What do you think?
Rate this book
At Sea
When Cara and Brendan first meet, she’s fresh out of college, recovering from the recent death of her mother and spending time on Martha’s Vineyard while trying to figure out her next steps. She’s swept away by Brendan’s humor and charm and intoxicated by his thrilling, dangerous secret: he claims that he can breathe underwater.
He shows Cara his gills. He dives beneath the waves for many minutes at a time. He offers her the most plausible of explanations: that he is a member of the United States Army Special Forces and has undergone top secret experimental surgery. And Cara, struck by the force of his devotion, his unstoppable charisma, and most of all, the casual truth of his claim, believes him.
Their summer romance quickly turns serious when Cara gets pregnant. When their son, Micah, is born, she is sure their happy ending is underway. Still, she is forced to contend with Brendan’s dramatic moods, and struggles to overlook his unexplained disappearances and the weight of his dangerous secrets. It must be PTSD, and Cara is determined to stay strong for her young family—until he and baby Micah unexpectedly vanish, leaving her desolate and alone.
Five years later, Cara is still struggling to move forward, married to another man and trying to rebuild her life, when a local fisherman announces he’s spotted a man and small child treading water in Nantucket Sound. The news rekindles Cara’s never-abandoned hope that her child may still be alive. As she fights to untangle delusion from reality, and revisits a past she’s worked hard to reconcile, she’s determined to learn the truth about her lost love and finally find her son.
He shows Cara his gills. He dives beneath the waves for many minutes at a time. He offers her the most plausible of explanations: that he is a member of the United States Army Special Forces and has undergone top secret experimental surgery. And Cara, struck by the force of his devotion, his unstoppable charisma, and most of all, the casual truth of his claim, believes him.
Their summer romance quickly turns serious when Cara gets pregnant. When their son, Micah, is born, she is sure their happy ending is underway. Still, she is forced to contend with Brendan’s dramatic moods, and struggles to overlook his unexplained disappearances and the weight of his dangerous secrets. It must be PTSD, and Cara is determined to stay strong for her young family—until he and baby Micah unexpectedly vanish, leaving her desolate and alone.
Five years later, Cara is still struggling to move forward, married to another man and trying to rebuild her life, when a local fisherman announces he’s spotted a man and small child treading water in Nantucket Sound. The news rekindles Cara’s never-abandoned hope that her child may still be alive. As she fights to untangle delusion from reality, and revisits a past she’s worked hard to reconcile, she’s determined to learn the truth about her lost love and finally find her son.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2023
123 people are currently reading
22908 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
September 2, 2022
Oh boy! I’m so pissed! What I like about thrillers is those puzzle pieces that create the big mystery keep pushing your mind to form new theories, making guesses about how all the loose ends will be tied up!
But when I finish this book: I think none of those pieces fitted together! There were so many plot holes!
This book’s plot line is eccentric! It’s heart wrenching love story and also mystery and also it could be supernatural fantasy! ( I’m not sure about that genre: we don’t have enough clues to decide if this book is about super heroes or not) Because the hero thinks he can breathe under the water. He tells that he’s created in the government lab to develop his extraordinary skills to serve for navy! Or there’s another explanation that he has super powers and he has every right to be scared of people who are chasing him!
Brendan is the broken hero meets Cara at a nude beach, walking out of the sea, dripping, naked, extra charming, playful. And Cara who recently graduated from the college who has no idea how she can effectively use her art degree, grieving from her mother, staying with her auntie and uncle for the summer.
They meet each other. Brendan tells her he’s super soldier created by government. She believes in him without questioning and testing his abilities. They fall in love. But when we move forward we understand, Brendan and Cara had a baby and Brendan kidnapped their son Micah, vanished into thin air. Cara married with Graham, still grieving, looking for them.
There are so many questions keep me agitated:
Is Brendan suffering from mental disease?
Is he telling the truth about government protocols?
Does their son have the same ability? Could he breathe under the water? But how can he inherit the same power if he hasn’t had an operation in the lab? Are Micah and Brendan related with Jason Momoa?
And why the hell Cara is extra naive, indecisive, clueless and irritating from the beginning? Why didn’t she question anything about Brendan and had a baby with him? She was in early twenties when they met so her dumbness and naivety can be understandable but why she’s rushed to marry with Graham if she doesn’t truly love him! By the way she keeps telling that Graham is so sweet but I couldn’t find anything sweet about him: he was mostly pretentious, judgmental, controlling.
I could give four stars to this book ( even five: because I loved the high tension mystery building but I hated the guts of heroine! So I cut one star) if I could get some reasonable and satisfying answers and see the puzzle pieces fitted together but after finishing it, I realize I have more questions than solid answers. It was still exciting, gripping, riveting reading with dissatisfying ending! So I’m giving three solid, aqua man stars!
I hope the author writes a sequel to answer our questions! I think Brendan deserves more than that! He was the most likable character of the book!
So many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
But when I finish this book: I think none of those pieces fitted together! There were so many plot holes!
This book’s plot line is eccentric! It’s heart wrenching love story and also mystery and also it could be supernatural fantasy! ( I’m not sure about that genre: we don’t have enough clues to decide if this book is about super heroes or not) Because the hero thinks he can breathe under the water. He tells that he’s created in the government lab to develop his extraordinary skills to serve for navy! Or there’s another explanation that he has super powers and he has every right to be scared of people who are chasing him!
Brendan is the broken hero meets Cara at a nude beach, walking out of the sea, dripping, naked, extra charming, playful. And Cara who recently graduated from the college who has no idea how she can effectively use her art degree, grieving from her mother, staying with her auntie and uncle for the summer.
They meet each other. Brendan tells her he’s super soldier created by government. She believes in him without questioning and testing his abilities. They fall in love. But when we move forward we understand, Brendan and Cara had a baby and Brendan kidnapped their son Micah, vanished into thin air. Cara married with Graham, still grieving, looking for them.
There are so many questions keep me agitated:
Is Brendan suffering from mental disease?
Is he telling the truth about government protocols?
Does their son have the same ability? Could he breathe under the water? But how can he inherit the same power if he hasn’t had an operation in the lab? Are Micah and Brendan related with Jason Momoa?
And why the hell Cara is extra naive, indecisive, clueless and irritating from the beginning? Why didn’t she question anything about Brendan and had a baby with him? She was in early twenties when they met so her dumbness and naivety can be understandable but why she’s rushed to marry with Graham if she doesn’t truly love him! By the way she keeps telling that Graham is so sweet but I couldn’t find anything sweet about him: he was mostly pretentious, judgmental, controlling.
I could give four stars to this book ( even five: because I loved the high tension mystery building but I hated the guts of heroine! So I cut one star) if I could get some reasonable and satisfying answers and see the puzzle pieces fitted together but after finishing it, I realize I have more questions than solid answers. It was still exciting, gripping, riveting reading with dissatisfying ending! So I’m giving three solid, aqua man stars!
I hope the author writes a sequel to answer our questions! I think Brendan deserves more than that! He was the most likable character of the book!
So many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
April 23, 2023
You are not a fan of regular men because of how toxic some of them can be, but have you met a man with gills?
I knew the moment I saw “his gills” in the synopsis, that I probably won’t any of it too seriously. Honestly, this book does grab your attention because it’s just an interesting idea, and after finishing it, I’m generally satisfied with the experience.
Brendan screamed red flag from the beginning and it was just painful reading about his and Cara’s relationship. Cara is the main character in the book so of course we delve into her more than any of them. I felt that she is someone with who a lot of people can connect due to how disconnected she seems to be from a lot of people and even herself. It illustrates how emptiness in our lives really leads us to the wrong people. There is a lot more revealed for Brendan that makes us understand him more but still not a fan of him because of what he put my girl through.
We didn’t get a lot of focus on other characters, even though they all seemed interesting enough. All I know is that we all need a Graham in our life.
Sometimes you just need a weird book to spice up your life so yeah I recommend it. Why not?
****Thank you Gallery for a copy of this book.
I knew the moment I saw “his gills” in the synopsis, that I probably won’t any of it too seriously. Honestly, this book does grab your attention because it’s just an interesting idea, and after finishing it, I’m generally satisfied with the experience.
Brendan screamed red flag from the beginning and it was just painful reading about his and Cara’s relationship. Cara is the main character in the book so of course we delve into her more than any of them. I felt that she is someone with who a lot of people can connect due to how disconnected she seems to be from a lot of people and even herself. It illustrates how emptiness in our lives really leads us to the wrong people. There is a lot more revealed for Brendan that makes us understand him more but still not a fan of him because of what he put my girl through.
We didn’t get a lot of focus on other characters, even though they all seemed interesting enough. All I know is that we all need a Graham in our life.
Sometimes you just need a weird book to spice up your life so yeah I recommend it. Why not?
****Thank you Gallery for a copy of this book.
April 25, 2023
3.5⭐
Featuring ~ single 3rd person, dual timeline, debut, missing husband and child
Cara's ex, Brendan, went missing with their son 5 years ago. Brendan apparently has gills and can just live underwater, so are they chilling under the sea with Ariel or are they really missing or has something involving his job caught up with him?
Now there's been a spotting of a man and child floating in the water, maybe it's them or maybe it's just a coincidence.
I like that it was written with a dual timeline so Cara's past life with Brendan was slowly built up to what led to the disappearance. I don't know about Brendan as a character though. He was fun at the beginning of their relationship, but his mental health seemed to decline. Why would he think his son could also breath underwater when he didn't have the same procedure as he did? Like that doesn't seem like something that would be inherited, I don't think.
Cara's current husband, Graham, seemed very patient and understanding under the circumstances.
Overall, an interesting debut with a premise that I don't think I've read before. I'd give Emma another shot.
*Thanks to the author, Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to a copy as well.
Narration:
Carlotta Brentan ~ 10 hours 19 minutes ~ a fine job
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ single 3rd person, dual timeline, debut, missing husband and child
Cara's ex, Brendan, went missing with their son 5 years ago. Brendan apparently has gills and can just live underwater, so are they chilling under the sea with Ariel or are they really missing or has something involving his job caught up with him?
Now there's been a spotting of a man and child floating in the water, maybe it's them or maybe it's just a coincidence.
I like that it was written with a dual timeline so Cara's past life with Brendan was slowly built up to what led to the disappearance. I don't know about Brendan as a character though. He was fun at the beginning of their relationship, but his mental health seemed to decline. Why would he think his son could also breath underwater when he didn't have the same procedure as he did? Like that doesn't seem like something that would be inherited, I don't think.
Cara's current husband, Graham, seemed very patient and understanding under the circumstances.
Overall, an interesting debut with a premise that I don't think I've read before. I'd give Emma another shot.
*Thanks to the author, Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to a copy as well.
Narration:
Carlotta Brentan ~ 10 hours 19 minutes ~ a fine job
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
February 26, 2025
Well, that was an unsatisfying linear journey.
Slow burn through and through. Just settle right in cause the entire storyline start to finish is like living day to day, well except for the part about the man who breathes underwater.
The story itself was an interesting premise, the execution was lacking. Just Frustrating.
I felt like the writing itself was decent, the story however seems to lack direction. Lots of descriptors about things for just absolute pages that were really well described, but had no real bearing on the story. I felt that effort could have been put into more character development, actual story development, SOMETHING other than what it was. More thoughts, feelings and rationalizations for decisions would have been so much better to help me to connect with the characters.
I ended up being annoyed with the FMC, over, and over, and over. I’m sure some young adults really are this way, so I tried to keep an open mind, but I ultimately felt increasingly irritated by her behavior/actions/thoughts/selfishness. I didn’t enjoy much of the story past the 1/2 way point. Every time I got interested in something, it didn’t seem to go anywhere really.
Ultimately, it’s not something I’d recommend unless you like one helluva a slow burn with one mystery point and no puzzle pieces to be found. Dual timeline that jumps back and forth 6 years so pay attention to the chapter heading, or you’ll be a liiiitle confused for a page or two cause it almost fits until it finally doesn’t.
Just not for me. I need more out of a book. I wasn’t moved to feel ANYTHING but annoyance in this story.
Slow burn through and through. Just settle right in cause the entire storyline start to finish is like living day to day, well except for the part about the man who breathes underwater.
The story itself was an interesting premise, the execution was lacking. Just Frustrating.
I felt like the writing itself was decent, the story however seems to lack direction. Lots of descriptors about things for just absolute pages that were really well described, but had no real bearing on the story. I felt that effort could have been put into more character development, actual story development, SOMETHING other than what it was. More thoughts, feelings and rationalizations for decisions would have been so much better to help me to connect with the characters.
I ended up being annoyed with the FMC, over, and over, and over. I’m sure some young adults really are this way, so I tried to keep an open mind, but I ultimately felt increasingly irritated by her behavior/actions/thoughts/selfishness. I didn’t enjoy much of the story past the 1/2 way point. Every time I got interested in something, it didn’t seem to go anywhere really.
Ultimately, it’s not something I’d recommend unless you like one helluva a slow burn with one mystery point and no puzzle pieces to be found. Dual timeline that jumps back and forth 6 years so pay attention to the chapter heading, or you’ll be a liiiitle confused for a page or two cause it almost fits until it finally doesn’t.
Just not for me. I need more out of a book. I wasn’t moved to feel ANYTHING but annoyance in this story.
March 26, 2022
I didn't think I would enjoy this based on the short summary. However, this book kept me so gripped! I was determined to see how this one played out. Absolutely loved the main character, she's been through so much and stayed determined the whole time. It was interesting how it played out, loved the author's style of writing. Such an interesting read!
This ARC was given to me from NetGalley and the publishers to read/review plus give my personal opinions on this book. All statements above are my own and based solely on my own opinions after reading the book.
This ARC was given to me from NetGalley and the publishers to read/review plus give my personal opinions on this book. All statements above are my own and based solely on my own opinions after reading the book.
August 13, 2023
Is it possible for a human to breathe underwater? Brendan, a member of the U.S. Special Forces, says that he can. Or can he?
Set on Martha’s Vineyard, this story starts with a fisherman spotting a man and a child treading water in the middle of Nantucket Sound. They are nowhere near land. They aren’t even near a boat. The pair slip under the water when the fisherman’s boat draws closer, and don’t resurface.
This story feels part romance, part coming-of-age-story, part-thriller. It goes into the passion of first love, gives readers a huge topping of grief, trauma and mental illness. There is much to absorb.
Cara, an aspiring artist, adrift after graduating from college, decides to spend her summer on Martha’s Vineyard.
While sketching, she meets Brendan, a handsome Special Forces soldier on leave. He is quite charismatic, and funny. The two become madly and passionately in love. He tells her his secret – of being able to breathe underwater – because of experimental surgery performed on him in the service. Cara believes him – she watches him – and thinks this is what she sees.
But then…
He gets moody and strange and there are disappearances on his job. Unsure when he will return from his deployment, Cara plans to move to New York City. Brendan unexpectedly returns, Cara changes her plans, and finds herself pregnant.
Brendan is convinced their baby Micah also has the gift of breathing underwater. When she witnesses something Brendan does with the baby to prove it, Cara takes off with Micah. Only to find the next morning that Micah is gone with Brendan. After the kidnapping, Cara realizes that Brendan may be mentally ill.
The question for readers now becomes…
How far would Cara go to find her missing child and the troubled father, her first love who took him?
This seems to be the driving force for Cara over the next several pages.
Five years later, stable in a new life, Cara still believes Micah is alive. When she spots Brendan she is determined to find Micah.
Will she be successful?
The setting for this story is beautiful. The author shared,
“There’s just nothing like the feeling of being on a small island, surrounded by water at all times. It inspires contemplation and meditation, backdropped by a strong feeling of isolation (at least in those moments when you are able to escape the crowd).”
The story is dark and haunting.
Is it magical realism...
Or something else?
The ending…well I leave it to readers to contemplate.
Set on Martha’s Vineyard, this story starts with a fisherman spotting a man and a child treading water in the middle of Nantucket Sound. They are nowhere near land. They aren’t even near a boat. The pair slip under the water when the fisherman’s boat draws closer, and don’t resurface.
This story feels part romance, part coming-of-age-story, part-thriller. It goes into the passion of first love, gives readers a huge topping of grief, trauma and mental illness. There is much to absorb.
Cara, an aspiring artist, adrift after graduating from college, decides to spend her summer on Martha’s Vineyard.
While sketching, she meets Brendan, a handsome Special Forces soldier on leave. He is quite charismatic, and funny. The two become madly and passionately in love. He tells her his secret – of being able to breathe underwater – because of experimental surgery performed on him in the service. Cara believes him – she watches him – and thinks this is what she sees.
But then…
He gets moody and strange and there are disappearances on his job. Unsure when he will return from his deployment, Cara plans to move to New York City. Brendan unexpectedly returns, Cara changes her plans, and finds herself pregnant.
Brendan is convinced their baby Micah also has the gift of breathing underwater. When she witnesses something Brendan does with the baby to prove it, Cara takes off with Micah. Only to find the next morning that Micah is gone with Brendan. After the kidnapping, Cara realizes that Brendan may be mentally ill.
The question for readers now becomes…
How far would Cara go to find her missing child and the troubled father, her first love who took him?
This seems to be the driving force for Cara over the next several pages.
Five years later, stable in a new life, Cara still believes Micah is alive. When she spots Brendan she is determined to find Micah.
Will she be successful?
The setting for this story is beautiful. The author shared,
“There’s just nothing like the feeling of being on a small island, surrounded by water at all times. It inspires contemplation and meditation, backdropped by a strong feeling of isolation (at least in those moments when you are able to escape the crowd).”
The story is dark and haunting.
Is it magical realism...
Or something else?
The ending…well I leave it to readers to contemplate.
February 24, 2023
Sometimes a fairytale romance can only be a fairytale. But love can, just like that, become a fairytale. What if by chance a man meets a woman by the sea and their relationship becomes more than just the fairytale. A love story for the ages. But what happens when the love story and the fairytale begin to crumble. What happens then?
Cara meets Brendan unexpectedly and accidentally at the beach on Martha’s Vineyard one summer day. Fresh from graduating college, Cara, an artist is staying with her aunt for the summer before heading to somewhere to try and figure out what to do with her life.
But, on that day she finds Brendan, she discovers he is life! He’s funny, spontaneous, handsome and has an incredible career as a U.S. Special Forces officer, so, he’s even mysterious! Although he cannot disclose much to Cara, she finds out his mother died in a car accident. Cara’s own mother died years ago of cancer. He is wealthy, which Cara thinks can’t hurt, and he must go on secret special assignments and be away for periods of time due to his job. But one bit of information seems to scare her. Brendan tells her the Special Forces implanted him with an experimental apparatus which allows him to breath underwater for days on end. Something no one knows about.
As their romance heats up that summer and knowing Brendan will have to leave on an assignment soon, Brendan suggests they have a child. They already know they will be together forever. Cara is not sure. Not about the being together forever, that’s a given, but she had plans for herself. She wanted her art to be featured in galleries. If she stays in Martha’s Vineyard, would that ever happen. But Cara becomes pregnant. As her due date approaches, she begins to notice a change in Brendan. He starts to become erratic, with mood swings. But perhaps it’s just the fact they are bringing a life into the world.
And then Micah is born. He is beautiful and they are happy for a while. But Brendan starts to obsess about the fact that perhaps Micah was born with the same power he has. He needs to know. Brendan starts to frighten Cara and she fears for Micah. She leaves with the baby. But one morning, she awakens to find Micah gone and no sign of Brendan. Her heart is broken, and she fears she will never see her child again.
Five years later, married to someone else and an artist on the Vineyard, someone comes up to her and tells her they saw two people, one a child swimming out in the middle of the ocean with no boat to be found. Cara is in shock. She is determined to find out if this is true. Her husband tells her she needs to let this fairytale of finding her son go. They will never be found.
But first loves never dies. No matter who thinks she is delusional, she knows this romance which started so long ago has not come to its conclusion. She will fight to the end to find her son, and the man she gave her soul to.
At Sea is a beautiful love story about trust, coping with illness, never giving up, first love and first heartbreak. Do fairytales really come true?
Thank you #NetGalley #GalleryBooks #AtSea #EmmaFedor for the advanced copy.
Cara meets Brendan unexpectedly and accidentally at the beach on Martha’s Vineyard one summer day. Fresh from graduating college, Cara, an artist is staying with her aunt for the summer before heading to somewhere to try and figure out what to do with her life.
But, on that day she finds Brendan, she discovers he is life! He’s funny, spontaneous, handsome and has an incredible career as a U.S. Special Forces officer, so, he’s even mysterious! Although he cannot disclose much to Cara, she finds out his mother died in a car accident. Cara’s own mother died years ago of cancer. He is wealthy, which Cara thinks can’t hurt, and he must go on secret special assignments and be away for periods of time due to his job. But one bit of information seems to scare her. Brendan tells her the Special Forces implanted him with an experimental apparatus which allows him to breath underwater for days on end. Something no one knows about.
As their romance heats up that summer and knowing Brendan will have to leave on an assignment soon, Brendan suggests they have a child. They already know they will be together forever. Cara is not sure. Not about the being together forever, that’s a given, but she had plans for herself. She wanted her art to be featured in galleries. If she stays in Martha’s Vineyard, would that ever happen. But Cara becomes pregnant. As her due date approaches, she begins to notice a change in Brendan. He starts to become erratic, with mood swings. But perhaps it’s just the fact they are bringing a life into the world.
And then Micah is born. He is beautiful and they are happy for a while. But Brendan starts to obsess about the fact that perhaps Micah was born with the same power he has. He needs to know. Brendan starts to frighten Cara and she fears for Micah. She leaves with the baby. But one morning, she awakens to find Micah gone and no sign of Brendan. Her heart is broken, and she fears she will never see her child again.
Five years later, married to someone else and an artist on the Vineyard, someone comes up to her and tells her they saw two people, one a child swimming out in the middle of the ocean with no boat to be found. Cara is in shock. She is determined to find out if this is true. Her husband tells her she needs to let this fairytale of finding her son go. They will never be found.
But first loves never dies. No matter who thinks she is delusional, she knows this romance which started so long ago has not come to its conclusion. She will fight to the end to find her son, and the man she gave her soul to.
At Sea is a beautiful love story about trust, coping with illness, never giving up, first love and first heartbreak. Do fairytales really come true?
Thank you #NetGalley #GalleryBooks #AtSea #EmmaFedor for the advanced copy.
April 18, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
At Sea.
The premise was intriguing but once I began reading, I discovered it's actually misleading.
The narrative is divided into the past and present; in 2008 we meet Cara, newly graduated and still mourning the loss of her mother from cancer from the previous year.
When she spends the summer with her aunt and uncle, she meets a mysterious, handsome man named Brendan.
Their relationship is hot and steamy, punctuated with his erratic mood swings and odd behavior.
In the present, 2014, Cara is mourning the loss of her son, Micah and her lover, Brenda, who both disappeared five years ago.
When a local fisherman tells Cara a possible sighting of her son had been spotted, she's reluctant to give up hope, but will it once again to tragedy?
The story is about the troubled relationship between Cara and Brendan; there is a subtle tinge of a science fiction subplot but that's quickly diminishes when you realize Brendan is suffering from a mental illness.
The writing is great, but bogged down with filler; plenty of expositional details about minor characters, the island, the people, who does what.
I love exposition as much as the next person; background is essential to developing a character, but I felt it was necessary.
There was no suspense, no drama, just a relationship. between two young people who barely know each other.
Cara was tough to like; I know she's young, mourning her mother, and vulnerable, but I questioned some of her decisions. They made no sense.
I also couldn't understand how and why Cara and Brendan are together; he made jokes and Cara talked frequently about how handsome he is, but there's no rapport, no connection, it felt more like Cara was in lust, not in love, which is fine.
But the love between them....I didn't feel it.
When Micah and Brendan disappear, that traumatic moment is almost downplayed, written in a less than urgent tone, like an afterthought.
The ending is almost anti-climatic; wrapped up quite neatly despite the agony Cara had to endure as a mother whose child is missing.
Instead, the author chooses to focus on Cara's past, the signs that Brendan was troubled and she continued to ignore, which I get. When you're in 'love,' you see only what you want to see.
I was looking for a thriller/suspense novel, but this was a bit too romance-y for me.
The premise was intriguing but once I began reading, I discovered it's actually misleading.
The narrative is divided into the past and present; in 2008 we meet Cara, newly graduated and still mourning the loss of her mother from cancer from the previous year.
When she spends the summer with her aunt and uncle, she meets a mysterious, handsome man named Brendan.
Their relationship is hot and steamy, punctuated with his erratic mood swings and odd behavior.
In the present, 2014, Cara is mourning the loss of her son, Micah and her lover, Brenda, who both disappeared five years ago.
When a local fisherman tells Cara a possible sighting of her son had been spotted, she's reluctant to give up hope, but will it once again to tragedy?
The story is about the troubled relationship between Cara and Brendan; there is a subtle tinge of a science fiction subplot but that's quickly diminishes when you realize Brendan is suffering from a mental illness.
The writing is great, but bogged down with filler; plenty of expositional details about minor characters, the island, the people, who does what.
I love exposition as much as the next person; background is essential to developing a character, but I felt it was necessary.
There was no suspense, no drama, just a relationship. between two young people who barely know each other.
Cara was tough to like; I know she's young, mourning her mother, and vulnerable, but I questioned some of her decisions. They made no sense.
I also couldn't understand how and why Cara and Brendan are together; he made jokes and Cara talked frequently about how handsome he is, but there's no rapport, no connection, it felt more like Cara was in lust, not in love, which is fine.
But the love between them....I didn't feel it.
When Micah and Brendan disappear, that traumatic moment is almost downplayed, written in a less than urgent tone, like an afterthought.
The ending is almost anti-climatic; wrapped up quite neatly despite the agony Cara had to endure as a mother whose child is missing.
Instead, the author chooses to focus on Cara's past, the signs that Brendan was troubled and she continued to ignore, which I get. When you're in 'love,' you see only what you want to see.
I was looking for a thriller/suspense novel, but this was a bit too romance-y for me.
April 24, 2023
This was so much better than I ever thought it would be! I thought perhaps it might be a heavy, slow read that I grew bored with, but the pacing was swift and before I knew it I was reading the last 1/3 wondering how this one would end!
Told in multiple timelines, the novel centers around a woman named Cara who meets a strange man named Brendan at what he thinks is a nude beach one day and as their relationship develops, he convinces her that he can breathe underwater on account of an experiment the special forces, which he is actually a part of, performed on him. There are seemingly gills in both of his armpit areas enabling him to breathe underwater for abnormally long periods of time! Brendan is charming and deeply in love with Cara and seemingly perfect. The only issue is that he can get lost in his own head and shut down and in the process, shutting Cara out, and then disappears for extended periods of time.
As their relationship develops and she gives birth to their son Micah, Brendan believes Micah is also afflicted with the same abilities, even though his were gifted surgically and not genetically. One especially scary scene depicts him holding his toddler underwater, which Cara walks in on. This scene leads her to question if Brendan might in fact be somewhat delusional and in need of mental health help rather than hiding from the military and scientists that would wish to observe him and his child. Before she can act on approaching him with this, he and Micah disappear leaving Cara shattered. When she moves on with her life and remarries several years down the line she is shocked when a man and his young child are seen swimming in the ocean! Could it actually be Brendan and Micah? Was he telling the truth the whole time and indeed on the run from the military and scientists?? Or is this just wishful thinking?
Part of my issue with this novel was that I did not like the main characters very much. I felt Brendan was a jerk and treated Cara horribly, and I felt Cara was stupidly loyal to him, making her look very much less than smart. I predicted a good portion of how this story would end, which made the ending and overall mystery element a little underwhelming for me. However, one of the major questions in this novel went unanswered, and the reader ultimately has to draw their own conclusion, which aggravated me a bit!
The writing was stellar, and if you are intrigued by somewhat open-ended mysteries such as this, this could very well be the book for you! If it was been a bit more twisty or suspenseful I believe this would have bumped up to a four star read, but regardless, I did enjoy my time reading this and do recommend it!
Told in multiple timelines, the novel centers around a woman named Cara who meets a strange man named Brendan at what he thinks is a nude beach one day and as their relationship develops, he convinces her that he can breathe underwater on account of an experiment the special forces, which he is actually a part of, performed on him. There are seemingly gills in both of his armpit areas enabling him to breathe underwater for abnormally long periods of time! Brendan is charming and deeply in love with Cara and seemingly perfect. The only issue is that he can get lost in his own head and shut down and in the process, shutting Cara out, and then disappears for extended periods of time.
As their relationship develops and she gives birth to their son Micah, Brendan believes Micah is also afflicted with the same abilities, even though his were gifted surgically and not genetically. One especially scary scene depicts him holding his toddler underwater, which Cara walks in on. This scene leads her to question if Brendan might in fact be somewhat delusional and in need of mental health help rather than hiding from the military and scientists that would wish to observe him and his child. Before she can act on approaching him with this, he and Micah disappear leaving Cara shattered. When she moves on with her life and remarries several years down the line she is shocked when a man and his young child are seen swimming in the ocean! Could it actually be Brendan and Micah? Was he telling the truth the whole time and indeed on the run from the military and scientists?? Or is this just wishful thinking?
Part of my issue with this novel was that I did not like the main characters very much. I felt Brendan was a jerk and treated Cara horribly, and I felt Cara was stupidly loyal to him, making her look very much less than smart. I predicted a good portion of how this story would end, which made the ending and overall mystery element a little underwhelming for me. However, one of the major questions in this novel went unanswered, and the reader ultimately has to draw their own conclusion, which aggravated me a bit!
The writing was stellar, and if you are intrigued by somewhat open-ended mysteries such as this, this could very well be the book for you! If it was been a bit more twisty or suspenseful I believe this would have bumped up to a four star read, but regardless, I did enjoy my time reading this and do recommend it!
March 24, 2023
This was a really interesting blend of women’s fiction, mystery and magical realism. I liked the dual timeline and how it allowed us to see the development of what had occurred, while also learning more about each of the characters involved. It had some subtle The Last Thing He Told Me vibes, so if you enjoyed that one, you will most likely enjoy this one as well. The audiobook was fantastic and very easy to follow.
Thank you {partners} Gallery Books and Simon Audio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you {partners} Gallery Books and Simon Audio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
March 21, 2023
"authors stop using schizophrenia as a thriller/plot twist device for your awful characters challenge" IMPOSSIBLE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
Thoughts to come
May 23, 2023
2½⭐
…the bullet points
- contemporary w/romantic elements
- magical realism
- lackluster plot and ending
I probably should’ve DNF’d this but I thought maybe the ending would miraculously make this book more worthwhile to me…only it didn’t. Despite liking the female MC, I really didn’t like the male MC (Brendan) at all. His sense of humor was cringy, and their relationship was really difficult to believe in. Overall, nothing about him was appealing to me and he brought the whole book down for me😟😔😒.
…about the narration
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️/5
- Carlotta Brentan was amazing…she is probably the reason I kept listening.
...the score (out of 10)
- 4.57/10
- Opening ￫ 5
- Characters ￫ 4
- Plot ￫ 5
- Atmosphere ￫ 4.5
- Writing Style ￫ 5
- Ending ￫ 4
- Overall Enjoyment ￫ 4.5
…the bullet points
- contemporary w/romantic elements
- magical realism
- lackluster plot and ending
I probably should’ve DNF’d this but I thought maybe the ending would miraculously make this book more worthwhile to me…only it didn’t. Despite liking the female MC, I really didn’t like the male MC (Brendan) at all. His sense of humor was cringy, and their relationship was really difficult to believe in. Overall, nothing about him was appealing to me and he brought the whole book down for me😟😔😒.
…about the narration
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️/5
- Carlotta Brentan was amazing…she is probably the reason I kept listening.
...the score (out of 10)
- 4.57/10
- Opening ￫ 5
- Characters ￫ 4
- Plot ￫ 5
- Atmosphere ￫ 4.5
- Writing Style ￫ 5
- Ending ￫ 4
- Overall Enjoyment ￫ 4.5
January 10, 2024
When I read the flyleaf description and bought the book, I hoped for much more. It’s a tantalizing premise, but not explored as thoroughly as I’d hoped.
First, the good points. The author is a master of description. She sets scenes well, transporting the reader to each place and giving just the right details to create a vivid image of each setting.
The author portrays her protagonist, Cara, very well, giving the reader a complete picture of every thought and feeling. The author expertly conveys the love of a woman for a man, and also the love of a mother for her child.
I’ll credit the author, too, for trying to make the time period skips obvious and readable. Chapters alternate between past (2008, 9, and 11) and present (2014). Not only does each chapter state the year, but the past chapters are in past tense, and the 2014 chapters are in present tense.
However, I wonder if the time skips are necessary. What if the book had been written chronologically? I’m not sure what would have been lost.
Another source of concern for me was the Brendan character. He starts off being obnoxious, then mysterious and moody. Prone to long absences, he never impresses me as someone Cara should like, let alone love. That caused me to doubt Cara’s wisdom in falling for the guy. Okay, he’s handsome, but since that’s his only good quality, doesn’t that make Cara rather superficial?
My main disappointment centers around Brendan’s claimed water-breathing ability and Cara’s nonchalant acceptance of it. He’s in the Army special forces. Yes, the Army—the least likely military branch to be experimenting with that. Cara doesn’t question that—she’s in love. He’s with her for long stretches of time, which isn’t typical for any branch of the military. Again, Cara doesn’t question that. I could go on, but don’t want to spoil things.
Kudos to the author for imagining a great story idea. I just wish she’d drawn the main male love interest better, made him more believable, and more worthy of the protagonist’s love. Still, I’m glad I read the book.
First, the good points. The author is a master of description. She sets scenes well, transporting the reader to each place and giving just the right details to create a vivid image of each setting.
The author portrays her protagonist, Cara, very well, giving the reader a complete picture of every thought and feeling. The author expertly conveys the love of a woman for a man, and also the love of a mother for her child.
I’ll credit the author, too, for trying to make the time period skips obvious and readable. Chapters alternate between past (2008, 9, and 11) and present (2014). Not only does each chapter state the year, but the past chapters are in past tense, and the 2014 chapters are in present tense.
However, I wonder if the time skips are necessary. What if the book had been written chronologically? I’m not sure what would have been lost.
Another source of concern for me was the Brendan character. He starts off being obnoxious, then mysterious and moody. Prone to long absences, he never impresses me as someone Cara should like, let alone love. That caused me to doubt Cara’s wisdom in falling for the guy. Okay, he’s handsome, but since that’s his only good quality, doesn’t that make Cara rather superficial?
My main disappointment centers around Brendan’s claimed water-breathing ability and Cara’s nonchalant acceptance of it. He’s in the Army special forces. Yes, the Army—the least likely military branch to be experimenting with that. Cara doesn’t question that—she’s in love. He’s with her for long stretches of time, which isn’t typical for any branch of the military. Again, Cara doesn’t question that. I could go on, but don’t want to spoil things.
Kudos to the author for imagining a great story idea. I just wish she’d drawn the main male love interest better, made him more believable, and more worthy of the protagonist’s love. Still, I’m glad I read the book.
March 24, 2023
3.5 - 4 ish stars...
This book was unlike anything I’ve read before. I went in blind, not knowing what to expect, and it started off strong, fast paced, and was quite intriguing. It’s definitely one you’ll need to suspend belief, however, the atmospheric setting on Martha’s Vineyard had me hooked. Despite not being able to stand one of the main characters (Brendan – ugh!) I still was enthralled with Cara’s story, and had to see how it would turn out.
I read other reviews that mentioned the book ended rather abruptly, and I’d have to agree I wanted a little more explanation at the end
Would def recommend if you're looking for an out-of-the-box suspenseful, light romance, with troubling trigger warnings.
This book was unlike anything I’ve read before. I went in blind, not knowing what to expect, and it started off strong, fast paced, and was quite intriguing. It’s definitely one you’ll need to suspend belief, however, the atmospheric setting on Martha’s Vineyard had me hooked. Despite not being able to stand one of the main characters (Brendan – ugh!) I still was enthralled with Cara’s story, and had to see how it would turn out.
I read other reviews that mentioned the book ended rather abruptly, and I’d have to agree I wanted a little more explanation at the end
Would def recommend if you're looking for an out-of-the-box suspenseful, light romance, with troubling trigger warnings.
March 24, 2022
This book held such an intriguing premise! A man able to breath underwater due to a secret military surgical modification. I loved that throughout the book there was a supernatural sense, although I wish there had been more of a sci-fi bend to the story.
Cara is a drifting twenty-something college graduate with no job, floundering to find herself after her mother has died. She meets charismatic Brendan who sweeps her off her feet with his non-traditional take on life. I tried to give this character grace since she is still young, but her indecisiveness and lack of common sense was very frustrating. I feel like I have read several books lately with female characters that seem portrayed as dumb and overdependent and I'm feeling over it. In this story, Cara is blinded by her love of Brendan - and yet the depth of their relationship is never really explained. The way she could let so many things be forgiven without a second thought felt questionable. There were many lapses in information, especially regarding the last third of the book.
Even with that frustration though, this book was a page-turner. With alternating timelines (which made reading a tad less cohesive and a little confusing), the reader is lead through the chapters with an increasing amount of tense anticipation. It felt a little reminiscent of the movie A Beautiful Mind to me. Was this a case of delusion and mental illness or of true espionage? That was my favorite part of the book - not knowing which was correct.
This story was a solid 3 stars for me. It was enjoyable, but frustrating in parts as well, though I can see other readers really liking the story and the writer's captivating style. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC to read and review. Pub date: 4.04.22
Cara is a drifting twenty-something college graduate with no job, floundering to find herself after her mother has died. She meets charismatic Brendan who sweeps her off her feet with his non-traditional take on life. I tried to give this character grace since she is still young, but her indecisiveness and lack of common sense was very frustrating. I feel like I have read several books lately with female characters that seem portrayed as dumb and overdependent and I'm feeling over it. In this story, Cara is blinded by her love of Brendan - and yet the depth of their relationship is never really explained. The way she could let so many things be forgiven without a second thought felt questionable. There were many lapses in information, especially regarding the last third of the book.
Even with that frustration though, this book was a page-turner. With alternating timelines (which made reading a tad less cohesive and a little confusing), the reader is lead through the chapters with an increasing amount of tense anticipation. It felt a little reminiscent of the movie A Beautiful Mind to me. Was this a case of delusion and mental illness or of true espionage? That was my favorite part of the book - not knowing which was correct.
This story was a solid 3 stars for me. It was enjoyable, but frustrating in parts as well, though I can see other readers really liking the story and the writer's captivating style. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC to read and review. Pub date: 4.04.22
September 12, 2022
5 🌟
Thank you to net galley for allowing me to read “At Sea” in exchange for an honest review.
This booked checked every single box for me… character building, scene setting, intrigue, super natural element (or hint of), romance, emotional, and most of all thrilling.
Emma Fedor takes you on a complete journey along with the characters, you can almost taste and feel the balmy, salty ocean air on your skin and smell the aroma from the restaurants on the peer and feel the heart pounding sensation of first love along with the questioning feeling deep in your heart about big life choices as well as that deep maternal bond that can never be broken and reminisce about the lengths you will go for your children.
At Sea also shines at light on the topic of mental illness specifically schizophrenia.
So thankful for the opportunity to read At Sea. I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more!
Thank you to net galley for allowing me to read “At Sea” in exchange for an honest review.
This booked checked every single box for me… character building, scene setting, intrigue, super natural element (or hint of), romance, emotional, and most of all thrilling.
Emma Fedor takes you on a complete journey along with the characters, you can almost taste and feel the balmy, salty ocean air on your skin and smell the aroma from the restaurants on the peer and feel the heart pounding sensation of first love along with the questioning feeling deep in your heart about big life choices as well as that deep maternal bond that can never be broken and reminisce about the lengths you will go for your children.
At Sea also shines at light on the topic of mental illness specifically schizophrenia.
So thankful for the opportunity to read At Sea. I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more!
May 7, 2022
AT SEA plays out like a whirlwind romance mixed with suspense and light thriller elements.
The author really captured that driftlessness of being in your early twenties and done with school, but not sure what to do or where to go with your life. Cara is a little frustrating as a protagonist because she's very naive, but we've all been there and Brendan sounds like he might be worth suspending belief for.
I really wanted this story to take a more "supernatural/ fantasy" turn, but I understand why the author left it open-ended. Super impressive for a debut novel and definitely an author I'll be following.
mermaid-adjacent? idk what to really call this genre, but I enjoyed this and would recommend it!
The author really captured that driftlessness of being in your early twenties and done with school, but not sure what to do or where to go with your life. Cara is a little frustrating as a protagonist because she's very naive, but we've all been there and Brendan sounds like he might be worth suspending belief for.
I really wanted this story to take a more "supernatural/ fantasy" turn, but I understand why the author left it open-ended. Super impressive for a debut novel and definitely an author I'll be following.
mermaid-adjacent? idk what to really call this genre, but I enjoyed this and would recommend it!
February 28, 2023
I was so mixed on this book. It goes into the mental illness lane with Brendan just disappearing with his and Cara's son, but she is very on the fence with what to believe. Part of her believes the secret military missions and Brendan claiming he can breathe under water, but the rational side kicks in too. Love can definitely be blinding and I didn't connect to Cara. She came off a bit weak and boring.
I liked the overall plot and premise, but the final ending left me thinking, that was it?
Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I liked the overall plot and premise, but the final ending left me thinking, that was it?
Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
September 23, 2022
Interesting idea for a story, but too much romanticizing.
It felt like a Young Adult read to me.
I won an ARC from Goodreads.
It felt like a Young Adult read to me.
I won an ARC from Goodreads.
February 11, 2023
I picked this book up on a whim. One of my favorite things to do with books that I don't know much about is to go in blind. I don't know that I ever even read the synopsis on this book but that made it so much better for me because I went in with no expectations.
AT SEA was unique and sucked me right in. I wouldn't call it a thriller but it's got a good mix of romance, suspense and tension. The timeline flips between past and present, following
AT SEA was unique and sucked me right in. I wouldn't call it a thriller but it's got a good mix of romance, suspense and tension. The timeline flips between past and present, following
January 30, 2023
When I finish a book right before bed and wake up still thinking about it, that’s the sign of a good book. This one had everything I love: interesting and complicated characters, beautiful writing, and situations that have you holding your breath as you turn the pages quickly.
Cara meets Brendan, a member of Army Special Forces and has an instant connection. But Brendan’s military career might not be all it seems as he struggles with what Cara thinks is PTSD. When Brendan disappears with their baby she searches for years, never giving up hope she’ll find them.
If you enjoy novels that switch from present to past, giving you small glimpses of the story each time and building to a crescendo then this one is for you. If you’re not a fan of character driven novels with a slow/medium pace then you might not enjoy it. But it was an easy 5 star for me, so beautifully written and such a unique story.
TW: mental illness, death of a parent, kidnapping
Cara meets Brendan, a member of Army Special Forces and has an instant connection. But Brendan’s military career might not be all it seems as he struggles with what Cara thinks is PTSD. When Brendan disappears with their baby she searches for years, never giving up hope she’ll find them.
If you enjoy novels that switch from present to past, giving you small glimpses of the story each time and building to a crescendo then this one is for you. If you’re not a fan of character driven novels with a slow/medium pace then you might not enjoy it. But it was an easy 5 star for me, so beautifully written and such a unique story.
TW: mental illness, death of a parent, kidnapping
April 26, 2024
I'm not gonna lie, I was seriously digging this book, right up until...the end; or should I say lack thereof. 🤔 I don't understand why authors feel the need to leave us hanging. The whole point of reading the entire book is because we want to know the ending. Give us a freaking end! Ugh. It's so frustrating to leave all these holes and unanswered plots. Totally ruines the story. Boo!
April 16, 2023
This was a good 3-4 star book until I got to the climax: it’s 2023 and we’re STILL using mental illness as a plot line? Way to ruin a really interesting concept.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
Overall I love the idea the author had for this book. However a lot question we’re still left unanswered.
I think if the author incorporated Brendan’s perspective the story would be easier to follow and become more interesting.
Also the chapters to me seemed way too long at times. Some of them were 20+ or even more than 30 pages which for me makes not want to start the chapter because I feel I won’t be able to finish it before I have to put the book down.
Though being Emma Fedor’s first book is was a good book and it was finally something that wasn’t a basic story. It was a new idea that I’ve never seen before, so props to her.💪
I think if the author incorporated Brendan’s perspective the story would be easier to follow and become more interesting.
Also the chapters to me seemed way too long at times. Some of them were 20+ or even more than 30 pages which for me makes not want to start the chapter because I feel I won’t be able to finish it before I have to put the book down.
Though being Emma Fedor’s first book is was a good book and it was finally something that wasn’t a basic story. It was a new idea that I’ve never seen before, so props to her.💪
August 25, 2023
I was intrigued when I read the concept, but it didn't turn out as expected. It was a bit too much romance and not enough thriller.
I'm glad I kept reading though! Cause at first I considered stopping cause the main character was overly insecure, at the same time as she couldn't stop describing how so many were jealous of her looks and talent, and men wanting her 😂 it was a bit too much early 2000s YA BUT THANKFULLY her character changed.
I enjoyed the read and I would check out her next book! Sad, and shows how blinded by young love you can be. Didn't care for the answer to what was going on with Brendan
I'm glad I kept reading though! Cause at first I considered stopping cause the main character was overly insecure, at the same time as she couldn't stop describing how so many were jealous of her looks and talent, and men wanting her 😂 it was a bit too much early 2000s YA BUT THANKFULLY her character changed.
I enjoyed the read and I would check out her next book! Sad, and shows how blinded by young love you can be. Didn't care for the answer to what was going on with Brendan
June 14, 2025
Ok I’m so agitated and unsatisfied with the ending. However, I was glued to this book (even after I spoiled it for myself because I couldn’t handle not knowing if Brenden was telling the truth). It was well written and thought provoking, and I feel as though this will be a book I think about long after I’ve read it. I’m on my knees begging and praying for a more clarifying sequel! 🙏
February 18, 2025
This is unlike any book I have ever read before. I could not put it down.
March 19, 2023
What an odd, deeply sad book...
After graduating from college, Cara decides to spend the summer on Martha's Vineyard with her aunt and uncle. Her mother, her aunt's younger sister, died before Cara went to college, and Cara still thinks about her and misses her a lot.
While staying at her aunt and uncle's house, she meets Brendan. He says he's in the Army, in the Special Forces. He also claims that as a result of top-secret experiments, he can breathe underwater—and genuinely seems to be able to, from what Cara can see.
Cara gets pregnant and has Brendan's baby. They're happily living together—until Brendan, who claims their son can also breathe under water—vanishes.
After graduating from college, Cara decides to spend the summer on Martha's Vineyard with her aunt and uncle. Her mother, her aunt's younger sister, died before Cara went to college, and Cara still thinks about her and misses her a lot.
While staying at her aunt and uncle's house, she meets Brendan. He says he's in the Army, in the Special Forces. He also claims that as a result of top-secret experiments, he can breathe underwater—and genuinely seems to be able to, from what Cara can see.
Cara gets pregnant and has Brendan's baby. They're happily living together—until Brendan, who claims their son can also breathe under water—vanishes.
April 8, 2023
No no no. Just no. I can't. The naivete of the main character just did nothing but pull me out of the story. The lack of emotion from having your child KIDNAPPED FOR 5 YEARS was beyond unbelievable. The whole thing. Just no. This was written for someone, definitely not me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews