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A review by betwixt_the_pages
Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
4.0
In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.
Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.
Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.
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Rating: 4/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: unique and inventive world building; terrifying, dangerous creatures; snarky, fun characters; complex and intriguing relationships; tons of intrigue and suspense; a compelling story with a heavy sense of “need to know” placed on the reader
I bought this book... I don't even know how long ago. It's been sitting around on my shelves, gathering dust. I picked it up several times, intent on cracking it open and falling into the story...and found myself distracted with other reads, choosing other authors, always putting this one back. I don't know what took me so long to finally get around to reading it.
The world building for this first novel is overall well-done, I thought. I've read a couple other reviews for this book from people on goodreads—a majority of them found this to be a slow, boring read with a lot of confusing world-building. I'm not so sure I agree with their assessment. On the contrary, I found the book to be overall pretty exciting and suspenseful (of course, this might be in light of some of the other books I've read lately, which WERE boring and slow by comparison). I was enthralled with the different creatures that made appearances throughout, and while I'd have appreciated a more in-depth explanation as to the why or how of it, I understand that our main characters were not privvy to this information and expecting to know things they do not is all together silly.
The characters are all intriguing and distinct, in my opinion. While the twins are a bit more difficult to tell apart, there are some major differences—the biggest being Moria and her sharply barbed tongue. Also, her skills with a blade sets her apart. I found the two pairs to be entertaining and filled with witty banter and snark, which I always adore in characters. While Moria was more “poisonous” with her words, Ashyn acted as a sort of peacekeeper. It didn't surprise me, then, to note the blossoming relationships between them; Gavril was the sort Moria could respect and lean upon, Ronan more suited to Ashyn's sympathetic and caring nature.
While there weren't many moments I found my heart breaking for the characters, I was still compelled and enthralled with the read. There are some world-building issues I wish had been examined more closely in this first book; it is not entirely clear what the difference between Seekers and Keepers are, or what the twins are expected to do (aside from Seeking out the spirits in the Forest once the year has passed, and Keeping them from entering the town and causing havoc. I guess that actually explains more than I thought.) I'd have loved more explanation on the magics of the world—right now, it sort of seems all up in the air. Perhaps this is because magic in this sense is no longer supposed to exist—our characters are only just learning of it themselves. I have hopes the second book will clear up any confusion or inconsistencies.
Overall, I found this an interesting and suspenseful read, and I can't wait to dive into book two (hopefully I'll be able to add it to my shelves soon, but I'm not holding my breath). I'd definitely recommend to lovers of Garth Nix's Abhorsen Chronicles or Phillip Pullman's The Golden Compass –anyone with an interest in magical worlds and fantastical beasts will have fun reading this!
Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.
Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.
- - - - -
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: unique and inventive world building; terrifying, dangerous creatures; snarky, fun characters; complex and intriguing relationships; tons of intrigue and suspense; a compelling story with a heavy sense of “need to know” placed on the reader
“Curiosity is what lets a young mind grow and keeps an old mind young.”
I bought this book... I don't even know how long ago. It's been sitting around on my shelves, gathering dust. I picked it up several times, intent on cracking it open and falling into the story...and found myself distracted with other reads, choosing other authors, always putting this one back. I don't know what took me so long to finally get around to reading it.
The world building for this first novel is overall well-done, I thought. I've read a couple other reviews for this book from people on goodreads—a majority of them found this to be a slow, boring read with a lot of confusing world-building. I'm not so sure I agree with their assessment. On the contrary, I found the book to be overall pretty exciting and suspenseful (of course, this might be in light of some of the other books I've read lately, which WERE boring and slow by comparison). I was enthralled with the different creatures that made appearances throughout, and while I'd have appreciated a more in-depth explanation as to the why or how of it, I understand that our main characters were not privvy to this information and expecting to know things they do not is all together silly.
Keepers and Seekers were not permitted to do more than trim their hair to elbow length. Ashyn said they ought to be grateful they weren't like the spirit talkers, who weren't ever allowed to cut their hair or their nails. Personally, Moria would be more concerned with the "eyes plucked out, tongue cut off, and nostrils seared" part of being a spirit talker, but she could see that the uncut nails might be inconvenient as well.
The characters are all intriguing and distinct, in my opinion. While the twins are a bit more difficult to tell apart, there are some major differences—the biggest being Moria and her sharply barbed tongue. Also, her skills with a blade sets her apart. I found the two pairs to be entertaining and filled with witty banter and snark, which I always adore in characters. While Moria was more “poisonous” with her words, Ashyn acted as a sort of peacekeeper. It didn't surprise me, then, to note the blossoming relationships between them; Gavril was the sort Moria could respect and lean upon, Ronan more suited to Ashyn's sympathetic and caring nature.
While there weren't many moments I found my heart breaking for the characters, I was still compelled and enthralled with the read. There are some world-building issues I wish had been examined more closely in this first book; it is not entirely clear what the difference between Seekers and Keepers are, or what the twins are expected to do (aside from Seeking out the spirits in the Forest once the year has passed, and Keeping them from entering the town and causing havoc. I guess that actually explains more than I thought.) I'd have loved more explanation on the magics of the world—right now, it sort of seems all up in the air. Perhaps this is because magic in this sense is no longer supposed to exist—our characters are only just learning of it themselves. I have hopes the second book will clear up any confusion or inconsistencies.
Night was her time. The Keeper. Bond-mate of the cat. Protector of the night. Daughter of the moon.
Overall, I found this an interesting and suspenseful read, and I can't wait to dive into book two (hopefully I'll be able to add it to my shelves soon, but I'm not holding my breath). I'd definitely recommend to lovers of Garth Nix's Abhorsen Chronicles or Phillip Pullman's The Golden Compass –anyone with an interest in magical worlds and fantastical beasts will have fun reading this!