Book Review: ‘A Letter from the Lonesome Shore’ by Sylvie Cathrall (underwater magical fantasy academia)

‘A Letter to the Luminous Deep’ was one of my favourite books of last year and I’ve been eager to find out what happened with E. and Henerey ever since I finished the book - ‘A Letter from the Lonesome Shore’ did not disappoint.

The charming conclusion to the Sunken Archive duology, a heart-warming magical academia fantasy filled with underwater cities, romance of manners and found family, perfect for fans of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries.

Former correspondents E. and Henerey, accustomed to loving each other from afar, did not anticipate continuing their courtship in an enigmatic underwater city. When their journey through the Structure in E.'s garden strands them in a peculiar society preoccupied with the pleasures and perils of knowledge, E. and Henerey come to accept--and, more surprisingly still, embrace--the fact that they may never return home.

A year and a half later, Sophy and Vyerin finally discover one of the elusive Entries that will help them seek their siblings. As the group's efforts bring them closer to E. and Henerey, an ancient, cosmic threat also draws near. . .

I’m a huge fan of epistolary novels and the way that Cathrall weaves the narrative of letters and diary entries between E., Henerey, Sophy, Vyerin, and Niea, switching timelines effortlessly and weaves together the yearlong gap that has elapsed since the end of book one. Though it did feel a little slow at times and the book felt a lot longer than it’s 400 pages. It’s very character driven and thoughtful, with minimal action, and that naturally slows down the pace. I was in it though; I was so heavily invested in E and Henerey’s romance.

The world of the ‘Sunken Archive’ is so beautifully crafted. From the future version of Earth after the Dive, the mythology around the Entries, and the world through them. I loved the parallels between them and learning about the ways that they diverged and twisted. I was fully immersed in the way the way that more and more was unravelled while watching E. and Henerey fall further and further in love, all while doubting whether they deserve it. There relationship is the epitome of ‘You remembered!’ ‘Of course I did!’ which is a favourite trope of mine.

‘A Letter from the Lonesome Shore’ is a thoughtful and a romantic magical academia and with how beautiful the ‘Sunken Archive’ has been, I’m so looking forward to seeing what Sylvie Cathrall writes next.

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for the review copy.

Written by Sophie