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bookslovejenna's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
3.0
Five things about The Forever Sea by Joshua Philip Johnson 📚📚📚
1. I was so into this for the first 2/3rds. It had me. My imagination and curiosity were complete engaged.
2. After that, I just kinda lost steam. It began to feel like a drag and I just wanted to get through it. I don’t think it needed to be shorter or that it changed. The writing was still rich, the magic system interesting…if anything, I just ceased to care. I think this is more about the recipe of me+epic fantasy than anything else.
3. As I said - the magic system is interesting.
4. The writing is immersive and rich.
5. I was captivated for quite some time and then, I just wasn’t. 🤷🏻♀️
1. I was so into this for the first 2/3rds. It had me. My imagination and curiosity were complete engaged.
2. After that, I just kinda lost steam. It began to feel like a drag and I just wanted to get through it. I don’t think it needed to be shorter or that it changed. The writing was still rich, the magic system interesting…if anything, I just ceased to care. I think this is more about the recipe of me+epic fantasy than anything else.
3. As I said - the magic system is interesting.
4. The writing is immersive and rich.
5. I was captivated for quite some time and then, I just wasn’t. 🤷🏻♀️
krishnak's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
quietnyx's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
scelsav's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
beenb's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
court_sport's review against another edition
5.0
*slams that five stars button*
It’s such a rare treat to read something that feels completely original and whisks you away to experience things you never imagined. For me, The Forever Sea was exactly that type of treat. Everything about this read felt so fresh and new- from the endless grass seas to the ships powered by musical hearthfire magic, from the floating islands to the giant tree cities.
On top of this magical, whimsical worldbuilding, The Forever Sea is beautifully written. It’s very poetic, while still easy and enjoyable to consume. Nothing too purple or convoluted- just flowy and beautiful and chock full of stunning imagery. As a huge fan of nature and all its lovely bits, these descriptions were especially engaging for me.
Within this fantastic, picturesque world are a fabulously diverse and vibrant cast of characters. I’ll admit to being nervous about a novel boasting a cast of women with a male writer, but Johnson pulls it off splendidly. No cringe! Can you believe it?? The characters feel well-rounded within their roles and it’s easy to fall in love with so many of them. There are many wholesome relationships in addition to the romance, which is also very sweet and pure. Love the queer rep, which is handled very tastefully.
Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this read widely. Great for fans of fantasy and adventure who are looking for something that hasn’t been done before. Great for someone new to the genre looking to try it without being bogged down by heavy lore or complicated magic systems. Great for anyone looking for a beautifully written, action-packed, adventure with tons of heart.
Can I have the sequel now please?
Special thanks to NetGalley and DAW Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s such a rare treat to read something that feels completely original and whisks you away to experience things you never imagined. For me, The Forever Sea was exactly that type of treat. Everything about this read felt so fresh and new- from the endless grass seas to the ships powered by musical hearthfire magic, from the floating islands to the giant tree cities.
On top of this magical, whimsical worldbuilding, The Forever Sea is beautifully written. It’s very poetic, while still easy and enjoyable to consume. Nothing too purple or convoluted- just flowy and beautiful and chock full of stunning imagery. As a huge fan of nature and all its lovely bits, these descriptions were especially engaging for me.
Within this fantastic, picturesque world are a fabulously diverse and vibrant cast of characters. I’ll admit to being nervous about a novel boasting a cast of women with a male writer, but Johnson pulls it off splendidly. No cringe! Can you believe it?? The characters feel well-rounded within their roles and it’s easy to fall in love with so many of them. There are many wholesome relationships in addition to the romance, which is also very sweet and pure. Love the queer rep, which is handled very tastefully.
Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this read widely. Great for fans of fantasy and adventure who are looking for something that hasn’t been done before. Great for someone new to the genre looking to try it without being bogged down by heavy lore or complicated magic systems. Great for anyone looking for a beautifully written, action-packed, adventure with tons of heart.
Can I have the sequel now please?
Special thanks to NetGalley and DAW Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
after_hours_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
wizardingwisteria's review
I don't want to blame this book for putting me in a reading slump but it kinda put me in a reading slump
The premise is super interesting. The worldbuilding was fascinating. The narrative and the writing style just couldn't compare. I felt like I was being dragged through the story. Moved way too slow and stopped to focus on so many details that eneded up being confusing
I started out on the physical paperback edition and ended up switching to the digital version because I hated how the book felt in my hands. Physically it was huge and the words felt small. It was a pain to carry around. At first I thought that was why I wasn't into it, but even after switching to the digital version it was still hard to stay interested
I put down some of my other books to try to get through this one. Some of the elements of the world made me feel like I couldn't have my head in multiple worlds like I normally do. Now I wish I had put this one away sooner so I could enjoy the others
If I forced myself to stick it out until the end I could see this being a 4 star for me. Instead I am going to put it down and start something that will hopefully put me back in the reading mood
The premise is super interesting. The worldbuilding was fascinating. The narrative and the writing style just couldn't compare. I felt like I was being dragged through the story. Moved way too slow and stopped to focus on so many details that eneded up being confusing
I started out on the physical paperback edition and ended up switching to the digital version because I hated how the book felt in my hands. Physically it was huge and the words felt small. It was a pain to carry around. At first I thought that was why I wasn't into it, but even after switching to the digital version it was still hard to stay interested
I put down some of my other books to try to get through this one. Some of the elements of the world made me feel like I couldn't have my head in multiple worlds like I normally do. Now I wish I had put this one away sooner so I could enjoy the others
If I forced myself to stick it out until the end I could see this being a 4 star for me. Instead I am going to put it down and start something that will hopefully put me back in the reading mood
forthesanityof1's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0