Review Detail

I LOVED Sara Holland's Everless duology and absolutely adored the Havenfall duology, and this *clenches fists* THIS BOOK exceeds my love for both of those combined.....okay maybe not Everless as it's one of my top tier favorite books of all time, but Break Wide the Sea is a close second.

Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland is a YA fantasy novel that combines a readers love for Fae and mermaids into creatures known as finfolk. A young woman cursed with a fatal heartbreak-induced sickness must race against time to find a cure and protect her family legacy from the ancient finfolk that would destroy it, the fiancé that would kill her for it, and the boy who would love her if she forsook it. The seafaring humans of Kirkrell have always been plagued by finfolk—bloodthirsty fae who haunt the seas, sinking ships and cursing bloodlines. Yet it’s only by hunting magical whales that Kirkrell can prosper. Nineteen-year-old Annie is heir to the Fairfax Whaling Company, but their family's success came at a cost: a curse by which heartbreak turns Fairfaxes slowly into monsters. And six years ago, the shipwreck that killed Annie’s parents left her with scales spreading up her arms, claws sprouting from her fingertips.

The love of her fiancé, August, salved her heart for a while—but when she learns August is maneuvering to take over the company, the curse worsens. Fearing her time is running out, she strikes a bargain with a disreputable young captain, half-finfolk and half-human Silas Price: on a voyage to hunt whales in the far north, Silas will take Annie to the finfolk queen, who can lift the curse in return for a promise to end whaling forever. As Annie, August and Silas sail north, she is determined to uphold her family’s legacy, but the threat of the finfolk tests her resolve. Lies corrupt her relationship with August; meanwhile a dangerous connection with Silas blooms—but he’s keeping secrets too, and his might be the most dangerous of all. As heiress, it’s Annie’s responsibility to deliver whale magic to her city. But as heartbreak looms, she must choose between saving herself and her family’s legacy—and hope it doesn’t cost her everyone she loves.

Where to even begin with this book, because I love most, if not, all of it. First off, the writing. Holland's style has always been easily understood and deeply haunting at the same time. In the case of Break Wide the Sea, Holland's writing makes you feel like you're on the ship with Annie and Silas and (ugh) August. While still easily accessible/not too fancy in terms of it's word usage. Speaking of, I am forever scared to go into the ocean because of this book, because Holland has the originality of creating creatures that I never want to cross paths with.

One pesky thing that I found I didn't like about this book (and this could totally just be a big ME thing) is most of the time Holland just tosses the reader into the deep end with their scenes, and doesn't give all that much exposition/explanation as to what is happening. Hence the need for me to go back and re-read some scenes to figure out what is really happening. But, I digress, this could totally just be a me thing.

Regardless, Break Wide the Sea is a haunting YA historical fantasy that is perfect for anyone looking for a book with unique curses and generally haunting sea vibes. I can't wait for more people to read this book.