Twisted Oceanic Journey

Stormflower by Tristen Kozinski feels like stepping into a storm—unpredictable, relentless, and full of mystery. The story follows Jade Dieza, who’s been through more than anyone should. She’s lost her brother, faced terrifying creatures from another dimension, and carries the weight of grief that feels almost physical. Set on the ocean world of Charybdis, the novel throws you into a place where water stretches endlessly, but it’s not the soothing kind of ocean. Instead, it feels alien and dangerous, mirroring the emotional and psychological chaos Jade is going through.

What stands out is the way the book intertwines the personal and the cosmic. Jade’s battle against these inter-dimensional creatures, known as revenants, feels like a metaphor for fighting one’s inner demons. You can feel her exhaustion, her longing for peace, but peace doesn’t come easily in a world where the line between reality and madness blurs. The revenants aren’t just external threats; they reflect the madness that infects not only individuals but entire systems—corporations, governments, even the natural world itself.

This brings in a layer of commentary on how we, as humans, often push beyond boundaries—whether it’s colonizing a distant planet or manipulating forces we don’t fully understand—only to face the consequences. There’s a quiet environmental thread running through the book, as the planet Charybdis and its oceans serve as a fragile backdrop to all the chaos. It makes you think about how much we’ve taken for granted here on Earth, too, and the irreversible damage that can come from reckless action.

Stormflower isn’t just a sci-fi adventure. It’s a deep look into loss, memory, and the search for something—anything—that can bring meaning to a world turned upside down. Jade’s journey is fascinating, and while the book has its darker moments, it’s ultimately about survival and resilience. If you’re looking for a story that’s both thrilling and thoughtful, this is definitely one to pick up.