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Yarnsworld #2
Where the Waters Turn Black
When gods and monsters battle, her music will not protect her…
The Crescent Atoll is a remote string of tropical islands, connected by long canoe journeys and a love of stories.
When Kaimana, a young ocarina player, discovers the lair of a taniwha – a legendary monster – she finds herself inspired. The song she is composing about their encounter will be her masterpiece, but her disturbance of the beast attracts the ruining gaze of the god of war. She must convince the taniwha to trust her if they are both to survive.
Where the Waters Turn Black is a standalone novel from Benedict Patrick’s Yarnsworld series. Inspired by the myths and legends of South Pacific island cultures, this book is perfect for those seeking fantasy stories with a hint of the unfamiliar.
The Crescent Atoll is a remote string of tropical islands, connected by long canoe journeys and a love of stories.
When Kaimana, a young ocarina player, discovers the lair of a taniwha – a legendary monster – she finds herself inspired. The song she is composing about their encounter will be her masterpiece, but her disturbance of the beast attracts the ruining gaze of the god of war. She must convince the taniwha to trust her if they are both to survive.
Where the Waters Turn Black is a standalone novel from Benedict Patrick’s Yarnsworld series. Inspired by the myths and legends of South Pacific island cultures, this book is perfect for those seeking fantasy stories with a hint of the unfamiliar.
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2016
107 people are currently reading
1359 people want to read
About the author
Benedict Patrick
21 books384 followersBenedict Patrick is from a small town in Northern Ireland called Banbridge, but has been living and working in Scotland since he moved there at the age of eighteen. Tragically, that was quite a while ago.
He has been writing for most of his life, and has been reading for pretty much all of it (with help from mum and dad at the beginning). Benedict's life changed when a substitute primary school teacher read his class part of The Hobbit and later loaned him the book – he fell in love with the fantasy genre and never looked back.
They Mostly Come Out At Night is his debut novel, and is the first novel in The Yarnsworld series.
Try out some free Yarnsworld stories by signing up to the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/b4UNHj
He has been writing for most of his life, and has been reading for pretty much all of it (with help from mum and dad at the beginning). Benedict's life changed when a substitute primary school teacher read his class part of The Hobbit and later loaned him the book – he fell in love with the fantasy genre and never looked back.
They Mostly Come Out At Night is his debut novel, and is the first novel in The Yarnsworld series.
Try out some free Yarnsworld stories by signing up to the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/b4UNHj
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 28, 2017
Edit: Full length review and an upgrade to 5 stars. As I sat and wrote this review and stewed on what I read I really feel this should be bumped up.
I would have picked this book up anyway since I’ve already read, They Mostly Come Out at Night, which is book 1 in this series.
Although this is a ‘sequel’, it’s really more of a stand alone story in the same world IMO, although there is a cross over character by the end, you don’t necessarily have to know who he is to get the story.
I liked They Mostly Come Out at Night, it had a unique story and it was creepy and a breath of fresh air with the folk tale mini stories, but it had some areas that could have used some improvement, like the dialogue.
I’m really happy to say the dialogue in this book was great, this book is a full step ahead of the last book and it’s satisfying watching the author improve his craft, and I’m not the only one – the goodreads score for the second book is much better than the first.
Bingo: Self Published, Sea Faring
Characters:
Kaimana – this is our stories MC, she’s a musician in the troupe who plays the ocarina, and she has a Knack for music. Her mother and father are both fishing Knacks, and don’t necessarily approve of her running around the Atoll with her troupe instead of being home and fishing. She has a sense of adventure which leads her through this story and a good heart, it was easy to like Kaimana and be rooting for her through the story
There are side characters, her troupe, her family and some others you meet along the way, but really this is Kaimanas story
Plot:
Kaiamana has just arrived back home after 3 years in the beginning of the story, and she’s approached by a little girl who tells her there’s a taniwha living in a cave up on the mountain side. Kaimana doesn’t believe the little girl at first until it was confirmed by her parents. She decides to go searching for the taniwha who’s believed to have killed several members of the Atoll society and she had been told not to go and seek him out.
As it turns out, approaching the taniwha increased her magical powers, and she started to “spark” shortly after the encounter. The rest of the story focuses on her friendship with the monster, and the problems that causes with her society. She’s hunted down by gods who want to kill her taniwha which she names Rakau.
World Building:
I really liked this world he created, I can’t remember the last story that was told on an Atoll on a group of islands where people canoe from island to island of small populations. There are cannibals, monsters, and walking talking Gods. In this world the Gods walk among the people and interact with them, and there’s a god for everything, even yams. The god of Yams was one of my favorite side characters, a dejected low level sarcastic filled God of Yams, it was perfect. There were also folk stories being told within the story which added to the depth of the world.
People who have a magical ability are known to have Knacks, and it could be for anything which is so unique and charming to read about (cooking knack, fishing knack, music knack), most magic systems give people these unbelievable powers and I really like this twist on the idea of magical powers. When you start to “spark” you’re going through a genius moment of your powers, and you excel beyond imagining- creating masterpieces if you’re a music knack for instance.
Pacing:
I read this book very quickly, the book is under 300 pages and it’s meant to be a shorter more folktale like story. There were several very short folk tales used as interlude chapters that were maybe 5-6 pages long each.
Audience:
* People who like folk tales
* People who like shorter stories
* People who like creature companions
* People who like walking talking gods
* People who like quick pacing
* People who like unique stories and settings
* People who love beautiful covers, this cover WON the spfbo cover contest
Related
I would have picked this book up anyway since I’ve already read, They Mostly Come Out at Night, which is book 1 in this series.
Although this is a ‘sequel’, it’s really more of a stand alone story in the same world IMO, although there is a cross over character by the end, you don’t necessarily have to know who he is to get the story.
I liked They Mostly Come Out at Night, it had a unique story and it was creepy and a breath of fresh air with the folk tale mini stories, but it had some areas that could have used some improvement, like the dialogue.
I’m really happy to say the dialogue in this book was great, this book is a full step ahead of the last book and it’s satisfying watching the author improve his craft, and I’m not the only one – the goodreads score for the second book is much better than the first.
Bingo: Self Published, Sea Faring
Characters:
Kaimana – this is our stories MC, she’s a musician in the troupe who plays the ocarina, and she has a Knack for music. Her mother and father are both fishing Knacks, and don’t necessarily approve of her running around the Atoll with her troupe instead of being home and fishing. She has a sense of adventure which leads her through this story and a good heart, it was easy to like Kaimana and be rooting for her through the story
There are side characters, her troupe, her family and some others you meet along the way, but really this is Kaimanas story
Plot:
Kaiamana has just arrived back home after 3 years in the beginning of the story, and she’s approached by a little girl who tells her there’s a taniwha living in a cave up on the mountain side. Kaimana doesn’t believe the little girl at first until it was confirmed by her parents. She decides to go searching for the taniwha who’s believed to have killed several members of the Atoll society and she had been told not to go and seek him out.
As it turns out, approaching the taniwha increased her magical powers, and she started to “spark” shortly after the encounter. The rest of the story focuses on her friendship with the monster, and the problems that causes with her society. She’s hunted down by gods who want to kill her taniwha which she names Rakau.
World Building:
I really liked this world he created, I can’t remember the last story that was told on an Atoll on a group of islands where people canoe from island to island of small populations. There are cannibals, monsters, and walking talking Gods. In this world the Gods walk among the people and interact with them, and there’s a god for everything, even yams. The god of Yams was one of my favorite side characters, a dejected low level sarcastic filled God of Yams, it was perfect. There were also folk stories being told within the story which added to the depth of the world.
People who have a magical ability are known to have Knacks, and it could be for anything which is so unique and charming to read about (cooking knack, fishing knack, music knack), most magic systems give people these unbelievable powers and I really like this twist on the idea of magical powers. When you start to “spark” you’re going through a genius moment of your powers, and you excel beyond imagining- creating masterpieces if you’re a music knack for instance.
Pacing:
I read this book very quickly, the book is under 300 pages and it’s meant to be a shorter more folktale like story. There were several very short folk tales used as interlude chapters that were maybe 5-6 pages long each.
Audience:
* People who like folk tales
* People who like shorter stories
* People who like creature companions
* People who like walking talking gods
* People who like quick pacing
* People who like unique stories and settings
* People who love beautiful covers, this cover WON the spfbo cover contest
Related
April 15, 2020
The second standalone Yarnsworld take is a different kind of magic than the first, but one that is just as vibrant and compelling. I enjoyed the Magpie King’s Forest, but the Crescent Atoll is so rich of a setting that I began to dream about the beautiful visuals contained in this all-too short novel. Whereas the folktales in between chapters in the first were nice, the ones here were so magical and wild that I want a whole book of Crescent Atoll folktales!! The story itself is a perfect one as well: friendship, gods, monsters, and petty villains as only Benedict Patrick could write them. Highly recommend giving this one a shot!
4/5
4/5
March 26, 2021
This review was originally posted on Queen's Book Asylum! I recently reread my favorite Yarnsworld novel, Where the Waters Turn Black by Benedict Patrick via audiobook. Since my first review I wrote back in the summer of 2017 is pretty much useless, I decided to write a slightly better one.
If you are new to the Yarnsworld series, let me give you a quick heads up. If you are familiar with this world, feel free to jump to the next paragraph. All the books in the series are stand-alones, and can be read in whatever order you want. However, there are a couple that are connected to each other. Book 1, They Mostly Come Out At Night, and book 4, From the Shadows of the Owl Queen’s Court, are set in the same part of Yarnsworld, in the Magpie King’s forest, and are connected. The same goes for book 2, Where the Waters Turn Black, and book 5, To Dream and Die as a Taniwha Girl which are set at the Crescent Atoll. Book 3, Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords has no connected novel yet, but never say never. This novel is set in yet again another part of the same universe. If you are into audiobooks, the Yarnswold novels are now available, paired together, so you can enjoy them all at once.
Right, let’s talk about Where the Waters Turn Black, the second book set in the Yarnsworld series. This is the story of Kaimana, a girl with a Knack for music. In the Yarnsworld, people can develop Knacks, a magical skill of their profession. Kaimana is a talented ocarina player, traveling around the Crescent Atoll with her troupe to perform and tell stories to the islanders. But what she wants more than anything is to create a masterpiece so people would know her name. She chases her spark – people with Knacks can spark which allows them magical abilities for a short amount of time to use, a gift from the gods – and a worthy story to tell. Until one day, on her home island, she finds a taniwha – mythical creatures, some of them with magical abilities -, one with whom the islanders live in harmony. Until, that is, when Kaimana wakes him up and things go out of hand from there.
Kaimana is unlike many women over the Crescent Atoll – while many of them settle down, marry and raise children, being content with their lives, Kaimana longs for adventures and to see the world outside of her home island. To find inspiration. With Rakau on her side, she gets a bit more than she bargained for, however. The islands are not only home to people and the taniwha, but the gods as well. Legends and myths are as real in the Crescent Atoll as the people themselves, and I think that’s one of my favorite aspects of this book. That beings from stories aren’t sentient, but real, breathing and occasionally bleeding living things. It’s not unusual for gods (Tangaloa, Nakoa, Leinani, Yam, and the others) to visit the islands, dishing out gifts and punishments, but their presence is always a blessing – of some sort. Kaimana definitely gets more than her fair share of these encounters during the book and her adventures. To her credit, she does not let her fear get in the way and even stands up to them when needed. Which is saying something when you have to stand up to the god of war. That takes some balls. Or…um…let’s settle with bravery.
My other favorite thing about Where the Waters Turn Black is the friendship between Kaimana and Rakau. It builds up slowly from beginning to end and it’s just as uplifting and heartbreaking and real as any other friendship is. But it’s also as pure and unconditional as only an animal-human friendship can be. I don’t read nearly enough books with an animal companion, which is such a shame. I’m also a sucker for stories about found families and this book definitely ticks that particular box of mine off as well.
And did I even mention the folktales between chapters? Aside from Patrick‘s widely imaginative world, these folktales are what is drawing me to the Yarnsworld so much. They not only tell interesting stories and teach valuable life lessons but also are an integral part of the book. They are giving depth to certain characters and let us learn more about the world without the necessity of info dumps in the main text. It’s a really cool way of storytelling. Patrick is crazy talented at bringing characters into life and make them seem real even if they are only secondary ones.
For Where the Waters Turn Black, Patrick drew inspiration from Polynesian stories and legends, which I find highly interesting. To the point that I’m tempted to do a bit of research to learn more. Not that I know much about this culture, but to my mind, Patrick‘s writing is making the islands and their people and gods and creatures alive. It just makes me wish I could travel all over the world – imagined or otherwise. Then again, I probably wouldn’t survive too long…
Epic in scope, but with its less than 250 pages, this is a compact book you can read just in one sitting if you need to get away from everyday life. And who doesn’t need a great escape to a world where the water is crystal clear (well, except when it turns black, in which case you probably better get away as you are getting close to Leinani’s volcano and you really don’t want to piss her off), the sky is blue and the islands are green and lush and full of vibrant life, and where the gods and taniwha are walking among the people?
I said many times before that Benedict Patrick had become one of my favorite authors over the years, and it was Where the Waters Turn Black that sealed the deal for me of becoming a Yarnsworld fangirl. And I’m not even into fangirling. Anyway. You are really missing out on an amazing journey if you don’t read these books. And before I start sounding like a broken record, let me just say this: Where the Waters Turn Black is as close to perfection as a book can be. It’s got music, magic, monsters, gods, found family, adventure, and a heroine who fights to write her own story. What would you do to earn a place in legends? Would you befriend a monster and deal with gods even if you might die trying? Kaimana certainly did all that and more.
Do yourself a favor, start reading the Yarnsworld novels today!
If you are new to the Yarnsworld series, let me give you a quick heads up. If you are familiar with this world, feel free to jump to the next paragraph. All the books in the series are stand-alones, and can be read in whatever order you want. However, there are a couple that are connected to each other. Book 1, They Mostly Come Out At Night, and book 4, From the Shadows of the Owl Queen’s Court, are set in the same part of Yarnsworld, in the Magpie King’s forest, and are connected. The same goes for book 2, Where the Waters Turn Black, and book 5, To Dream and Die as a Taniwha Girl which are set at the Crescent Atoll. Book 3, Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords has no connected novel yet, but never say never. This novel is set in yet again another part of the same universe. If you are into audiobooks, the Yarnswold novels are now available, paired together, so you can enjoy them all at once.
Right, let’s talk about Where the Waters Turn Black, the second book set in the Yarnsworld series. This is the story of Kaimana, a girl with a Knack for music. In the Yarnsworld, people can develop Knacks, a magical skill of their profession. Kaimana is a talented ocarina player, traveling around the Crescent Atoll with her troupe to perform and tell stories to the islanders. But what she wants more than anything is to create a masterpiece so people would know her name. She chases her spark – people with Knacks can spark which allows them magical abilities for a short amount of time to use, a gift from the gods – and a worthy story to tell. Until one day, on her home island, she finds a taniwha – mythical creatures, some of them with magical abilities -, one with whom the islanders live in harmony. Until, that is, when Kaimana wakes him up and things go out of hand from there.
Kaimana is unlike many women over the Crescent Atoll – while many of them settle down, marry and raise children, being content with their lives, Kaimana longs for adventures and to see the world outside of her home island. To find inspiration. With Rakau on her side, she gets a bit more than she bargained for, however. The islands are not only home to people and the taniwha, but the gods as well. Legends and myths are as real in the Crescent Atoll as the people themselves, and I think that’s one of my favorite aspects of this book. That beings from stories aren’t sentient, but real, breathing and occasionally bleeding living things. It’s not unusual for gods (Tangaloa, Nakoa, Leinani, Yam, and the others) to visit the islands, dishing out gifts and punishments, but their presence is always a blessing – of some sort. Kaimana definitely gets more than her fair share of these encounters during the book and her adventures. To her credit, she does not let her fear get in the way and even stands up to them when needed. Which is saying something when you have to stand up to the god of war. That takes some balls. Or…um…let’s settle with bravery.
My other favorite thing about Where the Waters Turn Black is the friendship between Kaimana and Rakau. It builds up slowly from beginning to end and it’s just as uplifting and heartbreaking and real as any other friendship is. But it’s also as pure and unconditional as only an animal-human friendship can be. I don’t read nearly enough books with an animal companion, which is such a shame. I’m also a sucker for stories about found families and this book definitely ticks that particular box of mine off as well.
And did I even mention the folktales between chapters? Aside from Patrick‘s widely imaginative world, these folktales are what is drawing me to the Yarnsworld so much. They not only tell interesting stories and teach valuable life lessons but also are an integral part of the book. They are giving depth to certain characters and let us learn more about the world without the necessity of info dumps in the main text. It’s a really cool way of storytelling. Patrick is crazy talented at bringing characters into life and make them seem real even if they are only secondary ones.
For Where the Waters Turn Black, Patrick drew inspiration from Polynesian stories and legends, which I find highly interesting. To the point that I’m tempted to do a bit of research to learn more. Not that I know much about this culture, but to my mind, Patrick‘s writing is making the islands and their people and gods and creatures alive. It just makes me wish I could travel all over the world – imagined or otherwise. Then again, I probably wouldn’t survive too long…
Epic in scope, but with its less than 250 pages, this is a compact book you can read just in one sitting if you need to get away from everyday life. And who doesn’t need a great escape to a world where the water is crystal clear (well, except when it turns black, in which case you probably better get away as you are getting close to Leinani’s volcano and you really don’t want to piss her off), the sky is blue and the islands are green and lush and full of vibrant life, and where the gods and taniwha are walking among the people?
I said many times before that Benedict Patrick had become one of my favorite authors over the years, and it was Where the Waters Turn Black that sealed the deal for me of becoming a Yarnsworld fangirl. And I’m not even into fangirling. Anyway. You are really missing out on an amazing journey if you don’t read these books. And before I start sounding like a broken record, let me just say this: Where the Waters Turn Black is as close to perfection as a book can be. It’s got music, magic, monsters, gods, found family, adventure, and a heroine who fights to write her own story. What would you do to earn a place in legends? Would you befriend a monster and deal with gods even if you might die trying? Kaimana certainly did all that and more.
Do yourself a favor, start reading the Yarnsworld novels today!
September 17, 2018
I have the rare honor on this review to get some vital input from a guest co-reviewer: my 13-year-old son, Joshua. Over the past 10 days, I read this book out loud to him, and I have asked him to give his input, so this is a 2-for-1 review. (Can this also count as a book report for him?)
A little backstory… I have been reading books out loud to my son and my wife since last December, and this was the latest book, following Rothfuss, Pratchett and Bancroft. I used to read a lot to my son when he was very young, and we got away from this practice for several years. I had asked some fellow reviewers for suggestions of what to read next, and Timy from RockStarlit BookAsylum suggested this author, Benedict Patrick. Neither of us had previously read any of his books.
Perhaps the most succinct comment Joshua made after finishing was: “I would definitely like to read more by him.”
Breaking it down from there, my son’s unquestionably favorite part of this book was the character of Yam, the god of yams. This could have been a book that was 100% full of Yam’s sass, and my son would have loved it. In fact, his most harsh critique was that, apart from Yam, he felt that most of the other supporting characters were “flat”. (I personally disagreed, but I think it was his way of making sure I knew how much he loved Yam.)
The creativity in the book with the various creatures was very well done. They were very well described, including how they looked and acted, and even down to the body language that was often interpreted as its form of communication. Honestly, there were times when the creature seemed more human than the people.
We both enjoyed the unique setting of this story, that of the islands of the South Pacific. No phones, no lights, no motor cars, not a single luxury…
I love to read. It’s my thing. Since I started reading out loud 10 months ago, there were plenty of times when my wife and son did not want me to read but I did, and we did something else as a family. (I’m OK with either option, really.) With this book, most days MY SON was asking when we could read more. It was a short book, it was well written, and it held his attention.
This was an enjoyable read, and I would easily recommend it. Thank you, Benedict, for sending this to me through TBRindr. Well done! 4.5 / 5 stars.
A little backstory… I have been reading books out loud to my son and my wife since last December, and this was the latest book, following Rothfuss, Pratchett and Bancroft. I used to read a lot to my son when he was very young, and we got away from this practice for several years. I had asked some fellow reviewers for suggestions of what to read next, and Timy from RockStarlit BookAsylum suggested this author, Benedict Patrick. Neither of us had previously read any of his books.
Perhaps the most succinct comment Joshua made after finishing was: “I would definitely like to read more by him.”
Breaking it down from there, my son’s unquestionably favorite part of this book was the character of Yam, the god of yams. This could have been a book that was 100% full of Yam’s sass, and my son would have loved it. In fact, his most harsh critique was that, apart from Yam, he felt that most of the other supporting characters were “flat”. (I personally disagreed, but I think it was his way of making sure I knew how much he loved Yam.)
The creativity in the book with the various creatures was very well done. They were very well described, including how they looked and acted, and even down to the body language that was often interpreted as its form of communication. Honestly, there were times when the creature seemed more human than the people.
We both enjoyed the unique setting of this story, that of the islands of the South Pacific. No phones, no lights, no motor cars, not a single luxury…
I love to read. It’s my thing. Since I started reading out loud 10 months ago, there were plenty of times when my wife and son did not want me to read but I did, and we did something else as a family. (I’m OK with either option, really.) With this book, most days MY SON was asking when we could read more. It was a short book, it was well written, and it held his attention.
This was an enjoyable read, and I would easily recommend it. Thank you, Benedict, for sending this to me through TBRindr. Well done! 4.5 / 5 stars.
November 16, 2016
After Benedict’s previous work They Mostly Come Out At Night I was left wanting..wanting more of his work. Fortunately for me and you the author hasn’t kept us waiting long..phew.
We are back in the wonderfully dark and exciting world the author has created full of gods and monsters that will send shivers down small children’s backs.
I loved this book. It feels like a fairytale.. but not the Disney kind.. the true kind.. think The Brothers Grimm. Myths told to scare the little ones come to life and change the life of one person in particular..Kaimana.
From the opening sentence I knew I would enjoy this – “There’s a monster in the village” and this author has a real knack for creating the weird and wonderful that switches on my brain giving me the blissful feeling of using my imagination to see this world myself.
The tale is fast paced..would have liked it slowed down a bit so I could really enjoy the world and people the author has created but saying that the author has fit in a lot of content into less than 230 pages.
So you’ll want to know a bit about the book..
First off one thing I really loved about the author’s previous work and this one is how he separates the chapters with little tales, myths, folklore from the world he’s created. I’ve not read anything like it before and it really shows off the author’s imagination to the fullest.
Kaimana is part of a traveling group of performers. She has the knack but hasn’t reached her full potential yet. When the group heads back to her former home this is a chance to see her parents but she’s kind of an outsider in her own home since she didn’t follow in the family footsteps.
This feeling of being an outsider is what I think draws her to go searching the woods when she’s told a monster is lurking..she just doesn’t think of the consequences .
After disturbing the creature the travelling group are asked to leave and they head out to their next destination.. little do they know the taniwha has become connected to Kaimana.
Kaimana is certain this connection is what is needed for her to become a legend..to create a song that will be shared for generations.
Along the way on this adventure we meet gods..good and bad..and more monsters. We even see the Magpie King make an appearance :).
I won’t spoil the overall plot for you but this was another well written tale from a strong author that you should definitely keep your eye on.
The tale is one of friendship & loyalty and the fantasy edge really makes this one hell of an interesting book to read.
Another plus for me is that the book is written in such a way that even though it’s connected with the previous tale you don’t have to have read that book first, you can read them in any order.. Although I’d strongly suggest you read it at some point..Damn it was good.
I can’t wait to see what Benedict comes up with next!
We are back in the wonderfully dark and exciting world the author has created full of gods and monsters that will send shivers down small children’s backs.
I loved this book. It feels like a fairytale.. but not the Disney kind.. the true kind.. think The Brothers Grimm. Myths told to scare the little ones come to life and change the life of one person in particular..Kaimana.
From the opening sentence I knew I would enjoy this – “There’s a monster in the village” and this author has a real knack for creating the weird and wonderful that switches on my brain giving me the blissful feeling of using my imagination to see this world myself.
The tale is fast paced..would have liked it slowed down a bit so I could really enjoy the world and people the author has created but saying that the author has fit in a lot of content into less than 230 pages.
So you’ll want to know a bit about the book..
First off one thing I really loved about the author’s previous work and this one is how he separates the chapters with little tales, myths, folklore from the world he’s created. I’ve not read anything like it before and it really shows off the author’s imagination to the fullest.
Kaimana is part of a traveling group of performers. She has the knack but hasn’t reached her full potential yet. When the group heads back to her former home this is a chance to see her parents but she’s kind of an outsider in her own home since she didn’t follow in the family footsteps.
This feeling of being an outsider is what I think draws her to go searching the woods when she’s told a monster is lurking..she just doesn’t think of the consequences .
After disturbing the creature the travelling group are asked to leave and they head out to their next destination.. little do they know the taniwha has become connected to Kaimana.
Kaimana is certain this connection is what is needed for her to become a legend..to create a song that will be shared for generations.
Along the way on this adventure we meet gods..good and bad..and more monsters. We even see the Magpie King make an appearance :).
I won’t spoil the overall plot for you but this was another well written tale from a strong author that you should definitely keep your eye on.
The tale is one of friendship & loyalty and the fantasy edge really makes this one hell of an interesting book to read.
Another plus for me is that the book is written in such a way that even though it’s connected with the previous tale you don’t have to have read that book first, you can read them in any order.. Although I’d strongly suggest you read it at some point..Damn it was good.
I can’t wait to see what Benedict comes up with next!
November 15, 2016
Imagine a baby blue clear ocean, lots of sunshine, golden sandy beaches, canoes… coconut trees and colorful fish. People who live a simple life, believe, fear and celebrate gods. The Crescent Atoll is a laid back paradise of breathtaking sights… and yet… gods are not the only ones the people of the Atoll feel weary about, there are also the taniwhas. The monsters.
Like many Atoll villages, Pukotala was a small collection of wooden huts thatched with dried palm leaves. It was a fishing settlement, built on the edge of the tree line, to give easy access to the water these people needed for their livelyhoods….
Our main character is Kaimana. A young lady whose Knack for music took her away from her home island, Pukotala, to travel with a musical troupe across the Atoll islands to perfom songs about the gods. She is now back on Pukotala, preparing to perform to the people she grew up with and to her parents, to prove to them that her Knack for music is what she should pursue not the simple life as a wife to a fisherman.
“There’s a monster in the village.”
Kaimana raised her eyebrows at the toddler’s words. “No, don’t worry. There’s no taniwha here.”
The young girl was not convinced. She stuck out her bottom lip, kicked up some of the sand at her feet and stared at Kaimana. “No, there is. In the cave in the hills where the stream comes to life. My uncle went to catch it, and he never came back.”
Having a Knack is all well and good, but Kaimana needs the Spark. She needs something to spark the Spark, to compose the musical piece that would make her known across the islands. That is her goal. The search for inspiration is what makes Kaimana act, against everyone’s wiches and warnings, and she can’t help herself but go check out that cave where the alleged taniwha now lives. And for me, this is where the truly magical part of the story gets its beginning.
The taniwha Kaimana finds looks like a log… a tree stump… but huge! Gray-ish in colour, but covered with moss here and there, and has some destructive limbs… No one knows where taniwha come from, how long they live or if they have families… But it is a long known truth that the taniwha are dangerous, very dangerous in fact and no one can be sure if they can be trusted.
Due to some unfortunate events, Kaimana finds out the taniwha of her island is after her. Is Rakau following Kaimana to kill her and her travelling troupe? How will the troupe act and feel when they find out the taniwha is after them… Is it all Kaimana’s fault for waking the monster?
It was a clear night, the moon was full, and the crystal water of the reef was undisturbed by any nearby rivers. The moonlight painted the rocks and coral of the reef a pale blue, and this was strongly contrasted by the powerful green of Rakau’s eyes, which illuminated the sea bed and even tinted the water in front of him.
As if the situation doesn’t seem odd and scary enough, Nakau the pig-headed War God doesn’t take lightly to the fact that his temple now has a gaping hole in its wall! And Kaimana’s troupe isn’t happy either… the performance for the pig god was their biggest event yet, in years! So, who’s to blame? The inner dynamics of the troupe members also come into play and it’s weaved into the story perfectly!
The pig god had chosen to build his temple in the middle of the area of the Atoll that gave him most opportunity to practice his art of war. Most Atoll islanders who ate human flesh were civilised enough to only do so to people who had angered them, but one always heard stories…
A chase for revenge by Nakau and his army across the seas surrounding the Atoll Islands starts, throughout the story of Kaimana’s survival, myth and folk tales mix with current events. The Birdmen of the Broken Island, the gods of volcanoes and farming and song, the Lava Racer and many more legendary tales strategically placed n between scenes of Kaimana’s journey. And it is a journey to capture her Knack’s Spark and finish the Song, to stay alive, to find shelter for her friend. ‘Where Waters Turn Black’ is fantastically imaginative and beautifully fluous, taking me on a journey unlike any other.
Personally I loved ‘They Mostly Come Out at Night’, the first book in the Yarnsworld series by Benedict Patrick, and I absolutely, if possible, loved ‘Where the Waters Turn Black‘ even more! I simply cannot wait for the next book in this collection. The books in this series are standalone novels so you do not need to read ‘TMCOaN’ to enjoy ‘WtWTB’… however, I do suggest reading both of the books.. they’re ah-mazing! A very satisfied bookworm, I am slapping a very grateful 5 stars on this book! ‘Nuff said!
Like many Atoll villages, Pukotala was a small collection of wooden huts thatched with dried palm leaves. It was a fishing settlement, built on the edge of the tree line, to give easy access to the water these people needed for their livelyhoods….
Our main character is Kaimana. A young lady whose Knack for music took her away from her home island, Pukotala, to travel with a musical troupe across the Atoll islands to perfom songs about the gods. She is now back on Pukotala, preparing to perform to the people she grew up with and to her parents, to prove to them that her Knack for music is what she should pursue not the simple life as a wife to a fisherman.
“There’s a monster in the village.”
Kaimana raised her eyebrows at the toddler’s words. “No, don’t worry. There’s no taniwha here.”
The young girl was not convinced. She stuck out her bottom lip, kicked up some of the sand at her feet and stared at Kaimana. “No, there is. In the cave in the hills where the stream comes to life. My uncle went to catch it, and he never came back.”
Having a Knack is all well and good, but Kaimana needs the Spark. She needs something to spark the Spark, to compose the musical piece that would make her known across the islands. That is her goal. The search for inspiration is what makes Kaimana act, against everyone’s wiches and warnings, and she can’t help herself but go check out that cave where the alleged taniwha now lives. And for me, this is where the truly magical part of the story gets its beginning.
The taniwha Kaimana finds looks like a log… a tree stump… but huge! Gray-ish in colour, but covered with moss here and there, and has some destructive limbs… No one knows where taniwha come from, how long they live or if they have families… But it is a long known truth that the taniwha are dangerous, very dangerous in fact and no one can be sure if they can be trusted.
Due to some unfortunate events, Kaimana finds out the taniwha of her island is after her. Is Rakau following Kaimana to kill her and her travelling troupe? How will the troupe act and feel when they find out the taniwha is after them… Is it all Kaimana’s fault for waking the monster?
It was a clear night, the moon was full, and the crystal water of the reef was undisturbed by any nearby rivers. The moonlight painted the rocks and coral of the reef a pale blue, and this was strongly contrasted by the powerful green of Rakau’s eyes, which illuminated the sea bed and even tinted the water in front of him.
As if the situation doesn’t seem odd and scary enough, Nakau the pig-headed War God doesn’t take lightly to the fact that his temple now has a gaping hole in its wall! And Kaimana’s troupe isn’t happy either… the performance for the pig god was their biggest event yet, in years! So, who’s to blame? The inner dynamics of the troupe members also come into play and it’s weaved into the story perfectly!
The pig god had chosen to build his temple in the middle of the area of the Atoll that gave him most opportunity to practice his art of war. Most Atoll islanders who ate human flesh were civilised enough to only do so to people who had angered them, but one always heard stories…
A chase for revenge by Nakau and his army across the seas surrounding the Atoll Islands starts, throughout the story of Kaimana’s survival, myth and folk tales mix with current events. The Birdmen of the Broken Island, the gods of volcanoes and farming and song, the Lava Racer and many more legendary tales strategically placed n between scenes of Kaimana’s journey. And it is a journey to capture her Knack’s Spark and finish the Song, to stay alive, to find shelter for her friend. ‘Where Waters Turn Black’ is fantastically imaginative and beautifully fluous, taking me on a journey unlike any other.
Personally I loved ‘They Mostly Come Out at Night’, the first book in the Yarnsworld series by Benedict Patrick, and I absolutely, if possible, loved ‘Where the Waters Turn Black‘ even more! I simply cannot wait for the next book in this collection. The books in this series are standalone novels so you do not need to read ‘TMCOaN’ to enjoy ‘WtWTB’… however, I do suggest reading both of the books.. they’re ah-mazing! A very satisfied bookworm, I am slapping a very grateful 5 stars on this book! ‘Nuff said!
February 26, 2021
What a wonderful mix of a dark and beautiful fairytale about friendship and beautiful folklore stories. I'm a big fan of the Yarnsworld books!
Onwards to Those Brave, Foolish Souls From The City Of Swords
Onwards to Those Brave, Foolish Souls From The City Of Swords
October 30, 2019
Actual rating: 3.50
April 24, 2018
I'll be honest with you. I didn't like They Mostly Came at Night. Parts of it were great, but, overall, it just didn't work for me. As a result, I decided not to read more Yarnsworld novels.
Obviously, things changed. Why? Well, last year I read two anthologies - Lost Lore and The Art of War - and in both cases, Benedict Patrick's short stories were among my favorites ones.
Additionally, I'm keen on r/fantasy Book Bingo Challenge and one of 2018 squares is Novel Featuring a Protagonist Who is a Writer, Artist or Musician.
In other words, I had no choice. I simply had to give Where the Waters Turn Black a try. The main character is an artist - ocarina player. The story is inspired by the myths and legends of South Pacific island cultures, and that's a plus as it's not the kind of setting we see often in fantasy books.
The story focuses on Kaimana, a young ocarina player, who discovers the lair of a taniwha (a dangerous, predatory being). She feels this encounter may finally allow her Knack to spark and create ocarina masterpiece. Unfortunately, things go off the rail really fast. Kaimana is cast away from her troupe, god of war wants to kill Taniwha. A girl and a monster will have to learn to trust each other in order to survive.
While the plot isn't particularly complex, it remains enjoyable and well paced. It reads a bit like a folktale and it's the story's main strength. I enjoy this kind of storytelling a lot. For me, it's the story about finding your place in life and the importance of true friendship. Kaimana and Rakau relationship was a bit predictable but also real and touching. Some level of predictability is fine when the story manages to emotionally engage me and it did.
The setting is unusual and exotic - the Crescent Atoll is a remote string of tropical islands inhabited by humans, monsters, and gods. Gods of the Attol aren't loving and caring - they're mostly cruel, vain and callous. We learn about them through short chapters retelling some of the myths and legends.
Characters were easily relatable and, mostly, likable. Kaimana is part of a traveling group of performers. She has the knack but hasn’t reached her full potential yet. When she meets Taniwha her first motivation is egoistical - she wants to create an ocarina masterpiece that will make her famous. With time, though, she makes a lot of difficult choices that will change her life and values forever. I liked her and related to her. She's a bit of an outsider, but she has the heart in the right place.
Also, she's a good buddy of a mythical monster and I have a soft spot for human-familiar relationships. Rakau is a giant monster able to wreak havoc and bring mayhem, but with Kaimana, he behaves like a playful puppy. Yam was funny. Attol gods were portrayed with broad strokes, but we clearly see the differences between them and their respective characters.
I guess my only character-related issue was Eloni - she's just mean and envious and, basically, there's not much more to her. As one of the story "villains" she felt very flat.
Overall, I'm glad I read this book. It was short, tight and wildly entertaining.
TL;DR - Human girl and giant monster, best friends on the run. Exciting stuff.
Obviously, things changed. Why? Well, last year I read two anthologies - Lost Lore and The Art of War - and in both cases, Benedict Patrick's short stories were among my favorites ones.
Additionally, I'm keen on r/fantasy Book Bingo Challenge and one of 2018 squares is Novel Featuring a Protagonist Who is a Writer, Artist or Musician.
In other words, I had no choice. I simply had to give Where the Waters Turn Black a try. The main character is an artist - ocarina player. The story is inspired by the myths and legends of South Pacific island cultures, and that's a plus as it's not the kind of setting we see often in fantasy books.
The story focuses on Kaimana, a young ocarina player, who discovers the lair of a taniwha (a dangerous, predatory being). She feels this encounter may finally allow her Knack to spark and create ocarina masterpiece. Unfortunately, things go off the rail really fast. Kaimana is cast away from her troupe, god of war wants to kill Taniwha. A girl and a monster will have to learn to trust each other in order to survive.
While the plot isn't particularly complex, it remains enjoyable and well paced. It reads a bit like a folktale and it's the story's main strength. I enjoy this kind of storytelling a lot. For me, it's the story about finding your place in life and the importance of true friendship. Kaimana and Rakau relationship was a bit predictable but also real and touching. Some level of predictability is fine when the story manages to emotionally engage me and it did.
The setting is unusual and exotic - the Crescent Atoll is a remote string of tropical islands inhabited by humans, monsters, and gods. Gods of the Attol aren't loving and caring - they're mostly cruel, vain and callous. We learn about them through short chapters retelling some of the myths and legends.
Characters were easily relatable and, mostly, likable. Kaimana is part of a traveling group of performers. She has the knack but hasn’t reached her full potential yet. When she meets Taniwha her first motivation is egoistical - she wants to create an ocarina masterpiece that will make her famous. With time, though, she makes a lot of difficult choices that will change her life and values forever. I liked her and related to her. She's a bit of an outsider, but she has the heart in the right place.
Also, she's a good buddy of a mythical monster and I have a soft spot for human-familiar relationships. Rakau is a giant monster able to wreak havoc and bring mayhem, but with Kaimana, he behaves like a playful puppy. Yam was funny. Attol gods were portrayed with broad strokes, but we clearly see the differences between them and their respective characters.
I guess my only character-related issue was Eloni - she's just mean and envious and, basically, there's not much more to her. As one of the story "villains" she felt very flat.
Overall, I'm glad I read this book. It was short, tight and wildly entertaining.
TL;DR - Human girl and giant monster, best friends on the run. Exciting stuff.
August 6, 2019
In Yarnsworld, characters have a specialized career, enhanced by magic known as a Knack and when inspired to their masterwork they exhibit a Spark. Set in pacific islander and Maori inspired folklore, Kaimana is an Ocarina player who is part of a performing troupe, just returning to her home island for the first time as a performer, not yet having a spark. She has the weight of her parent's expectations on her, skilled fishers on a fisher isle, they pressure her to stay home and carry on their legacy instead of being an artist. However, she learns the people of her isle have been appeasing a returned mythic beast of fable, a taniwha. She must find out if this legend is real, going against all caution, Kaimana seeks out the beast and as a result finds her spark.
There is absolutely no sophomore slump here, Patrick's writing is very compelling & fresh, while also having ironed out most of the debut criticisms I've seen regarding They Mostly Come Out At Night. The themes tackled regarding familial and social pressures were significantly underlined for me by the knack element - it also made me realize just how significant that is as a story through time across broad cultural folklore. I just love this series so far, the alternating between narrative and in world folk tales makes the books hard to put down, because it's always presenting something new. In this instance I'm entirely unfamiliar with the inspiring culture, so it is was fascinating to explore.
There is absolutely no sophomore slump here, Patrick's writing is very compelling & fresh, while also having ironed out most of the debut criticisms I've seen regarding They Mostly Come Out At Night. The themes tackled regarding familial and social pressures were significantly underlined for me by the knack element - it also made me realize just how significant that is as a story through time across broad cultural folklore. I just love this series so far, the alternating between narrative and in world folk tales makes the books hard to put down, because it's always presenting something new. In this instance I'm entirely unfamiliar with the inspiring culture, so it is was fascinating to explore.
January 19, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I knew I would love this story from the first page. It is hard to describe the beauty in this piece, as there is so much. The characters, their lives, their culture, their faith, their journeys—all of it is a culmination of everything you would want in a dark—yet somehow lighthearted—book of fable, folklore, and myth. It has just the right mix of adventure and mystery, friendship and hurt, joy and wonder. It all comes together so well—perfectly woven as if from threads taken from the hem of a robe worn by one of the powerful gods in this story.
The protagonist here is a young woman named Kaimana who is a musician travelling across the islands with the hopes of making it big. What she’s searching for besides fame, however, is inspiration. Kaimana needs the perfect spark to fuel the magic of her music so she can’t keep herself still for long when she hears rumors of a taniwha living nearby. Taniwha are rumored to be dangerous monsters that have beaten fear into the many Atoll villages. What Kaimana finds, though, is not what she expected at all but it takes her career and her entire life in a new direction.
We get to see a beautiful mixture of rich culture, wild imagination, and adventurous legends put together by Patrick. I’m a huge fan of ‘They Mostly Come Out at Night’ but I must say this work gives it a run for its money. Patrick’s writing is so solid and layered in its beautiful simplicity. I absolutely love the beginning of the book; a simple conversation between a toddler and Kaimana. There isn’t always much description as far as appearances go in Patrick’s writing but it is deliberate, as if letting readers fill in the blanks.
That is an aspect of Patrick’s writing that I am learning to look forward to. There aren’t many books I get to simply read and enjoy while I poke and prod, putting together my review, but this is definitely one that I loved. I don’t think I can truly do any work of Patrick’s justice with a simple review; it is something you must witness for yourself. I ask, from the bottom of my heart, that readers pick up a copy of this book.
If you enjoy books with originality, rich culture, lighthearted adventures, and the mysteries of village folklore, then you will fall in love with this book. I definitely recommend it to fans of dark fiction and those open to mythology and other cultural fiction.
I knew I would love this story from the first page. It is hard to describe the beauty in this piece, as there is so much. The characters, their lives, their culture, their faith, their journeys—all of it is a culmination of everything you would want in a dark—yet somehow lighthearted—book of fable, folklore, and myth. It has just the right mix of adventure and mystery, friendship and hurt, joy and wonder. It all comes together so well—perfectly woven as if from threads taken from the hem of a robe worn by one of the powerful gods in this story.
The protagonist here is a young woman named Kaimana who is a musician travelling across the islands with the hopes of making it big. What she’s searching for besides fame, however, is inspiration. Kaimana needs the perfect spark to fuel the magic of her music so she can’t keep herself still for long when she hears rumors of a taniwha living nearby. Taniwha are rumored to be dangerous monsters that have beaten fear into the many Atoll villages. What Kaimana finds, though, is not what she expected at all but it takes her career and her entire life in a new direction.
We get to see a beautiful mixture of rich culture, wild imagination, and adventurous legends put together by Patrick. I’m a huge fan of ‘They Mostly Come Out at Night’ but I must say this work gives it a run for its money. Patrick’s writing is so solid and layered in its beautiful simplicity. I absolutely love the beginning of the book; a simple conversation between a toddler and Kaimana. There isn’t always much description as far as appearances go in Patrick’s writing but it is deliberate, as if letting readers fill in the blanks.
That is an aspect of Patrick’s writing that I am learning to look forward to. There aren’t many books I get to simply read and enjoy while I poke and prod, putting together my review, but this is definitely one that I loved. I don’t think I can truly do any work of Patrick’s justice with a simple review; it is something you must witness for yourself. I ask, from the bottom of my heart, that readers pick up a copy of this book.
If you enjoy books with originality, rich culture, lighthearted adventures, and the mysteries of village folklore, then you will fall in love with this book. I definitely recommend it to fans of dark fiction and those open to mythology and other cultural fiction.
January 11, 2019
A beautiful Polynesian-inspired fairy tale, with plenty of humour and pathos. Plus, I totally pictured the protagonist as Disney's Moana.
October 3, 2017
Full review is here, on my blog
Oh my this was such an enjoyable little book. It’s a standalone in the Yarnsworld series, definitely, as it takes place in a very, very different part of the world that They Mostly Come Out at Night began to describe. This one takes place in The Crescent Atoll, a series of islands that is more than a little reminiscent of Polynesia. Where TMCOaN gave me a very dark, spooky forest feeling, this one gave me a much sunnier, beachier… volcanoier (you’re welcome for this word) feeling.
Kaimana is a young girl who has left her native island to join a troupe of musicians, much to the chagrin of her parents and sister, who are all fishermen. This story, as it is in the same world, has the same Knacks that the previous did. People in this world develop a Knack for things that they tend to excel in or do in their day to day life. Kaimana’s mother and sister have a Knack for finding pearls, for example, but Kaimana herself has a Knack for playing the ocarina. She’s never found the inspiration for her magnum opus, until she goes back home to perform at the harvest festival and stumbles upon the village’s new resident – a taniwha. A giant, scary monster that eats people. The taniwha notices her, and follows her to the temple of the god of war. Then, the god of war notices the taniwha. And then… well I won’t spoil it for you. Shenanigans!
I really latched on to Kaimana early on, and found myself getting legitimately angry and upset when she was treated so unfairly by her troupe, especially the flute player who was so over the top mean girl™️ that it made it so easy to dislike her and cheer for our protagonist.
The Yarnsworld books truly do read like folktales. There are interludes between chapters that tell an actual folktale about something within the same theme as the story itself. So, this one tells the story of how the god of war became the god of war, just before introducing the god of war. It’s really fantastically done.
Oh my this was such an enjoyable little book. It’s a standalone in the Yarnsworld series, definitely, as it takes place in a very, very different part of the world that They Mostly Come Out at Night began to describe. This one takes place in The Crescent Atoll, a series of islands that is more than a little reminiscent of Polynesia. Where TMCOaN gave me a very dark, spooky forest feeling, this one gave me a much sunnier, beachier… volcanoier (you’re welcome for this word) feeling.
Kaimana is a young girl who has left her native island to join a troupe of musicians, much to the chagrin of her parents and sister, who are all fishermen. This story, as it is in the same world, has the same Knacks that the previous did. People in this world develop a Knack for things that they tend to excel in or do in their day to day life. Kaimana’s mother and sister have a Knack for finding pearls, for example, but Kaimana herself has a Knack for playing the ocarina. She’s never found the inspiration for her magnum opus, until she goes back home to perform at the harvest festival and stumbles upon the village’s new resident – a taniwha. A giant, scary monster that eats people. The taniwha notices her, and follows her to the temple of the god of war. Then, the god of war notices the taniwha. And then… well I won’t spoil it for you. Shenanigans!
I really latched on to Kaimana early on, and found myself getting legitimately angry and upset when she was treated so unfairly by her troupe, especially the flute player who was so over the top mean girl™️ that it made it so easy to dislike her and cheer for our protagonist.
The Yarnsworld books truly do read like folktales. There are interludes between chapters that tell an actual folktale about something within the same theme as the story itself. So, this one tells the story of how the god of war became the god of war, just before introducing the god of war. It’s really fantastically done.
December 16, 2017
Disclaimer: I won a paperback in a Goodreads giveaway from the author. This has not affected my review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the immersive South Sea fantasy, where only entertainers range widely between islands and gods walk in, magical realism style, if their name is slighted. A young musician who left her fisher family for a more exciting life has to wait for a creative Spark of inspiration... which only seems to arrive after she disturbs a big scary doglike monster in a cave. While doing damage to all and sundry, the monster takes to following the girl from island to island, until she realises she might be better off with its protection than without. But some of the boastful warlike clan chiefs make it their business to kill taniwhas, or rogue monsters....
Too many setting changes and characters for me to describe them, but if you ever dreamed of island hopping and finding a different environment and clan on each beach, this is your book. Interspersed legends, which are relevant to the tale, explain how the peoples pass on information, like stay away from live volcanoes, watch for giant sharks, and be sure to water the yams. The author, who is from Northern Ireland, says he spent a summer with the native tribes of New Zealand learning their customs and lore, which inspired this vivid fantasy and stunning legends.
The tale is suitable for Young Adults if they don't mind a lot of violence. Adults will definitely enjoy the adventure. I have already bought the next book in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the immersive South Sea fantasy, where only entertainers range widely between islands and gods walk in, magical realism style, if their name is slighted. A young musician who left her fisher family for a more exciting life has to wait for a creative Spark of inspiration... which only seems to arrive after she disturbs a big scary doglike monster in a cave. While doing damage to all and sundry, the monster takes to following the girl from island to island, until she realises she might be better off with its protection than without. But some of the boastful warlike clan chiefs make it their business to kill taniwhas, or rogue monsters....
Too many setting changes and characters for me to describe them, but if you ever dreamed of island hopping and finding a different environment and clan on each beach, this is your book. Interspersed legends, which are relevant to the tale, explain how the peoples pass on information, like stay away from live volcanoes, watch for giant sharks, and be sure to water the yams. The author, who is from Northern Ireland, says he spent a summer with the native tribes of New Zealand learning their customs and lore, which inspired this vivid fantasy and stunning legends.
The tale is suitable for Young Adults if they don't mind a lot of violence. Adults will definitely enjoy the adventure. I have already bought the next book in the series.
February 19, 2017
Full of folkloric charm and a classic tale of the triumph of virtue. The Odyssey meets Free Willy--an adventure between unlikely friends into mysterious lands inhabited by strange, fantastical creatures and capricious gods.
Evoking breathtaking imagery, moving fluidly (or swimmingly, if you prefer) from one exotic setting to another, a testament to a very thoughtful worldbuilding. The writing is similarly thoughtful and deliberate, sophisticated and lyrical.
Particularly interesting was the relationship between a god's stature and human interaction, perhaps a statement about the symbiotic nature of worship and divinity, an interesting jumping point for reflection on the nature of gods.
The tale feels enchantingly ancient--from a hallowed time--though with a few moments where it oddly strayed into modern territory in terms of language and tone, even attitude. Similarly, there were chapters of short, folkloric tales, nibblets intrinsically fascinating on their own but didn't always seem entirely germane to the overall arc. It might have felt more organic if the legends were imparted through storytelling between the characters in the manner of oral tradition rather than delivering them in isolation. In any event, this novel certainly demonstrates the enduring and altering power of stories.
Evoking breathtaking imagery, moving fluidly (or swimmingly, if you prefer) from one exotic setting to another, a testament to a very thoughtful worldbuilding. The writing is similarly thoughtful and deliberate, sophisticated and lyrical.
Particularly interesting was the relationship between a god's stature and human interaction, perhaps a statement about the symbiotic nature of worship and divinity, an interesting jumping point for reflection on the nature of gods.
The tale feels enchantingly ancient--from a hallowed time--though with a few moments where it oddly strayed into modern territory in terms of language and tone, even attitude. Similarly, there were chapters of short, folkloric tales, nibblets intrinsically fascinating on their own but didn't always seem entirely germane to the overall arc. It might have felt more organic if the legends were imparted through storytelling between the characters in the manner of oral tradition rather than delivering them in isolation. In any event, this novel certainly demonstrates the enduring and altering power of stories.
December 13, 2016
One word:
Awesome
!!! Thanks for the ARC Benedict Patrick, Now I will have to buy the book to see if anything got changed! :) It's on my Christmas wish list at Amazon!
February 11, 2021
3,5 en realidad. Me gusta mucho el estilo de este autor, la estructura de cada novela y los mundos que nos invita a explorar. Los cuentos entre los capítulos y el cambio de estilo son una gozada.
Una vez dicho esto, encuentro un problema serio en dos aspectos: la protagonista carece de objetivo y su personalidad no da tiempo a que se desarrolle, resulta muy acelerado y el cambio se nota en las acciones que realiza aunque sin dar tiempo a que sea realista para el lector.
Con un ritmo más pausado el resultado habría sido mejor. Aún así ha sido una lectura preciosa y se que seguiré sumergiéndome en este mundo en las próximas novelas.
Felicidades por tanto al autor y al responsable de las ilustraciones de las portadas que son increíbles.
Una vez dicho esto, encuentro un problema serio en dos aspectos: la protagonista carece de objetivo y su personalidad no da tiempo a que se desarrolle, resulta muy acelerado y el cambio se nota en las acciones que realiza aunque sin dar tiempo a que sea realista para el lector.
Con un ritmo más pausado el resultado habría sido mejor. Aún así ha sido una lectura preciosa y se que seguiré sumergiéndome en este mundo en las próximas novelas.
Felicidades por tanto al autor y al responsable de las ilustraciones de las portadas que son increíbles.
June 10, 2019
This is another fantastic installment in the Yarnsworld! I have really enjoyed this, it is something quite different and really with your time to read. A full review will be on my blog soon.
April 2, 2018
Disclaimer: I give self-published book a higher rating (because of the obvious reasons), so the 'real rating' is close to 4.5
This book is set in the same world as the first novel of this author, They Mostly Come Out At NightThey Mostly Come Out At Night. What drew me to them was the combination of the beautiful cover and enticing title, to be honest. I stayed for the folklore, fairy tale vibe, and setting. This book is set on Atoll, a series of closely situated islands, where capricious gods walk among their worshipers. Our protagonists are Kaimana, the ocarina player, and a taniwha: a strange being that is seen both as protector and a monster to be feared (it bring me such joy to learn it comes from Maori tradition). From the moment they meet the curtain is truly lifted and all of the things start happening all at once. Lots of traveling, meeting with gods, fending off fish monsters, battling warriors of the pig god.... And all of it under 300 pages, including the short stories included between the chapters!
This book has much better dialogue than the first book, and the scenes with the characters felt more real overall. I grew to like our protagonist, who I found to be a self-absorbed teenager at the beginning. She grew from her experiences, accepted her mistakes, and moved the plot forward. The side characters were also interesting - especially the interactions between the gods, which was not as developed as I'd have liked. I mean, who woudln't want to know more of god family squabbles? I grew up on Greek and Slavic myths, I adore that stuff. Also, I would have liked to have more scenes of Kaimana and tanihwa together - Kaimana's feelings towards it change, but it was quite abrupt and I would have liked to feel it more.
This book left me feeling quite exhilarated, and I'm really glad I found this author and plan to read everything he puts forward in the future.
(Bingo: self-published, novel featuring a non-western setting, musician protagonist, fewer than 2500 ratings, god as a character)
This book is set in the same world as the first novel of this author, They Mostly Come Out At NightThey Mostly Come Out At Night. What drew me to them was the combination of the beautiful cover and enticing title, to be honest. I stayed for the folklore, fairy tale vibe, and setting. This book is set on Atoll, a series of closely situated islands, where capricious gods walk among their worshipers. Our protagonists are Kaimana, the ocarina player, and a taniwha: a strange being that is seen both as protector and a monster to be feared (it bring me such joy to learn it comes from Maori tradition). From the moment they meet the curtain is truly lifted and all of the things start happening all at once. Lots of traveling, meeting with gods, fending off fish monsters, battling warriors of the pig god.... And all of it under 300 pages, including the short stories included between the chapters!
This book has much better dialogue than the first book, and the scenes with the characters felt more real overall. I grew to like our protagonist, who I found to be a self-absorbed teenager at the beginning. She grew from her experiences, accepted her mistakes, and moved the plot forward. The side characters were also interesting - especially the interactions between the gods, which was not as developed as I'd have liked. I mean, who woudln't want to know more of god family squabbles? I grew up on Greek and Slavic myths, I adore that stuff. Also, I would have liked to have more scenes of Kaimana and tanihwa together - Kaimana's feelings towards it change, but it was quite abrupt and I would have liked to feel it more.
This book left me feeling quite exhilarated, and I'm really glad I found this author and plan to read everything he puts forward in the future.
(Bingo: self-published, novel featuring a non-western setting, musician protagonist, fewer than 2500 ratings, god as a character)
December 21, 2016
When Kaimana left her tiny island, all she’d wanted in life was to prove herself; to her parents, to goddess Laka of song and dance, to her knack and to herself. However, that journey is derailed by a single moment of curiosity. The moment she looked into the green eyes of the wooden Taniwha, Kaimana should have known that life would never be the same. A tale of courage, a tale of an arduous journey, a tale of friendship between a girl and a monster. Set in the universe of Benedict Patrick’s previous works, Where The Waters Turn Black tells the story of an unusual, but heart-warming friendship.
I picked up this book because it was fantasy and it seemed to have an interesting female lead. I was proven right on both counts and on so much more. The setting of the atoll and the pacific islands draws you in immediately. The background is provided with an ease that is much coveted in the guilds of fantasy writing. More importantly, the lead character, Kaimana, is presented so well that you’re rooting for her by the end of the first chapter.
Even if I hadn’t liked the story, I would have kept reading for the sake of Kaimana and Rakua. The determination and courage of Kaimana is astounding and that is where she shines. But, when the time comes for fear or sadness especially, the author falters a bit in the transition between emotions. It feels a little abrupt which stands out because everything else reads so natural.
The story is one we are all familiar with. But, maybe it’s the vivid representation of the pacific islands, the rich history that is presented in the form of intersecting Tales from the Atoll chapters, or maybe, it’s because of the refreshingly human protagonist, but, I enjoyed Benedict Patrick’s work a whole lot more than I thought I would.
BOTTOMLINE: The story is captivating. The protagonist and other characters are brave and very human. The world-building is fantastic. The prose is easy to read. What else can a reader ask for? Give it a read on a hot summer afternoon and lose yourself in the beauty of the clear blue waters of the Atoll.
Happy reading!
- https://overratedsensibilities.wordpr...
I picked up this book because it was fantasy and it seemed to have an interesting female lead. I was proven right on both counts and on so much more. The setting of the atoll and the pacific islands draws you in immediately. The background is provided with an ease that is much coveted in the guilds of fantasy writing. More importantly, the lead character, Kaimana, is presented so well that you’re rooting for her by the end of the first chapter.
Even if I hadn’t liked the story, I would have kept reading for the sake of Kaimana and Rakua. The determination and courage of Kaimana is astounding and that is where she shines. But, when the time comes for fear or sadness especially, the author falters a bit in the transition between emotions. It feels a little abrupt which stands out because everything else reads so natural.
The story is one we are all familiar with. But, maybe it’s the vivid representation of the pacific islands, the rich history that is presented in the form of intersecting Tales from the Atoll chapters, or maybe, it’s because of the refreshingly human protagonist, but, I enjoyed Benedict Patrick’s work a whole lot more than I thought I would.
BOTTOMLINE: The story is captivating. The protagonist and other characters are brave and very human. The world-building is fantastic. The prose is easy to read. What else can a reader ask for? Give it a read on a hot summer afternoon and lose yourself in the beauty of the clear blue waters of the Atoll.
Happy reading!
- https://overratedsensibilities.wordpr...
January 30, 2017
Characters
Kaimana is a likable character but more importantly she feels real. Her decisions aren't always perfect but there is something of a dreamer in her that is to be admired. Rakau is the tanwha and has a big personality. He reminds me of a big intelligent dog. The supporting characters are varied but most seems to be morally reprehensible characters. From her parents that can't understand to her 'mentor' Eloni (who is a real twit).
Plot
This book was such an array of themes. At its core I felt this was about the power of love/friendship. That it doesn't matter how different you may be from another person/creature, sometimes there is a connection that only you and the other person/creature can understand. It was a beautifully refreshing novel. There wasn't any romance, it was just the story of a girl and her monster.
There were Gods, and constant threats from all sides, and awesome scenes. The concept of the Knacks are back in this Yarnsworld novel, which was pleasant. The author took a completely different but enjoyable feel/plot without completely leaving the writing style or world that I loved in They Mostly Come out at Night. A fantastic adventure that not everyone will come out of the same or even survive.
Overall
The world building was breathtaking and the transitions clear. I was a little disappointed that the fairy tale like stories didn't connect back into the story more, but it did well enough to be fantastic. The Gods were varied and complex in their own right. I cannot give this book enough praise. I don't want to give anything away, you'll just need to read it!
Rating
5 stars
If you love Folklore stories even a little this is a must read! I couldn't put it down and once I started reading it I had to finish. A must read!
I received a copy in exchange of an honest review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
Kaimana is a likable character but more importantly she feels real. Her decisions aren't always perfect but there is something of a dreamer in her that is to be admired. Rakau is the tanwha and has a big personality. He reminds me of a big intelligent dog. The supporting characters are varied but most seems to be morally reprehensible characters. From her parents that can't understand to her 'mentor' Eloni (who is a real twit).
Plot
This book was such an array of themes. At its core I felt this was about the power of love/friendship. That it doesn't matter how different you may be from another person/creature, sometimes there is a connection that only you and the other person/creature can understand. It was a beautifully refreshing novel. There wasn't any romance, it was just the story of a girl and her monster.
There were Gods, and constant threats from all sides, and awesome scenes. The concept of the Knacks are back in this Yarnsworld novel, which was pleasant. The author took a completely different but enjoyable feel/plot without completely leaving the writing style or world that I loved in They Mostly Come out at Night. A fantastic adventure that not everyone will come out of the same or even survive.
Overall
The world building was breathtaking and the transitions clear. I was a little disappointed that the fairy tale like stories didn't connect back into the story more, but it did well enough to be fantastic. The Gods were varied and complex in their own right. I cannot give this book enough praise. I don't want to give anything away, you'll just need to read it!
Rating
5 stars
If you love Folklore stories even a little this is a must read! I couldn't put it down and once I started reading it I had to finish. A must read!
I received a copy in exchange of an honest review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
November 21, 2020
Let me start of by saying I love Yarnsworld, this book follows the same format as They Mostly Come Out at Night in how it alternates a chapter of story then a short folk tale from the area the story takes place.
Having read They Mostly Come Out at Night I loved the story but I had some issues with the actual writing, primarily the dialogue it. Those issues are not present in this story and the flow of the story benefited greatly from this.
Kaimana the main character has a knack for music, she plays the ocarina with a troupe of performers. They travel the islands performing for different villages. The story begins when her troupe returns to her home island to perform for a festival. It tells a tale of Kaimana and how she befriends a monster and goes on an adventure to find her song. Kaimana is an amazing character and her journey is packed full of gods, near death experiences and wonderful emotion.
The folk tales that are contained in here are amazing all on their own. I would definitely read a Yarnsworld book that was just the lore from different parts of the world. But having this in between the chapters really does a lot to build the world and fill it with history. Such a great idea to do this. The Brothers and the Sea, Laka's Dancing Boy and The First Canoes are my favorites but they are all great.
The cover was awesome as well. The cover of They Mostly Come Out at Night is what originally brought the series to my attention.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have been recommending it to pretty much anyone I know who reads. I am looking forward to the next book Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords, which I will be starting as soon as I post this.
Reread update 2020: I just finished reading this as a refresher before starting To Dream and Die as a Taniwha Girl and I loved it just as much if not more than the first time. I am very excited for the Kaimana's new adventures.
Having read They Mostly Come Out at Night I loved the story but I had some issues with the actual writing, primarily the dialogue it. Those issues are not present in this story and the flow of the story benefited greatly from this.
Kaimana the main character has a knack for music, she plays the ocarina with a troupe of performers. They travel the islands performing for different villages. The story begins when her troupe returns to her home island to perform for a festival. It tells a tale of Kaimana and how she befriends a monster and goes on an adventure to find her song. Kaimana is an amazing character and her journey is packed full of gods, near death experiences and wonderful emotion.
The folk tales that are contained in here are amazing all on their own. I would definitely read a Yarnsworld book that was just the lore from different parts of the world. But having this in between the chapters really does a lot to build the world and fill it with history. Such a great idea to do this. The Brothers and the Sea, Laka's Dancing Boy and The First Canoes are my favorites but they are all great.
The cover was awesome as well. The cover of They Mostly Come Out at Night is what originally brought the series to my attention.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have been recommending it to pretty much anyone I know who reads. I am looking forward to the next book Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords, which I will be starting as soon as I post this.
Reread update 2020: I just finished reading this as a refresher before starting To Dream and Die as a Taniwha Girl and I loved it just as much if not more than the first time. I am very excited for the Kaimana's new adventures.
December 16, 2017
Let me start with a frank experience: I couldn't put this book down. The moment I flip over the the first page of the first chapter to the second, I couldn't put the damn good book down till the last page. (which leaves me quite emotional on how many twists were developed..) In between each chapters, Benedict slips a short folk tale which is quite unusual for writers and truthfully, I skipped the 2 last tales of the book.. BECAUSE THE MAIN STORY'S REAL GOOD. Trust me, I rarely finish a reading in a single sitting and I'm very picky.
Benedict writes with a strong imagination and clearly enjoys building unique and interesting settings. The stories will take you through strange landscapes, dangerous islands, and mysterious and dark seas. Along the way, there are interesting and well-developed characters, and a generous amount of action. I found all Benedict's book entertaining. (and I still can't go over the twists. They're so unpredictable!)
Benedict writes with a strong imagination and clearly enjoys building unique and interesting settings. The stories will take you through strange landscapes, dangerous islands, and mysterious and dark seas. Along the way, there are interesting and well-developed characters, and a generous amount of action. I found all Benedict's book entertaining. (and I still can't go over the twists. They're so unpredictable!)
December 2, 2016
I am a big fan of Patrick's first book and was kind of disappointed he wasn't returning to the Magpie King. I didn't need to worry. This is another excellent book set in the Yarnsworld universe. While They Mostly Come Out at Night was dark, Where the Waters Turn Black is more hopeful, a little brighter.
Kaimana is a character you will fall in love with as she navigates the atoll and all its wonderful creatures. I found the setting unique for a fantasy and it had a real fable/fairytale kind of feel. And then there's Yam. Every time he steps on the stage, his witty, sarcastic comments steal the show.
Maybe one of the greatest strengths of this book is I would let my daughters read it on their own. There is no objectionable content and that is a rarity today.
Where the Waters Turn Black was enjoyable, well-written, and hard to put down. It will make you want a taniwha of your own.
Kaimana is a character you will fall in love with as she navigates the atoll and all its wonderful creatures. I found the setting unique for a fantasy and it had a real fable/fairytale kind of feel. And then there's Yam. Every time he steps on the stage, his witty, sarcastic comments steal the show.
Maybe one of the greatest strengths of this book is I would let my daughters read it on their own. There is no objectionable content and that is a rarity today.
Where the Waters Turn Black was enjoyable, well-written, and hard to put down. It will make you want a taniwha of your own.
May 24, 2021
This is the third book by Benedict Patrick that I’ve read (listened to, as they’ve all been audiobooks) and matches the vivid world building, rich lore, and fantastic characters that I’ve come to know and love.
This time, instead of the forest locations of They Mostly Come Out At Night, and From The Shadows Of The Owl Queen’s Court, we spend time on The Crescent Atoll. It’s still part of the same universe, which is always wonderful to revisit, although so far away that it could be a different world.
Each of the Yarnsworld books (at least that I’ve read so far), are stand-clones, able to be enjoyed on their own merits, without reading of previous books required for understanding. It makes it fun to pick and choose which story to dive into, without worrying about required reading.
The protagonist of Where The Waters turn Black is Kaimana, a young musician who plays the ocarina. Having left home to join a travelling troupe due to her Knack for music (Knacks being another fantastic part of the Yarnsworld books where an individual develops an incredible, somewhat magical, skill in some aspect of life - from playing a particular instrument, to dancing, to fishing, to carpentry etc.), although Kaimana’s time with the troupe isn’t going particularly well - worsened when she ends up bonding with a taniwha when the troupe returns to her home island.
“Taniwha” is the name given to a variety of creatures more commonly referred to as monsters. Rakau is the name she bestows upon hers - a sort of giant dog-like, otter-like, semi-aquatic creature that honestly was rather endearing - and their friendship is considered a very bad sign by those of her troupe given the taniwha’s history as bloodthirsty monsters. It’s such a bad sign that Kaimana is driven from the troupe and forced to flee, taking a canoe across the atoll to find somewhere safe for her taniwha (and herself).
We meet several gods along the way, some who want to help her, some who want to harm her, and others who are more indifferent.
Driven by her spark to create the most beautiful song, one that will be told for generations, Kaimana is a fantastic protagonist who pulls the adventurous story onwards. Much of the atoll isn’t safe, and many conflicts arise from being hunted or desired by different people for their own reasons.
Patrick’s writing is vivid in a way I’ve not really encountered before. There is no shying away from the devastation the gods of the atoll have wrought on not just the environment, but the people. There are groups who worship other dieties and totems, those with conflicting ideals, and many places are unsafe for a young ocarina player and her taniwha. Many have been changed beyond all recognition, and Kaimana has a morbid curiosity for many of them (of course, it is all contributing to her fantastic song).
One thing I’ve always loved about the Yarnsworld books are the variety of gods. They each are very different, with different powers, strengths, and personalities. They are as much a part of the world as people, animals, plants etc. and often walk among the people.
The God of Yam makes an appearance (among others), and I loved his character in particular.
Each chapter is bookended by a regional folk tale. These small interludes are some of the best parts of the Yarnsworld books, shining a light on a particular god, hero, or foolish mortal. They serve to enrich an already vibrant world, and often play into what our main cast see or experience.
As the previous audiobooks, Where The Waters Turn Black was narrated by Derek Perkins. He is a fantastic narrator, excellent speed, cadence, and great voices for each of the characters. He is able to make emotional moments more powerful, and brings the book to life in an exceptional way.
Overall I enjoyed They Mostly Come Out At Night a little more than Where The Waters Turn Black, but it is still an easy five star read for me.
Benedict Patrick has become an auto-buy author for me. I’ve also ordered his two latest books (Darkstar Dragon and Whalefleet) in hardback through his recent kickstarter campaign, and can’t wait to read those, too!
Highly recommend the Yarnsworld books - start with the ones you like the sound of most, but be prepared to want to devour them all!
This time, instead of the forest locations of They Mostly Come Out At Night, and From The Shadows Of The Owl Queen’s Court, we spend time on The Crescent Atoll. It’s still part of the same universe, which is always wonderful to revisit, although so far away that it could be a different world.
Each of the Yarnsworld books (at least that I’ve read so far), are stand-clones, able to be enjoyed on their own merits, without reading of previous books required for understanding. It makes it fun to pick and choose which story to dive into, without worrying about required reading.
The protagonist of Where The Waters turn Black is Kaimana, a young musician who plays the ocarina. Having left home to join a travelling troupe due to her Knack for music (Knacks being another fantastic part of the Yarnsworld books where an individual develops an incredible, somewhat magical, skill in some aspect of life - from playing a particular instrument, to dancing, to fishing, to carpentry etc.), although Kaimana’s time with the troupe isn’t going particularly well - worsened when she ends up bonding with a taniwha when the troupe returns to her home island.
“Taniwha” is the name given to a variety of creatures more commonly referred to as monsters. Rakau is the name she bestows upon hers - a sort of giant dog-like, otter-like, semi-aquatic creature that honestly was rather endearing - and their friendship is considered a very bad sign by those of her troupe given the taniwha’s history as bloodthirsty monsters. It’s such a bad sign that Kaimana is driven from the troupe and forced to flee, taking a canoe across the atoll to find somewhere safe for her taniwha (and herself).
We meet several gods along the way, some who want to help her, some who want to harm her, and others who are more indifferent.
Driven by her spark to create the most beautiful song, one that will be told for generations, Kaimana is a fantastic protagonist who pulls the adventurous story onwards. Much of the atoll isn’t safe, and many conflicts arise from being hunted or desired by different people for their own reasons.
Patrick’s writing is vivid in a way I’ve not really encountered before. There is no shying away from the devastation the gods of the atoll have wrought on not just the environment, but the people. There are groups who worship other dieties and totems, those with conflicting ideals, and many places are unsafe for a young ocarina player and her taniwha. Many have been changed beyond all recognition, and Kaimana has a morbid curiosity for many of them (of course, it is all contributing to her fantastic song).
One thing I’ve always loved about the Yarnsworld books are the variety of gods. They each are very different, with different powers, strengths, and personalities. They are as much a part of the world as people, animals, plants etc. and often walk among the people.
The God of Yam makes an appearance (among others), and I loved his character in particular.
Each chapter is bookended by a regional folk tale. These small interludes are some of the best parts of the Yarnsworld books, shining a light on a particular god, hero, or foolish mortal. They serve to enrich an already vibrant world, and often play into what our main cast see or experience.
As the previous audiobooks, Where The Waters Turn Black was narrated by Derek Perkins. He is a fantastic narrator, excellent speed, cadence, and great voices for each of the characters. He is able to make emotional moments more powerful, and brings the book to life in an exceptional way.
Overall I enjoyed They Mostly Come Out At Night a little more than Where The Waters Turn Black, but it is still an easy five star read for me.
Benedict Patrick has become an auto-buy author for me. I’ve also ordered his two latest books (Darkstar Dragon and Whalefleet) in hardback through his recent kickstarter campaign, and can’t wait to read those, too!
Highly recommend the Yarnsworld books - start with the ones you like the sound of most, but be prepared to want to devour them all!
December 1, 2017
4.5/5 stars for me. This was a highly enjoyable read! Also, I swear I'm not choosing books for their cover, but I'm on a roll with the gorgeous covers lately. The cover of this book is fabulous (just as book 1, They Mostly Come Out at Night) was. Very striking!
Short Summary: This is the second book in the Yarnsworld universe/series, however each of the books in the series are designed to stand alone and so far they do that very well. There is only one crossover character from book 1 who shows up in book 2 and you will not be at any disadvantage if you didn't know his backstory from book 1. The thing the books in this series have in common is a great device the author uses of putting a short fable or folk story of the world he's writing between each chapter. I love, love, love this method of adding to the world building. The other thing the books have in common are sparks of talent within the ordinary population of the Yarnsworld, Knacks for various things (woodworking, metalsmithing, fishing, pearl-diving, music, dance, etc).
Setting: The Crescent Atoll, a string of islands surrounding a central volcano and the shallow waters around the islands and the deeper waters toward the center of the ring and outside the ring. This is a very Polynesian feeling setting and the author mentions the story was inspired by New Zealand and stories from that area.
Characters: Our main character is Kaimana, who has a Knack for playing the ocarina. Musician knacks can be a little tough for the musician as they are more like the spark of inspiration to compose a truly memorable or great piece of music. They are far less likely to show routinely or on demand. Kaimana comes from a fishing/pearl-diving family on the Atoll and went against her family's wishes to join a performing group as a musician. She very much wants her Knack to spark to prove herself and prove to her parents she made the right choice. This leads her into making some foolish or selfish decisions along the way that introduce us to the second main character, the taniwha (monster) named Rakau. Other characters in the book are Kaimana's family, the players in her troupe, and quite a few gods who commonly walk among the islanders, including the very memorable Yam, god of yams.
Plot: In very general terms (because I hate spoilers), this is a plotline that revolves around nurturing your creativity, finding your place in the world, and truly identifying what brings you happiness and sometimes figuring out the thing that brings you happiness may not be the thing you've been striving to attain. There's a good bit of travel between islands, interactions with gods and monsters, and a great friendship storyline.
Style: This is a relatively short book, weighing in at 218 pages, so it's a fast read. The chapters and the interspersed folk tales tend to be short and pithy. I did think it was interesting that both the folktales from this region (both original and as imagined or re-imagined by the author) show the gods as being extremely callous toward the lives of the islanders. To some extent this was also mirrored in the narrative. Also, I think it's an important note that even though this book features literal monsters (taniwhas), this book had far less of a creepy/horror feel to me than They Mostly Come Out at Night did. Possibly because the settings are so very different (islands/water to me are far less creepy than impenetrable forest).
Recommended For: Unusual setting/inspiration (South Pacific Islands), fairytale/folk inspired stories, stand alone (although second in a series), fast moving plot, musician protagonist. Also, as another reviewer mentioned, if you liked the movie Moana, you'll probably enjoy this book!
Short Summary: This is the second book in the Yarnsworld universe/series, however each of the books in the series are designed to stand alone and so far they do that very well. There is only one crossover character from book 1 who shows up in book 2 and you will not be at any disadvantage if you didn't know his backstory from book 1. The thing the books in this series have in common is a great device the author uses of putting a short fable or folk story of the world he's writing between each chapter. I love, love, love this method of adding to the world building. The other thing the books have in common are sparks of talent within the ordinary population of the Yarnsworld, Knacks for various things (woodworking, metalsmithing, fishing, pearl-diving, music, dance, etc).
Setting: The Crescent Atoll, a string of islands surrounding a central volcano and the shallow waters around the islands and the deeper waters toward the center of the ring and outside the ring. This is a very Polynesian feeling setting and the author mentions the story was inspired by New Zealand and stories from that area.
Characters: Our main character is Kaimana, who has a Knack for playing the ocarina. Musician knacks can be a little tough for the musician as they are more like the spark of inspiration to compose a truly memorable or great piece of music. They are far less likely to show routinely or on demand. Kaimana comes from a fishing/pearl-diving family on the Atoll and went against her family's wishes to join a performing group as a musician. She very much wants her Knack to spark to prove herself and prove to her parents she made the right choice. This leads her into making some foolish or selfish decisions along the way that introduce us to the second main character, the taniwha (monster) named Rakau. Other characters in the book are Kaimana's family, the players in her troupe, and quite a few gods who commonly walk among the islanders, including the very memorable Yam, god of yams.
Plot: In very general terms (because I hate spoilers), this is a plotline that revolves around nurturing your creativity, finding your place in the world, and truly identifying what brings you happiness and sometimes figuring out the thing that brings you happiness may not be the thing you've been striving to attain. There's a good bit of travel between islands, interactions with gods and monsters, and a great friendship storyline.
Style: This is a relatively short book, weighing in at 218 pages, so it's a fast read. The chapters and the interspersed folk tales tend to be short and pithy. I did think it was interesting that both the folktales from this region (both original and as imagined or re-imagined by the author) show the gods as being extremely callous toward the lives of the islanders. To some extent this was also mirrored in the narrative. Also, I think it's an important note that even though this book features literal monsters (taniwhas), this book had far less of a creepy/horror feel to me than They Mostly Come Out at Night did. Possibly because the settings are so very different (islands/water to me are far less creepy than impenetrable forest).
Recommended For: Unusual setting/inspiration (South Pacific Islands), fairytale/folk inspired stories, stand alone (although second in a series), fast moving plot, musician protagonist. Also, as another reviewer mentioned, if you liked the movie Moana, you'll probably enjoy this book!
September 7, 2021
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Another wonderful tale from Mr. Patrick. A longer review will follow shortly.
Another wonderful tale from Mr. Patrick. A longer review will follow shortly.
August 7, 2017
With this book Benedict Patrick has secured himself as one of my favourite authors.
This book has a wonderful cover that ties it into the first in the Yarnsworld series but also makes it feel different. Although I know they say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, I think you can put stock in how much effort was put into the cover and here there's a lot of thought and effort on show.
The book itself follows a similar set up to They Mostly Come Out At Night in that there are miniature stories nestled in between the chapters and they are, just as before, wonderful little fairy tales that expand the world as we go.
It almost feels like a mix between the movies Moana and How to Train Your Dragon but all grown up. And I mean that in the best way; I loved both of those movies for different reasons and this book brings those reasons together. It's a fresh setting; the Crescent Atoll is not another fantasy set in a kind of medieval Europe. And the monsters in the stories are all wonderfully different and just reasonable enough to be relatable but also able to turn into the monsters from stories in an instant.
The gist of the story is that Kaimana, an ocarina player in a travelling troupe of performers, wanders off before a big performance to find a taniwha - a legendary monster. The taniwha are mythical but also part and parcel of life in the Atoll and some villages/islands live peacefully alongside taniwha if they leave them alone/offer them food every now and again. But of course, Kaimana's encounter with a taniwha doesn't end well and sets off the book's story proper.
Benedict Patrick's writing is clear, concise and pulls you in straight away. Although the setting is different to anything I've personally read before it felt familiar and comfortable almost at once. There are some lovely phrases in here which I like to have in a book and there was at least one moment where I got goosebumps.
Honestly, I love recommending Benedict Patrick's books. The stories are fresh and well told but the author presents them in a way that is familiar and comforting all at once. I very much look forward to the next one!
This book has a wonderful cover that ties it into the first in the Yarnsworld series but also makes it feel different. Although I know they say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, I think you can put stock in how much effort was put into the cover and here there's a lot of thought and effort on show.
The book itself follows a similar set up to They Mostly Come Out At Night in that there are miniature stories nestled in between the chapters and they are, just as before, wonderful little fairy tales that expand the world as we go.
It almost feels like a mix between the movies Moana and How to Train Your Dragon but all grown up. And I mean that in the best way; I loved both of those movies for different reasons and this book brings those reasons together. It's a fresh setting; the Crescent Atoll is not another fantasy set in a kind of medieval Europe. And the monsters in the stories are all wonderfully different and just reasonable enough to be relatable but also able to turn into the monsters from stories in an instant.
The gist of the story is that Kaimana, an ocarina player in a travelling troupe of performers, wanders off before a big performance to find a taniwha - a legendary monster. The taniwha are mythical but also part and parcel of life in the Atoll and some villages/islands live peacefully alongside taniwha if they leave them alone/offer them food every now and again. But of course, Kaimana's encounter with a taniwha doesn't end well and sets off the book's story proper.
Benedict Patrick's writing is clear, concise and pulls you in straight away. Although the setting is different to anything I've personally read before it felt familiar and comfortable almost at once. There are some lovely phrases in here which I like to have in a book and there was at least one moment where I got goosebumps.
Honestly, I love recommending Benedict Patrick's books. The stories are fresh and well told but the author presents them in a way that is familiar and comforting all at once. I very much look forward to the next one!
December 8, 2017
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Where The Waters Turn Black by Benedict Patrick has many things going for it. It’s the winner of the best cover in the 2017 SPFBO competition as well as it’s a very unusual cross between Moana & the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. This book while being a standalone is set in the Yarnsworld setting.
I loved Benedict Patrick’s debut They Mostly Come At Night and so I was even more excited when WTWTB was in my lot. The story focusses on Pukotala and the neighboring Atoll islands as it is a veritable paradise with sandy beaches, coconut trees, tropical atmosphere and a laid back people who support themselves by fishing and other coastal activities. In this setting we meet our main character Kaimana who is incredibly talented in music or as the islanders say she has a “Knack” for music. She has spent the last three years traveling with a musical troupe across the islands and has returned to her home in Pukotala to convince her parents that this is the life she wants. Unlike leading a much simpler existence being wed to someone and living as a fisherwoman or the spouse to one.
The first line of this book is “There’s a monster in the village” and it’s from that exciting beginning we find out more about taniwhas or the term that describes the monsters (of various sizes, shapes & temperaments) across the crescent atoll islands. Kaimana tells the toddler who tells her such that there’s no taniwha haunting their village but goes to investigate nonetheless. It’s from this moment onwards that the plot really tightens up and we get to see if there really is a taniwha and the author very smartly alternates every chapter with a retelling of a legend/myth which is local to these islands. Thus the story goes forward and thematically backward as well.
Benedict Patrick is a good writer but the Yarnsworld is truly something exciting as each book has focused on a different part of the world and this story is no different. He builds up an incredible world with the flora and fauna, the sights and sounds, and the legends and the gods as we are completely submersed into a tropical setting. This experience was something that he has done admirable across all three of his Yarnsworld books (having read all three I can attest to this). This story mixes humans, gods, monsters and a whole bunch of legends, I loved this aspect of the story and there’s a couple of gods featured as side characters who might become fan favorites based on their interactions with the main characters.
Overall I would say this book can be read as a standalone but of course if you read it after They Mostly Come Out At Night, you might even see someone from that book make a cameo. Where The Waters Turn Black is a special book in a special series and you definitely need to read this magical story to inject some magic into the mundane everyday life.
I loved Benedict Patrick’s debut They Mostly Come At Night and so I was even more excited when WTWTB was in my lot. The story focusses on Pukotala and the neighboring Atoll islands as it is a veritable paradise with sandy beaches, coconut trees, tropical atmosphere and a laid back people who support themselves by fishing and other coastal activities. In this setting we meet our main character Kaimana who is incredibly talented in music or as the islanders say she has a “Knack” for music. She has spent the last three years traveling with a musical troupe across the islands and has returned to her home in Pukotala to convince her parents that this is the life she wants. Unlike leading a much simpler existence being wed to someone and living as a fisherwoman or the spouse to one.
The first line of this book is “There’s a monster in the village” and it’s from that exciting beginning we find out more about taniwhas or the term that describes the monsters (of various sizes, shapes & temperaments) across the crescent atoll islands. Kaimana tells the toddler who tells her such that there’s no taniwha haunting their village but goes to investigate nonetheless. It’s from this moment onwards that the plot really tightens up and we get to see if there really is a taniwha and the author very smartly alternates every chapter with a retelling of a legend/myth which is local to these islands. Thus the story goes forward and thematically backward as well.
Benedict Patrick is a good writer but the Yarnsworld is truly something exciting as each book has focused on a different part of the world and this story is no different. He builds up an incredible world with the flora and fauna, the sights and sounds, and the legends and the gods as we are completely submersed into a tropical setting. This experience was something that he has done admirable across all three of his Yarnsworld books (having read all three I can attest to this). This story mixes humans, gods, monsters and a whole bunch of legends, I loved this aspect of the story and there’s a couple of gods featured as side characters who might become fan favorites based on their interactions with the main characters.
Overall I would say this book can be read as a standalone but of course if you read it after They Mostly Come Out At Night, you might even see someone from that book make a cameo. Where The Waters Turn Black is a special book in a special series and you definitely need to read this magical story to inject some magic into the mundane everyday life.
December 23, 2017
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
Rarely in the stories did mortals fare well when concerning themselves with the affairs of gods and monsters.
Introduction
The Yarnsworld series , written by Benedick Patrick, consists of three books so far. These are ‘They Mostly Come Out At Night’, ‘Where the Waters Turn Black’ and ‘Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords’.
Yarnsworld is difficult to describe in terms of conventional genres. Some of the books are very dark while others are not. Merely putting a tag like ‘fantasy’ or ‘horror’ does not do enough justice to these stories. If I am forced to at gunpoint, I will describe these books as fairy tales for adults. In addition, the book share two common elements. The first is a shared universe with mere hints and not something that is forced down our throat. The second is an interesting structure where the main story-line mixes with smaller tales which add to the world being built.
That said, they are also wildly different in terms of outlook, themes and story-lines. ‘They Mostly Come Out at Night’ is a grim retelling of the ugly duckling with the overarching theme of self-sacrifice. ‘Where the Waters Turn Black’ explores friendship and going beyond traditional boundaries. It could easily be the next Pixar movie (if they had not done Moana). ‘Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords’ is Seven Samurai-like, gritty and is about heroism, redemption and revenge.
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
Rarely in the stories did mortals fare well when concerning themselves with the affairs of gods and monsters.
Introduction
The Yarnsworld series , written by Benedick Patrick, consists of three books so far. These are ‘They Mostly Come Out At Night’, ‘Where the Waters Turn Black’ and ‘Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords’.
Yarnsworld is difficult to describe in terms of conventional genres. Some of the books are very dark while others are not. Merely putting a tag like ‘fantasy’ or ‘horror’ does not do enough justice to these stories. If I am forced to at gunpoint, I will describe these books as fairy tales for adults. In addition, the book share two common elements. The first is a shared universe with mere hints and not something that is forced down our throat. The second is an interesting structure where the main story-line mixes with smaller tales which add to the world being built.
That said, they are also wildly different in terms of outlook, themes and story-lines. ‘They Mostly Come Out at Night’ is a grim retelling of the ugly duckling with the overarching theme of self-sacrifice. ‘Where the Waters Turn Black’ explores friendship and going beyond traditional boundaries. It could easily be the next Pixar movie (if they had not done Moana). ‘Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords’ is Seven Samurai-like, gritty and is about heroism, redemption and revenge.
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
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