3.5/5
This is a refreshing take on the fantasy genre, and one of the things I really appreciated is how it reads more like historical fiction. There's a rich, immersive world full of politics and history, but it's not all spelled out for you all at once. Instead, it unfolds naturally, with details slowly revealed as you dive deeper into the story. That method of storytelling can either be fascinating or frustrating depending on the reader, and for me, it worked well overall, even though it had its moments where the pacing felt a bit off.
The beginning and ending were where the book really excelled. There’s this urgent drive in Adella’s search for her brother and Kol’s need for survival. The middle section, though, dragged a bit, and I found my mind wandering at times during moments that should have felt more tense. It could’ve used a tighter focus to keep the momentum going as they journeyed through the wilderness and across the seas. The ending was also enjoyable and I certainly plan to continue this series.
Character-wise, it took me some time to get invested in Adella, Kol, and Captain Declan. They’re not your typical fantasy archetypes—like the chosen one or royals—they’re more like regular people caught in extraordinary circumstances, which is a cool twist. Especially because they may rub elbows with some of those characters. Still, I struggled with not having more insight into their emotions. Their motivations were clear, but their inner feelings weren’t on display, which made it harder for me to fully connect with them. It’s something I tend to need in stories to really root for the characters, and that part felt a little lacking here.
That being said, I loved the plague, all of the action and adventure, and political intrigue. There was a layer of danger and high stakes to the story that felt gritty and real. And I have to agree with Armand - I am half-hoping for the love triangle to all get romantically entangled!
Overall, this has some unique elements that stand out in the fantasy genre, particularly its grounded, not-classically-heroic main characters and a strong sense of world-building. While it had some pacing issues and emotional depth that didn’t fully click for me, it’s still an engaging read, and I’m curious to see where the story goes next. Plus, any book with sea serpents and time spent on a ship will always be a win for me.
Thanks to R&R Booktours and the author for the opportunity to read and review. I had a wonderful time. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.