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arbramirez's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
A Rushed Journey with Untapped Potential
When Oceans Rise by Robin Alvarez, narrated by Jennifer Aquino, offers a promising premise and a well-constructed world that captures the essence of YA fantasy. Aquino's narration deserves commendation for breathing life into the characters and making the listening experience enjoyable. She skillfully aids in bringing the story to life.
However, despite its potential, the book falls short of delivering a satisfying narrative experience. Reading it feels like embarking on twelve different stories simultaneously, leaving readers craving deeper connections with the characters. Regrettably, the book's pacing issues hinder the reader's ability to truly engage with the plot and its cast.
The author's decision to introduce numerous plot points without providing adequate resolution leaves the reader with a sense of unfulfilled anticipation. It becomes apparent that the story would have greatly benefited from being a duology or even a trilogy, allowing for the exploration and resolution of these intriguing plot elements.
Moreover, the romance subplot feels forced and lacks the organic development that would have made it more compelling. Had the book been given the space to unfold as a series, readers would have had the opportunity to genuinely care about the plot, the characters, and the intricately built world.
In terms of pacing, the story oscillates between moments of stagnation and instances where events unfold in rapid succession. This lack of balance creates an uneven reading experience, leaving readers yearning for a more cohesive and consistent narrative flow.
Despite its flaws, When Oceans Rise possesses a captivating premise and commendable world-building, making it a potentially engrossing read for fans of YA fantasy. However, the rushed execution, insufficient character development, unresolved plot points, and forced romantic elements prevent the book from reaching its full potential.
Additionally, it is important to address the portrayal of domestic violence in When Oceans Rise. Unfortunately, the incorporation of the main character's experience with domestic violence falls flat. Rather than delving into the complex dynamics and emotional struggles that young people face in abusive relationships, the author clumsily reiterates common talking points, akin to those found in a high school health class pamphlet on domestic violence.
The inclusion of this element feels forced and unnecessary, as the story could have progressed without it. It gives the impression that the author added this tragedy solely for shock value, without fully exploring the profound impact it has on survivors and the challenging process of leaving such relationships. This missed opportunity to authentically depict the experiences of domestic violence survivors is a disappointment within the narrative.
Overall, I believe that if the author had expanded the story into a series, allowing for more time to delve into the plot, romance, and the intricacies of the world, it could have provided a more satisfying and immersive reading experience.
When Oceans Rise by Robin Alvarez, narrated by Jennifer Aquino, offers a promising premise and a well-constructed world that captures the essence of YA fantasy. Aquino's narration deserves commendation for breathing life into the characters and making the listening experience enjoyable. She skillfully aids in bringing the story to life.
However, despite its potential, the book falls short of delivering a satisfying narrative experience. Reading it feels like embarking on twelve different stories simultaneously, leaving readers craving deeper connections with the characters. Regrettably, the book's pacing issues hinder the reader's ability to truly engage with the plot and its cast.
The author's decision to introduce numerous plot points without providing adequate resolution leaves the reader with a sense of unfulfilled anticipation. It becomes apparent that the story would have greatly benefited from being a duology or even a trilogy, allowing for the exploration and resolution of these intriguing plot elements.
Moreover, the romance subplot feels forced and lacks the organic development that would have made it more compelling. Had the book been given the space to unfold as a series, readers would have had the opportunity to genuinely care about the plot, the characters, and the intricately built world.
In terms of pacing, the story oscillates between moments of stagnation and instances where events unfold in rapid succession. This lack of balance creates an uneven reading experience, leaving readers yearning for a more cohesive and consistent narrative flow.
Despite its flaws, When Oceans Rise possesses a captivating premise and commendable world-building, making it a potentially engrossing read for fans of YA fantasy. However, the rushed execution, insufficient character development, unresolved plot points, and forced romantic elements prevent the book from reaching its full potential.
Additionally, it is important to address the portrayal of domestic violence in When Oceans Rise. Unfortunately, the incorporation of the main character's experience with domestic violence falls flat. Rather than delving into the complex dynamics and emotional struggles that young people face in abusive relationships, the author clumsily reiterates common talking points, akin to those found in a high school health class pamphlet on domestic violence.
The inclusion of this element feels forced and unnecessary, as the story could have progressed without it. It gives the impression that the author added this tragedy solely for shock value, without fully exploring the profound impact it has on survivors and the challenging process of leaving such relationships. This missed opportunity to authentically depict the experiences of domestic violence survivors is a disappointment within the narrative.
Overall, I believe that if the author had expanded the story into a series, allowing for more time to delve into the plot, romance, and the intricacies of the world, it could have provided a more satisfying and immersive reading experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
mezzythedragon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Gaslighting
Minor: Physical abuse, Violence, Xenophobia, and Racism
lisashelves's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
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