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simonlorden's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-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? No
4.5
I received an advance reader's copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
A quick and thrilling read, full of myth and magic and the sea. Lily and Jaq are lovers, two of many women sailing aboard the mysterious ship called the Scylla, in an endless present without any memory of their pasts.
I loved how the story and the nature of the women aboard the Scylla gradually came to light. I wasn't particularly fond of Jaq, but the book had a really immersive style, and Jaq's possessive desire for Lily drives the story. The ending was unexpected and truly chilling.
Also, Yinka is just the best.
A quick and thrilling read, full of myth and magic and the sea. Lily and Jaq are lovers, two of many women sailing aboard the mysterious ship called the Scylla, in an endless present without any memory of their pasts.
I loved how the story and the nature of the women aboard the Scylla gradually came to light. I wasn't particularly fond of Jaq, but the book had a really immersive style, and Jaq's possessive desire for Lily drives the story. The ending was unexpected and truly chilling.
Also, Yinka is just the best.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, Murder, Gore, Animal cruelty, and Lesbophobia
sophee_568's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Merciless Waters is Rae Knowles' second novel. It follows a crew of seven women aboard a ship named Scylla and their captain – Lucinda. Scylla sails endlessly through time and the Adriatic Sea. Its passengers have no past, and they do not need it. All they have is the endless present. One day, Jaq notices a man floating in the sea. She almost let him meet his demise, but Lily took notice of him and scrambled to get him out of the sea. The man, Reginald, brought nothing but trouble to the women of Scylla. Jaq and Lily have always been lovers, but Reginald's presence threatens to throw off the balance of their relationship and the peaceful lives of the rest of the crew. Reginald and Lily's blossoming relationship inspires Jaq's growing murderous intent. While Jaq brainstorms how to eliminate Reginald from Scylla, a crew member starts to remember her life from before her arrival on the ship. The restored memory might bring forth a new purpose for the cunning women of Scylla.
Knowle's writing is picturesque, with almost Victorian quality. Based on the descriptions of their clothes, one would think they lived in the 1800s, but Knowles's writing gives the story a sempiternal feel. It does not matter which historical period they belong to since they live in the eternal present. Since the story takes place on a ship, the story is lush with aquatic atmosphere. We are aware of the unforgiving waters, of the waves rolling beneath the ship. During one scene, Lily and Jaq are underwater. They effortlessly float in water, not needing air, and make love. That has to be one of my favorite scenes.
Merciless Waters is a literary horror novel, in the same way as Our Wives Under the Sea. It is a retelling of the Slavic myth of Rusalka. Originally from Ukrainian and Russian folklore, rusalki are feminine entities that reside in streams, rivers, and lakes. They are water nymphs. Rusalki are a part of Slavic folklore of other countries (Bulgaria, Poland, Serbia, Croatia, Czech Republic). They are beautiful, always naked, with long, wet hair, and hang around on trees near bodies of water. They are known to lure people, mostly men, in with their singing and dancing. Their origin is not exact. Most sources claim all women who drown, either forcefully, accidentally, or by their hand, become rusalki. My book on Slavic mythology says rusalki may be servants or even daughters of the Water Spirit (vodyanoy or vodnik). Since I am not a fan of Greek myth retellings, I decided to try out Slavic myth retellings. I am a Slavic woman, after all. I admit I am delighted by Knowles' book.
Merciless Waters is a gorgeous, sensual sapphic novel about the churning desire for revenge. I dare not say anything more because it is a short book, under 200 pages. I highly recommend this to everyone tired of Greek myths or anyone who is a fan of literary sapphic horrors with fantastical elements.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brigids Gate Press for the review copy!
Knowle's writing is picturesque, with almost Victorian quality. Based on the descriptions of their clothes, one would think they lived in the 1800s, but Knowles's writing gives the story a sempiternal feel. It does not matter which historical period they belong to since they live in the eternal present. Since the story takes place on a ship, the story is lush with aquatic atmosphere. We are aware of the unforgiving waters, of the waves rolling beneath the ship. During one scene, Lily and Jaq are underwater. They effortlessly float in water, not needing air, and make love. That has to be one of my favorite scenes.
Merciless Waters is a literary horror novel, in the same way as Our Wives Under the Sea. It is a retelling of the Slavic myth of Rusalka. Originally from Ukrainian and Russian folklore, rusalki are feminine entities that reside in streams, rivers, and lakes. They are water nymphs. Rusalki are a part of Slavic folklore of other countries (Bulgaria, Poland, Serbia, Croatia, Czech Republic). They are beautiful, always naked, with long, wet hair, and hang around on trees near bodies of water. They are known to lure people, mostly men, in with their singing and dancing. Their origin is not exact. Most sources claim all women who drown, either forcefully, accidentally, or by their hand, become rusalki. My book on Slavic mythology says rusalki may be servants or even daughters of the Water Spirit (vodyanoy or vodnik). Since I am not a fan of Greek myth retellings, I decided to try out Slavic myth retellings. I am a Slavic woman, after all. I admit I am delighted by Knowles' book.
Merciless Waters is a gorgeous, sensual sapphic novel about the churning desire for revenge. I dare not say anything more because it is a short book, under 200 pages. I highly recommend this to everyone tired of Greek myths or anyone who is a fan of literary sapphic horrors with fantastical elements.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brigids Gate Press for the review copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Animal cruelty
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