Welcome to Litsy!

Dear Scholar Clel,

Instead of reading further, I hope you will return this letter to its envelope or, better yet, crumple it into an abstract shape that might look quite at home on a coral reef.

#FirstLineFridays

5⭐️

I don‘t remember the last time I fell so quickly in love with a book. This had my heart after only a few chapters. I loved the characters and the variety of experiences and growth they depict in their letters. Watching them explore new recipes and flavors made my mouth water. Even though I saw many things coming, it didn‘t take away from my emotional connections with our lovely ladies.

E. Cidnosin witnesses strange, giant eel-like creatures and starts a correspondence with scholar Henerey Clel. This leads to investigating a mysterious structure and the pair‘s disappearance.
E.‘s sister Sophy and Henerey‘s brother Vyerin delve into their siblings‘ exchanged letters to find out what happened.

If you want something different, cozy with a good mystery, academia with some excitement, all told in letter format, this is for you.

I'm not normally a big fan of epistolary novels, but I enjoyed this much more than I anticipated, on a very visceral level. I actually found myself getting angry on behalf of Ella and her friends and family. I don't think a work of fiction has ever done that me.

This is going to be one of the best surprises of the year! Told entirely through letters, articles, etc., the pacing is not fast, but it was captivating. A unique world is created, and the characters all felt distinct & interesting. I think this was helped by the excellent audiobook narration provided by four different readers. Some romance, some academia, some laughs, some anxiety-overall excellent storytelling. And also - what a gorgeous cover!

By a #professor, about a #professor. #schoolspirit

“Dear Scholar Clel,
Instead of reading further, I hope you will return this letter to its envelope or, better yet, crumple it into an abstract shape that might look quite at home on a coral reef.”

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

This book was a grab-without-looking-and-go read. So glad I grabbed it now. It's beautifully written, and the mystery plot at its core is both curious, fantastical, and utterly tantalizing. To say nothing of the adorable romance as well, which was giving “waterlogged Jane Austen,“ an aesthetic I never knew I needed.
As a lover of the ocean, romance, epistolary novels, and well-crafted prose, this was a big win for me. Looking out for the sequel!

Oh I loved it! Just what I needed to feel good and remember female friendship.
I wish it had been longer :)