nairforceone's review against another edition
5.0
Sara Mensinga's 'Currently' is an absolutely brilliant work of fantasy fiction that captures the imagination with beautiful concepts, superb characterization and relationships, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous world-building.
Nerene's journey from her home village across time and tide (pun intended) is a captivating tale for young and older readers alike. It features an interesting take on Siren mythology and a cast of complex and interesting characters that leap off the page.
If you're a fan of fantasy, this is a must-read.
Nerene's journey from her home village across time and tide (pun intended) is a captivating tale for young and older readers alike. It features an interesting take on Siren mythology and a cast of complex and interesting characters that leap off the page.
If you're a fan of fantasy, this is a must-read.
cha4les's review against another edition
5.0
Such an enjoyable read! This book is full of interesting, multifaceted characters whose interactions drive the plot in surprising directions.
Some of my favorite books are character-driven sf/fantasy that tackle real-world social issues, like Ursula K. Le Guin’s Left Hand of Darkness and Octavia Butler’s Dawn. I feel like Currently is similar in flavor to those books, yet stands out on its own in unique ways.
I‘m a longtime fan of Mensinga’s graphic novel stories, like The Wellington Division and her work in the Flight anthology, and I was happy to find that her storytelling holds up great even without her brilliant art. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this talented author!
Some of my favorite books are character-driven sf/fantasy that tackle real-world social issues, like Ursula K. Le Guin’s Left Hand of Darkness and Octavia Butler’s Dawn. I feel like Currently is similar in flavor to those books, yet stands out on its own in unique ways.
I‘m a longtime fan of Mensinga’s graphic novel stories, like The Wellington Division and her work in the Flight anthology, and I was happy to find that her storytelling holds up great even without her brilliant art. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this talented author!
octoapus's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Had so much fun reading it! It's mostly lighthearted adventures, without a pronounced pause on the heavy topics. It's a bit funny, some words are confusing but overall a great read. Everytime I sat down to read it - I couldn't put it down. Tip: The first 5 chapters are also voiced with supported drawings on YT!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Gun violence, Misogyny, Trafficking, Classism, Death, Kidnapping, and Slavery
candacerobinsonauthor's review
Wow, this was a truly unique world with lovely writing and an interesting tale! The characters had me feeling so many different emotions! And that ending! I need to know more!
nooralshanti's review
5.0
Currently by Sarah Mensinga is an excellent book. I couldn't put it down as soon as I started reading. The world-building is amazing, the characters engaging, and the plot excellently paced. I highly recommend you go read this book. It's earned a place right at the top of my best reads this year.
It follows the adventures of a young woman who was born outside the protection of the mountain city near her village because her mother was banished. They managed to survive, but when her mother dies she needs to somehow get into the city with the rest of her village or she won't be able to make it alone when the huge tide comes in and floods her world. As she struggles to survive we see this world, the Sea Spread, through her eyes with all its beauty and all its problems and social issues as well. It's a well-built world that I would love to dive into again. There's so much potential for more stories in this intriguing world where some people live at the height of steam-powered technology and others live much more simple lives of survival.
The characters are well-written and I quickly became interested in their fates and invested in their survival. I generally don't like love stories and there were a couple in this one, but they were well-written and I didn't find myself annoyed by them at all. Once you've read it you're going to want to share this book with everyone you know, just bear in mind that there are intimate relationships in this so you might not want to give it to children that are too too young. However, the themes are handled well so I wouldn't shy from sharing this excellent story with more mature children or teens. There's a very well-written exploration of consent - both in relationships and just everyday interactions that was very interesting.
The way the magic is introduced and defined also allows for some very thrilling scenes and adventures.
I really don't know if I can say more without spoiling anything. Just go read it!
It follows the adventures of a young woman who was born outside the protection of the mountain city near her village because her mother was banished. They managed to survive, but when her mother dies she needs to somehow get into the city with the rest of her village or she won't be able to make it alone when the huge tide comes in and floods her world. As she struggles to survive we see this world, the Sea Spread, through her eyes with all its beauty and all its problems and social issues as well. It's a well-built world that I would love to dive into again. There's so much potential for more stories in this intriguing world where some people live at the height of steam-powered technology and others live much more simple lives of survival.
The characters are well-written and I quickly became interested in their fates and invested in their survival. I generally don't like love stories and there were a couple in this one, but they were well-written and I didn't find myself annoyed by them at all. Once you've read it you're going to want to share this book with everyone you know, just bear in mind that there are intimate relationships in this so you might not want to give it to children that are too too young. However, the themes are handled well so I wouldn't shy from sharing this excellent story with more mature children or teens. There's a very well-written exploration of consent - both in relationships and just everyday interactions that was very interesting.
The way the magic is introduced and defined also allows for some very thrilling scenes and adventures.
I really don't know if I can say more without spoiling anything. Just go read it!
booksteacupnreviews's review
5.0
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Currently was mix of steampunk, fantasy and mythical creature. It revolved around Nerene, her survival in the world filled with slavery, trickery and injustice, her love for her boyfriend and dangerous journey she boarded to keep him safe. It was about social injustice, survival, power, politics, trust, betrayal, friendship, and love; and Siren lore.
What I liked-
That synopsis was perfect. It covers enough without giving away what you are into and its best that way. The book was slow burner and steady paced. It took its time in world-building, characterization and their development. Writing was great. Easy to follow, gripping and filled with emotions. The world-building was best in the book. I loved all the places, unique name and social structure. The description was vivid and impressive. I wish there was a map of Varasay city and the rout they followed.
The book was told from Nerene’s captivating voice and was divided in three parts-
First part was about Nerene and her boyfriend, Snade. Village they lived in, their struggling poor life, how they survived the tide when their village was flooded and their shelter up on the mountain in Varasay city; the priests who called themselves God, their many unfair rules and injustice towards deeplanders (people like Nerene dwelling in villages that are flooded every year); Snade’s protest towards the slavery they were forced into and how that changed their life.
It was emotional to read Nerene’s story and her situation. I felt for her and I could see why she was always cautious, tried to follow rules, and wanted safe and certain life for her and Snade. While Snade was her antipode- rash, reckless, lawbreaker who wanted to run away with Nerene from Varasay, and for that he would do anything. I liked him in this first part. He was brave and bold, spontaneous and smart. It was sad to see what happened to both of them after his stunt in factory. Story took interesting turn from this point.
Second Part was all about Nenrene’s journey through various cities and ports with Osperacy family. I was curious to know more about Osperacys. Melily, Lord Osperacy’s daughter was spoilt teenager, moody, selfish, and her tantrums were difficult to handle. It was Nerene’s job to keep her in control which was amusing. It got her into lot of trouble and also led her to Cressit. Cressit was superstar musician and singer who was filthy rich, selfish but not as much, and tricked Nerene to get what he wanted. There more to both of these character. As I read more about Melily I understood she mostly acted bad to Nerene out of jealousy. She yearned for love and companion. Nobody paid her attention or talked to her about her feelings. While Cressit was actually nicer. As I was reading through Nerene’s eye, I had my doubts towards all characters but Cressit always felt good, no matter what his intentions were or how much the emotions around him was fake or real. What I liked most in this part was Osperacy’s secrets and many illegal things he and his family was involved in, and their supernatural abilities.
Third part and climax was not that separated. Many things were included in this part. Escape plan, Villains following their trail, survival, action. It was tense, exciting, nuanced, and filled with emotions. Characters developed a lot by this point and we see lot of change in them. Most amazing was, Melily’s development. I loved the strong bond formed between her and Nerene, and some more interesting things related to her abilities. It was life altering for characters and I loved the way story took turn from this point till the end.
The insight was great. I found Nerene’s unwavering nature commendable. It was at some point unbelievable, if I was in her place I wouldn’t hesitate from harming the villain but she was such a righteous, law abiding person who followed her conscience all the time. That’s what it said about the story and characters- doing right thing, following conscience takes courage. They wouldn’t be in this situation if Snade has not started riot or Cressite came out clean and many more, there is always an alternative to the rash and reckless path that didn’t involve harming and hurting other or even worst killing; It tells about the power and its greed and manipulation.
I didn’t like Nenrene’s step just before end. Her reason was understandable but it didn’t feel satisfyingandthat End was shocking. I actually expected a closure, but now it left me curious, thinking of all possibilities. An epilogue would have ended it but I guess there might be a continuation and I may get some back and future story in next book, if author decides to write it.
Overall, it was interesting and wonderful novel with impressive world. If you like to read book involving Sirens, you would want to read this. I definitely recommend this book to fantasy and steampunk lovers.
*** Note: I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Sarah for this beautiful book. ***
Currently was mix of steampunk, fantasy and mythical creature. It revolved around Nerene, her survival in the world filled with slavery, trickery and injustice, her love for her boyfriend and dangerous journey she boarded to keep him safe. It was about social injustice, survival, power, politics, trust, betrayal, friendship, and love; and Siren lore.
What I liked-
That synopsis was perfect. It covers enough without giving away what you are into and its best that way. The book was slow burner and steady paced. It took its time in world-building, characterization and their development. Writing was great. Easy to follow, gripping and filled with emotions. The world-building was best in the book. I loved all the places, unique name and social structure. The description was vivid and impressive. I wish there was a map of Varasay city and the rout they followed.
The book was told from Nerene’s captivating voice and was divided in three parts-
First part was about Nerene and her boyfriend, Snade. Village they lived in, their struggling poor life, how they survived the tide when their village was flooded and their shelter up on the mountain in Varasay city; the priests who called themselves God, their many unfair rules and injustice towards deeplanders (people like Nerene dwelling in villages that are flooded every year); Snade’s protest towards the slavery they were forced into and how that changed their life.
It was emotional to read Nerene’s story and her situation. I felt for her and I could see why she was always cautious, tried to follow rules, and wanted safe and certain life for her and Snade. While Snade was her antipode- rash, reckless, lawbreaker who wanted to run away with Nerene from Varasay, and for that he would do anything. I liked him in this first part. He was brave and bold, spontaneous and smart. It was sad to see what happened to both of them after his stunt in factory. Story took interesting turn from this point.
Second Part was all about Nenrene’s journey through various cities and ports with Osperacy family. I was curious to know more about Osperacys. Melily, Lord Osperacy’s daughter was spoilt teenager, moody, selfish, and her tantrums were difficult to handle. It was Nerene’s job to keep her in control which was amusing. It got her into lot of trouble and also led her to Cressit. Cressit was superstar musician and singer who was filthy rich, selfish but not as much, and tricked Nerene to get what he wanted. There more to both of these character. As I read more about Melily I understood she mostly acted bad to Nerene out of jealousy. She yearned for love and companion. Nobody paid her attention or talked to her about her feelings. While Cressit was actually nicer. As I was reading through Nerene’s eye, I had my doubts towards all characters but Cressit always felt good, no matter what his intentions were or how much the emotions around him was fake or real. What I liked most in this part was Osperacy’s secrets and many illegal things he and his family was involved in, and their supernatural abilities.
Third part and climax was not that separated. Many things were included in this part. Escape plan, Villains following their trail, survival, action. It was tense, exciting, nuanced, and filled with emotions. Characters developed a lot by this point and we see lot of change in them. Most amazing was, Melily’s development. I loved the strong bond formed between her and Nerene, and some more interesting things related to her abilities. It was life altering for characters and I loved the way story took turn from this point till the end.
The insight was great. I found Nerene’s unwavering nature commendable. It was at some point unbelievable, if I was in her place I wouldn’t hesitate from harming the villain but she was such a righteous, law abiding person who followed her conscience all the time. That’s what it said about the story and characters- doing right thing, following conscience takes courage. They wouldn’t be in this situation if Snade has not started riot or Cressite came out clean and many more, there is always an alternative to the rash and reckless path that didn’t involve harming and hurting other or even worst killing; It tells about the power and its greed and manipulation.
I didn’t like Nenrene’s step just before end. Her reason was understandable but it didn’t feel satisfyingandthat End was shocking. I actually expected a closure, but now it left me curious, thinking of all possibilities. An epilogue would have ended it but I guess there might be a continuation and I may get some back and future story in next book, if author decides to write it.
Overall, it was interesting and wonderful novel with impressive world. If you like to read book involving Sirens, you would want to read this. I definitely recommend this book to fantasy and steampunk lovers.
*** Note: I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Sarah for this beautiful book. ***
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