Be the Sea by Clara Ward

In November 2039, marine scientist Wend Taylor heaves themself aboard a zero-emissions boat skippered by elusive nature photographer Viola Yang. Guided by instinct, ocean dreams, and a shared birthday in 1972, they barter stories for passage across the Pacific. Aljon, Viola’s younger cousin, keeps a watchful eye and an innovative galley. Story by story, the trio rethink secrets, flying dreams, and how they experience their own minds. When they reach Hawaiʻi and prepare to part ways, opportunity and mystery pull them closer together. Both scientific and personal discoveries take shape as they join with ex-lovers, lost friends, and found family. Wend must navigate an ever-shifting future, complicated by bioengineered microbes and a plot to silence scientists, entangled with inexplicable dreams and a calling to Be the Sea.

Adult • Science Fiction • Fantasy/Cozy, Low, Mundane, and Slice of Life • Science Fiction/Agripunk, Hopepunk, and Solarpunk • Fantasy/Contemporary • Fantasy/Science Fantasy

Length: 180,000 words (about 514 pages)

Content Warning: This novel contains mentions of childhood bullying, child abuse, emotional manipulation, cults, trauma, and rape. Throughout the book, deep dreams are described, including some that are disturbing. Anxiety and a panic attack manifest on-page. The death and consumption of sea animals is depicted. There are brief instances of acephobia and polyphobia. Occasional discussion of off-page sexual activities include domination and kink. A character is accused of professional misconduct, and queer familial relationships are accused of being of dubious consent with regard to power dynamics. A bomb is used to threaten human life. Suicide attempts are discussed, and the two scenes opening Chapter 31 contain an on-page suicide and its retelling. Readers choosing to skip those scenes will learn who died and where at the start of the third scene. All issues are presented gently and with sensitivity to trauma.