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llmacrae 's review for:
Where the Waters Turn Black
by Benedict Patrick
This is the third book by Benedict Patrick that I’ve read (listened to, as they’ve all been audiobooks) and matches the vivid world building, rich lore, and fantastic characters that I’ve come to know and love.
This time, instead of the forest locations of They Mostly Come Out At Night, and From The Shadows Of The Owl Queen’s Court, we spend time on The Crescent Atoll. It’s still part of the same universe, which is always wonderful to revisit, although so far away that it could be a different world.
Each of the Yarnsworld books (at least that I’ve read so far), are stand-clones, able to be enjoyed on their own merits, without reading of previous books required for understanding. It makes it fun to pick and choose which story to dive into, without worrying about required reading.
The protagonist of Where The Waters turn Black is Kaimana, a young musician who plays the ocarina. Having left home to join a travelling troupe due to her Knack for music (Knacks being another fantastic part of the Yarnsworld books where an individual develops an incredible, somewhat magical, skill in some aspect of life - from playing a particular instrument, to dancing, to fishing, to carpentry etc.), although Kaimana’s time with the troupe isn’t going particularly well - worsened when she ends up bonding with a taniwha when the troupe returns to her home island.
“Taniwha” is the name given to a variety of creatures more commonly referred to as monsters. Rakau is the name she bestows upon hers - a sort of giant dog-like, otter-like, semi-aquatic creature that honestly was rather endearing - and their friendship is considered a very bad sign by those of her troupe given the taniwha’s history as bloodthirsty monsters. It’s such a bad sign that Kaimana is driven from the troupe and forced to flee, taking a canoe across the atoll to find somewhere safe for her taniwha (and herself).
We meet several gods along the way, some who want to help her, some who want to harm her, and others who are more indifferent.
Driven by her spark to create the most beautiful song, one that will be told for generations, Kaimana is a fantastic protagonist who pulls the adventurous story onwards. Much of the atoll isn’t safe, and many conflicts arise from being hunted or desired by different people for their own reasons.
Patrick’s writing is vivid in a way I’ve not really encountered before. There is no shying away from the devastation the gods of the atoll have wrought on not just the environment, but the people. There are groups who worship other dieties and totems, those with conflicting ideals, and many places are unsafe for a young ocarina player and her taniwha. Many have been changed beyond all recognition, and Kaimana has a morbid curiosity for many of them (of course, it is all contributing to her fantastic song).
One thing I’ve always loved about the Yarnsworld books are the variety of gods. They each are very different, with different powers, strengths, and personalities. They are as much a part of the world as people, animals, plants etc. and often walk among the people.
The God of Yam makes an appearance (among others), and I loved his character in particular.
Each chapter is bookended by a regional folk tale. These small interludes are some of the best parts of the Yarnsworld books, shining a light on a particular god, hero, or foolish mortal. They serve to enrich an already vibrant world, and often play into what our main cast see or experience.
As the previous audiobooks, Where The Waters Turn Black was narrated by Derek Perkins. He is a fantastic narrator, excellent speed, cadence, and great voices for each of the characters. He is able to make emotional moments more powerful, and brings the book to life in an exceptional way.
Overall I enjoyed They Mostly Come Out At Night a little more than Where The Waters Turn Black, but it is still an easy five star read for me.
Benedict Patrick has become an auto-buy author for me. I’ve also ordered his two latest books (Darkstar Dragon and Whalefleet) in hardback through his recent kickstarter campaign, and can’t wait to read those, too!
Highly recommend the Yarnsworld books - start with the ones you like the sound of most, but be prepared to want to devour them all!
This time, instead of the forest locations of They Mostly Come Out At Night, and From The Shadows Of The Owl Queen’s Court, we spend time on The Crescent Atoll. It’s still part of the same universe, which is always wonderful to revisit, although so far away that it could be a different world.
Each of the Yarnsworld books (at least that I’ve read so far), are stand-clones, able to be enjoyed on their own merits, without reading of previous books required for understanding. It makes it fun to pick and choose which story to dive into, without worrying about required reading.
The protagonist of Where The Waters turn Black is Kaimana, a young musician who plays the ocarina. Having left home to join a travelling troupe due to her Knack for music (Knacks being another fantastic part of the Yarnsworld books where an individual develops an incredible, somewhat magical, skill in some aspect of life - from playing a particular instrument, to dancing, to fishing, to carpentry etc.), although Kaimana’s time with the troupe isn’t going particularly well - worsened when she ends up bonding with a taniwha when the troupe returns to her home island.
“Taniwha” is the name given to a variety of creatures more commonly referred to as monsters. Rakau is the name she bestows upon hers - a sort of giant dog-like, otter-like, semi-aquatic creature that honestly was rather endearing - and their friendship is considered a very bad sign by those of her troupe given the taniwha’s history as bloodthirsty monsters. It’s such a bad sign that Kaimana is driven from the troupe and forced to flee, taking a canoe across the atoll to find somewhere safe for her taniwha (and herself).
We meet several gods along the way, some who want to help her, some who want to harm her, and others who are more indifferent.
Driven by her spark to create the most beautiful song, one that will be told for generations, Kaimana is a fantastic protagonist who pulls the adventurous story onwards. Much of the atoll isn’t safe, and many conflicts arise from being hunted or desired by different people for their own reasons.
Patrick’s writing is vivid in a way I’ve not really encountered before. There is no shying away from the devastation the gods of the atoll have wrought on not just the environment, but the people. There are groups who worship other dieties and totems, those with conflicting ideals, and many places are unsafe for a young ocarina player and her taniwha. Many have been changed beyond all recognition, and Kaimana has a morbid curiosity for many of them (of course, it is all contributing to her fantastic song).
One thing I’ve always loved about the Yarnsworld books are the variety of gods. They each are very different, with different powers, strengths, and personalities. They are as much a part of the world as people, animals, plants etc. and often walk among the people.
The God of Yam makes an appearance (among others), and I loved his character in particular.
Each chapter is bookended by a regional folk tale. These small interludes are some of the best parts of the Yarnsworld books, shining a light on a particular god, hero, or foolish mortal. They serve to enrich an already vibrant world, and often play into what our main cast see or experience.
As the previous audiobooks, Where The Waters Turn Black was narrated by Derek Perkins. He is a fantastic narrator, excellent speed, cadence, and great voices for each of the characters. He is able to make emotional moments more powerful, and brings the book to life in an exceptional way.
Overall I enjoyed They Mostly Come Out At Night a little more than Where The Waters Turn Black, but it is still an easy five star read for me.
Benedict Patrick has become an auto-buy author for me. I’ve also ordered his two latest books (Darkstar Dragon and Whalefleet) in hardback through his recent kickstarter campaign, and can’t wait to read those, too!
Highly recommend the Yarnsworld books - start with the ones you like the sound of most, but be prepared to want to devour them all!