Sweet Black Waves by Kristina PérezMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group and Imprint for the advance reader copy Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Perez in exchange for an honest review. Oh did I revel in the fantasy and magic of this world of kingdoms, kings, queens, lords, and ladies. Based on the star-crossed lovers tale of Tristan and Eseult, Branwen is the cousin, friend and hand-maid of Princess Essy and narrator of this first in a series. I can’t wait for the 2nd book in the series but found the characters of Branwen and Essy difficult to take many times. Essy is a spoiled princess but also very honest that she wants to marry for love (which the king and queen can’t possibly allow) during a time when warring countries need a marriage guranteeing peace. Branwen is Essy’s level-headed cousin who is so consumed with what her country wants that she pushes down her own desires, hides her many lies from those she loves, and sees the course of history being changed (due to something she did). Branwen finds Tristan, half-dead in the sea and rescues him and as she falls for him, she realizes he is their enemy from Kernyv ( killed her parents) but an more importantly an accord between Iveriu and Kernyv will bring peace between their countries. The only true, strong, capable character is Tristan, who remains a force, genuine in his love for Branwen and his power to win Essy’s hand for King Marc, his relative. It is once Branwen uses magic to save Tristan that changes her to an ice queen like the Queen (which was disconcerting and alarming). Any happiness Branwen wants is second to what her country needs. Debut author, Perez is a fantastic world builder with beauty, desire, and danger galore. The ending was devastating, but I will be clamoring for the 2nd in the series!
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