Of Sea and Stone by Kate Avery Ellison Publisher: Self-Published on February 2, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 260
Format: eBook
Source: Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
All her life, clever Aemi has been a slave in the Village of the Rocks, a place where the sea and sky meet. She’s heard the stories about the fabled People of the Sea, a people who possess unimaginable technology who live below the waves in the dark, secret places of the ocean. But she never dreamed those stories were true.
When a ship emerges from the ocean and men burn her village, Aemi is captured, and enslaved below the waves in Itlantis, a world filled with ancient cities of glass and metal, floating gardens, and wondrous devices that seem to work magic. To make matters worse, her village nemesis, the stuck-up mayor’s son Nol, was captured with her, and they are made servants in the same household beneath the sea.
Desperate to be free, Aemi plots her escape, even going so far as to work with Nol. But the sea holds more secrets than she realizes, and escape might not be as simple as leaving…
At A Glance
A really interesting story and world.
The Good
If you are looking for some rich world-building, you have found it. I felt so immersed in the world in Of Sea and Stone. And the concept is unique. Sure, it is similar to the whole Atlantis thing, but it’s done in a totally distinctive way. The imagery was amazing. I could picture the underwater city and all its glory.
Aemi was a very strong, likable, spunky character. She has been a slave all her life, but she doesn’t let that get her down. She fights for herself, and she fights for her friends. She completely assimilates to her surroundings and situations flawlessly. But she always has escape in mind. She has someone she cares about back home and she is determined to get to him no matter what. Even if her life underwater is better than her life on land.
The story covers a lot of topics: bullying, war, corruption, friendship, and family. It was just a beautiful contrast of good and evil. The plot flowed well and pacing felt right. The secondary characters blew my mind. I loved and hated them so much. The ending has a little twist and I kinda guessed it but was still surprised by how much it will change things for Aemi. The second book is going to kick ass, I just know it.
The Bad
I don’t think I will ever like Nol. I saw his true self before he was turned into a slave and he was a spoiled, rude, mean child. I don’t care if he got humbled (which he really didn’t), it doesn’t change who he is deep down. He is entitled and he will always feel that way. So making Nol a love interest to Aemi did nothing for me.
The Snuggly
Since Nol does nothing but irritate me, him and Aemi together in any capacity pissed me off. Thank God there is very little romance in Of Sea and Stone. Very, very little.
Final Thoughts
I am for sure reading the next book of the series. It’s just getting interesting. I loved reading about Aemi’s journey and watching her fight for what’s right. Very recommended.
Quote
“Don’t do that,” he said angrily
“Do what?”
“Lick their boots. Beg them for answers. Don’t act like a thrall.”
“I am a thrall,” I said, angry now too. “And now you are too.”
He turned away and curled into a ball.
I shut my eyes and slept. It was the only thing to do anymore.
Then we was exhaling into me, filling my lungs with his air, giving me life to keep going. His thumb stroked my cheek, his lips broke away, and he shoved me upward with every ounce of strength left in his arms.
I reached for him, but our fingers slipped apart.
About Kate Avery Ellison
I’ve been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I’m thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I’m not writing, I’m creating digital art, reading funny blogs, or watching my favorite shows (which include TVD and BSG). I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA.
Giveaway
This is a tour wide giveaway.
Red Iza
It’s too bad Nol didn’t seem to do it for you, but it seems like a very good story anyway, so I’m adding it to my list. Great review 😉
Jennifer Bielman
Yay! Hope you love it.
kindlemom1
It is hard to truly love a book when you don’t really like one of the main characters.
I will give this to the author though. all of her books have gorgeous covers!
Jennifer Bielman
I know, luckily, he was MIA for a good chunk of the novel.
Giselle
Ooh if there’s one thing I love in a book in this genre it’s being able to clearly picture, and even be transporter into, the world and setting. I love how well written this aspect sounds. And the MC sounds awesome, too! I also think minimum romance is refreshing even if you had loved Nol. Great review! 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I agree, romance saturates books now-a-days. It was nice for it to take a minor role this time.
Jaclyn Canada
Sounds absolutely fantastic! I’ve added it to my to-read list. The concept seems very interesting and the characters strong. Excellent review 😀
Jennifer Bielman
I hope you end up loving it.
Hilary Cook
This book sounds very interesting. Thank you for the lowdown on it.
Jennifer Bielman
🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Lekeisha
Glad you enjoyed it. I’ll definitively be checking this out.
Jennifer Bielman
🙂 Thanks!
Melliane
Except one character, it sounds like a really great book. You always have the most intriguing in fact. I always love a rich world-building, so you made me curious about that. thanks for the review!
Jennifer Bielman
I haven’t read in a long time that had such great world-building.
Olivia
I am definitely going to be reading this one! I think I even have a copy for review… if I am correct. I love good world building and the main character definitely sounds likeable. All those things make me happy 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Just the world-building makes it worth the read.