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When the Sea Turned to Silver
This breathtaking, full-color illustrated fantasy is inspired by Chinese folklore, and is a companion to the Newbery Honor winner Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Pinmei's gentle, loving grandmother always has the most thrilling tales for her granddaughter and the other villagers. However, the peace is shattered one night when soldiers of the Emperor arrive and kidnap the storyteller. Everyone knows that the Emperor wants something called the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Determined to have her grandmother returned, Pinmei embarks on a journey to find the Luminous Stone alongside her friend Yishan, a mysterious boy who seems to have his own secrets to hide. Together, the two must face obstacles usually found only in legends to find the Luminous Stone and save Pinmei's grandmother--before it's too late. A fast-paced adventure that is extraordinarily written and beautifully illustrated, When the Sea Turned to Silver is a masterpiece companion novel to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
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February 7, 2022“I will never forget, Yishan had said, and that is truly the only immortality that matters”
So What’s It About? (from Goodreads)
“Pinmei’s gentle, loving grandmother always has the most exciting tales for her granddaughter and the other villagers. However, the peace is shattered one night when soldiers of the Emperor arrive and kidnap the storyteller.
Everyone knows that the Emperor wants something called the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Determined to have her grandmother returned, Pinmei embarks on a journey to find the Luminous Stone alongside her friend Yishan, a mysterious boy who seems to have his own secrets to hide. Together, the two must face obstacles usually found only in legends to find the Luminous Stone and save Pinmei’s grandmother–before it’s too late.”
What I Thought
What an absolute delight! I’ve been utterly charmed by Grace Lin’s stories in the past, but I think When The Sea Turned To Silver is on a whole new level of inventiveness, beauty and clever story-telling. I absolutely loved the book’s structure and the stories-within-stories that feature so prominently. What I enjoyed most of all is that all of these seemingly-random folk tales actually intersect and come together at the ending of the story to impact Pinmei’s adventure in a truly brilliant, delightful and magical way.
I have to say that I also loved the callbacks to Lin’s previous works, and I was glad that I was correct in my prediction that Pinmei’s grandmother Amah is actually Minli from Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Finally, I think this is ultimately one of those stories that is all about the magic of words and tales and their power to bring myths to life and change the world – and I’m always a sucker for that kind of meta story-about-stories.
When The Sea Turned To Silver tackles some heavy themes for its designated age range, I think – mainly the abuses that those in power may enact against those beneath them for the sake of greed and more power, and the way that the less-powerful may then become complicit in that cruelty:
“It’s interesting how all the magistrates and king’s fathers in your stories seem to have the same personality. It’s as if they could all be the same person.”
“it does seem that way, doesn’t it?” Amah agreed.
“Though I suppose the powerful all seem the same to us,” the stonecutter said, laughing.”
Pinmei’s arc as a character is about her learning how to stop being so passive and timid, and she ultimately becomes a much braver and decisive person. In addition, there is another really powerful female role model in the character Lady Meng, who refuses to marry the Emperor who covets her and, in one especially powerful moment, defies him and says that he can marry her corpse.
Last but perhaps most importantly, this is another shining example of a book that is entirely based in a non-Western culture and beautifully demonstrates its Chinese influences, myths and oral traditions through and through.
So What’s It About? (from Goodreads)
“Pinmei’s gentle, loving grandmother always has the most exciting tales for her granddaughter and the other villagers. However, the peace is shattered one night when soldiers of the Emperor arrive and kidnap the storyteller.
Everyone knows that the Emperor wants something called the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Determined to have her grandmother returned, Pinmei embarks on a journey to find the Luminous Stone alongside her friend Yishan, a mysterious boy who seems to have his own secrets to hide. Together, the two must face obstacles usually found only in legends to find the Luminous Stone and save Pinmei’s grandmother–before it’s too late.”
What I Thought
What an absolute delight! I’ve been utterly charmed by Grace Lin’s stories in the past, but I think When The Sea Turned To Silver is on a whole new level of inventiveness, beauty and clever story-telling. I absolutely loved the book’s structure and the stories-within-stories that feature so prominently. What I enjoyed most of all is that all of these seemingly-random folk tales actually intersect and come together at the ending of the story to impact Pinmei’s adventure in a truly brilliant, delightful and magical way.
I have to say that I also loved the callbacks to Lin’s previous works, and I was glad that I was correct in my prediction that Pinmei’s grandmother Amah is actually Minli from Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Finally, I think this is ultimately one of those stories that is all about the magic of words and tales and their power to bring myths to life and change the world – and I’m always a sucker for that kind of meta story-about-stories.
When The Sea Turned To Silver tackles some heavy themes for its designated age range, I think – mainly the abuses that those in power may enact against those beneath them for the sake of greed and more power, and the way that the less-powerful may then become complicit in that cruelty:
“It’s interesting how all the magistrates and king’s fathers in your stories seem to have the same personality. It’s as if they could all be the same person.”
“it does seem that way, doesn’t it?” Amah agreed.
“Though I suppose the powerful all seem the same to us,” the stonecutter said, laughing.”
Pinmei’s arc as a character is about her learning how to stop being so passive and timid, and she ultimately becomes a much braver and decisive person. In addition, there is another really powerful female role model in the character Lady Meng, who refuses to marry the Emperor who covets her and, in one especially powerful moment, defies him and says that he can marry her corpse.
Last but perhaps most importantly, this is another shining example of a book that is entirely based in a non-Western culture and beautifully demonstrates its Chinese influences, myths and oral traditions through and through.
December 29, 2019
“When the Sea turned to Silver” is a tough call. It is better than its predecessor in every way except the most important: the theme.
“When the Sea Turned to Silver” is a direct sequel to “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.” It not only follows the same family but wraps up a few lose ends from that story. I was pleasantly surprised by this fact. Seeing some of the ideas from the first book fleshed out and some stories come full circle was immensely satisfying. I do not known if Grace Lin had this sequel in mind when she wrote the first but the continuation of the story and characters is masterful. Overall, I am highly impressed by the fact that Grace Lin did not settle as a writer and strived to do better in her sequel.
My biggest qualm from the first book is also addressed. While storytelling is the heart of this series the first book proportionately had too many pauses in the main story to convey the pacing of a folktale. This disruption at certain points lessened the story's impact in my eyes. Here, the balance is sound. There are still plenty of folktales that flesh out the truth behind the narrative, but the main story is not forgotten. Plenty happens and the characters feel more autonomous and the main story more epic for the entirety. The narrative in general is also better. While the last story was very personal, very little was at stake. Here the whole kingdom could suffer if the story teller’s granddaughter fails and the narrative has more power for it. There is also more action in this sequel which helps to make the stakes feel dire.
The writing is better has also improved. The metaphors and similes do not get in the way of the storytelling but paint beautiful word-pictures. These echo the idea of storytelling and its power and bolster the themes of stories in the book.
The only place this book falters is the main theme. “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” had flaws, but its heart was a powerfully realized message. Here there is no main message, no driving theme besides how stories weave into life and eternity. At least, that was my opinion. It is a shame because while this is an objectively better read, it is hard to say it is a better book without the universal theme anchoring it.
If you enjoyed “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”, give this a read. It is everything you like about the first and is more polished. Young children and young readers should also read this. Time to check out what else the author has written.
“When the Sea Turned to Silver” is a direct sequel to “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.” It not only follows the same family but wraps up a few lose ends from that story. I was pleasantly surprised by this fact. Seeing some of the ideas from the first book fleshed out and some stories come full circle was immensely satisfying. I do not known if Grace Lin had this sequel in mind when she wrote the first but the continuation of the story and characters is masterful. Overall, I am highly impressed by the fact that Grace Lin did not settle as a writer and strived to do better in her sequel.
My biggest qualm from the first book is also addressed. While storytelling is the heart of this series the first book proportionately had too many pauses in the main story to convey the pacing of a folktale. This disruption at certain points lessened the story's impact in my eyes. Here, the balance is sound. There are still plenty of folktales that flesh out the truth behind the narrative, but the main story is not forgotten. Plenty happens and the characters feel more autonomous and the main story more epic for the entirety. The narrative in general is also better. While the last story was very personal, very little was at stake. Here the whole kingdom could suffer if the story teller’s granddaughter fails and the narrative has more power for it. There is also more action in this sequel which helps to make the stakes feel dire.
The writing is better has also improved. The metaphors and similes do not get in the way of the storytelling but paint beautiful word-pictures. These echo the idea of storytelling and its power and bolster the themes of stories in the book.
The only place this book falters is the main theme. “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” had flaws, but its heart was a powerfully realized message. Here there is no main message, no driving theme besides how stories weave into life and eternity. At least, that was my opinion. It is a shame because while this is an objectively better read, it is hard to say it is a better book without the universal theme anchoring it.
If you enjoyed “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”, give this a read. It is everything you like about the first and is more polished. Young children and young readers should also read this. Time to check out what else the author has written.
August 8, 2017
this is the kind of book I aspire to write tbh😭😭😭
CW/TWs: didn't notice this first time reading through but there was a problematic element of using disfigurement as punishment+a magical cure for said disfigurement :/
CW/TWs: didn't notice this first time reading through but there was a problematic element of using disfigurement as punishment+a magical cure for said disfigurement :/
September 15, 2020
Rounding up to 4 stars because I recognize the merit of this story. I just didn't...feel it.
When the Sea Turned to Silver follows the storyteller's granddaughter as she tries to rescue her grandma from the evil emperor. As she goes, she tells the stories she learned and the mythology she weaves plays into the other characters in the narrative.
I agree with all the other positive reviews on here--this would be a great story to read to children. It a delightful homage to Chinese mythology and oral tradition and a high-stakes adventure novel with myth and fantasy.
I just really, really struggled to get into it.
I've been poking at it for almost a year now and feel some relief at being done. But I've got the other two books by this author and I suppose I should read those and return all of them to my cousin before another year sneaks by with me holding onto her books...
When the Sea Turned to Silver follows the storyteller's granddaughter as she tries to rescue her grandma from the evil emperor. As she goes, she tells the stories she learned and the mythology she weaves plays into the other characters in the narrative.
I agree with all the other positive reviews on here--this would be a great story to read to children. It a delightful homage to Chinese mythology and oral tradition and a high-stakes adventure novel with myth and fantasy.
I just really, really struggled to get into it.
I've been poking at it for almost a year now and feel some relief at being done. But I've got the other two books by this author and I suppose I should read those and return all of them to my cousin before another year sneaks by with me holding onto her books...
October 29, 2019
"Almost all men respect the Storyteller. You can make time disappear. You can bring us to places we never dreamed of. You can make us feel sorrow and joy and peace.
"You have great magic."
wow that was super life-affirming and vocation-affirming and also just a rip-roaring good winter survival adventure???? with drama and angst and High Stakes???? 10 stars out of 10.
"You have great magic."
wow that was super life-affirming and vocation-affirming and also just a rip-roaring good winter survival adventure???? with drama and angst and High Stakes???? 10 stars out of 10.
November 26, 2017
Grace Lin’s storytelling is so magical. It is fitting that this book’s main character is known as the storyteller’s granddaughter. Weaving together an adventure narrative with traditional, orally told stories, Lin masterfully crafts an enchanting tale of friendship, love, and everyday magic.
July 16, 2017
A stunning and gorgeous story about a storyteller's granddaughter and the incredible journey she embarks on to save her grandmother.
- A beautiful homage to storytelling, the power of stories, and how, through stories, we can find truth and inspiration.
- The narrative is filled with stories based on Chinese mythology, parables, and folktales that I learned when I was young. (And I loved the small reference to Zhuangzi's butterfly dream.)
- I loved piecing everything together in the end; loved how this story excited me and enthralled me. This is the sort of story I will share with my children one day. I think this book has found a home in my heart.
Full review to come.
- A beautiful homage to storytelling, the power of stories, and how, through stories, we can find truth and inspiration.
- The narrative is filled with stories based on Chinese mythology, parables, and folktales that I learned when I was young. (And I loved the small reference to Zhuangzi's butterfly dream.)
- I loved piecing everything together in the end; loved how this story excited me and enthralled me. This is the sort of story I will share with my children one day. I think this book has found a home in my heart.
Full review to come.
June 21, 2018
I love Grace Lin books!! <3
July 7, 2018
This was an enjoyable story, though I enjoyed “Where the Mountain meets the Moon” by the same author more. As this story concerns a Storyteller and her granddaughter, a budding storyteller herself, there were many short tales woven into the larger story of Pinmei going on a journey to save her grandmother from the Emperor. While I loved the short stories, and following Pinmei and Yishan on their adventures, I found the constant interruption of Pinmei’s adventures by Pinmei relating a story kept taking me out of the main story’s action, much like when you’re driving along a smooth surface then unexpectedly go into a pothole.
One other concern: the disfigurement of a minor character that resulted from a negative behaviour, which was then magically fixed because of a positive action. The equating of disfigurement with being a bad person is troubling and not a good association for young people to make.
The story otherwise is gentle, much like Pinmei, as the two children rush from one location to another, encountering a variety of people and creatures who assist and hinder them on their journey.
One other concern: the disfigurement of a minor character that resulted from a negative behaviour, which was then magically fixed because of a positive action. The equating of disfigurement with being a bad person is troubling and not a good association for young people to make.
The story otherwise is gentle, much like Pinmei, as the two children rush from one location to another, encountering a variety of people and creatures who assist and hinder them on their journey.
July 27, 2021
I liked it and should have read the middle volume in the cycle Starry River of the Sky first. This is the the third volume of Grace Lin's Chinese folk/fantasy cycle that began with the small and self-contained masterpiece Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
When the Sea Turned to Silver continues the battle between the Tiger and the Storyteller with help from the Immortals. The threads did not fully come together for me as they did in the first book. Suitable for ages 8 - adult.
When the Sea Turned to Silver continues the battle between the Tiger and the Storyteller with help from the Immortals. The threads did not fully come together for me as they did in the first book. Suitable for ages 8 - adult.
March 4, 2023
The main character is a young girl named Penmei who sets out on a quest to save her grandmother who was taken by the evil green dragon emperor. The emperor is seeking immortality and doesn't care who he kills in the process. He is taking all of the young men from mountain villages to use as slave labor to build a huge wall around the entire kingdom. The kingdom is stuck in a never-ending winter because the black turtle of winter is trapped somewhere in the world.
Penmei's grandmother was taken because she knows all of the stories and legends of China which the green dragon emperor believes he needs to achieve immortality. But it turns out unassuming little Penmei also knows the stories because she has always listened to her grandmother tell them.
This book is a good testament to the value of stories and storytelling.
Penmei's grandmother was taken because she knows all of the stories and legends of China which the green dragon emperor believes he needs to achieve immortality. But it turns out unassuming little Penmei also knows the stories because she has always listened to her grandmother tell them.
This book is a good testament to the value of stories and storytelling.
October 25, 2021
I love how the author weaves folktales in with the narrative. My favorite was the people who were punished for not standing up for injustice because of fear. It’s similar in plot to Where the Mountain meets the Moon but while that focused on home this focuses on the immortality of stories and a girl’s quest to save her Grandma.
November 26, 2017
“Mortals are the only ones who can give immortality. It has always been that way.”
Pinmei is shy and tongue-tied - quite the contrast to her grandmother, the storyteller, who enchants people from near and far with her tales and legends. But when the new Emperor hopes to find the key to immortality in legends and has Pinmei's grandmother arrested, Pinmei realises that she can recall all the tales she's grown up with if she can only find the courage to speak. With the help of her droll friend Yishan, the beautiful Lady Meng, and a mind full of stories, Pinmei sets out on a journey to rescue her grandmother and foil the Emperor's plan of gaining immortality.
I was already impressed with the author's Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, but this new tale just takes it to a new level. When the Sea Turned to Silver is a beautiful tale of family, friendship, loyalty, mythical creatures, magical landscapes and what it takes to rule a kingdom. And of course, it is not short on stories. I can't help but love stories within stories, and this one has them interwoven so nicely - a reread will always be worthwhile!
It is one of those stories that includes so much foreshadowing, every little detail from the first page down to the last matters. We follow Pinmei and her friends on their journey through China where winter does not seem to end. They are certain the Emperor is to blame and try to get to the bottom of it. On their way, they meet a variety of characters and creatures who all want to hear stories from the storyteller's granddaughter.
I also love how the author handles the Chinese elements. Various elements of the story ring familiar in accordance with my Chinese studies - the author incorporates language, tales and real historical events such as the building of the great wall. It is a pleasure to see these elements and they strike me as very accessible to anyone, no matter how much or little you are familiar with the culture.
Pinmei is a great character. She grows so much throughout the book but never loses her kindness and modesty. Her friends Yishan and Lady Meng have their own secrets that unravel during their journey, but both prove to be wonderful friends.
But what I enjoyed the most were, without a doubt, the through and through magical sceneries. They travel through icy lands with red butterflies, the depths of the ocean where the bottom reflects the sky, trees draped with lanterns, endless starlit bridges, and a moon that can be seized with a magical bracelet.
When the Sea Turned to Silver is far from being short on magic. Pinmei's tales come to life and, as far as I am concerned, easily hold their own next to similar better-known books. It is a shame that this is the least known out of the author's three Chinese fantasy novels - it deserves so much more!
April 7, 2020
When the Sea Turned to Silver
Grace Lin
This beautiful book is a middle grade, Chinese fairytale. The main story follows Pinmei and Yishan. Pinmei's grandma is a storyteller. People from near and far come to listen to her seemingly endless stories. But one day, the Emperor imprisons her. Pinmei finds out the Emperor is after a "Luminous Stone That Lights the Night". She sets out to find this stone and free Amah along with her friend Yishan.
The main story is peppered with smaller stories - fairy-tales/lore. Amah (Pinmei's grandmother) and Pinmei take turns telling them. We meet some other characters along the way. One of the most important aspects of the story is the making of great wall. It's horrifying to see how many people were forced to work on the wall and were sacrificed for it.
Slowly the stories Pinmei and Amah tell merge with their own story. The writing is fantastical and engaging. It's just great storytelling. The illustrations are so full of heart! The detailing in each chapter header shows you how much work went into it. The book is not perfect though. I didn't like one of the main characters much. And at the end it felt like too many stories were connected to make complete sense. Nevertheless it was a wholesome read. I'll definitely read more from the author.
Grace Lin
This beautiful book is a middle grade, Chinese fairytale. The main story follows Pinmei and Yishan. Pinmei's grandma is a storyteller. People from near and far come to listen to her seemingly endless stories. But one day, the Emperor imprisons her. Pinmei finds out the Emperor is after a "Luminous Stone That Lights the Night". She sets out to find this stone and free Amah along with her friend Yishan.
The main story is peppered with smaller stories - fairy-tales/lore. Amah (Pinmei's grandmother) and Pinmei take turns telling them. We meet some other characters along the way. One of the most important aspects of the story is the making of great wall. It's horrifying to see how many people were forced to work on the wall and were sacrificed for it.
Slowly the stories Pinmei and Amah tell merge with their own story. The writing is fantastical and engaging. It's just great storytelling. The illustrations are so full of heart! The detailing in each chapter header shows you how much work went into it. The book is not perfect though. I didn't like one of the main characters much. And at the end it felt like too many stories were connected to make complete sense. Nevertheless it was a wholesome read. I'll definitely read more from the author.
July 24, 2018
“Stories are what connect us to our past and carry us to our future. They are what we cherish and what we remember.”
An enchanting, beautifully written folklore/fantasy story. It's full of adventure, magic, and emotion. Pinmei, the main character, transforms throughout the novel as she finds her voice and inner strength. There's a great message about the importance of storytelling. Also, the illustrations in the novel were so gorgeous (please read this book in print so you can truly appreciate the artwork).
An enchanting, beautifully written folklore/fantasy story. It's full of adventure, magic, and emotion. Pinmei, the main character, transforms throughout the novel as she finds her voice and inner strength. There's a great message about the importance of storytelling. Also, the illustrations in the novel were so gorgeous (please read this book in print so you can truly appreciate the artwork).
July 20, 2025
Read this with Duncan when he attended our book club. Really fun to read aloud. Loved all the stories woven throughout the larger adventure, and loved the emphasis on the power of stories- they captivate, calm, illuminate, and transport us. This made me want to get better at telling short stories out loud.
April 25, 2021
When the Sea Turned to Silver is a mythical wonderland of interlaced folklore, skillfully woven through the main journey that we take with the admirable duo, Pinmei and Yishan. My seven year old and I adored this extremely artistic story, with its magical and wistful prose, and the charming and interpretive illustrations.
I would highly recommend Grace Lin, as my son has requested I add her two other books in this series to our library queue ASAP.
I would highly recommend Grace Lin, as my son has requested I add her two other books in this series to our library queue ASAP.
May 13, 2017
Omg what can I say? Despite this being a children's book, I quite enjoyed it. It was sooo rich, and enchanting. :D <3 And I spent great time with it. Definitely going to look for the author's other works..and I LOVED her note at the end.
It's one of those books that make you wish you had a child so you could tell them about these glittering worlds XD
It's one of those books that make you wish you had a child so you could tell them about these glittering worlds XD
August 11, 2020
Pinmei’s quest to rescue her grandmother, a beloved storyteller from a tyrannical emperor truly has the same feel and heart of Lin’s other book “When the Mountain Meets the Moon”. It has a slightly more dangerous path while having a few surprises along the way, but still a marvelous and touching tale. A (100%/Outstanding)
November 9, 2020
this was a reread and I might be loving this series even more the second time around
October 17, 2016
The Tiger Emperor, disguised as a soldier, is going around to all the mountain villages and kidnapping men to help build a Vast Wall around his entire kingdom. When the Emperor arrives in Pinmei's village, not only does he take all the men, but he also takes Amah, her elderly grandmother known as the Storyteller. Amah had hidden Pinmei in a large empty wine vessel to keep her safe.
Before the soldiers leave, young Yishan arrives at the hut and demands they not take Amah, but the Emperor only laughs. Tossing him aside, he tells Yishan that he can have her back when he brings the Tiger Emperor a Luminous Stone That Lights The Night. As they leave, the soldiers set fire to the little hut Pinmei and Amah lived in.
Pinmei and Yishan decide to go rescue Amah and set out on a quest to find a Luminous Stone That Lights The Night, traveling from their home on the Never-Ending Mountain through deep snows in what seems to be a never ending winter to the City of Bright Moonlight. Along the way they are given much help in exchange for one of Amah's story, which Pinmei knows by heart.
Pinmei and Yishan are not in the City of Bright Moonlight long before they must journey to the Crystal Palace at the bottom of the sea to seek the help of the Sea King and then back to the Capital City to try to get Amah released from the Tiger Emperor's dungeon. Along the way, Pinmei begins to suspect that Yishan is hiding something from her as his demeanor begins to change to a more confident person when dealing with all the obstacles they meet on the quest to rescue Amah. Her suspicions aren't without foundation, providing one of the big surprises at the end of the story.
Besides Pinmei and Yishan's journey, there are parallel chapters of Amah in a dungeon with a fellow prisoner, a stonecutter, as well as the plight of the entrapped Black Tortoise of Winter, both adding to the mystery and enchantment of Pinmei's adventure. At the heart of this cleverly woven tale is the Tiger Emperor's desire for invincibility but also for immortality and he is willing to do anything to achieve that. But why did the Tiger Emperor kidnap Amah, the Storyteller? Why did he ask for a Luminous Stone That Lights The Night? And why can't the Black Tortoise move on so that winter can end? How can they help the Emperor achieve what he wants?
The answers to these questions can be found in the stories that Pinmei and Amah tell and which are strategically interspersed throughout the book (of course, I didn't realize the strategic part on my first reading of When the Sea Turned To Silver). Though rooted in traditional Chinese folktales, Grace Lin has given them her own spin to support the story of Pinmei, Amah, Yishan and the selfish Tiger Emperor.
I was really looking forward to reading When the Sea Turned To Silver and I wasn't disappointed. It is an adventure with lots of twists and turns, where nothing is as it seems and there are a few surprises along the way The tales fit smoothly and relevantly into the framing story, so the reader doesn't experience any disjunction or lose track of Pinmei and Yishan journeys.
When the Sea Turned To Sliver is the third book in the trilogy that includes When the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky but you don't need to have read these two previous tales to enjoy this third one. Although there are references to the past narratives, this one does stand alone.
I found the writing to be clear and clean, but not quite as lyrical or poetic as Lin's two previous novels. In fact, sometimes I thought Yishan sounded a little colloquial. None of this takes away from the loveliness of the basic story, but I was surprised by it.
When the Sea Turned To Silver is an enchanting work and Lin has invented an imaginative ancient Chinese world that is at times rather dark in tone and at other times is just beautiful. And she has provided the reader with illustrations that will take your breath away, beginning with the cover, and continuing with the full color images throughout the book and the two-tone vignettes at the start of each chapter.
The first illustration in the book is one of my personal favorites. I love the way Lin frames her illustrations like her stories with what appears to be her version of traditional Chinese designs that fit her story. You can see that Lin really puts a lot of care and thought into what she creates. In this first full color illustration in the story, you can almost feel the bitter cold of the winter that is going on and on, and the isolation in which Pinmei, Amah and Yishan live (Yishan lives alone in a different hut since his Aunty Meiya died).
When the Sea Turned To Silver is a eminently readable, spellbinding tale that is sure to please fans of Grace Lin, young readers who enjoy good fantasy, and everyone who likes to read.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased to send to my Kiddo, but I read it first.
This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading
Before the soldiers leave, young Yishan arrives at the hut and demands they not take Amah, but the Emperor only laughs. Tossing him aside, he tells Yishan that he can have her back when he brings the Tiger Emperor a Luminous Stone That Lights The Night. As they leave, the soldiers set fire to the little hut Pinmei and Amah lived in.
Pinmei and Yishan decide to go rescue Amah and set out on a quest to find a Luminous Stone That Lights The Night, traveling from their home on the Never-Ending Mountain through deep snows in what seems to be a never ending winter to the City of Bright Moonlight. Along the way they are given much help in exchange for one of Amah's story, which Pinmei knows by heart.
Pinmei and Yishan are not in the City of Bright Moonlight long before they must journey to the Crystal Palace at the bottom of the sea to seek the help of the Sea King and then back to the Capital City to try to get Amah released from the Tiger Emperor's dungeon. Along the way, Pinmei begins to suspect that Yishan is hiding something from her as his demeanor begins to change to a more confident person when dealing with all the obstacles they meet on the quest to rescue Amah. Her suspicions aren't without foundation, providing one of the big surprises at the end of the story.
Besides Pinmei and Yishan's journey, there are parallel chapters of Amah in a dungeon with a fellow prisoner, a stonecutter, as well as the plight of the entrapped Black Tortoise of Winter, both adding to the mystery and enchantment of Pinmei's adventure. At the heart of this cleverly woven tale is the Tiger Emperor's desire for invincibility but also for immortality and he is willing to do anything to achieve that. But why did the Tiger Emperor kidnap Amah, the Storyteller? Why did he ask for a Luminous Stone That Lights The Night? And why can't the Black Tortoise move on so that winter can end? How can they help the Emperor achieve what he wants?
The answers to these questions can be found in the stories that Pinmei and Amah tell and which are strategically interspersed throughout the book (of course, I didn't realize the strategic part on my first reading of When the Sea Turned To Silver). Though rooted in traditional Chinese folktales, Grace Lin has given them her own spin to support the story of Pinmei, Amah, Yishan and the selfish Tiger Emperor.
I was really looking forward to reading When the Sea Turned To Silver and I wasn't disappointed. It is an adventure with lots of twists and turns, where nothing is as it seems and there are a few surprises along the way The tales fit smoothly and relevantly into the framing story, so the reader doesn't experience any disjunction or lose track of Pinmei and Yishan journeys.
When the Sea Turned To Sliver is the third book in the trilogy that includes When the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky but you don't need to have read these two previous tales to enjoy this third one. Although there are references to the past narratives, this one does stand alone.
I found the writing to be clear and clean, but not quite as lyrical or poetic as Lin's two previous novels. In fact, sometimes I thought Yishan sounded a little colloquial. None of this takes away from the loveliness of the basic story, but I was surprised by it.
When the Sea Turned To Silver is an enchanting work and Lin has invented an imaginative ancient Chinese world that is at times rather dark in tone and at other times is just beautiful. And she has provided the reader with illustrations that will take your breath away, beginning with the cover, and continuing with the full color images throughout the book and the two-tone vignettes at the start of each chapter.
The first illustration in the book is one of my personal favorites. I love the way Lin frames her illustrations like her stories with what appears to be her version of traditional Chinese designs that fit her story. You can see that Lin really puts a lot of care and thought into what she creates. In this first full color illustration in the story, you can almost feel the bitter cold of the winter that is going on and on, and the isolation in which Pinmei, Amah and Yishan live (Yishan lives alone in a different hut since his Aunty Meiya died).
When the Sea Turned To Silver is a eminently readable, spellbinding tale that is sure to please fans of Grace Lin, young readers who enjoy good fantasy, and everyone who likes to read.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased to send to my Kiddo, but I read it first.
This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading
April 3, 2018
Grace Lin weaves a beautiful novel through ancient Chinese folktales. I loved this book and enjoyed the audiobook narrator very much as well.
October 20, 2018
I recommend this book to everyone.
September 10, 2017
This story links incidentally with Ms. Lin's other tales, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky. It is an engaging tale of deception, greed, sacrifice, and love that is complemented by numerous short stories that help to show the importance of storytelling and how we can become immortal through sharing our memories and stories with others.
Kim Mai Guest skillfully narrates the tale, which is filled with myriad characters and different subplots. I was impressed with her ability to keep the voices distinctly separate from one another to help the listener keep track of the different speakers.
interesting quotes (page numbers from edition):
Though I suppose the powerful all seem the same to us.
Kim Mai Guest skillfully narrates the tale, which is filled with myriad characters and different subplots. I was impressed with her ability to keep the voices distinctly separate from one another to help the listener keep track of the different speakers.
interesting quotes (page numbers from edition):
Though I suppose the powerful all seem the same to us.
December 25, 2016
Had this not been assigned for my Mock Newbery group, I'm not sure I would have finished it. I found the pacing slow -- not enough adventure and suspense to keep me reading. While I enjoyed the intermingling of stories from storytellers and the narrative of the adventure, I found the stories difficult to keep straight and the intersection of stories and narrative too little too late to be rewarding.
I didn't get much of a message out of this one except that stories are powerful and storytelling is a form of immortality.
(My SO is reading over my review and says, "That's exactly the kind of book that librarians love." Yes, I agree. This book was written for the Newbery committee more than it was written for children. I might find children who would enjoy it, but it's a tough sell.)
I didn't get much of a message out of this one except that stories are powerful and storytelling is a form of immortality.
(My SO is reading over my review and says, "That's exactly the kind of book that librarians love." Yes, I agree. This book was written for the Newbery committee more than it was written for children. I might find children who would enjoy it, but it's a tough sell.)
November 25, 2016
I'm not sure if the problem was me or the book, but I had a harder time following this one than previous installments. Still enjoyed reading it and it still had some really beautiful moments, but I wonder if I needed to have read the first two more recently (I think, like the first two, it is not a sequel but a companion story and I had a harder time remembering which characters I was supposed to already know) to appreciate it fully.
October 29, 2016
Best book of 2016 bar none. It will be an outrageous injustice if it is not honored by some award in the field of children's literature. Yeah, I said it.
May 23, 2017
I'm just so happy this book exists. An intoxicating and wondrous blend of old folklore and new adventures. A must-read for everyone who believes in the power of stories.
July 20, 2017
Read this one in a single sitting, I loved how the fables were intermixed into the storyline
July 22, 2017
A lovely little story with gorgeous illustrations.
I remember liking Where the Mountain Meets the Moon just a tiny bit better, though.
I remember liking Where the Mountain Meets the Moon just a tiny bit better, though.
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