Sea - Book Review
Sarah Driver
Middle Grade Fantasy
(The Huntress Trilogy Book #1)
UK Publisher: Egmont
Synopsis:
In the sky, the fire spirits dance and ripple. Grandma says they showed our Tribe that I’d be captain, before I was even born.
Ever since Ma died, Mouse has looked after her little brother, Sparrow, dreaming of her destiny as captain of the Huntress. But now Da’s missing, Sparrow is in danger, and a deathly cold is creeping across Trianukka….
Review:
This was a really unique story with a fabulous young heroine. With Pirates, deadly sea monsters and a spice of magic, this was a splashing start to a sea churning adventure.
When Mouse’s dad goes missing—and a long-lost crew member returns to claim the vacant spot of navigator—Mouse knows something is amiss. Then she finds a hidden message that leads to dangerous waters, depths where myths come to life and crew turn on their captains…
Admittedly, this book was a little confusing in places, and Mouse’s unique voice took me several chapters to click with. At first I didn't even realise Mouse was a girl! However once I got into the rhythm of the story, I soon found myself swept away.
The story offers a really unusual set of characters, all memorable by there personalities, physical traits or magical abilities. However I didn't understand the motivations of some of the crew, and look forward to the next book to see if more puzzle pieces are slotted together.
One of things I really enjoyed though was the dialog - words like, “heart-courage” and “heart-thanks.” All simple words that conveyed so much. I also liked that Mouse was gifted with the ability to speak to animals, and I found the animals speech really entertaining. Several times I even laughed out loud.
In terms of plot, the story moves at a fast pace although I feel we don't know the bigger picture yet (again, something I hope is revealed in the next book) but overall this was a most enjoyable read and it's a series I definitely will be continuing.
All I can say, is that due to the writing style I really hope new readers persevere and give this book a chance. Despite the choppy beginning you’ll find that once you click with the story, you will be well and truly hooked!
3 stars!
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Have any of you read this book? If so I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments :)
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love magic and pirates but will pass on this since I don't read MG as frequently anymore. I'm glad you enjoyed it enough to continue with the series though and hope the sequel will be even better.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting read - if you ever decide to pick up middle grade again I hope you give it a go! I found some of my favourite books this year have been middle grade novels, and so many of them have definite cross over appeal!
DeleteThis sounds like a fun MG read that I should certainly add to my TBR. I'm all for pirates and fantasy in one! This sounds like a really solid book despite the few negative aspects, so I appreciate your review and for bringing this one to my attention! I am also really loving that cover. :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteIts certainly a promising start to the series! I really hope you enjoy it although as I said, the writing style definitely takes some getting used too. Its Quirky, but maybe not something that will appeal to everyone.... fingers crossed you enjoy it!
DeleteI've got this to read! The only thing that puts me off is that it's MG. It's not really something I enjoy, generally. But this one sounds so cool! Pirates and sea adventures! I'm looking forward to giving it a go! :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this one - but I have to admit that if you aren't a MG fan, I can think of better MG books to recommend. Like anything by Stephanie Burgis or Abi Elphinstone -you really cant go wrong with them!
DeleteI've been wondering whether to read this, I've been hearing some mixed things. It is good to know it's worth persevering with, I think if I'm prepared for the beginning, I might enjoy it more. Thanks for your review, I think I will consider reading this now, because I do so love pirates and a bit of magic!
ReplyDeleteIts a fun read - so long as you like the voice. I've also seen lots of mixed reviews and I think they all relate to how well the reader clicked with the writing style... its the kind you're either going to love or hate.
DeleteThanks for linking this up to the British Books Challenge x
ReplyDeleteHey Michelle - and a really liked this one :)
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ReplyDelete