A review by creolelitbelle
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young

dark emotional mysterious sad 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? Yes

5.0

Adrienne Young hits books out the park for me every single time. The town of Six Rivers feels like a character in itself. The forest and mountains nearby come alive while reading, making me wish I could visit to feel see the mangled trees and feel the mountain air. Main Street is painted clearly with a Stars Hollow vibe resting in the mountains of Northern California. Everyone knows everyone, and outsiders are not easily accepted, which means investigating mysteries and disappearances gets complex. 

I loved joining James as she followed breadcrumbs to understand Johnny's last movements and decisions. Her grief is raw but does not cloud her judgment about calculating what might have happened and why leading up to Johnny's death. Micah, Sadie, and Olivia remind James of the life that she left behind and who she could have become if she stayed/returned to Six Rivers. Home is as much about the people and the life we build as the place where we live. Among finding answers about Johnny, James also must discover what home means for her now. The story is as much about her and her place among the people of Six Rivers as it is about Johnny's death. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good small town mystery with an element of the supernatural, because Johnny's presence is felt throughout the story. 
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