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clotalksbooks's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have never read anything like this before. Truly mesmerising and unsettling in equal measure. The mistreatment of women is nothing new (sadly) but the way this was explored in this book I feel was unique. There was a lot to disgust you, and it is really quite brutal and raw. It contrasts so well with the portrayal of the sea and the beauty of freedom.
The journeys the characters went through were expertly portrayed, and I was moved and emotional. I liked how you were able to fill in things left unsaid with your own imagination. I was completely sucked in to the depths of this book, and it will take me some time to surface.
The journeys the characters went through were expertly portrayed, and I was moved and emotional. I liked how you were able to fill in things left unsaid with your own imagination. I was completely sucked in to the depths of this book, and it will take me some time to surface.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Homophobia
kellys_bookcase's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Violence, Forced institutionalization, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Torture, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Homophobia, Rape, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and Lesbophobia
th0rn's review against another edition
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Murder
imyril's review
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What an beautiful, horrible tale. Merfolk as agents of the devil (or are they) and a religious community that survives on misogyny, controlling a small island with fear. There’s arguably nothing new to see here (although: merfolk!) but Chloe Timms has written a powerful, moving account from the perspective of young Esta, eyes set on the forbidden horizon in spite of her grandmother’s ferocious teachings, raised by those who are certain she bears her long-dead mother’s sins. Excellent narration by Samara Maclaren (altho why are there so many different regional accents on an island that cut itself off from the mainland generations ago?)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual assault and Torture