Song of the Current by Sarah Tolscer

Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. For generations, her family has been called by the river god, who has guided their wherries on countless voyages throughout the Riverlands. At seventeen, Caro has spent years listening to the water, ready to meet her fate. But the river god hasn’t spoken her name yet—and if he hasn’t by now, there’s a chance he never will.

Caro decides to take her future into her own hands when her father is arrested for refusing to transport a mysterious crate. By agreeing to deliver it in exchange for his release, Caro finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies, with dangerous pirates after the cargo—an arrogant courier with a secret—and without the river god to help her. With so much at stake, Caro must choose between the life she always wanted and the one she never could have imagined for herself.

From debut author Sarah Tolcser comes an immersive and romantic fantasy set along the waterways of a magical world with a headstrong heroine determined to make her mark. (Goodreads)


THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE IS THE SWASHBUCKLING ADVENTURE STORY FILLED WITH PIRATES, MYSTERIOUS GODS AND BADASS FEMALES YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR. 

I don't even think I need to say any more really. That should totally be enough to have you rushing to buy this book. 

I've never read a book about living on wherries on a river, so reading this book was a complete new experience for me. For something I've never read about before, Tolcser  immediately managed to draw me in and make me feel comfortable in the world. I was constantly intrigued and wanting to know more. Tolcser sets up an extensive and layered setting for her story but at no point did I ever feel overwhelmed with world building information. Having a map definitely aided in imagining the journey. But also maps are just awesome. 

Without giving any details away, the plot kept my attention the whole time. The pacing was good, things aren't rushed and don't drag, it's brilliantly balances in the middle.

Caro is such an AWESOME protgonist. From the beginning, she commands the page. I cheered her on the whole way. She's intelligent, brave and loyal and I've totally fallen in love with her. 
She's also fiercely protective of her ship, so I wouldn't insult it. 

The 'arrogant courier with a secret' makes for some amazing banter between Caro and him...and maybe some chemistry. While he be extremely arrogant, you can't help but like him. He's also a helpful way for the reader to understand a bit more about boating. I know almost nothing about boats, so some of the lingo was lost on me, but having a character who knows less than me helped to connect with the book more. 

Song of the Current is a wonderfully strong first novel from Sarah Tolcser. I'm excited to see what comes next!

4 stars!

Thank you Bloomsbury for sending me an advance copy to review!