Carved by Water tells the story a submarine filled with interesting and diverse outsiders going on a dangerous mission in a fantastical world that resembles our own in more ways than one. The four main characters couldn’t be more different, and that is exactly what makes them so compelling.
First
and foremost, I love the world building. The affinities are super interesting and make for a unique…mehrCarved by Water tells the story a submarine filled with interesting and diverse outsiders going on a dangerous mission in a fantastical world that resembles our own in more ways than one. The four main characters couldn’t be more different, and that is exactly what makes them so compelling.
First and foremost, I love the world building. The affinities are super interesting and make for a unique magic system, while the countries and their relationships are described in a realistic and three-dimensional way. One thing this book does better than almost any others I have read is actually weaving in the social commentary seamlessly – the criticism of our society fits in with how the world is described and works together with the affinity system.
The plot reminds me of classic adventures, but always kicks it up a notch. There is no black and white, no pure good against pure evil, everyone ends up with blood on their hands. It truly feels like a step up from the fantasy stories I have read in my youth.
The characters are believable too and their strengths and weaknesses come across brilliantly. Their relationships with each other are intriguing as well and feel very natural. I loved reading how resentment and outright animosity turned into way different feelings over the length of the book, and how the characters slowly figure out who they can and can’t trust.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. It was a perfect balance between action and character-driven moments, between sweet ones and ones that were hard to swallow. And while the story can be read on its own and finds a satisfying conclusion, I still can’t wait for the promised sequel!