Review of An Ocean Apart by Joy Revolution
When I first stumbled upon An Ocean Apart, it hit me like a wave—an exhilarating mix of dystopian themes and a touch of romance that felt so timely. Jill Tew’s debut had me intrigued not just because of its captivating premise, but it also tapped into that rare space where heartbreak meets hope. In a time when the daily news often feels like a chilling glimpse into a near-future dystopia, the idea of a story that could bring comfort while addressing climate anxiety was incredibly appealing. I knew I had to dive in.
Set in a world where the ocean has washed over the land, the ultra-wealthy live on floating cruise ships as they hoard resources, while those left on dry land scramble for survival. Tew’s portrayal of this class disparity is sharp and poignant, reflecting our current realities in a way that feels both terrifying and relatable. The central character, Eden Lowell, is a firebrand of a protagonist—passionate and witty as she teams up with the vigilante ‘The Ringmaster’ to infiltrate a reality dating show akin to The Bachelor but laced with the barbs of societal critique. Eden’s mission? Humiliate the antagonist, Theo, and rip away his prize money. The stakes of this mission felt both thrilling and absurd, making me chuckle at the satirical elements that shine throughout the narrative.
What stood out most was Tew’s incisive commentary on influencer culture and the absurdity of chasing fame while the world crumbles around you. There’s a delightful dose of humor woven in, and I found myself laughing out loud at Eden’s pointed observations. Her disdain for the cringe-worthy celebrity worship was a familiar echo to our reality, making it all the more relatable. The playful slang, like “He’s so hydro,” layered in with fashion moments reminiscent of The Hunger Games, made the narrative sparkle with personality.
Now, let’s talk about the love triangle—oh, what a tangled web! I found myself rooting for both sides throughout, which made for a deliciously torturous reading experience. Tew expertly balanced this triangle, and by the end, I was completely satisfied with where Eden’s emotional journey led her. It’s a testament to Tew’s skill that I felt genuinely invested in each character’s arc.
Not to mention, the heartwarming addition of Blackbeard, a pelican with a knack for stealing shiny things, added a unique charm to the story, reminding us that even amid chaos, joy can be found in the small moments.
In conclusion, An Ocean Apart is a vibrant, engaging read that challenges us to throw our heads back and laugh against the backdrop of impending doom. It’s a reminder that love can flourish, even when the world is anything but certain. If you’re someone who appreciates a blend of humor, social critique, and romance amidst palpable tension, this book is a delightfully redemptive journey you won’t want to miss. It will resonate with anyone searching for a narrative that evokes both rage against the machine and an unwavering belief in love, even during the apocalypse.
So, if you’ve ever pondered what might happen if the Capitol from The Hunger Games mingled with The Bachelor on a cruise ship, you’re about to find out—just grab a copy of this gem, and prepare to have your heart melted into a puddle of goo!
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!
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