I think many people who found themselves picking up this book are like me. And what I mean by that is someone who had a big Camelot/King Arthur/Merlin period where they picked up every adaptation, retelling, fanfiction, etc. they could get their hands on. In fact, it's something we share in common with the author, according to the author's note at the beginning of the book.

In that author's note, Kate Schumacher speaks a lot of truth.

"Within this series, you will find Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere. You will find Merlin and the Lady of the Lake and Mordred. You will find Morgaine Le Fey. You will find the quest for the Grail, the Knights of the Round Table, and Camelot. But you may not recognise them at first glance."

Indeed. This is unmistakably a Camelot reimagining. But it's been turned on it's head in such a way that it is both recognizable and surprising. The way these characters develop, come together, interact with each other, etc. is all very fascinating to watch. And I'm so curious to see how the story develops throughout the series, as I'm sure we're in for more than a few surprises.

And this isn't easily won praise either. The beginning of this book legitimately made me rather sick to my stomach. The legends of King Arthur and Camelot have always had a heavy prevalence of Christianity and oppression. It is something that makes absolute sense for the time period and context of the tale. But it is something that I found myself forgetting about, as many retellings tend to water it down. "The Call of the Sea" does no such thing. The fantasy rebrand of Christianity was very real, very present, and very cruel. I found myself thinking that Jen is far more patient and resilient than me. And that the author is very brave to write in such a transparent and condemning way on this topic. And I am craving for that final battle in the upcoming books.

But despite it all, I kept reading. I found myself absolutely NEEDING to know what happens next. I loved connecting the dots to the original legends, myths, and tales. I loved the way the author did away with that dreaded love triangle. I love the way we get queer rep, fantasy, and a focus on character discovery and development. These aspects thrilled me throughout the read, and even after as I found myself just having to gush about this read to someone.

You can bet that the sequel will be getting pre-ordered as soon as it becomes available. 

Quotes:

“That morning, ten-year-old Arthur knew for certain the One God was not the God of beauty and strength, for what beauty was there in bloodshed and pain, and what true strength was there in a hand that flexed with violent darkness?”

“‘There are many different types of suffering. You know that already. Do not measure your own pain against that of others.’”