Adrienne Young proves once again to be a master in weaving a wonderfully well written and intricate story. Set in a small logging town in the northern California forest, this book follows James Golden as she tries to investigate the death of her twin brother, Johnny. Every turn the story takes, Young feeds you another thread that further adds depth and complication to the mystery you're trying to unravel alongside James. Young however does a fantastic job making sure each thread is purposeful in adding to the detailed tapestry of the book. She captures the unspoken stories people don't tell themselves, unveiling their actions as the story unfolds so that you as a reader can peel through the layers. This is the second book I've read from Adrienne Young and reading this book further convinces me to be a commited fan to her wonderful writing voice.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me this ARC for an honest review!

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

i loved the setting of this book. as someone who grew up in northern california, i was able to drop myself right into the story with the trees and misty air of the north coast. there was once aspect of the story that really rubbed me the wrong way (won’t spoil here), and the pacing was slow up until the very end. i think it would’ve made the story flow better if the pacing was balanced throughout. there was a surprising amount of romance that i wasn’t expecting, but is always a nice surprise 🥰

I absolutely loved this book. From page one, I was pulled into the story and was so invested in the characters. It was so atmospheric and the prose is just beautiful. I thought about the book when I wasn't reading it, and never wanted to rush through because I was too busy savoring the story.

While I absolutely love Adrienne Young’s writing, and this was here trademark beautiful atmospheric writing, the story itself was slow. Very slow. There were some great moments of introspection, but I think the pacing and varied plot points took away from the impact. I still really enjoyed my time immersed in this story!

#AdrienneYoung weaves a tale of suspense and supernatural elements to show the bond between twins, a mysterious bond all on its own.

James left Six Rives long ago, she left behind her brother Jonny that she has always felt responsible for and Micah the love of her life. She always thought she would stay with Micah but after a night where the friends went drinking and swimming a horrible accident takes place and the three decide to lie about what happened.

Jonny has always been volatile and withdrawn and was always used to haveing James there to help him. There is no help to be had though and one day James feels a hole blast through her chest and sees the sunlight filtering through the treetops as she feels her brothers body go cold and his vision fade. She knows that whatever has happened it can't just be an accident. So she returns to six Rivers to dig into her brothers life. She has to finish gathering the supplies for his CAS project on the owls in the gorge the one thing that he seemed truly alive and excited about. As she goes through his photography she notices a picture taken on a day that he shoudn't have been in the gorge and in that picture is a pink backpack leading her to believe he was not alone as they all thought.

This one photo opens up a rabbit hole that James and Micah fall deeply into. Everywhere that James turns she can feel Jonnys presense, she gets visions of the things that he has seen and felt in the days leading up to his death. Soon she learns that there is much about her brother that she didn't really know and it scares her.

I loved this novel it sucked me in and had me thinking about it constantly waiting for the moment when I could finish the book. I hope everyone gives this a chance.

I want to thank #Netgalley for the chance to read #ASeaOfUnspokenThings by #AdrienneYoung in return for a fair and honest review.

No one does atmospheric and immersive quite like Adrienne Young. A Sea of Unspoken Things takes readers on a haunting and poignant journey through grief and the aftermath of loss; the need to reckon with and confront past traumas; and the de-stabilizing realization that you may not know your loved ones as well as you thought.

Johnny, James’ twin brother, died under mysterious circumstances. Needing to settle his affairs back in Six Rivers, a small town James ran away from two decades ago, she finds herself confronted with the mysterious connection she (still) shares with her brother, distressing secrets that are slowly bubbling to the surface, and the first love she left behind. This novel follows James through an increasingly troubling investigation, where she hopes to uncover the events that led to Johnny’s death.

The fantasy elements are very light and more akin to magical realism; the second chance romance subplot is understated, taking a backseat to the questions surrounding Johnny’s death; and there’s a strong thriller-mystery through line that keeps readers hooked. There’s also a transporting and introspective quality to this story, like we’ve been plopped into this small town and are dealing with the investigation, and the subsequent emotions it’s stirring up, ourselves. It’s easy to feel unsettled and unnerved, distraught and concerned, thanks to the eerie quality of the prose and its evocative imagery.

Despite being the protagonist, we don’t really get to know James. But I feel like this disconnect is intentional. We meet her while she’s clouded over with overwhelming emotion; she’s immersed in her brother and in her past. The same goes for the minor repetition I noticed. It didn't bother me because grief often makes you rehash things over and over again. To me, all of this felt purposeful but I can understand how this may not resonate with some readers.

Young’s writing is compelling and moody and she, as always, has a way of coaxing complex and nuanced emotion out of her readers. I don’t think this tops The Unmaking of June Farrow for me, but I just love her style as a writer!!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for the eARC!

Adrienne Young is an auto read author for me. I love her writing and find it almost comforting when I start one of her books, like visiting an old friend. A Sea of Unspoken Things is another great read filled with what’s she known for : a slow burn, atmosphere mystery with some supernatural elements.

James has always been used to cleaning up her brother’s messes but never would have imagined she would still be doing it after he died. Our supernatural element is Johnny and his “ twin” connection to James that still persists after his death. James knows his death wasn’t an accident and so the novel takes us through not just Johnnys last day, but Johnnys life and the people in it.

This book is a very slow burn but once it gets its claws into you, you won’t be able to let go. I had a suspicion on Johnnys murderer that I was right about but was thrown off with the revelation about James childhood best friend. All in all, a great read. Can’t wait for whatever comes next from Adrienne Young


You can find my review on my goodreads profile. Username: Cristy Piña

James has to return to the small town she left in a hurry at 18 after learning of her brother’s accidental death. While there, she finds things to make her wonder if his death was really an accident.

This was a slow burn mystery, but the writing is really good. Adrienne Young does a great job of connecting you to the characters from the very beginning. There are just enough surprises to keep you guessing throughout the book.

I am new to the Adrienne Young party. First timer here. And I would describe this book just as the art critic described our FMC's art: capable. This was all well and fine.

The atmosphere and story were interesting.

I try to place myself into the story. I try to imagine going back to my small home town, successful and sassy and a know it all, to find answers following my brother's strange and horrific death. Maybe I run into an old romance (unfinished business!). Maybe I grab a drink with some high school friends (two). Maybe I am the only one to check my brother's cell phone and email for clues and come across some questionable life choices but hey that's a brother for you (gross, but could be worse?). Or maybe I am the only one, a complete stranger, to notice that a young woman went missing months ago despite her circle of family and friends who just ...never checked in with her?

Far fetched and stretched to take up time, I grew tired of the narrative towards the end. But I think there's enough here for thriller and mystery readers to enjoy, it just wasn't it for me.

I received an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to read this book, because I loved The Unmaking of June Farrow. Adrienne Young does it again with this story that follows James and the death of her twin brother. James returns to her hometown to get Johnny’s affairs in order, but begins to uncover secrets that makes her realize she may not have known her brother so well after all.

The emotions felt so real as I was reading, and I was fully immersed in the story. The series of events that unfolds was a journey and there was no way I could’ve guessed how it would all end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this book.

A Sea of Unspoken Things follows James as she returns to her hometown to settle her dead twin brother's affairs. While home she uncovers secrets he has been hiding from her as secrets from her own past threaten to resurface.

Wow, can Adrienne Young write an atmospheric novel or what? The setting of this book was so vividly painted that it almost became its own character in the story. I loved how complex these characters were. The slow unraveling of both James's past & what happened to Johnny was expertly written. Her connection with her twin brother added the perfect element of magic/the paranormal to give this novel an even spookier vibe. Young has a twin brother in real life & you can feel the truth of her experience in these characters. I am eagerly anticipating more from this author in the future.

4.5 stars

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 🌟 I actually loved this one so much more than I expected! In typical Adrienne Young fashion, you have no idea what you’re getting into when you start. What seems like one story turns into multiple and somehow she brings them all together.

The setting was immaculate - she does an amazing job setting up the town and the characters that you truly feel like this could be a real place. I keep seeing the word “atmospheric” and I think that’s the best way to describe this one. Every character had a spot in the story and I think that’s what makes her books feel so complete. I also love that she keeps parts of the ending semi-ambiguous.

There were so many different scenarios that played out in my head but I can honestly say, I didn’t anticipate the entirety of what actually happened.

As someone who found the ending of June Farrow to be so confusing to the point that I SWEAR it actually didn’t make sense (don’t come for me!!), this kind of magical realism just worked so much better for me. It was subtle and didn’t dominate the storyline at all which is the sweet spot for me most of the time. A twin connection is something that has always fascinated me so that aspect of it intrigued me right from the start.

I've loved every book by Adrienne Young until this one. There wasn't anything necessarily wrong with it. I just never connected to the story. The writing was beautiful and melancholy but perhaps too slow.

I would have liked if the magical realism aspects had been played up a bit more. I think that's a part of what made her past books so special. Overall, though, this was still a good story, and I was invested in learning the truth behind Johnny's death.

I eagerly await whatever comes next from Adrienne Young.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I am so thankful to have gotten this book!!! I love anything Adrienne Young writes and I loved it. She has such a way of writing a deeply emotional and captivating story. She is the best magical realism author there is and I enjoy each one of the story lines. Again, I am so thankful to have received this book early.

I love Adrienne Young and feel like this might be one of her strongest works. Drawing on so many themes - family relationships, difficult feelings, grief etc. that she does so well, I absolutely loved this.

“𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬. 𝘐 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦…⁣
⁣
𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦.”⁣
⁣
I didn’t think it was possible for me to appreciate @adrienneyoungbooks anymore as an author, but I was mistaken. I loved all her previous YA and adult novels, but this one hit me harder. I think her prose in this one regarding grief and regret was heart wrenching in how unflinching it was. Like her other novels it’s also palpably atmospheric, and whereas Fable made me want to go diving into the nearest ocean, this one had me yearning for the misty Pacific coast.

“He’d earned himself a reputation for being fearless, but that day was the first time I began to realize that we weren’t immortal. That I could lose him. And that terror had opened a kind of doorway between us.”

I always look forward to the work of Adrienne Young, as her adult novels are just so whimsical and atmospheric. Her work has these elements of relationships, mystery, and sprinkled with bits of Fantasy and magical realism. Her writing invokes this menagerie of cozy mystery, immersed with deep connections to earth and nature. And can we also take a brief moment to appreciate her book covers for her adult novels, they are these fantastical depictions of nature, and are truly remarkable.

Her latest installment depicts a woman, James, returning to her hometown to settle the estate of her twin, Johnny. Insert the mutual friend of both twins, and past love interest of James, Micah. There is a rocky past involving James when she was younger that ultimately takes her away from everyone for years. She learns things of her brother while uncovering details surrounding his death, and revisits this seemingly twin telepathy that has always been there between her and her brother. If you enjoy any of her books, pick this one up as it’s worth reading! If you haven’t read any of her books, this one is a good place to start!

What’s On The Pages:
-twins
-elements of mystery
-magical realism
-relationships

✨Rating✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

A special thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this eARC! A Sea Of Unspoken Things is out now!

Atmospheric & captivating!

Adrienne has a knack for painting a picture with her words and really bringing life to her characters and her beautifully crafted settings. She’ll forever be an auto buy author for me.

Tropes:
📖 Sibling bonds/ twin telepathy
📖 Magical realism
📖 Second chance romance
📖 Mystery
📖 Small town

After receiving the tragic news that her twin brother has been killed, James (yes, James is our FMC) returns to her hometown in the forest of Six Rivers. Local authorities believe Johnny’s death was a tragic hunting accident, but once James begins to sort through Johnny’s belongings she begins to find evidence that may contradict the idea of her brother’s death being an accident.

A big thank you to @netgalley and @delacortepress for the advance reader copy!

I feel like Adrienne Young can write anything. I fell in love with the magical realism and second chance romance in The Unmaking of June Farrow. This book is a whole different vibe but I love it just as much. An unexpected death and long-buried secrets are wrapped into a multilayered mystery. What these two books do have in common is how vividly atmospheric they are! I was immediately sucked into the story and felt like a resident of the small town of Six Rivers, California. The prose is beautiful which gave the narrator the perfect words to pour all of her emotions into. This one was easy to binge and the ending honestly had me baffled. This is the perfect read for a rainy day!

Adrienne Young’s “A Sea of Unspoken Things” is a slow-building mystery that gradually unveils layers of the past within the present.

Twenty years ago, after the mysterious death of a local classmate, Griffin Walker, James Golden left Six Rivers, California, to attend Byron School of the Arts in San Francisco. Since then, she has established herself as a successful artist, filling galleries and selling out shows. James also began an unofficial relationship with Quinn Fraser, the director of biology at the California Academy of Sciences. When Quinn needs a photographer to document and collect data on five types of northern spotted owls in Six Rivers, James pitches her brother Johnny for the job.

However, James’s return to Six Rivers comes under tragic circumstances: she receives a call informing her that Johnny has died in a hunting accident. After nearly twenty years of absence, James returns to her hometown. But as she revisits the place that shaped her, she begins to experience visions of Johnny, feeling his presence as if he were still there, guiding her through his last days. Convinced that his death was not accidental and burdened with guilt, she begins to investigate, sifting through his photographs and notes in an attempt to uncover the truth.

James and Johnny shared a strong twin telepathy, a connection that makes James acutely aware of Johnny’s final moments. When Johnny jumped from a rock into a river, James felt as if she were drowning. On the day of his death, before receiving the phone call, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. Now, as she delves deeper into the investigation, she begins to see apparitions of Johnny and hear his voice. It’s as though he is trying to lead her toward the truth of what happened in the forest, almost as if he’s pointing to his attacker.

Unable to unravel the mystery alone, James seeks help from Micah Rhodes, Johnny’s best friend and James’s ex-lover—the only man she’s ever truly loved. The two haven’t spoken since James left, and there’s much unresolved between them. As they work together to uncover the truth, their personal feelings become tangled in the investigation, adding complexity to their relationship.

The novel is a slow-paced mystery, with a roster of potential suspects and a missing person complicating the investigation. Young’s prose is lush and poetic, and she beautifully captures the grief James feels as she reconnects with her past. The vivid descriptions of the forest and the strong psychic link between James and Johnny create a haunting atmosphere. However, despite the eloquent writing, the novel can feel repetitive. The constant reminders that James has been absent from Johnny’s life and doesn’t fully understand him drag the pacing, making the novel’s sub-300-page length feel longer than it is.

While the characters are distinct, and there are no overt red herrings, the romance between James and Micah feels forced and rushed. The novel would have benefited from more context around their past and Johnny’s death to deepen the emotional impact. Additionally, the mystery itself is somewhat predictable; I guessed the culprit early on, and I suspect many readers will as well. For me, a satisfying mystery thrives on a twist or surprise, and in this case, the reveal lacked the shock I was hoping for.