"Fortune favors the brave."
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins | Balzer + Bray
Pages: 425 pages
Source & Format: Library; Hardcover
Series: Elemental Trilogy #2
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Summary from Goodreads
After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.
Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.
Thoughts on The Perilous Sea
What can I even say about The Perilous Sea? Well, I can start with what I wrote in my notebook when I finished it: "Loved, loved, LOVED!" While The Burning Sky was awesome, this was definitely a case where the second book was even better. However, I still can't understand why more people aren't raving about this series! IT IS SO GOOD.
The Perilous Sea continues the story of Iolanthe, the greatest elemental mage of her time, and Titus, the boy who has sworn to help her fulfill her destiny. They've spent all summer apart, and it's finally time for them to reunite at Eton College. A few things have changed since they last saw one another, but they're still united in their desire to take down the Bane. However, a shocking discovery forces them to question the idea of destiny versus choice. Their reaction could change everything - from their relationship to the fate of the Realm.
This book uses an unconventional structure, which I loved. Portions are set in the Sahara desert, and the rest is set seven months prior in England. Rather than starting in England and working its way forward, The Perilous Sea uses a non-linear narrative. It shifts between the two time periods, which provides so much intrigue to the story. For me, it ramped up the tension to another level. I wanted to know why they were in the desert, how they'd gotten there, what had changed between the two of them, etc. So, it was actually a lot of fun to get a little look at the future and then be sent back to the events that led up to it.
I love Titus and Iolanthe's relationship in The Burning Sky, but it just gets better in the second book. I was so glad that Thomas found a way to create conflict in their relationship - but in a way that felt so fresh and not annoying at all. I wish I could tell you how, but you'll have to read it to find out for yourself! But I cannot say enough great things about the way these two work together and challenge one another. I love that they're strong on their own, but each becomes more powerful when they partner together.
In keeping with that idea, I was glad to see them take more people into their confidence in this book. They've been a bit isolated from others by nature of the danger of their mission and the requirement for absolute secrecy. However, things start to shift in The Perilous Sea, and they have no choice but to put their faith in others. And I absolutely loved it! I think it made for a more compelling story, and I was excited to see some of the secondary characters take on a more prominent role in the book.
There were so many twists I didn't see coming! I was on the edge of my seat while reading, and I have no doubt the conclusion to this trilogy will be EPIC. I'm in love with this story, and I know that I'll be re-reading it in the future. While I still find the world a little confusing, I don't even care. It didn't dampen my love for the book, but I do look forward to finding out more in the conclusion.
From amazing characters to an action-packed plot, Thomas has written a book that has cemented this series as an all-time favorite for me. I cannot wait to see what happens next, even if I'm scared of what Thomas has in store! If you haven't picked up these books, IT'S TIME TO REMEDY THAT PROBLEM. If you have read them, can we just agree they're FANTASTIC? I'm freaking out just thinking about it!
So Quotable
"I never listen to you when I know enough to make up my own mind.”
I loved The Perilous Sea! Like, I'd loved The Burning Sky too, but The Perilous Sea was fantastic! It blew my mind how she managed to just bring everything to the next level - the characters, the story, the world. I'm seriously impressed, and very excited for The Immortal Heights!
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