In the aftermath of calamity a few pockets of humanity have endured on Earth. Some making their homes on land and others on the sea. Chel, the seventeen-year-old daughter of two seafarers, is separated from her mothership. She finds herself being gaslighted, kidnapped and sold while being bounced from one enclave to the next. Each society she encounters takes her further from home. She can only find her way if she can be clever enough to outwit the powerful, dark forces that control her life. She does her best to navigate a dangerous world filled with pirates, cults, and avarice.
Archipelago completely pulled me in from the start! I really loved the world-building itself, but following the twists and turns of Chel's journey made this book a page-turner for sure. One of those books where you can't wait to figure out the answers to all the mysteries, while also hoping the adventures never end. I'm crossing my fingers we get a sequel soon!!
What I loved most is how realistic and human Chel feels. She’s not a superhero, she’s just a determined girl trying to survive in a cruel world. The author doesn’t shy away from the dark sides of human nature but still leaves room for light, hope, and courage. A haunting, breathtaking read!