Review: Waters of Salt and Sin

Waters of Salt and Sin by Alisha Klapheke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Waters of Salt and Sin is an exceptional novel set in a deep and complex fantasy world rich with traditional eastern culture elements. The protagonist, a low-born sailor named Kinneret, is locked within a caste system where those born into slavery may buy their way to higher standing with silver. Kinneret seeks little more than a safe and secure life for herself and her little sister and aims to use her sailing skills to earn enough silver to buy their way into a higher caste. Sailing is a dangerous and challenging trade, as those that die at sea are cursed to haunt the oceans as salt wraiths and prey on any living mortals brave (or foolish) enough to remain on the oceans during the night.

The story combines several genres. It is a coming-of-age story that combines action, adventure, romance, and low fantasy into a strong and compelling narrative. Kinneret is a strong heroine and leader, but her flaws, insecurities, and vulnerabilities make her a relatable and lovable character you'll find yourself drawn to. The other characters who support Kinneret, like Oron and Calev, are just as well written, though perhaps not quite as deep and intricately detailed as Kinneret. Overall, the dialog is snappy, the pacing makes the book hard to put down, and the plot is expertly spun from a series of smaller story arcs that keep the reader interested. The book is also part of a series but thankfully does not end on a cliff hanger, making it an excellent introduction to this exciting and well-developed world.

At the beginning of the book, the reader is immediately immersed in the unfamiliar culture and society of Jakobden, which can be a bit jarring and confusing, but as the story progresses, more and more of the fascinating setting is described. I mention this to encourage readers not to be discouraged if they can't immediately sort out everything going at the start -- it'll all come together soon. I cannot find many flaws with Waters of Salt and Sin, which makes it an exceptional example of the growing number of successful indie, self-published authors.

Though it's identified in the teen and young adult category, the book delves into a few dark places as it skirts topics such as slavery, rape, and torture. Nothing explicit is gratuitous or described in detail. Still, those sensitive to such things could be bothered by the iniquitous treatment of slaves and other low born in a caste society.

The audiobook version of Waters of Salt and Sin is narrated by the talented Heather Costa, whose natural voice is perfect for any feisty heroine. The complex characters really allow Costa to demonstrate her ability to create unique voices that capture each character's personality. Overall, she's an excellent narrator, and this book was a perfect fit for her talent.

I received this audiobook for free and am providing an honest review.

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