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nicole_dust's review
4.0
Here's my review: https://write2ignite.com/2020/09/21/ships-secrets-and-survivors-a-book-review-by-guest-reviewer-nicole-dust/
The short version: this was an excellent book and I would very much like book two now XD
The short version: this was an excellent book and I would very much like book two now XD
rmarcher's review
4.0
Ships, Secrets, and Survivors is a pretty classic seafaring fantasy novel, with a couple of fun twists. The most notable twist being ships that talk. The Red Wind is one such ship, and it's her and her crew that we follow. Honestly, Red Wind herself was one of my favorite characters. She cares for her crew, she's steadfast, and she likes music; what's not to love?
The rest of the characters were something of a mixed bag. I liked Ravin and Adi, even if I was a little disappointed with how the latter's arc ended, and I appreciated seeing the story through their eyes. Ravin's assassin etiquette was interesting, and I enjoyed seeing his skills, knowledge, and connections employed throughout the story. Arrow and Josiah were also fun characters, though I wish they'd been fleshed out more. The rest of the characters mostly felt underdeveloped, so I was never really able to connect with them. Shade was the only character I can think of that I really didn't like; he didn't get a lot of time "on screen," and his character development felt rushed and inconsistent. I also wish we'd learned more about Bonnie, because she mostly left me confused.
The worldbuilding was primarily your standard fantasy fare, but I enjoyed the talking ships and the Scaera Dumeda; I wish there had been more time to focus on the Scaera Dumeda and see it fleshed out more. I also enjoyed the snippets of Jay's thoughts surrounding Red Wind and her legends at the beginning of each chapter, giving insight into the larger world's thoughts on the ship.
Overall, Ships, Secrets, and Survivors was an enjoyable read that I'd give about 3.5 stars.
The rest of the characters were something of a mixed bag. I liked Ravin and Adi, even if I was a little disappointed with how the latter's arc ended, and I appreciated seeing the story through their eyes. Ravin's assassin etiquette was interesting, and I enjoyed seeing his skills, knowledge, and connections employed throughout the story. Arrow and Josiah were also fun characters, though I wish they'd been fleshed out more. The rest of the characters mostly felt underdeveloped, so I was never really able to connect with them. Shade was the only character I can think of that I really didn't like; he didn't get a lot of time "on screen," and his character development felt rushed and inconsistent. I also wish we'd learned more about Bonnie, because she mostly left me confused.
The worldbuilding was primarily your standard fantasy fare, but I enjoyed the talking ships and the Scaera Dumeda; I wish there had been more time to focus on the Scaera Dumeda and see it fleshed out more. I also enjoyed the snippets of Jay's thoughts surrounding Red Wind and her legends at the beginning of each chapter, giving insight into the larger world's thoughts on the ship.
Overall, Ships, Secrets, and Survivors was an enjoyable read that I'd give about 3.5 stars.