Nazafareen lives for revenge, hunting demons with her bonded demon at her side. Coming from a small clan, she fights for the kings Water Dogs. She fights to get revenge for her sister. She fights to get revenge for herself. Through it all, while her values and alliances may have to be questioned, Nazafareen knows that trust can be the matter of life or death.
💭Thoughts💭
Overall, this was a fantasy that felt like it was rooted in a historical fiction world. Sometimes that felt really fun and relatable, and other times it left me looking up words and not finding any definition.
This is a start of a trilogy and was a little hard to get into. Nazafareen is a one track mind kind of character and the beginning was kind of slow. At one point I DNF’d this book because it just wasn’t hitting how I wanted it to; however, I picked it up and tried again and I finally got into the book. If you’re into books that have a few time skips and really is about a girl just out there fighting anything that wrongs her, then this might be a good book for you.
What really brought me back was that the main character wasn’t a Mary Sue. She had flaws, she challenged her values, she didn’t just know everything about the world. In this way, the character felt more real and it was part of what made me come back.
... Read moreAs a huge fan of historical fantasy, I'm always on the lookout for stories that blend ancient settings with powerful magic. There's something truly captivating about a sorceress navigating a world rooted in history, where her powers feel both ancient and incredibly potent. When I see phrases like 'sorceress taught spell historical fantasy,' my interest is immediately piqued. It promises a journey of discovery, of hidden lore, and of a protagonist who wields significant, often hard-earned, abilities.
Often, the most compelling magic users aren't born all-powerful. They are 'taught' their spells, whether through rigorous training, ancient texts, or even through trial-and-error in desperate situations. This learning curve, this development of skills, is what makes characters relatable. It's not just about flashy magic; it's about the grit and determination it takes to master those abilities. Even if a character isn't explicitly labeled a 'sorceress' or 'spellcaster,' the essence of mastering power to fight forces like demons, as seen in many YA fantasies, perfectly embodies this spirit.
Which brings me to 'The Midnight Sea' by Kat Ross. While the review highlights Nazafareen's quest for revenge and her bond with a demon – a truly unique spin – her entire existence revolves around battling formidable foes. This isn't a passive character; she's actively fighting, which implies a certain mastery, a learned skill set, even if it's not traditional 'spells' as we might imagine. The description of her fighting demons and questioning loyalty, all within a 'YA fantasy' setting, paints a picture of a protagonist who, like a powerful sorceress, must constantly adapt and hone her abilities. The imagery of a 'golden winged creature' on the cover even hints at ancient, magical elements at play.
What truly elevates a good fantasy is its grounding. The 'historical fantasy' aspect mentioned in the review, where the world feels deeply rooted, adds layers of realism to the magic. It means the consequences feel heavier, the stakes higher. A sorceress in such a world isn't just waving a wand; her actions are tied to the historical and cultural fabric around her. This is why the reviewer's comment about it feeling 'rooted in a historical fiction world' resonated with me – it promises a richer, more believable experience.
If you're like me and those 'sorceress taught spell historical fantasy' queries are exactly what you're looking for, then 'The Midnight Sea' deserves a closer look. It offers a strong, flawed protagonist who fights fiercely for what she believes in, even as she questions her own values. It's a journey of growth, revenge, and the hard-won practicalities of fighting powerful entities. The fact that the main character isn't a 'Mary Sue' – a point the original review makes beautifully – means her eventual triumphs, and perhaps her mastery of her own unique 'spells' or abilities, feel genuinely earned. This book provides a fresh take on the classic magical hero's journey within a compelling, historically-infused world. It’s definitely one to pick up if you crave a gritty, magical adventure.
Great review!