Review: Of Sea and Stone by Kate Avery Ellison

Title: Of Sea and Stone, Secrets of Itlantis #1

Author: Kate Avery Ellison

Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK Children’s

Release Date: February 2nd, 2014

Rating 4/5

I was offered the opportunity to read this novel and I have to say that it was so much better than I initially assumed! It is well written, action packed, full of surprises and totally enthralling – I really want to read the sequel to is asap! I read it in a day, not wanting to put it down if at all possible till I reached the end.

Aemi is a thrall, a slave girl, who grew up in the Village of Rocks, a small community nestled by the sea. As she grew up her mother told her of the amazing place she grew up, intriguing Aemi and making her dream of actually going there. Aemi is feisty, bright, resilient, prepared to work hard and practice in order to get better and be the best. She’s also not phased by gender expectations – being the best at accurately spear throwing, even though only males are supposed to do this, is just one example of this. When her village is attacked, she is kidnapped along with Nol and other boys from their village, together they are taken to a mysterious city under the sea . . . . You’ll have to read it yourself to find out what happens next!

The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, a real page turner. It could easily be read and enjoyed by more able middle grade/key stage two readers as well as teens and adults. It is a great story and, as I said before, I really want to read the sequel!

Thanks to the author, publisher and YA Bound Book Tours, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

This book is available from a variety of sources including

amazon.co.uk           amazon.com          barnes and noble