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Sinking Trilogy #1
Sinking
Jocelyn washes up on the shore of eighteenth century Ireland, alone, naked, and missing all of her memories. Taken in by a lonely old woman full of plots and schemes for the lovely yet enigmatic creature, Jocelyn knows only one thing. She longs for the sea with every ounce of her being. Yet it tried to kill her.
Aidan Boyd loves two things. His ship and the sea. When Jocelyn is thrust upon his vessel in the midst of his superstitious crew, he finds himself intoxicated by her—willing to give up everything for her. He soon finds he cannot live without her.
But something holds Jocelyn back. The whisper of another's love. The embrace of water. Does she belong to this world? Or could Jocelyn possibly be from the sea?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
6 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Armstrong-Garner
2 books54 followersSo, you want to know a little about me. Well I am a mother, a wife, and (now here is the crazy part) author and screenwriter. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I have lived a hundred lives creating stories and have seen thousands of characters lift off of a page to argue with me over a line of dialogue.
At the moment, I am working on my third novel, Rising. The last book in the Sinking Trilogy
You can learn more about me by following me on Facebook and Twitter to get faster updates on my novels, screenplays, and projects.
At the moment, I am working on my third novel, Rising. The last book in the Sinking Trilogy
You can learn more about me by following me on Facebook and Twitter to get faster updates on my novels, screenplays, and projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 16, 2017
Long centuries ago? Ships and sea? Mysterious plot? Mermaids? By all the gods, yes please!
Placed in the 18th century on Ireland, this book tells the tale of a young girl who washes on the shore without any memory of who she truly is. Helped by a lady named Edith, just for her own gain, Jocelyn is taught of the manners and culture of society during that time. Then Edith calls for her nephew, Thomas, to come and present her for him as a bride. Aidan Boyd loves the sea and his ship only, until he meets Jocelyn on the beach by a strange accident. Since the moment he started spending time with her, the sea and the ship came to step down on the priority list and Jocelyn became all he ever wanted. But Jocelyn has a secret. A secret not even herself knows she has. A secret that will change the fate of everyone on board of that ship.
After reading the first five chapters I was already thinking when was the second book going to come out. To describe how much I enjoyed and love this is quite hard since there isn't enough forms to do so. First, the writing was so unexpectedly delightful; it felt like being floating on warm water down blue sky; even if there were moments of full tension and confusion. It is told from an omnipresent POV which felt a bit jarring when jumping from character to character. Secondly, the main character is such a sweet and strong female, full of mysteries, pain and hope. Jocelyn lands on the shore of an Ireland beach, with her memory totally erased. Despite that, the only thing that seems to be familiar yet terrifies her, is the ocean and the way it calls for her to go back. Just with this small plot description, my heart starts beating with the urge to know what happened and will happened to this strange girl. Thirdly, Aidan Boyd. That's it, him and wow, yes, give him to me. Fourthly, the variety of characters and personalities, so realist. Fifthly, the mysterious boy from the sea, the mysterious past of Jocelyn, the mysterious medallion... Sixthly, being on a voyage on a ship most of the book which is fascinating! The descriptions, the plot twists, the romance, the intensity, the fantasy, the locations... MERMAIDS! Everything is so incredibly delightful, you want to have the whole trilogy already placed on your bookshelf. Oh, and that ending!!!
Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner deserves to be read by every reader lover of a good book full of everything; from mystery to love to betrayal to corruption to humanity to mythical. This book is an amazing reading and I fully recommend it. Can't wait for the sequel, Drifting to come out!
Placed in the 18th century on Ireland, this book tells the tale of a young girl who washes on the shore without any memory of who she truly is. Helped by a lady named Edith, just for her own gain, Jocelyn is taught of the manners and culture of society during that time. Then Edith calls for her nephew, Thomas, to come and present her for him as a bride. Aidan Boyd loves the sea and his ship only, until he meets Jocelyn on the beach by a strange accident. Since the moment he started spending time with her, the sea and the ship came to step down on the priority list and Jocelyn became all he ever wanted. But Jocelyn has a secret. A secret not even herself knows she has. A secret that will change the fate of everyone on board of that ship.
After reading the first five chapters I was already thinking when was the second book going to come out. To describe how much I enjoyed and love this is quite hard since there isn't enough forms to do so. First, the writing was so unexpectedly delightful; it felt like being floating on warm water down blue sky; even if there were moments of full tension and confusion. It is told from an omnipresent POV which felt a bit jarring when jumping from character to character. Secondly, the main character is such a sweet and strong female, full of mysteries, pain and hope. Jocelyn lands on the shore of an Ireland beach, with her memory totally erased. Despite that, the only thing that seems to be familiar yet terrifies her, is the ocean and the way it calls for her to go back. Just with this small plot description, my heart starts beating with the urge to know what happened and will happened to this strange girl. Thirdly, Aidan Boyd. That's it, him and wow, yes, give him to me. Fourthly, the variety of characters and personalities, so realist. Fifthly, the mysterious boy from the sea, the mysterious past of Jocelyn, the mysterious medallion... Sixthly, being on a voyage on a ship most of the book which is fascinating! The descriptions, the plot twists, the romance, the intensity, the fantasy, the locations... MERMAIDS! Everything is so incredibly delightful, you want to have the whole trilogy already placed on your bookshelf. Oh, and that ending!!!
Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner deserves to be read by every reader lover of a good book full of everything; from mystery to love to betrayal to corruption to humanity to mythical. This book is an amazing reading and I fully recommend it. Can't wait for the sequel, Drifting to come out!
June 8, 2018
Eighteenth-century Ireland, India, mermaids, and a dash of science fiction. A fun and intriguing story. :)
Full review: http://livkfisher.blogspot.com/2018/0....
Full review: http://livkfisher.blogspot.com/2018/0....
February 29, 2016
I was incredibly lucky to receive an advanced reader copy ebook of Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner direct from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sinking follows the story of Jocelyn who is washed up naked, unconscious and with a severe case of amnesia on the beach of a small town in Ireland, she is found by and elderly widower who decides to take "ownership" of the girl and make plans for her.
Having amnesia, Jocelyn could have very easily have been a very bland character who went with the flow and didn't stand out in any way. However her character is written beautifully and her personality breaks through her lack of memories and shows you what kind of person she is, even if she doesn't know who she is. It's incredibly hard to get a character suffering from amnesia right, but Sarah Armstrong-Garner has done an absolutely amazing job of making it both believeable and interesting, Jocelyn comes across as a strong, confident and intelligent character and I really liked her from the minute she woke up.
Then we have Aidan who is the main male protagonist and is a Captain who loves the sea and his ship equally. He is a traditional man's man, but has manners and is kind also which is a great combination. He meets Jocelyn on the beach one day and then is drawn into the old lady's plans as Jocelyn is to travel on his ship first to India, then China and onto England.
I don't want to give away any spoilers as the story is so brilliantly written, you need to go out and read this yourself, I will say that the story is incredibly clever and Sarah Armstrong-Garner's take on mermaids is the most interesting and exciting version that I've seen in a long time. I also thoroughly enjoyed the different locations travelled to so far in book one, you could feel the isolation and cruel beauty of the beach in Ireland and the colours and heat were so intense in India you could almost smell the wonderful aromatic spices.
My only complaint is that book two is not out yet (Sinking was released on the 23rd of February 2016) and so I couldn't immediately go on to find out what happens after this book ends on such a cliff hanger,
Sinking follows the story of Jocelyn who is washed up naked, unconscious and with a severe case of amnesia on the beach of a small town in Ireland, she is found by and elderly widower who decides to take "ownership" of the girl and make plans for her.
Having amnesia, Jocelyn could have very easily have been a very bland character who went with the flow and didn't stand out in any way. However her character is written beautifully and her personality breaks through her lack of memories and shows you what kind of person she is, even if she doesn't know who she is. It's incredibly hard to get a character suffering from amnesia right, but Sarah Armstrong-Garner has done an absolutely amazing job of making it both believeable and interesting, Jocelyn comes across as a strong, confident and intelligent character and I really liked her from the minute she woke up.
Then we have Aidan who is the main male protagonist and is a Captain who loves the sea and his ship equally. He is a traditional man's man, but has manners and is kind also which is a great combination. He meets Jocelyn on the beach one day and then is drawn into the old lady's plans as Jocelyn is to travel on his ship first to India, then China and onto England.
I don't want to give away any spoilers as the story is so brilliantly written, you need to go out and read this yourself, I will say that the story is incredibly clever and Sarah Armstrong-Garner's take on mermaids is the most interesting and exciting version that I've seen in a long time. I also thoroughly enjoyed the different locations travelled to so far in book one, you could feel the isolation and cruel beauty of the beach in Ireland and the colours and heat were so intense in India you could almost smell the wonderful aromatic spices.
My only complaint is that book two is not out yet (Sinking was released on the 23rd of February 2016) and so I couldn't immediately go on to find out what happens after this book ends on such a cliff hanger,
August 17, 2017
Sinking is a unique story with well-developed characters who jump from the page. Sarah Armstrong-Garner does a great job at inviting me into the story and allowing me to experience the internal and external emotions of the characters as they occur on the page. From the beginning, I had a pretty good idea of what Jocelyn was, so when it was announced, I wasn't that surprised. There is romance that fills the pages. I would have liked to know during what time period this story took place. It was never mentioned. There is mention of manors and ships for trading, so I wondered if it took place in the nineteenth century, (I found the time period on the back cover. Eighteenth century. I don't remember it being mentioned in the story.) but I wasn't sure. The plot moves pretty quickly. As a word of caution, there is the D . . . word used a number of times, but nothing that really retracted from the plot. I think this is a neat story for young fans who enjoy mermaid stories. I will be passing it onto the teenage girls in my life.
I received a complimentary copy of Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing company, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing company, but the opinions stated are all my own.
May 31, 2016
So I have been wanting to read a mermaid book for a while, and this was the perfect one to read! (I think it got me out of my reading slump to, *throws confetti* ;)
At first it was kind of hard to understand what was going on, and I felt like it jumped around from one person's thoughts to the next. But as I kept reading it got easier to keep track of what was going on. It's a wonderful mermaid book and I would defiently recommend it :)
Ok so there will probably be spoilers in the rest of this review so...read at your own risk lol ;)
The publisher kindly sent me an ebook copy to read and give an honest review. :)
At first it was kind of hard to understand what was going on, and I felt like it jumped around from one person's thoughts to the next. But as I kept reading it got easier to keep track of what was going on. It's a wonderful mermaid book and I would defiently recommend it :)
Ok so there will probably be spoilers in the rest of this review so...read at your own risk lol ;)
The publisher kindly sent me an ebook copy to read and give an honest review. :)
February 26, 2016
Jocelyn washes up on the shore of eighteenth century Ireland, her memory gone - and no idea of who she is. The lonely old woman who finds her, takes her home to recover...
I was asked to read Sarah's book - and I liked the story. I've always been fascinated by the ocean - and after watching "Splash" with Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, I've loved the idea of mermaids.
This historical fantasy starts off in Ireland, a place high on my "bucket list". I cannot condone the bad language, but if it's something you can overlook, you will most likely enjoy reading this novel.
I received this ebook from Love2ReadLove2WritePublishing.
April 29, 2017
Sinking by Sarah Armstrong- Garner is such a unique mermaid story! I have never read a story like this one, and I have read a lot of mermaid stories! Trust me.
Garner introduces us to a lost girl named Jocelyn. But Jocelyn is not this young girls real name. Jocelyn is from the ocean but for some reason can not remember who or where she is from. She washes up on shore one day, where a woman, Edith, finds her and names her Jocelyn. Jocelyn slowly starts to see the clues as to what she is. The ocean is speaking to her, she can heal people, there is this old man on the ship that swears he knows what Jocelyn is. Jocelyn begins having flashbacks of the day she washed up on shore! What do you do if you have no idea who you are but you know you are being hunted, someone is trying to find you, you have powers, and people are telling you that you belong in the sea?
Sinking is an awesome read that will take you on the adventure of a lifetime! It is fun seeing Jocelyn begin to realize who she is and what happened to her in the ocean. Sarah also introduces us to a few people from Jocelyn's past, who could be good or bad! It drove me insane trying to figure out if Benlar was good or bad. There is evil in the ocean that wants Jocelyn back, so who knows if Benlar is trying to protect her or take her back to the evil!
Sinking is super complex and full of detail! I love the medallions, the eyes, and all the other little details Sarah uses to describe her mermaids! As I said before, I really adore mermaid books, so when I read some that are different, I really appreciate them and that makes me enjoy the book even more! I love how creative Sarah got with Sinking and I think you guys all will too! Jocelyn is my favorite character! She is awesome and so full of personality. She is not afraid to get down and dirty and is nothing like "normal" girls from this era. Sarah did an awesome job while creating her. Jocelyn could have easily been a boring character, having no recollection of her memory, but luckily.. Sarah is awesome and creates amazing characters!
The author takes you into a world so magical, it feels real! I literally could not put her book down. I am longing for more and can not wait to see what happens with Jocelyn's story!
Garner introduces us to a lost girl named Jocelyn. But Jocelyn is not this young girls real name. Jocelyn is from the ocean but for some reason can not remember who or where she is from. She washes up on shore one day, where a woman, Edith, finds her and names her Jocelyn. Jocelyn slowly starts to see the clues as to what she is. The ocean is speaking to her, she can heal people, there is this old man on the ship that swears he knows what Jocelyn is. Jocelyn begins having flashbacks of the day she washed up on shore! What do you do if you have no idea who you are but you know you are being hunted, someone is trying to find you, you have powers, and people are telling you that you belong in the sea?
Sinking is an awesome read that will take you on the adventure of a lifetime! It is fun seeing Jocelyn begin to realize who she is and what happened to her in the ocean. Sarah also introduces us to a few people from Jocelyn's past, who could be good or bad! It drove me insane trying to figure out if Benlar was good or bad. There is evil in the ocean that wants Jocelyn back, so who knows if Benlar is trying to protect her or take her back to the evil!
Sinking is super complex and full of detail! I love the medallions, the eyes, and all the other little details Sarah uses to describe her mermaids! As I said before, I really adore mermaid books, so when I read some that are different, I really appreciate them and that makes me enjoy the book even more! I love how creative Sarah got with Sinking and I think you guys all will too! Jocelyn is my favorite character! She is awesome and so full of personality. She is not afraid to get down and dirty and is nothing like "normal" girls from this era. Sarah did an awesome job while creating her. Jocelyn could have easily been a boring character, having no recollection of her memory, but luckily.. Sarah is awesome and creates amazing characters!
The author takes you into a world so magical, it feels real! I literally could not put her book down. I am longing for more and can not wait to see what happens with Jocelyn's story!
February 16, 2016
This is a Historical Young Adult Fantasy that starts off in Ireland, but travels to China and India. Jocelyn is washed up on the beach with no memories of her own. She is completely naked and clutching a locket. She is found by a lady, who decides that she will take the locket for herself as she orders her servants to take care of the girl.
As the story progresses, you learn more about Jocelyn at the same time as she learns about herself. She has two human men who show interest in her, but the ocean also speaks to her and she feels an amazing pull to return - to what or to whom, she doesn't know.
This story moves smoothly throughout, building to the cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting to know more. This is a wonderful story of mermaids and magic with a historical twist. Recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
As the story progresses, you learn more about Jocelyn at the same time as she learns about herself. She has two human men who show interest in her, but the ocean also speaks to her and she feels an amazing pull to return - to what or to whom, she doesn't know.
This story moves smoothly throughout, building to the cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting to know more. This is a wonderful story of mermaids and magic with a historical twist. Recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
February 17, 2016
This book was absolutely fantastic! Early on I developed strong feelings for the characters, whether it was loving them or hating them. Except for the old woman who found Jocelyn...I am still deciding if she is good deep inside and will eventually make amends for things she has done. But here I am getting ahead of myself! This story has a four sided love triangle that keeps you guessing with every turn of the page (or swipe of the finger if you're reading the ebook!). The only disappointment I had from this book was when I reached the end and there were no more pages!!
February 1, 2017
you fall in love book with pretty covers you better check this one the cover is really stunning and so does the whole concept of it. I have read many YA Fantasies before but I could say this one is different, though some parts are predictable, the author still managed to make everything enjoyable. No parts in this book made me bored or slump-ish because honestly once you started reading it yyou'll finish it in one sitting. (If I wasn't that busy I had finished it immediately.)
The main characters as well as the others are very entertaining specifically Jocelyn. Her whole character is mysterious and strong. Some guys which I hated so much for being bossy (lol).
This book is about love, self knowing and lots of stuff. I don't know but the author made me fall in love with the sea though I fear to swim. Read this book and appreciate magnificent places and all the fantastic creatures of the ocean And all the sunken treasures of it.
I am looking forward to read the sequel of this book and drift away with Jocelyn. The language that is used in this book is really great, old but still beautiful. The setting was really captivating.
I highly recommend this to all fantasy lovers. I guarantee that you will enjoy it!.
-MellanieAnnS.Duque
The main characters as well as the others are very entertaining specifically Jocelyn. Her whole character is mysterious and strong. Some guys which I hated so much for being bossy (lol).
This book is about love, self knowing and lots of stuff. I don't know but the author made me fall in love with the sea though I fear to swim. Read this book and appreciate magnificent places and all the fantastic creatures of the ocean And all the sunken treasures of it.
I am looking forward to read the sequel of this book and drift away with Jocelyn. The language that is used in this book is really great, old but still beautiful. The setting was really captivating.
I highly recommend this to all fantasy lovers. I guarantee that you will enjoy it!.
-MellanieAnnS.Duque
May 20, 2017
Wow! While I'm all for mermaids, I can honestly say that I've never thought to myself "hey! I wanna read a mermaid book", and while this book was gifted to me by Sarah Armstrong-Garner herself I was only semi-tempted to read it. I didn't think I would sit down with this book and end up finishing it a mere four hours later but that's exactly what happened!
I found the first few chapters a tad bit slow and I could immediately guess what the old lady had in mind for our sweet Jocelyn, but after that, the mystery of trying to figure out who Jocelyn is (right along with her since she has no memory of who she is!) was enough to keep me entranced until the very end.
I fell in love with the characters (and despised one in particular) right away. I don't want to give anything away but the complex love story pulled at my heartstrings because in a way, I wasn't sure who I wanted to come out the victor.
Needless to say, Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner far exceeded my expectations and I am heartbroken that I have to wait so long until the second book (Drifting) comes out.
Well done Sarah, very well done!
I found the first few chapters a tad bit slow and I could immediately guess what the old lady had in mind for our sweet Jocelyn, but after that, the mystery of trying to figure out who Jocelyn is (right along with her since she has no memory of who she is!) was enough to keep me entranced until the very end.
I fell in love with the characters (and despised one in particular) right away. I don't want to give anything away but the complex love story pulled at my heartstrings because in a way, I wasn't sure who I wanted to come out the victor.
Needless to say, Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner far exceeded my expectations and I am heartbroken that I have to wait so long until the second book (Drifting) comes out.
Well done Sarah, very well done!
July 4, 2017
If you love Ireland, mysterious pasts, or beautiful descriptions, SINKING offers all of the above and then some. Sarah Armstrong-Garner takes readers on a journey where the life of land and sea intertwine. You will be left anxious to read the trilogy’s next book and continue the journey.
Read my full review here: https://lennwritesblog.wordpress.com/...
Read my full review here: https://lennwritesblog.wordpress.com/...
February 19, 2020
I love mermaids, so I was very excited to read this! Not only is the cover stunning, but it was a refreshing story so unlike the standard sirens leading sailors to their death bit. It was set in Ireland in the eighteenth century and Sarah Armstrong-Garner weaves a mysterious and magical tale of a young girl with memory loss trying to figure out her past with a new future taking hold above water. It was definitely a page turner that I finished it in two days and immediately ordered the sequel, Drifting.
June 20, 2018
A mermaid tale with a flare of the Georgian era. But unlike the Classic books it's written in modern English. Very interesting twists toward the end I'll say if you enjoy it definitely have book 2 handy.
October 28, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! Its mystery, mystique, mermaids and high seas adventure!
June 1, 2017
Wonderful book! A definite must read!!
March 28, 2022
This book is captivating and I’m excited to read the 2nd book from this trilogy
June 13, 2023
How the hell did this get published with loads of head hopping? Usually, that is a huge no-no in publishing, and this book is a prime example of why.
I'm halfway through and still want to know what happens as the story is interesting, but it's extremely confusing with the POV constantly flip-flopping around, making it hard to fully get immersed in the story. It could literally change a sentence later! I don't mind multiple POVs, but at least separate them by chapters or breaks. Also, some POVs are completely unnecessary as they are minor characters.
I usually wait till the end of a book to leave a review, but this is just madness!
UPDATE:
The head hopping gets better at the end where it focuses on the two main characters. It's a shame the author couldn't have done that at the beginning. It's almost as if this book wasn't edited and improved as it went. I will read the next book.
I'm halfway through and still want to know what happens as the story is interesting, but it's extremely confusing with the POV constantly flip-flopping around, making it hard to fully get immersed in the story. It could literally change a sentence later! I don't mind multiple POVs, but at least separate them by chapters or breaks. Also, some POVs are completely unnecessary as they are minor characters.
I usually wait till the end of a book to leave a review, but this is just madness!
UPDATE:
The head hopping gets better at the end where it focuses on the two main characters. It's a shame the author couldn't have done that at the beginning. It's almost as if this book wasn't edited and improved as it went. I will read the next book.
February 13, 2017
I received this book in exchange for a review, and I'll be honest...I don't know why I waited so long to read this! It was SO good. In my opinion it seemed like a retelling of the little mermaid, so of course I had a feeling I would love it. There were a few characters that made me want to throw the book across the room, unfortunately. But a good book always has those characters! I really, really enjoyed reading this book! The only issue I had was at the beginning where the author called Jocelyn so many different names that I had an issue trying to keep everything straight. Other than that, I would rate this book 4.5/5 stars! I don't think Goodreads allows half stars?! Either way, if you're thinking of reading this book, pick it up! You'll love it. :)
I'm very interested in the sequel as well!
I'm very interested in the sequel as well!
May 9, 2016
Love, love, love.
Even though I'm an adult, I love YA Fantasy. This story was quite unique (and refreshing after the onslaught of vampire stories out there) and exciting to read.
I love the main character, Jocelyn. Despite having no memory, her personality shines through. She is smart and independent and honest. Her fault would be her temper. I like Adrian, although it is hard to tell if he loves her for who she is or is *spoiler alert* drawn to her because, as a mermaid, men are magically drawn to her to begin with. To me, that is the most important question she should ask; does he truly love me or can he simply not resist me? Do I sense a potential plot twist in future novels...?
I hate Thomas. I think that's the point, but still. Don't like him. He has no redeeming quality.
If there are going to be teams for the love triangle, I'm rooting for Benlar. Since I'm questioning whether or not Adrian's feelings could be true and all...I don't think I have to worry about that with Benlar.
Anyway, loved it.
Even though I'm an adult, I love YA Fantasy. This story was quite unique (and refreshing after the onslaught of vampire stories out there) and exciting to read.
I love the main character, Jocelyn. Despite having no memory, her personality shines through. She is smart and independent and honest. Her fault would be her temper. I like Adrian, although it is hard to tell if he loves her for who she is or is *spoiler alert* drawn to her because, as a mermaid, men are magically drawn to her to begin with. To me, that is the most important question she should ask; does he truly love me or can he simply not resist me? Do I sense a potential plot twist in future novels...?
I hate Thomas. I think that's the point, but still. Don't like him. He has no redeeming quality.
If there are going to be teams for the love triangle, I'm rooting for Benlar. Since I'm questioning whether or not Adrian's feelings could be true and all...I don't think I have to worry about that with Benlar.
Anyway, loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2017
Jocelyn finds herself washed up on the coast of Ireland with no memories and nothing to connect her to her past. The widow who takes her in hopes to marry Jocelyn off to a wealthy relative, but Jocelyn has plans of her own, including spending more time with Aidan, a handsome ship captain, and discovering why she feels so drawn to the sea that nearly took her life.
Sinking intrigued me right from the start with the mystery of Jocelyn's past. I enjoyed watching her grow as a character and finding out clues to her identity throughout the book. While I at times found the omniscient point of view a little jarring and would've loved to get inside Jocelyn's head more, I liked the historical feel of the book and the author's elegant writing style. The last few chapters especially held my attention as more information was revealed and interesting facets of Jocelyn's powers and history fell into place, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a mix of history, romance, folklore, and mystery.
Sinking intrigued me right from the start with the mystery of Jocelyn's past. I enjoyed watching her grow as a character and finding out clues to her identity throughout the book. While I at times found the omniscient point of view a little jarring and would've loved to get inside Jocelyn's head more, I liked the historical feel of the book and the author's elegant writing style. The last few chapters especially held my attention as more information was revealed and interesting facets of Jocelyn's powers and history fell into place, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a mix of history, romance, folklore, and mystery.
February 23, 2016
Sinking kept my attention and surprised me. I look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy once it's released.
The story starts with a lonely old woman who finds Jocelyn, the main character, naked and unconscious on a beach in Ireland. The old woman takes her in and quickly realizes that Jocelyn is unlike any other woman her age. She devises a plan to use Jocelyn's beauty and vulnerabilities to her advantage.
Soon, the old woman's cruel nephew and his employee, Captain Boyd, are both drawn in by Jocelyn. A sea voyage, some drama and the addition of Benlar, a man who Jocelyn feels as if she knows, all build to a culmination of events that left me wanting more.
Interesting read with a different take. Worth the read!
*Sarah Armstrong-Garner gave me an advance copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review.
The story starts with a lonely old woman who finds Jocelyn, the main character, naked and unconscious on a beach in Ireland. The old woman takes her in and quickly realizes that Jocelyn is unlike any other woman her age. She devises a plan to use Jocelyn's beauty and vulnerabilities to her advantage.
Soon, the old woman's cruel nephew and his employee, Captain Boyd, are both drawn in by Jocelyn. A sea voyage, some drama and the addition of Benlar, a man who Jocelyn feels as if she knows, all build to a culmination of events that left me wanting more.
Interesting read with a different take. Worth the read!
*Sarah Armstrong-Garner gave me an advance copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review.
February 13, 2020
Take a journey from Ireland, across the sea, and to India. As Joycelyn washes ashore in Ireland and soon takes this journey with two possible lovers. As she tries to remember who she is. The writing was very clear. except for the very beginning, when I assumed that Lady Edith was the villain till much later when certain events arise. though I know some people might disagree I However enjoyed Aidan's and Joycelyn relationship at least until the third possible lover came in I felt that he kind of made the story stop. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and I am very thankful to have met Sarah Armstrong-Garner at "Great Valley Bookfest "
overall I give this book 5 stars
I will be posting a video review soon.
I hope you enjoy :)
June 19, 2016
I loved this original story! It is a great read whether you are an adult or a teen. At the beginning of the novel when Jocelyn is rescued, her origins are a mystery. At first, we assume she’s human, but the alluring forces that arise from the ocean draw her back to the water—and she appears to change, her eyes taking on the fluid qualities of the water itself. The coral jewel her rescuer found and kept for herself holds the key to Jocelyn’s origins, but for a long time it remains hidden. Discovering Jocelyn’s past takes the reader on many exciting twists and turns. Jocelyn begins to fall in love with Aidan, the ship’s captain. But there is another voice that calls to her, a stronger voice, the sea, which cannot be ignored.
April 18, 2018
Sinking
I love this story. It was intriguing, suspenseful, and fast-paced. The author made me fall in love with Jocelyn and Aidan. And she used enough mystery and suspense that it will compel the reader to stick with the story to find out what Jocelyn's secrets are. But, I will admit, I was disappointed when Benlar was introduced into the story. Not because he was a bad character, but I dislike love triangles, and I think it is cruelty for an author to endear the reader to one character and then pop in another possible love interest. Even though the love triangle annoyed me, I still enjoyed Sinking.
I love this story. It was intriguing, suspenseful, and fast-paced. The author made me fall in love with Jocelyn and Aidan. And she used enough mystery and suspense that it will compel the reader to stick with the story to find out what Jocelyn's secrets are. But, I will admit, I was disappointed when Benlar was introduced into the story. Not because he was a bad character, but I dislike love triangles, and I think it is cruelty for an author to endear the reader to one character and then pop in another possible love interest. Even though the love triangle annoyed me, I still enjoyed Sinking.
June 25, 2016
It was a good easy read, and the storyline was interesting. It was just what I needed right now something simple and easy and not too deep.
January 9, 2018
This book was SPECTACULAR. It included a love triangle, and so much more. This amazing fantasy book will keep you turning the pages all night long! (Team Benlar of course)
October 15, 2016
This was a beautifully written fantasy novel. The characters were intriguing and the storyline kept me turning the pages. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
December 5, 2016
I love fantasy and this what perfect! romance and mermaids, what more could you ask for!?
November 9, 2016
Sarah Armstrong-GarnerSinking: Book One of the Sinking Trilogy
Format: Paperback
Publishers: Love2ReadLove2Write
Pages: 271
Rating: 4 Stars
I was sent this book from the author exchanged for an honest review. I enjoyed this book a lot! It was a fun and fast read. This book is Jane Austen meets The Little Mermaid. The writing reminds me of Jane Austen while the plot is about mermaids! I haven't seen a lot of books about mermaids so this was already interesting and sold me just on the concept.
Let's talk Pros and Cons. What makes this book so good is the main character, Jocelyn, she wants to do what makes her happy and she doesn't care what men or society think of her. She is going to find her own path and do what she think is right. When we first meet Jocelyn she is washed up on a beach in 18 century Ireland without her memory. This is a story of remembering Jocelyn's past.
The other characters are interesting enough but the only reason I had to give this four stars and not five is because of the insta. love between her and one of the male characters, Aidan. I think at first Aidan is more infatuated with her because she is not of this world! She is a mermaid which is pretty obvious to the reader.
So let's recap! This book is fun, fast paced, set in the 1800s with some world travels, and it have mermaids! The main character is sassy and strong willed. My main complaint is the insta. love but other than that I really did enjoy this book!
I am really excited for the next book because I am hoping for more world building of the mermaid world! I want to know more about Jocelyn past and I am hoping she will still be her strong willed self. This is a solid first book and I am excited to see where this story will take us.
You can buy this book anywhere that books are sold!
Thank you for reading and I hope you will give this book a go!
Format: Paperback
Publishers: Love2ReadLove2Write
Pages: 271
Rating: 4 Stars
I was sent this book from the author exchanged for an honest review. I enjoyed this book a lot! It was a fun and fast read. This book is Jane Austen meets The Little Mermaid. The writing reminds me of Jane Austen while the plot is about mermaids! I haven't seen a lot of books about mermaids so this was already interesting and sold me just on the concept.
Let's talk Pros and Cons. What makes this book so good is the main character, Jocelyn, she wants to do what makes her happy and she doesn't care what men or society think of her. She is going to find her own path and do what she think is right. When we first meet Jocelyn she is washed up on a beach in 18 century Ireland without her memory. This is a story of remembering Jocelyn's past.
The other characters are interesting enough but the only reason I had to give this four stars and not five is because of the insta. love between her and one of the male characters, Aidan. I think at first Aidan is more infatuated with her because she is not of this world! She is a mermaid which is pretty obvious to the reader.
So let's recap! This book is fun, fast paced, set in the 1800s with some world travels, and it have mermaids! The main character is sassy and strong willed. My main complaint is the insta. love but other than that I really did enjoy this book!
I am really excited for the next book because I am hoping for more world building of the mermaid world! I want to know more about Jocelyn past and I am hoping she will still be her strong willed self. This is a solid first book and I am excited to see where this story will take us.
You can buy this book anywhere that books are sold!
Thank you for reading and I hope you will give this book a go!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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