Chris Soul

'The Drowned Ones' is the third in a fantastic trilogy of fantasy books that started with 2018's 'Storm Witch'. I have really enjoyed reading Ellen Renner's mystical and absorbing middle-grade books that echo Ursula Le Guin's 'Earthsea' for its Eastern philosophy and island-based world-building. This is an epic series and one that asks profound questions about balance, nature, being and forgiveness through immersive storytelling.

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My review of Storm Witch here.

Mt review of Under Earth here.

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Storm is a Weather Witch who is unique in commanding the power of the Elementals: the tortoise of the Earth, the dolphin of the Water and the Albatross of the Air. But her magic has gone and the Salamander of Fire, through the host-witch Rekka, wants her dead. With the pirate-like Drowned Ones taking Storm captive, the balance of the Elementals is in danger, threatening the world. Can Storm find her powers again to return balance to the world through friend and foe and witch?

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This has been such a surprising and thoughtful series and this third book has some absolutely epic set-pieces too. Chapters where Storm faces Rekka in huge Elemental fights are incredible and blockbuster in scope. Here Storm has grown into a formidable Weather Witch, yet so has her foe. Rekka is a ghastly, terrifying antagonist, yet Ellen Renner manages to bring humanity and empathy to this villain, addressing broader themes about forgiveness and balance - a beautiful rumination of yin and yang. There are many layers to the world-building and a rich cast of characters, but at its heart 'The Drowned Ones' and its predecessors are thrilling meditations on human nature. This is mature storytelling that plunges you through earth, air, fire and water and shines in its wholeness by its end. 

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If you haven't read any of this series then take a look at 'Storm Witch' and be transported into Ellen Renner's mystical and magical world.

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Thank you to the wonderful Nosy Crow for my copies to review.

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https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-drowned-ones/ellen-renner/9781788000666

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