Viper

The World
The world is where Viper by Bex Hogan really excels. It's so effortlessly weaved into the story. I felt like I understood the various islands, the touch of magic and the place The Viper holds in the world without really looking for the information. The information is hidden amongst the action and drama, so nothing ever felt like an info-dump. And the detail itself is super interesting and not like anything I'd read before. Although, I might not be a good judge of anything nautical. I've tended to avoid it, but not I'm not sure why!

I loved the way the different islands had different specialities because of their climates and the way the ships were such a big part of the story, but didn't overshadow or interfere with the beauty of the rest of the world. And there's so much more to learn of this world! I'm glad I waited to read this, purely so there's not that much of a wait for the next book.

The Plot
Some books, I always struggle to discuss the plot without spoilers. Maybe I'm trying to write this review too soon after finishing Viper by Bex Hogan, when my mind is still reeling from the action and drama. Maybe some books defy explanation without a hint at the plot. Let's try this. Let me indulge you with the first line of this book...

“I don't need to dissect the bird to know how it died.”

And the final line...

“Let the wind bring what it will. I'm ready for anything.”

Between these two is a lot of amazingness. There are ups and downs. Hope, and hope being crushed, sometimes quite literally. There's a rollercoaster here and whilst I hated pieces of it, I also thoroughly enjoyed every second of it too. Figure that one out.

The Characters
Marianne
Marianne is our protagonist, and as the story is told in the first person, it was important that she be capable of holding the story on her own back. And that she did. Her character arc throughout the tribulations was fun to read, if a tad predictable. She had a sense of humour and a hint of sarcasm which I enjoyed. Basically, give a character some sarcasm and I'll probably support them!

Bronn
Ah, Bronn. Now this one had a story that I somehow found more heartbreaking than Marianne, and that only made me love him more. His story is another thing I don't know how to discuss without spoilers, but he's an important part of the story and... I've deleted what I was going to say next. Spoilers!

Grace
Oh, Grace. Grace is possibly Marianne's only friend and protector, even if Marianne doesn't immediately see it. I'm interested to hopefully see more of Grace's family in the future. There's definitely something more to hear about them, and I hope the opportunity arises when we do!

Adler
AKA The Viper, the Captain of The Maiden, the most feared ship on the sea. It's feared for a good reason. Adler is vile, in the simplest meaning of the word. Nothing he says, nothing he does, shows even a hint of kindness or remorse. He's full of hatred, and I'm not sure his backstory explains it fully. His desire is power, that much is clear, but as a villain, I wish there was a tad more depth. I'm not sure there's enough to justify the pure evil. Maybe this is getting deep for a YA Fantasy, but is anyone born pure evil, or should there be something in their backstory that leads them down that road? Unless I missed it, this is the one thing I feel is really missing from this book.

4.5*

oof. wow. what?
That was quite a handful. But in a very good way.

This book took me by surprise.
I picked it up wanting to embark on a adventure with a whole lot of pirates and fantasy - but in the back of my mind I was already dreading long meandering parts which would take over the enjoyment of the story. (I am looking at you Shadow and Bone.)

Well, it's like the book has heard my apprehensions.
This was everything but long and meandering.
So much was happening all the time. And not in a convoluted way.
More like: One beat striking after the other, leaving little room to breathe, finishing in a grand speactacle.

And even though I longed for a fast paced novel, I wouldn't have minded just a few more pages in certain segments.
Just to let, not only the reader, but the story to take a breath. Because I (at least) need a bit more time to fully empathize with the characters, before the next blow hits them right in the face.
And maaaan, was this woman hitting us with major blows. (All of which I fairly enjoyed.)

I only had a few issues with the novel. Mainly in the way it's been written. We experience everything first person through Marianne's eyes. Meaning we spent a lot in her headspace thinking about a ton of stuff.
Which is fine - it, being an integral part of the mind from a barely adolescent girl.
I just wished it was less narration and more dialogue. Because the dialogue was exquisite! (Probably ‘cause I enjoyed all the Characters just so damn much and needed more/longer interactions between them.)

And I don't want to hate on the narration - the words were perfectly fitting and our protagonist got a beautiful voice whilst describing the world - but in the end it is still narration.

Nevertheless.
This was epic.
And I cannot believe this is a ‘only' debut novel.
The world already seems so intricate that I cannot wait to learn more about it.

I am hyped for the next installment.



Thank you for reading and goodnight.