Hello Readers,
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an Audiobook copy of ‘Of
Mountains and Seas’ by Emily Renk Hawthorne in exchange for an honest review.
The eBook I received didn’t include a full book cover, so I’m using an image
found through Google (Fair use for review purposes).
Of Mountains and Seas is an absolute gem an enchanting
mix of Chinese mythology, a unique magic system, and fantasy with a touch of
mystery. This multi-POV, multi-timeline story spans decades, following a
dynamic cast of characters whose lives intertwine in fascinating and unexpected
ways.
Natalie Naudus does an incredible job of narrating the
audiobook. Since the story jumps between different POVs and timelines, you have
to pay close attention at first, but once everything clicks into place, it’s
such a rewarding listening experience.
I was completely hooked from the very beginning and could
not put this book down. Emily’s writing is so immersive, bringing this fantasy
world to life with rich lore and deeply emotional family dynamics especially
between parents and children.
The shifts between timelines and perspectives are handled
so well, creating an intricate yet easy-to-follow narrative. I do think I might
have found the timeline easier to track if I had read the book instead of
listening, but that’s more about my personal issue than any fault of the story
itself.
One of the most intriguing parts of the novel is its
exploration of power who has it, who doesn’t, and how far people are willing to
go to keep it. In this world, there are shifters, who wield magic, and statics,
who don’t. The story follows Davis, a boy born into a powerful shifter family
but without any powers of his own. His journey is both heartbreaking and
gripping as he tries to navigate a society where power determines everything.
The structure of this book is absolutely brilliant. You
often see the effects of events before understanding their cause it’s like
spotting smoke first, then slowly piecing together the fire and who started it.
This adds so much intrigue and keeps you constantly engaged, making it a
fantastic read for anyone who loves uncovering mysteries bit by bit.
Overall, Of Mountains and Seas is beautifully written,
deeply engaging, and packed with magic, mystery, and complex characters. Some
parts may feel a little intricate, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. If
you love rich world-building, multiple timelines, and a bit of a thriller vibe,
you’ll love this book.
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