The Perilous Sea - Sherry Thomas

[Note: This is the second book in the series, so there may be spoilers for the first book. If you'd like, please check out my review of the first book The Burning Sky instead.]

The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas
Series: The Elemental Trilogy #2
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Source/Format: Edelweiss (Thanks!) || e-galley
[I received this book for review, but it in no way influenced the opinions I've expressed below.]

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. (from Goodreads)

There has been much praise floating around the blogging world for The Perilous Sea, the second novel in Sherry Thomas’ Elemental trilogy. It’s been lauded as incredible, sweeping readers away with romance, magic and just a hint of mystery. Knowing all this, it’s difficult to go into The Perilous Sea without fearing it would not meet expectations.

Friends, it met all these high expectations.

In fact, The Perilous Sea far, far surpassed them, easily catapulting this fantasy series into favorite status. There are so many things to love about this sequel! The characters, most notably Titus and Iolanthe, are thrown into testy situations and have their layers stripped to reveal even more individual complexity. The relationships (romance, friendship or enemies) were really well developed, showing readers the connections between these characters. The plot, which was noticeably affected by the shift back and forth between past and present in every chapter, was set up and executed well, with a few surprise revelations tossed into the mix.

Sherry Thomas manages to reel readers in hook, line and sinker with The Perilous Sea. The combination of plot, characters and romance (because seriously, Thomas knows how to write really good romantic tension) will delight readers, even as they will want more of Titus, of Iolanthe, of this story. If you have yet to read The Burning Sky, do it and then go straight into reading The Perilous Sea – it will totally be worth it.