Song Of The Current

Song Of The Current
Song Of The Current Book One
Written by Sarah Tolcser
Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
384 Pages
Published July 1st 2017
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia
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★★★★☆
Caroline Oresteia has always been destined for the river. Her father is a wherryman, as was her grandmother. All Caro needs is for the river god to whisper her name, and her fate is sealed. But at seventeen, Caro may be too late.

So when pirates burn ships and her father is arrested, Caro volunteers to transport a dangerous cargo in exchange for his release. Secretly, Caro hopes that by piloting her own wherry, the river god will finally speak her name.

But when the cargo becomes more than Caro expected, she finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies. With much more than her father’s life at stake, Caro must choose between the future she knows, and the one she never could have imagined.

This immersive fantasy debut set along the waterways of a magical world will entrance fans of Sabaa Tahir and Victoria Aveyard. Sarah Tolcser weaves an epic story of danger and destiny with enchanting world building and captivating characters.
The River God speaks in the language of small things, whispers throughout the everglades to protect those who navigate her waters, favoured by the river and her guidance. Seventeen year old Caroline Oresteia is a privateer on board the Cormorant, her father a humbled Wherryman, now incarcerated. His livelihood threatened by unlawful, concealed merchandise. In order to exonerate her father, Caroline must navigate the treacherous Black Dog territory, evading apprehension.

Caroline Oresteia is a fascinating and tenacious young woman, biracial and an impassioned privateer upon the hallowed Cormorant. Upon returning to Hespera's Watch, marauders have pillaged and ravaged the Wherry harbour and the Kynthessa authorities have apprehended her father. Capable and resolute, Caroline agrees to deliver the consignment on her first adventure commanding the Cormorant with Fee, a Frogman and adept privateer.

Shenanigans are afoot my friends.

I enjoyed the reluctant companionship between Caroline and Tarquin, the courier for the Akhaian Consul. Tarquin is a genteel aristocrat contrast to Caroline who appears to be prudent although sincere. An important aspect of the conversation discusses consent, Caroline adamant consent should be obtained, echoed throughout the narration. A wonderful precedent for teen readers.

Atmospheric and lyrically captivating, Sarah Tolcser has created a wonderfully ambient world.
When the reeds along the banks whisper that a squall is rushing across the marshland, we listen. When the tide flows up from the sea, flooding the river with muddy brown water, we know enough to watch.

The god in the river speaks to us in the language of small things.
The decisive and enterprising women of Song Of The Current are celebrated. Captain Brixton, a gay privateer and commander challenging gender equality. Fee, Caroline's second in command, perceptive and ardent. Caroline's mother, a ruthless merchant and cousin Kenté who is a tremendous support to Caroline, moralistic and principled. Prosperous and flourishing women celebrated for their achievements.

Spectacularly lyrical, Song of The Current is a celebration of women, their strength and fortitude. Debut author Sarah Tolcser is remarkable. Avast ye swashbucklers and hornswagglers! Song Of The Current is an enchantin' and beautifully lyrical narration o' wonder.


20 comments

  1. Oh gimme gimme gimme! I love the sound of this (but my bank account doesn't lol). Hoist the mainsail, off to the bookdepository we go.

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    1. It was brilliant Sarah, loved the lyricism. If you check Booko, they have free shipping with Booktopia and you'll get it much sooner too.

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  2. I like that it's so women positive and yay for gay characters that aren't ABOUT being gay. Those are nice too! I hadn't heard of this one, so thanks for sharing. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Female pirates should be in every read. Even the contemporaries, just have them randomly pillaging. Such a wonderful read Lauren, cannot wait until the next series instalment.

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  3. AHH I LOVED IT SO MUCH TOO!! I think Caro was amazing and all the water and ships and piratage aesthetic were just SO ME. Plus the hate-to-love romance trope his honestly my favourite thing of ever.😜

    (Also omg I haven't been on your blog forever, Kelly. FORGIVE ME I'M HORRIBLE. I'm going to blame Bloglovin' a bit though because it never sends me email updates anymore. *makes not to self to stop by more often* ❤️❤️)

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    1. I cannot wait for the next series instalment. I shall expect pillaging, sword fighting and fights to the death.

      I rarely use my Bloglovin' anymore. It's all too confusing. I just scroll Twitter typically but I have your blog bookmarked and same same. I shall comment on ALL THE POSTS OF EVER.

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  4. Oh my! I love the sound of this one. I'll definitely check it out. Great review :)

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    1. Thanks Vanessa, it's absolutely brilliant. Would love to see what you think of it.

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  5. oh wow! so she's like a pirate who wants to be a wherryman? Like trading excitement for some ho hum?

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    1. She's both actually Ailyn. She and her father are officially Werrymen captains, but illegal smuggling goods to transport. Brilliant storyline, I think you'd really enjoy this one.

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  6. just from the glimpse into the world it sounds lovely and diverse, great writing

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    1. It's wonderful Lily, incredible characters and brilliant storyline. I'd love to see what you think of it.

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    1. It's brilliant Karen, so wonderfully written and entertaining.

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  8. I read this and although I wasn't the BIGGEST fan, I thought the world was stunning and the romance was well wwritten, even if it came out of no where. My biggest problems with the book however were due to the clunky writing :( Lovely review nonetheless Kelly xx

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    1. I can see this could be a book that readers will either enjoy or feel a little underwhelmed. Perhaps less fantasy readers and more so those who enjoy adventure romance. I really enjoyed the writing and loved the lyrical aspect. Hopefully you enjoy the next book in the series a little more.

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  9. Oh, I love this! A pirate story that celebrates women -- I am ALL FOR IT! Lovely review!

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    1. Hooray for strong women and girl gangs Verushka, this one is brilliant.

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  10. Wow this sounds amazing, I love the sound of the lyrical writing style and a book with pirates involved can be a lot of fun. Great review Kelly, this one's something I feel like I have to read!

    Eugenia @ Genie In A Book

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  11. Originally I wasn't particularly interested in this book but once I heard a bit more about it, and that it was about pirates, I was instantly keen. I was obsessed with pirate stories as a teen (even tried to write one, albeit horribly)!

    I love the sound of the awesome women characters in this book, and I'm excited to meet them all!

    Consent is so important, and I love that a YA book has such a strong focus on it. The lack of consent in YA which is perceived as dramatic and sexy is neither of those things.

    Greta review, Kell!

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