These Rebel Waves (Stream Raiders #1) by Sara Raasch - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: These Rebel Waves (Stream Raiders #1)
Author: Sara Raasch
Recent Release Date: August 7, 2018

Synopsis: Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

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Review: I started reading this book while my reading slump was in full blast. I think I may finally be out of that reading slump...but it's too early to see. This book definitely took me way longer than it should have to read. If you don't follow the author, Sara Raasch, on social media you need to!!! Her twitter is @seesarawrite. Her insta stories are also always very entertaining (and spoilery at times): @sara_raasch. 

There's a lot happening in this book. Magic, politics, intrigue, religion, multiple nations, races, pirates, and so much more! The world building is so detailed. The protagonists each have so much depth. Each of their pasts are pivotal to the story. I definitely liked Ben's chapters the most, even though they were the most sparse. 

In addition to the main characters, there's a large cast of minor characters. I found myself forgetting who some of the character were since it took me so long to read this book. Towards the end of the book, I was flipping through my kindle pretty quickly, going from chapter to chapter. I think what was dragging down the first half of the book for me was the amount of thoughts and explanations. It seemed to outweigh the action. I usually prefer books with more focus, but this book has multiple characters over a large area of land interacting with many other people. The ending came suddenly and when definitely abrupt. I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.

I loved the representation in this book. There are characters with differing opinions and mindsets that all make sense in context. All of the characters are well thought out.

I give this book a 4.5/5. The beginning dragged and lacked enough focus for me to give it a perfect score, but I really enjoyed this book. Sara Raasch is an excellent YA Fantasy author. 

--PAUL