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Thalassic #2
Sand
It is not the Salt we conquer. It is ourselves.
Bird's life takes a heart-wrenching turn when she learns that Sargo has been abducted to a city eight thousand miles across the Salt. She faces a daunting realization – if she ever wants to see him again, she must embark on a treacherous voyage to get him back...
...alone.
Fueled by desperate determination, Bird sets out to rescue the friend she is falling in love with. But every step closer to Sargo unravels more unsettling revelations about his captors...and forces Bird to confront difficult truths about herself that could reshape her destiny forever.
Bird's life takes a heart-wrenching turn when she learns that Sargo has been abducted to a city eight thousand miles across the Salt. She faces a daunting realization – if she ever wants to see him again, she must embark on a treacherous voyage to get him back...
...alone.
Fueled by desperate determination, Bird sets out to rescue the friend she is falling in love with. But every step closer to Sargo unravels more unsettling revelations about his captors...and forces Bird to confront difficult truths about herself that could reshape her destiny forever.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published March 13, 2023
118 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Liz Shipton
30 books603 followersHi! I'm Liz. I'm a writer and off-grid liveaboard sailor. I gallivant about the high seas with my partner and my dog, turning my adventures into speculative fiction.
While I explore the world, my books explore themes adjacent to mental health, the loneliness epidemic, addiction, tech creep, climate change, and the looming collapse of society (but, like...in a fun way.)
When I'm not penning novels about the impending apocalypse, I make money tearing other writers' manuscripts to shreds. Others call this pastime 'editing', and if you're interested, I can do it for you.
On the rare occasion I'm not working, you can find me swimming, complaining about the weather, telling my dog I love her for the bazillionth time today, or watching Taskmaster.
While I explore the world, my books explore themes adjacent to mental health, the loneliness epidemic, addiction, tech creep, climate change, and the looming collapse of society (but, like...in a fun way.)
When I'm not penning novels about the impending apocalypse, I make money tearing other writers' manuscripts to shreds. Others call this pastime 'editing', and if you're interested, I can do it for you.
On the rare occasion I'm not working, you can find me swimming, complaining about the weather, telling my dog I love her for the bazillionth time today, or watching Taskmaster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 28, 2024
I dove back into the world of Thalassic (har-har, I'm so punny). I've been in the mood for more nautical fiction recently, so I knew I wanted to continue this series as well to satisfy that craving.
The sequel to "Salt" had more of Bird making bad decisions one after another, new locations, a new friend, reunions and goodbyes. There were less of certain piratey aspects though, but we do discover more of the who, the what, and the why... followed by new questions, of course. Ooh, and the burn in this series is slow... so slow. It's tantalising!
I liked how Bird grows in this one and has moments of intro- and retrospection. But since growth isn't easy, she still experiences setbacks and continues to struggle with her issues as well. Yes, there were moments where her naïveté made me want to roll my eyes, but then I had to backtrack to "she's only 19, what was I like at that age?" and all was well again.
Now for a couple of spoilery comments:
Looking forward to seeing what twists await in the next one. And I'm hoping for more piratey action!
The sequel to "Salt" had more of Bird making bad decisions one after another, new locations, a new friend, reunions and goodbyes. There were less of certain piratey aspects though, but we do discover more of the who, the what, and the why... followed by new questions, of course. Ooh, and the burn in this series is slow... so slow. It's tantalising!
I liked how Bird grows in this one and has moments of intro- and retrospection. But since growth isn't easy, she still experiences setbacks and continues to struggle with her issues as well. Yes, there were moments where her naïveté made me want to roll my eyes, but then I had to backtrack to "she's only 19, what was I like at that age?" and all was well again.
Now for a couple of spoilery comments:
Looking forward to seeing what twists await in the next one. And I'm hoping for more piratey action!
August 22, 2025
I really really enjoyed this. I think it was quite a lot better written than the first one and there was only one mention of the beanie this time!(https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
I really like the premise of the post-climate crisis world, love the piracy element (I <3 pirates) and the main character has massively grown on me. I’m now properly invested and have immediately downloaded the next one on my kindle.
I really like the premise of the post-climate crisis world, love the piracy element (I <3 pirates) and the main character has massively grown on me. I’m now properly invested and have immediately downloaded the next one on my kindle.
May 14, 2023
I found Liz on tiktok and she offered me the opportunity to read her New Adult version of this story in exchange for an honest review.
I read the YA version for the first book in the series and it was fantastic. I could not put it down and instantly wanted more. I finished this second book in a day, could not, would not put it down.
Bird is struggling to evade her brother and get back to Sargo and Malarky. She will do anything face anything to make sure the two beings she cares most about in the world are safe, while simultaneously feeling completely responsible for them potentially not being ok.
This book, like the first, is full of adventure, action packed and sucks you in so completely that you truly are in a different world. It did take me a moment to get pulled in but once you get about a chapter in you are not going to want to stop.
There is some light spice, I would rate it as more steamy than spicy. For instance my Mom is much more conservative than I am and I would hand her the New Adult version of these books with no hesitation or even warning.
However what I think is truly special about Liz’s books is if you aren’t down for steam or spice she has the same story in a clean YA version. Whichever version you pick up, read these books. They are an adventure I would recommend to everyone and will keep going back to as a comfort read.
I read the YA version for the first book in the series and it was fantastic. I could not put it down and instantly wanted more. I finished this second book in a day, could not, would not put it down.
Bird is struggling to evade her brother and get back to Sargo and Malarky. She will do anything face anything to make sure the two beings she cares most about in the world are safe, while simultaneously feeling completely responsible for them potentially not being ok.
This book, like the first, is full of adventure, action packed and sucks you in so completely that you truly are in a different world. It did take me a moment to get pulled in but once you get about a chapter in you are not going to want to stop.
There is some light spice, I would rate it as more steamy than spicy. For instance my Mom is much more conservative than I am and I would hand her the New Adult version of these books with no hesitation or even warning.
However what I think is truly special about Liz’s books is if you aren’t down for steam or spice she has the same story in a clean YA version. Whichever version you pick up, read these books. They are an adventure I would recommend to everyone and will keep going back to as a comfort read.
December 5, 2025
When I first started this book, I was absolutely lost. It took me a bit to figure out where we were & what had/was happening. Once into the groove, it was great. The pace, the action, the character development. I really like the setting in the post pandemic world. Everything is relatable in a way you can see it happening.
The FMCs struggles and her growth in dealing with her issues. Her trying to figure out who she can trust, what is the right choice, how to stop hurting the people she loves. Seeing her learn from her past at times, but then struggling with who she thinks she is. All of it was really well written. Relatable on a lot of levels for me.
The FMCs struggles and her growth in dealing with her issues. Her trying to figure out who she can trust, what is the right choice, how to stop hurting the people she loves. Seeing her learn from her past at times, but then struggling with who she thinks she is. All of it was really well written. Relatable on a lot of levels for me.
February 18, 2025
This series is slowly becoming my favorite ever. I have recently begun to embrace the fact that ADD/ADHD is a superpower. This series embraces that, too. Check out these books' blurbs, as I am sure I won't do the story justice.
I couldn't let go of book 2; it was too early, so I downloaded book 3, Soul, and had to fight myself to stay out of the book during the day. I can't wait for the bedtime read to see what happens with Bird and her adventures.
All that and pirates, too?! Yes! This is fun, with some serious things to say to young and old readers. Please look up the Thalssic series. Enjoy!
I couldn't let go of book 2; it was too early, so I downloaded book 3, Soul, and had to fight myself to stay out of the book during the day. I can't wait for the bedtime read to see what happens with Bird and her adventures.
All that and pirates, too?! Yes! This is fun, with some serious things to say to young and old readers. Please look up the Thalssic series. Enjoy!
March 11, 2024
Definitely more character growth in this one, we find out the first secrets and Bird continues to be an absolute stray 😂
Sargo *almost* plays his hand but then decides to uno reverse and f off because, being a young adult is *hard* okay?
We find a new friend and lose one as well ❤️🩹
Sargo *almost* plays his hand but then decides to uno reverse and f off because, being a young adult is *hard* okay?
We find a new friend and lose one as well ❤️🩹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
It wasn't bad per se but I think it's not for me. I finished it but it was a slog to get there. The writing is actually really good and it is an interesting premise in an interesting world but several things didn't work for me.
A lot of it boils down to just not enough happens. Ok so that is not technically true. Lots happens in this book. In some ways it has a fast moving plot. But I was really hoping that after the first book it would pick up the pace in terms of actual plot progress- that we would get some character development, learn more about the world/the whole teleportation thing, finally get some development in the romance and develop meaningful relationships with other characters. And we mostly didn't. By the end of the book, it felt like we were just back where we started. With no progress and feeling like an endless loop (seriously won't the anonymity and Zenith easily find her in Broom? Like absolutely nothing has changed since she felt she had to run in the first place??).
A few new characters were introduced and some old ones made re-appearances. And they were actually really interesting characters but it kept feeling like a dead end. Like characters you meet briefly and then may never see again. This is purely personal preference but I like my side characters. I want to see progress for people other than just Bird. Maybe we will get some reappearances in the future but this is not where I want to be at the end of book two. It's not unrealistic. Probably it makes sense that this is what it is like on a journey- you meet people in passing and then may or may not see them again- but again personal preference, this was a gap for me.
And the romance. Please don't read this book looking for romance. Look, books don't have to have romances. It is fine if they don't, but I feel like this was marketed as having a central romance and let me tell you it is not there. I am all about the slow burn but for that you need UST, you need banter, you need to be strung along. In this book, Sargo doesn't even make an appearance until over 60% and then there is a bit of back and forth, they are both kinda annoying and then Sargo bails. It just was not worth two books of build up. Honestly, not rooting for them at this point.
A few smaller gripes. Some moments/reactions don't quite ring true (like why do characters not immediately want to know what the hell happened to each other when they meet again? Why did Bird run off with her brother when 5 min ago she was running from him? Why is Sargo cracking jokes after finding out she risked her life to find him when she thought he was in danger?). But the final dealbreaker for me was Malarky. I'm out.
So in summary, not a bad book but several things that didn't work for my personal reading preferences. I likely won't read the next one but I would try this author again.
A lot of it boils down to just not enough happens. Ok so that is not technically true. Lots happens in this book. In some ways it has a fast moving plot. But I was really hoping that after the first book it would pick up the pace in terms of actual plot progress- that we would get some character development, learn more about the world/the whole teleportation thing, finally get some development in the romance and develop meaningful relationships with other characters. And we mostly didn't. By the end of the book, it felt like we were just back where we started. With no progress and feeling like an endless loop (seriously won't the anonymity and Zenith easily find her in Broom? Like absolutely nothing has changed since she felt she had to run in the first place??).
A few new characters were introduced and some old ones made re-appearances. And they were actually really interesting characters but it kept feeling like a dead end. Like characters you meet briefly and then may never see again. This is purely personal preference but I like my side characters. I want to see progress for people other than just Bird. Maybe we will get some reappearances in the future but this is not where I want to be at the end of book two. It's not unrealistic. Probably it makes sense that this is what it is like on a journey- you meet people in passing and then may or may not see them again- but again personal preference, this was a gap for me.
And the romance. Please don't read this book looking for romance. Look, books don't have to have romances. It is fine if they don't, but I feel like this was marketed as having a central romance and let me tell you it is not there. I am all about the slow burn but for that you need UST, you need banter, you need to be strung along. In this book, Sargo doesn't even make an appearance until over 60% and then there is a bit of back and forth, they are both kinda annoying and then Sargo bails. It just was not worth two books of build up. Honestly, not rooting for them at this point.
A few smaller gripes. Some moments/reactions don't quite ring true (like why do characters not immediately want to know what the hell happened to each other when they meet again? Why did Bird run off with her brother when 5 min ago she was running from him? Why is Sargo cracking jokes after finding out she risked her life to find him when she thought he was in danger?). But the final dealbreaker for me was Malarky. I'm out.
So in summary, not a bad book but several things that didn't work for my personal reading preferences. I likely won't read the next one but I would try this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
I wasn't planning on continuing this series right away after finishing the first book, but I kept thinking about the characters and the very slow burning romance and I found myself unable to start any other books - so I bought the rest of the series and kept reading to find out what else Bird is up to.
It turned out to be a great book to read on a seaside holiday, as the idea of sailing on the Salt matched my feelings of soaking up the sun, sand and seawater. The story continues right where it ended in the first book, and shows Bird improving at sailing under the instructions of the "pirates" who she's already familiar with. I found it funny reading the way she was thinking about their captain, Savage, and I think Bird is a multi-faceted characters whose mistakes will help her grow.
I also enjoyed the introduction of a female friend who made me wonder if the romance with Sargo might take a step back. I love a strong female protagonist and the fact that Bird made the choice to go save Sargo from the other side of the world reminded me of a story I wrote ages ago, where the girl fights to save the boy. Sargo himself feels a bit immature, but I imagine that's expected from someone ten years younger than me! There were a few things that could have been solved with proper communication.
The storyline about the morally questionable company and the silent war between different factions is enjoyable, and in this book we find out more about what makes Bird special and why so many people are looking to find her.
Overall 3.5/4 stars rounded up as I'm really enjoying the series and its characters, plus the whole concept of sailing - which I didn't know I needed a book about! - but there are a few minor plot questions which I wasn't sure of. I'm looking forward to finding out what will happen in the next book and how Bird will or will not drown her sorrows with alcohol!
It turned out to be a great book to read on a seaside holiday, as the idea of sailing on the Salt matched my feelings of soaking up the sun, sand and seawater. The story continues right where it ended in the first book, and shows Bird improving at sailing under the instructions of the "pirates" who she's already familiar with. I found it funny reading the way she was thinking about their captain, Savage, and I think Bird is a multi-faceted characters whose mistakes will help her grow.
I also enjoyed the introduction of a female friend who made me wonder if the romance with Sargo might take a step back. I love a strong female protagonist and the fact that Bird made the choice to go save Sargo from the other side of the world reminded me of a story I wrote ages ago, where the girl fights to save the boy. Sargo himself feels a bit immature, but I imagine that's expected from someone ten years younger than me! There were a few things that could have been solved with proper communication.
The storyline about the morally questionable company and the silent war between different factions is enjoyable, and in this book we find out more about what makes Bird special and why so many people are looking to find her.
Overall 3.5/4 stars rounded up as I'm really enjoying the series and its characters, plus the whole concept of sailing - which I didn't know I needed a book about! - but there are a few minor plot questions which I wasn't sure of. I'm looking forward to finding out what will happen in the next book and how Bird will or will not drown her sorrows with alcohol!
May 30, 2023
Thank you for the ARC!🫶🏼
This is book two in the second series.
And once again this book left me surprised and speechless…
This book was full of suspense from the beging until the very end…
I love the character development of bird, she became more responsible and didn’t act on impulsive thoughts .
This book showed us how strong bird actually is and how well she can manage on her own.
She definitely went through a lot of stuff in book two…
The story continues with the way Sargo went missing and she now has to sail alone on her journey…
Keep in mind she never sailed alone bevor and so she had to learn a lot of things on her own, but also while being held captive a few times by the kingfisher she took the opportunity to learn how to sail out in the salt without any digital maps…
She made her mission to find sargo and so she sailed through the salt all alone with her dog…
On her journey she encountered a lot of things, like I mentioned she’s been held a few times captive and was stranded on a unknown island, but she also made a friend who sailed with her for a while….
After a long journey she found sargo and was happy to be reunited with him, but this happy moment of theirs was not for a long period…
Seems like Bird is still haunted down by all the bad decision she once made….
And once again Bird is left a lone to begin a new journey…
This is book two in the second series.
And once again this book left me surprised and speechless…
This book was full of suspense from the beging until the very end…
I love the character development of bird, she became more responsible and didn’t act on impulsive thoughts .
This book showed us how strong bird actually is and how well she can manage on her own.
She definitely went through a lot of stuff in book two…
The story continues with the way Sargo went missing and she now has to sail alone on her journey…
Keep in mind she never sailed alone bevor and so she had to learn a lot of things on her own, but also while being held captive a few times by the kingfisher she took the opportunity to learn how to sail out in the salt without any digital maps…
She made her mission to find sargo and so she sailed through the salt all alone with her dog…
On her journey she encountered a lot of things, like I mentioned she’s been held a few times captive and was stranded on a unknown island, but she also made a friend who sailed with her for a while….
After a long journey she found sargo and was happy to be reunited with him, but this happy moment of theirs was not for a long period…
Seems like Bird is still haunted down by all the bad decision she once made….
And once again Bird is left a lone to begin a new journey…
August 10, 2023
I knew it will be a 5 star once again from the second chapter!
Liz , amazing writing !
Bird can’t catch a break. It’s problems and adventures one after another. You never know what’s going to happen but you know that something fun is happening for sure.
I cried laughed at chapter 1, it was disgusting the part with the hair from the drain but so funny.
I love Bird’s inner monologue. It’s so my humor🤍
I also really like Savage like Damn, can’t be more excited about his book. The only thing that’s not attractive are his missing teeth ( duh) but this was also written in a very funny way therefore my love and attraction to him will remain a 5/5 😂😂
Sargo - I really didn’t expect him to leave her at the end but I’m excited about the reunion that has to happen. I was smiling so hard when they finally kissed, the build up tension, the passage from friendship to lover was written in a very tasteful manner.
I refuse to accept Malarkey is gone. This broke my heart!
I keep making guesses for the story yet to come but the amazing author always finds a way to surprise me!
What’s going to happen to Bird and Paz. Will there be more Fife? Can the dog come back please? Is Shale with the best intentions? What’s with this teleporting. I neeeeeed all the answers and I can’t wait to get them therefore onto book 3 🏃♂️ 🏃♂️💜
Liz , amazing writing !
Bird can’t catch a break. It’s problems and adventures one after another. You never know what’s going to happen but you know that something fun is happening for sure.
I cried laughed at chapter 1, it was disgusting the part with the hair from the drain but so funny.
I love Bird’s inner monologue. It’s so my humor🤍
I also really like Savage like Damn, can’t be more excited about his book. The only thing that’s not attractive are his missing teeth ( duh) but this was also written in a very funny way therefore my love and attraction to him will remain a 5/5 😂😂
Sargo - I really didn’t expect him to leave her at the end but I’m excited about the reunion that has to happen. I was smiling so hard when they finally kissed, the build up tension, the passage from friendship to lover was written in a very tasteful manner.
I refuse to accept Malarkey is gone. This broke my heart!
I keep making guesses for the story yet to come but the amazing author always finds a way to surprise me!
What’s going to happen to Bird and Paz. Will there be more Fife? Can the dog come back please? Is Shale with the best intentions? What’s with this teleporting. I neeeeeed all the answers and I can’t wait to get them therefore onto book 3 🏃♂️ 🏃♂️💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
As it was with Salt, once I picked up Sand it was hard to put it down. Wow, what a ride! On Liz’s website there are two suggested reading orders for the Thalassic Series. I chose the “straight through” option. Just as the first book does, the second book hooks and doesn’t let go.
The series tackles some very real issues—human-induced climate change, corporate corruption, radical reactionary groups, substance abuse—with a sort of visceral humor that makes Bird, the main character, very relatable. Her character growth along her wild journey is palpable. And Liz does an excellent job of painting the different factions represented in the story in such a light that none of them seem like good guys or bad guys.
My personal favorite in the series so far, the crew of the Kingfisher, is a work of art. Their personalities and dynamic are so good, especially when we start getting a little back story for them. Savage is the kind of character who easily steals the spotlight and makes you question whether or not morals are a deal breaker.
I highly recommend this book. It has a little bit of everything, action, suspense, twisty turns, and slow-burn romance. And props to a well-written narrative in first-person and present tense, the hardest to write, in my opinion. 10/10 will be continuing the series!
The series tackles some very real issues—human-induced climate change, corporate corruption, radical reactionary groups, substance abuse—with a sort of visceral humor that makes Bird, the main character, very relatable. Her character growth along her wild journey is palpable. And Liz does an excellent job of painting the different factions represented in the story in such a light that none of them seem like good guys or bad guys.
My personal favorite in the series so far, the crew of the Kingfisher, is a work of art. Their personalities and dynamic are so good, especially when we start getting a little back story for them. Savage is the kind of character who easily steals the spotlight and makes you question whether or not morals are a deal breaker.
I highly recommend this book. It has a little bit of everything, action, suspense, twisty turns, and slow-burn romance. And props to a well-written narrative in first-person and present tense, the hardest to write, in my opinion. 10/10 will be continuing the series!
May 26, 2023
Book 2 picks up right after the events at the end of book 1. Our MCs are separated by who knows how much distance, and we have no idea the actual fate of Sargo. Bird ends up back with Savage and his band of merry misfits. A few NSFW moments occur on the ship, making Bird really question her life choices.
After escaping them - she is introduced to the girl who rescued her ship from the harbor and has been watching over Malarkey while she has been trying to find her way back. This new addition forces Bird to confront her relationship with Sargo and realize that everything he has done so far has been to protect her. All of this self-reflection has Bird referring to herself as a ‘Shithead with a drinking problem’...does that mean she will actually get her act together, yeah maybe?
We get more background on Savage and his pirates, on Bird and her moms, and we get a few more hints about Fife. Blipping is becoming more of a problem, but it is giving Bird more insight into her life before the chip. The slow-burn kicks itself up a notch and I can say, I am firmly on the Bird/Sargo ship. Now if they can both just get out of their heads and move forward together… we’ll be cooking with fire. Unfortunately, we are stuck with a HFN and then a little heartbreak… separating our MCs again. I look forward to the completion of their story.
5 stars all the way. Once again a GREAT story that is plot driven with just enough spice to build a romantic relationship you can’t help but root for.
*I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
After escaping them - she is introduced to the girl who rescued her ship from the harbor and has been watching over Malarkey while she has been trying to find her way back. This new addition forces Bird to confront her relationship with Sargo and realize that everything he has done so far has been to protect her. All of this self-reflection has Bird referring to herself as a ‘Shithead with a drinking problem’...does that mean she will actually get her act together, yeah maybe?
We get more background on Savage and his pirates, on Bird and her moms, and we get a few more hints about Fife. Blipping is becoming more of a problem, but it is giving Bird more insight into her life before the chip. The slow-burn kicks itself up a notch and I can say, I am firmly on the Bird/Sargo ship. Now if they can both just get out of their heads and move forward together… we’ll be cooking with fire. Unfortunately, we are stuck with a HFN and then a little heartbreak… separating our MCs again. I look forward to the completion of their story.
5 stars all the way. Once again a GREAT story that is plot driven with just enough spice to build a romantic relationship you can’t help but root for.
*I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
"My point is-rock bottom is not a destination. It's a pit stop. This isn't the end. You will have plenty more opportunities in your life. Plenty more chances to screw those opportunities up. Plenty more chances to hit rock bottom again. Plenty more chances to bounce back"
In this second book of the Thalassic Series we see Bird overcome her reckless decision making(well almost fully overcome) to take on her biggest adventure yet. Travel across the Salt to save Sargo.
Sargo has been kidnapped by the very people trying to catch her and the only way to get to him is by traveling the salt for weeks. But when she finally gets to her destination, nothing is what she thought it would be. Falling in love and more confused than ever about what is going on. Bird is more unsure of everything now more than ever.
I really enjoyed this read. I enjoyed this one more than book 1 and love the growth of the character. I am not sure how I feel about the MMC in this book. He is starting to make me upset and I loved him in the first one. HAHA. Definitely will be continuing this series, its a great dystopian read.
In this second book of the Thalassic Series we see Bird overcome her reckless decision making(well almost fully overcome) to take on her biggest adventure yet. Travel across the Salt to save Sargo.
Sargo has been kidnapped by the very people trying to catch her and the only way to get to him is by traveling the salt for weeks. But when she finally gets to her destination, nothing is what she thought it would be. Falling in love and more confused than ever about what is going on. Bird is more unsure of everything now more than ever.
I really enjoyed this read. I enjoyed this one more than book 1 and love the growth of the character. I am not sure how I feel about the MMC in this book. He is starting to make me upset and I loved him in the first one. HAHA. Definitely will be continuing this series, its a great dystopian read.
April 1, 2024
2.5 stars
Bird is the most recklessly impulsive girl. Ever. She doesn’t think things through, doesn’t learn from her mistakes, and 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 asks the right questions.
I was really hoping she’d do some growing from the last book, and although she did finally take advice and learn some new things, she’s still an immature, self-absorbed, destructive idiot.
After everything she went through to find Sargo, she was just so…I don’t know…weird with him? Shy but bold, mostly dishonest, and kind of spiteful at the first sign of conflict.
I didn’t get his character either. Does he want her or not? Why was he so hesitant and weird about it? But then the next minute telling her how he’s wanted to fuck her for so long…I just didn’t get him at all.
And then the real clincher…WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO ME NEAR THE END?!?!? Out of all the shitty shitty things that happened to/around/were caused by the characters in this book, that last thing was hands down the WORST!
Damn you for making me cry, Liz Shipton.
And although I am struggling somewhat with these characters, I have to know what happens!
Bird is the most recklessly impulsive girl. Ever. She doesn’t think things through, doesn’t learn from her mistakes, and 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 asks the right questions.
I was really hoping she’d do some growing from the last book, and although she did finally take advice and learn some new things, she’s still an immature, self-absorbed, destructive idiot.
After everything she went through to find Sargo, she was just so…I don’t know…weird with him? Shy but bold, mostly dishonest, and kind of spiteful at the first sign of conflict.
I didn’t get his character either. Does he want her or not? Why was he so hesitant and weird about it? But then the next minute telling her how he’s wanted to fuck her for so long…I just didn’t get him at all.
And then the real clincher…WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO ME NEAR THE END?!?!? Out of all the shitty shitty things that happened to/around/were caused by the characters in this book, that last thing was hands down the WORST!
Damn you for making me cry, Liz Shipton.
And although I am struggling somewhat with these characters, I have to know what happens!
July 18, 2025
I have rated this book 5 stars because of the strong feelings it has evoked.
Anger mostly!
The book picked up where Salt left off. Bird stranded and needing to save herself, Sargo and Malarky.
As with the first book, she makes a series of chaotic decisions that lead her into perilous situations.
The characters were once again incredibly well written, and we were introduced to new characters. The role they play remains to be seen.
The plot continues to expand, and I will continue the series... Once the rage has diminished.
Why so angry you ask...2 reasons...
Malarkey...nothing angers me more than animals dying, I hate it, even if it furthers the plot, which this didn't (IMO).
Mostly, I am angry at Sargo...what an absolute prick!!
He sat comfortably in Grike while Bird risked her life (foolishly) to sail across the salt to 'save' him.
He pretty much talks her into staying and working with Zenith despite her misgivings. He tells her to speak to him, that she can tell him anything and then when she is honest about what happened on the Kingfisher...he fucks off and leaves her to fend for herself...he was a selfish, arrogant prick and I am angry.
Anger mostly!
The book picked up where Salt left off. Bird stranded and needing to save herself, Sargo and Malarky.
As with the first book, she makes a series of chaotic decisions that lead her into perilous situations.
The characters were once again incredibly well written, and we were introduced to new characters. The role they play remains to be seen.
The plot continues to expand, and I will continue the series... Once the rage has diminished.
Why so angry you ask...2 reasons...
Malarkey...nothing angers me more than animals dying, I hate it, even if it furthers the plot, which this didn't (IMO).
Mostly, I am angry at Sargo...what an absolute prick!!
He sat comfortably in Grike while Bird risked her life (foolishly) to sail across the salt to 'save' him.
He pretty much talks her into staying and working with Zenith despite her misgivings. He tells her to speak to him, that she can tell him anything and then when she is honest about what happened on the Kingfisher...he fucks off and leaves her to fend for herself...he was a selfish, arrogant prick and I am angry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
Wow!!! Sand by Liz Shipton is a great follow up to Salt!
Bird finds out that Sargo has been kidnapped and is 8000 miles away. She decides to go rescue him alone.
She meets Locuaz who happens to want to just go somewhere, anywhere, so she brings her along so she won’t be alone. Along the way, Bird and Locuaz become good friends and Locuaz is her voice of reason.
They meet some interesting people and they both learn a lot. Bird becomes a sailor and teaches Locuaz about sailing. Locuaz teaches bird about fishing.
The rescue has a few unexpected hiccups and when she finds Sargo things aren’t the way she thought they would be. When they leave things once again go awry, as they seem to do.
Birds’ character development was awesome, I loved to see her growth. The addition of Locuaz was brilliant, she was a light, just love her! There’s lots of action and adventure in this one and it will leave you looking forward to the next one! Definitely recommend!
Bird finds out that Sargo has been kidnapped and is 8000 miles away. She decides to go rescue him alone.
She meets Locuaz who happens to want to just go somewhere, anywhere, so she brings her along so she won’t be alone. Along the way, Bird and Locuaz become good friends and Locuaz is her voice of reason.
They meet some interesting people and they both learn a lot. Bird becomes a sailor and teaches Locuaz about sailing. Locuaz teaches bird about fishing.
The rescue has a few unexpected hiccups and when she finds Sargo things aren’t the way she thought they would be. When they leave things once again go awry, as they seem to do.
Birds’ character development was awesome, I loved to see her growth. The addition of Locuaz was brilliant, she was a light, just love her! There’s lots of action and adventure in this one and it will leave you looking forward to the next one! Definitely recommend!
March 27, 2025
nice story
First of all, this series is not YA appropriate.
Next, I immediately 3 star a book when authors create some contrived way to make a villain into a good guy.
That’s how I feel about Shael. We ended book one with him saying he will force the FMC if he must and confessing to his hand in forcing her to run, and his association with the gang who beat her in her home…. And his weak claim that “those guys are the other part of our gang… the rest of us are different.” Smh.
Now all the sudden Bird forgot all of that. She says, “why didn’t you tell me xyz?” He says, “you didn’t give me a chance.” She never calls him on it… you had a chance to tell me, but you were busy threatening to force me to join you, trying to explain away how YOU had a guy steal the stone I was pawning and drug me. Blah blah blah.”
It’s weak story building. You don’t just forget your brother had you drugged and put you and your family in danger after playing dead for ten years.
First of all, this series is not YA appropriate.
Next, I immediately 3 star a book when authors create some contrived way to make a villain into a good guy.
That’s how I feel about Shael. We ended book one with him saying he will force the FMC if he must and confessing to his hand in forcing her to run, and his association with the gang who beat her in her home…. And his weak claim that “those guys are the other part of our gang… the rest of us are different.” Smh.
Now all the sudden Bird forgot all of that. She says, “why didn’t you tell me xyz?” He says, “you didn’t give me a chance.” She never calls him on it… you had a chance to tell me, but you were busy threatening to force me to join you, trying to explain away how YOU had a guy steal the stone I was pawning and drug me. Blah blah blah.”
It’s weak story building. You don’t just forget your brother had you drugged and put you and your family in danger after playing dead for ten years.
April 16, 2024
This was kinda better than the first one and maybe made slightly more sense. Bird is still an annoying dumbass... but kinda in a good way?! Goodish?? I don't even know. All I know is, I've never read a main character like her before. I mean I've read plenty of horrible main characters, where being inside their head was painful and grating, but that has never been intentional before. It always happened while getting told that this horrible person is actually totally smart and beautiful and amazing. I don't know if it is the unabashed honesty in Bird's POV that makes hers not only bearable but interesting. Although, OMG THE AMOUNTS OF TIME she made me yell at my book is absolutely unholy. My neighbor probably thinks I've finally lost it.
Also, fuck, now I have to read the third one.
Also, fuck, now I have to read the third one.
February 3, 2025
"Sand" didn't hold my attention as much as "Salt" did. I started another book partway though and wanted to read the other more.
I find myself losing patience with Bird. I can only hear someone beat themselves up so much only to turn around and make another series of rash decisions before I start rolling my eyes.
The slowest of slow burns... But in a good way. 🥵 But also COME ON, SARGO.
Love the lingering question about who the villain is and what Zenith's role is in *gestures broadly* and also hate that I can see it happening in real-time 🙃
The main reason for 3 stars is that I told myself while I was reading that if anything happens to Malarkey that I'd stop reading. It doesn't help that my own dog is basically Malarkey in different colors, but I need a break.
I find myself losing patience with Bird. I can only hear someone beat themselves up so much only to turn around and make another series of rash decisions before I start rolling my eyes.
The slowest of slow burns... But in a good way. 🥵 But also COME ON, SARGO.
Love the lingering question about who the villain is and what Zenith's role is in *gestures broadly* and also hate that I can see it happening in real-time 🙃
The main reason for 3 stars is that I told myself while I was reading that if anything happens to Malarkey that I'd stop reading. It doesn't help that my own dog is basically Malarkey in different colors, but I need a break.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Wow I'm so far behind on updating my books. This one was like 6 months ago so I barely remember what went down. But I do remember liking it. Bird ended up figuring out how to do her teleportation thing, and she teleported herself all the way across the sea. Turns out she passes through the underworld on her way to her destination. Like another dimension. Ok right it's coming back to me.
She accidentally killed her dog when she tried to teleport with him. Sad, but then she realizes that she was going to a different dimension because her dead dog and her old friend are there when she's passing through.
Anyway it's an evil government plot to get to a new and better dimension because we've ruined this earth and only the chosen ones are going to go.
She accidentally killed her dog when she tried to teleport with him. Sad, but then she realizes that she was going to a different dimension because her dead dog and her old friend are there when she's passing through.
Anyway it's an evil government plot to get to a new and better dimension because we've ruined this earth and only the chosen ones are going to go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars.
I can see this series really picking up from here! Really fun, quick, and easy read that has been keeping me engaged. This one definitely felt more fast-paced than the first book, and the world building seems to be slowly revealing itself alongside the plot, which has been great as it hasn't felt overwhelming.
I'm still a little hesitant over the choice in love interest, something seems a bit off about it all and I don't know if that's just me reading too many books where the author backflips, or if there is actually something amiss.
I'm excited to see how Liz manages to navigate Bird's own mental health struggles in the next book.
I can see this series really picking up from here! Really fun, quick, and easy read that has been keeping me engaged. This one definitely felt more fast-paced than the first book, and the world building seems to be slowly revealing itself alongside the plot, which has been great as it hasn't felt overwhelming.
I'm still a little hesitant over the choice in love interest, something seems a bit off about it all and I don't know if that's just me reading too many books where the author backflips, or if there is actually something amiss.
I'm excited to see how Liz manages to navigate Bird's own mental health struggles in the next book.
December 4, 2023
I enjoyed this overall. It was generally fast-paced and I liked the new characters we met. I think the world-building of this dystopia as something that could come out of our current world is excellent. My only complaints are about the conflict between Bird and Sargo - that seemed forced to me, like we needed conflict, so here it is. I was also really surprised by the decision he made in the end. It seemed inconsistent with his earlier characterization. and Bird's internal monologue near the end was becoming a bit tedious. I'm excited to keep reading, though. I'd like to see where this goes.
January 12, 2025
Second in the Thallasic series, I still loved the writing style and the fully-thought-out characters in Sand. I'm still shaking my head in disbelief at all of the unbaked decisions the FMC makes. I enjoyed this enough to finish it in one day - almost in one sitting - and then immediately continued to the next book, because the end of this novel didn't really wrap up any of the story arcs. That's my one complaint. Sand, sadly, falls victim to the unfinished "come back next week for the exciting conclusion" second-act trend. For that, I bumped this solid 4 writing down to a 3.
May 19, 2025
Shipton's writing is phenomenal, her characters are believable and endearing, and her humor shines through. The plot really began to ratchet up in this book, which I loved. However, there were two things that happened in this book - one minor, at the very beginning, and one major, at the very end - that I *really* did not care for. Hence four stars instead of five. The one at the beginning almost made me stop reading because it was COMPLETELY unnecessary, though I'm glad I kept going. Still, I highly recommend this series!
July 15, 2025
Sand was much faster paced, and enjoyable to read than its predecessor. I loved the addition of a female friend! Who, honestly, is better than Sargo. Sargo and Bird's interactions after Bird SAILED ACROSS THE SALT FOR HIM made me feel weird. I felt like he treated her oddly, and she was a little scared of him, timid? and then he left her behind, which seemed like a really big overreaction after essentially pushing her to do trials with a crazy doctor she didn't want to participate in... overall excited for the next book. kinda hoping Sargo becomes just a friend tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
These books are fun and so unique. I love the futuristic dystopian pirate concept and the details of sailing are fascinating. The one thing I don’t like is how back-and-forth everything is. This group is evil, no that group is evil, she’s been rescued by this group from that group but this one is also evil…lots of jumping off boats, kidnapping, and characters whose motives we still don’t know two books in. That being said, this book was still fun and highly readable and I recommend it for romantasy and climate fiction lovers.
May 18, 2023
I came back for more, and I was not disappointed. Bird, Sargo, everything, and everyone else kept me waiting and wanting more. You never know what Bird is going to do next, and it is thrilling. From trouble to more trouble and a few minutes to catch her breath, Bird sucks you in, and you never want to leave. The best slow burn I've read that makes you just want more and more. Buckle up and dive deep it's well worth the read.
April 28, 2024
I STRUGGLED with this one. I’m not sure why. But I did. I’m also slightly annoyed with the back and forth about who the bad guy is at this point. And I’m tired of no one telling Bird anything. And then Sargo leaving because of what she did or didn’t do? Coward. And it makes me so angry at him. I’m mad that I don’t really even want to read the next one in the series because of how much this one annoyed me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2025
I’m sailing right along through this series! I really do like all the sailing references. I like how Bird is learning to be a stronger, more independent person. All the action with the Kingfisher pirates, and the crazy situations she ends up in are really fun to read. It’s bad when a pirate has to be the one to point out you have a drinking problem. This was a really fun read, and I’m moving right along to the next. Definitely recommend!
August 9, 2025
Hooked yet? Yup! Great second book!
Poor Bird can't catch a break... or, she does but then gets side swiped by something else. With so many more key players weaving into and then back out of our journey it keeps me wondering who will turn up next/again!
Plotting a course for book 3!
PS. Starting to wish I had the New Adult version as I'm getting the feeling that this slow burn may be coming close to... a fade to black for me, I guess? Ha ha!
Poor Bird can't catch a break... or, she does but then gets side swiped by something else. With so many more key players weaving into and then back out of our journey it keeps me wondering who will turn up next/again!
Plotting a course for book 3!
PS. Starting to wish I had the New Adult version as I'm getting the feeling that this slow burn may be coming close to... a fade to black for me, I guess? Ha ha!
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