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lunese's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
justin_zigenis's review against another edition
5.0
An amalgamation of mythology, magical realism, realism, religious fanaticism, wonders of the natural world, and a whole lot of just plain fun, Sea Above Sky Below takes the reader on a ride like no other. So many literary tools in play. With under 400 pages at his disposal here, I’m excited for the prospect of George’s forthcoming Morphological Echoes.
patkohn's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
daviddavidkatzman's review
5.0
While his characters struggle in their own ways to find transcendence in the transient passage of their earthly lives, Salis crafts transcendence in the very language of his poetic novel.
Disclaimer: I was invited to read this book by the publisher to provide a promotional quote. I stand by my review as honest. I wouldn't provide a blurb if I didn't like the book.
Disclaimer: I was invited to read this book by the publisher to provide a promotional quote. I stand by my review as honest. I wouldn't provide a blurb if I didn't like the book.
scorwin's review
4.0
The thing I admire most about my favourite authors is their shared willingness to take big swings, and shoot outside the boundaries of conventionality. One of my personal greatest satisfactions in literature is the "lightbulb" moment, where the author's structural intention becomes clear, and I'm left to stare, awe-struck, at what they've been building toward this entire time. I can say, in no uncertain terms, that George Salis' debut novel "Sea Above Sun Below" has achieved this in spades.
Equal parts biblical allegory, compendium of Greek myth, and Gasper Noe fever dream, SASB presents itself boldly as a beautifully chaotic novel in verse. Salis bares himself vulnerably upon the page, and has created a deeply personal work of ambition. The creativity and complexity he has woven into a surprisingly slim book is masterful; something I would expect out of someone who's been given a long period of cognitive gestation.
Look, I'm not going to sing flawless praise here. SASB does suffer slightly from being a debut work, whereby the creator seems to be pouring everything they've ever wanted to say into a single piece (possibly out of the lack of certainty that they will get the chance again?). The deployment of allegory and metaphor sometimes comes off a little heavy-handed, and the verbosity can occasionally venture into the realm of excess. But, none of this soured the experience for me in the slightest. It simply just showed the rough edges - a byproduct of his pervasive ambition - that time and refinement will sand down. I'll take these quibbles with detail in exchange for his cacophonous energy any day of the week. SASB isn't just mind-expanding, it's damn good fun.
Ultimately, the biggest disappointment came on page 362, when I was left quietly alone in the wake of the novel's brilliant climax, and there was nothing left but to plummet back down to earth myself.
This was a pleasure and privilege to read. Bravo George, I'm eagerly awaiting your sophomoric effort.
Equal parts biblical allegory, compendium of Greek myth, and Gasper Noe fever dream, SASB presents itself boldly as a beautifully chaotic novel in verse. Salis bares himself vulnerably upon the page, and has created a deeply personal work of ambition. The creativity and complexity he has woven into a surprisingly slim book is masterful; something I would expect out of someone who's been given a long period of cognitive gestation.
Look, I'm not going to sing flawless praise here. SASB does suffer slightly from being a debut work, whereby the creator seems to be pouring everything they've ever wanted to say into a single piece (possibly out of the lack of certainty that they will get the chance again?). The deployment of allegory and metaphor sometimes comes off a little heavy-handed, and the verbosity can occasionally venture into the realm of excess. But, none of this soured the experience for me in the slightest. It simply just showed the rough edges - a byproduct of his pervasive ambition - that time and refinement will sand down. I'll take these quibbles with detail in exchange for his cacophonous energy any day of the week. SASB isn't just mind-expanding, it's damn good fun.
Ultimately, the biggest disappointment came on page 362, when I was left quietly alone in the wake of the novel's brilliant climax, and there was nothing left but to plummet back down to earth myself.
This was a pleasure and privilege to read. Bravo George, I'm eagerly awaiting your sophomoric effort.
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