Song of the Current

Caroline Oresteia comes from a family of wherryman who navigate the waters of Riverlands with divine guidance from the river god. When her father is blackmailed into delivering mysterious cargo, seventeen-year-old Caro takes charge of the mission herself. The journey forces Caro to navigate treacherous waters, outwit pirates, and work alongside an entitled young man who seems to know more about the cargo than he reveals. Her quest takes her through a world where river spirits bestow special powers and where political tensions simmer beneath the surface. During her travels, Caro must confront questions about her destiny as a wherryman, her connection to the river god, and her role in events that extend far beyond her life on the water. The story explores themes of family legacy, finding one's own path, and the relationship between duty and personal choice.

Readers describe Song of the Current as a solid YA fantasy with strong seafaring elements. Many reviews highlight the detailed river navigation and sailing terminology, with one reader noting it "feels authentic rather than researched." Readers praised: - The atmospheric river setting - The slow-burn romance - Strong female protagonist - Quality of the writing - The incorporation of folk religion/gods Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in the middle section - Predictable plot elements - Some found the romance underdeveloped - World-building gaps Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (8,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (120+ ratings) BookishFirst: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) Multiple readers compared it to Daughter of the Pirate King but noted this book focuses more on river trade than piracy. Several reviewers mentioned putting the book down around the halfway point but ultimately finishing and enjoying it.

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🌊 Author Sarah Tolcser worked as a children's librarian while writing Song of the Current and drew inspiration from the daily interactions with young readers. ⚓ The book's river-based fantasy world was influenced by the geography and culture of the Mississippi River, near where the author grew up. 🚢 The wherryman culture depicted in the novel is loosely based on historical river trading communities from various parts of the world, particularly those of medieval Europe. 🌟 The novel's protagonist, Caro, was initially conceived as a supporting character in a different story before Tolcser realized she deserved her own narrative. 🌊 The magic system in the book, particularly the concept of river gods, draws from various global mythologies about water deities and their connection to human followers.