Scan barcode
A review by kmartbooks
To Kiss the Sea by C. H. Carter
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tl;dr: Well, I did not expect to add a book to my Best Of Indies list this late in the year, but here we are.
Thank you so much to the author and R&R book tours for the eARC. This is an honest review.
In C.H. Carter's "To Kiss the Sea," readers are submerged (hah! I can't help it) into the richly evocative world of the Birde Isles, where the unpredictability and power of the sea reign supreme. When Kingfisher Island struggles to care for its people, its leader makes a bargain with a sleeping, lovely sea goddess in exchange for his family's first daughter. They manage to side-step this bargain by sending all their newborn girls away from the island entirely. Time passes and memories fade until Ally's father assumes it is just a myth; he and his wife welcome a baby girl happily and the priestess of the sea goddess is reminded of the bargain. Ally needs to be delivered when she comes of age.
Ally Kingfisher's relationship with the sea is complex after a near-drowning incident leaves her with a fear of its depths. Despite her fear, Ally feels an inexplicable pull toward the ocean, sensing an elusive call that grows stronger with each passing year. When she does not present herself to the sea, the sea goddess removes her protection from the isle. As the people grow more desperate, pirates lurk and mysteries abound that require Ally to confront not only her deepest fears but also unexpected revelations.
This book was thoroughly my cup of tea. The strengths lay in its exceptional world-building, showcasing intriguing elements such as Lady Blackbeard-esque pirate, the enigmatic Lantern District, and the complex dynamics tied to the sea witch's bargain. The story skillfully weaves a coming-of-age tale while delving into darker themes, offering readers an immersive and multifaceted exploration of the characters' growth and the mysteries surrounding them. The characters are portrayed as charming and endearing, yet also flawed and occasionally frustrating in their decisions, rendering them relatable and authentic. The intricate web of mysteries left unresolved by the end of the book serves to heighten anticipation for the sequel, leaving me RABIDLY anticipating the developments yet to unfold.
This delivers a masterful blend of captivating world-building, engaging characters, and a narrative brimming with mystery and dark undertones. The allure of the Birde Isles, the multifaceted characters, and the unresolved mysteries create an enthralling tapestry.
I NEED to know what happens next!!!
Thank you so much to the author and R&R book tours for the eARC. This is an honest review.
In C.H. Carter's "To Kiss the Sea," readers are submerged (hah! I can't help it) into the richly evocative world of the Birde Isles, where the unpredictability and power of the sea reign supreme. When Kingfisher Island struggles to care for its people, its leader makes a bargain with a sleeping, lovely sea goddess in exchange for his family's first daughter. They manage to side-step this bargain by sending all their newborn girls away from the island entirely. Time passes and memories fade until Ally's father assumes it is just a myth; he and his wife welcome a baby girl happily and the priestess of the sea goddess is reminded of the bargain. Ally needs to be delivered when she comes of age.
Ally Kingfisher's relationship with the sea is complex after a near-drowning incident leaves her with a fear of its depths. Despite her fear, Ally feels an inexplicable pull toward the ocean, sensing an elusive call that grows stronger with each passing year. When she does not present herself to the sea, the sea goddess removes her protection from the isle. As the people grow more desperate, pirates lurk and mysteries abound that require Ally to confront not only her deepest fears but also unexpected revelations.
This book was thoroughly my cup of tea. The strengths lay in its exceptional world-building, showcasing intriguing elements such as Lady Blackbeard-esque pirate, the enigmatic Lantern District, and the complex dynamics tied to the sea witch's bargain. The story skillfully weaves a coming-of-age tale while delving into darker themes, offering readers an immersive and multifaceted exploration of the characters' growth and the mysteries surrounding them. The characters are portrayed as charming and endearing, yet also flawed and occasionally frustrating in their decisions, rendering them relatable and authentic. The intricate web of mysteries left unresolved by the end of the book serves to heighten anticipation for the sequel, leaving me RABIDLY anticipating the developments yet to unfold.
This delivers a masterful blend of captivating world-building, engaging characters, and a narrative brimming with mystery and dark undertones. The allure of the Birde Isles, the multifaceted characters, and the unresolved mysteries create an enthralling tapestry.
I NEED to know what happens next!!!