Wow, such a strong debut! This book was definitely one of the most adventurous pirate stories I have ever read. I loved that Caro was such a strong female lead in a roll that is usually fulfilled by a male character. She was so fierce and spunky which made her really endearing. I also loved Fee, the frogman who worked for Caro and her father. When Caro and Fee set off on their journey, there were some heart pounding moments, along with some comedic moments. The writing was fantastic and the world building was on point even though some of the names felt a little hard to pronounce. There were moments that felt as though I had already read them in other books but sometimes that is hard to get away from in fantasy novels. Overall this book was very enjoyable complete with thrilling adventures and lovable characters.

To put it simply, I LOVED THIS BOOK. Of course, it wouldn't be much of a review if I just left it at that. So, let me attempt to put all my squealing emotions and uncontrollable feels into words.

Song of the Current follows Caro Oresteia on her journey through the Riverlands, as she attempts to deliver a very peculiar package in exchange for the freedom of her father, who's recently been accused of smuggling. Sounds straightforward enough, but the plot quickly thickens once Caro discovers what the package actually is. Spoiler Alert (not really though, this is in the synopsis) - it's a rather snobby courier named Tarquin.

In terms of the plot, I couldn't put this book down. Literally, I carried my Nook everywhere I went and continued to read as much as humanly possible. The plot twists people, THE PLOT TWISTS. That being said, this book did take a while to get going, which is why I gave it 4.5 stars instead of a full 5. The fantasy world of the Riverlands has a lot of lingo and unusual characteristics, so I wasn't immediately engaged by the story. It took me about 75 pages in until I got to the point where I was continuously flipping pages. If you're someone that's easily daunted by an abundance of names and terminology being thrown about, I encourage you to power through, because things really do clear up as you read.

Once I was immersed into Caro's world, I never wanted to leave. The Riverlands really are as magical and treacherous and utterly breathtaking as Caro describes it, I mean after all, I'm writing about it as if I've actually been there! The world is steeped in folklore and tales of the gods, which I couldn't get enough of. The river landscape itself felt tangible and realistic, like I could feel the sway of Cormorant as it sailed through the reedy marsh. I also loved how a big focus of the book was on sailing and its actual mechanics, which is typically glossed over in YA fantasy.

"When you see her, with her sails standing high against the sky, it's like being punched in the chest. For a moment you can't breathe. Her beauty strikes you that hard. You understand the life in her, and it calls out to you. That's when you know you love a ship."

In addition to swashbuckling adventure and heart-pounding political intrigue, this book has ... *drum roll*... LADY PIRATES!! And some seriously bad-ass ones at that. Caro herself is a biracial privateer who takes charge of her very own ship, and it was so heartening to see a MC that was not only fierce and capable, but intelligent, caring, and occasionally doubtful. Caro also has an atypical family arrangement - she and her father live together on their wherry and travel the Riverlands, while her mother remains on land and works in the family business - which was a refreshing twist compared to most YA fantasies, where the MC usually has a) dead parents, b) one dead parent, or c) no recollection of their past whatsoever. There was also another grown-up female wherryman that Caro looked up to throughout the book, and I positively adored their relationship!

"So this was how it felt to be Thisbe Brixton, walking the decks of her wherry. Like a woman who knew who she was. Like a captain."

And last but certainly not least, the romance. Tarquin is entitled and spoiled-rotten, but has a true heart of gold and a quirky personality that sets him apart from the dashing, heart-throb love interest we're so accustomed to seeing in YA lit. The romance between him and Caro also has a really interesting storyline that's completely unpredictable. The build-up is slow and sweet, and culminates in one of the most satisfying love scenes I've ever read. Also, I LIVE for their banter!

The ending was perfect, all the loose plot threads were tied together, but I'm still DYING for the sequel! I definitely recommend this book for all YA fantasy lovers, especially if you like anything to do with boats, sailing, rivers, and/or the ocean.

Current carry you, my friend, because this book certainly will! I was so excited about Song of the Current and usually all that excitement tends to mean I absolutely love a book or it doesn’t meet my expectations. This happened to be the former (yay!) and I am SO ready for the next book in the series.

Tolcser creates such an interesting world with the god at the bottom of the river, the frogmen, the wherries traveling the rivers beholden to no emparch or lord. It’s the story of the common people with a destiny that cannot be escaped and that immediately stood out for me. There’s such a vibrancy to the writing, the way the characters talk, the different cultures of the people Caro meets along the trip. It’s rich, unique, and I devoured it.

Caro is the perfect example of what I look for in a heroine. She’s strong and brave, but makes mistakes, gets flustered, knows a lot about some things but still has a lot to learn—she is a character who grows. In this book alone she’s not the same girl she started out as and I loved watching that transformation. She’s caring and devoted and if I had to pick a character to be in my corner, I’d want her.

Not that Tarquin is anything to sneer at, quite the swordsman that one. Tolscer actually showed a great character arc for him too which I was really impressed by. He and Caro have to work together and it changes both of them ultimately for the better. Plus, their dynamic made for some pretty entertaining scenes (a bucket of water comes to mind…).

I even liked their romance even though I saw it coming. While I don’t think it was necessary exactly, I totally want more. I love romance in my stories and this one was perfect, somewhat of an enemies-to-lovers deal but not rushed and also not childish. The characters are treated as both teens and adults in the decisions they make which I appreciated as a reader.

The other characters that came and went throughout the book never suffered either. I felt like each received enough detail to give them life depending on how large of a role they played. There are definitely some side stories I can see coming out in the future, like Kenté’s (oh PLEASE give us her story!).

Song of the Current is full of action and adventure that sang to my inner pirate lover (even if the main character isn't a pirate). Perfect for fans of the sea-driven Daughter of the Pirate King and the beautifully written The Hundredth Queen. I don’t think I can recommend this book enough, and if you haven’t already, definitely get this one on your TBR and pre-ordered. It’s time to sail down the river in your own wherry!

I loved this watery world! The reader slips easily onto the small boat with Caro, feeling the wind in the sails and the current of the water carry them through the story. Caro's careful listening for the voice of the river god, a voice her father says she will hear in the language of small things, the quiet whispers of animals and plants along the river, and the motion of the water itself, makes the world feel real.

The story moves quickly and the plot has plenty of twists. Romance and pirates, sword fights and quick escapes. Even a sea monster. It took me some time to get pulled into the characters, but sticking with them pays off. I’d recommend this for action-adventure and fantasy lovers.

Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. For generations, her family has been called by the river god, who has guided their wherries on countless voyages throughout the Riverlands. At seventeen, Caro has spent years listening to the water, ready to meet her fate. But the river god hasn’t spoken her name yet—and if he hasn’t by now, there’s a chance he never will.

Caro decides to take her future into her own hands when her father is arrested for refusing to transport a mysterious crate. By agreeing to deliver it in exchange for his release, Caro finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies, with dangerous pirates after the cargo—an arrogant courier with a secret—and without the river god to help her. With so much at stake, Caro must choose between the life she always wanted and the one she never could have imagined for herself.

From debut author Sarah Tolcser comes an immersive and romantic fantasy set along the waterways of a magical world with a headstrong heroine determined to make her mark. (via Goodreads)
I received an eARC from Netgalley courtesy of the publisher, Bloomsbury Children's Books, in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Song of the Current, but it wound up having everything I wanted from it - sea monsters, beautiful ships (of all kinds *wink wink*), frogpeople, learning to recognize privilege, enthusiastic consent and true familial love.

I also really loved that this was hate-to-lovers. The love interest drove me a little bit crazy until he pulled his head out of his ass, and I loved that both he and Caro changed quite a bit during this story.

I loved that Caro's mom was not necessarily the warmest of people, but that she still works to show Caro she cares about her. I really liked her as a character, and I look forward to seeing how she grows in future books. Her business smarts are something that Caro could learn a lot from as a privateer. I also can't wait to learn more about Kenté. She's a badass.

I also loved that both Caro and the love interest realized that a traditional marriage would not work for them, and that they still wanted to do whatever they wanted in the meantime. These are two things that I rarely see in YA.

All that being said, I found the use of "be" constantly to be a little bit grating at first, especially since it was only in Caro's speech, not her thinking. However, I got used to it pretty quickly.

I really wanted to know more about Fee, and I'd loooooove to read the novella of how Caro's parents met. I recommend this book for fans of the Bloody Jack series and True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, and those who just enjoy a good, rollicking journey.

Overall, this was a fun story that I'd happily read the next installment in! I'm giving this a four star rating. You can grab a copy on Amazon, Indiebound or your other favorite bookseller!

four stars and one empty one meant to signify a four star review

Disclaimer: All links to Indiebound and Amazon are affiliate links, which means that if you buy through those links, I will make a small amount of money off of it.

This book sets sails into fast-paced adventure with a girl, who no man should ever dare to take on. . .or offend her ship.

Caro's content sailing with her father over the rivers and delivering cargo. She dreams of taking over the small trading ship herself someday. But fate has other plans. When her father is captured and locked away, she must deliver a secret cargo or never see him again. This cargo, however, isn't what it appears to be and soon, the entire world seems to be after her.

There's something magical about pirate ships and open seas full of unknown danger, and this story has tons of both and more. Caro is a spunky character, who is daring, brave, and more capable than anyone gives her credit for. But these skills aren't inborn. She's spent years learning the trade and makes her fair share of mistakes. This is what makes her so endearing.

The cast surrounding her adds all the right spice and life. Caro's best ship mate, Fee, is frog folk and although she only speaks one word at a time, by far the wisest and most interesting crew member in the book. Caro's parents add a constant push and pull, while putting in a sense of family and the support only blood bonds can give. There's a hero too--arrogant, snippy, but with a warm heart. He comes across a bit ridiculous at times and wasn't always easy to sympathize with. But the romance, with all of it's sharp back and forth, creates an air of fun without overwhelming the main, action-packed plot. There is an intimate scene, but this is by no means explicit and demonstrates definite mutual consent.

My favorite part of this tale is the world building. The author sets up a magical world, which is easy to get submerged in and feel at home. The play of 'gods' and supernatural abilities is delivered with a subtle tone and never overpowers the importance of sweat, clever thought and hard work and experience.

There were a few stumbles in some of the background information--the opposing political desires and plots were a bit mumble-jumbled. And the ending, although wrapping up the loose ends, didn't hold the power it might have, smoothing down with too much ease and grace.

Fans of high-sea adventures, kick-butt heroines, snarky romances and action pure will surely enjoy this book. Especially since there are so many possibilities still unexplored, which promise an exciting series in the future.

While this book did have more tried and true YA fantasy elements such as a plucky young heroine and a royal love interest, it also featured a unique setting and plot device, namely river pirates. The characters were likable and not overly angst-ridden, and the story line was more fun and less intense than some popular novels. Overall, an enjoyable read.

Caroline (“Caro”) Oresteia is a wherryman’s daughter and wants to be a wherry pilot one day herself. Eight generations of Oresteias have been pilots who have been favored by the river god, but to Caro’s dismay, she has not yet heard the call of this god. Her pa was fifteen when the river god first whispered to him; Caro is 17, and is yet to hear anything. Nevertheless, she joins her pa on his voyages and learns everything she can.

As the story begins, though, Caro and her dad have bigger problems. The port of Hespera’s Watch has been set on fire by the “Black Dog” pirates and eleven wherries were sunk. They stop there to help, and, having the only operational wherry, are charged with delivering some important cargo in a locked crate to the city of Valonikos. The crate is what the pirates were after, so Caro’s father refuses to do it because it is too dangerous. He is imprisoned, and Caro impulsively volunteers if they will release her father when she returns.

Once underway, Caro opens the mysterious crate only to find inside a boy around Caro’s age. She only later finds out he is actually the new Emparch of Akhaia because of the assassination of his father. Moreover, now that he is awake, he imperiously insists they must go to Casteria, not Valonikos. It turns out his only remaining family member, his 8-year-old little sister Daria, is there. He wants to rescue her before the Black Dogs get to her and kill her.

The rest of the book follows their adventures as they try to hide from and outrun the Black Dogs. In the process, their relationship changes, in a way that of course you knew it would.

Eventually, Caro finds out where she really belongs in life, and what her destiny will be.

Discussion: Caro is a fearless female who serves as a great role model for young girls. She declares that she isn’t meant just for marriage and parties: “I have more important things to do. . . . I’m going to be a captain and privateer. I’m going to be the terror of the seas.” Yet this book is not without romance.

Evaluation: A pirate novel series with danger and chase scenes that features a female protagonist as the “star”? Yes! Can’t wait for a follow-up.

So, this book took me a while to get into... I did really like Caro and thought she was a strong character. The love interest, however, I could not connect with him at all. There was lots of action and sword fighting that kept the book moving along. I am still waiting for that 5 star pirate YA book, because I love pirates in general, but maybe the pirate's life isn't meant for me. Still a fun read, though.

LOVED this one and I can definitely see it being a favourite of mine. The main character is funny and fierce and smart and so realistic! The love interest was absolutely adorable and I loved the change he went through and OH, lord, it was SO swoony!