Seventeen-year-old Emma doesn’t know who she is or where she came from. The not-exactly-legal merchant ship she was raised on is the only home she’s ever known, and she’s had enough of the captain’s lies. Her plans to break free from her three-masted prison are thrown off course by a deadly mutiny, and she finds herself on the run with a target on her back. A charming naval officer becomes her unlikely companion, and though they’re constantly running from danger, Emma is even more afraid of the feelings she’s developing for a man she’ll likely never see again—if she can ever make it home.
Maggie’s only friend in the world is the kitchen boy who works in her manor. When Maggie’s mother dies, she’s left to be raised by a controlling father whose only concern is marrying her off to the highest bidder. But when Maggie returns from finishing school, she finds that the kitchen boy isn’t a boy anymore, and he’s starting to feel like much more than just a childhood best friend. How can she choose a husband from the upper crust of society when her heart lies with the boy downstairs?
When Emma’s and Maggie’s fates collide, the secrets from the past begin to unravel. But when danger finds them, will they regret pulling the thread?
Emerald of The Sea is a fast-paced YA fantasy romance adventure story and the first book in the Alayan Series. The book has two interconnected storylines. Firstly, the book follows seventeen-year-old Emma, an adopted daughter of pirate Captain Marchand. She has no memory of where she came from and becomes increasingly suspicious of Captain Marchand and thrusts herself into an adventure where she meets Charlie, a handsome naval sailor. The second storyline follows Lady Marguerite (Maggie), granddaughter of the king, who develops a meaningful friendship with Hugo, the kitchen boy employed at her family’s estate. After returning home from finishing school, her father begins searching for prospects to marry her while Maggie’s relationship with Hugo grows beyond friendship.
The book is a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and humor. The story alternates between the POVs of Emma and Maggie, allowing readers to enjoy two very different stories—an action-packed high seas adventure and a friends-to-lovers forbidden romance. The romances in both storylines are closed-door and appropriate for young adults, but also swoony enough for adults. Emma and Charlie have a slow-burn relationship that’s full of witty banter and sarcasm, while the dialogue between Maggie and Hugo is more honest and sincere. Once Maggie returns home from finishing school, she is surprised to find Hugo has grown up, and her feelings for him grow—their budding romance has a real coming-of-age vibe to it. What’s most refreshing in this book is that there is no insta-love! Instead, the physical attractions between the characters develop through substantial interactions and gallant gestures.
The worldbuilding is unique and pretty expansive for a short fantasy book. Although there is no magic system in this story, it doesn’t feel absent as the book is fast-paced and includes several twists that keep readers engaged. For a short fantasy novel, there are an impressive number of twists. If you pay close attention early on, there are clues about how the two storylines will come together—and when they do, there are still some surprises waiting for you. The last few chapters are full of edge-of-your-seat suspense, followed by a cliffhanger ending that will have readers VERY eager to pick up book 2, White Rose Rising!
Narrator Tegan Bourke does a wonderful job voicing the story. Her contrasting portrayals of Emma and Maggie are compelling and full of emotion and drama. She narrates the many action scenes with a lot of suspense and intensity, keeping listeners engaged right up until the very end. She also provides a good range of character voices that are easy to discern, entertaining, and authentic-sounding.
Overall, Emerald Of The Sea is a captivating YA fantasy book with a bit of everything—swoony romance, high adventure, unexpected twists, and found family. It’s a great start to a series and a very impressive debut novel from Kimberly Pearl that has already received a lot of praise. With the release of the audiobook version, this book should garner even more attention. If you’re looking for your next fantasy/romantasy read, look no further than this one!
