Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rina Olsen for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Water Stricken, which was released October 15, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love Korean sageuks, so I was obsessed with this book! I love the time period and the subject matter. It was a wonderful blend of fantasy, mystery and history. I loved the characters. Hwangbo Pyori and Narae were strong characters. I loved it! I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical Korean stories!

This book is a fantastic example Korean historical fiction, based on the 1866 French Expedition to Joseon and the introduction of Christianity to Korea with a dose of Korean mythology.

Rina Olsen wove a story with a beautiful combination of history, myth, fantasy, and mystery. This story is of life, love, faith, war and murder. Her writing is fantastically rich and fluid, spinning a tale that I could not tear myself away from. The characters are complex and you find yourself invested in learning about how they came to be, and all is not what it seems. The plot has a mystery to be solved and the twists and turns were all at once shocking and satisfying.

I absolutely love the usage of accurate Korean names, descriptions, and characters of Korean gods and goddesses. The wealth of Korean mythology is vast and this gives a factually tantalizing taste. I equally love the historical snapshot of Joseon era Korea.

I cannot recommend this book enough for those that thrive on fantasy, mystery, and history. Easy five star read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for this ARC.

this was a strong prequel in this world, it was a great introduction to this world. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed the overall feel of this. Rina Olsen wrote this well and can't wait to read more, it was a great tale and wanted to read more.

"The Water Stricken" by Rina Olsen presents an intriguing premise that draws readers into a rich fantasy world. The main character, Pyori, is particularly likable, displaying a blend of resilience and vulnerability that makes her relatable. However, it’s interesting to note that many characters in the story find her annoying, creating a unique dynamic that invites reflection on differing perspectives.

While the story starts strong, it does lag a bit in the middle, which can affect the overall pacing. This dip may challenge readers' engagement, but Olsen's imaginative world and character development keep the narrative afloat.

One aspect that could significantly enhance the reading experience is the naming of the gods. More phonetic spelling would make these names distinguishable and easier to remember, helping readers connect more deeply with the story's mythological elements.

Overall, "The Water Stricken" is a thought-provoking tale with a promising premise and a relatable protagonist. While it has its pacing issues and could benefit from clearer names, it offers a captivating exploration of relationships and beliefs in a fantastical setting.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.