Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Arms of the Ocean” as Want to Read:
Arms of the Ocean
by
Nineteen-year-old Tristaine lived a life of bitterness. When her mother abandoned her family, and her father began drinking, Tris discovered the only thing that truly brought her happiness: the sea.
It called to her like a lover and flowed through her like a life force. When her only peace is threatened to be taken away, Tris realizes there is nothing she wouldn't do to rem ...more
It called to her like a lover and flowed through her like a life force. When her only peace is threatened to be taken away, Tris realizes there is nothing she wouldn't do to rem ...more
Published
July 7th 2020
by The Parliament House
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Arms of the Ocean,
please sign up.
Recent Questions
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Arms of the Ocean

Jul 16, 2020
Carrie
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
book-tours,
fae,
fantasy,
abuse,
young-adult,
mental-health,
arc,
cats,
shifters,
love-the-cover
*Just a fair warning that there are triggers within the pages of this book. Warnings: Rape, Sexual assault/violence, alcoholism, abuse, suicide, anxiety, PTSD and I may have missed some.*
The authors of this book have done a wonderful job of making you feel as if you there on the cliffs with Tristaine as she over looks the ocean rather then being in town during the Midnight Summers Eve festivities. I could almost hear the crash of the waves and smell the salt in the air, while Tris looks out with ...more
The authors of this book have done a wonderful job of making you feel as if you there on the cliffs with Tristaine as she over looks the ocean rather then being in town during the Midnight Summers Eve festivities. I could almost hear the crash of the waves and smell the salt in the air, while Tris looks out with ...more

Cover Reveal for Arms of the Ocean is today!

My Blog ¦ Bookstagram ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Facebook ...more

My Blog ¦ Bookstagram ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Facebook ...more


ARC provided by Parliament House Press, Jamie Webster, and M. Dalto via Xpresso Book Tours. All opinions are mine and freely given.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | BookBub
""I tasted the sea.
I tasted salt, and brine, and the ocean breeze.
I tasted the sunlight on the waves, and the shadows of the undertow.
And beneath it all, I tasted magic.
I tasted power.""
06-20: I'm always drawn to stories that are linked to the sea in some way. So, it was only natural that when I spotted ' ...more

‘Arms of the Ocean’ is a beautifully written paranormal fantasy set in the depths of the Ocean in a city call Inara. A city which is beautiful and safe from those who have bad intentions. But if only that could extend beyond the depths of the water, to a small wooden hut where a young woman Tristaine lives desperately trying to help her alcoholic father.
Left alone after her brother sought his freedom and married, Tristaine is the only one left, refusing to leave the place she calls home due to t ...more
Left alone after her brother sought his freedom and married, Tristaine is the only one left, refusing to leave the place she calls home due to t ...more

This book was really good! I absolutely adored the magic system within it! The characters were well written and each one has unique traits that made them important to the story. I really enjoyed all the plot twists and revealed secrets throughout. I do think there should be a trigger warning since it discusses multiple heavy subjects. I really love how the authors weaved together the fae and the underwater people. I really hope that there is a sequel though because there were a few things that w
...more

5 CRANKY STARS

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with just enough mystery to keep it interesting. The main characters are a mixture of good and bad. As in all good stories, the misunderstandings rack up and cause havoc.

Tristaine is a young nineteen-year-old girl living with her father on the edge of the ocean overlooking the sea. Her father used to be a fisherman but when her mother disappeared years ago, he turned to drink to bring him solace. He became abusive and hated the ...more

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with just enough mystery to keep it interesting. The main characters are a mixture of good and bad. As in all good stories, the misunderstandings rack up and cause havoc.

Tristaine is a young nineteen-year-old girl living with her father on the edge of the ocean overlooking the sea. Her father used to be a fisherman but when her mother disappeared years ago, he turned to drink to bring him solace. He became abusive and hated the ...more

Jul 09, 2020
Brandy {The Review Booth}
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
romance, folklore, Fae stories, Scottish and Celtic mythology, fantasy and magic
Shelves:
2020-goodreads-challenge,
xpresso-book-tours
Arms of the Ocean is a fast-paced and unique take on Scottish/Celtic mythological creatures. It was beautifully written with vivid descriptions of Tristaine's surroundings and as well as her feelings. The city of Inara is a fictional city that I would absolutely love to see in person, it sounds stunning and peaceful. There was quite a lot more of the romance aspect in this book than what I was expecting, pretty steamy. Even the often cringe-worthy "fated mates" makes an appearance as well as "fe
...more

Thank you to The Parliament House Press and the author for the arc to review!
Trigger warnings for this book: depression, suicide, abuse, sexual content, addiction
Arms of the Ocean is the story of 19 year old Tristaine, who's family life is rather bleak. Her mother abandoned the family, leaving Tris to care for her alcoholic father. Her brother Sloane is married and long gone from the family, and barely visits.
Tristaine's only true solace and happiness is the moments she spends near the ocean. T ...more
Trigger warnings for this book: depression, suicide, abuse, sexual content, addiction
Arms of the Ocean is the story of 19 year old Tristaine, who's family life is rather bleak. Her mother abandoned the family, leaving Tris to care for her alcoholic father. Her brother Sloane is married and long gone from the family, and barely visits.
Tristaine's only true solace and happiness is the moments she spends near the ocean. T ...more

I found Arms of the Ocean to be a really unique read. During this time of the year, I'm usually out on a beach reading and enjoying the sight of the waves. The pandemic has certainly changed things this year for us. I read a majority of this book in my backyard hammock. The imagery of the ocean used throughout this tale was a calming presence that filled me with the tranquility I normally feel while spending my summer days on a beach. I really appreciated the author's worldbuilding and would hav
...more

Thank you to The Parliament House Press and Jamie Webster & M Dalto for an opportunity to give an honest review for Arm of the Oceans, And all opinions I have written are my own.
Release Date: July 7th, 2020
Parliament House Press
Plot: Nineteen-year-old Tristaine lives with her father by the edge of the sea, which she loves so much. When her mother disappeared years ago, her father starts to drink and hating the sea saying it took his love from him. One day her peace and love of the sea is threat ...more
Release Date: July 7th, 2020
Parliament House Press
Plot: Nineteen-year-old Tristaine lives with her father by the edge of the sea, which she loves so much. When her mother disappeared years ago, her father starts to drink and hating the sea saying it took his love from him. One day her peace and love of the sea is threat ...more

‘Arms of the Ocean’ was such a surprisingly amazing read! But before we jump into the review, let’s take a minute to appreciate this absolutely stunning cover! I love it so much! The colors, the graphics and the overall aesthetics is so gorgeous, don’t you think?
The book is written from Tristaine’s point of view, a human transformed into a selkie. Along the journey she learns about her past and the way her story enfolds is quite interesting to read. Each chapter ended on a mysterious note pullin ...more
The book is written from Tristaine’s point of view, a human transformed into a selkie. Along the journey she learns about her past and the way her story enfolds is quite interesting to read. Each chapter ended on a mysterious note pullin ...more

TW/CW: Abuse, Rape, Addiction, Suicide
When I saw this beautiful book I knew I had to read it. I love stories that have to do with the ocean and mermaids. Arms of the Ocean takes place in the city of Inara. A beautiful city that's described as a place where no harm can be done. We meet Tristaine who lives with her alcoholic father who she's trying to help. After her mother up's and abandons them, her father turns to liquid poison to deal with her absence, but her brothers as well. He decided to g ...more
When I saw this beautiful book I knew I had to read it. I love stories that have to do with the ocean and mermaids. Arms of the Ocean takes place in the city of Inara. A beautiful city that's described as a place where no harm can be done. We meet Tristaine who lives with her alcoholic father who she's trying to help. After her mother up's and abandons them, her father turns to liquid poison to deal with her absence, but her brothers as well. He decided to g ...more

Tristaine is living a hard life. Her brother married and moved away, her mother left and the only person left to take care of her drunken father is her. No matter how many times Sloan, her brother offers, she can't seem to move. It's not just because of her father, it's because she has to be near the sea. It calls to her.
It all comes to head, when her father sells her to the Lord, who she hates, for money. Feeling helpless she turns to sea and jumps off the cliff.
What should have been the end, ...more
It all comes to head, when her father sells her to the Lord, who she hates, for money. Feeling helpless she turns to sea and jumps off the cliff.
What should have been the end, ...more

Tristaine "Tris" has lived a hard life care giving for her drunken father. One night he makes a horrible decision and changes her life forever. His actions borne out of selfishness and greed causes Tris to act realizing her whole life was not at all what she thought it was.
This gave me some vibes of Circe and Aquaman being fully immersed in a mythical underwater world. The characters were unique, strong and vulnerable. There was earth shattering romance, intrigue, transformation, heartbreak, ...more
This gave me some vibes of Circe and Aquaman being fully immersed in a mythical underwater world. The characters were unique, strong and vulnerable. There was earth shattering romance, intrigue, transformation, heartbreak, ...more

3.5 stars
The Parliament House provided me with an eARC - thank you!
What I loved: The world building. Inara is a beautiful city, with a diverse culture. The emotions are so raw and beautifully written - I laughed and cried. I love the hope woven into the story. The hope that even when you're broken in what seems beyond repair, healing can happen.
What I did not like: The mature content of sexual nature (although I found it easy to skip over). I also felt there should have been better content warni ...more
The Parliament House provided me with an eARC - thank you!
What I loved: The world building. Inara is a beautiful city, with a diverse culture. The emotions are so raw and beautifully written - I laughed and cried. I love the hope woven into the story. The hope that even when you're broken in what seems beyond repair, healing can happen.
What I did not like: The mature content of sexual nature (although I found it easy to skip over). I also felt there should have been better content warni ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

3.5 Stars
Trigger warnings for- suicide, abuse, rape, addiction
I always find myself drawn to books that have ocean themes. The cover of this is absolutely stunning and the diversity/culture of the city of Inara is vivid and well written. This book and the concept really had the potential to be amazing. Unfortunately, I did think it lacked some aspects of the world building and felt a little rushed at times. Either way, it was a compelling story with some dark themes so don't pick this up thinking ...more
Trigger warnings for- suicide, abuse, rape, addiction
I always find myself drawn to books that have ocean themes. The cover of this is absolutely stunning and the diversity/culture of the city of Inara is vivid and well written. This book and the concept really had the potential to be amazing. Unfortunately, I did think it lacked some aspects of the world building and felt a little rushed at times. Either way, it was a compelling story with some dark themes so don't pick this up thinking ...more

Trigger warnings: abuse, rape, addiction, anxiety, depression, suicide, language, sexual content.
The world building and culture behind this fantasy is intriguing but the lack of character or relationship development makes it feel rushed and disorganized. The pacing and events of the book felt too convenient for me. None of the characters got any development apart from things that were shown or said. I need more. I need characters that have conflicts. I need relationships between people that bui ...more
The world building and culture behind this fantasy is intriguing but the lack of character or relationship development makes it feel rushed and disorganized. The pacing and events of the book felt too convenient for me. None of the characters got any development apart from things that were shown or said. I need more. I need characters that have conflicts. I need relationships between people that bui ...more

With a mother who abandoned them and a father who became a drunk after that, Tristaine’s only solace is the ocean that calls to her. To get out of a sticky situation she decides to take her own life by falling into her beloved ocean. She is saved and discovers a lost legend of a place.
The imagery is breathtaking , the play of words in the narrative creating such beautiful sentences. The world building is complimented with rich detail and the mythology with wondorous imagination.
I have never read ...more
The imagery is breathtaking , the play of words in the narrative creating such beautiful sentences. The world building is complimented with rich detail and the mythology with wondorous imagination.
I have never read ...more

This is such a good read! I adore fairytale retellings, mostly because you have a pretty good idea of where the story will go, so it’s like seeing an old friend in a new dress. Arms of the Ocean went one better. The authors, Jamie Webster and M. Dalto, undertook to retell and ADD to the selkie mythology. I thought this book was going to be fairytale romance… Instead I got Fairytale/Romance/Politics/Found Family/Happiness!
Mind you, to get to that glimmer of happiness, Tris has to undergo some abs ...more
Mind you, to get to that glimmer of happiness, Tris has to undergo some abs ...more

The book starts on Midsummer Night's Eve - a bit like Christmas in the summer, festive, with people exchanging gifts, eating, drinking and having a jolly good time... Except for Tristaine and her father.
Tris is the female lead and right away we are shown how isolated she is. I said that the book starts on Midsummer Night's Eve, but I think it's more accurate to say that the story actually begins years earlier, when Tris' mother left and her loving father turned into a drunkard. As Sloane - Tris' ...more
Tris is the female lead and right away we are shown how isolated she is. I said that the book starts on Midsummer Night's Eve, but I think it's more accurate to say that the story actually begins years earlier, when Tris' mother left and her loving father turned into a drunkard. As Sloane - Tris' ...more

**TRIGGER WARNING: This book includes sexual assault, rape, physical abuse, emotional abuse, alcohol abuse , and probably some that I am forgetting. Just be warned if you are sensitive to any of these things, please take them into consideration between reading this book.**
Selkie and mermaid legends have always been my favorite things to read. I love a good story about being under the sea and if it’s a romance even better. I will say that I really enjoyed the story in this one. I was transported ...more
Selkie and mermaid legends have always been my favorite things to read. I love a good story about being under the sea and if it’s a romance even better. I will say that I really enjoyed the story in this one. I was transported ...more

I know we should not judge a book by its cover... but it really helps us in picking what to read next, especially for advance reading copies. This is what made me choose Arms of the Ocean from Xpresso Book Tours' Review Opportunity. However, with my 50/50 take on that saying I mentioned, I didn't expect much on this book because I don't want to disappoint myself.
It was not though. I was really glad that I get to read this book. Arms of the Ocean is not the typical sea folklore fantasy I usually ...more
It was not though. I was really glad that I get to read this book. Arms of the Ocean is not the typical sea folklore fantasy I usually ...more

I bought this for the cover...I have regrets. The book is just terrible, the girl Tris is painfully awkward to read about and I cringed about every other word. You know exactly where the story is going the moment you start reading. Everything is completely predictable from a mile away. Then for the cherry on top you got the main character who is incredibly bland, incredibly awkward, and in every way a cliche. She has an insta-love moment which she follows up with by being just incredibly rude an
...more

Thank You to Parliament House for an ARC copy for my honest review!
I seriously loved this book! I could not put it down! the story just kept hooking me more and more until the end which made me sad because I totally could have kept reading!! ( I really hope there is a sequel) I don't want to give too much away because to me the synopsis is quite vague which I loved because I went in not really knowing what the story was fully about which made it more exciting in my opinion. this book is full of ...more
I seriously loved this book! I could not put it down! the story just kept hooking me more and more until the end which made me sad because I totally could have kept reading!! ( I really hope there is a sequel) I don't want to give too much away because to me the synopsis is quite vague which I loved because I went in not really knowing what the story was fully about which made it more exciting in my opinion. this book is full of ...more

I am a voracious reader and will read just about anything...except the Fantasy genre. I know the author and have watched her journey in creating the book, but never planned to read it. On a whim I decided to order it and began to read. Many chapters later I knew I was hooked!! The story slowly pulls you in from the very first page and leaves you craving more! There are sections with strong, mature subject matter and those with trauma could be triggered. Those however, are well handled and well
...more

Arms of the Ocean is a MATURE read for depression, anxiety, suicide, domestic abuse, occasional language, and sexual content. I don't feel this was adequately expressed with any trigger warnings in the synopsis and I was really jarred by that.
As someone who has PTSD and has experienced some of these triggering situations, I would not have read it or volunteered to review this book.
The world-building was lovely but the story was ruined for me by the unnecessary descriptive sexual scenes and the ...more
As someone who has PTSD and has experienced some of these triggering situations, I would not have read it or volunteered to review this book.
The world-building was lovely but the story was ruined for me by the unnecessary descriptive sexual scenes and the ...more

I’m not sure why I haven’t read any books about sea Fae before because they are amazing!!! It should be said that there are some rough topics in this book. I wish there had been a warning at the beginning of the book. I really loved the uniqueness of this story!! I don’t see many books about the sea Fae as the main characters. Usually all underwater books are about mermaids but this one is about selkies. I really hope that there is another book because I definitely need more of this world!!!

Jul 09, 2020
Brianna:)
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
2020-reading-challenge,
books-with-cool-covers
My review of this book is now posted on my blog.
TW: Abuse, (both mental and physical), drinking to excess, suicide, etc.
My review is posted here: https://briannasbooksandrandomness.wo... ...more
TW: Abuse, (both mental and physical), drinking to excess, suicide, etc.
My review is posted here: https://briannasbooksandrandomness.wo... ...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
News & Interviews
Sally Thorne, author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine, explores what it means to take risks for love, and for yourself, in her newest...
99 likes · 10 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »