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Currently
After escaping her oppressive life in Varasay, Nerene travels the roaming ocean with sirens who sell their mind-controlling abilities to the highest bidder.
Eager to reunite with her true love, Nerene looks for any opportunity to slip away from the vengeful sirens. But she’ll need someone powerful to help her, and that help might come from an unlikely source...
Currently is an ocean-themed fantasy with a unique mermaid mythology and a roaring 20’s vibe.
Eager to reunite with her true love, Nerene looks for any opportunity to slip away from the vengeful sirens. But she’ll need someone powerful to help her, and that help might come from an unlikely source...
Currently is an ocean-themed fantasy with a unique mermaid mythology and a roaring 20’s vibe.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2018
7 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mensinga
21 books64 followersSarah Mensinga grew up in Canada and now lives in Texas with her husband, three kids, and two cats. Her debut middle grade graphic novel, Kindred Dragons, comes out October 14th! She's also illustrated several picture books, including Heather Avis’s Different: A Great Thing to Be, a New York Times bestseller. In the past, she’s contributed stories to various comic anthologies, including Flight 4 and Flight 5, and worked on animated projects such as The Ant Bully, Escape from Planet Earth, and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron. When she’s not writing or drawing, she loves playing board games, going for walks with her family, and asking mythical creatures to solve complex riddles.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 7, 2025
My rating 4.8
The book "Currently" by Sarah Mensinga has a great story, and I enjoyed the read. The steampunk fantasy world in which the story is set is unique, and the characters are well-developed.
The world in which the main character, Nerene, lives depends on the tide. The hilltop cities receive those who live outside the city when the tide arrives. But city dwellers genuinely dislike those who live outside the city. Nerene is unwanted even in her village because her mother has been banished from the city. But she and her mother somehow manage to survive for years in this world. After her mother's death, Nerene's world begins to crumble, the tide is coming, and entering the city itself will be a problem for her because she has no paperwork on her existence. When and managed to enter the city, her love began an uprising against the slave-holding prince of the city. To save herself and her love, Nerene goes to Lord Osperacy, who sought her out in the village while she was still a little girl. Lord Osperacy helps her, but the price she has to pay is high.
Fantasy lovers will surely enjoy this book because the writer has created the perfect, unique world full of secrets. I expect this book to have a sequel because there are many, many stories hidden in this world.
The book "Currently" by Sarah Mensinga has a great story, and I enjoyed the read. The steampunk fantasy world in which the story is set is unique, and the characters are well-developed.
The world in which the main character, Nerene, lives depends on the tide. The hilltop cities receive those who live outside the city when the tide arrives. But city dwellers genuinely dislike those who live outside the city. Nerene is unwanted even in her village because her mother has been banished from the city. But she and her mother somehow manage to survive for years in this world. After her mother's death, Nerene's world begins to crumble, the tide is coming, and entering the city itself will be a problem for her because she has no paperwork on her existence. When and managed to enter the city, her love began an uprising against the slave-holding prince of the city. To save herself and her love, Nerene goes to Lord Osperacy, who sought her out in the village while she was still a little girl. Lord Osperacy helps her, but the price she has to pay is high.
Fantasy lovers will surely enjoy this book because the writer has created the perfect, unique world full of secrets. I expect this book to have a sequel because there are many, many stories hidden in this world.
October 22, 2019
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Currently was mix of steampunk, fantasy and mythical creature. It revolved around Nerene, her survival in the world filled with slavery, trickery and injustice, her love for her boyfriend and dangerous journey she boarded to keep him safe. It was about social injustice, survival, power, politics, trust, betrayal, friendship, and love; and Siren lore.
What I liked-
That synopsis was perfect. It covers enough without giving away what you are into and its best that way. The book was slow burner and steady paced. It took its time in world-building, characterization and their development. Writing was great. Easy to follow, gripping and filled with emotions. The world-building was best in the book. I loved all the places, unique name and social structure. The description was vivid and impressive. I wish there was a map of Varasay city and the rout they followed.
The book was told from Nerene’s captivating voice and was divided in three parts-
First part was about Nerene and her boyfriend, Snade. Village they lived in, their struggling poor life, how they survived the tide when their village was flooded and their shelter up on the mountain in Varasay city; the priests who called themselves God, their many unfair rules and injustice towards deeplanders (people like Nerene dwelling in villages that are flooded every year); Snade’s protest towards the slavery they were forced into and how that changed their life.
It was emotional to read Nerene’s story and her situation. I felt for her and I could see why she was always cautious, tried to follow rules, and wanted safe and certain life for her and Snade. While Snade was her antipode- rash, reckless, lawbreaker who wanted to run away with Nerene from Varasay, and for that he would do anything. I liked him in this first part. He was brave and bold, spontaneous and smart. It was sad to see what happened to both of them after his stunt in factory. Story took interesting turn from this point.
Second Part was all about Nenrene’s journey through various cities and ports with Osperacy family. I was curious to know more about Osperacys. Melily, Lord Osperacy’s daughter was spoilt teenager, moody, selfish, and her tantrums were difficult to handle. It was Nerene’s job to keep her in control which was amusing. It got her into lot of trouble and also led her to Cressit. Cressit was superstar musician and singer who was filthy rich, selfish but not as much, and tricked Nerene to get what he wanted. There more to both of these character. As I read more about Melily I understood she mostly acted bad to Nerene out of jealousy. She yearned for love and companion. Nobody paid her attention or talked to her about her feelings. While Cressit was actually nicer. As I was reading through Nerene’s eye, I had my doubts towards all characters but Cressit always felt good, no matter what his intentions were or how much the emotions around him was fake or real. What I liked most in this part was Osperacy’s secrets and many illegal things he and his family was involved in, and their supernatural abilities.
Third part and climax was not that separated. Many things were included in this part. Escape plan, Villains following their trail, survival, action. It was tense, exciting, nuanced, and filled with emotions. Characters developed a lot by this point and we see lot of change in them. Most amazing was, Melily’s development. I loved the strong bond formed between her and Nerene, and some more interesting things related to her abilities. It was life altering for characters and I loved the way story took turn from this point till the end.
The insight was great. I found Nerene’s unwavering nature commendable. It was at some point unbelievable, if I was in her place I wouldn’t hesitate from harming the villain but she was such a righteous, law abiding person who followed her conscience all the time. That’s what it said about the story and characters- doing right thing, following conscience takes courage. They wouldn’t be in this situation if Snade has not started riot or Cressite came out clean and many more, there is always an alternative to the rash and reckless path that didn’t involve harming and hurting other or even worst killing; It tells about the power and its greed and manipulation.
I didn’t like Nenrene’s step just before end. Her reason was understandable but it didn’t feel satisfyingandthat End was shocking. I actually expected a closure, but now it left me curious, thinking of all possibilities. An epilogue would have ended it but I guess there might be a continuation and I may get some back and future story in next book, if author decides to write it.
Overall, it was interesting and wonderful novel with impressive world. If you like to read book involving Sirens, you would want to read this. I definitely recommend this book to fantasy and steampunk lovers.
*** Note: I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Sarah for this beautiful book. ***
Currently was mix of steampunk, fantasy and mythical creature. It revolved around Nerene, her survival in the world filled with slavery, trickery and injustice, her love for her boyfriend and dangerous journey she boarded to keep him safe. It was about social injustice, survival, power, politics, trust, betrayal, friendship, and love; and Siren lore.
What I liked-
That synopsis was perfect. It covers enough without giving away what you are into and its best that way. The book was slow burner and steady paced. It took its time in world-building, characterization and their development. Writing was great. Easy to follow, gripping and filled with emotions. The world-building was best in the book. I loved all the places, unique name and social structure. The description was vivid and impressive. I wish there was a map of Varasay city and the rout they followed.
The book was told from Nerene’s captivating voice and was divided in three parts-
First part was about Nerene and her boyfriend, Snade. Village they lived in, their struggling poor life, how they survived the tide when their village was flooded and their shelter up on the mountain in Varasay city; the priests who called themselves God, their many unfair rules and injustice towards deeplanders (people like Nerene dwelling in villages that are flooded every year); Snade’s protest towards the slavery they were forced into and how that changed their life.
It was emotional to read Nerene’s story and her situation. I felt for her and I could see why she was always cautious, tried to follow rules, and wanted safe and certain life for her and Snade. While Snade was her antipode- rash, reckless, lawbreaker who wanted to run away with Nerene from Varasay, and for that he would do anything. I liked him in this first part. He was brave and bold, spontaneous and smart. It was sad to see what happened to both of them after his stunt in factory. Story took interesting turn from this point.
Second Part was all about Nenrene’s journey through various cities and ports with Osperacy family. I was curious to know more about Osperacys. Melily, Lord Osperacy’s daughter was spoilt teenager, moody, selfish, and her tantrums were difficult to handle. It was Nerene’s job to keep her in control which was amusing. It got her into lot of trouble and also led her to Cressit. Cressit was superstar musician and singer who was filthy rich, selfish but not as much, and tricked Nerene to get what he wanted. There more to both of these character. As I read more about Melily I understood she mostly acted bad to Nerene out of jealousy. She yearned for love and companion. Nobody paid her attention or talked to her about her feelings. While Cressit was actually nicer. As I was reading through Nerene’s eye, I had my doubts towards all characters but Cressit always felt good, no matter what his intentions were or how much the emotions around him was fake or real. What I liked most in this part was Osperacy’s secrets and many illegal things he and his family was involved in, and their supernatural abilities.
Third part and climax was not that separated. Many things were included in this part. Escape plan, Villains following their trail, survival, action. It was tense, exciting, nuanced, and filled with emotions. Characters developed a lot by this point and we see lot of change in them. Most amazing was, Melily’s development. I loved the strong bond formed between her and Nerene, and some more interesting things related to her abilities. It was life altering for characters and I loved the way story took turn from this point till the end.
The insight was great. I found Nerene’s unwavering nature commendable. It was at some point unbelievable, if I was in her place I wouldn’t hesitate from harming the villain but she was such a righteous, law abiding person who followed her conscience all the time. That’s what it said about the story and characters- doing right thing, following conscience takes courage. They wouldn’t be in this situation if Snade has not started riot or Cressite came out clean and many more, there is always an alternative to the rash and reckless path that didn’t involve harming and hurting other or even worst killing; It tells about the power and its greed and manipulation.
I didn’t like Nenrene’s step just before end. Her reason was understandable but it didn’t feel satisfyingandthat End was shocking. I actually expected a closure, but now it left me curious, thinking of all possibilities. An epilogue would have ended it but I guess there might be a continuation and I may get some back and future story in next book, if author decides to write it.
Overall, it was interesting and wonderful novel with impressive world. If you like to read book involving Sirens, you would want to read this. I definitely recommend this book to fantasy and steampunk lovers.
*** Note: I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Sarah for this beautiful book. ***
August 28, 2019
Sara Mensinga's 'Currently' is an absolutely brilliant work of fantasy fiction that captures the imagination with beautiful concepts, superb characterization and relationships, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous world-building.
Nerene's journey from her home village across time and tide (pun intended) is a captivating tale for young and older readers alike. It features an interesting take on Siren mythology and a cast of complex and interesting characters that leap off the page.
If you're a fan of fantasy, this is a must-read.
Nerene's journey from her home village across time and tide (pun intended) is a captivating tale for young and older readers alike. It features an interesting take on Siren mythology and a cast of complex and interesting characters that leap off the page.
If you're a fan of fantasy, this is a must-read.
January 16, 2019
5 out of 5
CURRENTLY! I was lucky enough to read an earlier version years ago, when the book was in its infancy. Now, it’s graduated to a product, an edited and polished, full-length novel. And, wow, I’m impressed with the quality of the writing, and the storytelling. In this story, Nerene goes through all sorts of trouble on a world were the low-lands flood every year for months on end. It’s a unique world, painted with words, descriptions that get ingrained in your brain.
A lot happens in this story and years pass–from Nerene being a teenager, all the way to adulthood. This is what makes a novel epic, and I love it. Very well done, actually, and without any boring moments.
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of CURRENTLY. You won’t regret it.
More on my blog: https://gerardowrites.wordpress.com/2...
CURRENTLY! I was lucky enough to read an earlier version years ago, when the book was in its infancy. Now, it’s graduated to a product, an edited and polished, full-length novel. And, wow, I’m impressed with the quality of the writing, and the storytelling. In this story, Nerene goes through all sorts of trouble on a world were the low-lands flood every year for months on end. It’s a unique world, painted with words, descriptions that get ingrained in your brain.
A lot happens in this story and years pass–from Nerene being a teenager, all the way to adulthood. This is what makes a novel epic, and I love it. Very well done, actually, and without any boring moments.
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of CURRENTLY. You won’t regret it.
More on my blog: https://gerardowrites.wordpress.com/2...
January 8, 2019
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading “Currently,” but what I came away with was a wonderfully unexpected experience. I thoroughly enjoyed journeying through the magical and creative world Mensinga created and all the delightfully well-developed characters I met along the way. It’s hard to say much more (and I certainly could) without giving anything away (which I certainly will not), but I highly recommend treating your imagination to this very enjoyable read.
September 9, 2019
Currently by Sarah Mensinga is an excellent book. I couldn't put it down as soon as I started reading. The world-building is amazing, the characters engaging, and the plot excellently paced. I highly recommend you go read this book. It's earned a place right at the top of my best reads this year.
It follows the adventures of a young woman who was born outside the protection of the mountain city near her village because her mother was banished. They managed to survive, but when her mother dies she needs to somehow get into the city with the rest of her village or she won't be able to make it alone when the huge tide comes in and floods her world. As she struggles to survive we see this world, the Sea Spread, through her eyes with all its beauty and all its problems and social issues as well. It's a well-built world that I would love to dive into again. There's so much potential for more stories in this intriguing world where some people live at the height of steam-powered technology and others live much more simple lives of survival.
The characters are well-written and I quickly became interested in their fates and invested in their survival. I generally don't like love stories and there were a couple in this one, but they were well-written and I didn't find myself annoyed by them at all. Once you've read it you're going to want to share this book with everyone you know, just bear in mind that there are intimate relationships in this so you might not want to give it to children that are too too young. However, the themes are handled well so I wouldn't shy from sharing this excellent story with more mature children or teens. There's a very well-written exploration of consent - both in relationships and just everyday interactions that was very interesting.
The way the magic is introduced and defined also allows for some very thrilling scenes and adventures.
I really don't know if I can say more without spoiling anything. Just go read it!
It follows the adventures of a young woman who was born outside the protection of the mountain city near her village because her mother was banished. They managed to survive, but when her mother dies she needs to somehow get into the city with the rest of her village or she won't be able to make it alone when the huge tide comes in and floods her world. As she struggles to survive we see this world, the Sea Spread, through her eyes with all its beauty and all its problems and social issues as well. It's a well-built world that I would love to dive into again. There's so much potential for more stories in this intriguing world where some people live at the height of steam-powered technology and others live much more simple lives of survival.
The characters are well-written and I quickly became interested in their fates and invested in their survival. I generally don't like love stories and there were a couple in this one, but they were well-written and I didn't find myself annoyed by them at all. Once you've read it you're going to want to share this book with everyone you know, just bear in mind that there are intimate relationships in this so you might not want to give it to children that are too too young. However, the themes are handled well so I wouldn't shy from sharing this excellent story with more mature children or teens. There's a very well-written exploration of consent - both in relationships and just everyday interactions that was very interesting.
The way the magic is introduced and defined also allows for some very thrilling scenes and adventures.
I really don't know if I can say more without spoiling anything. Just go read it!
March 23, 2019
I loved this book from the very first chapter. The characters are so well-developed, they jump right off the page. The world is vivid and interesting. I like that the author used new words for things (a gunnerife is a handgun, for example). To me, that made the world super immersive, and she did a good job of leading me to figure out what all the new words meant without a bunch of boring explanations slowing down the story. And the story... It was a good balance between beautifully scripted calm moments with gut-wrenching emotion and wild moments of nail-biting tension. I don't know if a sequel is planned, but I would love to revisit this world and explore it more.
July 18, 2021
5 out of 5 stars for this utterly charming take on mermaids and jazz.
Read my full, spoiler free, review on my website.
Read my full, spoiler free, review on my website.
October 1, 2019
Nerry lives in a world dominated by a periodic tide known as currently which inundates any lowlands leaving only the mountain cities for people to retreat to for a time. But if you are not ‘of’ a city then you have to depend on their ‘generosity’ to wait out the tide. Nerry and her Gren (last member of her family) collect herbs and other valuable articles to trade and sell during their time in Varasay, the mountain city they usually stay at, but things are changing. Nerry has to find a way to survive, either through marriage to someone with rights to Varasay, and therefore she is also allowed, or by some other means.
This author has a strong world-building ability. You feel for her characters and their dilemmas
This author has a strong world-building ability. You feel for her characters and their dilemmas
February 16, 2021
After reading the book description, I couldn't remember why this was on my TBR list. It just didn't sound like something I would enjoy. However, since it was also tagged for this month's reading challenge, I picked up it and got started. OMG ~ I couldn't put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed this water world with it multifaceted theologies and boat cultures. The magic of the sirens and the connection to their balances was fresh - it is not a form of magic I have seen in more than a passing glimpse. The relationships were plentiful and real - Nerene is my soul sister. The familial relationships, romance that wasn't sappy or in your face, minefield that is work relations, establishing yourself in a new place, and general human relationships that speak to our time show the entire gamut of relationships one experiences during life. I cannot express adequately in words how much this book touched me. I will be purchasing a copy for my collection and see it being a much loved, oft read favorite.
July 28, 2019
I love the world created by the author and the mix of technology and mythology in it. (I was reminded of parts of Julie Bertagna’s ‘Exodus’.) There’s so much going on that I wish the story slowed down to capture more of it. Though I enjoyed it, especially the first half, I felt that the latter part of the book went on so quickly it was difficult to keep up with the changes in direction, emotion, and attitude. Despite loathing Melily, I wanted her to change; when she did, I wondered how. I never liked Cressit and feel there was not enough time given to Nerene’s change in attitude to him. And then the book ended, with Sande’s story untold! Though it’s good to leave people wanting more, I feel I was left with too many questions. Nerene’s whole journey began by saving Sande and yet the story gradually shifts away from him before being suddenly brought back, leaving a significant part of the story untold.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2020
I wanted more from this.
There are excellent ideas here--sirens, 20th-century pirates, ocean travel, and the like--but none of them are fleshed out in a way that's satisfying to me. We start the story thinking it'll be about Nerene and Sande, but then they're separated. Then we think it'll be about Nerene and her bonding with her possible father, Lord Osperacy, but then the Melily subplot is introduced. This subplot becomes the main plot, and then Cressit's subplot is brought in. New reveals then make the story all about Cressit, Melily, and evading their old life, until that's thwarted and Nerene has to move again.
We end up back with Sande and Nerene, without any knowledge about what happened to Sande over the course of their separation, nor do we have any indication of if she'll end up with either Sande or Cressit (not that she has to end up with either). I could have forgiven this if I felt the plot had some focus. But, ultimately, this story's decision to flit between different plotlines without developing the supporting characters or the surrounding world made this whole read feel like a waste of time for me.
There are excellent ideas here--sirens, 20th-century pirates, ocean travel, and the like--but none of them are fleshed out in a way that's satisfying to me. We start the story thinking it'll be about Nerene and Sande, but then they're separated. Then we think it'll be about Nerene and her bonding with her possible father, Lord Osperacy, but then the Melily subplot is introduced. This subplot becomes the main plot, and then Cressit's subplot is brought in. New reveals then make the story all about Cressit, Melily, and evading their old life, until that's thwarted and Nerene has to move again.
We end up back with Sande and Nerene, without any knowledge about what happened to Sande over the course of their separation, nor do we have any indication of if she'll end up with either Sande or Cressit (not that she has to end up with either). I could have forgiven this if I felt the plot had some focus. But, ultimately, this story's decision to flit between different plotlines without developing the supporting characters or the surrounding world made this whole read feel like a waste of time for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2023
I adored the world building and the really exciting possibilities of the themes — pirates, sirens, wavurl, ocean and water inspired world? Sign me up! Unfortunately, it disappointed me with the plot and how the beats felt all over the place while none feeling fully satisfied and wrapped up. I expected a revolution plot of the more impoverished against the uppies, and when it started to shift to something else I was willing to go along with it but it never truly found its footing. Melily and Nerene’s enemies to friends was the most compelling arc of the story. Cressit was unlikeable, and Sande was taken from us too quickly but then randomly thrown back in only at the very end. It felt like Nerene’s journey was about finding him, and I was willing to accept he had truly perished — but even that didn’t happen. It felt like the stakes ultimately were very light.
The prose was very strong and I liked a lot of scenes and moments in a vacuum. Melily and Nerene were my favorite characters by far, so my time with them was enjoyable. I nearly wept over fear Melily’s shot wound would have killed her— so I did connect with these characters to an extent at least.
The prose was very strong and I liked a lot of scenes and moments in a vacuum. Melily and Nerene were my favorite characters by far, so my time with them was enjoyable. I nearly wept over fear Melily’s shot wound would have killed her— so I did connect with these characters to an extent at least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
Incredibly enjoyable, original storyline that kept me captivated
Sarah creates a fantastical world full of wonder and excitement with engaging, endearing characters that keep you coming back for more. Her fun, original storyline was always enjoyable and never predictable. I will miss sharing my quiet evenings with this interesting crew.
Sarah creates a fantastical world full of wonder and excitement with engaging, endearing characters that keep you coming back for more. Her fun, original storyline was always enjoyable and never predictable. I will miss sharing my quiet evenings with this interesting crew.
April 3, 2019
Unique and interesting book. Highly recommended
Currently, is a really interesting blend of sci-fi, adventure and fantasy. With well crafted characters, and a gripping plot, it is suitable for a wide range of readers.
I'm hoping a sequel will appear for this book!
Currently, is a really interesting blend of sci-fi, adventure and fantasy. With well crafted characters, and a gripping plot, it is suitable for a wide range of readers.
I'm hoping a sequel will appear for this book!
August 31, 2019
A character-driven story with elements of adventure, science fiction, and fantasy. The emotions feel real, and the fantasy world is clearly well-conceived. It’d be interesting to see this adapted as an animated feature.
April 14, 2019
Very enjoyable fantasy novel. Strong worldbuilding and engaging characters.
August 24, 2019
Great characters and story. Love way Sarah develops all the different lands.
March 12, 2019
Full disclosure, I am friends with Sarah, and I also read an earlier version of this book. But I love her writing, and her world-building and characters are so wonderful. She really nails complicated relationships with sometimes ambiguous feelings, yet her story telling is top-notch. I read the whole book in two days--I couldn't put it down. If you like steampunk or fantasy YA, this is a great book for you.
January 27, 2019
Such an enjoyable read! This book is full of interesting, multifaceted characters whose interactions drive the plot in surprising directions.
Some of my favorite books are character-driven sf/fantasy that tackle real-world social issues, like Ursula K. Le Guin’s Left Hand of Darkness and Octavia Butler’s Dawn. I feel like Currently is similar in flavor to those books, yet stands out on its own in unique ways.
I‘m a longtime fan of Mensinga’s graphic novel stories, like The Wellington Division and her work in the Flight anthology, and I was happy to find that her storytelling holds up great even without her brilliant art. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this talented author!
Some of my favorite books are character-driven sf/fantasy that tackle real-world social issues, like Ursula K. Le Guin’s Left Hand of Darkness and Octavia Butler’s Dawn. I feel like Currently is similar in flavor to those books, yet stands out on its own in unique ways.
I‘m a longtime fan of Mensinga’s graphic novel stories, like The Wellington Division and her work in the Flight anthology, and I was happy to find that her storytelling holds up great even without her brilliant art. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this talented author!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews