Reviews

When Oceans Rise by Robin Alvarez

fanoora's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

alibrarymouse's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.0

I’ll preface this with: at first, I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. When Oceans Rise was one I didn’t think I’d enjoy as much as I did. It was a bit of a slow start, but once it hit stride, it was absolutely beautiful. 

My biggest struggle was probably getting used to the narrator. I didn’t hate her, but I also just didn’t vibe with her. The buildup was a little on the slower side—though, later you find this is necessary for the development of all characters. A development Alvarez writes gorgeously because her take is realistic and doesn’t pull any punches. Her writing style is so readable while all of her effort to create a relationship that begins to take more than it gives plays so well into the action and development of everything in the end. 

This wasn’t quite what I expected, but it was a great listen, I learned so much about supernatural creatures and gods from the Philippines, and gave readers the most satisfying ending. The characters were so likable and funny. We want those who deserve it to achieve their happily ever after.

Getting into it and, when we get to where they figure out what to do about everything, I was hooked. Even the supernatural felt like it could really be happening because relationships and reactions weren’t overdone or overacted. The buildup definitely made me appreciate all of it more. 

Absolutely read this! It was honestly so good; like, I don’t know any other words to describe it. Definitely recommend it to everyone.

stephsfeelinbookish's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective 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? It's complicated

4.25

Do look up tw’s! 


Wow can I first start off with how well done the characters growth is!? Mayla I just want to hug you because you don’t deserve that shit! 

This little mermaid retelling was so powerful! I also adored the magic and representation for filipinos!

lpcoolgirl's review against another edition

5.0

This was such a great read, I hurt for her, going through this, it was hard, but she wasn't alone, so that was good! 

thepolishedbibliophile's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced

5.0

I was immediately swept away into this story!  I had been seeing it around on social media and following Robin Alvarez but nothing prepared me for this!  I couldn't stop listening to the audio version and when I did take a moment I couldn't stop thinking about it.  This book had curses, characters I wished all the best for and family culture/mythology.  If you choose to listen to this story, the narrator was  perfect!  Thank you to NetGalley and Tides Collide Publishing for an advanced copy!  All thoughts and opinions are my own! 

ioana00's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative lighthearted tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

amullen03's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

I just loved this book. It definitely had a little mermaid story spin to it. I loved learning about the Philippino myths. I feel this book was a breath of fresh air for me. I haven't read anything like this and I was sad for it to end. Beautifully written.

nmill's review against another edition

3.0

This is a Filipino retelling of the tale of the Little Mermaid. A teen is stuck in an abusive and toxic relationship. She finds it nearly impossible to get out of due to a generational curse. She goes to the extreme lengths of giving up her voice for a fresh start.

I enjoyed reading about the culture and folklore in this story. I think this story is a good fit for a teen audience.

esmewasreading's review against another edition

4.0

 Thank you Netgalley for the change to listen to the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this story, I liked how the abusive relationship was handled it was very realistic. I adored the Philippine mythology and the little mermaid vibes we had going on. and it wrapped up really nicely in the end.

the writing was really nice. I did enjoy the narrator as well.

my only thing with this book is the use of AI art for the cover. Not only does AI art steal from real artists it also makes the image look very distorted like with her hand and the tentacle as well as her nose. 

ashs_bookshelf's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective 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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse