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Arts of Substance #3
To Stream an Ocean
Quakes spread from the ocean floor. A small matter compared to corruption among the gifted, empty royal coffers, and regicide. Long live the new king.
Ambassador Danivid, the deceased king’s brother, is recalled from Dirklan Province to take on the role he never wanted. The kingdom’s shifting beliefs make it all the harder. Machines have reduced the need for the streaming and forming gifts that people once relied on. A new constitution has redefined the role of the monarchy and the guilds. Yet, amid rising prosperity, something is going terribly wrong. What had the previous king discovered before his sudden death?
As the crown is placed on Danivid’s head, a quake shakes the capital city—as ominous as the realization that his brother was murdered. An attempt on his life follows. Corruption, theft, and murder plague the kingdom. Quakes continue, and volcanic plumes roil the ocean. Danivid is the only streamer who pays attention. What a kingdom to be saddled with!
A neighboring country has gone silent and now provides a steady flow of a supposedly harmless drug, which is anything but. Danivid sends an ambassador to discover what is happening. She is warmly welcomed, and the neighbor’s ambassador, Trellian, is appointed to accompany her home. Yet someone is determined to kill them en route. They survive only because Trellian is no ordinary ambassador.
In Danivid’s palace, Trellian discovers a plot more devious than simple murder of the king. As they close in on suspects, the volcano and ocean rise to fulfill their warnings. No former or streamer is prepared—except King Danivid. But how can one man stream an entire ocean and survive? Especially when some don’t want him to live.
To Stream an Ocean is the third novel in the ARTS OF SUBSTANCE trilogy. These stories merge the excitement of epic fantasy with the camaraderie of cozy fantasy. Each stand-alone novel explores one of the world’s three substance gifts: forming, wind weaving, and streaming. With every ability comes risk. The gifts are neither easy nor safe. Who has the courage and wit to use their gift well? And at what cost?
Join the adventure.
Ambassador Danivid, the deceased king’s brother, is recalled from Dirklan Province to take on the role he never wanted. The kingdom’s shifting beliefs make it all the harder. Machines have reduced the need for the streaming and forming gifts that people once relied on. A new constitution has redefined the role of the monarchy and the guilds. Yet, amid rising prosperity, something is going terribly wrong. What had the previous king discovered before his sudden death?
As the crown is placed on Danivid’s head, a quake shakes the capital city—as ominous as the realization that his brother was murdered. An attempt on his life follows. Corruption, theft, and murder plague the kingdom. Quakes continue, and volcanic plumes roil the ocean. Danivid is the only streamer who pays attention. What a kingdom to be saddled with!
A neighboring country has gone silent and now provides a steady flow of a supposedly harmless drug, which is anything but. Danivid sends an ambassador to discover what is happening. She is warmly welcomed, and the neighbor’s ambassador, Trellian, is appointed to accompany her home. Yet someone is determined to kill them en route. They survive only because Trellian is no ordinary ambassador.
In Danivid’s palace, Trellian discovers a plot more devious than simple murder of the king. As they close in on suspects, the volcano and ocean rise to fulfill their warnings. No former or streamer is prepared—except King Danivid. But how can one man stream an entire ocean and survive? Especially when some don’t want him to live.
To Stream an Ocean is the third novel in the ARTS OF SUBSTANCE trilogy. These stories merge the excitement of epic fantasy with the camaraderie of cozy fantasy. Each stand-alone novel explores one of the world’s three substance gifts: forming, wind weaving, and streaming. With every ability comes risk. The gifts are neither easy nor safe. Who has the courage and wit to use their gift well? And at what cost?
Join the adventure.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2025
2 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Rose
24 books124 followersSharon Rose has been weaving stories since her second-grade masterpiece, titled My Life as a Flying Squirrel. No publisher snatched it up, but her classmates loved it.
After creating home and family, Sharon pursued her dream of creating stories for people like you. To date, she has published ten books, with more in the works. She writes fantasy and science fiction because they offer vast spaces to explore the realities that we all face. Her stories blend cultures and characters into adventures with mystery, romance, and hope.
When not writing or reading, Sharon may be traveling, enjoying gardens, or searching for unique coffee shops with her husband. She lives in Minnesota, USA, famed for its 10,000 lakes and vibrant seasons.
~~~
What’s in a name?
Way more than I expected. As in, more people. Of course, I knew I was not the only Sharon Rose in the world, but it turns out that some of them are authors, too. I’m the Sharon Rose who writes science fiction and fantasy for those who prefer a cleaner read.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
After creating home and family, Sharon pursued her dream of creating stories for people like you. To date, she has published ten books, with more in the works. She writes fantasy and science fiction because they offer vast spaces to explore the realities that we all face. Her stories blend cultures and characters into adventures with mystery, romance, and hope.
When not writing or reading, Sharon may be traveling, enjoying gardens, or searching for unique coffee shops with her husband. She lives in Minnesota, USA, famed for its 10,000 lakes and vibrant seasons.
~~~
What’s in a name?
Way more than I expected. As in, more people. Of course, I knew I was not the only Sharon Rose in the world, but it turns out that some of them are authors, too. I’m the Sharon Rose who writes science fiction and fantasy for those who prefer a cleaner read.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 14, 2025
To Stream an Ocean is the third book in the Arts of Substance series. I do recommend reading them in order as there are references to the previous stories. But each novel is separated by many years and feature original characters so they each stand strong on their own.
This novel is about drugs. Nothing gritty, everything in this novel is clean and safe for teen readers. It's more about the dangers of addiction and the problems inherent in a trade that preys on people's poor decisions. The crime that crops up around these substances and the lives that fall apart through the use of said substances.
At the same time this novel is also oddly cozy. For all the high stakes and the political maneuverings there is a cozy wholesomeness to the character interactions. The faith of these characters is so strong that at no point is a good outcome ever in question.
Danivid especially is a strong main character. He has doubts, yes, but he doesn't let those doubts stop him from investigating his brother's death or fighting to end the drug trade that his brother desired to put a stop to.
The best part is how Rose uses her element based power system to add to and elevate what could have easily been a mundane feeling plot. The world building is where this book really shines. The substance arts are much more than a magic system they shape everything about Welsia; it's religion, politics and, economy all rely on these abilities. The gifts are an ingrained part of the world and make this book a truly engaging read.
All told To Stream an Ocean is a solid mystery, a fun fantasy with elemental powers and a thoughtful exploration of how using anything but God's grace to obtain bliss can lead anyone down the wrong path.
This novel is about drugs. Nothing gritty, everything in this novel is clean and safe for teen readers. It's more about the dangers of addiction and the problems inherent in a trade that preys on people's poor decisions. The crime that crops up around these substances and the lives that fall apart through the use of said substances.
At the same time this novel is also oddly cozy. For all the high stakes and the political maneuverings there is a cozy wholesomeness to the character interactions. The faith of these characters is so strong that at no point is a good outcome ever in question.
Danivid especially is a strong main character. He has doubts, yes, but he doesn't let those doubts stop him from investigating his brother's death or fighting to end the drug trade that his brother desired to put a stop to.
The best part is how Rose uses her element based power system to add to and elevate what could have easily been a mundane feeling plot. The world building is where this book really shines. The substance arts are much more than a magic system they shape everything about Welsia; it's religion, politics and, economy all rely on these abilities. The gifts are an ingrained part of the world and make this book a truly engaging read.
All told To Stream an Ocean is a solid mystery, a fun fantasy with elemental powers and a thoughtful exploration of how using anything but God's grace to obtain bliss can lead anyone down the wrong path.
Currently reading
November 29, 2025Since I'm the author, I will just tell you that I truly enjoyed writing this story and give you a little hint of what's inside.
Duties of the new king:
- Find the murderer of the last king before he kills you.
- Discover how the royal fortune was stolen.
- Halt corruption among the guilds of the gifted.
Not enough? We also don’t know why the neighboring country has gone silent—but don’t worry about the quakes or submerged volcano.
Have a nice reign.
Duties of the new king:
- Find the murderer of the last king before he kills you.
- Discover how the royal fortune was stolen.
- Halt corruption among the guilds of the gifted.
Not enough? We also don’t know why the neighboring country has gone silent—but don’t worry about the quakes or submerged volcano.
Have a nice reign.
December 2, 2025
The first book in the Arts of Substance series, To Form a Passage, focused on the Formers and their work with stone, whilst the second, To Weave the Wind, focused on Wind Weavers and their work with air. I suppose it's only fitting that we finally get a story that focuses on Streamers and water. It's also the first that is wholly above ground!
The king of Welcia is dead and the Dirkland Ambassador, Danivid, returns to Regissa City to take the throne. But his coronation is marred by a quake and by his sister-in-law attempting to steal the crown for her daughter, Aneen. Recent changes during his brother's reign and the state of their finances soon make Danivid question what has been happening in the years that he was away.
A repeated theme from the earlier books is the misuse of the gifts for personal gain as well as the gradual falling away from faith as a society. However, unlike the other two books, To Stream an Ocean doesn't focus as directly on Ellincreo and the gifts, even though it's woven into the background. Yes, the frequent quakes are a concern and Danivid is butting heads with Shevnal, the Chief Former, to properly protect the city, but the main concern is the use of Ambertrop, a controversial new drug that seems fine in the short term but has devastating impact in the long term.
There's a lot of lovely political intrigue going on in Regissa, including poisoning, attempted murder, and theft. Trellian - a detective/ambassador from the neighbouring country of Felverland - was an interesting addition, and whilst I predicted some turns of events, I was expecting a little reveal at the end about her background that... doesn't happen. Oh well.
If you're looking for disability representation, Aneen's development is delayed, . Whilst everyone ignores her, Aneen proves smart and observant despite her speech delays; she trains her Flyound dog to track down the people she loves, and her knowledge of events in the palace helps Danivid and Trellian fit the missing pieces together, even if her testimony cannot be used in court.
Overall, To Stream an Ocean is a great read, but personally, it a little weak compared to the first two books.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The king of Welcia is dead and the Dirkland Ambassador, Danivid, returns to Regissa City to take the throne. But his coronation is marred by a quake and by his sister-in-law attempting to steal the crown for her daughter, Aneen. Recent changes during his brother's reign and the state of their finances soon make Danivid question what has been happening in the years that he was away.
A repeated theme from the earlier books is the misuse of the gifts for personal gain as well as the gradual falling away from faith as a society. However, unlike the other two books, To Stream an Ocean doesn't focus as directly on Ellincreo and the gifts, even though it's woven into the background. Yes, the frequent quakes are a concern and Danivid is butting heads with Shevnal, the Chief Former, to properly protect the city, but the main concern is the use of Ambertrop, a controversial new drug that seems fine in the short term but has devastating impact in the long term.
There's a lot of lovely political intrigue going on in Regissa, including poisoning, attempted murder, and theft. Trellian - a detective/ambassador from the neighbouring country of Felverland - was an interesting addition, and whilst I predicted some turns of events, I was expecting a little reveal at the end about her background that... doesn't happen. Oh well.
If you're looking for disability representation, Aneen's development is delayed, . Whilst everyone ignores her, Aneen proves smart and observant despite her speech delays; she trains her Flyound dog to track down the people she loves, and her knowledge of events in the palace helps Danivid and Trellian fit the missing pieces together, even if her testimony cannot be used in court.
Overall, To Stream an Ocean is a great read, but personally, it a little weak compared to the first two books.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 22, 2025
A Good Quick Read
If you’re looking for a wholesome light fantasy with threads of mystery and romance and clear cut characters, this is a solid read for you.
Danivid is forced into the kingship when his brother dies. He discovers more than one mysterious circumstance around his brother’s demise in his first days in the palace, and it will take an ambassador spy from a neighboring country, a vulnerable young girl, and all Danivid’s wits to discover the culprits and avert an unknown mounting danger to the kingdom.
I especially enjoyed the fantasy setting of the underground city of Dirklan, and the mystery concerning the drug Ambertrop. I would have liked to know so much more about Danivid and especially Trellian’s motivations. And to experience the “gifts” and see them at work in small ways that affected the world, or at least to read allusions to them that would help me piece together a deeper, broader picture of the country. It also would have been nice to see how the opposition against users of outdated “gifts” like Danivid’s streaming gift, and voice casting, meant to replace them.
I found the aspects of fighting the Ambertrop drug trade, its conflicts, and how Trellian’s sketches played out in the story, fascinating. The young troubled girl, Aneen, was a great secondary character who added a layer of interest. The dialogue was well done on the whole, though near the end the scenes felt rushed. A little more expressed reactions and details would be helpful in the next book.
Of course, I personally prefer complex characters and plot twists and stories with a lot of layers. As you can probably guess, my writing fault is a tendency to over detail and over explain. So somewhere in the range between is the sweet spot, and it differs depending on the reader. It may be that this series was meant to be a lighter, quicker read. This is my first book I’ve read in this series.
I very much enjoyed A Castle in the Wild series by Sharon, which had more complexity and small details that created a layered story and gave it a rich background, if you will.
I’m looking forward to Sharon’s future books.
If you’re looking for a wholesome light fantasy with threads of mystery and romance and clear cut characters, this is a solid read for you.
Danivid is forced into the kingship when his brother dies. He discovers more than one mysterious circumstance around his brother’s demise in his first days in the palace, and it will take an ambassador spy from a neighboring country, a vulnerable young girl, and all Danivid’s wits to discover the culprits and avert an unknown mounting danger to the kingdom.
I especially enjoyed the fantasy setting of the underground city of Dirklan, and the mystery concerning the drug Ambertrop. I would have liked to know so much more about Danivid and especially Trellian’s motivations. And to experience the “gifts” and see them at work in small ways that affected the world, or at least to read allusions to them that would help me piece together a deeper, broader picture of the country. It also would have been nice to see how the opposition against users of outdated “gifts” like Danivid’s streaming gift, and voice casting, meant to replace them.
I found the aspects of fighting the Ambertrop drug trade, its conflicts, and how Trellian’s sketches played out in the story, fascinating. The young troubled girl, Aneen, was a great secondary character who added a layer of interest. The dialogue was well done on the whole, though near the end the scenes felt rushed. A little more expressed reactions and details would be helpful in the next book.
Of course, I personally prefer complex characters and plot twists and stories with a lot of layers. As you can probably guess, my writing fault is a tendency to over detail and over explain. So somewhere in the range between is the sweet spot, and it differs depending on the reader. It may be that this series was meant to be a lighter, quicker read. This is my first book I’ve read in this series.
I very much enjoyed A Castle in the Wild series by Sharon, which had more complexity and small details that created a layered story and gave it a rich background, if you will.
I’m looking forward to Sharon’s future books.
November 27, 2025
Danivid never wanted to be king, but the death (murder?) of his brother gives him no choice but to leave Dirklan and assume the crown. And the more he sees of the mess the kingdom is in, the more he wishes he could escape but knows that's not an option. A supposedly harmless drug is taking over and showing itself to be anything but, quakes shake the city and threaten more, the formers guild has been taken over by a rich and powerful man ever hungry for more, and it's impossible to know who to trust. With the help of an ambassador sent to fight the drug trade, will Danivid be able to bring lasting peace to the kingdom?
This book made me want to go back and re-read previous books in the series, not because it relies on them (each is a standalone story) but because it reminded me how much I loved them by being so good itself. The story has so much going for it: great writing, problems to uncover and solve, a mix of characters (good, bad and middling) - some of whom I really enjoyed getting to know and others I was glad to see get what they deserved - some thought-provoking and inspiring conversations and issues, a rich background tapestry of gifts to build on, and even a hint of romance. Trellian is a fascinating character because of her almost-sole focus on her mission, which leads to not always so socially acceptable behaviours - and yet once she comes to trust, she lets her guard down somewhat to show herself as so much more than just an obsession. And Danivid himself has a lot to learn and plenty of growing to do, which was great to watch. The supporting characters are too many to mention but each plays an important part in forming the full picture. All in all, a great read and the end of a great series - though I'd love to revisit the world again! Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book made me want to go back and re-read previous books in the series, not because it relies on them (each is a standalone story) but because it reminded me how much I loved them by being so good itself. The story has so much going for it: great writing, problems to uncover and solve, a mix of characters (good, bad and middling) - some of whom I really enjoyed getting to know and others I was glad to see get what they deserved - some thought-provoking and inspiring conversations and issues, a rich background tapestry of gifts to build on, and even a hint of romance. Trellian is a fascinating character because of her almost-sole focus on her mission, which leads to not always so socially acceptable behaviours - and yet once she comes to trust, she lets her guard down somewhat to show herself as so much more than just an obsession. And Danivid himself has a lot to learn and plenty of growing to do, which was great to watch. The supporting characters are too many to mention but each plays an important part in forming the full picture. All in all, a great read and the end of a great series - though I'd love to revisit the world again! Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
LOVED To Stream an Ocean!!! This is such a good series!! Danivid never wanted to be King, and if his brother hadn't been murdered, he would still be the Ambassador to Dirklan. Now, though, he's King, and as such, he wants to find out who killed his brother, and he wants to put a stop to the sale of ambertrop, which is wrecking havoc with his provinces. Danivid sends his sister to a neighboring country to see why communications between the two have stopped, and she returns with help in the form of Trellian, a woman connected with the police and Prime Minister of the other country. As Danivid, his sister, Trellian, and those loyal to Danivid work together, they also must deal with the tremors that are getting worse. When the big quake hits, will Danivid be able to stream the ocean to save everyone, or will his efforts result in destroying one of his provinces?? Will he be able to find out who killed his brother before they also kill him?? I love how everything works out, and that through Danivid, the country discovers that while progress is good, we still need to depend on our Creator.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
October 30, 2025
As the third book in the Arts of Substance series, To Stream an Ocean was a powerful story of light in the midst of darkness - of hope in the middle of destruction.
I loved the premise from the very beginning of the series, where certain people are given gifts to benefit the vast majority of those around them and when used correctly, the gifts continue to grow and bless. However, the reverse is also true: those with gifts who use them selfishly or with evil intent lose them completely. We see this destruction through vivid representation in To Stream an Ocean. Not sure if this is the final book in the series, but if it is, what an amazing conclusion. It may be the best of the trilogy but I'd still recommend reading all three of them, preferably in order.
My favorite quote is a powerful commentary on what real hope looks like: “I think it means that hope sinks its talons in and hangs on to what love decided and faith will create.”
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
I loved the premise from the very beginning of the series, where certain people are given gifts to benefit the vast majority of those around them and when used correctly, the gifts continue to grow and bless. However, the reverse is also true: those with gifts who use them selfishly or with evil intent lose them completely. We see this destruction through vivid representation in To Stream an Ocean. Not sure if this is the final book in the series, but if it is, what an amazing conclusion. It may be the best of the trilogy but I'd still recommend reading all three of them, preferably in order.
My favorite quote is a powerful commentary on what real hope looks like: “I think it means that hope sinks its talons in and hangs on to what love decided and faith will create.”
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
November 28, 2025
In this third book of the standalone trilogy, we travel above ground. I enjoyed the freedom of being above ground, but also missed Dirklan from the previous two books. It was fun to have a couple of scenes belowground.
As always, Sharon Rose brings culture clashes to light. Whether it's the simple prince raised to be governor now king or actual different kingdoms as they try to understand each other she does an excellent job of making the story feel real.
If you like mystery, magic, and a hint of romance, you'll love To Stream an Ocean.
As always, Sharon Rose brings culture clashes to light. Whether it's the simple prince raised to be governor now king or actual different kingdoms as they try to understand each other she does an excellent job of making the story feel real.
If you like mystery, magic, and a hint of romance, you'll love To Stream an Ocean.
January 17, 2026
Politics and Streaming
This book has politics, corruption, murder, drug addiction, mental disability, and earthquakes. It takes place generations after the previous book, so it could be read as a stand-alone novel, but I think there would be a benefit to reading the other two, since references are made to things that happened in them. This story focuses on the streamer who has become king after his brother has unexpectedly died. It includes a representative from a neighboring country.
I enjoyed this book and would give it almost 4 stars.
This book has politics, corruption, murder, drug addiction, mental disability, and earthquakes. It takes place generations after the previous book, so it could be read as a stand-alone novel, but I think there would be a benefit to reading the other two, since references are made to things that happened in them. This story focuses on the streamer who has become king after his brother has unexpectedly died. It includes a representative from a neighboring country.
I enjoyed this book and would give it almost 4 stars.
November 8, 2025
Another great book, with mystery, cross-cultural issues, in the same fantastic world of the first two Arts of Substance books. Enjoyed every page and turned them fast!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews