When her best friend takes the Leap rather than agree to an
arranged marriage, Felicita Pelim is spurred into running from her oppressive,
aristocratic life – driven to do something. Circumstances bring Felicita into contact
with the mysterious Dash and his rag-tag band of misfits who help Felicita
survive her harsh new reality. Dark
magic is rising from the sea bringing pale, translucent bodies and the Red
Death, foretelling the rise of a seawitch.
Felicita’s goal is to change her fate, to find freedom and she believes
Dash can help her, but prejudice runs deep in the city and Dash has his own
agenda – one that could endanger everyone.
When the Sea is Rising Red makes some large promise in the
book description and with the cover art, but is unable to completely live up to
the buzz. This novel’s strength is the
world – it is fully realized, wonderfully detailed and brought to life in a way
that brings the reader fully into the story.
Unfortunately the characters themselves and the plotting leave something
to be desired. Felicita is by turns
sympathetic and annoying. Dash comes
across as a conman who the reader never really relates to and secondary
characters, who could honestly be the more interesting people, are given
cursory parts in the story. Worth reading but somewhat unsatisfying.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
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