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Sea of Sorrows

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Lost. Lightmarked. Loved.

In a kingdom that bows to the darkness, Cove's lightmark could mean her demise. She hides among the shadows in the royal palace, serving as a lady-in-waiting to the princess, who also happens to be her best friend. Princess Mina of the Dawn Islands is the only one Cove has ever shared her secret with, but does that mean she is the only one who knows? An alliance dawns on the horizon, and as the princess prepares to take the throne, Cove finds herself split between submission and rebellion, darkness and light, and friendship and love.

Sea of Sorrows is a novella (book 1.5) in the Til Kingdom Come series and should be read after Rush of Ravens and before Dawn of Doves. Sea of Sorrows takes place at the same time as Rush of Ravens. Readers may skip Sea of Sorrows if they wish, but the story gives insight into a character's life before and during the events of Rush of Ravens, which will help the reader to be more immersed in the events of book 2, Dawn of Doves.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

3 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

About the author

Abigail Brier

3 books186 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Mahone.
151 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2025
Actual rating: 4.5 stars

I am so happy to have had the opportunity with being an ARC reader for this book. I fell in love with Brier’s debut “Rush of Ravens”. I absolutely love what what the author created. I love how there are Christian themes threaded throughout the entire series, however, the series can be read and enjoyed by non believers. The books so far have reminded me of C.S Lewis’s prose.

When I received the ARC, I was so nervous because I was going through one of the worst book slumps I’ve ever been in. I would read an average of five books every month, and for the last three months, I’ve only read like three or four books within those months. I had a lot of DNFs. I didn’t want to have that mindset when I got the ARC from Brier. Thankfully, this novella helped me get out of the slump along with another book too. It was such a great novella.

I was very apprehensive reading about Cove and her story because I was so unsure about her in RoR. However, learning about her really shifted my perspective. I loved meeting new characters, the plot was great, and seeing older faces. It is a little slow in the beginning because we are learning about Cove and remember that I was so unsure about her. My favorite thing was how much I feel like I relate to Cove. I also loved the Christian underlying themes throughout the story itself. Like I said, the series can be enjoyed by non believers, but it’s such a fun thing to see and read.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been on the ARC team, and I highly recommend this series. I’m so excited to see where it will go from here.
Profile Image for Camille Mosemann.
212 reviews36 followers
November 10, 2025
Wow. This novella swept me away. I have to admit that even after being finished by Rush of Raven I was super interested in learning more about Cove.

But after reading the prologue, I was hooked. Cove’s character was so complex and well developed. I really loved the way her gift interacted with other people around her. I also loved getting to explore another country in this world that Abigail is creating!

And once Elias came into the story?!?! How on earth was this one of the sweetest and most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read?? I swear that if Elias isn’t okay I’m going to riot 😅😅

The allegory was so beautifully illustrated, I teared up at the end. I love the fact that even though there is a lot of darkness these characters go through, the hope and light that shines through these pages is breathtaking! I can’t wait to continue this series!!!
Profile Image for Sam Bryant.
8 reviews
September 14, 2025
First off I want to say that this novella was incredible. I cried multiple times, swooned, and truly felt the turmoil the characters faced, especially Cove. Ever since reading RoR I’ve been interested in her character and this book did not disappoint. I’m so excited to read Dawn of Doves when it comes out! Thank you to Abigail for selecting me to be an ARC reader 🩵🌊
23 reviews
November 21, 2025
ROR was amazing, but then I read this one, and it was like: WAIT WHAT?! This connects to there?! Also what do you mean it's a novella? This book is totally necessary for the overall series plot!

I love the friendship between Mina and Cove, and how they support each other.

I also loved this dive into the world of the Dawn Islands, in comparison to Vestele and Oro.

I wish I could say so much more, but I don't want to spoil anything, because it's that good. However, I will say I loved how this book expanded on the Gifts of the light, and how they connect and adapt!
Profile Image for Sarah Owens.
8 reviews
September 13, 2025
Light and dark exist side by side in this world, each vying for control over the islands. Cove’s story was particularly moving, and she has quickly become a standout character for me. Returning to the world of Aressia and being introduced to the Dawn Islands was both refreshing and immersive.


Abigail’s writing remains one of my favorites—her ability to craft vivid imagery within the first few pages makes it easy to lose yourself in the story. The prose and pacing pull you in effortlessly and hold your attention throughout.


I especially enjoyed spending more time with Cove while also gaining insight into Ravenna’s journey. The dual perspectives added depth and complexity that kept the narrative engaging.


This novella not only enriches the series but also eases the wait between installments. I’m eager to continue with book three and see how the story develops further.

My first ARC read and I am so glad it was Sea of Sorrows!
Profile Image for Bookish Rose.
139 reviews
September 21, 2025
Alright, with a title like “Sea of Sorrows,” I knew I was in for an emotional journey. But I did NOT expect it to be this tragic, beautifully so, might I add.
There was nothing but a remnant of grief within the walls. Aside from love, grief was the deepest emotion one could feel. Even when you think you’ve overcome it, it’s there, lurking in the shadows, ready to drag you back down... A little kindness when you feel like you’re drowning can go a long way.
To be honest, I had no idea where this story was going, even though it takes place in a world I know from reading book 1. It’s the perfect novella. Expanding the world by bringing us to a new place, introducing us to more characters (but not in an overwhelming way), & providing additional insight to the story & characters we’d previously met. In fact, reading this book felt both comforting because I was able to travel back to Arresia & visit favorite characters again (I’m talking to you, Leith... I have some questions, buddy). And this novella felt fresh because the majority of it was all brand new—new setting, new characters, new insights. It really felt like the best of both worlds: a warm hug & excited giggles.
“I will keep you safe,” he whispered... A tear trailed down her face, and she felt the brush of his power against her cheek, echoing through that tiny drop of sadness and sweeping it away. “In the deepest waters, I will bring you to dry land. And when your love of the land has been exhausted, I will be your calming sea. You can trust me.”
I do trust you.
I think that’s one of the things I like most about Abigail’s writing. She writes about a world infected by death & hopelessness, but her characters are on a journey to restore their faith in the power of the human spirit & in actively choosing a better path. And with characters you can’t help but root for, even when they act in ways you might not agree with, at their core, they’re fighting for a better future... & we can all relate to that.
She was here for a purpose. She was here, filled with the hope of the Light that so many did not yet have. That fact was generally the origin of her anxieties—when she could feel the darkness of the emotions of those around her and could do nothing to tame them. It was a curse to feel so deeply in a world of such unbearable pain.
This book is told in 2 parts: 1 part is completely outside of book 1's events & 1 part skips around the second half of book 1's timeline. Part 1 give us a deeper understanding about Cove, who's a character from Rush of Ravens (book 1) that we didn't know much about, but was quite influential & showed a lot of potential for future books. After reading part 1, we know where she came from & the characters (& places) involved in her origin story.
She remembered the peace she had felt with him. Being with him was like getting a full breath of fresh air when she had been taking labored breaths her entire life. Elias’s presence was not draining to her, and his emotions brought joy, not sorrow. She had been living in a sea of sorrows her entire life, trying to catch a breath above the pain and suffering of those around her that threatened to drag her under. Those people had no hope—no Light. Cove longed to be surrounded by Light, by those whose minds had been transformed. By those who did not fear—by those who did not bleed night. She had let him love her because she did not think she would survive another day without it.
Then we get to part 2, Cove has arrived in Ink Valley & travels to Oro, where we first met her in Rush of Ravens. We get to see her POV (& Leith's POV) to give us additional insight to the events of book 1. Abigail has always said this novella serves as a companion of sorts to further expand the series & I completely agree. I don't recommend picking up this book first, or if you do, then only read part 1 & stop > read Rush of Ravens > then read part 2.

Abigail, I'm not tagging you in this post because I know reviews freak you out, but if you happen to see this & have read this far, just know your book is so freaking good! 🤩
4 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2025
Abigail Brier has done it again. Sea of Sorrows is a novella that deserves its place in the series following Rush of Ravens. Like its predecessor, SoS is packed with high-stakes conflict and compelling, dynamic characters whose decisions impact nations. Brier knows how to weave a beautifully-paced plot with twists and surprises that will keep readers turning pages way past their bedtimes.

I enjoyed the read immensely, as I did RoR. It was a little slow in the opening chapters (Cove is fairly docile at first compared with spitfire Ravenna), but once it started moving, it was a thrill ride to the very end. I came to love Cove for her innocence and compassion, two traits that differentiate her from Ravenna substantially, and enjoyed watching her bloom into a decisive and catalytic force. I also enjoyed catching new perspectives from some of my favorite RoR characters.

If I could fault it in any area, it would be that the prose at times feels pedantic and flowery. Getting down to word choices and sentence structure, Brier sometimes uses 5 words when she could have used 1—and it slows me down. I’m also a lover of ambiguity when it comes to characters’ intentions, but Brier spells things out in a more YA-adjacent fashion, sometimes to the point of redundancy. Flaws aside, I’m still obsessed for one reason: stakes. Wherever SoS struggles, it makes up for it in stakes. Stakes are everything. Did I mention this thing is high-stakes?

The conflict is juicy, the romance is vibrant, and the politics are always churning underneath. I find the allegory more stunning in this book than in RoR, perhaps because we experience the reality of the Embers from their perspective. All that to say, I massively enjoyed Cove’s journey and I can’t wait for Dawn of Doves. I give Sea of Sorrows a solid 4.5 stars.

*I was blessed to receive an ARC in exchange for a non-biased review. Thank you, Abigail!
Profile Image for All Things Bookish.
136 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2025
Emotional ✅ Action packed ✅ AMAZING ✅

Sea of Sorrows released at the end of September and I just finished my second re-read. This novella is truly an emotional pack journey that ties in perfectly with Rush of Ravens (book 1). I am on my way for the THIRD re-read now, this time following the tandem chapter list the author put together.

Trust me when I say - if you are looking for your next "Throne of Glass" series feel to obsess about THIS IS IT!

SPICE: Kisses only
LANGUAGE: None
VIOLENCE: Death and abuse (not overly descriptive, mostly just suspense based)

This novella left me more emotional than I anticipated. Cove's life is marked with tragic loss from the opening, but the way the Father of Light meets her during every high and low was so incredibly beautiful. The reminder that the light is never truly alone was a theme that hit home - truly the perfect story at the perfect time. Without spoilers, I am nervous for Princess Mina and what role she will be playing in future books. 😰 (Also Elias left me in a mix of swoon and NOOOOOOOO!! despair that basically crushed me and left me on the edge of my seat) Cove's character is so much more than I anticipated!!

I also had a chance to beta read book 2, Dawn of Doves, and this book Sea of Sorrows is so CRUCIAL to the continuing storyline. Unlike other novellas in fantasy series, this isn't just a "character backstory" but a necessity to the storyline.

Book 2 - Dawn of Doves - releases in December! Any one who wants to join me in the tandem buddy read of Rush of Raves/Sea of Sorrows to "prepare" let me know 🎉
Profile Image for MyBookNest7.
208 reviews
September 28, 2025
Wow. Just wow.

“Everyone had fear, but not everyone was brave. Bravery was being afraid and stepping forward anyway.”

Honestly, the kind of depth this has added to the story is crazy. In the best way. Knowing Cove’s origin and her story and then witnessing scenes again from her perspective has been truly unexpectedly amazing. While reading Rush of Ravens, I don’t think I ever thought that the story I enjoyed so much and which left me on the biggest cliffhanger could be enhanced even more. Not to mention that I’ve again been left on the same cliffhanger despite knowing very well where I was headed. Needless to say, my love for fantasy will certainly keep me rooted deep into this series with all the cliffhangers that will follow.

“Be a light.”

Thank you so much @authorabigailbrier for letting me be an advance reader yet again. This world was possibly even better this time around and has managed to make me doubly curious about what’s to come ahead. I am way too concerned about all these characters and I have soooo many questions. For this beautiful feeling, thank you! With all your efforts into this heartbreaking tale, you’re giving readers a chance to experience fantasy at its best. Thank you!! ♥️

“Do not come. Your little Dove is too far gone.”
28 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2025
Sea of Sorrows is a beautifully written novella in the Till Kingdom Come series that follows Rush of Ravens. Ravenna’s story in RoR was set in Vestele where warriors trained and courageously fought for the Light. Her adventure was both feral and heartbreaking.

SoS opens up the map of Arresia to the idyllic Dawn Islands where the lives of new characters are revealed. Cove, an amiable island girl, is immersed in a world where not all is at it seems. This story follows Cove’s journey through friendship, love, betrayal, and her calling to a bigger purpose.

Brier’s world-building is easy to grasp for non-fantasy readers, allowing the story to be the main focus. The lack of curse words and spicy scenes was greatly appreciated.

A special thank you to Abigail Brier for the gifted ARC of Sea of Sorrows in exchange for an honest review. I personally loved how the story brings you full-circle back to RoR. I cannot wait until Dawn of Doves is released in December so that I can see how these characters will intertwine on their path to fight against the Darkness. I am really curious to see how Leith’s character evolves in the next book.
Profile Image for Laremie Maschino.
6 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2025
I think I like Cove more than Ravenna!

I love Cove’s story! Her story really is a sea of sorrows and she has been through so much. I love how she keeps going after every hardship and holds strong to her faith (most of the time). I realized in book 1 that Cove was going to be important but I didn’t realize how important until I started reading Sea of Sorrows.

I enjoyed this novella so much. It happens in the same timeline as Book 1: Rush of Ravens! It was cool seeing the other side of what was going on in Rush of Ravens and would definitely be a fun tandem read! I kept going back and reading different sections of Rush of Ravens when I would come to it in Sea of Sorrows!

I’m ready to get my hands on the next book! There’s characters I’m stilling trying to figure out if they are good or bad. I’m excited to see the character development through this series. I need all my favorite characters to find the light but I’m worried some are going to stab us in the back. Abby please don’t break my heart!

Profile Image for Aubin Sinclair.
2 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2025
I received this book as an ARC.

Okay, I sincerely enjoyed the romance of this novella. It was unique, refreshing, wholesome, and passionate. I found myself rooting for them immediately. I loved getting to see more of Cove’s backstory and her inner turmoil. She’s easy to love and her actions align well with the other traits Abigail has woven into this character. I found myself angry and disappointed in Mina but I’m curious to see how the rest of her tale plays out. It was also interesting to get a more in depth look at Leith’s motivations. I’m intrigued to find out what happens next in Dawn of Doves!

My only qualm (if you can even call it that) is that I found a few of the references/nods to Biblical themes or verses to be a little on the nose, which isn’t my personal preference typically. Overall, Abigail writes the battle between the Light and the Dark very well and I think it’s a beautiful story that I’m excited to continue reading!

Also - if anything happens to Elias, I will riot. Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mikayla.
255 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2025
No notes. Seriously. I cannot get enough of Brier’s ability to create such vivid imagery with her words. There are multiple moments throughout her first book that are still so fresh in my mind because it was like watching a movie. Sea of Sorrow was no different in that I have distinct memories of certain events and outcomes because of the pictures I was able to envision. Some moments are beautiful and melodic while others are dark and atmospheric.

Cove’s character, along with many of the other side characters, was full of layers. I truly love reading a well thought out plot with characters that move the story along with intention. While there’s twists and turns, everything made sense and I was entirely wrapped up in the story. Getting to know Cove and her backstory added such depth and truly adds to the excitement of the official second book which should be releasing by next year!

I’m grateful to have received this ARC for my unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Rachel Trout.
31 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2025
Tragic Character Backstory 💔🌊

I read Rush of Ravens earlier this year, and it quickly stood out to me as a beautifully written, epic high-fantasy! I was eagerly anticipating the next installment of the story. This novella is not really moving the story forward as much as it is giving you more information/POVs, and now I have even more characters to worry about between now and the release of book 2!

SoS was tragic and beautiful all at the same time. Cove was definitely a character that made me think she was important in RoR, and I enjoyed getting her full backstory in this novella. This book gives more insight and details to the plot of RoR, as well as some important world building, but ends in basically the same place. I wasn't completely expecting that, but I'm not mad about it! Someone else said the two would make a great tandem read, and I would agree!! I think my favorite character in the book was Elias, and I look forward to seeing him again later in the series. I'm also SUPER intrigued to read more about Leith and the Ink Bloods. I basically hated him in RoR, but now I'm not so sure...

Thank you to the author for the ARC! I count it a great privilege, and look forward to reading the next Abigail Brier masterpiece!
Profile Image for Mandy.
78 reviews9 followers
September 3, 2025
Oh my goodness, I wish I could express to you how beautiful this story is. I loved reading about Cove's journey and the details on how she ended up crossing paths with Ravenna in Rush of Ravens.
The beautiful themes of grace, love, and a Saviors light, shine beautifully in Abigails storytelling. I love the relationship of Cove and Elias it reminds me of a warm hug, and you can't help but love them together. This is one of those books you will lose sleep over because you can't stop turning the pages to see what happens next. So prepare to lose sleep but know you won't regret it.


thank you so much, Abigail, for an early EARC, even though I was gifted an advanced copy my review is my own.
Profile Image for Amber.
32 reviews
October 6, 2025
Yes, yes, yes. A fantastic novella!! Loved getting background and details about Cove and the new characters that were introduced; and even some from the first book. I thoroughly enjoyed the further expansion of the Light vs dark, and how it portrayed some struggles that Christians may have experienced in their journey with the Lord. I also love the romance!! The genuine, Christ-centered connection between Cove and Elias is palpable. I love Elias’s Faith, commitment, and standards! I hope we get to see more of them in the future to find out what happened!!! I am SO excited for the second book to come out in December! 11/10!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews
November 13, 2025
A solid 4 🌟 read!!!

I love how Abigail Brier writes Cove. She doesn't need to wield a weapon to show she's strong, and I adored her friendship with Mina! So many of these characters felt alive, even when, at times, it felt like we were putting a lot of attention on "unimportant" characters, all of them felt like they had a story, and were far from one dimensional. I'm very intrigued to find out their stories and how they're involved in the main plot 👀.

I also really liked Cove and her Love Interests (staying vague for spoiler purposes) relationship!! How comfortable they were around each other, and how safe they made each other feel. Though it did feel a little 'insta-lovey' at times (I think they only really knew each other for about a week?), it wad made a little more believable due to the circumstances.

All in all, I definitely recommend!! Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Nicki 🫶.
218 reviews8 followers
September 25, 2025
Once again, Abigail has captivated me with her ability to suck you into a story and paint such vivid details. Even when it feels overwhelming, and you feel like you might get lost, the descriptions and details bring you right back in and remind you of exactly what’s going on. When Cove was introduced in Rush of Ravens, I was curious to know more about her story and I’m very glad that we got this Novella to give us a little bit more insight. I’m excited for the future of this series to learn more about what’s going on.

Thank you Abigail for allowing me to be an ARC reader!
1 review
September 26, 2025
I received this book as an arc, and I’m so grateful that I got this opportunity to read it early.

It’s the book that I didn’t know that I needed. Getting into Cove’s story brings so much more in perspective and adds to the richness of ROR. It was everything that you needed to understand Cove and her journey, her importance to the events of ROR. It was definitely worth the read and it made me can’t wait for the next installment of the series and see how the story progresses. It was beautifully written and easy to follow what was happening throughout as the story was unfolding.
Profile Image for Kristen Cripe.
10 reviews
September 28, 2025
I never knew I needed Cove’s POV, but I’m so happy to have it! Reading Cove’s story is inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time. No matter how much the darkness tries to take her, she keeps pushing towards the light. We get to see how she becomes linked up with Ravenna during a crucial time when all hope seems lost. Sea of Sorrows ends amongst the chaos that Rush of Ravens does, and I can’t help but remind myself that even after the darkest of nights, light still dawns in the morning. Bring on Dawn of Doves.
1 review
October 13, 2025
(No-spoiler review)
I absolutely loved this book! The first book was also amazing, but I enjoyed this one even more. The characters were realistic and easy to love (or easy to hate, depending on how you felt about them.) I physically gasped out loud as I read it. Apart from the story elements, the book is also incredibly well-written and easy to fall into. It was almost impossible to put this book down, and I read it in just a few days. This series is perfect for fans of clean fantasy/romance! Would read again.
1 review
September 9, 2025
Thrilling! With every turn of the page, the story got more and more intriguing. Abigail Brier has done a wonderful job creating characters that you’ll love and a story that you’ll be captivated by. In this book we get a much better look at the Embers and their gifts from the Father Of Lights then in ROR and I loved that. Make sure you read book 1 Rush of Ravens before Sea of Sorrows is released September 24, 2025, and be on the lookout for book 2 Dawn of Doves coming December 3, 2025.
Profile Image for Maggie.
10 reviews
September 22, 2025
I absolutely loved Rush of Ravens and was beyond excited to receive an ARC copy of Sea of Sorrows. As is with most novellas,you can opt to skip this book and the story will still make sense,however I highly recommend you read it! you'll get POV's you didn't know you needed 😉 Cove's story was beautiful and incredibly heartbreaking! And the story tied together with Rush of Ravens so well,it will really give you a whole new perspective on certain things!
Profile Image for Dawn Wittrock.
1 review1 follower
September 27, 2025
This is a novella in the Till Kingdom Cone Series, book 1.5. This is the story of Cove from the first book Rush of Ravens & how she came to meet the FMC. I definitely give this a 4.5 ⭐️Abigial Brier does an awesome job with different character POV & cliffhangers! Her series definitely gives biblical parallels & is perfect for youth! Add this developing series to your list if want a page turner with different lands & the hope for good to win!!!
Profile Image for Kelsey.
28 reviews
October 15, 2025
I loved this book the second I opened it. It was so cool to learn more about Cove and her story, and the way everything lined up with Rush of Ravens was amazing! I definitely had an ah-ha moment! After reading this book, I’m even more excited for Dawn of Doves in December. Can already see this becoming my favorite fantasy series of all time
21 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2025
What a book! The 1.5 instalment of this 8 book series .. yes 8 books.. still has me hooked!! It was such a refreshing well written book that has fantasy, warriors, deception, light vs dark, and there’s NO spice! I love a good book with spice but I throughly enjoyed this book. It was action packed with drama, secrets, life or death moments, covering up a murder, best friend betrayals!! It’s great to see where Coves roots come from and follow her through her times of betrayals, love and loss, murder, trusting a stranger to get her husband back only to find herself exactly where the light wants her to be, helping Ravenna but at what cost? Can she stay to the plan of finding her husband and betraying the allies she has made or does she go down a different path altogether? These books have kept me in suspense and excited for the next book!

Thank you Abigail for the EARC! Even though I received a ebook to review, this review is entirely my own opinion of the book and I shall definitely be buying a trophy book to go on my bookshelf!
1 review
October 2, 2025
SO GOOD

It’s too bad I started reading this during my several day stretch of working because I DID NOT want to put it down. Such a great story I cannot wait to read book 2 and see how the story continues
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Marquart.
Author 2 books15 followers
December 26, 2025
I love when a story that seems completely unrelated clicks into place with the bigger picture! This novella is well-written, engaging, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Dawn of Doves.
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