I loved this story for how it carries both ache and wonder. For the way it lets love be complicated without losing hope. For how it made me feel like I was sinking and floating at the same time. It’s the kind of book that stays with you. Not because it shouts, but because it whispers exactly what you needed to hear.

This book completely swept me under. I fell for the atmosphere, the haunting magic, the fragile tenderness between characters who carry so much pain but still manage to reach for something brighter. This story is jagged and beautiful and aching, and I loved every single moment of it.

Break Wide the Sea explores the fae folk I love to see and wish were more common – fin folk or otherwise aquatic fae. Magical whales felt like a premise I was going to fall in love with. There is a lot of magic and perseverance throughout this novel. The protagonist takes some adjusting too but they were not up to the task of breaking the curse. I think disliking the character is a testament to Sara Holland writing a good character. We are not going to like everyone.
This novel needed more scene building to really feel those artic waves. I wanted to see and hear the setting that the fin folk come from. I was craving more and felt like I was given the bare minimum. The idea that she was turning into a monster felt like a great metaphor for the coming-of-age issues that arise for teenagers. This idea was a great concept that I wish was executed with more detail. This has potential so I am keeping this review at a three out of five. What does it mean to become a monster in the depths of the ocean’s cold brutality?
The scales that appear on the protagonist arm and meeting the Queen of the Fin folk are my favorite aspect of the novel. This is appropriately written for young adults but I stand by my comment on needed more time for scene building. I really want to see this world come alive on paper if this is going to be a series. Readers want to see the character growth that extends from the environment they come from. The end is distilling and eerie with a strong twist. Thankyou Netgalley and St. Martin’s press for an advanced digital copy!

Thriller lovers, watch out for your next great read. Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland was a great read.

This was a great YA fantasy book with wonderful world building and characters I was invested in from the start. The plot surrounding the curse hooked me in and didn’t let go until the end.
The ocean atmosphere with magical sea creatures was a something I really loved as it felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the traditional fantasy settings. The tension in the romance was done so well and these are the kinds of dynamic characters I will be thinking about for a while.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this arc💕

This is a true YA Fantasy adventure - it's as if Annie (the FMC) took my hand and we started with a nice walk around her world as she started to tell me about Whaling, her family and her heartbreak. As time went on the speed of our adventure increased to the point of running directly into the danger with her. I could not put this book down! The found family, the unique magic, and the love triangle were done so well.

The ending had me crying. I can't wait for book two - I hope to see even more of the magic system!

I really really enjoyed this book. It gave me Fable and Namesake by Adrienne Young vibes in the best way and I can’t wait to read the sequel.

The only reason it took me 3 days to finish this one was because I was reading on my kindle and I had a baby less than a week ago 😂

Honestly, this would have been an all in one sitting read if I could have carved out the time. The mysteries are so interesting and I’m still desperate to know more about the world and characters and to find out what will happen to them next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm a sucker for a story with a curse. I simply love the concept and idea of it all. When there is a curse, there is always a need, a fight to break it, and hope drives it. This curse was different. It gets worse with heartbreak. I found it to be an emotional read, especially how to heal she needed to give their love away.

This was a really interesting one! Annie suffers from a heartbreak related curse, and traveling with her dishonest fiance makes for a challenging situation. A deal with the captain could solve all of her problems, but she must survive the journey first.

This book absolutely swept me away. The atmosphere is so vivid and immersive, with that dark, misty sea setting that feels like it holds a thousand secrets. The curse itself is haunting and beautifully tragic, tangled with themes of heartbreak, sacrifice, and the weight of family legacy. The tension between Annie and Silas is electric, with that undeniable pull of forbidden attraction. I loved how the writing makes you feel like you’re right there on the ship, surrounded by the salty breeze and the ever-present fear of what lurks beneath the waves. The finfolk mythology is chilling and magical, weaving an eerie, enchanting tone throughout the story. The moral dilemmas Annie faces hit hard. Overall, It’s a beautifully layered tale of resilience and sacrifice, and it left me thinking about how even the deepest wounds can shape the strongest hearts.