What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ice Plague #2
The Seething Seas
Eran Iliakambar and Mosk Manytrees shelter from the invincible, sentient plague of ice aboard the Mantissa, a huge legendary ship that hasn’t sailed for hundreds of years. Aboard Ondine’s ship, among a mixed Seelie and Unseelie crew, the two have a chance to get to know each other better. Or they would, but the sea is rife with thorny politics, and the most powerful fae in the world have their eyes on them. (Book 2 of 3)
Words:242043 complete
Words:242043 complete
727 pages, ebook
First published May 28, 2020
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Pia Foxhall
16 books176 followersPronouns: They/them
Aka not_poignant
http://not-poignant.tumblr.com/
http://archiveofourown.org/users/not_...
http://archiveofourown.org/users/thes...
NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/dJsDhQ
Aka not_poignant
http://not-poignant.tumblr.com/
http://archiveofourown.org/users/not_...
http://archiveofourown.org/users/thes...
NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/dJsDhQ
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 17, 2022
2nd read: August 2022
After this reread — mostly that chapter, of course — I have SO many feels about Augus and the RP that I just wanna go curl up in a corner and CRY. I actually took some ‘time off’ from this book to reread their canon backstory, too, and moped around for the rest of the day. Such beautiful, perfect, angsty-angst. 😭💔 I don’t think it hit me quite this hard the first time around??
As for Eran and Mosk, those babies were just a bit too ‘drama llama’ for me here. 🙈 Not 100% of the time, luckily, but oh boy, did they have their moments! I think if it weren’t for chapter 18 (💘💔😭), it’d be more like 4.5. 🤔
Book 3, here I come~! 😍
***
1st read: June 2021
As a reader, I’ve always been drawn to character-driven stories, I just love to watch them change and develop, become their better (or worse) selves as the plot progresses, observe their emotional response to problems, the way they interact with others, and so on. So it follows that Foxhall’s works are extremely satisfying to me on a deep level — their character development is just so damn good.
Apart from the gripping, complex main plot that’s boldly moving forward and promises a finale of epic proportions, The Seething Seas focuses on Eran and Mosk’s deepening relationship. They’ve made such progress, and I’m so proud of them both! Especially Mosk, of course (can somebody tell me, WHY do I always do this, adopt the most problematic, emotionally-crippled character when reading a story I really like?). His inner strength in the face of all that’s happened to him is just amazing. The two of them are so damn precious. And their chemistry is 🔥😳
I loved the interactions between Eran and Augus, the fact that Eran wasn’t too proud to admit he was out of his depth when it came to dealing with some of Mosk’s hangups, and Augus sharing his considerable knowledge with his young disciple. Likewise, Mosk’s friendship with the Raven Prince helped him grow so much. I’m still not sure how I feel about the Raven Prince’s character after some of the things he did, but their friendship was beneficial to Mosk, or maybe even both of them? The RP is such a mysterious figure it’s hard to say.
The scenery was very different from the one in the first book, but I really enjoyed the ‘sea voyage’ feel of it, as well as getting to know the sea fae and their culture! I am definitely glad our heroes are back on solid ground, though, the poor waterhorses (and Eran as well!) wouldn’t have taken much more of this, and worrying about Augus' health was not fun.
Even though this didn’t end with a cliffie, which I really appreciate, I hope the finished book three will be here soon!!
This series is definitely not as dark as the rest of the Fae Tales Verse when it comes to content, but it’s not light reading by any means. Remember to check out all the warning tags before you start reading to avoid possible triggers!
After this reread — mostly that chapter, of course — I have SO many feels about Augus and the RP that I just wanna go curl up in a corner and CRY. I actually took some ‘time off’ from this book to reread their canon backstory, too, and moped around for the rest of the day. Such beautiful, perfect, angsty-angst. 😭💔 I don’t think it hit me quite this hard the first time around??
As for Eran and Mosk, those babies were just a bit too ‘drama llama’ for me here. 🙈 Not 100% of the time, luckily, but oh boy, did they have their moments! I think if it weren’t for chapter 18 (💘💔😭), it’d be more like 4.5. 🤔
Book 3, here I come~! 😍
***
1st read: June 2021
As a reader, I’ve always been drawn to character-driven stories, I just love to watch them change and develop, become their better (or worse) selves as the plot progresses, observe their emotional response to problems, the way they interact with others, and so on. So it follows that Foxhall’s works are extremely satisfying to me on a deep level — their character development is just so damn good.
Apart from the gripping, complex main plot that’s boldly moving forward and promises a finale of epic proportions, The Seething Seas focuses on Eran and Mosk’s deepening relationship. They’ve made such progress, and I’m so proud of them both! Especially Mosk, of course (can somebody tell me, WHY do I always do this, adopt the most problematic, emotionally-crippled character when reading a story I really like?). His inner strength in the face of all that’s happened to him is just amazing. The two of them are so damn precious. And their chemistry is 🔥😳
I loved the interactions between Eran and Augus, the fact that Eran wasn’t too proud to admit he was out of his depth when it came to dealing with some of Mosk’s hangups, and Augus sharing his considerable knowledge with his young disciple. Likewise, Mosk’s friendship with the Raven Prince helped him grow so much. I’m still not sure how I feel about the Raven Prince’s character after some of the things he did, but their friendship was beneficial to Mosk, or maybe even both of them? The RP is such a mysterious figure it’s hard to say.
The scenery was very different from the one in the first book, but I really enjoyed the ‘sea voyage’ feel of it, as well as getting to know the sea fae and their culture! I am definitely glad our heroes are back on solid ground, though, the poor waterhorses (and Eran as well!) wouldn’t have taken much more of this, and worrying about Augus' health was not fun.
Even though this didn’t end with a cliffie, which I really appreciate, I hope the finished book three will be here soon!!
This series is definitely not as dark as the rest of the Fae Tales Verse when it comes to content, but it’s not light reading by any means. Remember to check out all the warning tags before you start reading to avoid possible triggers!
Read
July 25, 2021This was not my favorite because of one unavoidable reason that is the main character. I still think that the characterization is very strong in these books, but if you don't like someone, then you just don't. No matter how much they grow by the end of the book. And I can admit at least that much, that Mosk really did grow some, though maybe not in a favorable way and maybe it was a bit too rushed, considering the trauma he was living with for so long. And though I understand the why of it, I don't like the person he was, or the person he seems to becoming. And I honestly pity Eran for ending up with him.
Also the way Eran described their relationship towards the end, had me raising my eyebrows sky-high, cause I sure as hell did not experience it the way he did. And that's is a problem for me.
Otherwise I liked Eran. Especially the culture of his people. I enjoyed reading about their traditions.
The villains and some other significant characters that I won't name, I found them intriguing and I liked the interactions with them. I can only hope we will see some of them, going forward.
What I said in my previous review is still true, that because of the plot that carried over from The Fae Tales, in most scenes the main characters, Mosk and Eran are just spectators. They were not actively involved in whatever was going on at the time. It was like, they were sitting at the kids' table, while the grownups were doing business. And it made sense as to why they were not involved, but based on the ending, I assume that might change.
So there were a lot of scenes where if the author wanted that, they could have written the scenes from the other characters' pov, because there was no reason for Eran or Mosk to be there, they were literally just narrating what they were seeing, but they didn't have a role in those certain scenes.
I'm just acknowledging this, it's not particularly a good or a bad thing. Though I guess, given that I don't usually like multi-pov books, it can be considered a good thing. :) Though in this case I would have loved some Gwyn and Augus chapters. Oh well, I'm sure there will be some alternate povs posted on AO3 at some point.
Also lets just acknowledge the fact that again it's Gwyn and Augus who's suffering the most, like it's neverending. Urgh.
No cliffhanger thankfully, but obviously I'm dying to know what happens next. And even though there are already a few chapters posted, I think I'm going to wait until book 3 is complete... which might take at least a year perhaps. nggh. *dies* :'O
3.5 stars, sorry Mosk!
Not rounding up or down, it is exactly 3.5.
Also the way Eran described their relationship towards the end, had me raising my eyebrows sky-high, cause I sure as hell did not experience it the way he did. And that's is a problem for me.
Otherwise I liked Eran. Especially the culture of his people. I enjoyed reading about their traditions.
The villains and some other significant characters that I won't name, I found them intriguing and I liked the interactions with them. I can only hope we will see some of them, going forward.
What I said in my previous review is still true, that because of the plot that carried over from The Fae Tales, in most scenes the main characters, Mosk and Eran are just spectators. They were not actively involved in whatever was going on at the time. It was like, they were sitting at the kids' table, while the grownups were doing business. And it made sense as to why they were not involved, but based on the ending, I assume that might change.
So there were a lot of scenes where if the author wanted that, they could have written the scenes from the other characters' pov, because there was no reason for Eran or Mosk to be there, they were literally just narrating what they were seeing, but they didn't have a role in those certain scenes.
I'm just acknowledging this, it's not particularly a good or a bad thing. Though I guess, given that I don't usually like multi-pov books, it can be considered a good thing. :) Though in this case I would have loved some Gwyn and Augus chapters. Oh well, I'm sure there will be some alternate povs posted on AO3 at some point.
Also lets just acknowledge the fact that again it's Gwyn and Augus who's suffering the most, like it's neverending. Urgh.
No cliffhanger thankfully, but obviously I'm dying to know what happens next. And even though there are already a few chapters posted, I think I'm going to wait until book 3 is complete... which might take at least a year perhaps. nggh. *dies* :'O
3.5 stars, sorry Mosk!
Not rounding up or down, it is exactly 3.5.
August 24, 2021
This was just so good. I'm really enjoying this series. This second book in the series has a lot of character development, all of the characters of course, but especially of Eran and Mosk. I think one of the main things I enjoyed was reading the development of their characters and development of their relationship, and how they've come to rely on each other after all the pain and hurt they've been through. If you liked the first book, I'm certain that this second installment won't disappoint.
The setting for this book is the sea, and I enjoyed reading about this part of the fae world and learning about it from the perspective of the main characters. It certainly is rich and the politics with the sea fae are different than the ones of the land fae. It's like a different world, and I loved reading how the characters experience this.
As I'm writing this, there's 11 chapters (of 28?) available of the 3rd and final book of the series. I'm going to go ahead and read those (because I'm curious and really loving this series), and then I'll pick up the other works of this author that are placed in the same universe, which I'm really looking forward to as well.
//EDIT//
I read the 11 chapters of book number three...soooo good. I can't wait until the author picks up this story again and continues it.
The setting for this book is the sea, and I enjoyed reading about this part of the fae world and learning about it from the perspective of the main characters. It certainly is rich and the politics with the sea fae are different than the ones of the land fae. It's like a different world, and I loved reading how the characters experience this.
As I'm writing this, there's 11 chapters (of 28?) available of the 3rd and final book of the series. I'm going to go ahead and read those (because I'm curious and really loving this series), and then I'll pick up the other works of this author that are placed in the same universe, which I'm really looking forward to as well.
//EDIT//
I read the 11 chapters of book number three...soooo good. I can't wait until the author picks up this story again and continues it.
July 16, 2020
Love everything by Pia Foxhall! I am always amazed at their approach to character development. They are amazing at writing enemies-to-lovers, found family, and about coping with grief/loss. Always looking forward to more from them and can't wait for the last book in The Ice Plague Trilogy!
February 4, 2021
Another excellent installment of 'The Ice Plague'. Fantastic world building.
December 26, 2024
4.25 stars!
Eta: I now remember why Mosk and Eran don't kiss at all. Mosk hated it so much before and he just couldn't. It's one of my complaints in this review because I couldn't really remember why at all. Ugh maybe I should've really restarted reading from book one.
--
12/24/2024 review:
I can't believe it's been 5 years since I touched this series again. Life kinda happened while this was ongoing but finally, I've returned.
Tbf, my memories from book one were hazy at best when I picked up from where I stopped. But luckily I remember bits here and there, I think. The thing is, I've been strongly attached to Mosk and Eran in 2019 but I can't say the same 5 years later. I just want to put this out there. If I followed along and read as the chapters were published, I think I might have rated this 5 stars. However, the author's writing style is exactly how I remembered it, just artful and vivid storytelling. The same enthralling style that hooked me to Game Theory and that Pitch and Jack fic before that (God, just mentioning these bring back so many memories).
That still holds true in this series. The drama is deep, the angst seems never-ending, the world-building as magical as ever, you can all feel them in your bones.
Perhaps my time away from this world also affected how I perceive Most and Eran's relationship now. I know they love each other so much, they showed it very well. Mosk literally killed for Eran. There was not a lack of sexy times as well, masterfully written just as the author always does. But they're not the kissy type at all, are they? Just a thing I noticed during their intimate moments is that, they didn't kiss as often and that bothered me a little. They have a BDSM-ish relationship I get it but where are the sweet soothing passionate kisses? Is it because of Mosk's fragile-ish state at the moment that they couldn't, or wouldn't? Is Eran tiptoeing so much he didn't initiate it? Is that intentional? Mosk isn't the best at that so I couldn't really hold that against him but idk. Maybe that's just their thing.
The chapters featuring more of the Raven Prince is just not fair. I had an inkling of like for him but his moments with Mosk stoked that into flame. Damn him. And his closure with Augus? Just about broke my heart. He made that bed so he had to lay in it but that was still painful. He deserved it. And then he up and left just when I wanted more of his story. Maybe in another time. I remember shipping him and Ash hard, I kinda still do. But that would be a slap on Augus's face, wouldn't it?
Gwyn remains my favorite character afterall. He just can't do no wrong in my eyes. Mosk is shaping up to be one of the strongest faes to have ever lived but I want Gwyn to even be stronger than him. And that's so petty cos that'd be like pitting a seasoned generational veteran up against a rookie, albeit a phenomenal one. I can't wait how Gwyn's gonna put the world on his shoulders again this time.
I'm as glad as Eran now that the crew is back on land. I think this is were the game really has to be. So excited for what's next.
Eta: I now remember why Mosk and Eran don't kiss at all. Mosk hated it so much before and he just couldn't. It's one of my complaints in this review because I couldn't really remember why at all. Ugh maybe I should've really restarted reading from book one.
--
12/24/2024 review:
I can't believe it's been 5 years since I touched this series again. Life kinda happened while this was ongoing but finally, I've returned.
Tbf, my memories from book one were hazy at best when I picked up from where I stopped. But luckily I remember bits here and there, I think. The thing is, I've been strongly attached to Mosk and Eran in 2019 but I can't say the same 5 years later. I just want to put this out there. If I followed along and read as the chapters were published, I think I might have rated this 5 stars. However, the author's writing style is exactly how I remembered it, just artful and vivid storytelling. The same enthralling style that hooked me to Game Theory and that Pitch and Jack fic before that (God, just mentioning these bring back so many memories).
That still holds true in this series. The drama is deep, the angst seems never-ending, the world-building as magical as ever, you can all feel them in your bones.
Perhaps my time away from this world also affected how I perceive Most and Eran's relationship now. I know they love each other so much, they showed it very well. Mosk literally killed for Eran. There was not a lack of sexy times as well, masterfully written just as the author always does. But they're not the kissy type at all, are they? Just a thing I noticed during their intimate moments is that, they didn't kiss as often and that bothered me a little. They have a BDSM-ish relationship I get it but where are the sweet soothing passionate kisses? Is it because of Mosk's fragile-ish state at the moment that they couldn't, or wouldn't? Is Eran tiptoeing so much he didn't initiate it? Is that intentional? Mosk isn't the best at that so I couldn't really hold that against him but idk. Maybe that's just their thing.
The chapters featuring more of the Raven Prince is just not fair. I had an inkling of like for him but his moments with Mosk stoked that into flame. Damn him. And his closure with Augus? Just about broke my heart. He made that bed so he had to lay in it but that was still painful. He deserved it. And then he up and left just when I wanted more of his story. Maybe in another time. I remember shipping him and Ash hard, I kinda still do. But that would be a slap on Augus's face, wouldn't it?
Gwyn remains my favorite character afterall. He just can't do no wrong in my eyes. Mosk is shaping up to be one of the strongest faes to have ever lived but I want Gwyn to even be stronger than him. And that's so petty cos that'd be like pitting a seasoned generational veteran up against a rookie, albeit a phenomenal one. I can't wait how Gwyn's gonna put the world on his shoulders again this time.
I'm as glad as Eran now that the crew is back on land. I think this is were the game really has to be. So excited for what's next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2020
Content warnings: check the tags
Angst level: 8/10
AHHHH, this was so good! I really struggled with the rating because sometimes the angst was just too much, and I cried at one point, but then the comfort soothed everything. I love so many parts about this that I don't even know where to begin.
Mosk and Eran: their relationship has their ups and downs as they learn about each other. It's not perfect, and they make mistakes, but they come out stronger for it and the care they show for each other makes me want to divepile into the fluff. (Though, ngl, at one point, I wanted to shake both of them for their miscommunication.) I love the growth each of them went through throughout the course of this book.
The plot: so much happened, and there's a lot of set up for book 3 that I'm super excited about. I'd kill to know how they're going to handle Olphix.
Favorite character: The Raven Prince or Mosk, don't make me choose!
Other incredible parts as they occur to me:
-Eran talking to Augus about Mosk
-the eyeliner
-the Mantissa, sea fae, and markets
-The Raven Prince and Mosk's friendship evolving
-Mosk climbing to the crow's nest
-Eran dancing for the sea fae + Eran dancing with Mosk
-the plants
Time to do a reread of the entire fae tales and its AUs.
Angst level: 8/10
AHHHH, this was so good! I really struggled with the rating because sometimes the angst was just too much, and I cried at one point, but then the comfort soothed everything. I love so many parts about this that I don't even know where to begin.
Mosk and Eran: their relationship has their ups and downs as they learn about each other. It's not perfect, and they make mistakes, but they come out stronger for it and the care they show for each other makes me want to divepile into the fluff. (Though, ngl, at one point, I wanted to shake both of them for their miscommunication.) I love the growth each of them went through throughout the course of this book.
The plot: so much happened, and there's a lot of set up for book 3 that I'm super excited about. I'd kill to know how they're going to handle Olphix.
Favorite character: The Raven Prince or Mosk, don't make me choose!
Other incredible parts as they occur to me:
-Eran talking to Augus about Mosk
-the eyeliner
-the Mantissa, sea fae, and markets
-The Raven Prince and Mosk's friendship evolving
-Mosk climbing to the crow's nest
-Eran dancing for the sea fae + Eran dancing with Mosk
-the plants
Time to do a reread of the entire fae tales and its AUs.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews