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A review by bubblewombat
Oceansong by C.W. Rose
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
So, I wrote a detailed review for this book and then accidentally pasted a different review on top and clicked post which just deleted all my hard work, yay. I'm going to rewrite it, but it won't be exactly the same, and will definitely be shorter, so here we go.
Oceansong was an interesting book, albeit one that didn't quite work for me. I was really hoping I'd love it, but I don't think I was the right audience for it.
The writing was a bit clunky, and it felt more YA than adult which I wasn't expecting. Kaden's lines were somewhat awkward to read because they seemed out of place and time. I couldn't take him seriously.
The romance was okay, but I wish the book was longer so it would really have a chance to shine. As is, they went from enemies to falling for each other in the blink of an eye, and most of it happened in the background, because the war was given priority.
I wouldn't say that storyline was as fleshed out as it could've been either, I had a hard time believing that EVERYONE was out for Mer blood, and I don't think Angie did everything she possibly could to stop it. She said she had to, and then did basically nothing until the end. She also didn't seem as affected as she should've been by all the deaths.
Another thing is that this never got any news coverage, it was somehow all kept under wraps?? For months?? Very hard to believe.
In contrast, what this book did well, is the familial relationships/dynamics. I could believe that Angie, her father, sister and niece cared about each other. Now, why the dad had such a personality switch once the Mer war started is another topic altogether.
C. W. Rose also did a good job with raising awareness about environmental concerns, mainly how we, as a species, pollute the Earth and her waters and ruin it for other beings who call the oceans home.
The ending seemed a little rushed, and the whole conflict was suddenly resolved with no trouble at all.
I agree with other reviewers who said Oceansong could've used some more editing before being published. But I don't think it's a bad book, there's certainly room for improvement. I think this story would click more with someone younger who might not notice everything I pointed out.
With that said, please be aware that Oceansong contains a few triggering topics, and it may or may not make you hate humans a bit more because of how they treated the mermaids here. Some of those scenes were just so painful to read.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Oceansong was an interesting book, albeit one that didn't quite work for me. I was really hoping I'd love it, but I don't think I was the right audience for it.
The writing was a bit clunky, and it felt more YA than adult which I wasn't expecting. Kaden's lines were somewhat awkward to read because they seemed out of place and time. I couldn't take him seriously.
The romance was okay, but I wish the book was longer so it would really have a chance to shine. As is, they went from enemies to falling for each other in the blink of an eye, and most of it happened in the background, because the war was given priority.
I wouldn't say that storyline was as fleshed out as it could've been either, I had a hard time believing that EVERYONE was out for Mer blood, and I don't think Angie did everything she possibly could to stop it. She said she had to, and then did basically nothing until the end. She also didn't seem as affected as she should've been by all the deaths.
Another thing is that this never got any news coverage, it was somehow all kept under wraps?? For months?? Very hard to believe.
In contrast, what this book did well, is the familial relationships/dynamics. I could believe that Angie, her father, sister and niece cared about each other. Now, why the dad had such a personality switch once the Mer war started is another topic altogether.
C. W. Rose also did a good job with raising awareness about environmental concerns, mainly how we, as a species, pollute the Earth and her waters and ruin it for other beings who call the oceans home.
The ending seemed a little rushed, and the whole conflict was suddenly resolved with no trouble at all.
I agree with other reviewers who said Oceansong could've used some more editing before being published. But I don't think it's a bad book, there's certainly room for improvement. I think this story would click more with someone younger who might not notice everything I pointed out.
With that said, please be aware that Oceansong contains a few triggering topics, and it may or may not make you hate humans a bit more because of how they treated the mermaids here. Some of those scenes were just so painful to read.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*