Beneath the Haunting Sea by Joanna Meyer

Beneath the Haunting Sea

by Joanna Meyer

Sixteen-year-old Talia was born to a life of certainty and luxury, destined to become Empress of half the world. But when an ambitious rival seizes power, she and her mother are banished to a nowhere province on the far edge of the Northern Sea.

On their terrifying journey, the sea seems to call to Talia in strange ways, and her mother - spiraling into madness - becomes obsessed with ancient myths that talk of the sea-goddess Rahn who rules the watery Hall of the Dead.

Joanna Meyer is a wonderful new voice in the YA fantasy genre. Her original, fresh story handles popular fantasy themes in surprising ways. Her lush, atmospheric prose masterfully brings to life her unique mythology and vividly imagined, culturally diverse world.

Reviewed by Veronica 🦦 on

4 of 5 stars

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A-/B+ | If there’s one book I can hold up as the PERFECT example of how to do mythology, this is that book. The mythology within this gothic book is stunning. And the worldbuilding? chef kiss. You guys know how much I adore excellent worldbuilding. This rich mythology and worldbuilding are wrapped up nicely with a super exciting (but not so well-paced) plot and characters you want to strangle and hug. Unfortunately, this doesn’t get a perfect grade because of it’s pacing and unnatural, forced romance. Nonetheless, the ending was satisfying and well worth the less cool parts.





Minor spoilers in regards to the romance are found the blog review.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 10 December, 2019: Finished reading
  • 10 December, 2019: Reviewed