Review – Beneath the Haunting Sea by Joanna Ruth Meyer

Title Beneath the Haunting Sea

Author Joanna Ruth Meyer

Description from Amazon

Can’t you hear it, Talia?
Can’t you hear the waves singing?

Sixteen-year-old Talia was born to a life of certainty and luxury, destined to become Empress of half the world. But when an ambitious rival seizes power, she and her mother are banished to a nowhere province on the far edge of the Northern Sea.

 It is here, in the drafty halls of the Ruen-Dahr, that Talia discovers family secrets, a melancholy boy with a troubling vision of her future, and a relic that holds the power of an ancient Star. On these shores, the eerie melody of the sea is stronger than ever, revealing long-forgotten tales of the Goddess Rahn. The more dark truths that Talia unravels about the gods’ history–and her own–the more the waves call to her, and it may be her destiny to answer.

Initial Thoughts

I did it again folks. I applied for a sequel on NetGalley and I hadn’t read the first book. So, this is that first book. In my effort to finish everything in NetGalley, I had to read this one before I started Beyond the Shadowed Earth. I didn’t have a lot of thoughts going into this book, if i’m being honest, it was just a check off a list on the way to a goal.

Side note, Joanna and I are middle name matchers, so I should have known this book was going to be phenomenal.

Some Things I Liked

• Mythology, magic, and world building. The magic in this setting was subtle and very well thought out. I also loved the mythology and history created for this world. It was unique and captivating and left me aching to know more about it.
• Talia as a flawed main character. I loved that Talia made mistakes. Lots of mistakes. She wasn’t perfect and I enjoyed watching her story unfold as she, in a very realistic way, corrected her mistakes and got back to her mission.

Cover Art

It’s not featured in this post, but I absolutely hate the cover on the physical book. I chose to use the audiobook art because it’s much prettier. I’ve said it before, but for any new readers, I really don’t like when photos are used on covers of books. I feel like it takes away from my ability to use my imagination. Anyway, not only is the book cover a photo, it’s a terribly unflattering underwater photo. It’s hideous and I will not apologize for hating it. The cover does not do this wonderful book justice.

Series Value

Talia’s story feels complete. While I’d love more about her, I am happy that the next book is a spin-off about a new set of characters and I am definitely going to read it.

Final Thoughts

I loved this book. Some chapters broke my heart and others kept me on the edge of my seat. This was a one day read and I loved every page. I am so excited to read the next book in this series. Despite the fact that the next book is not about Talia, I am still happy to go back to this magical world.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

• House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig – if you liked the seaside manor, richly developed mythology and world building, and a strong willed main character, give this book a try.
• The Weight of a Soul by ElizabethTammi – if you liked the elements of Gods and Goddesses meddling in the mortal world and the bond between sisters. Give this book a try. It’s coming out in December 2019.
• Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford – if you liked the references to the sea and island culture, give this story a try.