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queer_bookwyrm's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, blood, PTSD, death
Faye and the City in the Sea by Nicole Bailey is book two in the Faye and the Ether series. This was a pretty good book two, if a little slow. We focus a lot on Faye's PTSD and not a lot on action until the end.
Faye is dealing with a lot of PTSD after the events of the previous book, making it difficult for her to watch anyone train or go on missions. She's also started pushing people away and keeping to herself. Because of her fear, Faye is unable to train her magic to gain control.
Faye is invited to stay in the Mercity with the Prince. It was really neat to keep exploring more creatures in the Ether. It's there, she meets Lana, an attendant she befriends and becomes close to. We get a couple of POV chapters from Heracles where we see his doubt about going against his daughter. We get to see more of Daron and Alec's relationship and how Alec's family feels about it.
Definitely a more character driven book this time around, but I'm not mad at it. I am mad about a certain death of a certain person though 👀.
Faye and the City in the Sea by Nicole Bailey is book two in the Faye and the Ether series. This was a pretty good book two, if a little slow. We focus a lot on Faye's PTSD and not a lot on action until the end.
Faye is dealing with a lot of PTSD after the events of the previous book, making it difficult for her to watch anyone train or go on missions. She's also started pushing people away and keeping to herself. Because of her fear, Faye is unable to train her magic to gain control.
Faye is invited to stay in the Mercity with the Prince. It was really neat to keep exploring more creatures in the Ether. It's there, she meets Lana, an attendant she befriends and becomes close to. We get a couple of POV chapters from Heracles where we see his doubt about going against his daughter. We get to see more of Daron and Alec's relationship and how Alec's family feels about it.
Definitely a more character driven book this time around, but I'm not mad at it. I am mad about a certain death of a certain person though 👀.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, Blood, Death, and Panic attacks/disorders
stanfieldwrites's review
5.0
I'm finally back to actually write the review I intended when I originally finished this book. This was certainly a story with a heavier tone, especially as it relates to Faye and her struggles to overcome the trauma she survived. It was perhaps what made this book stand out to me, the way in which she struggles her way through PTSD and all of the challenges that entails. You feel for her at every step along the journey she takes, hoping that she finds her way through it. I also immensely enjoyed the way in which the world of the Ether opens up even more, as we're introduced to the Mercity and its inhabitants. You get the sense, too, that this world is only just starting to be revealed and that's a true testament to the power of the mythology that infuses this tale. I'm eagerly looking forward to what comes next for Faye and her friends, even if I am a little cross about the fate of one particular character. (Yes, I'm still holding on to that, and no, I don't intend to let it go. HA!)
raebrock's review
4.0
I liked this sequel even better than the first book! Faye’s struggle with PTSD was really interesting. Typically in fantasy stories with a chosen one trope, the characters take to the conflict so easily, and I think it was fascinating to see Faye struggle so much with it, yet she always remained committed to the fight. The character development between Faye and the merpeople was also great, and of course Alec and Daron were as precious as ever. But my favorite part was the evolution of the relationship between Faye and Telanes. I hope more develops there, but even if they only remain close friends, their relationship is beautiful. I can’t wait to start the next one!
kookie9200's review
4.0
After the deadly battle, Faye struggles heavily with the repercussions of life and death.
I feel like Faye comes into her own in this novel. Many series don't take into account the heavy toll a battle like what she went through takes, but this one does. It shows the ugly side of winning that is often not talked about, and I liked that. I also loved the deepening relationship with Telanus.
I feel like Faye comes into her own in this novel. Many series don't take into account the heavy toll a battle like what she went through takes, but this one does. It shows the ugly side of winning that is often not talked about, and I liked that. I also loved the deepening relationship with Telanus.
onebookmore's review
4.0
I’m so excited to review Faye and the City in the Sea today! I read the first book, Faye and the Ether, several months ago and was captivated by the characters and world in this YA fantasy series by Nicole Bailey! I love the continued development and expansion of the setting in Faye and the City in the Sea, the character arcs, and the multi-layered story-line.
As Faye travels to the underwater mermaid realm, when she and her allies battle evil foes, and even when she is resting as their camp, the story is rich with imagery and so immersive!. Bailey is skilled in painting a vivid picture of this fantastical world and the plethora of supernatural characters. The author also blends classic mythology with a modern spin, which creates a unique and fascinating plot.
The love story between Daron and Alec is another one of the highlights of the story. They are so in love, and I love that we were able to see this relationship develop. They are both strong, honorable people, and they bring out the best in each other. Neither is perfect, but their love and respect are unconditional. I adore their connection, and their chemistry is romantic and filled with swoon-worthy moments!
In addition to Daron and Alec’s romance, there is a love triangle brewing with Faye and two other characters. Though love triangles are not usually my favorite trope, I’m loving this one! Both males are intriguing and mysterious, and I can’t wait to learn more about each, as well as their growing relationships with Faye, in future books.
Though Daron is blissfully in love, he, like Faye, is tormented in this book. Riddled with anxiety and worry, they live in fear of future possibilities and losses. Faye, in particular, struggles with her actions and how they affected other people. I like that the author examines this aspect of their characters, as it is often something that is glossed over in many YA fantasies. There are emotional aftereffects of participating in conflict and war, and Bailey doesn’t shy away from the barrage of conflicting, confusing, and heartbreaking feelings that both Daron and Faye possess.
Faye and the City in the Sea is the second book in the Faye and the Ether series, and it isn’t a standalone. So, I would suggest reading the first book in the series before you read this one. That being said, it is a great read, and I totally recommend it! Thanks so much to Nicole Bailey for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
As Faye travels to the underwater mermaid realm, when she and her allies battle evil foes, and even when she is resting as their camp, the story is rich with imagery and so immersive!. Bailey is skilled in painting a vivid picture of this fantastical world and the plethora of supernatural characters. The author also blends classic mythology with a modern spin, which creates a unique and fascinating plot.
The love story between Daron and Alec is another one of the highlights of the story. They are so in love, and I love that we were able to see this relationship develop. They are both strong, honorable people, and they bring out the best in each other. Neither is perfect, but their love and respect are unconditional. I adore their connection, and their chemistry is romantic and filled with swoon-worthy moments!
In addition to Daron and Alec’s romance, there is a love triangle brewing with Faye and two other characters. Though love triangles are not usually my favorite trope, I’m loving this one! Both males are intriguing and mysterious, and I can’t wait to learn more about each, as well as their growing relationships with Faye, in future books.
Though Daron is blissfully in love, he, like Faye, is tormented in this book. Riddled with anxiety and worry, they live in fear of future possibilities and losses. Faye, in particular, struggles with her actions and how they affected other people. I like that the author examines this aspect of their characters, as it is often something that is glossed over in many YA fantasies. There are emotional aftereffects of participating in conflict and war, and Bailey doesn’t shy away from the barrage of conflicting, confusing, and heartbreaking feelings that both Daron and Faye possess.
Faye and the City in the Sea is the second book in the Faye and the Ether series, and it isn’t a standalone. So, I would suggest reading the first book in the series before you read this one. That being said, it is a great read, and I totally recommend it! Thanks so much to Nicole Bailey for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
noellesmagicallibrary's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
elisa_menz's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can't remember the last time I read a book in a day. My head is spinning and I see bright lights on my peripheral view. Nothing to do about it, it was impossible to put this one down.
I have--and I'm not exaggerating this at all--the weirdest, most exhilarating relationship with Faye. And it's driving me crazy because I can't put my finger on it! The thing is... I do not like her! I respect her, I admire her, I definitely feel sad for her when she hurts, and I want her to have a happily ever after. But there is something about her personality that rubs me in a weird way. The absolutely marvelous thing about this is that I've never felt that way about a book character before. I either like or dislike them, gray areas are not my thing.
There are so many wonderful things about this book, but this is what compels me the most. The amazing layers of her personality had turned Faye into someone real for me, and that's probably why I read this in one day. How could I turn my attention elsewhere when all this was happening?
Before I go enjoy my existential crisis let me recommend you this book. Maybe grab a glass of wine before.
I have--and I'm not exaggerating this at all--the weirdest, most exhilarating relationship with Faye. And it's driving me crazy because I can't put my finger on it! The thing is... I do not like her! I respect her, I admire her, I definitely feel sad for her when she hurts, and I want her to have a happily ever after. But there is something about her personality that rubs me in a weird way. The absolutely marvelous thing about this is that I've never felt that way about a book character before. I either like or dislike them, gray areas are not my thing.
There are so many wonderful things about this book, but this is what compels me the most. The amazing layers of her personality had turned Faye into someone real for me, and that's probably why I read this in one day. How could I turn my attention elsewhere when all this was happening?
Before I go enjoy my existential crisis let me recommend you this book. Maybe grab a glass of wine before.
lazydaze22's review
5.0
Ugh, unfortunately fated Faye. (Cue Ursula singing…). This continuation of Faye’s journey in the Ether and finding her place in her new home was rough. If you have ever experienced trauma that keeps showing up unbidden, keeping you from sleep as even a blink of your eyes can be enough to transport you back, your heart will ache for Faye. If you have battle related PTSD this book might be a hard read. The characters come more into their own in this second book. Relationships blossom, or start to take root. A new city, this one under the sea, is introduced, along with the mer-residents and a new BFF. Faye is still trying to do what she can to bring the various races together even as she is suffering greatly herself. She doesn’t realize the force that she truly is. Another enjoyable fantasy read from Bailey (although a couple of the events made me so sad!)!
cabc's review
3.0
Interesting world, pacing problems.
I gave the first book 3 stars and was hoping to like the series more after reading the second book, but I unfortunately don’t. I think this author is great at writing a new world and interesting characters, but the pacing could use a lot of help. So much of both books was just waiting around and then random action at the end, with too much time spent on stuff that doesn’t need pages of details and vice versa. And I’ve been told the third book is much the same so I don’t plan on reading anymore. Perhaps a talented editor would help elevate this author’s storytelling?
I gave the first book 3 stars and was hoping to like the series more after reading the second book, but I unfortunately don’t. I think this author is great at writing a new world and interesting characters, but the pacing could use a lot of help. So much of both books was just waiting around and then random action at the end, with too much time spent on stuff that doesn’t need pages of details and vice versa. And I’ve been told the third book is much the same so I don’t plan on reading anymore. Perhaps a talented editor would help elevate this author’s storytelling?