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Levanthria #2
A Sea Of Sorrow And Scorn
Her choice is to serve or die. In the aftermath of shattered innocence, will the hunt for her magic claim her last breath?
Zerina Redfearn is naïve to the world's cruelty. So when she and her sisters are dragged from their home and put on trial for witchcraft, she’s horrified to be trapped between being enslaved in the king’s forces or execution. But after witnessing her siblings' cruel deaths, she unleashes her powers for the first time and makes her escape.
Joining two refugees in fleeing to the perilous ocean with enemy ships in hot pursuit, Zerina wields her gifts against deadly threats even though each use torments her body. And as she pays an agonizing price by aging prematurely, she fears she won’t reach the cure seen in a vision before she perishes.
Can Zerina turn the tide on a crippling future?
A Sea Of Sorrow And Scorn is the gripping second book in the Tales of Levanthria fantasy-retelling series. If you like dangerous quests, good girls gone badass, and relentless action, then you’ll love A.P Beswick’s windswept adventure.
Zerina Redfearn is naïve to the world's cruelty. So when she and her sisters are dragged from their home and put on trial for witchcraft, she’s horrified to be trapped between being enslaved in the king’s forces or execution. But after witnessing her siblings' cruel deaths, she unleashes her powers for the first time and makes her escape.
Joining two refugees in fleeing to the perilous ocean with enemy ships in hot pursuit, Zerina wields her gifts against deadly threats even though each use torments her body. And as she pays an agonizing price by aging prematurely, she fears she won’t reach the cure seen in a vision before she perishes.
Can Zerina turn the tide on a crippling future?
A Sea Of Sorrow And Scorn is the gripping second book in the Tales of Levanthria fantasy-retelling series. If you like dangerous quests, good girls gone badass, and relentless action, then you’ll love A.P Beswick’s windswept adventure.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2022
416 people are currently reading
5727 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
June 27, 2022
I have some positives and constructive negatives to share about this one - negativos first!
I feel like there was too much rushing taking place - some of the more intriguing scenes didn't get the attention to detail they were deserving of... such as when the crew is at sea and when they reach their destination of Treventine.
Also I feel the supporting characters of Darmour, Orjan and Navi could've been better off being introduced much earlier - I found them to be pretty interesting.
Right, positivos - the three leads, Zerina, Ulrik and Esara, carried my interest from start to finish. Adding to that the plot kept me reading and the fantasy scenes (cough - skeletons, sea creatures etc) carried their share of clarity which is a big plus for me.
Also my character expectations got screwed around a bit which I like a lot.
I feel the execution of the series needs to be ironed out but I have enough incentive to continue with the series.
I feel like there was too much rushing taking place - some of the more intriguing scenes didn't get the attention to detail they were deserving of... such as when the crew is at sea and when they reach their destination of Treventine.
Also I feel the supporting characters of Darmour, Orjan and Navi could've been better off being introduced much earlier - I found them to be pretty interesting.
Right, positivos - the three leads, Zerina, Ulrik and Esara, carried my interest from start to finish. Adding to that the plot kept me reading and the fantasy scenes (cough - skeletons, sea creatures etc) carried their share of clarity which is a big plus for me.
Also my character expectations got screwed around a bit which I like a lot.
I feel the execution of the series needs to be ironed out but I have enough incentive to continue with the series.
March 10, 2024
* I'd recommend reading the first book, but it is not required to fully understand the story.
Zerina and her sisters have been taken into custody because they are accused of being witches and they have two choices. Being used in the armies of the king or die. After being present for her sisters deaths, Zerina gets a chance to escape and she takes it with both hands while also saving a little girl who is also accused. Joining up with the girls brother, they flee to the ocean where they manage to loose the kings troops. After a vision from her sister, Zerina and her new friends start a quest to find a treasure beyond compare.
This was a fun pirate themed story with an witch-y element. And even though this is not a very big book, it certainly delivered on the pirate theme. The writing from this author does feel a bit clunky, but it didn't take too long to get absorbed into the story anyways. It was very lightly collected to the previous story and even though I think I know where the next book will go, on it's own this book was certainly worth the read.
Zerina and her sisters have been taken into custody because they are accused of being witches and they have two choices. Being used in the armies of the king or die. After being present for her sisters deaths, Zerina gets a chance to escape and she takes it with both hands while also saving a little girl who is also accused. Joining up with the girls brother, they flee to the ocean where they manage to loose the kings troops. After a vision from her sister, Zerina and her new friends start a quest to find a treasure beyond compare.
This was a fun pirate themed story with an witch-y element. And even though this is not a very big book, it certainly delivered on the pirate theme. The writing from this author does feel a bit clunky, but it didn't take too long to get absorbed into the story anyways. It was very lightly collected to the previous story and even though I think I know where the next book will go, on it's own this book was certainly worth the read.
November 25, 2022
This book was a trip, lol I think mainly because I read it with someone. The plot has a weak but interesting build up and can't say I was satifisfied with the way everything went.
July 7, 2024
Though the characters were very one-dimensional and flitted from one emotion to the next without any in between, I did find the plot interesting. The last page was honestly my favorite part because it was a well-done realization moment.
I think because the characters were too flat, I didn’t connect with them at all, so I was detached in moments I should have been feeling things.
It could use some editing and a revamp of the characters, but it became a bit more enjoyable the more I read.
I think because the characters were too flat, I didn’t connect with them at all, so I was detached in moments I should have been feeling things.
It could use some editing and a revamp of the characters, but it became a bit more enjoyable the more I read.
January 17, 2024
Honestly an exciting read but can’t help but feel the most intriguing scenes were rushed through and left me unsatisfied at the end. I guess it kept me wanting more though!
May 22, 2025
I read this book maybe a year ago but it is still dwelling on my mind as probably the worst one I have ever read and I write this to hopefully let go and move on.
The 'characters' were just walking zombies stumbling from one scene into the next without giving off any emotion, driven agency, or even interest. It feels as if the author had to force the characters to play along.
When the character died, I think it was supposed to be a sad scene. But honestly, I didn't feel sad. I didn't even feel happy, or some sense of pity. Nothing. At. All. That is the level of emotional depth this book offers. I have seen one sentence stories with more depth than this.
The plot is barely a plot. Stuff happens and we move on. Uninteresting. Unemotional. Boring.
No lesson is learned. There are no arcs. Descriptions are nonexistent. The book doesn't say anything. It doesn't treat any topic with any kind of respect or decency. Some people talk of a 'twist' but I honestly don't even know what they are talking about. If they are talking about the death scene then I don't see how it qualifies as a twist. There was no build-up except for the last two sentences before the death and no emotional stakes involved. It doesn't even make sense story-wise except that the author has planned it for some reason. It doesn't have any emotional consequence since the character is literally replaced at the end of he book.
I used to think it was difficult to get published but this makes me rethink.
So to all aspiring authors out there who are afraid of publishing: do it! This guy could, you can too. And it will be better than this sad excuse for a story.
The 'characters' were just walking zombies stumbling from one scene into the next without giving off any emotion, driven agency, or even interest. It feels as if the author had to force the characters to play along.
When the character died, I think it was supposed to be a sad scene. But honestly, I didn't feel sad. I didn't even feel happy, or some sense of pity. Nothing. At. All. That is the level of emotional depth this book offers. I have seen one sentence stories with more depth than this.
The plot is barely a plot. Stuff happens and we move on. Uninteresting. Unemotional. Boring.
No lesson is learned. There are no arcs. Descriptions are nonexistent. The book doesn't say anything. It doesn't treat any topic with any kind of respect or decency. Some people talk of a 'twist' but I honestly don't even know what they are talking about. If they are talking about the death scene then I don't see how it qualifies as a twist. There was no build-up except for the last two sentences before the death and no emotional stakes involved. It doesn't even make sense story-wise except that the author has planned it for some reason. It doesn't have any emotional consequence since the character is literally replaced at the end of he book.
I used to think it was difficult to get published but this makes me rethink.
So to all aspiring authors out there who are afraid of publishing: do it! This guy could, you can too. And it will be better than this sad excuse for a story.
April 3, 2023
Not much of an improvement, which is shocking considering the low bar of the first book. Most of this reads like a first draft, what with the spelling mistakes and character development and pace. Like it’s being mapped out and the detail will be filled in later.
Don’t get me wrong, not everything is terrible about this book, that might be one of the most frustrating things about reading these, there is so much potential. The world could be very interesting - while not being overly creative since it relies so heavily on stories/myth that already exists - putting it together in this way could be amazing.
Instead, we have another group of characters who were unlikeable or at best characters I was indifferent to. There was no threat or fear as I felt no connection to these characters. Killing them off wouldn’t matter as I struggled to find a reason to engage with any of them. This links to the pace - these characters are all over the place. I don’t think any of them know how they feel at any given moment. The book jumps around like the characters do which is fortunate as it helps us get to the end more quickly.
I already own the third book as I was too optimistic about this series and it’s short, so I’ll read it but I can’t imagine I’ll buy the fourth. If anything, this series has taught me not to buy multiple books until I know the quality of the series
Don’t get me wrong, not everything is terrible about this book, that might be one of the most frustrating things about reading these, there is so much potential. The world could be very interesting - while not being overly creative since it relies so heavily on stories/myth that already exists - putting it together in this way could be amazing.
Instead, we have another group of characters who were unlikeable or at best characters I was indifferent to. There was no threat or fear as I felt no connection to these characters. Killing them off wouldn’t matter as I struggled to find a reason to engage with any of them. This links to the pace - these characters are all over the place. I don’t think any of them know how they feel at any given moment. The book jumps around like the characters do which is fortunate as it helps us get to the end more quickly.
I already own the third book as I was too optimistic about this series and it’s short, so I’ll read it but I can’t imagine I’ll buy the fourth. If anything, this series has taught me not to buy multiple books until I know the quality of the series
January 16, 2024
I did this as an audiobook again. Nice story with a twist on the fountain of youth. Beswick does a nice job portraying details.
I was slightly disappointed how it was narrated this time. Still loved the man, but the female chapters had a female narrator (that was fine). I just wished they narrated in tandem the whole time so male did men and female did women parts. That was the only qualm I had.
Can’t wait to see how these stories come together at the end!
I was slightly disappointed how it was narrated this time. Still loved the man, but the female chapters had a female narrator (that was fine). I just wished they narrated in tandem the whole time so male did men and female did women parts. That was the only qualm I had.
Can’t wait to see how these stories come together at the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2023
This was so exciting and such a great adventure, so addictive to read would 100% recommend
April 28, 2025
Well, not as bad as the first book. The story it's self was not bad and went in interesting directions, but was tainted by the lack of breathing room. This short book could have greatly benefited from two to three times the word count, things that were supposed to have levety felt brushed past, and because there was also a extended period of magic caused battle fatigue from one of the two main characters it felt like she was always in recovery, saying that she won't do that again just to do it again on the next page.
And like I said, the story was interesting but Beswick (the author) seems to be unable to write a character with more depth than a piece of paper.
SPOILER: Prime example: 4/5ths through the story the crew comes across the ship and crew that the male lead had served his military career on. They are forced into conflict and the female lead used this opportunity to take out her anger at what had been done to her by different people under the crowns order, and uses magic to burn the face off a sailer and makes him suffer while he dies. The male lead then puts the sailer out of his misery and she snaps at him, before she wrecks the rest of the other ship torching most of the crew alive.
So, do you think this can cause a moment of reflection, as the male lead sees the woman he's come to love, let out her psychopathic tendencies on the crew of men that he once called brothers? Do you think it could make him question what has happened and what she has become? No, she falls into battle fatigue, he nurses her back to health, she says she feels no remorse for her actions, he agrees and they move on with the story.....
So close to an interesting character moment, but the effert was not there. I feel like a better author could take this story and make something of it but it is too much to ask of Beswick.
What ever the case, I promised a friend that I would read the first two books of this series and I am more than happy to stop here.
And like I said, the story was interesting but Beswick (the author) seems to be unable to write a character with more depth than a piece of paper.
SPOILER: Prime example: 4/5ths through the story the crew comes across the ship and crew that the male lead had served his military career on. They are forced into conflict and the female lead used this opportunity to take out her anger at what had been done to her by different people under the crowns order, and uses magic to burn the face off a sailer and makes him suffer while he dies. The male lead then puts the sailer out of his misery and she snaps at him, before she wrecks the rest of the other ship torching most of the crew alive.
So, do you think this can cause a moment of reflection, as the male lead sees the woman he's come to love, let out her psychopathic tendencies on the crew of men that he once called brothers? Do you think it could make him question what has happened and what she has become? No, she falls into battle fatigue, he nurses her back to health, she says she feels no remorse for her actions, he agrees and they move on with the story.....
So close to an interesting character moment, but the effert was not there. I feel like a better author could take this story and make something of it but it is too much to ask of Beswick.
What ever the case, I promised a friend that I would read the first two books of this series and I am more than happy to stop here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn is the second book in the Levanthria series. The story revolves around two characters who initially have separate stories but eventually come together. While this makes for faster paced storytelling, I found the pacing of the book to become rather slow once the two character were united. With that being stated, the last quarter of the book felt too rushed and despite a good amount of buildup towards it, the ending felt unsatisfying and a bit brief.
Although the book offers excellent world building and interesting characters, the story lacks excitement and seems to drag on, with only a few captivating action scenes. While the plot had potential, there wasn't enough substance to keep me guessing throughout my listen. Still, it's an enjoyable read with lighthearted humor that I found pleasant.
Although the book offers excellent world building and interesting characters, the story lacks excitement and seems to drag on, with only a few captivating action scenes. While the plot had potential, there wasn't enough substance to keep me guessing throughout my listen. Still, it's an enjoyable read with lighthearted humor that I found pleasant.
October 7, 2024
After reading the first book in the series and finding that everyone hated the main character (to which I actually absolutely LOVED his MC), the second did not leave disappointed.
The deeper we learn about the magic structure in this realm began to fasinate me, as I don't think I've read anything like it before. We've all heard that magic comes at a cost, but I've never seen the price paid in this regard and it was brilliant. Definitely did not expect the turn of events within the last 20 pages as this is a Blackbeard re-telling, I was genuinely shocked.
Am I starting book 3?... You bet your a** I will!!
The deeper we learn about the magic structure in this realm began to fasinate me, as I don't think I've read anything like it before. We've all heard that magic comes at a cost, but I've never seen the price paid in this regard and it was brilliant. Definitely did not expect the turn of events within the last 20 pages as this is a Blackbeard re-telling, I was genuinely shocked.
Am I starting book 3?... You bet your a** I will!!
December 16, 2025
The ratings are 10/10 for this series and I'm completely hooked.
Each individual story is giving slight easter eggs towards other characters and, needless to say, it's quite thrilling.
This book was fast paced, didn't waste time on unnecessary details and all the characters were loveable.
The ending was absolute fire.
Each individual story is giving slight easter eggs towards other characters and, needless to say, it's quite thrilling.
This book was fast paced, didn't waste time on unnecessary details and all the characters were loveable.
The ending was absolute fire.
January 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I wish I didn't listen to it as an amiable book. It took away from it. I can't do having someone read to me. All in all this was a great book about magic. I would highly recommend it.
February 9, 2024
The second book in the series and if you did not read the first book, it is okay as this story takes place in another area of the land or sea if you will and like the first, it is beautifully written with short chapters and brings magic together with pirates.
March 3, 2024
It was a quick read and if you’re listening on audio book they have narration for the two narrators. Pirates, magic and treasure hunting. Very interesting form of telling a story we have heard so many times.
March 11, 2024
Wow…I read this book the entire time thinking I would give it like a 3.5 or 4 stars but the final chapter, especially the final pages were chefs kiss! I’m a big pirate nerd so I really enjoyed the entire thing but the end really did it for me
September 6, 2024
I haven’t written a review in a while, but this one deserves the platform for me to tell everyone to go read this book as soon as possible. I haven’t read a book this good since my last Sanderson and Tad Williams book. It was amazing and heartbreaking.
October 20, 2023
A great follow up to the second book, seeing some new characters unveil and I can't help but wonder if and how they will all eventually come together!
August 17, 2024
Better than book 1! Kept me guessing which historic figure was being retold!
May 10, 2025
This one missed the mark from book one!!
January 1, 2024
This was better than the first book, but time needs to be spent building the characters and scenes.
Overall, this is a fairly short book but spans so much time and distance that the proper detail is not given. The scenes that the book builds are over before they even begin.
The world is interesting - there is so much potential - but the writing style makes it difficult to continue the series.
Overall, this is a fairly short book but spans so much time and distance that the proper detail is not given. The scenes that the book builds are over before they even begin.
The world is interesting - there is so much potential - but the writing style makes it difficult to continue the series.
June 3, 2023
3 Stars
For the full review, check out: medium.com/hooked-on-books/book-revie...
What's the story about: A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn tells the next story of Levanthria from a differing groups of characters than the first book. This sequel follows two main characters: Zerina, a young woman who is on the run for possessing illegal magical abilities, and Ulrik, a sailor who must protect his young sister, Esara, after their mother is murdered for her magical powers.
A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn is a fun and lighthearted sequel in The Levanthria Series. While the story is a new one, the world is the same and this familiarity provides a comfortable awareness to what goes on and what to expect. Beswick's writing is similar to the first book in that it's simple, easy to access, cliché in places, but will surprise you with poignancy at times. While I wouldn't say the writing improves significantly since the last book, it's good enough to warrant an enjoyable read. The world of Levanthria continues to grow and I'm still intrigued enough to continue reading entries in this series to see how everything develops.
For the full review, check out: medium.com/hooked-on-books/book-revie...
What's the story about: A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn tells the next story of Levanthria from a differing groups of characters than the first book. This sequel follows two main characters: Zerina, a young woman who is on the run for possessing illegal magical abilities, and Ulrik, a sailor who must protect his young sister, Esara, after their mother is murdered for her magical powers.
A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn is a fun and lighthearted sequel in The Levanthria Series. While the story is a new one, the world is the same and this familiarity provides a comfortable awareness to what goes on and what to expect. Beswick's writing is similar to the first book in that it's simple, easy to access, cliché in places, but will surprise you with poignancy at times. While I wouldn't say the writing improves significantly since the last book, it's good enough to warrant an enjoyable read. The world of Levanthria continues to grow and I'm still intrigued enough to continue reading entries in this series to see how everything develops.
April 14, 2023
Great take on a famous pirate. Love the magic and details
June 12, 2024
If you're going to read this, read for entertainment. I personally loved the concept of the magic system and the effect it had on the characters who used it. The world was also fascinating. It's a quick read, so if you're in the mood for a light fantasy on a train/bus ride I would definitely suggest reading this.
I went into this book knowing that it was independently written, so I expected typos and overall lack of editing. This was fine with me, I know indie authors have a really tough time trying to get published at the same level as authors working with publishers. There did end up being a lot of typos, and the author seemed allergic to contractions.
Besides the grammatical errors, I thought it was too short. Zerina goes through all of her character development in one chapter (Yugo's Tears event), and the motivations for everyone were kind of feeble/sped through. On top of that, Ulrik stays pretty static through the whole thing. Throughout, I noticed a lot of the characters got exactly what they wanted without working for it, which I think is mostly because of the rushed feeling of the book. Because of that, the ending felt very unresolved and unearned.
I thought this book had a lot of potential, and I'll have to read the rest of the series to see if this was just a fluke or the status quo. I do think a lot of the issues had to do with the lack of editing and support that indie authors have to deal with. In the future, I look forward to seeing if the author will put out a revised edition after gaining more popularity and means. I do appreciate the mission statement of the editing company (Quill & Bone) and I look forward to seeing future progression from them.
I went into this book knowing that it was independently written, so I expected typos and overall lack of editing. This was fine with me, I know indie authors have a really tough time trying to get published at the same level as authors working with publishers. There did end up being a lot of typos, and the author seemed allergic to contractions.
Besides the grammatical errors, I thought it was too short. Zerina goes through all of her character development in one chapter (Yugo's Tears event), and the motivations for everyone were kind of feeble/sped through. On top of that, Ulrik stays pretty static through the whole thing. Throughout, I noticed a lot of the characters got exactly what they wanted without working for it, which I think is mostly because of the rushed feeling of the book. Because of that, the ending felt very unresolved and unearned.
I thought this book had a lot of potential, and I'll have to read the rest of the series to see if this was just a fluke or the status quo. I do think a lot of the issues had to do with the lack of editing and support that indie authors have to deal with. In the future, I look forward to seeing if the author will put out a revised edition after gaining more popularity and means. I do appreciate the mission statement of the editing company (Quill & Bone) and I look forward to seeing future progression from them.
February 27, 2025
Different story, same issues. Pacing was 900 miles per hour, one dimensional characters with no real distinctions between the two POV characters, and very little stakes or conflict.
Unfortunately I can see the potential. With another couple of rounds of edits and fleshing out some of the ideas, this book could be really good. The idea is super cool and the magic system is interesting.
Clunky dialogue, dry and boring prose, and surface level characterization really makes it tough though.
Also with only an hour left in the audiobook, all of a sudden characters were dropping like flies. They were all characters that were introduced in a list and then barely saw any real screen time after that, so it was hard to care about all the wanton carnage that was happening either. I thought I was picking up on a first mate betrayal, but instead it was just a huge loyalty fest throughout. Which is fine but not very interesting plot wise.
The male narrator is a solid 2.5-3 out of 5. He can be good, he can definitely fall flat at times. It is just an independent audiobook so I try to give some grace there.
The female narrator was a 1. If I could have skipped all of her chapters without losing the plot, I would have. She read the whole story in a weird semi deadpan but also super fast so it really threw me off. Mixed with the prose it was a decidedly not fun experience at times. I really wanted to like Zerina, but the narrator made it difficult.
If this series ever gets a rework once the author is more established and has some backing, I think it could really go places. As it is, it’s a solid 2.5 experience throughout so far.
Unfortunately I can see the potential. With another couple of rounds of edits and fleshing out some of the ideas, this book could be really good. The idea is super cool and the magic system is interesting.
Clunky dialogue, dry and boring prose, and surface level characterization really makes it tough though.
Also with only an hour left in the audiobook, all of a sudden characters were dropping like flies. They were all characters that were introduced in a list and then barely saw any real screen time after that, so it was hard to care about all the wanton carnage that was happening either. I thought I was picking up on a first mate betrayal, but instead it was just a huge loyalty fest throughout. Which is fine but not very interesting plot wise.
The male narrator is a solid 2.5-3 out of 5. He can be good, he can definitely fall flat at times. It is just an independent audiobook so I try to give some grace there.
The female narrator was a 1. If I could have skipped all of her chapters without losing the plot, I would have. She read the whole story in a weird semi deadpan but also super fast so it really threw me off. Mixed with the prose it was a decidedly not fun experience at times. I really wanted to like Zerina, but the narrator made it difficult.
If this series ever gets a rework once the author is more established and has some backing, I think it could really go places. As it is, it’s a solid 2.5 experience throughout so far.
July 13, 2023
After the first fifty pages, I had to put this down. The pacing felt off, and I lost all ability to suspend disbelief. Let's start with the horse that the main character rides for three days, after seven years of not being around horses. That he then rides without pause to the capital, and then within an hour (I'm estimating) rides out of the capital with two additional people on it, to escape pursuit. A horse that 'bucks' twice in fifty pages without unseating its novice rider, and eats nothing but apples.
The characters on the horse, two of which are soaking wet, don't notice that they're soaking wet until after they 'stop to rest the horse' and have a conversation where they politely introduce themselves to each other.
How the horse, and the two female characters, are not dead from exhaustion and hyperthermia, I don't know. I'm also confused as to what sort of magical horse Beswick has invented that three people can ride on it, not be unseated by its 'bucks', and it's still capable of speed.
The premise for this book was so promising, and I was really hoping for strong, powerful female characters. Instead, I get a man who tries to run his horse to death, almost lets his sister's saviour freeze to death and a ship that by all rights should have sunk the second they left the harbour.
The characters on the horse, two of which are soaking wet, don't notice that they're soaking wet until after they 'stop to rest the horse' and have a conversation where they politely introduce themselves to each other.
How the horse, and the two female characters, are not dead from exhaustion and hyperthermia, I don't know. I'm also confused as to what sort of magical horse Beswick has invented that three people can ride on it, not be unseated by its 'bucks', and it's still capable of speed.
The premise for this book was so promising, and I was really hoping for strong, powerful female characters. Instead, I get a man who tries to run his horse to death, almost lets his sister's saviour freeze to death and a ship that by all rights should have sunk the second they left the harbour.
July 16, 2023
I think this one was much stronger than Book 1, yet it still feels slightly underwhelming. I honestly wish it had been longer. Normally you hear people complain about an author padding the story with unnecessary details, but this one feels like entire sections could have been fleshed out for the better. One example being the introduction of our pirate crew. We got a quick name montage, and then we're off. Some of them had nice interactions on the (very short, page count-wise) sailing section and then we get to the end and watch half of them get slaughtered in an attack and I couldn't even tell you their names. I can tell you everything you want to know about Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan, but I can't even name a secondary character from movies 4 or 5. This is similar. And I think it's a result of not getting enough time to care about Ulrick's hired crew. Darmoud was played by Captain Barbossa in my mind while reading though.
In the last book I felt a bit cheated being told up front it was a Robin Hood retelling. This time, I'm so glad I went in blind. All I knew was pirates, but not anything specific. And the twist at the end was so amazing to me that it bumped this one up from a 3 to a 4 star. And I could have even read a whole book about that as well. Hell, make that the second half of this book and you've got a super unique plot and structure.
In the last book I felt a bit cheated being told up front it was a Robin Hood retelling. This time, I'm so glad I went in blind. All I knew was pirates, but not anything specific. And the twist at the end was so amazing to me that it bumped this one up from a 3 to a 4 star. And I could have even read a whole book about that as well. Hell, make that the second half of this book and you've got a super unique plot and structure.
June 13, 2022
A Great Addition to Levanthria
I was immediately enthralled with the world of Levanthria after reading A Loch of Grace and Greed. I couldn't put down a Forest of Vanity and Valour, now we have this book. Let me just say the story continues to get better and better.
A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn tells the story of two people Zerina, and Ulrik. Zerina has been charged with witchcraft and seen her sisters die. Ultimately is trying to protect his sister, who also has magical abilities. They come together and are on the run when Seeing has a vision of the fountain of Youth. The two, along with Ulrike sister Wears steal a ship, recruit a crew, and go on the search.
Along the way the three grow closer together and earn the respect of the crew they've hired. Zerina learns the limits of her magical power, even though many would consider her an outcast because of her abilities.
From beginning to end I was hooked by the characters and seeing them grow and seeing the seeds continue to be planted of a bigger story. The story will continue in the next book and we'll learn more about other characters mentioned here in this book and I can't wait. I have loved all the entries in the Levant grow series and can't wait to continue the story.
I was immediately enthralled with the world of Levanthria after reading A Loch of Grace and Greed. I couldn't put down a Forest of Vanity and Valour, now we have this book. Let me just say the story continues to get better and better.
A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn tells the story of two people Zerina, and Ulrik. Zerina has been charged with witchcraft and seen her sisters die. Ultimately is trying to protect his sister, who also has magical abilities. They come together and are on the run when Seeing has a vision of the fountain of Youth. The two, along with Ulrike sister Wears steal a ship, recruit a crew, and go on the search.
Along the way the three grow closer together and earn the respect of the crew they've hired. Zerina learns the limits of her magical power, even though many would consider her an outcast because of her abilities.
From beginning to end I was hooked by the characters and seeing them grow and seeing the seeds continue to be planted of a bigger story. The story will continue in the next book and we'll learn more about other characters mentioned here in this book and I can't wait. I have loved all the entries in the Levant grow series and can't wait to continue the story.
February 24, 2025
This book has a lot of similar problems to the first one in the series, however, it is a step up. There are still a lot of typos, not the use of first person feels slightly less confusing and more natural in this one than it did the first.
From the beginning of the story, it was already more interesting. The first book, started with the main character being a terrible person, and just seemed to switch out of the blue. Whereas this one, the character is likeable, and feels like a much more natural progression. It is still very fast paced, being only around 250 pages, but even then, you can feel the sense of actual character development versus the last one.
I was unsure whether or not to continue reading the series after the first one, as it wasn't all that enjoyable to me. But again, the plot of the overall story kept me going, and I'm glad I did.
Also, I did NOT see that ending coming. I love that these are retellings of existing folklore/fairytale. The first being Robin Hood, and this being The Fountain of Youth. And... SPOILERS......
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Blackbeard. I thought that was actually such a cool twist to end the story on, and can't wait to see how these all tie together.
From the beginning of the story, it was already more interesting. The first book, started with the main character being a terrible person, and just seemed to switch out of the blue. Whereas this one, the character is likeable, and feels like a much more natural progression. It is still very fast paced, being only around 250 pages, but even then, you can feel the sense of actual character development versus the last one.
I was unsure whether or not to continue reading the series after the first one, as it wasn't all that enjoyable to me. But again, the plot of the overall story kept me going, and I'm glad I did.
Also, I did NOT see that ending coming. I love that these are retellings of existing folklore/fairytale. The first being Robin Hood, and this being The Fountain of Youth. And... SPOILERS......
.
.
.
.
Blackbeard. I thought that was actually such a cool twist to end the story on, and can't wait to see how these all tie together.
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