Title:These Rebel Waves (Stream Raiders, #1)
Author: Sara Raasch
Rating: ★★★★
Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.
Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.
Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.
As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.
These Rebel Waves: ★★★★
A politican, a spy, and a pirate walk into a bar…nah, more like try to save the world!
“Everyone, remain calm,” she announced. “I’m about to blow some shit up.” “Nay!” Vex shouted from the pilothouse. “We’ve a kid here now, all right?” “Sorry. I’m about to chaotically rearrange some shit up.” “That wasn’t the problem—” Vex started to say at the same moment Lu cried, “Don’t—”
First of all, look at that cover! Not only that, but I have the FairyLoot edition and I’m in love with the green sprayed edges. So beautiful!
So, pretty much everyone I follow on Goodreads gave this novel a lower rating, besides for one. I really enjoyed this novel! And for the first time ever, I think I fell in love with the world. I want to visit Cansu and the secret spot. I want to hop aboard the Meander.
I believe this idea is unique. Very rarely do we read stories based upon the effects of botanical magic. We have the Argridians who pray to a Pious God and want to cleanse everyone else of the “evil” these magical plants possess. This is a different kind of “evil” from what I’ve seen in most novels because it is not inherently human.
Not only that, but there are so many reasons that war is looming. We see the difficulties of immigration, prejudice, and other political issues known to us in our very own world.
“My sister used to say you could tell a person’s character by what they considered their weaknesses, rather than their strengths.”
For once, there wasn’t one character who irritated me beyond measure. The closest one would have to be Jakes. I love Adeluna (Lu)! And who wouldn’t fall in love with Vex?! But even more than that, Raasch created some amazing supporting characters. I want friends like Vex, Edda, and Nayali (and I think, am lucky to have them!).
Adeluna “Lu”: Growing up as a spy for her father as a child, Lu tries to forget the harm she caused others while being an assassin. Bent on using magic to overthrow Argrid, she doesn’t realize the extent the Council (her parents are part of) is truly “helping” others. What I love about love is how genuine of a person she is. She would do anything for the people she cares about. But there is a secret even Lu can’t unfold.
Devereux “Vex”: Pirate, thief, scoundrel. Vex is a black market trader of magic plants forbidden on the island. People believe Vex is behind the abduction of a political scandal, making all who use the magical plants as a means to life a target. Hired by Lu to find the Argridian, this wittier Jack Sparrow is my favorite character. His loyalty, devotion, and selflessness to those he loves easily overpowers his flaws.
Benat “Ben”: his father is the king of Argrid. Unbeknownst to others, he works with the same magic his father is strictly against. But when his father asks him to pursue his dreams and work with these magical plants, will it be for the betterment of his country, or for Argrid’s gain?
“You forgive yourself for what you’ve done,” Edda told her. “You admit mistakes. You learn from them. And you improve.”
I expect to hear more from Ben’s perspective in the sequel, I hope love blooms between Lu and Vex, and we hear more from Nayali and Edda!
That ending, though! I’m excited to see what will become of that!
