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A review by spaceyfaerie
Drowned by Cyn Balog, Nichola Reilly
4.0
I was happily surprised by this book, a random "this looks intriguing, I'll check it out" library find. And oh, what a gem did I discover with this one! It's raw and beautiful, gritty and sweeping; a gorgeously written, haunting story set in a watery, foreboding future. I loved every bit of it.
Told through the eyes of a girl with a missing limb (through an attack by the mysterious "scribblers" - vicious, swordfish-like creatures) who has always been seen as the weakest link in the group of survivors clawing an existence out on an island slowly succumbing to the rising ocean, Corvina (known as Coe) counts the days till their inevitable drowning. Looming over them all is the "palace", a stone building with a tower that a king and his daughter live in, ruling over the others on the island. But when Coe is selected by the princess to be her lady-in-waiting, everything changes.
This story is unique, captivating, and utterly imaginative. It's not your ordinary dystopian tale and that's what makes it so good. The world it's set in is absolutely original and masterfully described - I could literally taste the briny, oily water and feel the salt crusting my skin and constant damp clothing. I shuddered at the scribblers and could literally hear their menacing hisses while I read.
And as for the characters, Coe is wonderful. She doubts herself, but not terribly so, merely realistic. Everyone has moments of "wait, this is happening to me" and thankfully that isn't the crux of her character; Coe doesn't flit about haphazardly whilst swooning over a male character stuck in there for romance purposes only. Yes, she does day-dream about Tiam (who wouldn't?) but not in a "gag me" way. She is strong in a quiet sort of way and also has some mysteries about her. I knew her "scars" were gills! Very intriguing there and I need to know more about them! Also, the romance was utterly perfect and completely sweet. Tiam could be a little more interesting in my opinion, but he isn't bad enough to have me rolling my eyes most of the time AND *laughs happily* there's no insta-love!
So, to sum it up, I am so happy I read this book. It's beautiful and nearly everything I want when I read a book. It's got a believable, adorable romance, amazing, intricate plot that I need more answers about, and gorgeous writing. The only thing I could ask for is for the second book to come out soon because I need it so bad!
Told through the eyes of a girl with a missing limb (through an attack by the mysterious "scribblers" - vicious, swordfish-like creatures) who has always been seen as the weakest link in the group of survivors clawing an existence out on an island slowly succumbing to the rising ocean, Corvina (known as Coe) counts the days till their inevitable drowning. Looming over them all is the "palace", a stone building with a tower that a king and his daughter live in, ruling over the others on the island. But when Coe is selected by the princess to be her lady-in-waiting, everything changes.
This story is unique, captivating, and utterly imaginative. It's not your ordinary dystopian tale and that's what makes it so good. The world it's set in is absolutely original and masterfully described - I could literally taste the briny, oily water and feel the salt crusting my skin and constant damp clothing. I shuddered at the scribblers and could literally hear their menacing hisses while I read.
And as for the characters, Coe is wonderful. She doubts herself, but not terribly so, merely realistic. Everyone has moments of "wait, this is happening to me" and thankfully that isn't the crux of her character; Coe doesn't flit about haphazardly whilst swooning over a male character stuck in there for romance purposes only. Yes, she does day-dream about Tiam (who wouldn't?) but not in a "gag me" way. She is strong in a quiet sort of way and also has some mysteries about her.
So, to sum it up, I am so happy I read this book. It's beautiful and nearly everything I want when I read a book. It's got a believable, adorable romance, amazing, intricate plot that I need more answers about, and gorgeous writing. The only thing I could ask for is for the second book to come out soon because I need it so bad!