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A review by camilleareads
Waters of Salt and Sin by Alisha Klapheke
5.0
When I pick up a fantasy book it’s not often that I choose a seafaring adventure. The only book I’ve read, I think, that consists of pirates and treasure is The Count of Monte Cristo. Stories about the ocean, pirates, and hidden treasures with a majority of the setting taking place on a ship or a boat wasn’t intriguing enough for me. Perhaps it was simply a lack of exposure to the trope.
I first came across Waters of Salt and Sin in a newsletter; I really liked the cover art for it and decided to give it a look. The words “salt witch” and “sisters” stood out for me. I really wanted to read it but was unsure whether I would enjoy it. So I left it on my TBR thinking, perhaps, I’ll get back to it. Which I didn’t, at least not until, I saw that the prequel claimed was available for free! It was around 30 pages or so. Anyways, I thought since it was free I’d give this a shot and if I liked it, I’d go ahead with the novel.
**
Very few books can make me fall in love with an entire set of characters. Protagonists, antagonists, and even side characters were well rounded for a book told from a first point of view. Young Kinneret Raza has made her way into my list of favorite female characters; she’s a young girl of sixteen from a low caste who practices Salt Magic and dreams of being kaptan of her own ship someday. A natural born leader, she is as sharp as whiplash but also very hard on herself. The family she brought together for herself – Avigail, Oron, and Calev – are so different from each other and yet there’s this bond between them that you, as a reader, will enjoy.
I loved the way the love interest was portrayed in this novel. I’m tired of the possessive bad boys that YA romances have become so filled with. Calev is protective but he is also respectful of Kinneret’s independence. He does not overstep his boundaries as a friend or impinge upon her role as kaptan even though he may be of a higher caste.
I really liked Oron who is more than just the funny side character; he’s witty, supportive, and the most vivacious of the lot. He isn’t as brave as the rest of them which, in comparison to Kinneret who is brave but not fearless, puts him as the “voice of reason” for the group.
My heart went out to Avigail’s capture and while I wished to know more about her side of the story in this tale, I also didn’t want to..?
The novel’s plot can be predictable at times but the author does really well with taking twists so as to keep readers on their toes. Even though you know Kinneret is going to get that treasure, and save her sister, and end up with Calev, Klapheke’s writes with a thrilling edge. She brings up a lot of obstacles for our characters that makes you wonder, “what more?”
The Uncommon World setting was very fascinating for me; from caste systems where you could buy your way out of, to a religion that centred on Holy Fire, to the political system, to the Salt Wraiths, to the prejudice of Salt Witches. The author does well in highlighting the latter, especially in a particular scene where she writes about Calev’s mistake of giving into it. I thought that was quite interesting to write in, rather than a perfect high caste boy. We read of each character’s struggles and mistakes, and sympathize with them. Each of them are so different yet relatable.
Alisha Klapheke’s has a beautiful style of writing – it is gripping, it is not very flowery but when it is, it hits straight home, and she has a way of bringing the Uncommon World surroundings to life with her words. The novel, through Kinneret, gives readers glimpses of her relationship with her family and friends. I don’t think I can stop right here with the Uncommon World series as there is so much more of the world left to be discovered!
For more bookish adventures follow me atCamillea Reads and on IG: @biblio.khaleesi
I first came across Waters of Salt and Sin in a newsletter; I really liked the cover art for it and decided to give it a look. The words “salt witch” and “sisters” stood out for me. I really wanted to read it but was unsure whether I would enjoy it. So I left it on my TBR thinking, perhaps, I’ll get back to it. Which I didn’t, at least not until, I saw that the prequel claimed was available for free! It was around 30 pages or so. Anyways, I thought since it was free I’d give this a shot and if I liked it, I’d go ahead with the novel.
**
Very few books can make me fall in love with an entire set of characters. Protagonists, antagonists, and even side characters were well rounded for a book told from a first point of view. Young Kinneret Raza has made her way into my list of favorite female characters; she’s a young girl of sixteen from a low caste who practices Salt Magic and dreams of being kaptan of her own ship someday. A natural born leader, she is as sharp as whiplash but also very hard on herself. The family she brought together for herself – Avigail, Oron, and Calev – are so different from each other and yet there’s this bond between them that you, as a reader, will enjoy.
I loved the way the love interest was portrayed in this novel. I’m tired of the possessive bad boys that YA romances have become so filled with. Calev is protective but he is also respectful of Kinneret’s independence. He does not overstep his boundaries as a friend or impinge upon her role as kaptan even though he may be of a higher caste.
I really liked Oron who is more than just the funny side character; he’s witty, supportive, and the most vivacious of the lot. He isn’t as brave as the rest of them which, in comparison to Kinneret who is brave but not fearless, puts him as the “voice of reason” for the group.
My heart went out to Avigail’s capture and while I wished to know more about her side of the story in this tale, I also didn’t want to..?
The novel’s plot can be predictable at times but the author does really well with taking twists so as to keep readers on their toes. Even though you know Kinneret is going to get that treasure, and save her sister, and end up with Calev, Klapheke’s writes with a thrilling edge. She brings up a lot of obstacles for our characters that makes you wonder, “what more?”
The Uncommon World setting was very fascinating for me; from caste systems where you could buy your way out of, to a religion that centred on Holy Fire, to the political system, to the Salt Wraiths, to the prejudice of Salt Witches. The author does well in highlighting the latter, especially in a particular scene where she writes about Calev’s mistake of giving into it. I thought that was quite interesting to write in, rather than a perfect high caste boy. We read of each character’s struggles and mistakes, and sympathize with them. Each of them are so different yet relatable.
Alisha Klapheke’s has a beautiful style of writing – it is gripping, it is not very flowery but when it is, it hits straight home, and she has a way of bringing the Uncommon World surroundings to life with her words. The novel, through Kinneret, gives readers glimpses of her relationship with her family and friends. I don’t think I can stop right here with the Uncommon World series as there is so much more of the world left to be discovered!
For more bookish adventures follow me atCamillea Reads and on IG: @biblio.khaleesi