The god in the river speaks to us in the language of small things.') When the tide flows up from the sea, we know enough to watch. When the reeds along the banks whisper that a squall is rushing across the marshland, we listen. Some folks will tell you that's just a story. ('There is a god at the bottom of the river.

The writing itself is strong for a debut, and occasionally lovely in its unique syntax. There's plenty of action and adventure to keep the plot moving and the pace quick, but it can feel a bit repetitive. Tarquin's role and reveal is pretty predictable from the blunt storytelling and his own foolishness, though he does become a more nuanced person as the novel continues. Other characters besides Caro can be a bit frustrating as they come into play during Song of the Current. She's also fiery and feisty, a bit quick to take offense and to get angry. Still, Caro is her own person and a fully capable young woman she's worked her whole life on the river and that expertise comes in handy. In a world of gods and monsters, pirates and frogmen, coup d'etats and magic, it's a tall order for a rivergirl on her lonesome. Very much in the tradition of travel fantasy, Song of the Current's Caro spends the novel journeying all over her world, in search of herself and a way to fulfill a bargain to save her dad. Obviously the launch of a new young adult series, this fantasy might take a few chapters or so to gain steam but ends up being a fun, clever ride before long. Wanted and the one she never could have imagined for herself.ĭebut author Sarah Tolcser comes an immersive and romantic fantasy setĪlong the waterways of a magical world with a headstrong heroineĪn adventurous story set in a newly-imagined world dominated by rivers, Song of the Current is a strong debut for Sarah Tolcser.

With so much at stake, Caro must choose between the life she always Web of politics and lies, with dangerous pirates after the cargo-anĪrrogant courier with a secret-and without the river god to help her. By agreeing toĭeliver it in exchange for his release, Caro finds herself caught in a Her name yet-and if he hasn’t by now, there’s a chance he never will.ĭecides to take her future into her own hands when her father isĪrrested for refusing to transport a mysterious crate. At seventeen, Caro has spent years listening The river god, who has guided their wherries on countless voyages For generations, her family has been called by

Whisper of the Tide by Sarah Tolcser