song of the current

z

By Sarah Tolcser

Bloomsbury 2017

Song of the Current

“There is a god at the bottom of the river.
Some folks will tell you that's just a story. But us wherry folk know different."

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.

 

Reviews

“Caro’s description of her boat home, the Cormorant, will make even readers unfamiliar with sailing feel as though they belong on the water with her. Tolcser blends the right amount of epic fantasy, sea voyage, and romance for a rollicking, swashbuckling adventure. – Kirkus (starred review)

“Ultimately this story is one of self-discovery. Caro must balance what she thinks she wants with who she actually is. This enticingly written tale will take readers on an adventure and leave them craving more. – School Library Journal (starred review) 

“First-time author Tolcser has created a hearty sea adventure, laced with romance and fantasy.” – Booklist

“A fantastical tale of survival and finding one’s place in the world . . . perfect for fans of swashbuckling pirate tales and works by Victoria Aveyard and Leigh Bardugo.” – VOYA

“Kristin Cashore’s heroines find a worthy sister in Caro; readers will eagerly await her further adventures in the hinted-at sequel.” – BCCB

“Adventurous and dangerous! Fate and fires, pirates and shadowmen, Song of the Current will carry you into a treacherous and fantastic world, which you will not want to leave.” —Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval

 

* Junior Library Guild Selection

* Cybils Award Finalist in Young Adult Speculative Fiction

* Kirkus Best Teen Fantasy of 2017

 

Whisper of the Tide

“The sea had taken everything from me. And I was going to get it back."

Caro Oresteia spent her life waiting to be called by the river god, as those in her family had been for generations. But when she’s swept away on an adventure to save the Akhaian royal prince, Markos, her destiny is sealed by the sea god instead.

For now, Caro is landlocked, helping Markos reclaim his throne after nearly his entire family was assassinated in a political coup. Without any financial or military support, Markos is desperate for allies, and Caro has fought off more than one attempt on his life. When a powerful Archon offers his army in exchange for Markos’s marriage to his daughter, Caro must choose: Her love for Markos, or the fate of Akhaia? And more importantly: How much is she willing to risk to defy the sea god’s wishes and chart her own course?

With shipwrecks, lost treasure, old and new enemies, dark magic, and breathtaking romance, Sarah Tolcser weaves another epic story about chasing your fate.

Reviews

“Caro’s adventures and struggles to change her fate will leave readers on the edges of their seats. . . . A thrilling sequel.” – Kirkus

“Shipwrecks, sea chases, political intrigue, assassins, and treasure hunts are all part of the mix in this deftly paced sequel to Song of the Current. Focused on adventure, this has just enough romance to appeal to a wide range of tastes.” – Booklist

“Featuring a diverse cast, this is a tale of figuring out what it means to have a destiny and what it means to follow your heart. VERDICT: Fans of the first book are sure to enjoy the continuation of Caro’s adventures.” – School Library Journal