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madwomanlibrary's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
As the description suggests this story is a cutesy but spicier retelling of Brave and the Little Mermaid. It's a light hearted romantasy but I also felt it was a coming of age story were the main character, Kenna, finds acceptance within herself and her place in the world.
The story includes representation of characters who are fat, LGBTQ, have ADHD, and go through depression. In a world were society continues to tell women how they need to look in order to be perceived as beautiful, it is refreshing to read a story about a fat main character and romantic lead who learns to accept and love themselves as they are. Although, there are a couple minor characters who do shame the character for her body type the rest of the major characters, protagonists and antagonists alike, never make her being fat an issue or diminishes her value which I really appreciated.
The plot moves a bit too quickly for me, same with the romance. All problems are faced and resolved within a few days and I would have loved to read move about Mharìogh and the magic it holds.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story includes representation of characters who are fat, LGBTQ, have ADHD, and go through depression. In a world were society continues to tell women how they need to look in order to be perceived as beautiful, it is refreshing to read a story about a fat main character and romantic lead who learns to accept and love themselves as they are. Although, there are a couple minor characters who do shame the character for her body type the rest of the major characters, protagonists and antagonists alike, never make her being fat an issue or diminishes her value which I really appreciated.
The plot moves a bit too quickly for me, same with the romance. All problems are faced and resolved within a few days and I would have loved to read move about Mharìogh and the magic it holds.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
meg_k_white's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I have never identified more strongly with a character than I identified with Kenna. I found myself crying with her, cheering for her and applauding who she grew to become - all while staying true to herself.
Kenna grew up being mocked for her size and used for her position as princess as a means to be close to the royal family. She was awkward around others and always felt a bit different. She has always felt called to the sea, without ever understanding why... Her parents arrange a Winchin Festival during which she is to choose a husband, hoping to settle the growing unrest throughout the kingdom.
Things are not as they seem though, and Kenna's world gets turned upside-down as truths are revealed, dreams are lived and true love is found.
I could not put this down and highly recommend it to anyone who has felt different or shunned. We all deserve a happy ending.
caitandthelibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I knew from the Prologue that reading Call of the Sea was going to be a cinematic experience. The descriptions were detailed and vivid making it easy to picture the lands of Cladach and the yearning Kenna experiences for the sea. I loved the fat and neurodivergent representation in this book. The anxiety, self-consciousness and frustration that coming from existing differently than the rest of society were represented true to the experience of many. Call of the Sea is a story of a girl trying to find herself in the most trying of times, when everything feels like it's out of control. It's moving and emotional, but with well timed comedic relief. Rose manages to explore the heavy topics of fatphobia and bullying without slowing the pace of the book or making light of the issues. Tristan is a gem and I hope we get to see more of him and I love the relationship he has with Kenna and how they've spent their lives supporting each other. Mr. Love Interest was a dream even when he was being annoying and I love the way he loves her. The romance was swoony, the adventure was interesting and overall the experience was pure joy to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Death, Fatphobia, and Violence
Moderate: Body shaming and Bullying
My favorite quote (without any context) was "I feel like a pirate"dhoneycutt's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
readingwithmrleo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
READ IF YOU LIKE:
✨Fat rep, demisexual rep, ADHD rep, depression rep
✨Forced proximity
✨Hurt/comfort
✨Siblings who are best friends
✨Hidden identities
✨Banter
✨Open door 🌶️
MY REVIEW | I instantly loved the vibe of this one. It's no secret that my favourite place in the world is Scotland so anything that makes me think of it makes me immensely happy. The mix of this Scottish royalty setting with fantastic creatures such as mermaids was just perfect.
Our main character is a sweet overthinking one that makes you feel instantly attached to her. I love the interactions she had going on with the MMC and also with her amazing twin brother, their relationship is truly wonderful. The first part of the book felt a little more character driven which was a nice way to discover about everyone and learn more about Kenna's family dynamics. The second part was more action packed, with lots of things happening and being revealed. Overall it was a good way to keep me hooked, it was really addictive.
This book is full of great representation too, and I think it will resonate with lots of people. It's always nice to feel understood and relate to a character. Kenna had a great evolution throughout the book, which was really satisfying to read.
Thanks to MTMC Tours and the author for the book. All opinions are my own.
✨Fat rep, demisexual rep, ADHD rep, depression rep
✨Forced proximity
✨Hurt/comfort
✨Siblings who are best friends
✨Hidden identities
✨Banter
✨Open door 🌶️
MY REVIEW | I instantly loved the vibe of this one. It's no secret that my favourite place in the world is Scotland so anything that makes me think of it makes me immensely happy. The mix of this Scottish royalty setting with fantastic creatures such as mermaids was just perfect.
Our main character is a sweet overthinking one that makes you feel instantly attached to her. I love the interactions she had going on with the MMC and also with her amazing twin brother, their relationship is truly wonderful. The first part of the book felt a little more character driven which was a nice way to discover about everyone and learn more about Kenna's family dynamics. The second part was more action packed, with lots of things happening and being revealed. Overall it was a good way to keep me hooked, it was really addictive.
This book is full of great representation too, and I think it will resonate with lots of people. It's always nice to feel understood and relate to a character. Kenna had a great evolution throughout the book, which was really satisfying to read.
Thanks to MTMC Tours and the author for the book. All opinions are my own.
jaime_of_gryffindor's review
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was an enjoyable romantic fantasy book and this one was just under five stars for me. I loved following Kenna in this story and what she represents. There was a lot packed into this book and overall I think it was very well written and I think many people will find the characters to be relatable. This was a great debut novel!
Read This If You Like:
📖 The Little Mermaid & Brave
📖 Romantic Fantasies
📖 Genderbent Retellings
*heads up that this book does have content warnings
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