an arc i have that quite literally came out yesterday… so i need to get on it 😝 but i’m so excited for it!
╰► 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗲𝘄!
𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 11, 2025
❰ 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭. 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧'𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰! ❱
₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨📋
╰┈➤ 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙬𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗳𝗮𝘅, 𝗮 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸, 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 (hunting of whales) 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆. 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳-𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿. 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲, 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲́, 𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆'𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆, 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆'𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭
╰┈➤ this book was a big sigh. i’m so disappointed that it wasn’t as great as I thought it was going to be. it sounded like it was going to be a banger just based off of the description—and what really got me was the cover! but, this was not a banger at all. the ending was alright but nothing that i was flabbergasted by. (it does end off on a cliffhanger)
₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥ 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩🎥
╰┈➤ this book was giving off the same vibes as 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮 (which i did not enjoy as much), and i feel as though the plot wasn’t plotting until the very end. i do think the balance between the romance and the fantasy was well written, but the romance was honestly kind of annoying. like at that point i think it should just be nonexistent.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨🪡
╰┈➤ annie was very naive and she didn’t want to believe the bad things her fiancé planned to do… AND she STILL continued to kiss all up on him and do the devils tango. then next thing you know, she wants to be all up on silas. i didn’t feel a connection, a spark, or a fucking crumb of affection that they had towards one another. it was like a whisper in the wind. so… i didn’t like annie, and i definitely didn’t like august because he was such an asshole. and honestly, i just didn’t care much for silas.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣🔒
╰┈➤ the writing of this book is very good, and all what i just said is just my opinion. if the synopsis intrigues you, then i would say go for it, but personally, i won’t be reading the next book that comes out.
°•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•
❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･pre-read ʚɞ
this is an arc i have that quite literally came out yesterday… so i need to get on it 😝 but i’m so excited for it!
November 13, 2025
Break Wide the Sea is fresh, interesting, and utterly unique. It has merfolk, magical whales, curses, romance, high seas adventure, betrayal, and heartbreak. Everything you could hope for in a historical fantasy!
This book was an absolutely wild ride. Impossible to put down, unpredictable, perfectly paced and beautifully written.
I am not exaggerating when I say this book had my heart pounding! I cried, I gasped, I was utterly floored when none of my predictions came true, and I was clamoring for more at the end of the book!
It’s taken me quite a while to write this review because this book was so freaking good! I always struggle to express my thoughts when a book knocks me off my feet and this did just that.
I need everyone to go read this right now!
Whats to love…
- unique + interesting setting and plot - this is not your typical mermaid story.
- historical fantasy that had me wanting to learn more about the time period!
- character growth for daysssss
- emotional
- cinematically written (every scene came to life!)
- morally grey MCs
- family forward story - Annie will do whatever is needed to protect her family
- also a hint of found family that I’m hoping we’ll get more of in future books
- heart pounding adventure
- secrets, curses, betrayals and shocking reveals!
- perfectly paced
- easy to binge
- THAT ENDING!!!!!
Absolutely recommend the audiobook!
Audio Narration: 5/5 No notes. Honestly I think the narrator was such a perfect choice for this book. She sounds young enough to fit the young adult category without being overly juvenile or high pitched. The pacing was consistent, although a bit slow, so I needed to speed up a bit, but really not a big deal. Pausing, inflection, and voice variation was all great! Would absolutely recommend.
5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Macmillian Audio for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
This book was an absolutely wild ride. Impossible to put down, unpredictable, perfectly paced and beautifully written.
I am not exaggerating when I say this book had my heart pounding! I cried, I gasped, I was utterly floored when none of my predictions came true, and I was clamoring for more at the end of the book!
It’s taken me quite a while to write this review because this book was so freaking good! I always struggle to express my thoughts when a book knocks me off my feet and this did just that.
I need everyone to go read this right now!
Whats to love…
- unique + interesting setting and plot - this is not your typical mermaid story.
- historical fantasy that had me wanting to learn more about the time period!
- character growth for daysssss
- emotional
- cinematically written (every scene came to life!)
- morally grey MCs
- family forward story - Annie will do whatever is needed to protect her family
- also a hint of found family that I’m hoping we’ll get more of in future books
- heart pounding adventure
- secrets, curses, betrayals and shocking reveals!
- perfectly paced
- easy to binge
- THAT ENDING!!!!!
Absolutely recommend the audiobook!
Audio Narration: 5/5 No notes. Honestly I think the narrator was such a perfect choice for this book. She sounds young enough to fit the young adult category without being overly juvenile or high pitched. The pacing was consistent, although a bit slow, so I needed to speed up a bit, but really not a big deal. Pausing, inflection, and voice variation was all great! Would absolutely recommend.
5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Macmillian Audio for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
June 30, 2025
﹏𓊝﹏﹏𓊝﹏﹏𓊝﹏﹏𓊝﹏﹏𓊝﹏﹏𓊝﹏﹏𓊝﹏﹏
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙩. 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣’𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾
𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍: Jun 30th
ᴀɢᴇ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 14+
𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽: ♡
You know it wasn’t too bad!
𝓛𝔂𝓻𝓲𝓬: ⋆˙⟡
“Long story short it was a bad time”-𝙻𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝙱𝚢: 𝚃𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚘𝚛 𝚂𝚠𝚒𝚏𝚝
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||| 0:10 🎧ྀི♪⋆.✮
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼: ִ ࣪𖤐
Fantasy 👑
Adventure 🌲
Romance 💘
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼: ✮⋆˙
Annie 🧜♀️
You know what you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
August 🤨
You just weren’t my type of person, but heyyyy it okay, you supportive…
Silas 🫣
I forgot you existed not gonna lie.
𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
This is my first arc so I don’t know how much I can reveal!
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ `· . 𐙚-𝒦𝒾𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇𝓁𝒾𝑒
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙩. 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣’𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾
𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍: Jun 30th
ᴀɢᴇ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 14+
𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽: ♡
You know it wasn’t too bad!
𝓛𝔂𝓻𝓲𝓬: ⋆˙⟡
“Long story short it was a bad time”-𝙻𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝙱𝚢: 𝚃𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚘𝚛 𝚂𝚠𝚒𝚏𝚝
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||| 0:10 🎧ྀི♪⋆.✮
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼: ִ ࣪𖤐
Fantasy 👑
Adventure 🌲
Romance 💘
𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼: ✮⋆˙
Annie 🧜♀️
You know what you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
August 🤨
You just weren’t my type of person, but heyyyy it okay, you supportive…
Silas 🫣
I forgot you existed not gonna lie.
𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
This is my first arc so I don’t know how much I can reveal!
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ `· . 𐙚-𝒦𝒾𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇𝓁𝒾𝑒
November 8, 2025
Huge thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this ARC!!
Break Wide the Sea is definitely a unique story. Annie is the head of a company that hunts whales. Humans need the magic the whales give them to survive.
It’s a quick and captivating read. I was intrigued by the concept and thought the world building was greatly done.
The issues I had with this novel were purely subjective. Right at the start, Annie learns she will be betrayed. Even if all signs point to the fact that it will occur - she still refuses to believe it. We spend about 60% of the novel discussing this impending betrayal and since she chooses to close her eyes to it - it stalls. This made her look incredibly naive and devoid of logical thinking.
We don’t have complete access to Annie’s thoughts - even if she’s the only POV we follow. Thus making it difficult to understand a few of the decisions she took. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that she agreed to bring her 15yo sister on board… it was written in the stars that the 11yo would follow. Putting both of them in unnecessary danger. She was trained all her life to be the head of the company - but gave the reigns to her fiancé. She gave up the power she could’ve had but kept saying she wanted to lead…
There was also absolutely no reason for her to be this mean to Silas. Her anger/meanness towards him felt like it was used as a plot for the later on romance.
I wanted to give this 3.5 stars at first because I was enjoying the storyline but I really hated the ending. I know it sets off the course for the sequel but again - I couldn’t understand why she accepted those terms.
Overall, despite my problems with the main character and her absent decision making skill - I think this had a very intriguing concept and great world building. A lot of people will enjoy this!
Break Wide the Sea is definitely a unique story. Annie is the head of a company that hunts whales. Humans need the magic the whales give them to survive.
It’s a quick and captivating read. I was intrigued by the concept and thought the world building was greatly done.
The issues I had with this novel were purely subjective. Right at the start, Annie learns she will be betrayed. Even if all signs point to the fact that it will occur - she still refuses to believe it. We spend about 60% of the novel discussing this impending betrayal and since she chooses to close her eyes to it - it stalls. This made her look incredibly naive and devoid of logical thinking.
We don’t have complete access to Annie’s thoughts - even if she’s the only POV we follow. Thus making it difficult to understand a few of the decisions she took. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that she agreed to bring her 15yo sister on board… it was written in the stars that the 11yo would follow. Putting both of them in unnecessary danger. She was trained all her life to be the head of the company - but gave the reigns to her fiancé. She gave up the power she could’ve had but kept saying she wanted to lead…
There was also absolutely no reason for her to be this mean to Silas. Her anger/meanness towards him felt like it was used as a plot for the later on romance.
I wanted to give this 3.5 stars at first because I was enjoying the storyline but I really hated the ending. I know it sets off the course for the sequel but again - I couldn’t understand why she accepted those terms.
Overall, despite my problems with the main character and her absent decision making skill - I think this had a very intriguing concept and great world building. A lot of people will enjoy this!
November 6, 2025
4.5 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: takes places across spring and summer but is mainly cold so I would say Novemberish which is perfect cause that’s when it comes out
This was a breathtaking novel! It was one of the most unique plots I’ve read in a good long while. The setting and characters leapt off the page. The writing had such a grace about it. This book truly pulls you down into the depths of its cold waters and drags you along for a heck of a ride.
While it a tad slow to get started as our characters adventure onto their journey, their destination and the climax more than make up for it.
I love our main characters and the romance. I loved the concept of the whaling and its allusions to modern day issues. While this didn’t have a whole lot of scenes (minus one line on pg. 214) I will be clamouring to read over and over again, it overall had a very strong plot line that felt as fresh as the saltwater among its pages.
My main issues were just the slow pacing at the start and with a few decisions made by Annie. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good story.
Fav Line: “Instead I get to sit here in the dark thinking about how you spent the night with August to keep me safe.” The coldness in Silas’s voice takes me aback, deeper and darker than the chill in the air. “Lucky me.” (I may have read this one over a few times)
This book was given to me as a ARC through a #goodreadsgiveaway. This had no impact on my review.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: takes places across spring and summer but is mainly cold so I would say Novemberish which is perfect cause that’s when it comes out
This was a breathtaking novel! It was one of the most unique plots I’ve read in a good long while. The setting and characters leapt off the page. The writing had such a grace about it. This book truly pulls you down into the depths of its cold waters and drags you along for a heck of a ride.
While it a tad slow to get started as our characters adventure onto their journey, their destination and the climax more than make up for it.
I love our main characters and the romance. I loved the concept of the whaling and its allusions to modern day issues. While this didn’t have a whole lot of scenes (minus one line on pg. 214) I will be clamouring to read over and over again, it overall had a very strong plot line that felt as fresh as the saltwater among its pages.
My main issues were just the slow pacing at the start and with a few decisions made by Annie. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good story.
Fav Line: “Instead I get to sit here in the dark thinking about how you spent the night with August to keep me safe.” The coldness in Silas’s voice takes me aback, deeper and darker than the chill in the air. “Lucky me.” (I may have read this one over a few times)
This book was given to me as a ARC through a #goodreadsgiveaway. This had no impact on my review.
June 24, 2025
⋆｡°✩ 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 ⋆｡°✩
5 stars | a thrilling YA pirate-esque fantasy filled with deceit and terrifyingly epic fae | 2/3 spice, 2/3 violence, no trigger warnings that I could think of | easy-to-read, flowy, captivating
*:･ﾟ✧♡ 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 *:･ﾟ✧♡
Oh my gosh this book.
The characters: perfection. We hate August, we are absolutely Silas Price stans, and Annie is so deliciously morally gray yet devoted to her family and just-
I ate this upppppp!!!!
Silas is my fav, August is my least; we know this. The twists sprinkled throughout the book; jaw. Dropped.
And the end????????!!!!!!!!!!
Like what even in the-
It was so crazyyyy like 5 bajillion twists in one and like the cliffhanger!!!!!
I need the second book in my hands A. S. A. P.
And the first one isn’t even out yet 😭😭😭
No but I will SNATCH the second book when it comes out/gets on NetGalley cause I neeeeeeeed to know!!!!!!
Okay talking about actual stuff now, the setting was pretty good, not too standout-ish, but the magic system was so cool; I’m so in love w/ the finfolk and Livyatan; they’re both so awesome.
And as I said, the characters were so good. I loved the side characters too; the crew of the Whistler, Kit (he’s so me-core), Lydia; love them all.
And the PLOT-
Like, it was so flowy and easy to read, it flewwww by.
So yeah, basically every aspect of this book was perfection.
In. Love.
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
Legit, I cannot think of any. This book was that good.
* ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕨𝕣𝕒𝕡-𝕦𝕡 * ੈ✩‧₊˚
I need the second book as quick as humanly possible so I can absolutely devour it and resolve that insanely agonizing cliffhanger.
Read this book. Please. If you’re looking for fantasy or interesting magic or pirate vibes or just a good book, I one million percent recommend this book. I need to talk to people about it!
Break Wide the Sea releases November 11, 2025!!!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤 ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
"𝐿𝓎𝒹𝒾𝒶’𝓈 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓌 𝒾𝓈 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓌𝓃 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃, 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝐼 𝓂𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒶𝓎 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒲𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓉𝓁𝑒𝓇 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓌. 𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝑔𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒."
"𝒯𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓉’𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝒾𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃."
"𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝒶 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓂 𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝓊𝓇𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓇𝓊𝓃 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝒾𝓉. 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓉𝑒𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝒾𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉'𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝒶 𝒷𝑜𝓉𝓉𝑜𝓂."
˙⋆.˚𐙚 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 ˙⋆.˚𐙚
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for giving me this ARC! This is my first NetGally ARC and I'm very excited.
All thoughts are my own :)
5 stars | a thrilling YA pirate-esque fantasy filled with deceit and terrifyingly epic fae | 2/3 spice, 2/3 violence, no trigger warnings that I could think of | easy-to-read, flowy, captivating
*:･ﾟ✧♡ 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 *:･ﾟ✧♡
Oh my gosh this book.
The characters: perfection. We hate August, we are absolutely Silas Price stans, and Annie is so deliciously morally gray yet devoted to her family and just-
I ate this upppppp!!!!
Silas is my fav, August is my least; we know this. The twists sprinkled throughout the book; jaw. Dropped.
And the end????????!!!!!!!!!!
Like what even in the-
It was so crazyyyy like 5 bajillion twists in one and like the cliffhanger!!!!!
I need the second book in my hands A. S. A. P.
And the first one isn’t even out yet 😭😭😭
No but I will SNATCH the second book when it comes out/gets on NetGalley cause I neeeeeeeed to know!!!!!!
Okay talking about actual stuff now, the setting was pretty good, not too standout-ish, but the magic system was so cool; I’m so in love w/ the finfolk and Livyatan; they’re both so awesome.
And as I said, the characters were so good. I loved the side characters too; the crew of the Whistler, Kit (he’s so me-core), Lydia; love them all.
And the PLOT-
Like, it was so flowy and easy to read, it flewwww by.
So yeah, basically every aspect of this book was perfection.
In. Love.
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
Legit, I cannot think of any. This book was that good.
* ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝕨𝕣𝕒𝕡-𝕦𝕡 * ੈ✩‧₊˚
I need the second book as quick as humanly possible so I can absolutely devour it and resolve that insanely agonizing cliffhanger.
Read this book. Please. If you’re looking for fantasy or interesting magic or pirate vibes or just a good book, I one million percent recommend this book. I need to talk to people about it!
Break Wide the Sea releases November 11, 2025!!!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤 ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
"𝐿𝓎𝒹𝒾𝒶’𝓈 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓌 𝒾𝓈 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓌𝓃 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃, 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝐼 𝓂𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒶𝓎 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒲𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓉𝓁𝑒𝓇 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓌. 𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝑔𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒."
"𝒯𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓉’𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝒾𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃."
"𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝒶 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓂 𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝓊𝓇𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓇𝓊𝓃 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝒾𝓉. 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓉𝑒𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝒾𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉'𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝒶 𝒷𝑜𝓉𝓉𝑜𝓂."
˙⋆.˚𐙚 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 ˙⋆.˚𐙚
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for giving me this ARC! This is my first NetGally ARC and I'm very excited.
All thoughts are my own :)
August 25, 2025
This was a slow burn start, for me. with an absolutely heart racing ending.
The Fairfax family has run the whaling for their city through generations. But those that go to sea to whale know that one day they will lose their life there - and the parents have passed and the oldest child, Annie, has taken over the business. But really, only in title, she hasn't picked up the reigns to learn how things go.
Because this isn't any whaling - this is fae whaling - where the whales have magical blood that heals her people. And their are fae folk that aren't too excited they are still hunting in the waters. As the population of whales gets lower every year, this is the year Annie must go out in the boats and scout out farther hunting ground and negotiate farther port access.
I didn't love Annie at first. She was a bit silly. I found the curse system to be so well done and I loved the necklaces and bargains. I did like Annie once she got her feet under her, as she realized what all was at stake. Such a great beginning to a series - one that definitely ends leaving you wanting more. I'll definitely be looking for book 2! This one was interesting, unique, and so fun!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
The Fairfax family has run the whaling for their city through generations. But those that go to sea to whale know that one day they will lose their life there - and the parents have passed and the oldest child, Annie, has taken over the business. But really, only in title, she hasn't picked up the reigns to learn how things go.
Because this isn't any whaling - this is fae whaling - where the whales have magical blood that heals her people. And their are fae folk that aren't too excited they are still hunting in the waters. As the population of whales gets lower every year, this is the year Annie must go out in the boats and scout out farther hunting ground and negotiate farther port access.
I didn't love Annie at first. She was a bit silly. I found the curse system to be so well done and I loved the necklaces and bargains. I did like Annie once she got her feet under her, as she realized what all was at stake. Such a great beginning to a series - one that definitely ends leaving you wanting more. I'll definitely be looking for book 2! This one was interesting, unique, and so fun!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Want to read
June 16, 2025it was read now so i had to
December 24, 2025
Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland is a dark, immersive young‑adult fantasy that swept me in like a storm‑driven tide and left me thinking about its themes long after the final page.
The story centers on Annie Fairfax, a determined 19‑year‑old heir to her family’s whaling company in the coastal town of Kirkrell, where sailors hunt magic whales for their precious oil while fearing the finfolk, vengeful sea fae who curse those who harm their kin. Annie herself bears a terrifying heartbreak curse: whenever she experiences deep emotional pain, her body begins to transform into a monstrous form with scales and claws, a physical echo of her inner turmoil. Desperate not only to save her own life but to protect her siblings and legacy, she makes a risky pact with Silas Price, a half‑finfolk captain who claims he knows how to lift the curse if she agrees to end whaling forever. Meanwhile her fiancé August, once trusted, is revealed to have sinister ambitions that threaten both Annie and her community, forcing her to question everything she was taught about love, duty, and power.
What struck me most was how hauntingly atmospheric and emotionally rich this novel feels. Holland blends nautical fantasy, folklore, and moral reckoning into a narrative that’s as briny and dangerous as the sea itself, and Annie’s growth from dutiful heir to someone who must define her own moral compass felt powerful and poignant. The cursed transformation isn’t just a magical gimmick, it’s a visceral metaphor for grief, betrayal, and fear of vulnerability that makes Annie’s internal conflict resonate deeply.
The dynamic with Silas, equal parts tension and empathy, adds slow‑burn emotional depth, while the growing revelations about August’s intentions sharpen the stakes. Though the pacing is deliberate at first, the novel’s rich worldbuilding, complex characters, and morally layered themes drew me fully into its briny, storm‑tossed world.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Break Wide the Sea earned four and a half stars from me because it captures the relentless, unforgiving power of the sea and of the human heart with both beauty and brutality. Annie’s journey to break her curse, confront her family legacy, and choose what she truly stands for feels urgent and affecting, and the way the story weaves love, sacrifice, and moral awakening makes this fantasy feel deeply human.
If you love richly textured worlds, morally shaded characters, and fierce emotional stakes intertwined with magical lore, this one will stay with you long after the last wave falls.
The story centers on Annie Fairfax, a determined 19‑year‑old heir to her family’s whaling company in the coastal town of Kirkrell, where sailors hunt magic whales for their precious oil while fearing the finfolk, vengeful sea fae who curse those who harm their kin. Annie herself bears a terrifying heartbreak curse: whenever she experiences deep emotional pain, her body begins to transform into a monstrous form with scales and claws, a physical echo of her inner turmoil. Desperate not only to save her own life but to protect her siblings and legacy, she makes a risky pact with Silas Price, a half‑finfolk captain who claims he knows how to lift the curse if she agrees to end whaling forever. Meanwhile her fiancé August, once trusted, is revealed to have sinister ambitions that threaten both Annie and her community, forcing her to question everything she was taught about love, duty, and power.
What struck me most was how hauntingly atmospheric and emotionally rich this novel feels. Holland blends nautical fantasy, folklore, and moral reckoning into a narrative that’s as briny and dangerous as the sea itself, and Annie’s growth from dutiful heir to someone who must define her own moral compass felt powerful and poignant. The cursed transformation isn’t just a magical gimmick, it’s a visceral metaphor for grief, betrayal, and fear of vulnerability that makes Annie’s internal conflict resonate deeply.
The dynamic with Silas, equal parts tension and empathy, adds slow‑burn emotional depth, while the growing revelations about August’s intentions sharpen the stakes. Though the pacing is deliberate at first, the novel’s rich worldbuilding, complex characters, and morally layered themes drew me fully into its briny, storm‑tossed world.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Break Wide the Sea earned four and a half stars from me because it captures the relentless, unforgiving power of the sea and of the human heart with both beauty and brutality. Annie’s journey to break her curse, confront her family legacy, and choose what she truly stands for feels urgent and affecting, and the way the story weaves love, sacrifice, and moral awakening makes this fantasy feel deeply human.
If you love richly textured worlds, morally shaded characters, and fierce emotional stakes intertwined with magical lore, this one will stay with you long after the last wave falls.
October 15, 2025
Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!
This is a captivating sea fantasy with a dark atmosphere and tragic magic that’s both haunting and magnetic. The story follows Annie — the head of a whaling company, the heir to a family curse, and a woman whose world is on the edge. After her parents died in an incident involving the finfolk, she runs the company with her fiancé August, until a disgraced sailor named Silas bursts into her life with an offer that could change everything.
I barely read the blurb, and the moment I saw it involved whalers, I picked it up without hesitation! And I’m so glad I wasn’t disappointed, because it pulled me in right from the beginning. The fact that I missed parts of the synopsis actually made for a delightful surprise early on.
This was my first time reading anything about whales, and wow! The book is soaked in oceanic atmosphere, curses, secrets, and themes of family.
The main character isn’t bad, she would do anything for the people she loves, though at times I didn’t quite understand her, which only made her feel more real and alive.
There is a love triangle, which I’m usually not a fan of, but I decided to overlook it here.
I’ll gladly wait for the sequel! That ending left me a bit stunned, and now I really want to know what happens next to all of them.
The writing style is simple and pleasant, and the immersion is immediate. I especially loved how the author makes you feel like you're part of the journey, as if you're on the ship yourself, the whisper of waves, and the dread of what hides beneath. The descriptions of the whales and finfolk gave me chills.
At times, I felt there wasn’t enough action, and even though I tried to take my time reading, it all went by so fast, but it’s a solid start, and I’m excited to see more development ahead.
The idea of whales with magical properties is brilliant and deserves high praise. The whole concept is something I instantly loved. This series has real potential, and I’d easily recommend it to anyone who enjoys sea-themed stories with romance.
The audiobook is so pleasant to listen to, and I absolutely love that intro part!
This book feels even more atmospheric when listened to as an audiobook.
🐋⚓️🌊
• Family curse
• Love triangle
• Whaling
• Woman in charge
• Secrets
🗓Pub Date: Nov 11 2025
⭐️4,25/5
This is a captivating sea fantasy with a dark atmosphere and tragic magic that’s both haunting and magnetic. The story follows Annie — the head of a whaling company, the heir to a family curse, and a woman whose world is on the edge. After her parents died in an incident involving the finfolk, she runs the company with her fiancé August, until a disgraced sailor named Silas bursts into her life with an offer that could change everything.
I barely read the blurb, and the moment I saw it involved whalers, I picked it up without hesitation! And I’m so glad I wasn’t disappointed, because it pulled me in right from the beginning. The fact that I missed parts of the synopsis actually made for a delightful surprise early on.
This was my first time reading anything about whales, and wow! The book is soaked in oceanic atmosphere, curses, secrets, and themes of family.
The main character isn’t bad, she would do anything for the people she loves, though at times I didn’t quite understand her, which only made her feel more real and alive.
There is a love triangle, which I’m usually not a fan of, but I decided to overlook it here.
I’ll gladly wait for the sequel! That ending left me a bit stunned, and now I really want to know what happens next to all of them.
The writing style is simple and pleasant, and the immersion is immediate. I especially loved how the author makes you feel like you're part of the journey, as if you're on the ship yourself, the whisper of waves, and the dread of what hides beneath. The descriptions of the whales and finfolk gave me chills.
At times, I felt there wasn’t enough action, and even though I tried to take my time reading, it all went by so fast, but it’s a solid start, and I’m excited to see more development ahead.
The idea of whales with magical properties is brilliant and deserves high praise. The whole concept is something I instantly loved. This series has real potential, and I’d easily recommend it to anyone who enjoys sea-themed stories with romance.
The audiobook is so pleasant to listen to, and I absolutely love that intro part!
This book feels even more atmospheric when listened to as an audiobook.
🐋⚓️🌊
• Family curse
• Love triangle
• Whaling
• Woman in charge
• Secrets
🗓Pub Date: Nov 11 2025
⭐️4,25/5
November 23, 2025
“𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙥𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚.”
It’s been ages since I wrote a full review but I think it’s time I bring it back since you guys have asked for detailed opinions😂
Where do I start? This book was certainly a ride, but also pretty predictable. It’s one of those YA books where you know what’s going to happen and I think a part of that knowledge made it lack being my favorite. It’s far from being a bad book, I just think more could have been there to make it even better.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙:
1. I love love love pirate stories. Forever my favorite thing to read in fantasy, it never fails to bring me joy. 2. The plot was still very good, and i adored the concept of heartbreak- like LITERAL heartbreak being considered a curse that turns you into a monster. Heartbreak is something we feel on the inside, but in this book it was perceived as something we could see on the outside. All consuming. Such a genius idea honestly that we see these feelings created as cursed and physical. 3. Silas. Silas was genuinely just UGH. I loved him with every fiber of my being and genuinely trusted him from the very beginning. It frustrated me that the fmc didnt feel the same way. We didn’t even get his perspective and I still trusted him.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚:
1. As much as I love th concept of the cursed, I wish we could actually know more about the curses? I feel like they were not fleshed out. Like what kind of curses are there? Why does each person recieve a specfic curse? Is it always genetic? Or just a given. I believe this could have more depth. 2. Predictability- the lack of shock factor pushed me from fully enjoying the book as much as I’d like to. I’d give it closer to a 3 stars than a 4 stars. A part of me wanted to just rush and get to the end just because I knew what was going to happen. 4. Annie the fmc. I’m not here to say she’s a dumb character. But she was naive at times and as said previously it really frustrated me. The amount of times I needed her to understand that August was NOT IT!!
Overall, very great story. I’m excited for the second book hehe.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
-pirates
-slight enemies to sorta lovers
-betrayal
-historical
-YA
-not a standalone
🌶️: no spice it’s young adult
It’s been ages since I wrote a full review but I think it’s time I bring it back since you guys have asked for detailed opinions😂
Where do I start? This book was certainly a ride, but also pretty predictable. It’s one of those YA books where you know what’s going to happen and I think a part of that knowledge made it lack being my favorite. It’s far from being a bad book, I just think more could have been there to make it even better.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙:
1. I love love love pirate stories. Forever my favorite thing to read in fantasy, it never fails to bring me joy. 2. The plot was still very good, and i adored the concept of heartbreak- like LITERAL heartbreak being considered a curse that turns you into a monster. Heartbreak is something we feel on the inside, but in this book it was perceived as something we could see on the outside. All consuming. Such a genius idea honestly that we see these feelings created as cursed and physical. 3. Silas. Silas was genuinely just UGH. I loved him with every fiber of my being and genuinely trusted him from the very beginning. It frustrated me that the fmc didnt feel the same way. We didn’t even get his perspective and I still trusted him.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚:
1. As much as I love th concept of the cursed, I wish we could actually know more about the curses? I feel like they were not fleshed out. Like what kind of curses are there? Why does each person recieve a specfic curse? Is it always genetic? Or just a given. I believe this could have more depth. 2. Predictability- the lack of shock factor pushed me from fully enjoying the book as much as I’d like to. I’d give it closer to a 3 stars than a 4 stars. A part of me wanted to just rush and get to the end just because I knew what was going to happen. 4. Annie the fmc. I’m not here to say she’s a dumb character. But she was naive at times and as said previously it really frustrated me. The amount of times I needed her to understand that August was NOT IT!!
Overall, very great story. I’m excited for the second book hehe.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
-pirates
-slight enemies to sorta lovers
-betrayal
-historical
-YA
-not a standalone
🌶️: no spice it’s young adult
November 11, 2025
Break Wide the Sea has such a fascinating premise and a world that immediately pulled me in. The idea of a cursed family, heartbreak that literally turns you into a monster, and a world haunted by finfolk was so intriguing. The author’s worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric, and it felt fresh and immersive. That being said, the pacing dragged in places, especially in the middle, where the story felt a bit repetitive. I also wished there was more about the curse, the finfolk, and the whale magic. All of those elements were so interesting, and I have a feeling they'll be explored more in the next book.
I also struggled with some of the characters, especially Annie. She was such a frustrating protagonist. Her choices often didn’t make sense for someone who was raised to lead and take over her father's company. She’s portrayed as intelligent and capable, yet her actions, especially regarding her fiancé’s betrayal, made her come across as naive and passive. I understood that she was torn between her heart and her duty, but she ignored so many glaring red flags that it became hard to sympathize with her. I also found her anger toward Silas at times misplaced, and I was confused by their sudden feeling change, which made it difficult to fully invest in their slow-burn relationship.
Speaking of red flags, there’s a bit of a love triangle between Annie, August, and Silas, which didn’t really work for me. I’m not a fan of love triangles in general, and this one felt unnecessary, especially since August’s character was so one-dimensional. He’s meant to be charming and dependable, but he came off flat and predictable. Silas was more compelling, but he's a walking red flag, too. He was mysterious, flawed, and clearly hiding secrets, but I didn't understand his motives. They just didn't track with his behavior and moral compass.
On a positive note, the found family aspect with Silas’s crew was great. They were flawed, loyal, and full of personality, and their dynamic added warmth and humanity to the darker elements of the story. I also liked how the story explored the moral complexity of hunting for survival. I was initially intrigued by this story because my ancestors were whalers in Newfoundland, but I don't know much about them or what they did, and there are some vivid scenes that put some aspects of the job into perspective. This, the worldbuilding, and the found family are solid. I just wish the character arcs and emotional depth matched the strength of the setting and the lore.
Thanks to NetGalley and Saturday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
I also struggled with some of the characters, especially Annie. She was such a frustrating protagonist. Her choices often didn’t make sense for someone who was raised to lead and take over her father's company. She’s portrayed as intelligent and capable, yet her actions, especially regarding her fiancé’s betrayal, made her come across as naive and passive. I understood that she was torn between her heart and her duty, but she ignored so many glaring red flags that it became hard to sympathize with her. I also found her anger toward Silas at times misplaced, and I was confused by their sudden feeling change, which made it difficult to fully invest in their slow-burn relationship.
Speaking of red flags, there’s a bit of a love triangle between Annie, August, and Silas, which didn’t really work for me. I’m not a fan of love triangles in general, and this one felt unnecessary, especially since August’s character was so one-dimensional. He’s meant to be charming and dependable, but he came off flat and predictable. Silas was more compelling, but he's a walking red flag, too. He was mysterious, flawed, and clearly hiding secrets, but I didn't understand his motives. They just didn't track with his behavior and moral compass.
On a positive note, the found family aspect with Silas’s crew was great. They were flawed, loyal, and full of personality, and their dynamic added warmth and humanity to the darker elements of the story. I also liked how the story explored the moral complexity of hunting for survival. I was initially intrigued by this story because my ancestors were whalers in Newfoundland, but I don't know much about them or what they did, and there are some vivid scenes that put some aspects of the job into perspective. This, the worldbuilding, and the found family are solid. I just wish the character arcs and emotional depth matched the strength of the setting and the lore.
Thanks to NetGalley and Saturday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
June 14, 2025
I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley allowing this for a free read.
I think I enjoy fantasy universes with a historical vibe. There is so much new ground here that it makes me excited for book two.
I loved the main character and the relationship with her sister and brother. I also love that we already get her aware of her curse, aware of the situation of things (suspecting her husband, the curse already affecting her) and the path she needs to take (head to find the queen of the selkies and get them to remove the curse).
I like that there is a suspicion of both male interests - one who may be after her father's whaling company, the other wanting to damn her for his people (since he is half selkie). The way the story went about her relationship had me on the edge of who was going to betray her and who was going to be loyal.
The reason I rated it down a star is I found the selkies too mysterious and the whales and their connection too vague. I also think that by the end the necklace with the blood doesn't really make sense or seem like it was important. So I don't know if it hold any weight to book two. The ending has me curious though if these plot points will be expanded upon (I hope they will). I also hope that the sister and brother will be more important and do more.
I'm ready for book two, I like what I got and the above wasn't much to steer me away.
I think I enjoy fantasy universes with a historical vibe. There is so much new ground here that it makes me excited for book two.
I loved the main character and the relationship with her sister and brother. I also love that we already get her aware of her curse, aware of the situation of things (suspecting her husband, the curse already affecting her) and the path she needs to take (head to find the queen of the selkies and get them to remove the curse).
I like that there is a suspicion of both male interests - one who may be after her father's whaling company, the other wanting to damn her for his people (since he is half selkie). The way the story went about her relationship had me on the edge of who was going to betray her and who was going to be loyal.
The reason I rated it down a star is I found the selkies too mysterious and the whales and their connection too vague. I also think that by the end the necklace with the blood doesn't really make sense or seem like it was important. So I don't know if it hold any weight to book two. The ending has me curious though if these plot points will be expanded upon (I hope they will). I also hope that the sister and brother will be more important and do more.
I'm ready for book two, I like what I got and the above wasn't much to steer me away.
January 9, 2026
4.5/5 stars rounded up.
I had some struggles with this book but I loved that this was one of the few fantasy books that I’ve come across recently that felt unique to me.
I’m surprised that I would even pick up a book that has anything to do with whaling, but I did. I hated the whaling aspect and found it incredibly sad, but I was still intrigued by the story and I enjoyed the writing in this book. I also generally really love books that take place at sea. I didn’t always love the characters and at times I felt that relationships/feelings were rushed. But again, the story intrigued me enough that it outweighed these little complaints.
It’s rare that I care about a series enough to want to pick up the following book, but I do think I want to continue this one. I’m definitely curious enough.
I had some struggles with this book but I loved that this was one of the few fantasy books that I’ve come across recently that felt unique to me.
I’m surprised that I would even pick up a book that has anything to do with whaling, but I did. I hated the whaling aspect and found it incredibly sad, but I was still intrigued by the story and I enjoyed the writing in this book. I also generally really love books that take place at sea. I didn’t always love the characters and at times I felt that relationships/feelings were rushed. But again, the story intrigued me enough that it outweighed these little complaints.
It’s rare that I care about a series enough to want to pick up the following book, but I do think I want to continue this one. I’m definitely curious enough.
September 18, 2025
Yeah, this was supremely my type of fantasy.
The beginning was a little slow for me to get into, but my goodness was the last half ever worth it. What a stellar premise. Fantasy whaling company with vicious water fae and horrific curses? Inject directly into my veins. Even the sort of love triangle was deliciously wonderful. A perfect slow burn of falling out of love with one and falling into love with the other.
It is a little bit of a tough read in some scenes though. This made me realize how completely ineffective and cruel harpooning really is. Thankfully, the author has promised a proper comeuppance in book 2 so I look forward to it immensely!
The beginning was a little slow for me to get into, but my goodness was the last half ever worth it. What a stellar premise. Fantasy whaling company with vicious water fae and horrific curses? Inject directly into my veins. Even the sort of love triangle was deliciously wonderful. A perfect slow burn of falling out of love with one and falling into love with the other.
It is a little bit of a tough read in some scenes though. This made me realize how completely ineffective and cruel harpooning really is. Thankfully, the author has promised a proper comeuppance in book 2 so I look forward to it immensely!
December 6, 2025
The premise deserves better than it got. Maybe more editing to help the tremendously slow pace.
November 7, 2025
This book was given to me in advance, in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked the idea of this book, but was a little confused by its execution.
I never understood why Silas was her enemy. I never understood why she was called Annie when that wasn't her name.
I will never understand why she just accepted the end of this book.
Everything fell a little flat for me, and I felt like Holland could have fleshed things out a bit more.
I liked the idea of this book, but was a little confused by its execution.
I never understood why Silas was her enemy. I never understood why she was called Annie when that wasn't her name.
I will never understand why she just accepted the end of this book.
Everything fell a little flat for me, and I felt like Holland could have fleshed things out a bit more.
December 13, 2025
Break Wide the Sea
by Sara Holland
Break Wide the Sea #1
YA Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Nov 11, 2025
St. Martin's Press
Ages: 16+
Surviving the shipwreck that killed her parents, Annie is now heiress of her family's whaling company, but the magical whales her family has hunted are disappearing, and finfolk, fae who attack whaling ships and curse bloodlines, have grown bolder and more aggressive toward the ships and the humans aboard.
Annie's family is one of those whom the finfolk have cursed, and now Annie is hiding it from others because it is one of the worst for a human to have.
Determined to prove herself to the men in her company, including August, a fellow survivor, now her fiancé and partner in the company, she joins him on a whaling ship to set up a port in the north and take any whale they find.
But also on the ship is Silas, a childhood friend of both Annie and August, who also survived the shipwreck, but rumors surround him and his crew of cursed crew, that he himself is half finfolk. Silas warns Annie that there is corruption and betrayal on the ship, and even though she is heir, she is expendable.
The thought of magic whales caught my attention, and I was excited to start reading this, but sadly, it flopped. It wasn't a bad story and has a lot of potential, but it was executed poorly. The first disappointment was the lack of detailed background about the magic the whales had and what it provided. I get that they heal, but there were details about the whales themselves that were missing, so I could only imagine humpback whales.
Speaking of magic, more about the finfolk would've helped with the story also. It was pretty obvious that they were the heroes and the humans were the bad guys, but like I said above, the whales' magic could have made that line between them even less defined.
Then there was the romance part of it and the friendship between Annie, August, and Silas. All I can remember is they were friends on a ship that sank, Annie's parents among the dead. There's a little more to it, but ...spoilers... Even with those included, it still doesn't make a lot of sense.
No major 'romance' scenes, but the door is left open enough, and with the violence and descriptions of the whale 'manufacturing', I don't think this is suitable for readers under sixteen.
I will not continue the series.
2 Stars
by Sara Holland
Break Wide the Sea #1
YA Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Nov 11, 2025
St. Martin's Press
Ages: 16+
Surviving the shipwreck that killed her parents, Annie is now heiress of her family's whaling company, but the magical whales her family has hunted are disappearing, and finfolk, fae who attack whaling ships and curse bloodlines, have grown bolder and more aggressive toward the ships and the humans aboard.
Annie's family is one of those whom the finfolk have cursed, and now Annie is hiding it from others because it is one of the worst for a human to have.
Determined to prove herself to the men in her company, including August, a fellow survivor, now her fiancé and partner in the company, she joins him on a whaling ship to set up a port in the north and take any whale they find.
But also on the ship is Silas, a childhood friend of both Annie and August, who also survived the shipwreck, but rumors surround him and his crew of cursed crew, that he himself is half finfolk. Silas warns Annie that there is corruption and betrayal on the ship, and even though she is heir, she is expendable.
The thought of magic whales caught my attention, and I was excited to start reading this, but sadly, it flopped. It wasn't a bad story and has a lot of potential, but it was executed poorly. The first disappointment was the lack of detailed background about the magic the whales had and what it provided. I get that they heal, but there were details about the whales themselves that were missing, so I could only imagine humpback whales.
Speaking of magic, more about the finfolk would've helped with the story also. It was pretty obvious that they were the heroes and the humans were the bad guys, but like I said above, the whales' magic could have made that line between them even less defined.
Then there was the romance part of it and the friendship between Annie, August, and Silas. All I can remember is they were friends on a ship that sank, Annie's parents among the dead. There's a little more to it, but ...spoilers... Even with those included, it still doesn't make a lot of sense.
No major 'romance' scenes, but the door is left open enough, and with the violence and descriptions of the whale 'manufacturing', I don't think this is suitable for readers under sixteen.
I will not continue the series.
2 Stars
October 24, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
A great start to a new series! This is a very unique young adult novel revolving around a woman who inherits a whaling company from her father, but has a family curse on her alone that causes death from heartbreak. She sets out to find a way to lift the curse and protect her family against the "finfolk" or water fae while also doing the one thing that she should be avoiding, opening her heart to heartbreak.
The book was very atmospheric and you feel like you are out on the ocean with the crew. The characters were also well developed and help keep you interested in the story with their varying personalities. I will definitely be reading the second installment of this series and I would like to read more from the author.
A great start to a new series! This is a very unique young adult novel revolving around a woman who inherits a whaling company from her father, but has a family curse on her alone that causes death from heartbreak. She sets out to find a way to lift the curse and protect her family against the "finfolk" or water fae while also doing the one thing that she should be avoiding, opening her heart to heartbreak.
The book was very atmospheric and you feel like you are out on the ocean with the crew. The characters were also well developed and help keep you interested in the story with their varying personalities. I will definitely be reading the second installment of this series and I would like to read more from the author.
December 6, 2025
I enjoyed the writing style and character development. This should have been a book I loved but I couldn't whole heartedly get into it and I can't pinpoint why.
February 26, 2025
Magic whales in an arctic sea? A girl cursed to be come a monster if her heart ever breaks? I cannot overstate how much this book WRECKED me. It is such a gorgeous seafaring book, but in a way that delves deep into the darkness that can be found amongst the waters. It has my whole entire heart; my love for it is so deep.
Want to read
June 9, 2022[in a cadence as if i'm saying "hit me" in a high-stakes poker game] give me the whale magic book 😤
December 15, 2025
Annie’s at the helm of her parents’ whaling company since they passed. Though only 19, she’s smart and astute, and knows the ins and outs of the business. The whales are hunted to sustain human life, and for their magical healing properties. However, the hunt has become harder with the dwindling whale population. Annie’s also been cursed by the finfolk, a secret she keeps close. Her fiancé August has ambitions that put her life in danger, and Silas who’s a captain, and also half fae warns her of said danger, and that he can also help lift her curse which involves bargaining with the finfolk.
This was a thrilling listen for me! I loved that one of the main tropes was who to trust. And with the stakes so high there was much to lose. There’s a bit of a love triangle and with not knowing who she can trust with her life she tends to lean one way then the other. The story was plotted out well and it surprised me a few times. So many scenes had that cinematic quality to them. There’s drama, impossible choices, and heartbreak!
Stevens did a splendid job with the narration especially expressing the weight of responsibility on Annie’s shoulders for the business and family. The story offers some reflection with lots of grey areas and some morally grey characters. It makes you wonder who the actual villains are. I’m so ready for the second book now, please!
Thanks @macmillan.audio for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a thrilling listen for me! I loved that one of the main tropes was who to trust. And with the stakes so high there was much to lose. There’s a bit of a love triangle and with not knowing who she can trust with her life she tends to lean one way then the other. The story was plotted out well and it surprised me a few times. So many scenes had that cinematic quality to them. There’s drama, impossible choices, and heartbreak!
Stevens did a splendid job with the narration especially expressing the weight of responsibility on Annie’s shoulders for the business and family. The story offers some reflection with lots of grey areas and some morally grey characters. It makes you wonder who the actual villains are. I’m so ready for the second book now, please!
Thanks @macmillan.audio for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
What a unique start to a new YA fantasy series! I’m curious how many books this will end up being, because this first book definitely set us up for a lot.
As all fantasy series begin, the beginning was a bit slow with a very quick ending that has me wanting the second book asap!!
I loved the whaling aspect (and wanting to save the whales cause duh!!!) and how magic came from the whales. The whole world building and magic system was very unique, although I don’t think it was as fleshed out as it could have been.
Excited to see where the next book takes us!
Read if you like:
🌊 the sea
🌶️ YA romantasy
✨ unique magic system
👀 growing up being taught one thing then learning the truth
🥹 love triangle
As all fantasy series begin, the beginning was a bit slow with a very quick ending that has me wanting the second book asap!!
I loved the whaling aspect (and wanting to save the whales cause duh!!!) and how magic came from the whales. The whole world building and magic system was very unique, although I don’t think it was as fleshed out as it could have been.
Excited to see where the next book takes us!
Read if you like:
🌊 the sea
🌶️ YA romantasy
✨ unique magic system
👀 growing up being taught one thing then learning the truth
🥹 love triangle
November 16, 2025
The moment I began reading this book, it drew me in completely, as if I had slipped beneath the waves of the story. We follow Annie, heir to the Fairfax Whaling Company. After her parents’ death at sea she is forced to anchor the family business and lead a new venture, building a port on the far side of the sea. Whale populations have grown scarce, and people are more desperate than ever for the magic that these creatures possess. But Annie has more at stake than the company. She is heartbroken, a curse that will slowly turn her to a monstrous creature, akin to those mysterious cloaked finfolk haunting the waters.
Enter Silas, a boy she once knew in her youth, one of the three survivors the day her parents died. The same day Annie’s curse began, and the day she learned Silas himself was half-finfolk. Years of resentment have simmered between them, but now he comes to her with a warning: her fiancé, August, the third survivor, plans to kill her at sea and seize control of the company. Silas also brings a sliver of hope. Rumor of an ancient finfolk city near the site of the new port, a place where curses might be broken. If it even exists at all.
I did quite enjoy this one. I felt that the writing was overall quite good and the story kept me engaged throughout. I do feel that the lore could have been expanded on, definitely when it comes to the finfolk but especially the magical whales. Didn’t fully understand what made the whales magical or how their magic functioned. That being said, I do appreciate that it looks like the author did her research into historical whaling practices. It actually led me to further reading and I was impressed with how much she wrote to accuracy.
I enjoyed the characters, specifically the main ones we follow. This being Annie, her siblings, August and Silas. I didn’t feel too attached to Silas’s crew and felt indifferent towards them. Was expecting found family but it just slightly missed the mark for me. That ending however has me on the edge of my seat. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book.
As always, thank you to NetGalley for the arc and the chance to read this lovely story!
Enter Silas, a boy she once knew in her youth, one of the three survivors the day her parents died. The same day Annie’s curse began, and the day she learned Silas himself was half-finfolk. Years of resentment have simmered between them, but now he comes to her with a warning: her fiancé, August, the third survivor, plans to kill her at sea and seize control of the company. Silas also brings a sliver of hope. Rumor of an ancient finfolk city near the site of the new port, a place where curses might be broken. If it even exists at all.
I did quite enjoy this one. I felt that the writing was overall quite good and the story kept me engaged throughout. I do feel that the lore could have been expanded on, definitely when it comes to the finfolk but especially the magical whales. Didn’t fully understand what made the whales magical or how their magic functioned. That being said, I do appreciate that it looks like the author did her research into historical whaling practices. It actually led me to further reading and I was impressed with how much she wrote to accuracy.
I enjoyed the characters, specifically the main ones we follow. This being Annie, her siblings, August and Silas. I didn’t feel too attached to Silas’s crew and felt indifferent towards them. Was expecting found family but it just slightly missed the mark for me. That ending however has me on the edge of my seat. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book.
As always, thank you to NetGalley for the arc and the chance to read this lovely story!
December 13, 2025
I want to thank Sara Holland and Macmillan Audio through NetGalley for this ALC (Advanced Listener Copy).
I never knew I wanted to read a book about hunting magical whales and curses from the ancient sea fae, finfolk, until reading Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland. This book is about Annie, the owner of her deceased parents whaling company, and her journey to undo an ancient curse that is slowly turning her into a monster. Throughout the journey, she has to decide if her fiance, August, really loves her or is just in it for the company. While also deciding if she can trust Silas, a young captain of a different ship enterprise. All of this while trying to keep her younger sister and brother safe from whatever awaits them.
I am going to go ahead and mention the narrator as she did such a phenomenal job! This was probably the best narration I have ever heard! Eileen Stevens did a 10/5 star job and kept me enchanted from beginning to end. Not only did she capture the heart of the story, but also the tone and pacing were absolute perfection. I definitely see myself looking for more books narrated by her in the future!
The story itself was also very mesmerizing! The mystery of Annie and August’s relationship was constant all the way throughout. The complexities of her curse and how she managed to control it were so realistic in the way that it was not something that just came easy. Her determination to do what it took to make sure her family was safe and cared for was so believable. The dialogue between characters also felt very real to their different personalities. I could feel the tension, love, and frustration between the different groups of characters.
While most of the story takes place on a ship, there is a bit of description of the cities they start in and land in. I do think there will be more exploring in the next book in the series as Holland set up an ending hinting towards even more adventure. As far as emotions, this is a story I would classify as a romantic tragedy.
Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland was such an enchanting fantasy adventure with a tragic romance. While it is geared towards young adults, I’d recommend it for 16+ due to some of the content spoken about. I believe there was mild cursing and some intense making out scenes. There are hints of other things happening behind closed doors, but the author never goes into detail. I can not wait to read the next book and really hope we get to explore more about the finfolk and what exactly they are capable of.
I never knew I wanted to read a book about hunting magical whales and curses from the ancient sea fae, finfolk, until reading Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland. This book is about Annie, the owner of her deceased parents whaling company, and her journey to undo an ancient curse that is slowly turning her into a monster. Throughout the journey, she has to decide if her fiance, August, really loves her or is just in it for the company. While also deciding if she can trust Silas, a young captain of a different ship enterprise. All of this while trying to keep her younger sister and brother safe from whatever awaits them.
I am going to go ahead and mention the narrator as she did such a phenomenal job! This was probably the best narration I have ever heard! Eileen Stevens did a 10/5 star job and kept me enchanted from beginning to end. Not only did she capture the heart of the story, but also the tone and pacing were absolute perfection. I definitely see myself looking for more books narrated by her in the future!
The story itself was also very mesmerizing! The mystery of Annie and August’s relationship was constant all the way throughout. The complexities of her curse and how she managed to control it were so realistic in the way that it was not something that just came easy. Her determination to do what it took to make sure her family was safe and cared for was so believable. The dialogue between characters also felt very real to their different personalities. I could feel the tension, love, and frustration between the different groups of characters.
While most of the story takes place on a ship, there is a bit of description of the cities they start in and land in. I do think there will be more exploring in the next book in the series as Holland set up an ending hinting towards even more adventure. As far as emotions, this is a story I would classify as a romantic tragedy.
Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland was such an enchanting fantasy adventure with a tragic romance. While it is geared towards young adults, I’d recommend it for 16+ due to some of the content spoken about. I believe there was mild cursing and some intense making out scenes. There are hints of other things happening behind closed doors, but the author never goes into detail. I can not wait to read the next book and really hope we get to explore more about the finfolk and what exactly they are capable of.
June 17, 2025
A big thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing an eARC and to YABC for providing a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED Sara Holland's Everless duology and absolutely adored the Havenfall duology, and this *clenches fists* THIS BOOK exceeds my love for both of those combined.....okay maybe not Everless as it's one of my top tier favorite books of all time, but Break Wide the Sea is a close second.
Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland is a YA fantasy novel that combines a readers love for Fae and mermaids into creatures known as finfolk. A young woman cursed with a fatal heartbreak-induced sickness must race against time to find a cure and protect her family legacy from the ancient finfolk that would destroy it, the fiancé that would kill her for it, and the boy who would love her if she forsook it. The seafaring humans of Kirkrell have always been plagued by finfolk—bloodthirsty fae who haunt the seas, sinking ships and cursing bloodlines. Yet it’s only by hunting magical whales that Kirkrell can prosper. Nineteen-year-old Annie is heir to the Fairfax Whaling Company, but their family's success came at a cost: a curse by which heartbreak turns Fairfaxes slowly into monsters. And six years ago, the shipwreck that killed Annie’s parents left her with scales spreading up her arms, claws sprouting from her fingertips.
The love of her fiancé, August, salved her heart for a while—but when she learns August is maneuvering to take over the company, the curse worsens. Fearing her time is running out, she strikes a bargain with a disreputable young captain, half-finfolk and half-human Silas Price: on a voyage to hunt whales in the far north, Silas will take Annie to the finfolk queen, who can lift the curse in return for a promise to end whaling forever. As Annie, August and Silas sail north, she is determined to uphold her family’s legacy, but the threat of the finfolk tests her resolve. Lies corrupt her relationship with August; meanwhile a dangerous connection with Silas blooms—but he’s keeping secrets too, and his might be the most dangerous of all. As heiress, it’s Annie’s responsibility to deliver whale magic to her city. But as heartbreak looms, she must choose between saving herself and her family’s legacy—and hope it doesn’t cost her everyone she loves.
Where to even begin with this book, because I love most, if not, all of it. First off, the writing. Holland's style has always been easily understood and deeply haunting at the same time. In the case of Break Wide the Sea, Holland's writing makes you feel like you're on the ship with Annie and Silas and (ugh) August. While still easily accessible/not too fancy in terms of it's word usage. Speaking of, I am forever scared to go into the ocean because of this book, because Holland has the originality of creating creatures that I never want to cross paths with.
One pesky thing that I found I didn't like about this book (and this could totally just be a big ME thing) is most of the time Holland just tosses the reader into the deep end with their scenes, and doesn't give all that much exposition/explanation as to what is happening. Hence the need for me to go back and re-read some scenes to figure out what is really happening. But, I digress, this could totally just be a me thing.
Regardless, Break Wide the Sea is a haunting YA historical fantasy that is perfect for anyone looking for a book with unique curses and generally haunting sea vibes. I can't wait for more people to read this book.
I LOVED Sara Holland's Everless duology and absolutely adored the Havenfall duology, and this *clenches fists* THIS BOOK exceeds my love for both of those combined.....okay maybe not Everless as it's one of my top tier favorite books of all time, but Break Wide the Sea is a close second.
Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland is a YA fantasy novel that combines a readers love for Fae and mermaids into creatures known as finfolk. A young woman cursed with a fatal heartbreak-induced sickness must race against time to find a cure and protect her family legacy from the ancient finfolk that would destroy it, the fiancé that would kill her for it, and the boy who would love her if she forsook it. The seafaring humans of Kirkrell have always been plagued by finfolk—bloodthirsty fae who haunt the seas, sinking ships and cursing bloodlines. Yet it’s only by hunting magical whales that Kirkrell can prosper. Nineteen-year-old Annie is heir to the Fairfax Whaling Company, but their family's success came at a cost: a curse by which heartbreak turns Fairfaxes slowly into monsters. And six years ago, the shipwreck that killed Annie’s parents left her with scales spreading up her arms, claws sprouting from her fingertips.
The love of her fiancé, August, salved her heart for a while—but when she learns August is maneuvering to take over the company, the curse worsens. Fearing her time is running out, she strikes a bargain with a disreputable young captain, half-finfolk and half-human Silas Price: on a voyage to hunt whales in the far north, Silas will take Annie to the finfolk queen, who can lift the curse in return for a promise to end whaling forever. As Annie, August and Silas sail north, she is determined to uphold her family’s legacy, but the threat of the finfolk tests her resolve. Lies corrupt her relationship with August; meanwhile a dangerous connection with Silas blooms—but he’s keeping secrets too, and his might be the most dangerous of all. As heiress, it’s Annie’s responsibility to deliver whale magic to her city. But as heartbreak looms, she must choose between saving herself and her family’s legacy—and hope it doesn’t cost her everyone she loves.
Where to even begin with this book, because I love most, if not, all of it. First off, the writing. Holland's style has always been easily understood and deeply haunting at the same time. In the case of Break Wide the Sea, Holland's writing makes you feel like you're on the ship with Annie and Silas and (ugh) August. While still easily accessible/not too fancy in terms of it's word usage. Speaking of, I am forever scared to go into the ocean because of this book, because Holland has the originality of creating creatures that I never want to cross paths with.
One pesky thing that I found I didn't like about this book (and this could totally just be a big ME thing) is most of the time Holland just tosses the reader into the deep end with their scenes, and doesn't give all that much exposition/explanation as to what is happening. Hence the need for me to go back and re-read some scenes to figure out what is really happening. But, I digress, this could totally just be a me thing.
Regardless, Break Wide the Sea is a haunting YA historical fantasy that is perfect for anyone looking for a book with unique curses and generally haunting sea vibes. I can't wait for more people to read this book.
November 8, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
A really solid series opener! I didn't think much of Break Wide the Sea at first; the beginning is pretty slow to start, but it gradually builds up to a more complex story about all the ways love can hurt and heal. I ended up being quite impressed with the romantic aspects; normally, when it's advertised that there's an evil fiance, I feel he's often made to be too overtly evil right off the bat but August was pretty convincing even though you as the reader know there's something up with him. He slickly manipulates the FMC Annie in a number of little ways that seem innocent, even benevolent at times, and the way we experience all of this through the filter of Annie's thoughts is masterfully done, doubt and hope and love eventually accumulating into a seeping dread at the realization of just how dangerous he can be with his charm.
In regards to the actual love interest Silas, I really enjoyed how slow-burn his relationship with Annie was. They go from having real distaste and distrust for each other to being something like friends to having a sweet, budding tension between them. Silas is a rather refreshing love interest in a genre full of brooding, self-assured men who are always implied to be stronger than the FMC despite assurances otherwise; in his first appearance, he initially seems like he'll be a roguish outcast sailor, but in truth, he's quite vulnerable and sensitive, privately uncertain and guilt-ridden. He cries more than once (something I rather appreciate in male characters) because of the things he experiences and is forced to do, and there are moments where he is shown to be genuinely fearful of Annie when her curse takes over. However, unlike August and aforementioned self-assured men, Silas treats Annie as an equal because he genuinely respects her. He challenges her because he respects her, and both Annie and their relationship develop beautifully because of it.
Annie herself is a wonderfully flawed protagonist, and her growth through the book, her struggle with the gradual heartbreak she feels because of August and with her own morality regarding whaling, is absolutely worth the slow start. She starts off fearful and anxious about her curse and her own image as the heir to the biggest whaling company, buying fully into the propaganda about the "evil" finfolk and the benefits of whaling, and there are moments where she seems to take two steps forward, one step back, but that just makes her development as she comes into herself even more compelling. Her strength is more of a quiet, subtle one; I imagine people hoping for her to suddenly become unrepentantly bloodthirsty or domineering will be disappointed, but I quite liked this different depiction of a "strong" heroine.
I do have to say, especially after that ending, that Sara Holland definitely feels like an author who loves torturing her characters, and I love that for her. The sequel is going to be so deliciously angsty in all aspects and I am eagerly awaiting it!
A really solid series opener! I didn't think much of Break Wide the Sea at first; the beginning is pretty slow to start, but it gradually builds up to a more complex story about all the ways love can hurt and heal. I ended up being quite impressed with the romantic aspects; normally, when it's advertised that there's an evil fiance, I feel he's often made to be too overtly evil right off the bat but August was pretty convincing even though you as the reader know there's something up with him. He slickly manipulates the FMC Annie in a number of little ways that seem innocent, even benevolent at times, and the way we experience all of this through the filter of Annie's thoughts is masterfully done, doubt and hope and love eventually accumulating into a seeping dread at the realization of just how dangerous he can be with his charm.
In regards to the actual love interest Silas, I really enjoyed how slow-burn his relationship with Annie was. They go from having real distaste and distrust for each other to being something like friends to having a sweet, budding tension between them. Silas is a rather refreshing love interest in a genre full of brooding, self-assured men who are always implied to be stronger than the FMC despite assurances otherwise; in his first appearance, he initially seems like he'll be a roguish outcast sailor, but in truth, he's quite vulnerable and sensitive, privately uncertain and guilt-ridden. He cries more than once (something I rather appreciate in male characters) because of the things he experiences and is forced to do, and there are moments where he is shown to be genuinely fearful of Annie when her curse takes over. However, unlike August and aforementioned self-assured men, Silas treats Annie as an equal because he genuinely respects her. He challenges her because he respects her, and both Annie and their relationship develop beautifully because of it.
Annie herself is a wonderfully flawed protagonist, and her growth through the book, her struggle with the gradual heartbreak she feels because of August and with her own morality regarding whaling, is absolutely worth the slow start. She starts off fearful and anxious about her curse and her own image as the heir to the biggest whaling company, buying fully into the propaganda about the "evil" finfolk and the benefits of whaling, and there are moments where she seems to take two steps forward, one step back, but that just makes her development as she comes into herself even more compelling. Her strength is more of a quiet, subtle one; I imagine people hoping for her to suddenly become unrepentantly bloodthirsty or domineering will be disappointed, but I quite liked this different depiction of a "strong" heroine.
I do have to say, especially after that ending, that Sara Holland definitely feels like an author who loves torturing her characters, and I love that for her. The sequel is going to be so deliciously angsty in all aspects and I am eagerly awaiting it!
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