Review: Arms of the Ocean

Authors: Jamie Webster and M. Dalto
Publication: 07 July 2020 by The Parliament House
Genre: Fantasy, New Adult
Content warnings: Alcoholism, anxiety, rape, sexual assault, suicide, violence

Goodreads Amazon Kindle Barnes and Noble Paperback

Nineteen year old Tristaine lived a life of bitterness. When her mother abandoned her family and her father began drinking instead of caring for anything else, Tris discovered the only thing that truly brought her happiness: the sea. It called to her like a lover, and flowed through her like a life force. But when her only peace is threatened to be taken away, Tris realizes there is nothing she wouldn’t do to remain with the ocean. Even if it means taking her own life to do so. But the sea isn’t done with her-not yet-and Tris soon finds herself submerged in a world where love, betrayal, and honor stand stronger than any other force of nature.

I know we should not judge a book by its cover... but it really helps us in picking what to read next, especially for advanced reading copies. This is what made me choose Arms of the Ocean from Xpresso Book Tours' Review Opportunity. However, with my 50/50 take on that saying I mentioned, I didn't expect much in this book because I don't want to disappoint myself.

It was not though. I was really glad that I get to read this book. Arms of the Ocean is not the typical sea folklore fantasy I usually encounter e.g mermaids, sea serpent, etc. It's a different take of it. I don't want to mention what because it might spoil you. Knowing it would kill the thrill once you read it. *Wink* Anyway, yes, it's a thrilling adventure once you get to know Tristaine's perplexing life.

Most of the chapters were unfolded by Tristaine and I never had a problem with her tales. So far, she's been the smoothest nineteen-year-old character that I've read. Brimming of surprises, but still relaxing to read. With this, the atmosphere with the rest of the characters like Imriel and Loch was also calm. The book was also written as if you were just in that cottage, that you can smell the tranquil sea and hear its crashing waves. You'll know as to why Tristaine is attached to the ocean.

Per contra, even though Webster and Dalto have done a good job of arousing your curiosity, there's something inadequate to the novel. I can't quite express what but you know that the book can still give a more satisfactory stretch. Nevertheless, I would read a sequel (because that's not it with Loch!) and I would certainly recommend this to all SFF readers who need a light read for the summer. 

Source: Xpresso Book Tours via Netgalley - Thank you! · I received a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Like my book reviews? Buy me a .