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A review by jubaju
Sea by Sarah Driver
2.0
1.5 stars
My main problem with this book is the writing. I understand it’s directed at children, but it could have been much better, while remaining accessible. Too many repetitions, Mouse’s heart’s actions are always being described (Soaring! Fluttering!), some verbs are italicised for emphasis but that throws off the rhythm of the sentences and makes her sound too childish for a thirteen year old. Also, the combination of noun-adjective compounds tired me from the start. English doesn’t follow the same rules of German, and it made it awkward to read.
Mouse herself was your typical young heroine who’s been spoiled her whole life and reacts in anger at every single inconvenience. She reminded me a lot of Lyra from His Dark Materials, but I’m willing to give her a chance, as she really grew through this first book. Hopefully we manage to skip ahead a few years in this trilogy to see her full potential.
Her and her brother’s magic are also developing, which sets us up for the following books. Crow is being established as a love interest, and Stag is your usual Black-no-White villain. There will be no surprises in this.
Overall, good plot idea, but very poor execution.
My main problem with this book is the writing. I understand it’s directed at children, but it could have been much better, while remaining accessible. Too many repetitions, Mouse’s heart’s actions are always being described (Soaring! Fluttering!), some verbs are italicised for emphasis but that throws off the rhythm of the sentences and makes her sound too childish for a thirteen year old. Also, the combination of noun-adjective compounds tired me from the start. English doesn’t follow the same rules of German, and it made it awkward to read.
Mouse herself was your typical young heroine who’s been spoiled her whole life and reacts in anger at every single inconvenience. She reminded me a lot of Lyra from His Dark Materials, but I’m willing to give her a chance, as she really grew through this first book. Hopefully we manage to skip ahead a few years in this trilogy to see her full potential.
Her and her brother’s magic are also developing, which sets us up for the following books. Crow is being established as a love interest, and Stag is your usual Black-no-White villain. There will be no surprises in this.
Overall, good plot idea, but very poor execution.