A big thankyou to Netgally, Author and Publisher for the ARC audiobook I greatly appreciate it.

Wow!!
This was an amazing book.
I was hooked all the way through this pirate adventure fantasy.

The audiobook version was engaging and action packed. The speaker did very well and was engaging the whole story.

The Sunken city gave me Pirate of the Carrabean vibes as well as Atlantis vibes.

Definitely one of my favourite fantasy books.

And bonus it is a series so more to look forward too.

I don't like to give spoilers but I highly recommend this book it was amazing!!

How am I meant to sleep when I am still living in the Sunken city.
Lol

The Sunken City was a PHENOMENAL read!!! I have been in a reading slump lately but this book novel helped me through it and gave me hope for getting out of my reading slump! The characters were so perfectly crafted that I could picture them to a T in my head. Don’t even get my started on the absolute BEAUTY of the world building in this book. Love love love!!

This was not what I was expecting, but I liked it. This is definitely unique compared to any other fantasy I have ever read. I would have liked to see some more action, but over all it is a cute story and the audiobook was done well.

The sunken city is a YA fantasy with romance elements, in which Amare, a girl that is brought up to be the only female pirate on her ship, ends up in the sunken city and discovers more about her origin story than she ever thought possible.

I would categorize this as a fantasy with romance elements and not a romantasy, because at least this part of the series mostly focuses on world building, Amare’s growth in a new environment and friendship and I think the book does this beautifully. I absolutely loved the pacing of this book: The reader gets to explore those themes at a leisurely pace, while there is a sense of urgency during some aspects of the story, the tone remains light-hearted and angst free for most of the book. Moreover, the many well-rounded side characters are introduced slowly, so there is no confusion. This pacing makes it so that this is an absolute feel good read.

There’s so much potential in this story that I sometimes thought, ‘wow, this story arc could have been a whole book in this series’. Sometimes, I felt like the book only scratched the surface to certain themes or story arcs (e.g., exploring the ‘evil’ aspects a bit more). This is not necessarily bad, as it made the read much more lighthearted and fitting to the genre, it just means that I am all the more excited to see what else the next books in this series will deliver.

An aspect that I really appreciated, and I feel like has been cut short in similar books, is that Amare realizes that she has to find out what it means to be a woman, since she has only been spending time with men and has been acting like a man to stay safe amongst them. Since we are so used to seeing men overrepresented in books and films, I didn’t even think twice about the fact that Amare only knew men, since it seemed so ‘normal’. I hope we get to explore this theme even more in the next books.

I really want to know how the story plays out, concerning the love interests. I had a clear favorite, but then they acted strange and neither of their behaviors made sense to me. I especially found Luke's behavior odd. He is clearly meant to be the bad guy that might turn good and did everything for a reason, but I don’t see how he would explain some things like spitting in her food. That was unhinged. But I am excited to see what happens next, and I just hope that everything will make sense in the end.

One thing that did bother me, was that it was mentioned multiple times that Amare only left the ship she was living on once in her life. I guess this was mentioned for comedic or shock effects, but it made it seem a bit unrealistic. If the author said twice a year, I would have believed it, no problem. But only once? This also brings into question a lot of the things Amare knows and the way she talks (not like a pirate at all). How would she know these things if she only left the ship once?
All in all, this is a feel-good read with some amazing themes and characters that is not too complex and will have you anticipating the next parts of the series.

I listened to the audiobook and can recommend the production. The narrator has a youthful voice that is fitting to the character.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me this ALC of the audiobook to review. All opinions are my own. I was not paid to leave this review.

The Sunken City by Emma V.R. Noyes is a delightful YA fantasy romance set in an underwater kingdom. 

This story follows Amare, an orphan girl raised on a pirate ship. She loves everything about her life on the ship besides getting locked out of all dangerous pirate activities. One day she finds a sunken treasure that changes everything. 

Amera finds herself deep in the ocean and is one of the Sereia. She is also a long-lost heir to the throne of the Sunken City. Along with an arranged marriage, Amera finds some great friendships in her new home. 

I liked the underwater kingdom and setting of this book, and the whole building was simple and fun. The difference between the world on the pirate ship and the sunken city was very different and confused me at first. I also am not a big fan of love triangles especially a love triangle with brothers. I feel like the banter was there but stayed surface-level. 

If you are in the mood for a fun, easy, summer read this is your book!

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review.

YA Fantasy with Pirates, under water kingdoms, forbidden magic, mermaid - like creatures.

I was pleasantly surprised with this story! I absolutely fell in love with this fantasy world.
Brothers who remind me of the Salvator Brothers from The Vampire diaries. The Pirates reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean & the Under water Kingdom reminded me of The Little Mermaid 🧜‍♀️ so many good movies- tropes all into one book!

Was it predictable maybe? But I don’t read for predictability I read for vibes and a good time and that’s what I had reading this book.

I ordered this book on TikTok and then I saw the audiobook on NetGalley and ahhh the Audiobook is so good. I read and listened to it I have a million tabs on it. I can’t wait to start the second book!

Such a fascinating world.

🧜‍♀️ Lost Princess trope
🏴‍☠️ Pirates
🧜‍♀️ Forbidden Magic
🏴‍☠️ Love Triangle
🧜‍♀️ Witches

I’d like to say thank you to NetGalley And Emma for the opportunity to read her book in exchange for an honest review .

I first heard about Emma‘s book on TikTok and I had it saved in as a possible TbR. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it at the time which is why I put off on reading it . I’m usually cautious about books that are recommended to me online because sometimes they just don’t mesh with me. so I was really scared that this book just wouldn’t live up to the hype but let me tell you it really does. This book shows the definition of what it’s like to feel excluded based on your gender. it shows what it’s like to be a teenager or wanting to find your place in the world and it also is just such an amazing story. I felt like I was there in the book with them. I cannot wait to finish this series , the book was so well written the audiobook was just amazing and I cannot wait to see more books from this author. I wait to read them and I cannot wait to see where the story takes her. Great work ❤️

Highly recommend

I want to start by saying this book was not for me. I am not the right demographic. I am a 40 year old black woman who loves adult fantasy. I read YA on occasion. This book is VERY young adult. so much so that I would let an 11 year old listen/read.
The writing is good for YA. The story is very predictable, but that is common with YA.
For me this book gets 2 stars, but I will be nice and rate it for the genre it is. I think if you enjoy YA that is a step above Grade School then you would give it 4 stars. So I will average it out.

In "The Sunken City," Emma Noyes crafts a captivating tale of adventure, discovery, and self-realization that plunges readers into a world both fantastical and familiar. Amare was raised amidst pirates by her deceased father's first mate. She lives a life defined by superstition, fighting training, treasure hunts, and reading. Her existence takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious chest and a resonating conch horn spark the beginning of changes in her.

Amare's affinity for the ocean transforms from love into an irresistible draw. The pull gets stronger and stronger until, finally, during a big storm, she throws herself into the waves. She wakes in a submerged realm known as the Sunken City. Here, beneath the waves, she discovers a vibrant civilization of Seraia—underwater beings ruled by her long-presumed-dead father, who reveals her royal heritage as the Lost Princess. However, amidst the allure of newfound companionship and advanced societal structures, Amare faces a formidable threat: an evil witch bent on her abduction.

The contrast between Amare's upbringing aboard a pirate vessel and her immersion into the Sunken City's dynamic society is skillfully depicted. The author navigates themes of identity, acceptance, and the awakening of latent powers with finesse. Amare's initial fear of magic and witches evolves as she confronts both external adversaries and internal doubts, ultimately embracing her innate abilities.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its world-building, juxtaposing the progressive culture of the Seraia with a human world steeped in historical injustices. This dichotomy underscores the narrative's social commentary while maintaining a sense of wonder and intrigue. The integration of modern elements like rock 'n roll and pizza within the underwater civilization adds a whimsical touch, enhancing the reader's immersion into this imaginative realm.

The plot unfolds with a balanced mix of action, suspense, and character development, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The dynamic between Amare and the various factions she encounters—both allies and adversaries—creates a compelling push-and-pull that propels the story forward.

Overall, "The Sunken City" is a delightful read that blends fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes seamlessly. With its engaging storyline, well-crafted characters, and a world ripe for exploration, the novel sets a promising stage for future installments. Readers invested in Amare's journey of self-discovery and the interplay of underwater civilizations will eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this captivating series.

A fantastic worldbuilding! A great story! Very funny side-chararters, but I did'nt really liked the FMC ;) But she will probably grow (on me) in the next books.

Overall I would defetenly recommend it to booknerds who love YA fantasy!

Review on IG 16 of July

I previously read Emma Noyes’s novel, Guy’s Girl, and really enjoyed it. If you’re only picking this book up because of that, it’s probably not for you. The story (obviously) and the writing feel very different from the author’s previous work. If you’re picking it up because you love YA fantasy, this is probably for you.

I enjoyed that this felt different from other fantasy series I’ve read, but I’ll be honest that the pacing didn’t really work for me, and I did not grow attached to any characters. I think part of it was not enjoying the narrator, and I honestly wonder if part of it was just the age discrepancy (aka maybe I’m a bit too old for it). I also personally don’t have an issue with profanity except G-d*mn, and that felt very prevalent throughout.

I will say that she got me at the end! I didn’t realize the book was ending when the cliffhanger hit and j was still ready for more!

I absolutely enjoyed the story line and the narrator. I can’t wait to read the next 2 books in the series

First off I’d like to thank Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, and Emma Noyes for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!

There were things I liked about this book and things that were a little too YA for me. This story feels like a mix of like Legally Blonde (the FMC) and a fantasy novel. Don’t let that scare you off! While Amare can be a little foolish, sassy, and impulsive you easily get sucked into her story! As you follow Amare through her two lives she leads you to meet some charming characters! I especially loved Renee Dorian’s range of voices for the characters! It really brought the story to life!

The storyline is unique and imaginative and keeps you guessing at what will happen next. In the beginning while exploring her new life in the Sunken City Amare doesn’t seem phased at all the modern day references. I would’ve liked a little more of a shock factor here for her. I really loved the way Noyes created a love triangle between Amare and the two brothers. She created both brother characters so perfectly that you won’t even know who to root for! The book really picked up toward the end with a lot of twists and turns, leaving you to question what’s real and who’s telling the truth. And then it just ends! Leaving you hanging at the edge of your seat! Whew! I will definitely be picking up the next book.

Overall, I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I’d give this one 4 stars!

•Magic
•Underwater Kingdoms
•Love Triangle
•Pirates
•YA

I listened to this on audio and absolutely loved the narrator. She did a fantastic job with the voices, especially the pirates. I had a little bit of trouble following along with the flashbacks with the audio - it just wasn't always immediately clear and sometimes confusing. There was very interesting world building which was unique, but I found the "modern" vibe of the sunken city to be a bit jarring after the initial introduction to life on a pirate ship and I preferred the historical feel of the beginning part of the story. I would say the story is a bit slower paced but it has some good mystery elements that kept me engaged. Probably one of the better love triangles I've read in a while too, and the romance is sweet. I almost put it down around half way but am glad I didn't. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series because the first book ended on some pretty major cliff-hangers. This is a great rec for teens who liked Percy Jackson or Amari and the Night Brothers.

Emma V. R. Noyes' "The Sunken City" is a captivating blend of pirates, magic, and underwater kingdoms. The story follows Amare Bellamy, a fierce pirate raised by a notorious crew in the Caribbean, who is thrust into a magical underwater kingdom after a devastating storm. Here, she discovers that she is the long-lost princess of this realm, ruled by a king who claims to be her father. The contrast between Amare’s pirate life and her new royal responsibilities is striking and forms the backbone of a richly woven narrative.

The romantic tension between Amare and two brothers adds complexity to the plot. Though the love triangle might seem familiar, Noyes handles it with a fresh perspective that keeps it engaging without overshadowing the main story. As Amare struggles with her newfound identity and the emerging magical powers within her, she is forced to confront her beliefs and loyalties, making for a compelling character arc.

Renee Dorian’s narration significantly enhances the audiobook experience. Her ability to bring distinct voices and emotions to the characters adds depth to the already vivid world Noyes has created. While the pacing of the story occasionally falters, particularly in the middle sections, the book's imaginative storyline and well-rounded characters make it a worthwhile listen. "The Sunken City" is an enchanting tale of adventure and self-discovery that fantasy and adventure fans will surely enjoy.

I really enjoyed this book!! It took me an embarrassingly long time to read it but it was worth the wait! I’m glad these are being turned into audiobooks so I could finally get to them!

The FMC is strong and clever. I liked her spunk as she has a quick wit. I appreciated her internal monologue as it felt real in terms of self doubt and questioning everything she once knew. Her journey is intriguing and one that feels realistic.

I can definitely see the comparison to The Vampire Diaries. The two love interests feel very similar. Also Lucas’ quest feels very similar. It’ll be interesting to see how this continues. Imagining those brothers actually helped this book come to life too.

Overall, had a great time. Solid fantasy debut! The author is also super sweet and I hope to support her work in the future!! I won’t wait this long ;)

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

This was a buckswishing adventure set mainly in an underwater city.
I got an audiobook ARC from Netgalley and listened to this book in the space of 2 days. The narrator's voice fitted so well to the flow of the story and our main character Amare - she sounded like a young girl which i thought fitted. Whilst this is a YA, there are lots of elements of discovering a new underwater city that makes this story quite interesting. Although its only told from Amare's POV, I didnt mind it too much in this book- she just kinda goes with the flow as she learns that she is actually a princess of the underwater city and the magic system that goes with it. The romance elements was okay, nothing too spectacular.
Overall it was very easy to get through and enough to keep me listening.

I did not care for the narrator of the book. Her voice sounds so young that it made the main character sound younger than she was. It pulled me out of the story.

However, the story gets better and better as it goes on. When I would think that I knew how things would end, I would be proven wrong. I enjoyed it.

Thank you dreamscape & netgalley

Let me start off by saying that I thought this was going to be one of my top fantasy book of this year but as I started off the book, I really realize that it was extremely YA I would even go as far as to classify this as a middle school level book. I found the description of the world that was underwater amazing I did love it, but the story did drag on. I couldn’t find the main character relatable. There were some idolization of bullying and what not. I did DNF this at 70% so I will not be reading it anywhere else but here do wish books were classified a little bit better so I would put this in the middle school level because the character begins at 13 and then you see her transform into a 17-year-old, overall this might be for you like really laid-back water, adventure, pirates, and witches type book

I throughly enjoyed this fantasy. It gave Alantis/ Little Mermaid vibes. I’m very interested to learn more about Amare’s mother. I really like Shoa, she had me cracking up. I’m team Lucas! I look forward to continuing the series.