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Brittle Trilogy #1
The Brittle Sea
Travelling from her home in Ukraine, Magda Asparov doesn't know the danger she is sailing into when she boards the Titanic. With an arranged marriage to corrupt businessmen Matthew Turner III waiting for her in America, Magda has no way of knowing the fate that lies ahead. When the Titanic goes down, Magda survives and awakens with no memory of who she is.
Rescued by Captain Richard Blackmore on The Lady Jane, the ship's steward names her Maggie. As Maggie learns to navigate the unfamiliar waters of her new life, she must confront fleeting memories of her past life while falling in love with Richard Blackmore.
Meanwhile, Turner believes Magda is still alive and unleashes his vengeful henchman William Harker to track her down. As the search intensifies, Blackmore finds himself in the crosshairs of danger.
With suspense and psychological thrills, The Brittle Sea is book one in an exciting historical drama trilogy.
Rescued by Captain Richard Blackmore on The Lady Jane, the ship's steward names her Maggie. As Maggie learns to navigate the unfamiliar waters of her new life, she must confront fleeting memories of her past life while falling in love with Richard Blackmore.
Meanwhile, Turner believes Magda is still alive and unleashes his vengeful henchman William Harker to track her down. As the search intensifies, Blackmore finds himself in the crosshairs of danger.
With suspense and psychological thrills, The Brittle Sea is book one in an exciting historical drama trilogy.
Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2022
87 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Tom Kane
17 books45 followersTom Kane is a seasoned writer whose literary journey began at the age of eight with his first short story, "Planet A for Acid." Armed with a pencil and notepad, he embarked on a lifelong passion for storytelling. Transitioning to a typewriter in his thirties, he penned tales whenever time allowed. It was the advent of the Kindle that spurred him to become an indie author and publish his debut novel, "Operation Werewolf," based his father's World War II experiences.
Drawing from personal and family narratives, Kane's writing evolved, exemplified by "The Diary of a Debt Collector," inspired by his wife's professional encounters. This catalyst ignited a prolific period, yielding both fiction and non-fiction works, with 1,284 copies sold.
During the Covid lockdown, Kane delved into historical fiction, crafting The Brittle Saga Trilogy comprising "The Brittle Sea," "The Brittle Land," and "The Brittle Sky." Offering the first book as a free enticement resulted in over 10,000 downloads, showing a growing readership.
Currently, Kane's focus now lies on the sequel to "Walking Away from Midnight," "Midnight's Child," his latest historical fiction endeavour part two of a promising series. Additionally, he is on the brink of completing "The Ragged Edge of Time," a captivating science fiction novel slated for release in the autumn of 2024.
With an ever-expanding repertoire and a knack for weaving intricate narratives, Tom Kane invites readers to explore his diverse literary landscape, offering a glimpse into his writing style through his published works.
Drawing from personal and family narratives, Kane's writing evolved, exemplified by "The Diary of a Debt Collector," inspired by his wife's professional encounters. This catalyst ignited a prolific period, yielding both fiction and non-fiction works, with 1,284 copies sold.
During the Covid lockdown, Kane delved into historical fiction, crafting The Brittle Saga Trilogy comprising "The Brittle Sea," "The Brittle Land," and "The Brittle Sky." Offering the first book as a free enticement resulted in over 10,000 downloads, showing a growing readership.
Currently, Kane's focus now lies on the sequel to "Walking Away from Midnight," "Midnight's Child," his latest historical fiction endeavour part two of a promising series. Additionally, he is on the brink of completing "The Ragged Edge of Time," a captivating science fiction novel slated for release in the autumn of 2024.
With an ever-expanding repertoire and a knack for weaving intricate narratives, Tom Kane invites readers to explore his diverse literary landscape, offering a glimpse into his writing style through his published works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 11, 2020
I started reading this book out of pure curiosity. I felt quite attracted BY the quality of the cover, it made me think about a tragedy at sea. As I continued to read, I was taken away by the story. The heights and lows and the clever turns in the narrative, some of them unexpected, made me think of life itself. We never know the reasons that might take our existence to unexpected circumstances and places.
An interesting argument, is that In the story develops after the sinking of the Titanic in April 1914 and the survivors are taken to N.Y. Here the characters are well described in their human condition. A corrupt American tycoon, (Matthew Turner III), an immigrant woman who arrives to America to fulfill her destiny, (Magda or Maggie?) a sea man (Captain James Blackmore and his boat, the Lady Jane) and a obscure bounty hunter (William Harker), get tangled in a very creative way.
From New York to West Africa, Canada and Alaska, the characters build up their life united by a thread of hope, love, ideals, desire, truth, greed, hate, betrayal, disappointment, sadness and death. Just like life itself.
Just a note. I really enjoyed all the adventures at sea. The clear descriptions of the crew hierarchy, the comments of the life at the sea and some other technical descriptions, made me think that the author himself might have spent a certain time in a aboard a boat in salty water.
Completely unexpected, The Brittle Sea by Tom Cane is a good way to think about the coincidences of life. I think it could be a good movie if adapted.
An interesting argument, is that In the story develops after the sinking of the Titanic in April 1914 and the survivors are taken to N.Y. Here the characters are well described in their human condition. A corrupt American tycoon, (Matthew Turner III), an immigrant woman who arrives to America to fulfill her destiny, (Magda or Maggie?) a sea man (Captain James Blackmore and his boat, the Lady Jane) and a obscure bounty hunter (William Harker), get tangled in a very creative way.
From New York to West Africa, Canada and Alaska, the characters build up their life united by a thread of hope, love, ideals, desire, truth, greed, hate, betrayal, disappointment, sadness and death. Just like life itself.
Just a note. I really enjoyed all the adventures at sea. The clear descriptions of the crew hierarchy, the comments of the life at the sea and some other technical descriptions, made me think that the author himself might have spent a certain time in a aboard a boat in salty water.
Completely unexpected, The Brittle Sea by Tom Cane is a good way to think about the coincidences of life. I think it could be a good movie if adapted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2020
I loved this book! It has everything; intrigue, murder, adventure, romance and it is so easy to read. The pacing is good from the very first page, and the ending (no spoilers here) has you instantly wanting to read on. Most of the characters are likeable and the fact that there are not that many to follow makes it easier to follow the fast paced nature of the story. The story is written brilliantly and in such as way that it drives the pace of the story and you get to keep track of what the main characters are doing. A shorter read and highly recommended - looking forward to the next book!
November 14, 2020
I have always been interested in history, especially the titanic. But really that story is only a small part of this book. It didn't matter as this book has everything, romance, suspense, and it keeps you glued with interesting characters. I thought the author was very clever in putting in how all the different characters perspective in each chapters. This book leaves it open at the end for more, I am looking forward too. Highly recommended.
December 6, 2023
Pros
This is a rather fascinating story. The backdrop is the sinking of the mighty Titanic. We all know about the Carpathia answering the distress call, what we never heard about was the “The Lady Jane” and Captain Richard Blackmore. His ship arrives at the devastating scene of the sinking. He is only able to rescue one soul, Magda Asparov. She has been betrothed to a one, William Turner III by her parents in an attempt to rebuild their finances in Kiev.
Captain Blackmore is taken aback by her beauty and manners and does what he swore he would probably never do, fall in love until his seafaring days were done. One problem, when the Titanic was struck by the iceberg, a chunk of ice hit Magda in the head, knocking her unconscious as she fell into a long boat the broke free of it latches, plunging into the Atlantic. The collisions have damaged her brain and caused a severe case of amnesia.
As “The Lady Jane” steams toward New York, she is insistent on a name of some type. The Captain and her settle on Maggi and yes, over the nest few weeks and months they fall in love. In fact she becomes pregnant.
But hold one, what happened to her future husband, William? He is not a man to be trifled with. He has his #1 henchman, William Harker. This is the most conniving, ruthless character I’ve come across in a long time. Even though he is employed by Turner, his only allegiance is to himself and to further his standing in life at any cost.
In order for his employer to regain what he paid for, Harker develops one helluva of a web of suspense and intrigue to frame Captain Blackmore for a murder he didn’t commit, or did he?
I could go on about the upcoming trial and set-up, but that would expose too many spoilers
The ending of the book, while exciting, wasn’t the cliff-hanger others mentioned. For me, it was pretty finalized
.
Cons
There are Seventy-Three chapters to this story. I believe at least six could be deleted or worked into other chapters. Why? They are very short and actually didn’t move the story forward. They came across as bit elements. Perhaps the author got stumped and needed a little filler or wanted to attempt a little more intrigue in character development.
I’m big on timelines and geographical relevance. I struggled with the part where Blackstone moves into his Aunt’s house and by chance visits the local dry goods store to find out his lost love, Maggie has been there. I found this stretch since she was going to Alaska and Cordova is over 1200 miles away! Bit of a stretch for me.
I came across thirty-six unique issues with the story whether is was punctuation, missing words or odd phrases. With a little work, it can be cleaned up making it a sharper read.
One big issue was in Chapter Six “Loss”. Turner is talking about the land in Alaska that Asparov’s have which is in the Klondike region. Yet later in the story the land is in Texas. Need some continuity here.
Who would I recommend this to? Anyone who likes a fast-paced global, psychological, intrigue packed thriller.
Solid Three stars.
This is a rather fascinating story. The backdrop is the sinking of the mighty Titanic. We all know about the Carpathia answering the distress call, what we never heard about was the “The Lady Jane” and Captain Richard Blackmore. His ship arrives at the devastating scene of the sinking. He is only able to rescue one soul, Magda Asparov. She has been betrothed to a one, William Turner III by her parents in an attempt to rebuild their finances in Kiev.
Captain Blackmore is taken aback by her beauty and manners and does what he swore he would probably never do, fall in love until his seafaring days were done. One problem, when the Titanic was struck by the iceberg, a chunk of ice hit Magda in the head, knocking her unconscious as she fell into a long boat the broke free of it latches, plunging into the Atlantic. The collisions have damaged her brain and caused a severe case of amnesia.
As “The Lady Jane” steams toward New York, she is insistent on a name of some type. The Captain and her settle on Maggi and yes, over the nest few weeks and months they fall in love. In fact she becomes pregnant.
But hold one, what happened to her future husband, William? He is not a man to be trifled with. He has his #1 henchman, William Harker. This is the most conniving, ruthless character I’ve come across in a long time. Even though he is employed by Turner, his only allegiance is to himself and to further his standing in life at any cost.
In order for his employer to regain what he paid for, Harker develops one helluva of a web of suspense and intrigue to frame Captain Blackmore for a murder he didn’t commit, or did he?
I could go on about the upcoming trial and set-up, but that would expose too many spoilers
The ending of the book, while exciting, wasn’t the cliff-hanger others mentioned. For me, it was pretty finalized
.
Cons
There are Seventy-Three chapters to this story. I believe at least six could be deleted or worked into other chapters. Why? They are very short and actually didn’t move the story forward. They came across as bit elements. Perhaps the author got stumped and needed a little filler or wanted to attempt a little more intrigue in character development.
I’m big on timelines and geographical relevance. I struggled with the part where Blackstone moves into his Aunt’s house and by chance visits the local dry goods store to find out his lost love, Maggie has been there. I found this stretch since she was going to Alaska and Cordova is over 1200 miles away! Bit of a stretch for me.
I came across thirty-six unique issues with the story whether is was punctuation, missing words or odd phrases. With a little work, it can be cleaned up making it a sharper read.
One big issue was in Chapter Six “Loss”. Turner is talking about the land in Alaska that Asparov’s have which is in the Klondike region. Yet later in the story the land is in Texas. Need some continuity here.
Who would I recommend this to? Anyone who likes a fast-paced global, psychological, intrigue packed thriller.
Solid Three stars.
November 19, 2023
An excellent read.
Not my usual reads but one that’s been on my reading list for some time and I’m thrilled I got stuck in.
As historical fiction goes this is one of my first plunges in the genre and it kept me hooked from start to finish. From a voyage on the Titanic and then other ships we follow the plight of a young lady who rescued from the ice. What follows is a romantic story with a thrilling thread weaved cleverly through the plot.
Daring, adventure, desperate struggles both inner turmoil and environmental - this first in the trilogy has it all. And what an ending.
An excellent read from the talented Tom Kane.
Not my usual reads but one that’s been on my reading list for some time and I’m thrilled I got stuck in.
As historical fiction goes this is one of my first plunges in the genre and it kept me hooked from start to finish. From a voyage on the Titanic and then other ships we follow the plight of a young lady who rescued from the ice. What follows is a romantic story with a thrilling thread weaved cleverly through the plot.
Daring, adventure, desperate struggles both inner turmoil and environmental - this first in the trilogy has it all. And what an ending.
An excellent read from the talented Tom Kane.
February 27, 2023
A heroine. A sinking ship.yes that's titanic. But that's only a small part. She has no memory. She fell in love with the captain of the ship. But we know that she is already engaged to another person. So this fast paced story ends in a cliff hanger.. Liked the pacing.
Perfect for a weekend.
Perfect for a weekend.
March 30, 2021
*3.5 stars
The story of the Titanic is where this novel begins: Magda Asparov, a Ukrainian woman, is travelling on the now-infamous ship to New York in order to marry an American businessman and hopefully take control of her own life. When the ship hits the iceberg, though, all her plans are forgotten – quite literally, because she loses her memory in the process.
Cue her rescue and subsequent romantic involvement with her rescue ship's captain, Richard Blackmore. Neither of them know she's promised to another man... but the reader does, and that makes the wait for the big reveal all the more suspenseful.
I've seen reviewers mention that the part related to the Titanic itself is only a very small portion of the novel, and that is true; however, it isn't an issue as the author clearly meant it to only be the starting point of a much longer story. I like how the book had a lot of plot points: there was plenty to explore and learn alongside the characters, as well as several interwoven nefarious schemes to be discovered.
Therein, though, lies my critique: the amount of plot to be covered in only 295 pages led to some very fast pacing. Some scenes do, of course, need that pace. Many others would have been served better with a slower stride, allowing for a proper dive into personalities and description (show-don't-tell is the method I prefer when reading about characters). If this had been a longer novel, the same amount of plot could have been traversed to its fullest potential.
The ending was a cliffhanger, leaving several questions for the reader, so I do look forward to reading the next installment in this series!
Thank you to BookTasters and the author for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story of the Titanic is where this novel begins: Magda Asparov, a Ukrainian woman, is travelling on the now-infamous ship to New York in order to marry an American businessman and hopefully take control of her own life. When the ship hits the iceberg, though, all her plans are forgotten – quite literally, because she loses her memory in the process.
Cue her rescue and subsequent romantic involvement with her rescue ship's captain, Richard Blackmore. Neither of them know she's promised to another man... but the reader does, and that makes the wait for the big reveal all the more suspenseful.
I've seen reviewers mention that the part related to the Titanic itself is only a very small portion of the novel, and that is true; however, it isn't an issue as the author clearly meant it to only be the starting point of a much longer story. I like how the book had a lot of plot points: there was plenty to explore and learn alongside the characters, as well as several interwoven nefarious schemes to be discovered.
Therein, though, lies my critique: the amount of plot to be covered in only 295 pages led to some very fast pacing. Some scenes do, of course, need that pace. Many others would have been served better with a slower stride, allowing for a proper dive into personalities and description (show-don't-tell is the method I prefer when reading about characters). If this had been a longer novel, the same amount of plot could have been traversed to its fullest potential.
The ending was a cliffhanger, leaving several questions for the reader, so I do look forward to reading the next installment in this series!
Thank you to BookTasters and the author for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2020
Deceit, Murder, and Corruption
Set in the early 20th century, The Brittle Sea’s plot revolves around the three main characters.
First, it introduces Magda Kasparov, a 20-year-old woman from Ukraine. Her parents betrothed her to an American guy much older than she is. But she does not resent the arrangement even if she doesn't know him. All Magda wants is to get out of Ukraine and live a life according to her terms. Although her family is not very poor, Magda is ambitious. And so, when the opportunity comes, she readily grabs it.
At an appointed time, Magda books her trip to New York to join her would-be husband. But instead of using her own surname, she insists on registering as Mrs. Magda Turner on her trip ticket. She travels aboard the steamship Titanic.
The Titanic Disaster
Magda is still enjoying the view of the ocean when the Titanic meets its fate. She is thrown at the impact of the collision and loses her consciousness. Fortunately, she survives. Magda wakes up and found herself in a rescue ship, The Lady Jane. Her rescuers realized that she is amnesiac. And, since she does not remember her name the ship's doctor temporarily names her Maggie.
As The Lady Jane approaches New York, the ship's captain is getting concerned about Maggie's condition.
The Two Other Major Characters Come into the Picture
The Lady Jane's captain, Richard Blackmore, takes upon himself to look after Maggie. Upon arriving in New York he takes her to live in his apartment. He provides for Maggie's needs and makes sure that she feels comfortable. Richard also introduces Maggie to her close friends before he sails again to a scheduled destination.
Meanwhile, Matthew Turner III, the American guy to whom Magda is set to marry, learns about the Titanic's fate. He grows frantic. Matthew tries to look for Magda Kasparov. He searches for her among the survivors and on the list of the dead. But since Magda changed her surname, Matthew finds it difficult to trace her. And so, he hires a private detective to locate her.
It’s not that Matthew cares for Magda. But it’s because Magda holds the key to a massive fortune. From this point onwards, many twists and turns unfold in The Brittle Sea. Crimes, deceit, and corruption begin to set in. The detective that Matthew hires knows a lot and does more things behind him.
Meanwhile, Captain Richard Blackmore suddenly finds himself on a hot seat. Unbeknown to him, Matthew’s camp is after him. While the owner of The Lady Jane, Gordon Bellagon holds him responsible for the death of his nephew.
I should stop my narrative here to avoid spoilers. It’s up to you, readers, to find out how Tom Kane weaves the stories of the three main characters.
The Book and the Author
The Brittle Sea shows the author’s mastery of weaving the plot seamlessly. He describes and develops each of the characters to details like they are real people.
There are at least two points that I like the most in The Brittle Sea. First, I’m impressed at the way the author switches the characters from Magda to Maggie. And second, the dialogues he uses are realistic. Tom Kane is, no doubt, a very good storyteller.
However, I admit that I don’t like the way The Brittle Sea ends. Kane holds the readers, including me, in suspense. He evokes a sense of wonder about what happens next to the three main characters. Because of this, I can’t wait to read the other two installments of the Brittle Saga. Although I’m not sure if the second installment of the Brittle Saga trilogy picks up from where The Brittle Sea ends.
The Technical Side of The Brittle Sea
I found several typographical errors throughout the book. They are a bit bothersome to ignore. And so, I suggest that the author submits a copy of The Brittle Sea for another round of proofreading. The errors need to be corrected before Tom Kane decides to go ahead with the subsequent reproductions of the book.
Anyway, it’s only the technical errors that hold me from giving the book a perfect score. Instead, I give The Brittle Sea a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. And, I look forward to reading more of Tom Kane’s work.
I recommend The Brittle Sea to readers 15 years old and above. It’s a good read, indeed! However, I don’t suggest younger people read this book. The crimes and deception described in The Brittle Sea might create a negative influence on young minds.
Set in the early 20th century, The Brittle Sea’s plot revolves around the three main characters.
First, it introduces Magda Kasparov, a 20-year-old woman from Ukraine. Her parents betrothed her to an American guy much older than she is. But she does not resent the arrangement even if she doesn't know him. All Magda wants is to get out of Ukraine and live a life according to her terms. Although her family is not very poor, Magda is ambitious. And so, when the opportunity comes, she readily grabs it.
At an appointed time, Magda books her trip to New York to join her would-be husband. But instead of using her own surname, she insists on registering as Mrs. Magda Turner on her trip ticket. She travels aboard the steamship Titanic.
The Titanic Disaster
Magda is still enjoying the view of the ocean when the Titanic meets its fate. She is thrown at the impact of the collision and loses her consciousness. Fortunately, she survives. Magda wakes up and found herself in a rescue ship, The Lady Jane. Her rescuers realized that she is amnesiac. And, since she does not remember her name the ship's doctor temporarily names her Maggie.
As The Lady Jane approaches New York, the ship's captain is getting concerned about Maggie's condition.
The Two Other Major Characters Come into the Picture
The Lady Jane's captain, Richard Blackmore, takes upon himself to look after Maggie. Upon arriving in New York he takes her to live in his apartment. He provides for Maggie's needs and makes sure that she feels comfortable. Richard also introduces Maggie to her close friends before he sails again to a scheduled destination.
Meanwhile, Matthew Turner III, the American guy to whom Magda is set to marry, learns about the Titanic's fate. He grows frantic. Matthew tries to look for Magda Kasparov. He searches for her among the survivors and on the list of the dead. But since Magda changed her surname, Matthew finds it difficult to trace her. And so, he hires a private detective to locate her.
It’s not that Matthew cares for Magda. But it’s because Magda holds the key to a massive fortune. From this point onwards, many twists and turns unfold in The Brittle Sea. Crimes, deceit, and corruption begin to set in. The detective that Matthew hires knows a lot and does more things behind him.
Meanwhile, Captain Richard Blackmore suddenly finds himself on a hot seat. Unbeknown to him, Matthew’s camp is after him. While the owner of The Lady Jane, Gordon Bellagon holds him responsible for the death of his nephew.
I should stop my narrative here to avoid spoilers. It’s up to you, readers, to find out how Tom Kane weaves the stories of the three main characters.
The Book and the Author
The Brittle Sea shows the author’s mastery of weaving the plot seamlessly. He describes and develops each of the characters to details like they are real people.
There are at least two points that I like the most in The Brittle Sea. First, I’m impressed at the way the author switches the characters from Magda to Maggie. And second, the dialogues he uses are realistic. Tom Kane is, no doubt, a very good storyteller.
However, I admit that I don’t like the way The Brittle Sea ends. Kane holds the readers, including me, in suspense. He evokes a sense of wonder about what happens next to the three main characters. Because of this, I can’t wait to read the other two installments of the Brittle Saga. Although I’m not sure if the second installment of the Brittle Saga trilogy picks up from where The Brittle Sea ends.
The Technical Side of The Brittle Sea
I found several typographical errors throughout the book. They are a bit bothersome to ignore. And so, I suggest that the author submits a copy of The Brittle Sea for another round of proofreading. The errors need to be corrected before Tom Kane decides to go ahead with the subsequent reproductions of the book.
Anyway, it’s only the technical errors that hold me from giving the book a perfect score. Instead, I give The Brittle Sea a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. And, I look forward to reading more of Tom Kane’s work.
I recommend The Brittle Sea to readers 15 years old and above. It’s a good read, indeed! However, I don’t suggest younger people read this book. The crimes and deception described in The Brittle Sea might create a negative influence on young minds.
May 9, 2023
This was a ride to cherish, Tom Kane has weaved together a fantastic story and so far, I have been mesmerized with how the narrative unfolds on each page.
The story is set in the early 20th Century, where Magda Kasparov, a 20-year-old woman from Ukraine, set sail for New York on the Titanic to meet her would-be husband. Her parents arranged her marriage with an old American guy despite her being unhappy with the potential association. But she was ambitious, so she readily accepted the offer. All it mattered to her was freedom, she wanted to get out of Ukraine and live a life on her own terms.
As the time came, she booked a ticket to New York to join her future husband. Before boarding the ship, she changed her surname and instead opted to register herself as Mrs. Magda Turner. And therein the journey started in the historic ship, the Titanic.
Everything about the journey seemed fine, Magda came across few gentlemen who were very polite to her, but she quickly understood the reasons behind such behaviours. The ship sailed along with its mighty force, cutting through the icy cold water. It was a beautiful scenery all around, Magda was enjoying the grand view of the ocean when the Titanic met its fatal fate. The impact of the collision was so intense that she was thrown onto an iceberg before losing her consciousness. Later, she found herself on a rescue ship, The Lady Jane. The crew members soon found out that she had forgotten everything about the incident and even her name. Since she didn’t remember her name, the ship’s doctor temporarily named her Maggie.
The story takes a definitive turn and opens its door to the more gruel and classic mysterious scenes of the old American society. I’ll leave the narration over here, as I don’t want to let the spoilers spoil your initial hunger.
This is a story to revere, and Tom Kane has done best to hook the readers to a classic tale of murder, deceit, mystery and adventure. Along the way, there were points in the story where I felt that, “this was it, now the mystery behind it will come up,” but I was so wrong! The author has been marvellous in using cliff-hangers to hold the readers to the edge and just like all the fellow readers, I’m excited to discover what happens in the next two installations.
The story is set in the early 20th Century, where Magda Kasparov, a 20-year-old woman from Ukraine, set sail for New York on the Titanic to meet her would-be husband. Her parents arranged her marriage with an old American guy despite her being unhappy with the potential association. But she was ambitious, so she readily accepted the offer. All it mattered to her was freedom, she wanted to get out of Ukraine and live a life on her own terms.
As the time came, she booked a ticket to New York to join her future husband. Before boarding the ship, she changed her surname and instead opted to register herself as Mrs. Magda Turner. And therein the journey started in the historic ship, the Titanic.
Everything about the journey seemed fine, Magda came across few gentlemen who were very polite to her, but she quickly understood the reasons behind such behaviours. The ship sailed along with its mighty force, cutting through the icy cold water. It was a beautiful scenery all around, Magda was enjoying the grand view of the ocean when the Titanic met its fatal fate. The impact of the collision was so intense that she was thrown onto an iceberg before losing her consciousness. Later, she found herself on a rescue ship, The Lady Jane. The crew members soon found out that she had forgotten everything about the incident and even her name. Since she didn’t remember her name, the ship’s doctor temporarily named her Maggie.
The story takes a definitive turn and opens its door to the more gruel and classic mysterious scenes of the old American society. I’ll leave the narration over here, as I don’t want to let the spoilers spoil your initial hunger.
This is a story to revere, and Tom Kane has done best to hook the readers to a classic tale of murder, deceit, mystery and adventure. Along the way, there were points in the story where I felt that, “this was it, now the mystery behind it will come up,” but I was so wrong! The author has been marvellous in using cliff-hangers to hold the readers to the edge and just like all the fellow readers, I’m excited to discover what happens in the next two installations.
August 13, 2020
The Titanic sinking is only the start to this intriguing story. Magda is traveling from the Ukraine to the US to marry a man, so that he can obtain her dowry; specifically for some land. Magda survives the sinking of the ill fated ship and is rescued by Captain Blackmore and his ship The Lady Jane. She soon discovers she has lost her memory and so Captain Blackmore gives her the name Maggie and takes her into his care; he falls in love with her over a short time together before he sets sail again.
Each character has a strong arc in this first book of the series; it kept my interest throughout and with smooth transitions between each characters paths.
I enjoyed the period history lessons as well as the embellished story of how it all played out for these characters; Specifically Captain Blackmore’s story was fascinating and horrifying with all the injustice he experienced. Considering his difficult path to find Maggie leads to the shocking end that is just that, shocking; but a well placed cliffhanger for some answers in book two.
Each character has a strong arc in this first book of the series; it kept my interest throughout and with smooth transitions between each characters paths.
I enjoyed the period history lessons as well as the embellished story of how it all played out for these characters; Specifically Captain Blackmore’s story was fascinating and horrifying with all the injustice he experienced. Considering his difficult path to find Maggie leads to the shocking end that is just that, shocking; but a well placed cliffhanger for some answers in book two.
August 13, 2020
As a child I was always interested in the history of the Titanic sinking, so when I saw this book I was automatically intrigued. The Titanic is the main theme of the story but is only set in the first couple of chapters. The story evolves around Magda/Maggie and Richard Blackmore. This book has everything Romance, Murder, Mystery which automatically hooks you to the story, making you want to read it in one sitting. I found it hard to put down as I was desperate to know how the story played out. Another one of my favourite things about this book is chapters from the different characters point of view I feel it makes you understand and appreciate the story more and makes you feel for the characters. A great read and thoroughly enjoyed would recommended to those interested in all things history. Looking forward to see what Tom does next.
November 4, 2020
This book had me at the dedication...
From the gripping first scene, “The Brittle Sea” becomes and stays, a fast paced page turner. I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter and now I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Stories around the tragedy of the Titanic abound but this one has fascinating characters that you eagerly look forward to watching develop within the story.
“The Brittle Sea” has all that a fictional romp through history can have—arranged marriage, tragic love story, mystery and a bad guy you’ll love to hate.
Tom Kane is an excellent storyteller. Where will this story end? I can’t wait to find out!
From the gripping first scene, “The Brittle Sea” becomes and stays, a fast paced page turner. I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter and now I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Stories around the tragedy of the Titanic abound but this one has fascinating characters that you eagerly look forward to watching develop within the story.
“The Brittle Sea” has all that a fictional romp through history can have—arranged marriage, tragic love story, mystery and a bad guy you’ll love to hate.
Tom Kane is an excellent storyteller. Where will this story end? I can’t wait to find out!
April 14, 2021
Well, What can i say about this book?
To begin with, the whole content is truly engaging, it set yourself in the era and the curiosity to continue reading improves every time you go on reading.
Another appreciable premise, is the clarity at the time when the author is telling facts, which means the book is very accessible and peaceful. therefore you are able to understanding without any problems at all.
I would like to mention something about the book, But I won't do it due to I do not like to make spoilers, though, what i can assure you is you will have a lot exploration plus curiosity with it.
In conclusion if you like the history of the ship and you want to go further on the topic, this book is for you! you shouldn't let pass by the opportunity of reading it. !
To begin with, the whole content is truly engaging, it set yourself in the era and the curiosity to continue reading improves every time you go on reading.
Another appreciable premise, is the clarity at the time when the author is telling facts, which means the book is very accessible and peaceful. therefore you are able to understanding without any problems at all.
I would like to mention something about the book, But I won't do it due to I do not like to make spoilers, though, what i can assure you is you will have a lot exploration plus curiosity with it.
In conclusion if you like the history of the ship and you want to go further on the topic, this book is for you! you shouldn't let pass by the opportunity of reading it. !
Read
April 30, 2023I rarely read fiction but for a change, I grabbed The Brittle Sea to try and get the feel of fiction. The Brittle Sea was a very interesting read for me. Enjoyed the characters and storyline. What kept me turning the pages was the character of Magda Asparov and the fact that the storyline touches on the famous Titanic. Just one issue I had with the style of the book was a lot of chapters that were very short, the book has more than 70 chapters. Otherwise, generally, the book was worth reading as it brought memories of Titanic and the detail is excellent.
July 14, 2024
Very good story and great characters, it kept me reading. Around the middle, I thought it was getting a little too complicated and wasn't sure whether it was necessary. However, I kept on going because it was still a good read, albeit slightly unbelievable or unrealistic - at the end of the day, it is fiction and the author can go wherever he wants to with his story. The ending was dramatic and a clear invitation to move on to the next part.
October 27, 2023
Great story
I started reading this book because of the ties to the Titanic. But that is only a small part of the tale. The story travels to several parts of the world as one man's life is full of adventures, both large and small. I really enjoyed reading this book, even though it could use a good editing in the punctuation department. I plan to continue on with book two and rate this first book 5 stars.
I started reading this book because of the ties to the Titanic. But that is only a small part of the tale. The story travels to several parts of the world as one man's life is full of adventures, both large and small. I really enjoyed reading this book, even though it could use a good editing in the punctuation department. I plan to continue on with book two and rate this first book 5 stars.
October 2, 2020
This is a book that I didn’t want to put down. I wanted to see what would happen next. I was dismayed by what happened to some of the characters in the book. A really enjoyable read. I was however unaware that it was part of a trilogy ! Now I am hooked. But the injustice in book 1 to some of the characters makes my heart ache and eyes water. It would be great to have all books at once and read them all. Other than that, it has everything and is written tastefully with both interesting and revolting characters.
March 27, 2023
Review posted on my blog The Writer's Library.
Back in 2016, right before I graduated high school, my favorite singer at the time began a project where he set historical events to instrumental music. The first event I listened to was his interpretation of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. I open with this little anecdote because that is what enticed me to give this story a try, because I already had some familiarity with the tragedy of the ship, and I was curious about what might be in store.
Concerning the actual story, I was intrigued by the incredibly strong opening and interesting characters. This made getting into the world being created very easy, and I found myself swept up by the twists and turns of the plot, interested in whatever would occur next! Kane has a knack for grabbing the reader with surprising events, while at the same time being very clear about the natures and motives of certain characters, so while the events themselves can be surprising, I felt a pit in my stomach whenever certain individuals were given the limelight. I’ll go more into this with those respective characters.
Before we do that, we should get a summary for the story.
Summary
We open to a woman named Magda Asparov arguing with a ship employee as she is about to board the Titanic. Magda is set to marry a man named Matthew Turner, who only wants her for her money. However, when the ship hits an iceberg, Magda falls from the deck, losing her memory in the process. As a result, a completely different personality called Maggie takes ahold of her. When a ship captain named Richard Blackmore rescues her, he finds himself falling for Maggie’s sweet personality.
However, Magda’s association with Turner is out to haunt her, as he hires notorious criminal William Harker to kidnap her and bring her back to him. In doing so, Harker finds a fall guy in Blackmore. Now, the captain must prove his innocence and get back to Maggie before she comes to any harm by Harker.
Will Blackmore and Maggie be able to reunite?
Thoughts
I had a lot of fun with this! Kane has woven together a very interesting narrative, with characters that are fun to follow (even if they are not always sympathetic) and a story that leaves you wanting more! Particularly with the developments involving Magda’s husband Matthew Turner and William Harker, it was intense whenever these two so much as made a move!
Personally, I like characters that you love to hate – the ones that have few (if any) redeeming qualities. While some readers may see these individuals as one-note, I have honestly grown bored with the need for sympathetic reasons for every horrible action. It can be nice to see from time to time, but I do not believe every individual being sympathetic is reflective of our reality. I’ll discuss this more in the character section.
Let’s get into it!
Characters
Magda (Maggie) Asparov
So, I admit, Magda’s appearances in both the prologue and chapter one startled me. I did not expect her to act the way she did, and I see disturbing things about her. This is interesting to me because, while I do not see a lot to like about Magda as a person because she is strongly hinted to be power-hungry, I still find myself captivated by her actions because they make for an intriguing story! I am wondering what exactly Magda will do down the road, because she has made it clear in the narrative that she is not one to be messed with!
As for Maggie, I found myself feeling genuine sympathy for her because, to me, she is Magda with empathy and kindness. I find this personality shift interesting because it makes me wonder if that is who Magda may be deep down, and she hides it behind the front of being a tough woman who is hard to crack because she has had people in her life that treated her poorly. I could be completely off-base with this assumption, but Maggie’s personality has me thinking that Magda may not be entirely heartless. Based on the way Maggie acts, I am starting to wonder if Magda is simply tough as nails due to her life’s circumstances and she has buried that side of her personality to protect herself.
Captain Richard Blackmore
Richard Blackmore might be the most sympathetic character in this entire story. From the moment he is introduced and falls in love with Maggie, I found myself pulled right into his story. Seeing his dedication to his crew on the ship as a captain made me realize that I liked him as a person. I feel like who he is as an individual especially shines through during the middle part of the story to the end. That was the point where I just wanted to reach out and take his hand, because it was clear that he needed someone to be there for him.
On that note, seeing what he goes through to try and get back to Maggie once he realizes what has happened with her is amazing. He is doing it based off how he remembers her and while not being fully aware of her other side, but the fact that he loves Maggie that much is heartwarming to me because he finds reason to go on despite everything! He has been through nightmare after nightmare in this narrative, but he will not give up if it means being there for someone he loves. I am wondering where that love will go as more comes out about Maggie/Magda, but it shows me that he is a genuinely good person. Given where the story ends, I am interested in where he goes next!
William Harker
Now, earlier when I was discussing the characters that have few sympathetic traits, I was thinking about William Harker. He reminds me a lot of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Mr. Hyde, mainly in the sense that I cannot see one redeeming quality about him. He does not care whom he steps on to get what he desires, and if he wants to engage in underhanded actions to attain power, he will. Because I know this about him, anything he did set off alarm bells for me and the tension rose significantly!
I am curious and concerned for Blackmore because of this man. I do not know what Kane is planning, but I admit to feeling uneasy about whatever comes next. Given certain plot developments, I find myself concerned for anyone encountering Harker. Anytime he so much as walks into a room, the mood and atmosphere of the story changes, and this makes it easy to stay hooked on whatever he is doing. I’ll talk more about that tonal shift in the writing section. It happens quite a bit in this narrative.
Structure
Kane knows how to build a compelling narrative that will grab the reader and not let them go until the end! Setup and payoff are crucial here, even if in doing so you are only providing a hint as to what comes next instead of an entire resolution. If an element is set up, it needs to be either resolved or the author can drop a hint as to what comes next, because then it is easier to keep the audience’s interest.
The way Kane structures the narrative shows me that he knows the importance of this aspect of writing, because he follows through on most things he wishes to close, and leaves hints to things he does not resolve. The only place where I feel this is not done effectively is the section with the rebels attacking Blackmore’s ship. This is because the event is dropped into the narrative without anything to clue the reader in that something like this could happen. One way this could be improved is by throwing in a line or two about rebellion and conflict before Blackmore’s crew reaches that destination. It is necessary to do so because by itself the event is not woven organically into the narrative, causing an otherwise-intense scene to have an underwhelming impact in the grand scheme of things because the setup did not work as intended.
Writing
Now, as I said before, one of the things I want to discuss when talking about the writing is tone. Because we see a few different characters’ perspectives in this story, it is important to give their sections things that implicitly tell the reader whom they are following. This can be easily done by playing with tone, thereby setting the mood for an event.
There is one section where one character leaves an office, only for someone to be standing outside the door. The tone of the writing in this scene engages the reader with a sense of unease, building anticipation as the full context becomes clear. Tonal shifts like this work wonders to keep the reader hooked on the narrative! Even when it looks like Kane may not be doing much because a scene is straightforward, he is able to throw these curveballs that engage the reader with greater intensity!
Conclusion
Kane has woven a captivating narrative here! From the moment the story started, I found myself drawn right in! The interesting characters and intense plotline make this very difficult to put down. I frequently found myself finishing one chapter, only to be drawn immediately into the next one because of how the narrative flows and the implicit promises being made in the narrative, which kept me engaged and interested!
In the end, I would highly recommend this to, not just fans of historical fiction, but also anyone who loves it when a story grabs you and refuses to let you go! If you enjoy the feeling of when you cannot stop reading because you must know what happens next, I will say this story is more than worth diving into!
Back in 2016, right before I graduated high school, my favorite singer at the time began a project where he set historical events to instrumental music. The first event I listened to was his interpretation of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. I open with this little anecdote because that is what enticed me to give this story a try, because I already had some familiarity with the tragedy of the ship, and I was curious about what might be in store.
Concerning the actual story, I was intrigued by the incredibly strong opening and interesting characters. This made getting into the world being created very easy, and I found myself swept up by the twists and turns of the plot, interested in whatever would occur next! Kane has a knack for grabbing the reader with surprising events, while at the same time being very clear about the natures and motives of certain characters, so while the events themselves can be surprising, I felt a pit in my stomach whenever certain individuals were given the limelight. I’ll go more into this with those respective characters.
Before we do that, we should get a summary for the story.
Summary
We open to a woman named Magda Asparov arguing with a ship employee as she is about to board the Titanic. Magda is set to marry a man named Matthew Turner, who only wants her for her money. However, when the ship hits an iceberg, Magda falls from the deck, losing her memory in the process. As a result, a completely different personality called Maggie takes ahold of her. When a ship captain named Richard Blackmore rescues her, he finds himself falling for Maggie’s sweet personality.
However, Magda’s association with Turner is out to haunt her, as he hires notorious criminal William Harker to kidnap her and bring her back to him. In doing so, Harker finds a fall guy in Blackmore. Now, the captain must prove his innocence and get back to Maggie before she comes to any harm by Harker.
Will Blackmore and Maggie be able to reunite?
Thoughts
I had a lot of fun with this! Kane has woven together a very interesting narrative, with characters that are fun to follow (even if they are not always sympathetic) and a story that leaves you wanting more! Particularly with the developments involving Magda’s husband Matthew Turner and William Harker, it was intense whenever these two so much as made a move!
Personally, I like characters that you love to hate – the ones that have few (if any) redeeming qualities. While some readers may see these individuals as one-note, I have honestly grown bored with the need for sympathetic reasons for every horrible action. It can be nice to see from time to time, but I do not believe every individual being sympathetic is reflective of our reality. I’ll discuss this more in the character section.
Let’s get into it!
Characters
Magda (Maggie) Asparov
So, I admit, Magda’s appearances in both the prologue and chapter one startled me. I did not expect her to act the way she did, and I see disturbing things about her. This is interesting to me because, while I do not see a lot to like about Magda as a person because she is strongly hinted to be power-hungry, I still find myself captivated by her actions because they make for an intriguing story! I am wondering what exactly Magda will do down the road, because she has made it clear in the narrative that she is not one to be messed with!
As for Maggie, I found myself feeling genuine sympathy for her because, to me, she is Magda with empathy and kindness. I find this personality shift interesting because it makes me wonder if that is who Magda may be deep down, and she hides it behind the front of being a tough woman who is hard to crack because she has had people in her life that treated her poorly. I could be completely off-base with this assumption, but Maggie’s personality has me thinking that Magda may not be entirely heartless. Based on the way Maggie acts, I am starting to wonder if Magda is simply tough as nails due to her life’s circumstances and she has buried that side of her personality to protect herself.
Captain Richard Blackmore
Richard Blackmore might be the most sympathetic character in this entire story. From the moment he is introduced and falls in love with Maggie, I found myself pulled right into his story. Seeing his dedication to his crew on the ship as a captain made me realize that I liked him as a person. I feel like who he is as an individual especially shines through during the middle part of the story to the end. That was the point where I just wanted to reach out and take his hand, because it was clear that he needed someone to be there for him.
On that note, seeing what he goes through to try and get back to Maggie once he realizes what has happened with her is amazing. He is doing it based off how he remembers her and while not being fully aware of her other side, but the fact that he loves Maggie that much is heartwarming to me because he finds reason to go on despite everything! He has been through nightmare after nightmare in this narrative, but he will not give up if it means being there for someone he loves. I am wondering where that love will go as more comes out about Maggie/Magda, but it shows me that he is a genuinely good person. Given where the story ends, I am interested in where he goes next!
William Harker
Now, earlier when I was discussing the characters that have few sympathetic traits, I was thinking about William Harker. He reminds me a lot of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Mr. Hyde, mainly in the sense that I cannot see one redeeming quality about him. He does not care whom he steps on to get what he desires, and if he wants to engage in underhanded actions to attain power, he will. Because I know this about him, anything he did set off alarm bells for me and the tension rose significantly!
I am curious and concerned for Blackmore because of this man. I do not know what Kane is planning, but I admit to feeling uneasy about whatever comes next. Given certain plot developments, I find myself concerned for anyone encountering Harker. Anytime he so much as walks into a room, the mood and atmosphere of the story changes, and this makes it easy to stay hooked on whatever he is doing. I’ll talk more about that tonal shift in the writing section. It happens quite a bit in this narrative.
Structure
Kane knows how to build a compelling narrative that will grab the reader and not let them go until the end! Setup and payoff are crucial here, even if in doing so you are only providing a hint as to what comes next instead of an entire resolution. If an element is set up, it needs to be either resolved or the author can drop a hint as to what comes next, because then it is easier to keep the audience’s interest.
The way Kane structures the narrative shows me that he knows the importance of this aspect of writing, because he follows through on most things he wishes to close, and leaves hints to things he does not resolve. The only place where I feel this is not done effectively is the section with the rebels attacking Blackmore’s ship. This is because the event is dropped into the narrative without anything to clue the reader in that something like this could happen. One way this could be improved is by throwing in a line or two about rebellion and conflict before Blackmore’s crew reaches that destination. It is necessary to do so because by itself the event is not woven organically into the narrative, causing an otherwise-intense scene to have an underwhelming impact in the grand scheme of things because the setup did not work as intended.
Writing
Now, as I said before, one of the things I want to discuss when talking about the writing is tone. Because we see a few different characters’ perspectives in this story, it is important to give their sections things that implicitly tell the reader whom they are following. This can be easily done by playing with tone, thereby setting the mood for an event.
There is one section where one character leaves an office, only for someone to be standing outside the door. The tone of the writing in this scene engages the reader with a sense of unease, building anticipation as the full context becomes clear. Tonal shifts like this work wonders to keep the reader hooked on the narrative! Even when it looks like Kane may not be doing much because a scene is straightforward, he is able to throw these curveballs that engage the reader with greater intensity!
Conclusion
Kane has woven a captivating narrative here! From the moment the story started, I found myself drawn right in! The interesting characters and intense plotline make this very difficult to put down. I frequently found myself finishing one chapter, only to be drawn immediately into the next one because of how the narrative flows and the implicit promises being made in the narrative, which kept me engaged and interested!
In the end, I would highly recommend this to, not just fans of historical fiction, but also anyone who loves it when a story grabs you and refuses to let you go! If you enjoy the feeling of when you cannot stop reading because you must know what happens next, I will say this story is more than worth diving into!
April 16, 2023
This is the first book I've ever read by this author, and I gotta say it caught my attention.
I had my doubts reading this since my first impression of the cover was honestly not giving any appeal at all. I usually am a visual person and would love to see a better cover than what this book is worthy of! Like the cover didn't do justice to the book.
I dived right into the book without any background as to what it was about. I only knew that it was historical fiction, and I wasn't prepared to be entranced by how the plot was just effortlessly woven into this story. The pacing was very nice, not too rushed, and not too slow. It was giving me mini flashbacks of Baz Luhrmann's Australia in terms of how corruption and deceit was incorporated into the book, and honestly I enjoyed reading it.
I am not gonna give away details of the book. That would just ruin the plot, but this is a good read. It's worth getting your hands off with this one.
I had my doubts reading this since my first impression of the cover was honestly not giving any appeal at all. I usually am a visual person and would love to see a better cover than what this book is worthy of! Like the cover didn't do justice to the book.
I dived right into the book without any background as to what it was about. I only knew that it was historical fiction, and I wasn't prepared to be entranced by how the plot was just effortlessly woven into this story. The pacing was very nice, not too rushed, and not too slow. It was giving me mini flashbacks of Baz Luhrmann's Australia in terms of how corruption and deceit was incorporated into the book, and honestly I enjoyed reading it.
I am not gonna give away details of the book. That would just ruin the plot, but this is a good read. It's worth getting your hands off with this one.
April 4, 2023
The Brittle Sea
Wow, I never saw that ending coming! Great story line, lots of twists and turns, kept me guessing the whole time. I couldn't even imagine how it would end!
Wow, I never saw that ending coming! Great story line, lots of twists and turns, kept me guessing the whole time. I couldn't even imagine how it would end!
September 17, 2021
A compelling read! Ever wondered what it must be like to survive a major disaster?
The Brittle Sea, by Tom Kane, published slap bang in the middle of a disaster of a different kind (COVID-19), starts off in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic. The leading lady, Magda, on her way to an arranged marriage to a rather odious man, falls overboard, fortuitously into a lifeboat. Just the thought of being abandoned in such a tiny vessel in those icy seas is enough to make my blood freeze, but luckily Magda is rescued by a warm-hearted captain when he rushes to the aid of the stricken vessel.
He falls equally hard for Magda, who is suffering from amnesia. Instead of bringing light to his life, Magda inadvertently sets off a series of events that affect Captain Richard Blackmore’s life in catastrophic ways.
Full of well-written twists turns and unscrupulous characters, The Brittle Sea is the first book in The Brittle Saga trilogy and leaves one hoping that the author won’t take too long to get the second book onto the digital shelves.
The Brittle Sea, by Tom Kane, published slap bang in the middle of a disaster of a different kind (COVID-19), starts off in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic. The leading lady, Magda, on her way to an arranged marriage to a rather odious man, falls overboard, fortuitously into a lifeboat. Just the thought of being abandoned in such a tiny vessel in those icy seas is enough to make my blood freeze, but luckily Magda is rescued by a warm-hearted captain when he rushes to the aid of the stricken vessel.
He falls equally hard for Magda, who is suffering from amnesia. Instead of bringing light to his life, Magda inadvertently sets off a series of events that affect Captain Richard Blackmore’s life in catastrophic ways.
Full of well-written twists turns and unscrupulous characters, The Brittle Sea is the first book in The Brittle Saga trilogy and leaves one hoping that the author won’t take too long to get the second book onto the digital shelves.
October 17, 2022
This one has it all - mystery, corruption, murder, kidnapping, love, revenge. Don’t plan to read it as a stand alone. You’ll definitely want the next books in the trilogy because the ending of book one is a cliff hanger. I couldn’t put this book down although I became so worried about the fate of Blackmore I had to regroup myself. Tom Kane did one helluva job writing this set.
October 26, 2022
Another teaser book. Go elsewhere.
Seriously. A well written book with characters you love and hate. The plot is crazy but you love it. Then, last page and suddenly everything explodes and you are expected to buy 2 more books to see if there will ever be an ending. Naw, don’t reward this selling trick.
Seriously. A well written book with characters you love and hate. The plot is crazy but you love it. Then, last page and suddenly everything explodes and you are expected to buy 2 more books to see if there will ever be an ending. Naw, don’t reward this selling trick.
October 15, 2022
Titantic Tragedy
Wonderful twists and turns in this great story. Could not put it down nor wait to the end. Very interesting at the ending. Greater teaser to read the next segment.
Wonderful twists and turns in this great story. Could not put it down nor wait to the end. Very interesting at the ending. Greater teaser to read the next segment.
August 12, 2023
The Brittle Sea by Tom Kane is the first book in an historical drama trilogy. This suspense-filled psychological thriller opens with a young Ukrainian woman heading to America for an arranged marriage. She’s rather a manipulative independent sort as she boards the Titanic and survives the ship going down. When she awakens, she doesn’t remember who she is, where she is from, or where she was going, and her personality is sweet and innocent. The boat that rescues her is The Lady Jane, captained by Richard Blackmore, and he quickly finds he cares for her. The ship’s steward decides she needs a name while onboard, and gives her the name Maggie.
About the Book: The Brittle Sea
This story is full of plot twists as the man Maggie is supposed to marry is a shrewd American businessman by the name of Matthew Turner. He doesn’t plan to marry her because he wants a wife, but because he has plans to procure oil-rich property her family owns in Alaska. But when the Titanic goes down, Maggie goes missing and when The Lady Jane arrives in New York, Richard Blackmore takes Maggie to live at his apartment until her memory returns, and the two of them fall in love. In the meantime, Turner hires his sociopath henchman, William Harker to hunt down the woman he has paid to marry.
Book review: The Brittle Sea
I’m not going to give more than that away because I don’t want to include spoilers in this review, but I can tell you that The Brittle Sea will set you on the edge of your seat and hold you there. The characters in this Hitchcockian-style suspenseful drama are unpredictable and you will either love them or hate them. Sometimes both. The complex plot is volatile and will take you on a tortuous journey filled with danger, paranoia, and a thirst for revenge. I highly recommend The Brittle Sea to readers who enjoy historical thrillers or psychological thrillers couched in a love story that reads like detective fiction. The end took away my breath. I’m happy to give it 4 stars.
As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it.
About the Book: The Brittle Sea
This story is full of plot twists as the man Maggie is supposed to marry is a shrewd American businessman by the name of Matthew Turner. He doesn’t plan to marry her because he wants a wife, but because he has plans to procure oil-rich property her family owns in Alaska. But when the Titanic goes down, Maggie goes missing and when The Lady Jane arrives in New York, Richard Blackmore takes Maggie to live at his apartment until her memory returns, and the two of them fall in love. In the meantime, Turner hires his sociopath henchman, William Harker to hunt down the woman he has paid to marry.
Book review: The Brittle Sea
I’m not going to give more than that away because I don’t want to include spoilers in this review, but I can tell you that The Brittle Sea will set you on the edge of your seat and hold you there. The characters in this Hitchcockian-style suspenseful drama are unpredictable and you will either love them or hate them. Sometimes both. The complex plot is volatile and will take you on a tortuous journey filled with danger, paranoia, and a thirst for revenge. I highly recommend The Brittle Sea to readers who enjoy historical thrillers or psychological thrillers couched in a love story that reads like detective fiction. The end took away my breath. I’m happy to give it 4 stars.
As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it.
November 4, 2025
OK, I really enjoy historic fiction, but another book on the Titanic does not exactly compel me. How many times have I seen Winslet and DiCaprio fogging up the windows of that car, Zane saving himself by holding a child, and Leonardo sinking beneath the waves? How can this story be retold so that it has some originality?
Yup, I was wrong.
The Titanic misadventure, although it has significance in the plot, is merely the opening episode of this book. Magda Asparov, a young Ukrainian, is purchased for marriage by one Matthew Turner, an unscrupulous American, and her passage is booked aboard Titanic. When she inevitably is involved in the sinking, she loses her memory but is rescued by Captain Blackmore, of the Lady Jane. They choose the name "Maggie" for her and develop a relationship. Upon arrival in New York, Blackmore is punished by the ship's owner, a man named Bellagon, for his treatment of engineer Collins, a relative of Bellagon. Blackmore is to immediately ship out for several months to South America and Africa and is forced to leave Maggie behind. Meanwhile, Turner, Maggie's would-be husband, hires a man even more thuggish than he, a fellow named Harker, to verify that she survived Titanic and to track her down. The plot thickens. Harker uses this hiring to make big money for himself, through wicked schemes. This tale involves the deaths of Collins, Bellagon and others, the capture of Blackmore by African revolutionaries and subsequent, mistaken guilty verdict of Blackmore for the murder of Collins, and the marriage of Maggie to the hapless Turner. It's quite a yarn, and again, the Titanic only provides the starting blocks.
On e aspect of books which attracts me is the writing style. It works in this book. Let me provide a couple of samples:
"Love doesn't leave a calling card, and both Maggie and Blackmore knew, in that moment, what the inevitable outcome would be."
"Matthew Turner believed he oversaw his own destiny. He felt his life was not pre-determined, but something he forged for himself. As always, he was wrong."
Give this book a try.
Yup, I was wrong.
The Titanic misadventure, although it has significance in the plot, is merely the opening episode of this book. Magda Asparov, a young Ukrainian, is purchased for marriage by one Matthew Turner, an unscrupulous American, and her passage is booked aboard Titanic. When she inevitably is involved in the sinking, she loses her memory but is rescued by Captain Blackmore, of the Lady Jane. They choose the name "Maggie" for her and develop a relationship. Upon arrival in New York, Blackmore is punished by the ship's owner, a man named Bellagon, for his treatment of engineer Collins, a relative of Bellagon. Blackmore is to immediately ship out for several months to South America and Africa and is forced to leave Maggie behind. Meanwhile, Turner, Maggie's would-be husband, hires a man even more thuggish than he, a fellow named Harker, to verify that she survived Titanic and to track her down. The plot thickens. Harker uses this hiring to make big money for himself, through wicked schemes. This tale involves the deaths of Collins, Bellagon and others, the capture of Blackmore by African revolutionaries and subsequent, mistaken guilty verdict of Blackmore for the murder of Collins, and the marriage of Maggie to the hapless Turner. It's quite a yarn, and again, the Titanic only provides the starting blocks.
On e aspect of books which attracts me is the writing style. It works in this book. Let me provide a couple of samples:
"Love doesn't leave a calling card, and both Maggie and Blackmore knew, in that moment, what the inevitable outcome would be."
"Matthew Turner believed he oversaw his own destiny. He felt his life was not pre-determined, but something he forged for himself. As always, he was wrong."
Give this book a try.
August 15, 2020
Thank you to Booktasters and Tom Kane. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Note: reading #1 and commenting on this story only
I enjoyed reading this book, and liked the story, but was disappointed. The introduction did not tie back to specific events or characters in the story. The characters and story line started out strong, but did not remain so. The pace was good with lots of action, but it fell apart at the end, leaving too many unanswered questions. Hopefully these characters’ stories will be resolved in future books. For a story that is set in New York, there was too much British English. Defence, warder, four-storey for example.
Looking overseas for a bride, Matthew Turner finds the Asparovs who are willing to sell their daughter, but not the land they own in Alaska. Turner seizes the opportunity and arranges to marry Magda Asparov, purchasing a ticket for her on the Titanic. A little foreshadowing?
Magda has absolutely no romantic notions for this arranged marriage. For her, this is only a means to money and power. Magda frequents the promenade deck on the Titanic during the journey, and she is on deck when the Titanic hits the iceberg.
Captain Richard Blackmore of The Lady Jane receives the distress call late and changes his ship’s course to begin a rescue operation. The crew finds only one survivor, Magda, who wakes up on the The Lady Jane with complete amnesia. Blackmore sets off for New York with a new life ahead for Magda, now Maggie.
Never believing his Magda died on ship and not wanting to lose those Alaskan land rights, Turner hires tenacious and ruthless William Harker to find Magda. Harker begins his search for Maggie/Magda setting off a series of events that culminate in lies, deceit, kidnapping and murder.
So far good is not triumphing over evil and maybe the sequels will tell a different story.
I enjoyed reading this book, and liked the story, but was disappointed. The introduction did not tie back to specific events or characters in the story. The characters and story line started out strong, but did not remain so. The pace was good with lots of action, but it fell apart at the end, leaving too many unanswered questions. Hopefully these characters’ stories will be resolved in future books. For a story that is set in New York, there was too much British English. Defence, warder, four-storey for example.
Looking overseas for a bride, Matthew Turner finds the Asparovs who are willing to sell their daughter, but not the land they own in Alaska. Turner seizes the opportunity and arranges to marry Magda Asparov, purchasing a ticket for her on the Titanic. A little foreshadowing?
Magda has absolutely no romantic notions for this arranged marriage. For her, this is only a means to money and power. Magda frequents the promenade deck on the Titanic during the journey, and she is on deck when the Titanic hits the iceberg.
Captain Richard Blackmore of The Lady Jane receives the distress call late and changes his ship’s course to begin a rescue operation. The crew finds only one survivor, Magda, who wakes up on the The Lady Jane with complete amnesia. Blackmore sets off for New York with a new life ahead for Magda, now Maggie.
Never believing his Magda died on ship and not wanting to lose those Alaskan land rights, Turner hires tenacious and ruthless William Harker to find Magda. Harker begins his search for Maggie/Magda setting off a series of events that culminate in lies, deceit, kidnapping and murder.
So far good is not triumphing over evil and maybe the sequels will tell a different story.
May 27, 2025
Review: The Brittle Sea by Tom Kane
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Brittle Sea is a compelling and emotionally charged historical drama that pulls you in from the very first page. Tom Kane crafts a gripping story set against the tragic backdrop of the Titanic disaster, blending romance, suspense, and psychological intrigue in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic.
The story follows Magda Asparov, a young Ukrainian woman on her way to an arranged marriage in America. But her fate takes a sharp turn when the Titanic sinks, and she’s rescued, amnesiac and vulnerable, by Captain Richard Blackmore aboard The Lady Jane. Kane does an excellent job portraying Maggie’s confusion and gradual rediscovery of self, and her developing relationship with Blackmore is heartfelt and believable. Their romance feels earned, full of subtle moments and emotional depth.
One of the book’s strengths is its pacing. The suspense builds steadily, especially with the looming threat of William Harker, the cold and relentless henchman hired by Magda’s would-be husband. The tension of knowing Maggie’s true identity could be revealed at any moment keeps the pages turning.
Kane also captures the historical setting well without bogging the narrative down in overly dense detail. The mix of real-world tragedy and fictional drama is balanced carefully, never feeling exploitative. It’s not just a love story, it’s also about identity, freedom, and the fight to reclaim one's life from the clutches of control and fear.
That said, there are moments where the writing edges on melodramatic, and some of the character motivations, particularly Turner’s, feel a bit one-dimensional. But these are small quibbles in an otherwise engaging start to what promises to be a thrilling trilogy.
If you enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional arcs and a touch of suspense, The Brittle Sea is a satisfying and addictive read. I’m already looking forward to seeing where Maggie’s journey goes next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Brittle Sea is a compelling and emotionally charged historical drama that pulls you in from the very first page. Tom Kane crafts a gripping story set against the tragic backdrop of the Titanic disaster, blending romance, suspense, and psychological intrigue in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic.
The story follows Magda Asparov, a young Ukrainian woman on her way to an arranged marriage in America. But her fate takes a sharp turn when the Titanic sinks, and she’s rescued, amnesiac and vulnerable, by Captain Richard Blackmore aboard The Lady Jane. Kane does an excellent job portraying Maggie’s confusion and gradual rediscovery of self, and her developing relationship with Blackmore is heartfelt and believable. Their romance feels earned, full of subtle moments and emotional depth.
One of the book’s strengths is its pacing. The suspense builds steadily, especially with the looming threat of William Harker, the cold and relentless henchman hired by Magda’s would-be husband. The tension of knowing Maggie’s true identity could be revealed at any moment keeps the pages turning.
Kane also captures the historical setting well without bogging the narrative down in overly dense detail. The mix of real-world tragedy and fictional drama is balanced carefully, never feeling exploitative. It’s not just a love story, it’s also about identity, freedom, and the fight to reclaim one's life from the clutches of control and fear.
That said, there are moments where the writing edges on melodramatic, and some of the character motivations, particularly Turner’s, feel a bit one-dimensional. But these are small quibbles in an otherwise engaging start to what promises to be a thrilling trilogy.
If you enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional arcs and a touch of suspense, The Brittle Sea is a satisfying and addictive read. I’m already looking forward to seeing where Maggie’s journey goes next.
January 20, 2024
In Tom Kane’s novel The Brittle Sea, Magda Asparov yearns to reclaim her family's greatness. After her parents sold their ailing cannery, she agreed to marry an American businessman. Who cares if he's older than her? It's her ticket out of poverty!
Matthew G. Turner III squandered his family’s wealth. Hemorrhaging businesses and property, he buys successful businesses and strips them of their assets. When Magda’s parents offer him valuable land, he agrees to marry the young woman.
Getting in their way is Captain Richard Blackmore. While he rescues Magda from the Titanic, she's lost her memory. He gives her the name Maggie, which she likes. She can't claim she survived the Titanic disaster when she can't remember her name. Turner charges his fixer, William Harker, with finding her. But Maggie—a kind, generous, and loving woman--has fallen in love with Richard.
Fate separates Maggie and Richard. Events allow Magda to resurface. Turner and Magda—two psychopaths who don't care who they hurt to get what they want—seem made for each other. Yet Richard refuses to forsake Magda. Unfortunately, William Harker is determined to keep them apart.
Rich in drama, The Brittle Sea transports readers across the globe. Author Tom Kane dances across oft-told history while highlighting less-known aspects of early 20th-century life. His book is free on Amazon, giving readers no excuse to savor this riveting historical thriller.
Matthew G. Turner III squandered his family’s wealth. Hemorrhaging businesses and property, he buys successful businesses and strips them of their assets. When Magda’s parents offer him valuable land, he agrees to marry the young woman.
Getting in their way is Captain Richard Blackmore. While he rescues Magda from the Titanic, she's lost her memory. He gives her the name Maggie, which she likes. She can't claim she survived the Titanic disaster when she can't remember her name. Turner charges his fixer, William Harker, with finding her. But Maggie—a kind, generous, and loving woman--has fallen in love with Richard.
Fate separates Maggie and Richard. Events allow Magda to resurface. Turner and Magda—two psychopaths who don't care who they hurt to get what they want—seem made for each other. Yet Richard refuses to forsake Magda. Unfortunately, William Harker is determined to keep them apart.
Rich in drama, The Brittle Sea transports readers across the globe. Author Tom Kane dances across oft-told history while highlighting less-known aspects of early 20th-century life. His book is free on Amazon, giving readers no excuse to savor this riveting historical thriller.
October 28, 2020
Genre : Fiction, History
Set in the early 20th century, Tom Kane's 'The Brittle Sea' is a captivating, inventive read, mottled with dark characters and a gripping storyline.
Magda Asparov, young woman is bound to marry Matthew Turner, a shrewd American businessman. But as it so happens, the Titanic carrying Magda sinks. Magda loses her memory and a new personality, Maggie, takes hold. Richard Blackmore, Captain of her rescue ship, falls for her. What follows is a mad hunt for Magda, by unscrupulous means and results into a long-drawn tragedy for Richard.
Tom Kane has masterfully weaved a thrilling plot interspersed with gruesome beings, who would go any lengths for acquiring wealth and power. The pace is brisk, punctuated with a quick succession of events, over a course of a few years and keeps the reader engaged.
His writing style is evocative and authentic. The characters are dexterously written - I found myself rooting for some while absolutely loathing others.The miasma of gloom and despair perfectly sets the tone for the intriguing tale.
Book 1 of the Brittle Saga trilogy ends on a massive cliffhanger and I absolutely cannot wait to read next.
Highly recommended to contemporary readers with a penchant for nautical thrillers.
Set in the early 20th century, Tom Kane's 'The Brittle Sea' is a captivating, inventive read, mottled with dark characters and a gripping storyline.
Magda Asparov, young woman is bound to marry Matthew Turner, a shrewd American businessman. But as it so happens, the Titanic carrying Magda sinks. Magda loses her memory and a new personality, Maggie, takes hold. Richard Blackmore, Captain of her rescue ship, falls for her. What follows is a mad hunt for Magda, by unscrupulous means and results into a long-drawn tragedy for Richard.
Tom Kane has masterfully weaved a thrilling plot interspersed with gruesome beings, who would go any lengths for acquiring wealth and power. The pace is brisk, punctuated with a quick succession of events, over a course of a few years and keeps the reader engaged.
His writing style is evocative and authentic. The characters are dexterously written - I found myself rooting for some while absolutely loathing others.The miasma of gloom and despair perfectly sets the tone for the intriguing tale.
Book 1 of the Brittle Saga trilogy ends on a massive cliffhanger and I absolutely cannot wait to read next.
Highly recommended to contemporary readers with a penchant for nautical thrillers.
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