I’m not sure exactly what I expected from The Starless Sea, maybe a pirate story, but the novel that unfolded was beautifully surprising. Books meet video games in the dark academia style world, with secret, magical underground societies and sweeping plots. It’s a truly magnificent read.

The characters are brilliant. We mostly follow Zachary, an anxious, queer, book and video game lover that I immediately connected with. His character is perhaps the most relatable character I’ve ever read. And let’s not talk about Dorian with his mysteriousiousness and his rugged charm.

I found the first half a little slow. I wasn’t desperate to read more but I wasn’t struggling to read either. But once I hit halfway, I physically struggled to put the book down! The crux of this story will suck you in and leave you desperate to find out more.

Only one part of the book truly frustrated me : the ending. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I found the ending so abrupt and sudden. You never want to leave this world or these characters and I would have loved to find out more.

This book is brilliant and I highly recommend giving it a go. Make sure you go in with an open mind and really expect the unexpected with this one. It’s lyrical and fantastical and will take you on an epic journey, if you choose to open the door.