Comment

The Reader

Sea of Ink and Gold
Aug 10, 2017JCLChrisK rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
An intricately crafted book set in an elaborately crafted world. There is more at play here than readers can yet know, even after the end. There is still much to be discovered. That is the experience of the book's characters, as well. Protagonist Sefia, whose parents--and now aunt--were pursued and killed over an object she carries with her, knows none of the why behind her story. Isolated and alone, she determines to find out. Simultaneously pursued and pursuing, she gradually learns the item is a book. Hers is a world without the written word, except for this most valuable treasure revered by a secret society of "readers." It's a treasure they will do anything to recover. The Book is magical and Readers can do magic. As Sefia teaches herself things the society passes down--all while in the midst of a very bloody adventure--she begins to meet characters she's read about in the book and even discovers that she herself is in it. She doesn't know what that means, so she remains fixed on her goal of avenging those she's lost. Sefia's story is intertwined with those of others (swashbuckling pirates, for one) and she is accompanied by a peer she rescued from a life of enslaved pit fighting who has an unnatural knack for killing. She's a wilderness survivalist, a tracker, a lock-picking thief, and, it seems, a magical "reader." She learns and grows and changes as she goes. She has quite the tale.