Official Review: Water Web by Joan Kydd

ElizaBeth Adams · Post by **ElizaBeth Adams** » 02 Mar 2020, 13:11

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Water Web" by Joan Kydd.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Water Web: Book One of the Kyanda Trilogy, by Joan Kydd, is a complex fantasy narrative that explores the themes of love, lust, revenge, and power. Packed with powerful players such as mermaids, water gods, priestesses, healers, and sorcerers, this other-worldly tale is reminiscent of Greek and Roman mythology.

It is a challenge to sum up this narrative in a straightforward way. To get the gist, you need to know there are two key nations: Sursuda and Kyanda. Kyanda has authority over all the other nations and derives its power from stones beneath the land. Conversely, Sursuda gets its power from the sea god, Oh-Ti-Yon, and was once brutally conquered by the Kyandans. With the goal of unity, the two nations agree to an arranged marriage between the Kyandan prince, Elfan, and the Sursudian princess, MerLea. Seeking revenge, some of the Sursudians hidden among MerLea's support staff are secretly plotting to use MerLea's position to overthrow the Kyandans. To further complicate matters, on the journey to meet her betrothed, MerLea falls in love with her soon to be father-in-law, King Freyn. Is the plot for revenge successful? How will MerLea's fascination with King Freyn play out?

My favorite part of this novel is the way the plot propels the reader forward. The book covers many years and gives adequate moments of backstory without bogging down the forward momentum. The plot is intricately planned and developed. Given the complexity of the story, there are a lot of characters to keep up with. The author has gone out of her way to help the reader keep them straight. There is a page at the beginning of the book that lists the names and descriptions of the characters grouped by where they are from. The story is told from multiple characters' perspectives. Each change in perspective is clearly denoted.

There were numerous, albeit minor, editing mistakes throughout the book. While annoying, there was an aspect of the plot that I disliked more than the low quality of editing. A high number of sex scenes were present. From reading the description, I did not expect that much erotic content. Also, the descriptions were more explicit than I prefer to read.

I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. While I did not like the sexual descriptions, I acknowledge that this is a matter of personal preference. The deduction of a star is strictly due to the poorly edited manuscript. Those sensitive to descriptions of violence and rape may not wish to read this novel. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about dramatic fantasies set in fictional places with supernatural elements.

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Water Web
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NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 09 Mar 2020, 04:20

The novel's premises are classic of the fantasy genre, but clearly it's meant for adult readers who appreciate writers such as George R.R. Martin. Thank you for your interesting review!

Ogoskino · Post by **Ogoskino** » 09 Mar 2020, 10:35

I like stories that have these kind of plot. I look forward to reading.

Amberlily · Post by **Amberlily** » 09 Mar 2020, 11:42

Ah, yes its always a surprise when we pick up a book and there is some unexpected, detailed, erotic scenes. I don't mind them myself, but it is usually a shock if the book doesn't portray that sort of content from the start.

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 13 Mar 2020, 10:24

Mermaids and intrigues? This book can be very interesting. Thanks for the wonderful review.

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 14 Apr 2020, 11:58

Oh, I do like the political implications of this novel's plot. The courtly scheming, arranged marriages, being supported by water gods... It's all quite a joy to hear about.