Reviews

The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson

dragontomes2000's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

The Forever Sea was a different type of fantasy novel then I am used to. It definitely has a lot of potential but I think execution wise, it just didn't fully hit the mark. The world building is by far the shining star of this novel. I was completely captured by this world from the ships that sail on prairie grass, to how the ships function, to the unique magic system, to how the world functions politically. It really was the stand out. Now where the novel stumbles, pretty much everywhere else. The story could have been sharper and more cohesive. It was just all over the place. It didn't start out that way, the author did set up a plot that just got lost along the way. Secondly, the characters didn't leave much to be desired. While I did enjoy the main character of Kindred, the side characters were all a little underwhelming and flat.

Now I did not hate this because there is that sprinkle of potential there, just enough for me to discover more and see where this series could possibly go. With that being said, I do want to see how this series plays out and I hope Joshua Phillip Johnson can deliver, on round two, show his growth as an author.

lib_britannia's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ijustreallyliketrees's review against another edition

adventurous emotional slow-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? No

4.25

Slow paced but loved the world-building and was hooked by the time I got to the end. Interested to see where the next book will go with it. 4.25 stars but it's a HIGH 4.25 stars if that makes sense.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Death

Minor: Suicide

tymout's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I wanted to love this book more, but ultimately I found the pacing to be frustrating. The author crates such a beautiful world and I found myself wishing he had spent more time describing it than jumping into sudden conflict I was too confused by to feel invested in.

trinforeman's review against another edition

DNF

Okay, I have to say something. I won't leave a rating but I needed to explain why I am dropping this one.

This may be the best book I have ever DNFd. The writing is beautiful, the pacing is good and the found family is great.

So, why am I not finishing it? It boils down to taste. It's not my type of fantasy. I prefer, dark, gritty stories with morally grey characters and things that keep me on the edge of my seat. So, while I can appreciate the craft of this book, I am not invested. Cozy doesn't work for me. Low stakes doesn't work for me.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a light fantasy. The world building is excellent. The characters are loveable. The writing is beautiful. It just isn't for me.

julia97's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

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

4.75

aroden's review against another edition

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

This novel was absolutely gorgeous in concept and execution. One of the most imaginative fantasy novels I’ve read in a long time. The plot, however didn’t quite make the mark for me, the character not quite fleshed out, which is why it took me a while to finish. Otherwise lovely read.

stephyyy040's review

5.0

A fantasy novel with a female lead written by a male author?

Pre-read: 1 star

Gorgeous imagery and world-building?

5 stars.

Vibes of The Starless Sea and The 10,000 Doors of January?

5 stars.

Abrupt ending leaving me mad with many unanswered questions?

2 stars.

Realizing this is not a standalone novel but there is a sequel?!?

Final rating: 5 stars <3

verenas's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious 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? It's complicated

3.5

librarygirl13's review against another edition

5.0

The first book I've read in quite awhile that pulled me in! I liked the story within a story and I wanted to keep reading and reading. I appreciated so many aspects of this story--from the adventures on the prairie sea filled with plants to to the songs and poetry to the character and world development. I also really enjoyed the slightly literary feel.