Review ♥ Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle

Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle
Published by Atria Books on March 31st 2015
Pages: 385


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A new adult novel that perfectly captures the existential angst of your early twenties with raw wit, fresh insight, and true feeling from a critically adored USA TODAY bestselling author.

Joshua Miles has spent his early twenties spinning his wheels. Working dead-end jobs and living at home has left him exhausted and uninspired, with little energy to pursue his passion for graphic art. Until he meets Gemma Henare, a vivacious out-of-towner from New Zealand. What begins as a one-night stand soon becomes a turning point for Josh. He can’t get Gemma out of his head, even after she has left for home, and finds himself throwing caution to the wind for the first time in his life.

It’s not long before Josh is headed to New Zealand with only a backpack, some cash, and Gemma’s name to go on. But when he finally tracks her down, he finds his adventure is only just beginning. Equally infatuated, Gemma leads him on a whirlwind tour across the beautiful country, opening Josh up to life, lust, love, and all the messy heartache in between. Because, when love drags you somewhere, it might never let go—even when you know you have to say goodbye.

I’m waffling between 2.5 stars and 3 stars on this one. The thing I enjoyed about the most about Where Sea Meets Sky: Josh. I loved Josh. His quirkiness, passion, patience, fearlessness, and honesty make him wildly appealing. I just wish he didn’t allow himself to be such a doormat.

I felt like a tourist along for the journey as Josh, Gemma, Amber, and Nick travel across New Zealand in Mr. Orange—a vintage Volkswagen van. It made me wish I was that adventurous and carefree. I got to know each character extremely well, but I think the trip lasts a bit too long. The amount of stops and details causes the story to drag in places.

My main issue with the book is Gemma. She can be fun and carefree, but 99% of the time, she is a total beatch with a capital “B”. She’s inconsiderate, rude, wishy washy, moody. She’s an emotional weakling with a brave façade. It’s difficult to enjoy a story when you dislike the heroine so much. I have no idea what Josh sees in Gemma, and quite frankly I would have preferred if Josh and Amber were a couple.

This is billed a New Adult self-discovery story with characters trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives. The blurb doesn’t come with a warning, but perhaps it should. While the characters are in their very early 20s, I think it’s most appropriate for readers who are 18 or older. Let’s put it this way. The first line of the book is, “I get an erection the first time I see her.” It’s a hint of things to come (excuse the double entendre). Potential readers should aware of strong language and explicit sexual content.

My issues didn’t stop me from reading the entire story or caring about most of the characters, but it did affect my enjoyment.

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