Aria of the Sea

by Dia Calhoun

On the island of Normost, in the kingdom of Windward, 13-year-old Cerinthe Gale is a folk healer who dreams of being a dancer. When her mother falls ill, Cerinthe fights to save her — but fails. She blames herself for her mother’s death, gives up healing, and decides to pursue dance. Cerinthe travels across Windward to audition at the School of the Royal Dancers, which accepts her even though she is a commoner. It should be the beginning of a brilliant future, but Cerinthe feels an emptiness she can’t identify. A disagreement with a young man, a conflict with a cruel teacher, a rivalry with an aristocratic classmate, Elliana, and a meeting with a mederi — a healer with magical powers — add to her anguish. When the rivalry between the two girls causes a terrible accident, Elliana’s life hangs in the balance. Cerinthe faces the same awful choice she had faced with her Should she try to heal Elliana herself or hope that the mederi arrives in time? Only the song of the Sea Maid holds the answer.

Aria of the Sea is an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, a Book Sense 76 Recommended Children’s Book, and a New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Music, Young Adult Fantasy

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2000

About the author

Author, essayist, and poet Dia Calhoun won the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature for her novel Aria of the Sea. Three of her eight novels are American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults. Calhoun’s contemporary novel Eva of the Farm was a Hornbook Magazine Best Verse Novel. Reviewing Calhoun’s most recent book, After the River the Sun School Library Journal wrote—“Lovers of gaming and Arthurian legends will thoroughly enjoy this one.” Calhoun’s 7:30 BELLS blog essays explore creativity and inspiration.

Calhoun is a cofounder of the literacy social media project, readergirlz, recipient of the National Book Foundation’s Innovations in Reading Prize. Calhoun has taught at Seattle University and the Cornish College of Arts. She currently offers private coaching in writing to kids and adults. Calhoun lives beside the wild Nisqually River in Washington state. Not only does the natural world inspire her writing, it’s also the basis for her new work as a sculptor.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this at a used book store and remembered that I had read it when I was much younger... I remember really loving it, and after re-reading it (it was a super quick read, it's definitely a Middle Grade book), I can see why! This is a book with a strong female protagonist who is driven and has dreams and a good heart. It was a lovely little trip down memory lane with this one! :)

[Carrie Doss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten how absolutely beautiful this book is, truly one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read! I first read it as a girl, and over ten years later the book still pulls at my heartstrings. It is simple enough for a child to read, yet profound enough to make me search my own soul as the characters did. It took my breath away.

It is beautifully written, filled with a cleverly imagined world and deep, heartfelt characters. The character development is superb, for our protagonist, Cerinthe, and others too. Aria of the Sea deeply impressed me all those years ago, and I know that it is a book that I will continue to treasure and will read to my children someday.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was thirteen or so; I read it again recently and now I’m writing this review in the small hope it shows up in even a few people’s Goodreads feeds and becomes a bit better known (it appears to have largely fallen out of the orbit of young adult literature). This book doesn’t have particularly strong writing, but what is does have is one of the best stories I’ve ever read about grappling with the parts of you that speak honestly about who you are and what you want, and how easily those can be buried by the dreams of others and societal standards of prestige.

Plot summary: Cerinthe has trained as both a folk healer and a dancer, but she gives up healing after her terrible mistake kills her mother. She’s accepted into the royal dance academy (essentially the most prestigious place in the kingdom) but, despite achieving her dream, struggles against a growing internal emptiness.

The richness in this book comes in Cerinthe’s disconnect between her external and internal reality. Externally, she is praised; externally, the people around her see a brilliant future for her. She is unquestionably skilled and earning renown. But internally, it becomes harder and harder to find joy in what she does; internally, there is a sense of something missing that starts to overwhelm her before she’s even fully conscious it’s happening.

While this is YA fiction, I think this book was easier for me to understand – to truly understand – as an adult. As an adult, I’ve been in the situation where professional mentors have pulled me aside and told me that I had a powerful aptitude for skill X or field Y – and I listened, because it’s very hard to turn away from professional praise and accolades even if you get the sense deep down that you have no interest in skill X or field Y. That tiny voice in us that knows who we truly are is surprisingly easy to crush; to bury until it’s too late to bring it back again.

I think this narrative – “be who you truly are” – gets thrown around a lot in inspirational social media posts or self-help books, but it’s rarely subtle enough to be useful. It’s always something akin to, “quit your job and go travel, life is short,” not the more nuanced reality of something like, well, I’m doing well in prestigious career field but what I really want to do is be an admin assistant because my soul sings when I organize stuff. Cerinthe’s journey recognizes how difficult it is to accept parts of you that don’t bring social value (let’s admit, at the end of the day, following your dreams to travel or whatever is still smiled on by society, even if they think it’s a risk) and the struggle of wondering which of your desires are honestly yours and which come from others around you.

Can I also say: I loved, loved, loved the fact that Cerinthe walks away from her love interest. I’d forgotten that part of the book, and I almost cheered the moment it happened (even though up until that moment I’d been cheering for them to get together). Certinthe saw what so many of us fail to see even as adults: that what can seem romantic – asking someone to share a life together – can, in actuality, be them asking you to give up your dreams so they don’t need to compromise on their own.

Like I already mentioned: the writing, meh, it was a little cringey. But the story itself, and Cerinthe’s internal journey, make this book I will keep close to my heart for those times in life when I’m trying to move against the inertia of social forces and choose what, deep down, I know I truly want.

[Kitty Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(*Rating edited- I've changed my mind, this one deserves a 4/5*) Though the Amazon page indicates this book as being aimed at 10-12 year olds, I think it would entertain older readers and many with an interest in YA. The vocabulary is fairly wide and expressive, the atmosphere has a fantastical charm to it though the book is not fantasy. There are some interesting supernatural elements but at its heart, this is a coming of age tale that centers around the heroine's tumultuous journey from childhood to nearing adulthood and the moral dilemmas to be sorted out along the way. The heroine is Cerinthe, an amateur healer living a commoner's life in an idyllic village town. This all changes after her mother's untimely death and final wish- to see her daughter become a fantastic artist, a dancer. Cerinthe is determined to see it through and enrolls in a prestigious, dreamy academy for privileged young dancers. She has clashing social status with many of the people here, especially with Elliana- a rich, lonely, callous, horribly jealous and conniving girl who makes for an intense and compelling rival. If after the years pass I remember nothing else of this book, I expect at least the slight pinch of remembered frustration caused by Elliana's sharp tongue and evil tricks. And also a little bit of yearning for more facets of the character to be revealed. There are other characters of note- a sweet and kindly young maid who becomes a dear friend, a young man who has an awkward almost-romance with Cerinthe, an older girl who seems on the cusp of having it all but has her own inner turmoil, and others. Lots of surprises along the way and a brisk pace. This seems to be a well-edited book, the chapters are laid out sensibly and fly by. The ending is pretty good and overall this is an empowering book for girls and young women. As for why I have little more than praise for the novel and only give it 3 stars.. that's hard to explain. Something about the writing style is not gripping enough despite the briskness. And I guess I didn't come to love the main character enough. The only thing that really grabbed was Elliana's awfulness and the intensity of the rivalry between she and Cerinthe, the propensity for an evolving relationship. A Cerinthe and Elliana novel with romantic inclinations might get a 5 out of 5 from me, heh. Anyway to wrap things up, still willing to try other books by this author. I know this is only one book but I can already tell she deserves more popularity.

[Haley Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made a lasting impression on me as a kid and I was afraid reading it now that it would lose some of the haunting qualities it had. I was happy to find that it was just as meaningful now, perhaps more so considering the themes. This is the story of a young girl who is trying to decide what she wants to do with her life. Her mother wanted her to be a dancer, her family back home wanted her to be a healer, and everyone seems to be pulling her in different directions. Of course, only she can determine what her heart and mind would be best used for. For a children's book, this book does not hesitate to use darkness and pain. It gives the novel some bite that it would not have otherwise. The stakes are high and our heroine is confused and angry. What's important is that ultimately, as the book says, sometimes, ‎"you think you've reached your destination, only to find it's not your final harbor, merely passage to another."

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good story that I enjoyed though it was a bit predictable at times. I liked all the characters (even the mean girl), the plot, and the setting of this book -they gave it a nice almost "mystical" feeling. This book kinda reminded me of "Marie Dancing" since she realizes she's dancing because her mother wanted her to and not because she wants to. I thought the last paragraph of the book was so good and uplifting when she realized what she wanted to do with her life. The only person that kinda bugged me was Thornton (sp?) at the end of the book when he was trying to make Cerithe (sp?) turn into something she didn't want to be. Overall a good book if you like ballet, herbs, forbidden friendships, and the sea. :)

[Tessa Stockton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very deep read for middle grade readers – and it’s refreshing! Within these pages you’ll discover sweet symbolism in a heady fantasy and a kingdom full of gifted youth. One girl in particular, Cerinthe, is torn between her two natural gifts. Can she discern which talent is more than a passion but a purpose, too? Will she learn of her calling, the most fitting path for her future? I thoroughly appreciated this book. Great for all ages! We could all learn a thing or two in real life by considering Cerinthe's story.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerinthe is chosen to be a student at the Royal School of Dance, after her mother's death causes her to reject her talent for healing. Cerinthe is torn between dancing and healing, and her struggle to choose is beautifully portrayed by Calhoun. The characterization is excellent, and the plot takes some unexpected turns; I particularly appreciated how Calhoun handled Cerinthe's incipient romance with a fisherman and her rivalry with another student.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't appreciate the main character because she drove me absolutely bonkers almost the entire book! It was difficult for me to like her even though she is a good person, and she is young so its understandable why she is the way she is, but personally I was not that foolish when I was her age. It was written well though, the author did do a good job.

[Miss Clark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Flat characters, plays on the "be true to yourself and find your purpose in life" theme nicely, but it was plain uninteresting to me. Plus, the religious element was underdeveloped yet used as a crucial part of the plot over and over again.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfectly written! I recommend it to anyone and everyone! Actually, any book by Dia Calhoun is amazing!

[las pas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this from my school dorm’s bookshelf LOL. I went in thinking it was going to be crap, but it turned out lovely. I re-read it a few more times. Very nostalgic to me now.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This lonely book sat in my library for 10 years without being checked out so I took it home for a spin. Cerinthe is a fisherman's daughter who has danced her whole life and has also trained to be a faith healer. With the recent death of her mother, she wants to fulfill their dream of her being trained by the royal academy. Her journey involves finding out who she is and what makes her happy, dealing with a mean girl, and trying to find a balance in her life. The story has some elements of magic/religion in it which give it some light. Parts of the story are predictable and parts were a bit abrupt, but the message is a good one. Fans of dance or students who prefer 'gentle' reads would like this story.

[Roger Burk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kingdom of Windward is an isolated archipelago, reminiscent of Earthsea, but without dragons, magic, or pirates. Instead there is Dance, and our heroine voyages from the far northern reaches to audition for the royal school of dance. It is a very engaging book, but it is for (older) children, and the bad-girl characters are a bit crudely drawn. The feminist world is laid on a bit thick--all the main characters are women, all the divinities are goddesses, almost all the older women preternaturally wise, a Queen reigns, and the boyfriend is a drip.

[Ella]

This was one of my absolute faves as a kid and I’d almost forgotten about it, despite remembering the worldbuilding and my adoration thereof vividly. Don’t feel like I can rate it as it’s probably been over a decade since I last read it, but the sense memory of the library copy remains vivid to me.

[Olivia Loving · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books. How have I never reviewed it until now? I almost don't want to re-read it because the first reading (in 2005 or so) was so magical. I enjoyed The Phoenix Dance as well, but this is 3x better.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Why haven't I read this sooner? Well, mostly because of a backlog that numbers in the hundreds, but still. This book reminded me of the movie Leap in some ways, but it had many attributes all of its own.

[Aira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for young (middle school aged) kiddos. Strong female protagonist. Also wish I had more love for reading when I was a kid but better late than never🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️ Plus fantasy!!! 😊

[Kingprize · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanzing

[Daisy Honeywell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il sogno di Cerinthe Gale è quello di diventare una ballerina, esattamente come ha espresso sua madre poco prima di morire. Desiderosa di superare l'audizione all'Accademia Reale di Balletto, Cerinthe si reca a Faranor, capitale di Sopravvento. Lascia la sua casa e, al fianco di suo padre, si trova nella prestigiosa Accademia. Il modo di scrivere di Dia Calhoun è molto particolare, la trovo molto dotata nel fare le varie descrizioni; il lettore è immediatamente catapultato nell'Accademia e ogni luogo ed emozione è ben descritta. Ho studiato danza per anni quindi so un po' di cose in merito e le ricerche della scrittrice sono molto buone.
Cerinthe Gale scopre di non essere ammessa ai corsi e, nonostante la delusione sia cocente, non ha intenzione di tornare a casa, dove i ricordi di sua madre che muore sono troppo vivi e lascia partire solo suo padre. La nonna di Cerinthe è una guaritrice e grazie all'uso delle erbe anche Cerinthe ha cercato di imparare qualcosa in merito. La sua improvvisazione nel curare gli altri sembra essere un dono ma quando, tempo prima, Cerinthe cercò di salvare sua madre, ammalata, però la uccise. Da quel giorno Cerinthe ha deciso di lasciar perdere l'arte della guarigione e non pensa quasi mai alle Mederi, le varie garitrici. Adesso più che mai Cerinthe non può più pensarci, visto che non è stata presa all'Accademia e vuole trovare una soluzione per studiare comunque danza: la scrittrice ci mostra una protagonista abbastanza determinata che decide di realizzare il suo sogno a tutti i costi, così si ritrova a lavorare come sguattera nell'Accademia Reale di Balleto. In un modo o nell'altro vuole riuscire a salire i piani che la porteranno a danzare nelle sale di danza!
Dopo vari eventi e incomprensioni, Cerinthe diventa una bravissima ballerina e, non appena diventa una studentessa, le invidie intorno a lei salgono. Ci sono chiacchiere, pettegolezzi, sudore, prove, liti... quella scuola improvvisamente per Cerinthe rappresenta soltanto la parola terrore. Era questo ciò che si aspettava?
La scrittrice descrive molto bene l'ansia della protagonista e i suoi dubbi sulle scelte che la vita le mette davanti. Non è una trama profonda ma ho decisamente letto libri peggiori! Anche gli altri personaggi sono ben approfonditi, specialmente Elliana, un'altra studentessa di danza, che si trasforma nell'acerrima nemica di Cerinthe. Un altro personaggio che mi piace è Tayla, una domestica che sogna una vita migliore e che è amica di Cerinthe.
La scrittura di Dia è scorrevole e sono andata avanti specialmente per le descrizioni dei luoghi. Se non avessi studiato danza non sono sicura che avrei continuato a leggere il libro, che è molto artistico.
Non ho ancora finito di leggere il libro, quindi sicuramente aggiungerò qualcos'altro alla recensione!

Oggi ho concluso il libro; alla fine credo che finisca un po' troppo velocemente. Il vecchio Skolla, un uomo che intaglia il legno e al quale Cerinthe si confida, si rivela un personaggio molto saggio, com'era prevedibile. A fine libro i dubbi di Cerinthe sono molti: danzare o diventare una Mederi? Come ogni tredicenne ( e anche più adulte) Cerinthe ha molti dubbi ma la morale del libro è seguire il nostro cuore e provare a realizzare i nostri sogni.
Infine credo che 3 stelline siano ben date; la lettura è scorrevole, il modo di scrivere semplice ma ben descritto e la protagonista è piacevole. Le morali ci sono e sono migliori di tanti libri contemporanei.

[Lina27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

had a reading schlump and read this and haveny stopped reading since ! beautiful cover and very whimsical

[Eskana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Aria of the Sea" tells the story of Cerinthe, a young girl (13) who has traveled from the far reaches of the kingdom she lives in to join the Royal Dancers. (Although this is a fantasy story, they use ballet (including mentioning specific steps), and as a dancer myself, I really enjoyed the realism this gave the story.) Anyway, Cerinthe is admitted despite her age due to her talent and grace, and she quickly rises to the top of her class. This puts her in rivalry with another girl, Elliana... but this isn't the crux of the story.
Cerinthe loves dancing and is excellent at it, and she entered the school to fulfill her mother's dying wish, but at the same time she struggles with another desire in her- she is also a trained healer. However, she has abandoned this skill since she has made mistakes that may have hurt people, and so she struggles with the desire to help others through healing and her fear of making a mistake. While this story does mainly focus on the dancing, the rivalry, and the mythology of Cerinthe's homeland, it also is the story of finding your vocation and uncovering your passions.

The Good: I really enjoyed everything about this story! I found Cerinthe to be a good character- not perfect, but a hard worker and a kind person, and not a pushover either. I loved how this book used ballet, even though it was in a fantasy setting, and how it twined everything together with the mythology of the kingdom. The Sea Maid, the Black Ship- all fit into the story perfectly, without overshadowing it.
This is at its heart the story of someone deciding what they want to do with their life, and while in most books there is only one true path (often, there is the thing that they want to do vs. the thing their parent wants them to do) but in this case there are two, which is much more like real life! In real life you can greatly enjoy more than one thing, and in this book Cerinthe has a passion (and is good at) both healing and dancing. But she must choose, and her vacillation between her two drives, coupled with the scenarios going on around her and how she reacts to them (and how her confusion impacts her daily life) is realistic and relatable.

The Bad: Can't really think of anything! I found this book memorable the first time I read it (about 10 years ago) and still enjoyed it this time!

Suggested for: Anyone! It has enough fantasy to draw fantasy lovers, but it isn't too heavy or confusing and has enough realistic, real world elements so non-fantasy readers should enjoy it as well. I honestly don't know why this book isn't better known! Definitely recommended.

[Kimberly Hirsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Dia Calhoun's Aria of the Sea, Cerinthe Gale, a 13 year old resident of the kingdom of Windward, moves from her small island to the capital city in order to audition for the School of the Royal Dancers. As she attends the school, though, Cerinthe finds that her late mother's dream for her to be a professional dancer is in conflict with her own talent for healing and her devotion to the goddess the Sea Maid. Cerinthe blames her own error in healing for her mother's death, and so when her rival, Elliana, is injured, Cerinthe is reluctant to help because she fears another failure. It is at this juncture that Cerinthe must choose who she will become.

I'm afraid to reveal much more of the plot than this, because I don't want to spoil more for you.

There are quite a few things that Dia Calhoun does incredibly effectively in Aria of the Sea. First, she conveys Cerinthe's homesickness with startling accuracy. I missed Cerinthe's imaginary home island myself, reading about Cerinthe's feelings. Second, she paints a true-to-life portrait of teenage rivalry; while my art when I was Cerinthe's age was theatre and not dance, I experienced hostility from multiple corners of my tiny theatre world. Elliana very much reminded me of girls I knew, right down to the realization Cerinthe had that though Elliana may be wealthy, that didn't mean she was truly happy. Nobody wants to be married off according to her parents' will, after all. Third, Calhoun aptly describes the pain one feels when one's faith has deserted her. Cerinthe, who has always heard the voice of her goddess the Sea Maid, ceases to hear her once she comes to the capital. Calhoun describes Cerinthe's sense of abandonment with great intensity.

What Aria of the Sea does best, however, is demonstrate the difficulty that lies in a choice between two callings. Cerinthe is a very talented dancer, and well-trained. She is less well-trained as a healer, but displays more talent. The choice between these two callings is heart-wrenching.

I would especially recommend Aria of the Sea to fans of fantasy, coming of age stories, and the arts. I would more generally recommend it to anyone who likes a moving story. I'd be especially likely to put it in the hands of girls in the twelve to fourteen age range, whom I think will identify heavily with Cerinthe.

[Althea Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up because it won the Mythopoeic award.
It was OK, but didn't really live up to my expectations - the storyline was just too familiar, and the worldbuilding was only so-so. It's one of those stories where it really didn't even need to be set in a 'fantasy' world; the fantasy aspect is quite beside the point.

It's also very, very message-y. I don't object to the message at all ("follow your own dreams and talents, rather than feeling that you have to live up to others' expectations"), but the attitude of "I will give young girls an important lesson through this book" is a bit overwhelming.

Plot elements follow:

Aria is a poor, small-town girl. She has experience helping her mother with herbs and healing; but she also has a talent for dancing. Her mother dreams of her daughter having the opportunity to go to the big city and study dancing.
When her mother dies, Aria's father does everything he can to facilitate that. Aria goes to the city with him and auditions at the ballet school. Although it's obvious as hell that she's a shoo-in, she believes some nasty bullies' false tale that she's not picked as a student, runs away, and ends up working as a laundress at the school.
However, in an abrupt reversal of fortune, she is re-discovered and enrolled in the school, where she quickly rises to success (to the ongoing dismay of the bullies).
However, she also finds herself drawn to assisting a physician, a role where she can use her other talents. It turns out that Aria blames herself for her mother's death, and has lost confidence in her ability to heal.

As events come to a head, Aria must deal with the bullies, gain confidence in herself, ditch her domineering boyfriend, improve the working conditions of laundresses, and choose between her two talents. The right choice leads to happiness and spiritual fulfillment.


It's a nice, feel-good story, but although the author seems like she's trying very hard to give Aria difficult dilemmas, the "right choice" is always blindingly clear. If only real life were so simple!

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far one of my favorite books I've read. The flow of the story is BEAUTIFUL, and a real good page turner too!

I loved the plot about the main character, Cerinthe, who is a gifted healer but is passionate about becoming a dancer. She suddenly gives up healing and goes to a school, learning how to dance instead. She ends up being a VERY talented dancer, and becomes one of the best in class - which makes Elliana (our main Antagonist? *laughs*) very jealous of Cerinthe, as she was previously labeled 'the best dancer'. Elliana feels that Cerinthe is taking all her glory away and doesn't deserve any of it. Elliana is HORRIBLE to Cerinthe, there was so many times I wanted to reach in the book and STRANGLE that evil girl! Elliana is a very good character you can hate, like, REALLY hate. But I see that as a positive thing - she's wonderfully developed on the hate part. ;)

The story was completely super awesome but I was disappointed on how it ended...! It wasn't a bad ending, but I kind of felt like I was being 'trolled' when reading the last page. Because, throughout the whole story, I was naturally cheering for Cerinthe to become a good dancer, (AND A BETTER ONE THAN ELLIANA!!!) as that's what the whole story and main focus was about, Cerinthe becoming a dancer! Then suddenly, her very last lines to us are like: "I'm gonna be a healer now! YAYZ! Screw dancin'! ROFLS!" ...It wasn't quite a slap in the face, but certainly unexpected. Now I wouldn't have minded if she was SLOWLY showing signs of not wanting to dance anymore, like making everyone think, "Yes, Cerinthe, maybe you should quit dancing and become a healer again." And maybe it wouldn't have come across like she's trolling the reader the whole time. ;)

Still, this was an AWESOME book and I enjoyed it very much. I'd especially recommend it to any girl, especially those who are into the arts and stuff!~

[Jennifer Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is the first time I have read this author's work, I was unsure what to expect. I have found many times a plot that is enticing only to have the book fall flat for me. While I was expecting something youthful and pleasing since it says this book is towards ten to thirteen year olds, I was surprised with the level of depth that emerged. This is not some light and teeny ' bopper book but one that actually takes a person to experience wants, needs, pains, and the things you really go through in life. The girl was studying to be a healer but wants to be a dancer because of her mother's hopes she had for her. Her mother had gotten sick and despite her efforts she had failed to save her so now she can not even face trying to heal. She applies to a prestigious dance school where she is accepted but faces bullying and ridicules from a girl who thinks she is the best dancer. Cerinthe is actually a really relatable character for anyone of any age. Who hasn't faced problems with a bully, struggles figuring out what you want in life, feeling alone without anyone there? The author creates this fantastical land that is easy to bring to mind with her descriptions and words. Cerinthe is a nice, sweet girl that makes you like her. Even the bully, Arianna, defies being the steriotypucal mean girl since the author shows hints of her struggles and insecurities as well. As much as I liked the book though, the things that kept me from falling in love with it were how some of the moments are sprung onMN a you so they did not seem part of the story. The end of the book was one that could not have been predicted except by the last quarter because the solution did not even seem part of the equation through the book. Also this book is one that can be read by all ages which is wonderful, but some issues felt much older than the intended audience whjke others seemed really immature.

[Kristin Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria of the Sea is an intriguing and fascinating book, for where you are trying to constantly keep up with Cerinthe Gale of Normost in her journey to become a dancer. Continuing her year long trip around the kingdom of Windward; she soon embarks on a small adventure in becoming a little diana. The very witty Elliana is able to quickly create the obstacles . Although a seeming sneaky Elliana soon entangle Cerinthe in her schemes. With help of Talya, courage , and hard work; it appears it’s not Cerinthe’s first rodeo. In all of these extraordinary feats of strength the best part of the book is when Elliana challenges Cerinthe to a duel of fouettes on Kasahol’s gable: a flat roof top predicament, however despite of Elliana’s confidence she falls and is severely injured. The precise detail gives a clear picture of the emotional turmoil that continues throughout the entire book. The Aria of the Sea is a classic novel, packed book that gives a great impression of the characters, as they made their debut into a world of amazing dancers, magic, and majestic surroundings. Follow Cerinthe and Elliana and their friends as they have an amazing adventure in the exotic kingdom of Windward . Don’t miss reading this book!

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a story of choices, standing up, and finding your calling. Cerinthe Gale is a commoner with dreams of attending the School of Royal Dancers. She had been training for a healer, but when her mother died under her care, she blames herself and abandons healing. But when she abandons that, the Sea Maid stopps singing. Being accepted to the school seems to be the answer to her dreams, but then nothing goes right. Elliana, the best dancer in her class, hates her for being the second best dancer in class, and secretly ruins her life, starting with her dance tunic, and ending with the crystal seagull that her mother treasured. On a quest to find herself, Cerinthe risks everything she loves and hates, but only the Sea Maid's song has the answer.
>pp<

[Jordan Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Cerinthe is training as a folk healer in her island town in the fantasy kingdom of Windward when her mother tragically dies of illness. Blaming herself for being unable to save her, Cerinthe auditions for entrance into a prestigious school of dance. Despite her lowly social status, the school is impressed with her talent, and she is accepted. Her new life at the School of Royal Dancers is not without troubles of its own, however, and Cerinthe soon finds herself thrown into the same terrible situation that she had fled her island from.
This is great children's or YA fantasy. It is beautifully written in a poetic, very delicate style. The dance in the book is, essentially, ballet, with little new elements added. The imaginary kingdom of Windward serves as a setting, but the book is more driven by characters than the author's need to set up an alternate little world.
Great writing that young girls will enjoy.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good but the fantasy world behind the story was unnecessary and was a distraction from the story. For example, why would a high cultured island have a famous royal academy for dancing? The company doesn't travel off the island, it seems rare the royalty watches its dance company, and why just dancing? There's no mention of music colleges (necessary for ballet) or an academy (for scholars) or anyone rich enough to really attend a famous dance academy. Maybe I missed the point on that one but it seems to be a royal academy in the middle of nowhere.
The other peeve is the mystical foam. Is this special fabric that can't touch the ground? I don't get it. Fabric falls all the time with and without people's help but in this world you get whipped or killed if the mystical foam falls on the ground. Seems like the author was trying to write herself out of a corner.