Thursday, January 10, 2019

Well Now That Was Different - And The Ocean Was Our Sky Review

TITLE:  And The Ocean Was Our Sky
AUTHOR: Patrick Ness
PUBLISHER:  Walker Books
PUBLISHING DATE: September 4, 2018


FROM GOODREADS: With harpoons strapped to their backs, the proud whales of Bathsheba's pod live for the hunt, fighting in the ongoing war against the world of men. When they attack a ship bobbing on the surface of the Abyss, they expect to find easy prey. Instead, they find the trail of a myth, a monster, perhaps the devil himself... As their relentless Captain leads the chase, they embark on a final, vengeful hunt, one that will forever change the worlds of both whales and men.
MY THOUGHTS: This just happened to be my first Patrick Ness read and it was rather interesting.  I've always wanted to try him out but The Chaos Walking Trilogy supposedly has some bad treatment of a dog throughout so I've steered clear.  First of all, be aware that this is actually a Moby Dick retelling.  Now I've never read "Moby Dick" and have no plans to so some of the content may have been lost on me. 

So basically the whale population lives in the ocean and man lives in the Abyss but it's reverse from real life - the ocean is up and the Abyss is down.  Bathsheba is an apprentice for a Captain who has been on a mission for 2 years searching for the infamous Toby Wick, slayer of many whales and often referred to as "the Devil." Along the way they capture a man and through discussions, Bathsheba begins to question all she has been raised to believe about man.

There was something quite beautiful about this book, yet there were times I hated it.  I went back and forth many times which is somewhat sad when it's only a little over 160 pages.  I can definitely get on board with the concept of animals hunting man for all the evilness they have brought on them.  And I've always liked sea life so that helps too.  The book also has some good messages about how sometimes society creates devils and gives them life through rumor and tales (and well, now sometimes they are real too aren't they).  The ending played out as I suspected and I must say that the artwork was stunning.  The book reads like a fairy tale and is physically gorgeous (thanks library!).

However, something just didn't click for me and it's hard to say what.  I am glad I gave it a chance and never considered DNF'ing it but I don't know who I would recommend it to. If you like Patrick Ness, I'm sure you'll want to add this to your collection.  I guess that will have to do.

RATING: 3 PAWS (it might have been 2 if not for the artwork)



27 comments:

  1. I don't think i've read Patrick Ness, but I have possibly watched a movie based on his books. This is a very, very cool premise, and the cover gives a hint about the beautiful artwork. I'm sorry it didn't work for you though.

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    1. It's under 160 pages and with the artwork and stuff, it's a quick read. It was somewhat enjoyable, just not what I had hoped for.

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  2. I have seen this book around. I haven't seen any stellar reviews so it will stay on the maybe list. Great review and glad I saw this one out there. I have to see it rated better for me to pick it up.

    Mary

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    1. Yea, I think the reviews are all over the place on this one.

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  3. Yeah I'm not a fan of this author. I think you're doing the right thing staying away from that trilogy! I got pretty upset with it!

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    1. I remember you saying that before which is EXACTLY why I've no plans to read the Chaos trilogy. I definitely trust you on that one :)

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  4. This book sounds so weird. The only other Patrick Ness book I’ve read is A Monster Calls, which I loved. I’m on a waitlist for this one, but the weirdness makes me nervous. Great review!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. I do think I'll pick up A Monster Calls one day but I'm in no hurry.

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  5. I stayed away from the trilogy for the same reason. Not sure about this one. Might try it if the library has it though.

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    1. That's where I grabbed it from. It'a really pretty book.

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  6. Honestly, the idea of a Moby Dick retelling would make me stay away from this book. And I've never read Moby Dick so I'm not sure why!

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    1. I have no desire to read Moby Dick. And was thinking if I need to to understand this book, then I'm out.

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  7. Ness doesn't sound familiar to me, but I love the idea of the whales being the hunters. Now, the shoe is on the other foot. I am curious.
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. I always knew it would be. Maybe that's why I've not picked it up yet.

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  9. I'm not familiar with Ness, and not a fan of Moby Dick. But it's too bad this one didn't work better for you. It sounds like it had some good moments in it.

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  10. I have several of his books on my tbr pile but haven't picked one up yet. Too bad this one didn't work out as well as you had hoped.

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  11. Oddly enough this one just doesn't really appeal to me. Well, some elements do, but I'm really not completely sold on it for some reason.
    Lynn :D

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    1. If you don't have compelling reasons to read it, then I'd skip it.

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  12. Aww I am so sorry you didn't like it! I loved it, but I know a LOT of people feel the same way you do. It's weird, I will give you that! And for your first Patrick Ness... it might be too out there. Chaos Walking... so I am biased because it is definitely one of my all-time favorites. And I am not going to lie, it is HARD to get through the part you mentioned but it isn't like, through the whole series or anything! Anyway, I sound like Patrick Ness's publicist or something here bwhahaha. Sorry that this one didn't work out for you!!

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  13. At least the cover is gorgeous. 😁

    I read the synopsis and this is a little to weird, even for me. 😄

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  14. Patrick Ness is a bit hit or miss for me. This story sounds interesting! I'll have to see if my library has it. Great review!

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  15. I've enjoyed Patrick Ness books in the past so might give this one a go too. My OH has an ebook of the original Moby Dick story on his Kindle. I wondered about reading this retelling instead, but after your review, maybe I should get to the classic first

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  16. I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog's articles or reviews
    everyday along with a mug of coffee.

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