The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez [Book]

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It’s very difficult to recommend this book while trying to keep all of its wonderful secrets and surprises under wraps! At its simplest, The Spear Cuts Through Water is a gripping adventure story following two young men, both with mysterious histories of their own, as they rescue a kidnapped goddess and attempt to protect her on a treacherous journey across a country ruled by a corrupt emperor and his three powerful and villainous sons. This description, while accurate, doesn’t capture what makes this book so magical–but rather than spoil the details for you, I will just say that Simon Jimenez tells this story in an utterly unique way, and his lyrical and emotional writing brings the tale to life. No part of the journey goes the way the reader might expect, but every twist and turn adds to the ever-growing danger closing in on the three adventurers, who must learn to trust one another or face certain death. At times violent and grim, it’s certainly not for everyone, but fans of She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan, Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse, and Netflix’s The Untamed will find plenty to enjoy in this romantic and folklore-driven fantasy.