How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
Review Detail
Young Adult Fiction
1814
An Epic Conclusion
Overall rating
4.7
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
4.0
In this action-packed conclusion, Cordova brings her fantastic trilogy to its full potential. True to the other books in the series, THE VAST AND BRUTAL SEA is full of compelling mythology, fascinating plot twists, heartbreaking betrayal, and funny moments. Romance, friendship, family, loyalty, and the lengths a person will go to get what he or she wants are all fully explored. Readers who loved the first two books won't be disappointed with the finale.
Tristan in particular comes into his own in this final installment. His relationships with others are layered and complicated, and he realizes it in a way that gives his character new depth. He also sounds like a teenage boy, and that voice is consistent, making this a rare book that contains both swoon-worthy romance and teen boy humor. The secondary characters are vividly portrayed and fully realized as well, with a noteworthy villain who becomes nearly sympathetic even while she will scare the sleep out of readers' eyes.
The plot moves at a relentless pace. Tristan only has two days, and everything is coming to a head. The stakes are incredibly high, and the twists and turns will keep readers glued to the pages. The only difficulty I had was that I sometimes lost my bearings a bit in the middle of the action scenes, but that didn't detract from the tension or from my overall enjoyment of the book. Even with the relentless plot, Cordova takes time to give us a satisfactory ending for the relationships we've grown to care about.
As always, I have to mention the mythology. This is one of the most interesting, compelling mermaid series in print. The mythology has a Greek emphasis with a dash of pirate lore and a hint of fae thrown into the mix. Mermaids and other sea monsters are not cutesy beings who sing while basking in the sun on rocks. They are a fierce race of rulers with political intrigue, alliances, enemies, magic, betrayal, friendship, love, and the power to either destroy the world or to save it. The true seduction of Tristan's story is that he embodies all that is fierce and powerful and wild about mermen while also embodying all that is loyal and determined and true about the humans he was raised among. He is a hero who sacrifices it all against incredible odds to save not only those he loves but the rest of the world as well.
An epic, satisfying conclusion to a thoroughly compelling series, THE VAST AND BRUTAL SEA delivers a story rich in romance, action, and heroism worth rooting for.
Tristan in particular comes into his own in this final installment. His relationships with others are layered and complicated, and he realizes it in a way that gives his character new depth. He also sounds like a teenage boy, and that voice is consistent, making this a rare book that contains both swoon-worthy romance and teen boy humor. The secondary characters are vividly portrayed and fully realized as well, with a noteworthy villain who becomes nearly sympathetic even while she will scare the sleep out of readers' eyes.
The plot moves at a relentless pace. Tristan only has two days, and everything is coming to a head. The stakes are incredibly high, and the twists and turns will keep readers glued to the pages. The only difficulty I had was that I sometimes lost my bearings a bit in the middle of the action scenes, but that didn't detract from the tension or from my overall enjoyment of the book. Even with the relentless plot, Cordova takes time to give us a satisfactory ending for the relationships we've grown to care about.
As always, I have to mention the mythology. This is one of the most interesting, compelling mermaid series in print. The mythology has a Greek emphasis with a dash of pirate lore and a hint of fae thrown into the mix. Mermaids and other sea monsters are not cutesy beings who sing while basking in the sun on rocks. They are a fierce race of rulers with political intrigue, alliances, enemies, magic, betrayal, friendship, love, and the power to either destroy the world or to save it. The true seduction of Tristan's story is that he embodies all that is fierce and powerful and wild about mermen while also embodying all that is loyal and determined and true about the humans he was raised among. He is a hero who sacrifices it all against incredible odds to save not only those he loves but the rest of the world as well.
An epic, satisfying conclusion to a thoroughly compelling series, THE VAST AND BRUTAL SEA delivers a story rich in romance, action, and heroism worth rooting for.
Comments
Already have an account? Log in now or Create an account
Powered by JReviews
How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
FEATURED GIVEAWAYS
It’s Live! Cover Reveal: THE VERITAS PROJECT by C. F. E. Black + Giveaway (US Only)
We're so excited to celebrate the cover reveal for The Vertias Project by C.F.E. Black, releasing 3/16/2021! Before we get to the cover, here's a note from the author: Ever walked into a crowded...
Posted in News & Updates
Giveaway: Sunshine (Marion Bauer) ~ (US Only)
Sunshine (US Only) Author: Marion Bauer Release Date: May 18th, 2021 Publisher: Candlewick Press About The Book Newbery Honoree Marion Dane Bauer evokes the “summer t...
Posted in News & Updates
Giveaway: LEGENDBORN (Tracy Deonn) ~ (US Only)
LEGENDBORN (US Only) Author: Tracy Deonn Release Date: September 15th, 2020 Publisher: MK McElderry About The Book An Instant New York Times Bestsel...
Posted in News & Updates
Spotlight on Happy Girl Lucky (The Valentine's #1) (Holly Smale), Excerpt, Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Today we're excited to spotlight Happy Girl Lucky (The Valentine's #1) by Holly Smale. Read on for more about Holly, an excerpt & plus giveaway! Mee...
Posted in News & Updates
Giveaway: Curls (Ruth Forman) ~ (US Only)
Curls (US Only) Author/Illustrator: Ruth Forman/Geneva Bowers Release Date: December 22nd, 2020 Publisher: Little Simon About The Book A joyfully poetic board b...
Posted in News & Updates
Indie Superstars with the Authors of Of Thorns and Beauty + Giveaway (US Only)
Welcome to YA Books Central's "Indie Superstars" column. This event will spotlight the best and brightest of the indie community. You don’t want to miss out on these talented ...
Posted in News & Updates
Latest Book Listings Added
Charming illustrations and step-by-step instructions take little ones through a...
The differences between Bertram and his neighbor Alan were never...
Children will love to press the soft, silicone buttons on...
Step into an opulent world filled with risk, romance, and...
When fifteen-year-old Cuban American Mariana Ruiz’s father runs for president,...
City of Spells, the follow-up to Alexandra Christo's gritty YA...
A delightful Christmas board book filled with hilarious characters and...
Roland lives a quiet life filled with books, music, and...
Award-winning author-illustrator Susan Stockdale welcomes you to the Bird Show,...
Latest Member Reviews
"AMERICAN BETIYA is a breathtaking contemporary read about identity, family, and racism. Rani is an Indian American with dreams of..."
"‘The Story Blanket’ by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz, illustrated by Elena Odriozola, is the story of Babba Zarrah,..."
"‘My Best Friend Prince Charming’ by Cindy Ray Hale tells the story of Ryker and Shannon, two best friends who..."
" The Story: Willow is a figure skater who has been sidelined from her team by an injury...."
"NOW THAT NIGHT IS NEAR is a lovely poem in a picture book about going to sleep. A cat travels..."
"MOMMY LOVES YOU is a sweet board book of love between mother and child. The book features mother and baby..."
"CALM BUNNY is a colorful board book that walks young children through some simple yoga poses to help promote focus..."
"THE PROBLEM WITH PIERRE is a sweet picture book about a picky cat, good friends, and problem-solving. Bertram and Alan..."
"NOISY TRACTOR is a cute board book with an interactive element that presents some farm-themed basics. Each page features some..."
"RAVAGE THE DARK is a satisfying conclusion to a YA fantasy duology. In this sequel, we begin with Cayo, Amaya,..."
"One day, Thirteen-year-old Anamaria has an encounter from Thirty, a strange woman who insists she's from the future...."
"‘Admission’ by Julie Buxbaum is a modern and definitely current read on a topic that has been in the news...."
"‘Running’ by Natalia Sylvester is a trend-setting anthem for anyone who has ever wanted to be the change they wish..."
"Lily can see the future and when she sees her friend killed, she tries to save her. Lily is an..."
"CITY OF SPELLS is a stunning conclusion to an enthralling YA fantasy duology. The book plunges us into the story..."
"CHRISTMAS PARADE is another cute and brightly colored board book from Boynton. In this book, children see a Christmas parade,..."
"BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD is a sweet picture book about friends and doing the right thing. Roland lives..."
"What worked: This is one intense psychological tale of a girl trying to reconnect with her sister after she joins..."
"Pip picks pockets to get food for himself and his sister, El. When he picks something unexpected, a mysterious box..."
"If birds had a fashion show, they would show off their unique plumage! BIRD SHOW is a brightly colored book..."