very well done historical fiction / mourning for the countless species humanity has caused to go extinct, of course focusing on the steller's sea cow but taking the time to discuss the Great Auk, the Dodo, the Passenger Pigeon, giant tortoise subspecies.. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

A centuries-spanning epic about our relationship to the natural world centered around a fascinating marine mammal? Yes, please! Beasts of the Sea is a novel set over the course of three centuries that tracks the relationship between humans and the now-extinct Steller’s sea cow. It’s also about the legacy of so-called “discovery,” the cost of progress, and the ways the world does—and doesn’t—change. I love historical novels that grapple with very specific and underrepresented parts of history (sorry to historical fiction about, like, “the war”), so I’m really looking forward to this detailed, thoughtful novel.

I received a digital review copy of this book from NetGalley.

This was a really interesting read. It focuses on a few different people in three time periods , who have a connection through Stellar's sea cow. What stood out to me was the mood and atmosphere of the writing. (But this is a translated work, so I can't tell how much is the translator's skill vs the author's writing.) There seemed to be a quiet intensity that kept pulling me forward in the story. It was an immersive experience and I felt like I was right there with the characters feeling everything they were going through. It helped that much of the story was told through the eyes of women, and that might have made it more relatable to me. I think it also did a great job of showing the effects that humans have on the environment and the roles they play in species' destruction. This theme came through naturally without being preachy or heavy-handedness. I'd definitely recommend this to people whi enjoy historical fiction and have an interest in natural history or ecology.

Stellar historical fiction about natural historian Steller.

[that is a perfectly written review and I am filling in more characters to get to the character minimum]

Thank you for giving me an ARC copy. I highly appreciate it so much. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I won’t do a Goodreads review on it. The cover art is fantastic.

You can absolutely tell that this book is written by a master storyteller – it is equal parts lovely and brutal, with an unflinching eye towards how death was far too common in previous centuries. It’s also very convincing, and I had to Google several times what was real and what wasn’t. The one thing I didn’t enjoy quite as much was just that it is SUCH an expansive book, it was feel a bit rambling and hard to keep track of exactly who and what we’re supposed to care about the most as a reader.

Fantastic, 5 big stars. If you like Benjamin Labatut, or Daniel Kehlmann's Measuring the World, you will appreciate this 'novel' about the gigantic Steller Sea Cow - an incredible animal discovered in 1741 and tragically extinct just 30 years later.

It consists of three separate parts. The first is a breathtaking account of Vitus Bering's disastrous expedition to cross from Russia to Alaska, in 1741. On board the ship is the promising naturalist Georg Steller. The second part is set a century later and follows the wife of the newly established governor of Alaska - then still a colony of the Russian Empire, one of his tasks: find a skeleton. And finally we follow a Finnish professor who obtains possession of the mysterious Steller sea cow's skeleton.

It is fascinating material, but it also makes important points on human impact on animals that really hit home, for instance the notion that we have the power to exterminate another species which was strongly denied well into the 19th century.

The writing is unpretentious but shows deep understanding and research. And it also works as a novel, with good characters and plot.

I am big fan - this will be in my top-3 for 2025.

Beasts of the Sea is an enchanting voyage that weaves together history, science, and human folly into a tapestry as vast and mysterious as the ocean itself. Iida Turpinen masterfully navigates three centuries, telling the story of the gentle Steller’s sea cow and the many lives it touched—from explorers braving icy waters in 1741 to modern curators bringing bones back to life. What truly makes this book shine is its rich storytelling. It’s part adventure, part historical drama, and part poignant reminder of how we often underestimate the consequences of our curiosity. The characters, especially the pioneering women behind the sketches and restorations, add a refreshing depth to the narrative. Plus, the illustrations—both real and imagined—bring these extraordinary creatures and their stories vividly to life. While some might feel the timeline jumps around a bit, it only adds to the sense of wonder and the interconnectedness of discovery across centuries. It’s a thoughtful, beautifully written tribute to lost worlds and our relentless pursuit of knowledge, even when that pursuit leads to tragedy. In short, Beasts of the Sea is a captivating blend of science, history, and art that will leave you pondering humanity’s place in the natural order. A true treasure for curious minds and adventurers alike!