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Becoming Hamingja #1
A Sea of Blood and Tears
Ionna is a selkie torn between sea and shore. She has waited years for the chance to find the son stolen by the mysterious woods on her island.
When Viking raiders threaten her village, she must choose between returning to the sea, saving one of her children, or risking everything to protect them all.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with a Viking beserker, Ionna races to escape a ruthless warlord who needs one of her children to reshape the world to his vision and discovers that survival may demand more than sacrifice, but trust.
When Viking raiders threaten her village, she must choose between returning to the sea, saving one of her children, or risking everything to protect them all.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with a Viking beserker, Ionna races to escape a ruthless warlord who needs one of her children to reshape the world to his vision and discovers that survival may demand more than sacrifice, but trust.
242 pages, ebook
First published January 10, 2023
About the author
J.K. Divia
5 books104 followersJ.K Divia is a dark fantasy, mythological horror, and contemporary paranormal author whose work is inspired by folklore, selkie lore, witches, and world mythology. Through her stories, she brings readers on emotional journeys that explore loss, resilience, and transformation.
When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, chasing after her kids.
When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, chasing after her kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 2, 2023
I've just finished "A Sea of Blood and Tears" by J.K. Divia, reading it on my tablet using the Kindle app.
The author wonderfully draws upon Norse mythology to craft a fantasy tale with Ionna as the central protagonist. She is a selkie who married a human and is now grieving the loss of her son.
The conflict between her inner yearnings to return to the sea and the looming, substantial dangers on the horizon (not to mention the presence of shapeshifters and supernatural entities) makes this story highly captivating.
The author's prose is vivid and eloquent, brimming with descriptions that delve not only into the world but also into the inner emotions of the characters.
Despite the book's cover not screaming "fantasy," I can assure you that you will be reading a very nice, original and beautiful fantasy story that is totally recommended.
The author wonderfully draws upon Norse mythology to craft a fantasy tale with Ionna as the central protagonist. She is a selkie who married a human and is now grieving the loss of her son.
The conflict between her inner yearnings to return to the sea and the looming, substantial dangers on the horizon (not to mention the presence of shapeshifters and supernatural entities) makes this story highly captivating.
The author's prose is vivid and eloquent, brimming with descriptions that delve not only into the world but also into the inner emotions of the characters.
Despite the book's cover not screaming "fantasy," I can assure you that you will be reading a very nice, original and beautiful fantasy story that is totally recommended.
April 30, 2023
Mystic and Mythological
What can I say, author Diva has written a mystical story that is a retelling of Norse mythology that left me mesmerized.
Many mythos creatures and shape shifters occupy the foreground scene giving it a fantasy feel.
The plot opens with Ionna. She isa selkie, who is mourning the loss of her son. Although Ionna shed her grey seal skin to marry a human, her special bond with he sea remains.
The author's writing style is simplistic which made it easy to read. All the characters are relatable, lending much significance to the storyline.
The plot thickens when Bjorn enters the scene. Giving the story an adventurous momentum.
This book introduced me to a new mythology that I wasn't too familiar with. I immensely enjoyed reading this beautiful narrative filled with so many emotions. Diva's delivery is vivid and illustrative, taking the readers on another level and in a Celtic world of imagination.
A Sea of Blood and Tears is an excellent read for the lovers of fantasy and mythology. I highly recommend this one.
What can I say, author Diva has written a mystical story that is a retelling of Norse mythology that left me mesmerized.
Many mythos creatures and shape shifters occupy the foreground scene giving it a fantasy feel.
The plot opens with Ionna. She isa selkie, who is mourning the loss of her son. Although Ionna shed her grey seal skin to marry a human, her special bond with he sea remains.
The author's writing style is simplistic which made it easy to read. All the characters are relatable, lending much significance to the storyline.
The plot thickens when Bjorn enters the scene. Giving the story an adventurous momentum.
This book introduced me to a new mythology that I wasn't too familiar with. I immensely enjoyed reading this beautiful narrative filled with so many emotions. Diva's delivery is vivid and illustrative, taking the readers on another level and in a Celtic world of imagination.
A Sea of Blood and Tears is an excellent read for the lovers of fantasy and mythology. I highly recommend this one.
July 1, 2023
This is such an emotional ride. I felt the struggle of each character, trying to bring their families to safety.
No one in this story is good or bad, but everyone is looking for home.
It is a harsh world out there, and it is an even harsher sea.
No one in this story is good or bad, but everyone is looking for home.
It is a harsh world out there, and it is an even harsher sea.
January 31, 2023
I want more, please
A Sea of Blood and Tears is a fantastic story that kept me riveted to my screen. I went through the pages anxiously wanting to see what happens to Iona. We get to see how she finds her inner strength. Can’t wait for book 2 in this series. Great debut novel.
A Sea of Blood and Tears is a fantastic story that kept me riveted to my screen. I went through the pages anxiously wanting to see what happens to Iona. We get to see how she finds her inner strength. Can’t wait for book 2 in this series. Great debut novel.
February 3, 2023
This novel is a rather interesting exploration of human nature, personal tragedies and magical creatures less commonly represented in fantasy. I really connected with Ionna and her difficulties as a Selkie in the human village, torn between her desire to return to the sea and her deep protective need to take care of her children. Her story definitely kept me going through the areas of the book that interested me less and I'm glad I got to see the full length of her journey.
Unfortunately, the other main characters remained very distant for me and I couldn't properly connect with them. I think this mostly has to do with several unanswered questions related to their pasts. While Ionna's backstory is mostly explained (there are only two points that weren't satisfactorily engaged with), Bjorn's and Einar's backstories seemed to be lacking several very important whys and I simply couldn't grasp who they were as people and why they were driven to do the things they did.
On the whole, it's a rather interesting concept and I enjoyed the gentle ebb and flow of the narrative, which was more focused on the characters' feelings than the action going on around them. It's nice to read something a little less tense once in a while and this book manages to keep things moving forward very well while still maintaining the slower tempo. Selkies and Werebears are also so nicely refreshing, and most certainly an unusual combination.
Lastly, I fear the cover does not do the book justice. It does capture Ionna's melancholy, but I feel the image itself would be better suited to promotional material as it doesn't quite catch the eye as a cover ought to and it doesn't say "fantasy" to me.
Unfortunately, the other main characters remained very distant for me and I couldn't properly connect with them. I think this mostly has to do with several unanswered questions related to their pasts. While Ionna's backstory is mostly explained (there are only two points that weren't satisfactorily engaged with), Bjorn's and Einar's backstories seemed to be lacking several very important whys and I simply couldn't grasp who they were as people and why they were driven to do the things they did.
On the whole, it's a rather interesting concept and I enjoyed the gentle ebb and flow of the narrative, which was more focused on the characters' feelings than the action going on around them. It's nice to read something a little less tense once in a while and this book manages to keep things moving forward very well while still maintaining the slower tempo. Selkies and Werebears are also so nicely refreshing, and most certainly an unusual combination.
Lastly, I fear the cover does not do the book justice. It does capture Ionna's melancholy, but I feel the image itself would be better suited to promotional material as it doesn't quite catch the eye as a cover ought to and it doesn't say "fantasy" to me.
February 17, 2023
An enjoyable read
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series. The author did a great job of creating a vivid world that kept me guessing which way the story would go. If you enjoy folklore and shifter stories, I’d recommend this book!
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series. The author did a great job of creating a vivid world that kept me guessing which way the story would go. If you enjoy folklore and shifter stories, I’d recommend this book!
February 7, 2023
Amazing Selkie novel
Written with an amazing lyric style and voice.
The blurb explains well what the book is about.
Includes themes like: child loss, the disenchantment of love in marriage/people but also love, motherhood and sacrifice.
Sad but very beautiful.
Congratulations on such an amazing project.
Written with an amazing lyric style and voice.
The blurb explains well what the book is about.
Includes themes like: child loss, the disenchantment of love in marriage/people but also love, motherhood and sacrifice.
Sad but very beautiful.
Congratulations on such an amazing project.
January 6, 2023
Wow! This story is BEAUTIFUL and full of Norse and Celtic mythology. It is the story of a woman who loves her family fiercely and who will sacrifice everything to protect her children from the threat of approaching Vikings. It is also the story of a man with regrets and a desire to atone for his mistakes.
The woman is Ionna, a selkie (creatures who can change from seals to humans), and she has already lost one child. When her family from the sea warn her of Vikings headed for their island, she is determined not to lose another child when they come to raid their village. Divia’s writing when the story is told from Ionna’s point of view is so powerful and lyrical, that I was truly blown away. You can feel every ounce of love, joy, fear and pain Ionna experiences.
The man is Bjorn, a hamrammr who also takes the form of a bear, is on a mission to repay his debts. When he and his fellow Vikings land on Ionna’s island, he sees a chance to do that by helping protect her and her children. One thing I noticed and appreciated, was the contrast in writing style when the story switched to the POV of the Vikings. It was much more blunt and crude language. They often cursed (though it wasn’t overboard) and their overall mentality came through in the change of tone in the writing.
This is such a beautiful and heartbreaking tale of; love and loss, isolation within one’s own community, the strength and determination of motherhood, and the never ending battle between good and evil. The mythology in it is old (though new to me), but Divia absolutely makes it her own by adding her own poetic touches. I highly recommend this fast paced story of a woman’s resilience and love.
The woman is Ionna, a selkie (creatures who can change from seals to humans), and she has already lost one child. When her family from the sea warn her of Vikings headed for their island, she is determined not to lose another child when they come to raid their village. Divia’s writing when the story is told from Ionna’s point of view is so powerful and lyrical, that I was truly blown away. You can feel every ounce of love, joy, fear and pain Ionna experiences.
The man is Bjorn, a hamrammr who also takes the form of a bear, is on a mission to repay his debts. When he and his fellow Vikings land on Ionna’s island, he sees a chance to do that by helping protect her and her children. One thing I noticed and appreciated, was the contrast in writing style when the story switched to the POV of the Vikings. It was much more blunt and crude language. They often cursed (though it wasn’t overboard) and their overall mentality came through in the change of tone in the writing.
This is such a beautiful and heartbreaking tale of; love and loss, isolation within one’s own community, the strength and determination of motherhood, and the never ending battle between good and evil. The mythology in it is old (though new to me), but Divia absolutely makes it her own by adding her own poetic touches. I highly recommend this fast paced story of a woman’s resilience and love.
August 8, 2023
“Remember, fair, honored, respected, loved one, should you utter one hint of a scream, if one part of you is afraid in there, you will never ascend to feast in the great halls with your fathers, with your brothers.”
Ionna's selkie sisters have come with a warning. A boat approaches through the mist carrying menacing men. Ionna, trapped by the hope she will find her lost child in the forest, warring with the desire to protect her other children, she must make a heart breaking decision. This dark fantasy explores selkie and Viking lore, and I am here for it! The narrative swaps between three characters, but I felt Ionna's was the strongest voice. Divia has perfectly captured the complexities of relationships and motherhood. I was absolutely riveted, of course, I am biased because folklore and Viking lore is my absolute jam, but this is a very well done read. I will def be looking out for the next one.
Ionna's selkie sisters have come with a warning. A boat approaches through the mist carrying menacing men. Ionna, trapped by the hope she will find her lost child in the forest, warring with the desire to protect her other children, she must make a heart breaking decision. This dark fantasy explores selkie and Viking lore, and I am here for it! The narrative swaps between three characters, but I felt Ionna's was the strongest voice. Divia has perfectly captured the complexities of relationships and motherhood. I was absolutely riveted, of course, I am biased because folklore and Viking lore is my absolute jam, but this is a very well done read. I will def be looking out for the next one.
January 10, 2023
✨Non-Spoiler Review✨
Title: A Sea of Blood and Tears
Author: @j.kdivia
Publisher: self
Pages: 242
Pub Date: January 10, 2023
Goodreads Rating: 4.5
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Content Warning: loss of a child, toxic relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, loss of family, war, violence, death, sex, horror based on mythology. The author also alludes to domestic violence and rape, but they are no explicit depictions.
First, I would like to thank J.K. Divia for letting me be a part of her ARC team for her debut novel, A Sea of Blood and Tears. This novel is a beautifully written story filled with Celtic and Norse mythology bound to captivate many more readers to come!💛
A Sea of Blood and Tears captures the essence of a mother's unbounded love, a man's journey to redemption, and their journey to finding a better world. The main female character, Ionna, is a seal selkie who has known love and heartbreak yet is unwilling to face defeat. The main male character, Bjorn, is a bear shifter still trying to escape his past. Together, they may both be able to save those they love. About halfway through, I couldn't put the book down! I cannot wait to see where this story goes in book two!
Title: A Sea of Blood and Tears
Author: @j.kdivia
Publisher: self
Pages: 242
Pub Date: January 10, 2023
Goodreads Rating: 4.5
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Content Warning: loss of a child, toxic relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, loss of family, war, violence, death, sex, horror based on mythology. The author also alludes to domestic violence and rape, but they are no explicit depictions.
First, I would like to thank J.K. Divia for letting me be a part of her ARC team for her debut novel, A Sea of Blood and Tears. This novel is a beautifully written story filled with Celtic and Norse mythology bound to captivate many more readers to come!💛
A Sea of Blood and Tears captures the essence of a mother's unbounded love, a man's journey to redemption, and their journey to finding a better world. The main female character, Ionna, is a seal selkie who has known love and heartbreak yet is unwilling to face defeat. The main male character, Bjorn, is a bear shifter still trying to escape his past. Together, they may both be able to save those they love. About halfway through, I couldn't put the book down! I cannot wait to see where this story goes in book two!
March 14, 2023
Why are selkie tales always so heartbreaking 😢
Seriously though you know this book was done well because it does a fantastic job of making you feel all the emotions of the main character.
Selkie stories are some of my favourite because they capture that tug of war between being on land and missing the sea in an animalistic way that never quite goes away.
This selkie story had a good unique addition to it with vikings and other mythical creatures that fleshed it out too.
If you like selkie stories like the blue salt road you will love this one !
Seriously though you know this book was done well because it does a fantastic job of making you feel all the emotions of the main character.
Selkie stories are some of my favourite because they capture that tug of war between being on land and missing the sea in an animalistic way that never quite goes away.
This selkie story had a good unique addition to it with vikings and other mythical creatures that fleshed it out too.
If you like selkie stories like the blue salt road you will love this one !
January 8, 2023
A spellbinding dark fantasy rich in myth and folklore about a mother's love and the depths she will go to protect her children.
J.K. Divia's debut novel is filled with Norse mythology, Celtic folklore, and a love that moves mountains. For me, this book was an absolute page turner. I couldn't put it down once I got halfway through and finished it in a day. A moving story about a mother's love and the lengths she goes to protect her children. This book is full of enchanting folklore and myths and does not disappoint. I can't wait for the second book in the series to be released!
J.K. Divia's debut novel is filled with Norse mythology, Celtic folklore, and a love that moves mountains. For me, this book was an absolute page turner. I couldn't put it down once I got halfway through and finished it in a day. A moving story about a mother's love and the lengths she goes to protect her children. This book is full of enchanting folklore and myths and does not disappoint. I can't wait for the second book in the series to be released!
October 21, 2023
I just finished this book, and I loved it!
J.k. delivered a very well crafted tale involving one of my favorite subjects - Vikings.
She dove deep into both Viking and selkie lore, which I truly appreciated.
This story follows a selkie, Ionna, who has given up life in the sea for the man she loves. When her home is threatened by vikings, she makes very difficult choices and sacrifices to save her children.
A very big thank you to the author for your research into your subject.
J.k. delivered a very well crafted tale involving one of my favorite subjects - Vikings.
She dove deep into both Viking and selkie lore, which I truly appreciated.
This story follows a selkie, Ionna, who has given up life in the sea for the man she loves. When her home is threatened by vikings, she makes very difficult choices and sacrifices to save her children.
A very big thank you to the author for your research into your subject.
March 3, 2023
"This is what the glory of death looks like."
Where to begin?!?
This story literally transports you to an entirely other world - one full of magic, possibilities, and lots of jaw dropping moments.
Divia is a fantastic and gritty storyteller with a keen eye for heart wrenching build up. She did an extraordinary job at taking a deep dive into what someone is willing to do for the ones they love - even if it's at the expense of their own identity.
It's safe to say I cried and that's when you know it was done right.
This is a must read for anyone who loves dark fantasy with thematic influence of Norse Mythology and Celtic origins. And I myself am a massive fan of the era!!
Well done Divia!! I cannot wait for what you have next! 🥰
Where to begin?!?
This story literally transports you to an entirely other world - one full of magic, possibilities, and lots of jaw dropping moments.
Divia is a fantastic and gritty storyteller with a keen eye for heart wrenching build up. She did an extraordinary job at taking a deep dive into what someone is willing to do for the ones they love - even if it's at the expense of their own identity.
It's safe to say I cried and that's when you know it was done right.
This is a must read for anyone who loves dark fantasy with thematic influence of Norse Mythology and Celtic origins. And I myself am a massive fan of the era!!
Well done Divia!! I cannot wait for what you have next! 🥰
April 11, 2023
Moody, atmospheric, and gripping. I especially loved Ionna's story arc and could feel every gut punch along the way. I loved the infusion of folklore throughout the novel. Divia's writing is beautiful and her ability to set a scene is certainly a strength to her storytelling. I'm looking forward to reading more of Divia's work in the future!
September 2, 2023
Immersive and Mesmerizing
Breathing life into a perfect blend of myths through a mother’s struggle to keep her children safe is what Divia has done with this immersive novel.
Not only did I get to experience the mystical life of the selkie, and the supernatural aspects of bear shifters (a particular favorite of mine), but I got to delve into the world of the Vikings… each fascinating lore blending together into a conflict that kept me reading.
Breathing life into a perfect blend of myths through a mother’s struggle to keep her children safe is what Divia has done with this immersive novel.
Not only did I get to experience the mystical life of the selkie, and the supernatural aspects of bear shifters (a particular favorite of mine), but I got to delve into the world of the Vikings… each fascinating lore blending together into a conflict that kept me reading.
March 6, 2023
see how incredibly beautiful that cover is? story is even better! i really loved imagining i was there and the descriptions made that so easy to do.
I picked this up because I like celtic mythology
I wasn’t disappointed. Ionna is so determined and selfless shes also a selkie! she turns into a seal 😍
A whole host of powerful emotions come through , if your looking for a book to pull you in and make you feel something whilst going on a fierce adventure then this is the one.
I picked this up because I like celtic mythology
I wasn’t disappointed. Ionna is so determined and selfless shes also a selkie! she turns into a seal 😍
A whole host of powerful emotions come through , if your looking for a book to pull you in and make you feel something whilst going on a fierce adventure then this is the one.
March 6, 2023
I knew nothing about Selkies before reading this book and was intrigued by the concept. I also liked the author’s writing style. Divia sets the tone for a somber old world/other world tale very well, making you really feel for the characters. I told myself not to care about any of them because I didn’t know who was going to make it but that was tough!
If you enjoy dark stories that are steeped in mythology, you should check this one out!
If you enjoy dark stories that are steeped in mythology, you should check this one out!
January 10, 2023
A beautifully written debut with fantasy, folklore and mythology! The author is not afraid to go deep with her characters and themes. Was excited to have been able to read it on Kindle Unlimited. Looking forward to the next release and to see how Ionna and Bjorn's story continues.
January 1, 2023
This is a wonderful, rich, slightly dark fantasy solidly grounded in both Celtic and Norse mythology. If you love immersive fantasy, full of magical creatures, dark folklore, and sympathetic characters, this is the book for you and promises to be a lovely series!
I received this as an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review
I received this as an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review
September 4, 2023
3.5 stars- Interesting fantasy/mythical read with Selkies. First book I’ve read about Selkies (creatures that can shapeshift between seal and human). I look forward to book #2 see how the story plays out. I would have given it another star but I didn’t get enough back story on some of the Viking characters, although maybe that’s coming in book 2!
August 13, 2023
Ionna is a Selkie who has given up her seal skin for the love of a human man. Her seal family now come with a warning of a viking boat approaching the village and Ionna must face the dilemma of sacrificing her Selkie self to protect her children.
I found this book to be an original, poetic and deeply emotional tale of a mother's struggle and sacrifice for the love of her children. The narration is vivid and rich in mythology and legend. I was transported to the sea and felt the salt spray as the story played out.
Ionna is a strong female character who I really felt empathy for. I also enjoyed the characters of Bjorn and Mads, who arrived on the viking boat and are berserkers. I am hoping to see more from these characters in the sequel.
I am loving the explosion of mythology novels at the moment and feel this author is one to watch.
I found this book to be an original, poetic and deeply emotional tale of a mother's struggle and sacrifice for the love of her children. The narration is vivid and rich in mythology and legend. I was transported to the sea and felt the salt spray as the story played out.
Ionna is a strong female character who I really felt empathy for. I also enjoyed the characters of Bjorn and Mads, who arrived on the viking boat and are berserkers. I am hoping to see more from these characters in the sequel.
I am loving the explosion of mythology novels at the moment and feel this author is one to watch.
July 26, 2023
This story was a beautiful tale of a selkie mother dealing with the heartbreak & sorrow of being torn between two worlds. Her soul & lost family calling her to return to the sea & her love for her children calling her to stay on land. It was blended with Nordic mythology. The story encompassed very interesting fantasy elements involving shapeshifters & supernatural myths. I feel like I did this book an injustice because of other reading commitments I bounced between this & other books. Sometimes I felt I struggled to connect all the dots. In many ways, this book feels like it's two stories meshed into one. After finishing the book, I think I understand why it was done this way but reading it sometimes I felt like I was missing something.
There's a beautiful poetic & haunting quality to the way it's written. J.K. is clearly a very passionate writer who channels deep into the emotions & inner psyche of human struggles. I'm not deeply versed in some of the myths in this book so I'm not sure if everything told is standard presentation in this field or if some was creative liberty on these matters but I found myself wanting to research more because so many questions came to my mind to understand all the details of this story.
I loved the inner turmoil all the characters were dealing with, it was written masterfully. I found myself wanting more explanation into certain details. This could be my lack of knowledge on the mythology hurting me or perhaps some details are just being saved for further into the series. Overall due to the deeply crafted personal battles & the super interesting supernatural elements I'd give this book 4.5 stars & if further explanation is given in the future books, I might revisit this & bump it up to a full 5. Thank you, J.K. for sharing this hard emotional story with the world.
There's a beautiful poetic & haunting quality to the way it's written. J.K. is clearly a very passionate writer who channels deep into the emotions & inner psyche of human struggles. I'm not deeply versed in some of the myths in this book so I'm not sure if everything told is standard presentation in this field or if some was creative liberty on these matters but I found myself wanting to research more because so many questions came to my mind to understand all the details of this story.
I loved the inner turmoil all the characters were dealing with, it was written masterfully. I found myself wanting more explanation into certain details. This could be my lack of knowledge on the mythology hurting me or perhaps some details are just being saved for further into the series. Overall due to the deeply crafted personal battles & the super interesting supernatural elements I'd give this book 4.5 stars & if further explanation is given in the future books, I might revisit this & bump it up to a full 5. Thank you, J.K. for sharing this hard emotional story with the world.
February 21, 2023
What a moving story, finished in 2 days. Very emotional tale of a mother's love and sacrifice. Keep your kleenex close. Can't wait for book 2. Loved the combination of Norse and Celtic folklore.
August 4, 2023
In this tale of dark Nordic mythology, Ionna, a selkie, has left her family and the sea for the love of a man. Ionna and Cian go from forbidden passion to a young and loving family to a couple hoarding secrets and anger after their toddler son, Cael, wanders away.
Ionna dreams of returning to the freedom of the sea with her surviving children, but she cannot leave her hope of Cael’s return.
Then her Selkie family delivers a warning, Vikings are coming and there will be no surviving their destruction.
The POVs in this lush, sensual, desperate tale switch from Ionna, to Einar, the ambitious charismatic Viking king, to Bjorn, Einar’s top soldier, a shape-shifting man/bear.
Divia has built a fascinating world, with violence and dark magic. I am a big fan of Uhtred from the British show The Last Kingdom and Ragnar Lothbruk from The Vikings. Divia delivers a similar encompassing world of war, scheming men, brutal patriarchy, sex and love, death and hope.
This appears to be the first book in a series as it ends in a cliffhanger.
If you enjoy mythology and dark fantasy you will enjoy this debut novel of mothers’ love, loyalty and regret, despair and hope, found family and ancestral ties.
Ionna dreams of returning to the freedom of the sea with her surviving children, but she cannot leave her hope of Cael’s return.
Then her Selkie family delivers a warning, Vikings are coming and there will be no surviving their destruction.
The POVs in this lush, sensual, desperate tale switch from Ionna, to Einar, the ambitious charismatic Viking king, to Bjorn, Einar’s top soldier, a shape-shifting man/bear.
Divia has built a fascinating world, with violence and dark magic. I am a big fan of Uhtred from the British show The Last Kingdom and Ragnar Lothbruk from The Vikings. Divia delivers a similar encompassing world of war, scheming men, brutal patriarchy, sex and love, death and hope.
This appears to be the first book in a series as it ends in a cliffhanger.
If you enjoy mythology and dark fantasy you will enjoy this debut novel of mothers’ love, loyalty and regret, despair and hope, found family and ancestral ties.
June 13, 2023
J.K. Divia’s first book is a well written, remarkably unique story, like none I’ve ever read before. The main character, Ionna, is a Selkie (has both seal and human form). Torn between her seal family and human family, Ionna must make extremely difficult decisions to protect her family and follow her destiny. Without serving up any spoilers, the story is emotional, violent, and hopeful all at the same time! A Sea Of Blood And Tears was an easy read, and despite being my first in this genre, I’d certainly read other mythological/dark-fantasy books. I’d also recommend it to anyone, no matter their genre preference. Hoping to read another one by this author in the near future! Well done, Divia!
August 6, 2023
This book is a little different to what I usually read but the blurb pulled me in as I am going through a Viking phase at the moment.
I found the first 50% really difficult to get through as it was quite slow and there were points I did not have a clue what was going on.
But I persevered and the second half really picked up and I found myself enjoying it more. It was beautifully written and was almost poetic.
There were a couple of WTF moments but overall it was an interesting read.
I received an ARC and my review is my honest opinion.
I found the first 50% really difficult to get through as it was quite slow and there were points I did not have a clue what was going on.
But I persevered and the second half really picked up and I found myself enjoying it more. It was beautifully written and was almost poetic.
There were a couple of WTF moments but overall it was an interesting read.
I received an ARC and my review is my honest opinion.
August 16, 2023
A beautiful story. Well written by the author and easy to read. A great read that captures both the joy the love and the heartbreak of loss. I loved the mythology placed in it as this is something that interests me a lot. I can’t wait for the second book to come out!
August 5, 2023
So I really wasn't sure of this book when I first started it but the more I got into the more I realized I loved it. I was a bit confused by all the different characters and who went to what and I had to reread a few times to understand I throughly enjoyed this book and the ending really just wasn't fair and I sure hope another book is going to be coming out soon cause I need to know what is coming next !!!
February 4, 2023
A beautiful story of sacrifice and love. I’m looking forward to book 2!
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