Review: The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas

GoodReads: After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.

Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.

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Expected publication date: 16/09/14
  
"What can I say?" she said, her voice growing fainter. "This damsel loves rescuing princes in distress."

The Perilous Sea was an amazing sequel, and I'm not even surprised. To say that I loved The Burning Sky would be an understatement. Ever since I finished reading it I've been eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel, a sequel I just knew would deliver. Which, of course, it did. Oh yes, no middle book syndrome here, this is a solid sequel that is every bit as good as the first book.

The Perilous Sea alternates between Titus's and Iolanthe's POV in the present and seven weeks in the future. This created a sense of intrigue as I was constantly wondering how they got to that point in the future. Plus, it didn't take too long to get back into the story. I remember being only 20% into the book and thinking wow I'm even not that far in and already there's swoons and a shocking twist. The unpredictable twists, continued on one after another and oh my gosh I loved it. Just as I came to a conclusion about something I was proved wrong. Every chapter ended on such a note that I just had to continue on to find out what happens next. The phrase I'm sure us bookworms are accustomed to thinking "just one more chapter" definitely applies to this book. Furthermore, The Perilous Sea also provides us with answers to some burning questions. From learning the truth about Iolanthe's past to finding out more about Titus's mothers vision.

Both Titus and Iolanthe are likable characters with strengths and flaws. I loved that Titus wasn't afraid to admit when Iolanthe was better at something than he was. Further to this I liked the sense of equality between them, it wasn't just Titus saving/supporting Iolanthe, nope, she also did the saving/supporting. It just shows that they're both capable and strong characters. The romance was also wonderfully done, Thomas threw obstacles their way without bringing  in a dreaded love triangle. One of my favourite things about this romance is the banter. It makes me smile, and adore these two characters even more. If there ever were two people who could be called ship worthy it would be them. 

All the puzzle pieces start coming together, and the book ends on an exciting note. I honestly can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy! (Also: I re-read The Burning Sky before jumping into The Perilous Sea and it really helped me re-call things, so if you can I would definitely recommend re-reading it.)

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