I received a free ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I absolutely loved this book. Really the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I feel like it had some pacing issues. Don't get me wrong, it was great and I finished it in two days, but at one point I realized I was about 2/3rds of the way through the book and I didn't really feel like a lot had happened plot-wise, then the last few chapters felt a bit rushed, like she ran out of time and was just trying to tie up all the loose ends.

But it was still a really great book, and I absolutely love Cas and Swift's relationship.

Spoiler

I just feel like it's a very complex relationship that you don't often see in YA, or really in any literature. I again want to say how happy I am that the first book dealt with them not being on equal footing and how Cas couldn't really consent to anything when she was still a prisoner. And I liked their development in this book too. It's clear they both really care about each other and they've got the other's back when it really matters, but they have problems and they fight sometimes and it all just felt very real. I'm glad they got their happy ending too!

And like I said before, the plot seemed a bit unbalanced in this book.

Spoiler

It's like she tried to up the stakes by having a whole herd of rogue reckoners but it doesn't even really become an issue until like 3/4ths of the way through the book. I mean they don't even decide to go get Bao again until past the halfway point. I would have probably liked a bit more monster fighting throughout, as it all felt pretty squished in there at the end. But I did like the ending and I'm glad everyone got their closure. I've seen some people say that Cas abandoned her family but I don't think that's really true. I mean she's going to visit them still and her dad doesn't even want to see her at all at this point so why would she want to move back home. Plus she has a job to do right now!

But really overall this was just such a great series. I feel so blessed that 'lesbian pirates fight / train giant sea monsters' is a book that exists during my lifetime. Definitely recommend!

4.5, rounded up because I can

I love this series. The first book knocked my socks off, so I read the sequel as soon as I could! This was a great continuation and conclusion for the series. The plot was engaging and there was a lot more Swift/Cas action, despite the ever-present back and forth of teenage angst. I will say that the ending seemed to come too soon...I wish she were writing a third book to make it a trilogy, as there's certainly more that can be explored. The ending wraps things up unexpectedly well but it still left me wanting more than just saying what they're going to do next.

Anyway, this series is so much fun, and I'm so glad I own hard copies so I can revisit them in the coming years :)

The Edge of the Abyss is the sequel to The Abyss Surrounds Us, which centers on Cassandra Leung, a young Reckoner trainer who fights for survival on a pirate ship, all while training up a giant sea beast to terrorize the oceans. Yes, the book really is as epic as it sounds. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series. It’s incredible, thrilling, and sets the scene for its sequel perfectly.

I’ve been keeping track of The Edge of the Abyss ever since I read the first book in the series, which ends on something of a cliffhanger, especially when it comes to the romance. Cassandra, now a pirate on Santa Elena’s pirate ship, must find a way to right the wrongs she has helped set in motion, while also grappling with her conflicting feelings for the ruthless pirate girl Swift. Their relationship certainly had a rocky (and ethically murky) beginning, but in this book, they’re finally on level ground, and it was exciting to see where the two would go.

If you can’t tell, I read the book just as much for the romance as for the epic sea battles and fearsome beasts. Of course, the epic sea battles and beasts did not disappoint. (I will never get over how cute it is that Cassandra’s pirate Reckoner beast is named Bao – reminds me of how my friends named their rabbit Mantou.) In the background is the constant thread of ambition and manipulation – the way Santa Elena controls and manipulates everyone on the ship, shaping their futures, and the way Cassandra deals with those around her. The book manages to weave all these elements together perfectly.

I loved The Abyss Surrounds Us and its sequel lived up to, and exceeded the first. If you want to read about queer pirates and epic sea monsters (and really, who doesn’t?), these two books are must-reads. Put them on your to-read list!

Recommendation: Get it soon!

Engaging sequel, but the angst was a bit much at times.

Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.

Merged review:

Engaging sequel, but the angst was a bit much at times.

Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.

Just as good as the first book and I hope there's more coming!
Great for those that love adventure and pirates!

3.5 ⭐️

TEOTA skips the slow start its predecessor had and slams you right back into the action. The characters continue to grow in leaps and bounds and keep you reading. Skrutskie does a fantastic job of leaving behind a tidy ending that very well could be built into a trilogy.

Merged review:

TEOTA skips the slow start its predecessor had and slams you right back into the action. The characters continue to grow in leaps and bounds and keep you reading. Skrutskie does a fantastic job of leaving behind a tidy ending that very well could be built into a trilogy.

4.5/5 Stars

Making a stunning sequel was no easy task, but Emily Skrutskie does an excellent job of taking Cas and Swift to new heights in The Edge of the Abyss. A new threat has emerged from the depths, putting the entire population at risk, and Cas' Reckoner training experience is desperately needed as she tries to reconcile her new pirate life to the old. With emotional turmoil and mad monsters, there was no way I wasn't going to love this book. Check out five reasons you must pick up this sequel:

Top 5 Reasons The Edge of the Abyss Soars
1. Facing Consequences: This one was all about owning up to mistakes, making things right, and asking for forgiveness. For Cas and Swift that meant coming to terms with Reckoner deaths and competing against one another on the ship. For the wider world, it meant taking on illegal monsters that would decimate the ecosystem sustaining both land and sea.
2. All the Feels! Now that Cas and Swift are on equal footing and are dealing with their issues, the two of them were able to explore their relationship. There was plenty of turmoil, believe me, but both women together made my soul happy. Be still my rapidly beating heart!
3. Don't Forget Your Roots: Cas can only force down the betrayal of her family for so long, so when she checks in with the world it brings all the repercussions of her actions to the surface. Faced with her brother's sadness, hurt, and anger, Cas must open up and tell him the whole truth of her saga.
4. Pirates, Pirates Everywhere! The Edge of the Abyss opens up even more of the pirate world in this one. Readers are introduced to The Salt, where crews will ban together in times of crises, as well as how debts play out between captains. Plus, there's even more in regards to the recruits vying for captain and Varma particularly shined with his easygoing happiness.
5. Bao's Back: Honestly one of the best parts of this world are the Reckoners. Sea monsters are so freaking cool and to discover even more species and how they live was especially thrilling. Plus I'm glad TASU wasn't the last time we got to see Bao. My jerk of a terrapoid deserves all the page time!

Overall The Edge of the Abyss by Emily Skrutskie was an extremely enjoyable read. With plenty of battles, both emotional and physical, as well as vivid descriptions, this sequel was just as great as the first. Cas and Swift have claimed a piece of my heart and I will not be forgetting them anytime soon. I highly recommend this series to everyone and hope that you pick up The Abyss Surrounds Us soon so you can experience this brilliant story and world for yourself.

Originally posted on Hopeful Reads