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lanid's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Body horror, and Confinement
samusc's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I don’t write reviews for every book I read, but since I would like to see the sequel, and there’s less than 30 reviews published, let’s give it a shot!
This is one of those books where I’d rate the first half around 3 stars, and the second half once they reach the Once City <spoiler/> 5.
In a truly unique fantasy environment, Kindred finds herself at a crossroads after the presumed death of her grandmother and the Errant crew’s refusal to join a corporate guild. As the crew is on the run, loyalties are tested and Kindred’s techniques with the fire become more creative.
As other reviewers have noted, the frequent flashbacks in the beginning of the book results in a slower pace, that discourages some readers, and may cause them to put the book down. I’m glad I decided to tread on, but I understand. The flashbacks create relevant context, but can feel like an interruption during action or a more exciting scene.
I enjoyed that this book features a storyteller who is narrating the events after the fact, that we sometimes check in on. I’ve encountered this recently in other books like The Empress of Salt and Fortune. It also felt like a funny meta moment at the end when the survivors are disappointed at the story not reaching a proper conclusion, as we the readers are left with a cliffhanger to be addressed in book 2.
The Forever Sea’s primary strengths are its unique world concept and memorable characters. I loved the Sapphic romance between Kindred and Ragged Sarah, and their disagreements were reasonable. Little Wings’ character arc and Captain Carroway’s democratic leadership style highlighted some great character moments. The political struggles between the cities and motivations to fight made sense, given the current state of the world. Now that the foundations of this world have been laid out, I’m curious to see Johnson address more of the mysterious under sea elements in Book 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Confinement, Death, and Physical abuse
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