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Drowned

(Drowned #1)

Cyn Balog,

Nichola Reilly

3.61 · Rating details · 677 ratings · 170 reviews

Coe is one of the few remaining teenagers on the island of Tides. Deformed and weak, she is constantly reminded that in a world where dry land dwindles at every high tide, she is not welcome. The only bright spot in her harsh and difficult life is the strong, capable Tiam—but love has long ago been forgotten by her society. The only priority is survival.

Until the day their ...more

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Hardcover, 304 pages

Published June 24th 2014 by Harlequin Teen

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May 12, 2014 Tara Goodyear rated it it was amazing

Robert Frost once debated whether the world will end in fire or ice. Well, for Nichola Reilly, the world will end in water. Drowned is Ms. Reilly's first post-apocalyptic young adult fantasy filled with a bleak, damp future for Corvina Kettlefish, or Coe as she is called, and the rest of the dwellers on the island of Tides. Sea monsters and human nature set out to destroy Coe and those she loves, but Coe is resourceful and much more important than she knows.

Each day, the shrinking population of Robert Frost once debated whether the world will end in fire or ice. Well, for Nichola Reilly, the world will end in water. Drowned is Ms. Reilly's first post-apocalyptic young adult fantasy filled with a bleak, damp future for Corvina Kettlefish, or Coe as she is called, and the rest of the dwellers on the island of Tides. Sea monsters and human nature set out to destroy Coe and those she loves, but Coe is resourceful and much more important than she knows.

Each day, the shrinking population of Tides gathers on a platform when high tide rolls in. It is their only dry place on the island that is high enough to keep them safe from the raging ocean. At least for now. They have an assigned spot on the platform based upon their job - and essentially their importance - on the island. Children are allowed to remain in the center of the platform until they reach their 16th Hard Season, and then they are cast into outer spots as their duties dictate. The outer realms of the platform are the most dangerous, not just because of the rising water and strong under currents, but also because of snake-like, spear-nosed creatures called Scribblers.

Coe only has one good arm after a childhood Scribbler attack, and she is faced with a terrifying reality - adulthood is fast approaching and she will lose her central spot in formation. She is disabled, weak and barely able to perform her daily duties as the Craphouse Keeper. The only bright light in Coe's life is Tiam. Tiam is a handsome, strong and very capable member of Tides and will no doubt be given a position of importance when he reaches adulthood. Coe longs to be someone worthy of Tiam, someone like the beautiful Princess Star, but love and longing are wasted emotions in a world where survival is everything.

As Coe continues to struggle with her reality, she learns that the king of Tides is sick. He has no male heir and it is only a few tides before the entire island is seething with civil unrest. Coe must find a way to keep the peace just as her father did before her, or else everything and everyone she loves will be lost. When the world ends in water, is escape even possible?

This book is like nothing I've ever read. I'm not normally a big fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, but throw in some fantasy and you've got my attention. Nichola Reilly hits the ground running with a relatable and resourceful heroine right from the start. Coe doesn't need to be saved, although I don't think she'd mind it every once in a while. She's learned after many tides of having only one arm that she's got to save herself. Yes she gets scared, and yes she has teenage angst and somewhat naively girlish daydreams, but she is real. There is something magical in Coe's spirit and it makes it easy to root for her.

I don't know if the world will end in fire, ice or water, but Nichola Reilly makes me want to take a few survival skills classes just in case. One passage from Drowned continues to stick with me even though it's been a few days since I finished the book; and I think it not only paints a haunting picture of the world of the book, but also a world we could be headed for.

"... we created this. We went on to learn things that were 'more important', but we forgot the most important things of all. We called it progress, but maybe while we were busy building machines that could make it so much easier to access information like the average daily diet of the Northern Cuckoo, we were also building our own coffins."

This book is not only an amazing read (I struggled with the fact that my life kept interrupting my reading!), it is also an incredible piece of literature. The setting is so vivid that it is easy to immerse yourself in the world of the book. The characters are complex, hovering between childhood and adulthood with wide eyes and trepidation we all felt growing up. The plotting is tight and Coe's voice is clear as she leads us on her difficult journey. My only criticism is that I now have to wait for the second book in the series!

There are so many conversations I could have about this book. It is truly one of the most original and unique stories I have read in a long time. I strongly recommend it and hope you will find a place for it at the top of your summer reading list as soon as possible!
...more

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Aug 27, 2014 hayden added it

I will not be rating this book, because I don't think it's fair to rate books I haven't completely finished.

Drowned, by Nichola Reilly, is the first book in a while that I have not finished, and below, I will tell you why.

It's hard to get into a book, to sit back and let it envelop you, when you can't deal with the main character. At all. Because let me tell you: Coe has a major Mary Sue Complex.

"Can she be talking about me? It's hard to believe that someone so ethereal and special ever thinks a

...more

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Mar 24, 2014 Brooke (The Cover Contessa) rated it liked it

Shelves: dystopian

I was sent this book early by the author to read and give an honest review. Receiving the book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

Blurb from Goodreads:
Coe is one of the few remaining teenagers on the island of Tides. Deformed and weak, she is constantly reminded that in a world where dry land dwindles at every high tide, she is not welcome. The only bright spot in her harsh and difficult life is the strong, capable Tiam—but love has long ago been forgotten by her society. The on I was sent this book early by the author to read and give an honest review. Receiving the book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

Blurb from Goodreads:
Coe is one of the few remaining teenagers on the island of Tides. Deformed and weak, she is constantly reminded that in a world where dry land dwindles at every high tide, she is not welcome. The only bright spot in her harsh and difficult life is the strong, capable Tiam—but love has long ago been forgotten by her society. The only priority is survival.
Until the day their King falls ill, leaving no male heir to take his place. Unrest grows, and for reasons Coe cannot comprehend, she is invited into the privileged circle of royal aides. She soon learns that the dying royal is keeping a secret that will change their world forever.
Is there an escape from the horrific nightmare that their island home has become? Coe must race to find the answers and save the people she cares about, before their world and everything they know is lost to the waters.

I was drawn to this book as soon as I saw the cover. I had no idea what it was about, but I knew I would have to read it just based on that. It's quite breathtaking and really captures the mood of the story once you read and understand the elements that are presented.

I'm a big fan of dystopia. I love how authors can shape their worlds from what they know and make it into something totally different and unique. Reilly certainly does this with her world. Who would have though of a world that is almost always covered by water with a population that is constantly trying to avoid it to stay alive? It's a unique idea that will definitely drew me in.

Coe is the MC of the story. When I first started reading, I couldn't quite make out how old she was. I knew this was a YA book, but age ranges tend to be broad with this genre depending on the maturity level of the character. Turns out she was much older than I originally thought. I expected her to be more mature for her age, but she didn't come across that way to me. Overall I liked her character. She has many great qualities: she's kind, caring, and above all loyal. All qualities that are important in a story such as this. She did possess some of the teen angst we tend to see in YA. It did not put me off, which was a plus because sometimes such angst makes me want to cringe. I think it was just the right amount. And I loved that Reilly made the character a bit self-loathing. It went along with the total devastation of the world in which she was living. I also loved the touch of the disability (which I won't disclose as it's better if you read it for yourself). Coe has had to adjust so she can stay 'afloat' in her world. It made the character much more real for me.

I liked Tiam's character but in all honesty can not picture him in my head. I would have liked a bit more description of how he looked. I do like how protective he is over Coe. You get the feeling that he would put himself on the line for her life no matter what. Partly because her father asked him too and partly because that's just the kind of guy he is. I did get the feeling that he was a bit taken with himself, thinking he was better than others (though I don't know if this what the author intended). Coe tells us he's handsome and strong, and that everyone likes him. But when it comes down to it, it seems he's not as loved as she had once thought.

The secondary characters certainly were also very interesting. The princess with her tower and her fancy clothing. The King who rules over all the people is questionable. And those who were asked by Coe's father to watch over her turn out to be more enemy than friend. It makes for a great mix of personalities and interesting interactions with the characters.

I really enjoyed Nichola's writing. It's easy to read and flows nicely. She has a good way with description for the most part, although I do think her descriptions of some of her characters could have been better. But I can picture the world in my head, surrounded by water that continuously rises and recedes with the tide. The world building is interesting. I will say that I would love a bit more background, although I understand that it is part of the mystery the author is trying to build. I can totally picture a world taken over by water because of climate change. It addresses something key in our current society, which makes it more realistic, as if it could happen tomorrow so we need to be prepared.

The book was certainly a page turner for me (as noted by the fact that I finished it in three days with all those interruptions of life). I didn't find myself bored. I will say that Rielly addressed certain things more than once and it made me feel like I was going in circles at times. As if the main character just could not break out of her rut to get to the nitty gritty of what she needed to learn. I like to have an idea of what's really going on in a book by about half way through, but that didn't happen for me until about three quarters of the way through and then I felt like the ending was a bit rushed because of it. I was also taken aback by the fantastical element that is introduced. While I kind of had a feeling something like it might happen, when it did, it really wasn't addressed well in my opinion. I feel like it should have been more of a big deal, and that emotion did not come across to me (from either the main character or the secondary ones who knew/found out). I like that it was included, I just wish there was more information and character realization centered on it when it did.

Overall the story is filled with action, emotion, romance, and fear. I am definitely intrigued to see where Rielly takes the next book, especially with how this one ended. I think readers of Kagawa and Meadows will like this post-apocolyptic fantastical world. ...more

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Mar 30, 2014 Michelle Rebar rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 6-stars-simply-the-best

Drowned is a gorgeous, post-apocalyptic fantasy that has it all. There is adventure, mystery, romance, danger, action and a touch of fantasy. Readers will be pulled under by, and blissfully drown in, this harrowing tale of the rising tides and the possible end of the world. The writing is so vivid and fluid that at times I forgot I was reading and I became a part of the story. The beautiful, descriptive details made it feel so real, a perfect moving picture was painted in my mind. Drowned is equ Drowned is a gorgeous, post-apocalyptic fantasy that has it all. There is adventure, mystery, romance, danger, action and a touch of fantasy. Readers will be pulled under by, and blissfully drown in, this harrowing tale of the rising tides and the possible end of the world. The writing is so vivid and fluid that at times I forgot I was reading and I became a part of the story. The beautiful, descriptive details made it feel so real, a perfect moving picture was painted in my mind. Drowned is equally enchanting and terrifying and I dreamt about it while I was reading it as well as for several days afterwards. I couldn't get it out of my head. I loved this exciting, hard-to-put-down, action-packed, thought-provoking, romantic adventure and I'm already pining away the days until I can read the next book.

Far, far in the future, the world has been almost completely covered by water. There is very little dry land remaining, and as far as the people of the island of Tides know, they are all that is left. Their numbers and their island are both dwindling, and they all know that the end is near. They live their lives at the mercy of the waves. Every high tide they must climb to a platform and wait and watch as their island disappears into the sea. Balancing on the platform is always a frightening ordeal as the waves crash around them, occasionally swallowing up those at the edges. It's only a matter of time before they are all taken to a watery grave. Coe is one of the last teens left on the island, and for the moment she is relatively safe. She had been given a spot to stand in the center of the platform because of her age, but she knows that soon she will be an adult and since she is weak and has a physical deformity, she will soon be cast out to the edges. One fateful day, her life changes. She is asked to work in the castle for the princess of the island and her status is now above those who had been bullying her. Once in the castle, she discovers that the king is dying and her best friend, Tiam, who she's been in love with all her life has been offered the crown. Unfortunately, life can't go on as it has been. The people of Tides are beginning to revolt, the water is rising, horrifying sea creatures are killing people and Coe has discovered shocking secrets that will change everything...as long as she can survive. Coe, Tiam and their other allies must fight for their lives as they try to escape from the only place they've ever known. It's either that, or they wait to drown. ...more

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Jan 27, 2017 rachel ☾ rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult-lit, zzzz, rep-dis-nd-ci-mi

DNF 38%

After the mess that was Sleepless, I decided to give Balog a second chance. It did not go very well.

There was something about the writing style that did not click with me; same with the characters. Our protagonist, Coe, was so blah. While I do not think every character has to be strong or badass, I do think that if you write a meek character, you just have to give them more personality than mere meekness. Balog obviously disagrees. I also disliked that way that Coe was bullied for her ap ...more

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May 29, 2014 Lauredhel rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, netgalley, disability, dystopia, postapocalyptic

Drowned is set in a surreal postapocalyptic world, in the end days before the floods completely cover the planet. At first I thought this was a fantasy book - and it's categorised as Fantasy on Goodreads - but slowly I came to realise that it is actually probably maybe cli-fi science fiction, set on Earth, with some magicalish biological elements, but not necessarily fantasy as such. Or something. It's a fun thing to puzzle out, so I'm looking forward to the next book!

Several hundred humans rema Drowned is set in a surreal postapocalyptic world, in the end days before the floods completely cover the planet. At first I thought this was a fantasy book - and it's categorised as Fantasy on Goodreads - but slowly I came to realise that it is actually probably maybe cli-fi science fiction, set on Earth, with some magicalish biological elements, but not necessarily fantasy as such. Or something. It's a fun thing to puzzle out, so I'm looking forward to the next book!

Several hundred humans remain in the known world, dubbed "Tides". A wooden platform is the only refuge for (most of) the people at high tide. The society is heavily socially stratified, with every individual having their own set place in the spiral formation on the platform. Those considered the most expendable in the society are on the outside; children are in the centre, the safest spot. The outer echelons of the spiral are frequently washed off by waves or eaten by scribblers, which are terrifying carnivorous eel/sandworm critters. The scribblers shriek, not hiss, but I'm still getting a Priness Bride vibe!

At low tide, the people come down to the island to scavenge and fish. The world remains dangerous at low tide, however - the danger being not just from scribblers, but from other humans. This is a society in a death spiral (hrm, sorry) of despair, as the waters ever so slowly rise higher, and the platform becomes more rickety, with not enough salvage to fix it properly. There is a desultory programme of sending people off in boats on an "Explore" to find other survivors, but no-one really expects them to return.

Our main character, Coe Kettlefish, is a teenage girl who lost a hand to scribbler attack when she was a small child. Coe is alone, her father being one chosen for an Explore in the past. Other people call her "Scribbler Bait", because they consider that her disability makes her useless to their society, destined for the outer spiral and certain doom. For now, however, being below the age limit, she stands near the middle of the high-tide formation. Coe admires Tiam, the gorgeous, kind boy who stands next to her in the spiral, but she never really expects him to admire her back, especially since she always smells like poo. You can probably figure out the rest there.

However!

There is one other dry area at high tide, apart from the decaying wooden platform. It is the very top of the castle tower, when the royal family live. Royal family, you say? Huh? Me too! But there they are, the dying king and Princess Star, lording it over everyone in their cushy castle. What is the secret of the royal family? How are they living so well? What lies past the horizons? What lies within the castle? And why isn't "Scribbler Bait" dead yet?

I weirdly loved this book, though I didn't expect to at first. The initial vagueness of the description of Tides ended up being a positive, not a negative: the gradual unfolding of the world held my attention, with new mysteries introduced along the way. Coe's courage and curiosity buoys up a narrative that could be a bit bleak otherwise, and the way she deals with and feels about her impairment feels realistic. Best of all, this book doesn't feel like every other YA dystopian/postapocalyptic book out there. The reveals near the end sank their hooks into me, leaving me looking forward to more. And since I can't say any more about those reveals... Go read!

...more

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Oct 02, 2015 Tonyalee rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015-read, young-adult, creeeeeeeepy, audio

See this review and more on my blog, Lilybloombooks

4.5 stars
I have said it a thousand times, and I will probably say it a thousand times more; but I love stumbling on books that I have heard next to nothing about and end up loving.

Drowned is nothing like anything I have read before. Sure, it's a dystopian. But the world, the characters and the horror of it all mashed together makes it an awesome read.

This world is depressing. It's a small Island, in which the residents have to stand on a platfor See this review and more on my blog, Lilybloombooks

4.5 stars
I have said it a thousand times, and I will probably say it a thousand times more; but I love stumbling on books that I have heard next to nothing about and end up loving.

Drowned is nothing like anything I have read before. Sure, it's a dystopian. But the world, the characters and the horror of it all mashed together makes it an awesome read.

This world is depressing. It's a small Island, in which the residents have to stand on a platform during high tide so they are not swept away. There's hardly any water (ironic as that sounds), the only food is fish and the seas are laden with sea creatures that made me shiver. It took a little time for the details to come on how the world became the way it was, but it was worth the wait.

Coe made this book for me. There are parts of her personality that are so innocent and naive that made my heart ache but, she is strong, smart and has a heart that rivals her Island is size. There are many things that she does to help and protect the few she loves and even when it came to her interactions with the princess, she proved time and again that for such a small girl she is BIG. Even when things are at their worst, she never lost her faith or hope that things could and would get better.

The other characters, such as the princess Star, Tiam and Finn add another deep layer to the book. Tiam was hard to read at first, because it didn't seem like his intentions were clear. But as the story progressed, it was so obvious and my heart swelled. Star, is such an oblivious, naive snob that tried my patience. This was the perfect example of how great a person Coe was, because had it been me in her shoes, I would have knocked her off her high horse and on her pretty ass more times than I could count. Finn, as with Tiam, was hard to read. And that's all I am going to say about him.

The Narrator
This is my first audio narrated by Amanda Dolan but I will be looking for more books narrated by her. I loved her voice as Coe! I have great luck lately with narrators and she is definitively one of my new favs!

There were some big plot twists that came out towards the end - one I kind of saw coming but the other one really rocked my world. The ending too, left on a major cliffhanger and a heartbreaking one at that. It's the best kind though, the ones that make you ache and long for the next book! I highly recommend it!
...more

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Jun 12, 2014 Jess rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-approved, own-kindle-copy

*I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Harlequin TEEN and NetGalley*

In a future Earth that is now mostly covered in water, Coe lives on an island called Tides which is slowly being taken over by the ocean. The other inhabitants shun Coe who lost a hand from a scribbler attack.
Her life changes when the King falls ill and Coe becomes Princess Star's hand maiden.
With no male heir who will replace the King when he dies?
Can the people of Tides escap ...more

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Aug 14, 2014 Rachel E. Carter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: have-paperback

Loved this novel. Nichola did a brilliant job telling her tale and I would love to see her series someday portrayed as a movie -the descriptions of this post-apocalyptic sea town are so beautiful and I was really able to relate to the protagonist. I can't wait for the sequel and I fully intend to read any future YA novels by this author -can't wait for the sequel! ...more

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Aug 13, 2018 Hazel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-book-series, fiction, dystopia

For thousands of years people thought about how and when the world would end.

But I don't have to wonder. I know it is going to happen in my lifetime.

High tide is approaching, the waves coming closer. Soon everything will be underwater.

Coe is one of the few remaining teenagers on the island of Tides. Deformed and weak, she is constantly reminded that in a world where dry land dwindles at every high tide, she is NOT welcome. The only bright spot in her harsh and difficult life is the strong, capa ...more

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Jul 01, 2014 Brea Johnson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Drowned is set in a futuristic setting after the oceans has risen and humans have been living on a small island for a very, very, very long time. The sea level is so high that it covers the entire island at high tide every day. Our MC, Coe, is a young girl on the island who is disliked by most and is doing her best to survive when she suddenly gets noticed and becomes the princess’s hand maiden.

In general I enjoyed the variety of characters is this book. Coe is a fantastic character and I grew t ...more

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Sep 09, 2014 Adele Broadbent rated it it was ok

Shelves: confident-readers-10-yrs-plus

Coe lives on an island that is covered by the rising tides every night. They count their days and lives by tides. When the tides rise, they all clamber onto a concrete platform away from the Scribblers which attack them if they are in the water.

Coe only has one hand as she lost her other in a scribbler attack. Many of the others call her Scribbler Bait but are amazed how she survived.

It is a time of survival and there are less than 500 people left. No-one is sad when one of them is swept off the ...more

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Jun 04, 2014 paula rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-for-publication, young-adult

Some postapocalyptic worlds are more miserable than others, and the world of Tides, a tiny island surrounded by rising water and man-eating fish, is “day after day of misery, of waiting to die. Every day you wonder what the point is... and the longer you go on, the more life seems like a game you’re meant to lose.” Coe Kettlefish is the most miserable inhabitant of Tides. Small, pale, and pink-eyed in a world of blue-eyed tanned people, she is missing a hand and destined for a short life on the ...more

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Dec 13, 2017 Whitney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction, new-to-me-authors, favorites, dystopian, romance, cover-love, physical-impairments, best-of-the-best, young-adult

I have no words. I have no words. I have no words. I have no words.
Maybe if I keep writing this, the words will come...maybe not.

Some books I have had the pleasure of reading, albeit VERY few, are so phenomenal that I am actually terrified to describe/review them because I feel that to do so would actually do the book a disservice. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS.

To say that I have read Drowned is quite an understatement; I have experienced it. And it was mind-blowing. And heartbreaking. And beautifu ...more

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Nov 11, 2020 Jennifer Wagemans rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: luc

I love this book so much and I can't wait to read Buried and Burned, but I guess I have to wait a little bit... I read the Dutch version and I hope that doesn't matter much. The idea definitely translates very well. Such an original idea for an alternative world! Kinda dystopian, nerve-wracking, and unique to live in a place where you have to fight to be alive every day. It's just part of a daily routine. Actually, the only thing I didn't like about this book was the romance. I could have done w I love this book so much and I can't wait to read Buried and Burned, but I guess I have to wait a little bit... I read the Dutch version and I hope that doesn't matter much. The idea definitely translates very well. Such an original idea for an alternative world! Kinda dystopian, nerve-wracking, and unique to live in a place where you have to fight to be alive every day. It's just part of a daily routine. Actually, the only thing I didn't like about this book was the romance. I could have done without so much of the swooning and I usually don't like love triangles, but this one worked for the story. Also: a little weird that Vina is basically the ugliest person on the island, but she still manages to make two boys fall in love with her?

Vina is so hardened and imperfect and I do love that. Life is such a b*tch in this world, it's fascinating (that sounds very morbid, but I don't know how to describe it any other way). I was immediately excited to see what Vina was going to do about her way of life! In the first few chapters, I felt like every bit of mystery that was being set up by the blurb was revealed, so I was skeptical. It got a little annoying that Vina kept comparing herself to 'perfect' people and saying "they're everything that I'm not, woe is me", but she came back strong and so did the story. One additional point of feedback: why is Vina so down to earth when it comes to her job and death, but also so naive when it comes to royalty? I usually got things a lot faster than she did, because she wanted to believe that things are better than they actually are and that is an interesting personality trait, but also kind of annoying.

Okay, so the story makes a giant comeback after a small dip! That why I believe it still deserves 5 stars. I was afraid it was going to get more and more girly and sappy as soon as the princess got more screentime, but thankfully, that was not the case. It's still as raw as the first few chapters I fell in love with. Speak of falling in love, Kokkel (not sure what Vina's pet is called in English) is absolutely adorable and I missed him in the second half of the story. Hope he's doing well. The fact that Vina has a pet and takes care of it the way that she does, tells us so much more about her as a person. Very smart!

This story is one that makes you feel like you need to finish it in one go. It's very captivating, original, and also very much a nailbiter. You never know what to expect, because this is an entirely different world that doesn't adhere to the rules we're used to. Every character had a distinct personality and I'm just so very impressed. We have someone slowly turning evil for understandable motives, we have someone slowly turning delusional for understandable motives, and then we also have someone who still has a childlike sense of wonder in a world where being a child is impossible. They complete each other and it makes the story so interesting as a whole. It's just amazing. The more you read, the more you get to know about the mysteries of the past, the history of the island and the palace. It keeps you on your toes, together with the constant treat the sea poses. So, will you let Vina take you on the adventure that she calls 'just another Tuesday?' ...more

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Apr 25, 2020 Vanessa Price rated it liked it

It was an interesting idea and, because I like YA, I enjoyed it, but it left many questions through a lack of story development.

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May 03, 2014 Holly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: evil-cliffhangers, i-loved-it, kickass-heroines, fantastical, cover-love, netgalley-edelweiss, shocking-twists

*I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Full review can be found at Part of that World.

I've been wanting to read this one ever since I heard of it! Like, no joke, it's been one of my highly anticipated summer releases. So, I was really excited when Harlequin Teen approved my request! And I had to start it as soon as it appeared on my kindle. :)

Rating: 4 Stars!

I wasn't totally sure what to expect from this novel, went into this completely blind and only knowing *I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Full review can be found at Part of that World.

I've been wanting to read this one ever since I heard of it! Like, no joke, it's been one of my highly anticipated summer releases. So, I was really excited when Harlequin Teen approved my request! And I had to start it as soon as it appeared on my kindle. :)

Rating: 4 Stars!

I wasn't totally sure what to expect from this novel, went into this completely blind and only knowing that it was fantasy. I was pretty much sucked in from the beginning, and the momentum never stopped. It slowed down a bit, dragged along at some parts, but ultimately, it was a pretty fast-paced novel. There was just A LOT of waiting out the Tides and learning the about the tribe in the first half of the book, which weighed the story down. But I never truly got bored.

I loved Coe's voice and how she told the story. This girl has spent her whole life like a pariah on the island, and ever since her dad died, she's had no one to help her. No one who cares enough about her. And in this tribe, everyone looks out for number one: themselves. Coe has been pushed around, given the worst job, and still manages to hold onto her ideals and morals. Her innocence was refreshing, and even when she was down on her luck and even when she talked about how they'd never escape the Tides, she never truly gave up. She still held that hope inside of her, that things could change and that they'd survive, even if it only seemed like a fantasy from one of the stories she's read. She was strong yet vulnerable, steadfast in the looming threat of danger and death, intelligent without appearing condescending and always craving love. Her development felt so genuine, from a girl who just wanted a friend to a strong heroine who managed to never give up and who fought for what she believed in.

There were a lot of secondary characters; ones I hated and wished they'd died, and others that I felt could have been more developed. Like I said, Coe doesn't have friends. No one cares about her. To them, she's just the girl with one arm, black hair, and pink eyes. A "creature" that deserves to be Scribble Bait. But there are a few who don't treat Coe any differently, who see past her features to the girl underneath. A girl who is scared and susceptible to the people who would love to see her gone. But Tiam takes care of her, becomes her protector. He's a funny guy who only wants to help his people. And then there is Fern, the youngest in the tribe; a girl who still has her innocence and hope, who still believes in the good of people and the stories that Coe tells her. These two were my favorites, aside from the main character. Star was an okay character, but I don't really like her. But I'm hoping she grows into a person who puts aside her wants to help others. Aside from that, everyone else can just go die.

The romance was very underdeveloped, but that was okay! No declarations of insta-love. This tribe doesn't believe in love anymore, or romance, or caring for others. After all, they all die at some point. And people have been known to kill for the best spots on the platform that is the only way they survive during the Tides. But Coe still holds onto love, to the fantasies she reads that keep her comfort, the damsels in distress and the princes who rescue them. It's a very one-sided love, but I think we'll see more development of hers and Tiam's relationship in the sequel. At least, I hope so!

The plot was intriguing! The author sprinkled the information and background of the tribe throughout the book, like a trail of bread crumbs, leaving me following the story-line as I tried to figure out what was happening. This is like a post-apocalyptic fantasy, where floods destroyed the world and the water is rising everyday as the survivors struggle to live. It's why the tribe is only 496 people strong. No one can seem to stop the Tides from coming; all they can do is ride out the storm and hope they make it to the next rising. I liked where the story headed, but I'm no so sure about the revelations surrounding Coe. We'll just have to see what happens. ;) AND UGH. THAT CLIFFHANGER. SERIOUSLY, THE WORST. I'M NOT OKAY WITH THIS!

Drowned was a very intriguing fantasy with a strong, likable heroine and a generally fast-paced plot that centered around survival in a world where its every man for himself. ...more

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May 21, 2014 Greta rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: all the cool people

Shelves: favorites

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for providing an advanced reader's copy!

[warning: I don't promise that this review will make any sense. It's 2 o'clock in the morning, so I am just going to air out my feelings in a nicely(?), organized(?), typed fashion and see how that goes.]

Okay, so first, I am going to list my qualms with this book, so that way we can just get it over with and move on to the cool bits of this book.

Qualm #1: I really have no sense of the tides. Don't get me wrong, I like how ...more

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Jul 21, 2014 Angela rated it it was amazing

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

The synopsis of this book was extremely intriguing to me. I had not heard of anything remotely like this before. I was hoping that it was a good book and it would hold my interest based on the synopsis. I know this may seem odd, but I generally don't pay much attention to reviews when picking a book. I look at them, but if I get a feeling about a book or the reviews aren't all gushing about how awesome the book is, then I will us * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

The synopsis of this book was extremely intriguing to me. I had not heard of anything remotely like this before. I was hoping that it was a good book and it would hold my interest based on the synopsis. I know this may seem odd, but I generally don't pay much attention to reviews when picking a book. I look at them, but if I get a feeling about a book or the reviews aren't all gushing about how awesome the book is, then I will usually get it. When the tour option came around for this book, I decided that I would sign the blog up for the tour and review. I wanted to review this book myself and not give it to the other gals. That's one of the nice things about being the boss!!

The world that Nichola Reilly has designed for us in this book is one that is amazing, heartbreaking, lonely, curious, and captivating. These people are forced to live (and die) by the tides. It is a grueling existence, definitely not for the weak or lazy. There is a lot of work to be done during the times of low tide. And you'd better believe that if you don't have yourself on the platform in your designated spot when the tide comes in, you won't make it. Sometimes even being on the platform, death will find you.

Coe is a very strong, independent female character. She has to be because she has no one to look after her. She must rely on herself and only herself to survive this difficult life. She is an odd looking child and is treated as such. She has developed a thick outer skin because of the taunting and stares that she gets, and she trusts no one. She can't. It may mean the difference between life and death.

I was enthralled with this world and the characters. I was sucked into the whirlpool of this strange, wet world and I was thrashed around along with the characters. I felt the heartache and loneliness of Coe. I was wrapped up in her emotions and her being, living every moment as if I were her. Nichola Reilly weaved together a beautiful tapestry that was so lifelike that you can't help but become part of the scenery as you view it. While this book is labeled as young adult, I don't believe that anyone should exclude it based on this label. There is something for everyone in this book and it will leave you reeling and excited and washed out, just like the characters. I give Drowned 5 books because I can't give it more. I will definitely be getting more of Nichola's books and she is on my stalking list. ...more

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Mar 31, 2014 Marni rated it liked it

I would like to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Scouts honor, if the first 150 pages of this book would be condensed to about 30 pages, this book would be a solid 4 star. There were some points that went on during those pages, but they could have been made as a whole and gone on from there. During those pages, not only is it drawn out but nagging questions appear that are never answered. A condensed version would have had the reader maybe le I would like to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Scouts honor, if the first 150 pages of this book would be condensed to about 30 pages, this book would be a solid 4 star. There were some points that went on during those pages, but they could have been made as a whole and gone on from there. During those pages, not only is it drawn out but nagging questions appear that are never answered. A condensed version would have had the reader maybe left wondering but not feeling pressured by them. Plus, I felt that the descriptions weren’t set up enough to get a real feel of the surroundings nor enough for the reader to let their imagination fill in the gaps. The first half also feels a bit juvenile, but even with the main characters ages, they would be wise above their years.

The remaining 150 pages really get the story moving. There are events that make you really think. These events give you questions. And most of these questions are given answers to and those that aren’t answered lead up to the next book. I would love to read a prequel novella about Coe’s life before the incident that took away the majority of the memory of her childhood. Possibly told from Tiam’s eyes, because he went through some things in his early seasons too that set up some of his insecurities.

Near the end of the book, I started to get a feel of the City of Ember series. Being that I loved that series (if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. DON’T watch the movie!), that’s not a bad thing. I am really interested in Ms. Reilly’s next book in this series. She has really set it up where the next book could just blow away this first one. I anticipate a wide eyed, caffeine fueled, burning the midnight oil read with it.

A true YA dystopian, this book is filled with death, hope, romance, mystery, betrayal and discovery. I suggest this book to readers 12+ who are looking for something a little different but with adventure included. I don’t feel that adult readers will enjoy this as much as a young reader just because of the peculiarities involved. ...more

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Jul 06, 2014 Melissa (thereaderandthechef) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, review, favorite-series, fantasy

I need the sequel NOW. This book is sooo good and such a surprise because it's unlike any other book out there. It's weird, it's unique, and it will pull you underneath its pages. I hope you know how to swim!

The story takes place on a tiny island known as Tides. Supposedly, it's the last bit of earth that hasn't been completely covered by the floods. Each day when the tides rise, the habitants are forced to line up on a platform according to their number and wait for the tides to lower if they d ...more

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Apr 29, 2014 Mina rated it liked it

I would like to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I first heard of this book I was very thrilled to read it, but I didn't know that it was this captivating and good! The main character is tough and strong, though she thinks she is weak I'd see from the very first chapter that she was one of those strong female heroine. Even if she has feelings for Tiam, she knows how to survive by herself and how to keep doing things because she wants to ...more

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Jul 27, 2014 Kirsti rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned

Five wonderful stars for being a unique and awesome book that I foolishly didn't see the ending of coming. What an end! The story itself was absolutely captivating, and for it to end there was heartbreaking. Then there are the characters! Gah, indescribable.

So basically the world as we know it no longer exists. Humans have become stranded on an island, comprising well, not much. Each human has a job that determines where they stand when high tide comes in. If you're assigned a cruddy number, th ...more

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Jul 14, 2014 Steven Sutherland rated it it was amazing

I have to say Nichola Reilly has me on a ride and it's more than I bargained for. I feel helpless where she has taken me and I want to help and I want to help and I'm not sure how-so I read on. the world is unfamiliar and the characters seek hope in a hopeless place. I will buy this novel and finish the journey. Oh, what a ride. I love, love, love it~Steve! ...more

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Jul 18, 2014 Kimberly Miller rated it it was amazing

Drowned was one of the best books I read this summer. This page turner kept me guessing at every turn. The plot is unique and the characters will win your heart. The worst part of the book? Having to wait until 2015 for the next one in the series. Truly one of the best books written in 2014 and it is definitely going on next years summer reading list for my students!

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May 13, 2013 Annie Stone rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-acquired-edited

I feel so lucky to be reading this one for the third time as I work on edits with Nichola! A heart-wrenching adventure of a novel.

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May 22, 2014 Xoi Lawrence rated it it was amazing

I really like this author and I want to read more of her books. I have not read this book, but I feel like it is going to be a great book.

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May 25, 2014 amy & erin rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-or-new-adult, giveaways-i-ve-won, reviews, books-i-own, goodreads-first-reads-wins, 2014-books

I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to read the next installation in the series. It was really interesting and unique, at least to me, since I've never read another book like this before. ...more

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Jun 29, 2014 Sarah Kalaitzidis rated it really liked it

Shelves: dystopia

Gah that ending!!!
That's all I have to say really but this was an awesome book I cant wait to read book 2. ...more

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Aug 31, 2014 Andrew rated it really liked it

Enjoyed the story. Now to buy book 2.

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About Cyn Balog

Cyn Balog

819 followers

Cyn Balog is a normal, everyday Jersey Girl who always believed magical things can happen to us when we least expect them. She is author of young adult paranormals FAIRY TALE (2009), SLEEPLESS(2010), STARSTRUCK (2011), TOUCHED (2012), and her most recent release: DEAD RIVER (2013).e. She lives outside Allentown, Pennsylvania with her husband and daughters.

She also writes under the pen name Nichola ...more