Is Love Enough to End a War?
Book review of Oceansong by C. W. Rose
Published: August 27th, 2024 by Hey Hey Books
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fairytale/Mythology Retelling, Adult Contemporary Romantasy
Series: (book 1 of unknown)
Disclaimer: Thank you, C. W. Rose and Hey Hey Books for sending me this book. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and my own.
CW/TW: Blood, wound description, murder, war, gun violence, violence, sexual content, discrimination, abuse, discussion of sexual abuse/assault, sexism, drowning, death of a parent, torture (off page), imprisonment and non-consensual kiss (not main couple).
Returning Home
Angie returns home for college break to work at her father’s docks in their small fishing town in Alaska. Soon the fish start disappearing, people are going hungry and the dock workers investigate.
Angie discovers that the myths and folklore of mer-folk she was obsessed with as a kid is all true, and the mer-folk aren’t happy with how humans treat the creatures of the see. So they’ve kept the fish from them.
As tensions rise and starvation ensues, war between humans and the mer-folk is enevitable. But can an alliance between Angie and the mer-folk prince help restore peace before all is lost? Or will Angie have to choose between her family and the mer-folk prince she’s fallen for?
Magic Meets Reality
The unique magic and world building in Oceansong is based in Asian folklore. Readers will discover the world of the mer-folk with Angie.
As she explores this new world, she understands and, to a point, agrees with the mer-folk. Unfortunately, she, her friends and family also suffer from the actions of the mer-folk, which causes great conflict between Angie’s heart and head.
Oceansong discusses many important and relevant themes, such as real-life environmental issues, the unforgiving brutality of war, and the bigotry and ignorance that cause it. C.W. Rose doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of these subjects, and this translates to an emotionally heavy and heart-wrenching story.
An Honest War
Many aspects of war are explored throughout this story. The whole is vs them mentality, be bigotry and brutality, the endless cycle of revenge, and the downward spiral of those that are consumed and destroyed by power.
C.W. Rose has depicted an honest war that doesn’t discriminate between sides. The tragedy brings out the worst in everyone, people suffer and die. No one is safe.
The discussion of war takes up the majority of the plot so I just wanted to take a moment to remind you to check the trigger warnings. No book or story is worth your mental health and Oceansong does not hide from the horrible brutality of war.
Is Love Enough?
The romance between Angie and Kaden was lovely and allowed for Angie to discover, understand and respect the mer-folk. It definitely had the ‘Romeo and Juliet meets Asian little mermaid’ vibes that C.W. Rose was going for.
Although advertised as enemies to lovers, and slow burn, I would say that it was more of a medium-burn and slight enemies to lovers. Were they on opposite sides of a war? Yes. Did they attempt to kill each other? Yes. But at the same time they quickly established an alliance. I would classify it more as enemies-to-friends-to-lovers with a medium-burn.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this story. I loved the unique magic and the world-building. The war aspect was heavy and full of dense emotion.
Perfect for readers who enjoy more heavy and serious plots that relate back to the real world.
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