What do you think?
Rate this book
Seven Tears Into the Sea
Beckon the sea,
I'll come to thee....
Shed seven tears,
perchance seven years....
At the age of ten, Gwen Cooke had a strange encounter with a boy with dark, slightly tilted eyes. He came to her on the beach, whispered strange words in her ear, and then disappeared. Shortly thereafter, her family moved away from their seaside home and Gwen never saw the boy again.
Now seventeen, Gwen is returning to her childhood home. Her nana asked her to come. But Gwen knows it's time to go back for another reason: She yearns for the sea. Perhaps the sea itself is calling to her. Perhaps the memory of the boy and his haunting words are drawing her back to the place they met. Perhaps it's time for her to face her destiny.
279 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2005
41 people are currently reading
6066 people want to read
About the author
Terri Farley
128 books415 followersTerri Farley is the best-selling author of books about the contemporary and historic West. Her PHANTOM STALLION series has sold over 2 million books world-wide and it relaunches with new art & content in March 2023.
Terri's most recent non-fiction book Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Fighting to
Save Them (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is a Junior Library Guild selection; winner of the
Sterling North Heritage award for Excellence in Children's Literature.
Terri's only contemporary fantasy is SEVEN TEARS INTO THE SEA.
Terri is an advocate for the West's wild horses and for young people helping to make their voices heard.
https://www.facebook.com/PhantomStall...
https://twitter.com/Terri_Farley
https://www.instagram.com/terrifarley/
Terri's most recent non-fiction book Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Fighting to
Save Them (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is a Junior Library Guild selection; winner of the
Sterling North Heritage award for Excellence in Children's Literature.
Terri's only contemporary fantasy is SEVEN TEARS INTO THE SEA.
Terri is an advocate for the West's wild horses and for young people helping to make their voices heard.
https://www.facebook.com/PhantomStall...
https://twitter.com/Terri_Farley
https://www.instagram.com/terrifarley/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
February 27, 2011
Er. Okay. Let me tell you first that I am not the most cheerful person at the moment – and yes, I am blaming the electrical engineering and mechanics exams I am studying for right now. And this book infuriated me for some reason. I really don’t know why I made myself read up until page 230 here when it was pretty clear that I wouldn’t enjoy this novel – and as I don’t have much time to read right now anyway, I certainly shouldn’t waste it on books I don’t like. But well, I can only blame myself.
I wish this story had focused more on the Celtic myths and the population’s superstitions when it comes to mer creatures and less on the ‘love story’ between the main character, Gwen(nie) - *shudders* - and the mysterious guy who rescued her in a storm when she was little. Seriously, I don’t know if I’ve just become extremely sensitive when it comes to relationships like theirs, but a lot of things here just rubbed me the wrong way. First and foremost, Jesse doesn’t have a personality apart from being very much in love with Gwen, behaving strangely, running around shirtless often and emitting slightly creepy vibes. We don’t learn anything about his past, how he lives and why his feelings regarding Gwen are so strong. I mean, they ‘met’ for a few minutes seven years ago when he saved her from drowning, but that pretty much was it.
And then, Gwen. I mean, she is seriously inconsistent in her behaviour and thoughts. At first, she seems to be afraid of Jesse and associates him with all kinds of dangers – wild animals, stalkers, serial killers …
Ehm, okay. This makes the love interest sound majorly unappealing – at least to me. But Gwen obviously doesn’t care. The two of them kiss for the first time and suddenly, she is very much in love, all her worries are shrugged off as unimportant and she starts referring to him as her boyfriend. No matter that there is nothing between them! They are meant to be together after all. So there doesn’t have to be any connection between them apart from physical attraction.
Also, I have lately noticed that the ‘absent parents’ plot device is becoming more and more common in YA. Somehow, that fact never really bothered me. But here, it just felt all wrong. Gwen describes her parents as almost obsessed with her security, they even call her friends to make sure they aren’t without parental supervision and she is not allowed to go out much. Yet, they have absolutely no problem with her staying in an isolated cottage without a phone connection or cell phone all alone for the whole summer. Okay, her grandmother’s inn is only a five minute walk away, but then again, she wouldn’t even be able to call her if something happened. I am asking myself: Why didn’t she just stay at her grandmother’s? I can’t imagine that would have been a problem. And I would have preferred that solution if I were her. Call me chicken, but I would not want to live all by myself in a small cottage – no matter how much freedom that meant.
So, sorry that turned into a small rant, but I was definitely looking for something different when I started this story. Somehow, I thought books like this were more an aspect of the post-Twilight paranormal wave, but it turns out they were already there before.
Still, I really enjoyed the selkie myths woven into the story and the legends Gwen’s grandmother tells her customers at tea time. I think I would thoroughly enjoy spending my holidays at an inn like hers – the beaches and the garden sounded wonderful as well. The book really had a nice summery vibe to it in general. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a mermaid/selkie story in a similar environment but without the strange love story I’d rather recommend Sea Change. Not a favourite of mine either, but I certainly enjoyed it more than this one.
I wish this story had focused more on the Celtic myths and the population’s superstitions when it comes to mer creatures and less on the ‘love story’ between the main character, Gwen(nie) - *shudders* - and the mysterious guy who rescued her in a storm when she was little. Seriously, I don’t know if I’ve just become extremely sensitive when it comes to relationships like theirs, but a lot of things here just rubbed me the wrong way. First and foremost, Jesse doesn’t have a personality apart from being very much in love with Gwen, behaving strangely, running around shirtless often and emitting slightly creepy vibes. We don’t learn anything about his past, how he lives and why his feelings regarding Gwen are so strong. I mean, they ‘met’ for a few minutes seven years ago when he saved her from drowning, but that pretty much was it.
And then, Gwen. I mean, she is seriously inconsistent in her behaviour and thoughts. At first, she seems to be afraid of Jesse and associates him with all kinds of dangers – wild animals, stalkers, serial killers …
"As the flames glimmered on his eyes, he looked me over like a wolf sizing up his dinner."
"I didn’t want anyone watching me so closely they could guess my back hurt."
"Even stalkers could be handsome."
"I was so spellbound that if my dad had suddenly appeared and reminded me serial killers were all this charismatic, I would have asked him who cared."
"I didn’t care that I was being romanced by a crazy guy. … I was still being romanced."
Ehm, okay. This makes the love interest sound majorly unappealing – at least to me. But Gwen obviously doesn’t care. The two of them kiss for the first time and suddenly, she is very much in love, all her worries are shrugged off as unimportant and she starts referring to him as her boyfriend. No matter that there is nothing between them! They are meant to be together after all. So there doesn’t have to be any connection between them apart from physical attraction.
Also, I have lately noticed that the ‘absent parents’ plot device is becoming more and more common in YA. Somehow, that fact never really bothered me. But here, it just felt all wrong. Gwen describes her parents as almost obsessed with her security, they even call her friends to make sure they aren’t without parental supervision and she is not allowed to go out much. Yet, they have absolutely no problem with her staying in an isolated cottage without a phone connection or cell phone all alone for the whole summer. Okay, her grandmother’s inn is only a five minute walk away, but then again, she wouldn’t even be able to call her if something happened. I am asking myself: Why didn’t she just stay at her grandmother’s? I can’t imagine that would have been a problem. And I would have preferred that solution if I were her. Call me chicken, but I would not want to live all by myself in a small cottage – no matter how much freedom that meant.
So, sorry that turned into a small rant, but I was definitely looking for something different when I started this story. Somehow, I thought books like this were more an aspect of the post-Twilight paranormal wave, but it turns out they were already there before.
Still, I really enjoyed the selkie myths woven into the story and the legends Gwen’s grandmother tells her customers at tea time. I think I would thoroughly enjoy spending my holidays at an inn like hers – the beaches and the garden sounded wonderful as well. The book really had a nice summery vibe to it in general. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a mermaid/selkie story in a similar environment but without the strange love story I’d rather recommend Sea Change. Not a favourite of mine either, but I certainly enjoyed it more than this one.
June 27, 2011
Terri Farley tackles a scarcely-written-about Celtic legend in this sweet teen romance. And, much to my delight, she does a very good job.
Again, my own bias slips in. I was raised on selkies, ever since the fabulous children's book "The Seal Mother" was read to me at bedtime. As someone who is absolutely obsessed with the story, I intend to read every book about selkies out there. Most, however, are cheesy romance novels that I know I'm not going to take too seriously. "Seven Tears into the Sea", however, really captures the legend's spirit, though Farley doesn't "go there" as she should.
The romance crafted between Gwen and Jesse is, again, more sweet than sexual. I believed the bond, the possession. Was it shallow? Oh, yes, in many parts. However, when you read the book... It doesn't feel like it's supposed to be deep. Their relationship is meant to be fleeting, almost more of a milestone, a rite of passage for Gwen more than a real, long-term thing. They love one another, but both seem to know that it won't be forever. In that respect, it's a very meandering, mellow read. I felt as if I knew the conclusion before it happened, but oddly, that wasn't a bad thing.
I understand how outsiders may have trouble understanding the legend; Farley doesn't spend much time fleshing it out. If it weren't for a few details at the end, the question of whether or not Jesse was a selkie could have been left ambiguous. (Which I almost would have preferred for this particular story, but oh well.) This decision seems to be intentional on the author's part. Let's leave it mysterious, Farley says. A standalone novel. "Seven Tears into the Sea" has little need for world-building. It's a modern interpretation of a folk tale.
One thing I will say is that I don't think Farley explored Gwen and Jesse's physical relationship very well. It's not that I wanted them to have sex--however, it felt like she was dodging the overt sexuality of the selkie legend. The problem with this is that she teased it quite a bit, without at all fulfilling. Farley actually has a habit of this. It's like she wants to keep everything within the pre-teen range of her Phantom Stallion novels, though Seven Tears into the Sea stars a seventeen year old and should be aimed toward that age range. To be honest, I remember reading those same Phantom Stallion books and wishing that two characters would kiss--it seems to be a habit of hers to tease, but not go there. (Again: ten year old me didn't want the PS characters to go "there", of course. But come on. You're hinting at romance, put in a little bit of middle school crushing.) It comes off like she's either scared of or incapable of exploring Gwen's sexuality. And that's... kind of what the selkie legend is about...? Again, that's not to say the romance novels are on track. There should be something in the middle of extreme sex and chastity.
So, yes. Seven Tears into the Sea is slow at some points, shallow at others, and it may come off as a bit withholidng. But there's a charming touch of fairy tale magic, a fragile romance, and a taste of another world.
Again, my own bias slips in. I was raised on selkies, ever since the fabulous children's book "The Seal Mother" was read to me at bedtime. As someone who is absolutely obsessed with the story, I intend to read every book about selkies out there. Most, however, are cheesy romance novels that I know I'm not going to take too seriously. "Seven Tears into the Sea", however, really captures the legend's spirit, though Farley doesn't "go there" as she should.
The romance crafted between Gwen and Jesse is, again, more sweet than sexual. I believed the bond, the possession. Was it shallow? Oh, yes, in many parts. However, when you read the book... It doesn't feel like it's supposed to be deep. Their relationship is meant to be fleeting, almost more of a milestone, a rite of passage for Gwen more than a real, long-term thing. They love one another, but both seem to know that it won't be forever. In that respect, it's a very meandering, mellow read. I felt as if I knew the conclusion before it happened, but oddly, that wasn't a bad thing.
I understand how outsiders may have trouble understanding the legend; Farley doesn't spend much time fleshing it out. If it weren't for a few details at the end, the question of whether or not Jesse was a selkie could have been left ambiguous. (Which I almost would have preferred for this particular story, but oh well.) This decision seems to be intentional on the author's part. Let's leave it mysterious, Farley says. A standalone novel. "Seven Tears into the Sea" has little need for world-building. It's a modern interpretation of a folk tale.
One thing I will say is that I don't think Farley explored Gwen and Jesse's physical relationship very well. It's not that I wanted them to have sex--however, it felt like she was dodging the overt sexuality of the selkie legend. The problem with this is that she teased it quite a bit, without at all fulfilling. Farley actually has a habit of this. It's like she wants to keep everything within the pre-teen range of her Phantom Stallion novels, though Seven Tears into the Sea stars a seventeen year old and should be aimed toward that age range. To be honest, I remember reading those same Phantom Stallion books and wishing that two characters would kiss--it seems to be a habit of hers to tease, but not go there. (Again: ten year old me didn't want the PS characters to go "there", of course. But come on. You're hinting at romance, put in a little bit of middle school crushing.) It comes off like she's either scared of or incapable of exploring Gwen's sexuality. And that's... kind of what the selkie legend is about...? Again, that's not to say the romance novels are on track. There should be something in the middle of extreme sex and chastity.
So, yes. Seven Tears into the Sea is slow at some points, shallow at others, and it may come off as a bit withholidng. But there's a charming touch of fairy tale magic, a fragile romance, and a taste of another world.
September 24, 2011
I don't think this review is going to contain spoilers, because it is all very obvious from the beginning, but if you are a slow-to-catch-on type then skip this review. I kept telling myself I was too busy to read at my normal pace, when I realized that it was actually what I was reading that had me plodding through. So now I'm fininshed and ...
Meh.
This is the story of a very beautiful girl who has never had a boyfriend, suddenly uprooted from familiar surroundings to a fantasy lifestyle when her grandma breaks a leg and needs her help. She has a way-cool hippie pagan type grandma, her hometown is a quaint and charming seaside village, and helping her grandma means she gets a dream job of helping to run a very successful and beautiful bed and breakfast...and...she has her own cottage to boot! Well, this book IS a fairy tale, so I guess I can't expect it to be firmly rooted in reality.
So what then, got under my skin? The reality that the author tried to build the fairy tale around simply did not ring true. In this town, the only two love interests available are a handsome childhood friend who spends all his time sneering, threatening other people, and killing helpless animals (don't worry no animals were actually harmed in the story), and a selkie. Wow a mysterious faery of the sea! How intriguing! Not. The problem with the selkie is, instead of a sea lion taking human form and human persona, the selkie takes human form but seems to have kept the personality of a gentle animal instead. Ok, I understand his appearance is quite attractive. But dang, how can this girl stand to be with this guy for a whole week! He has nothing interesting to say, he can't stand being inside, or riding in cars, he is constantly snacking on raw fish bait, and has no understanding of human responsibilities. The eye-candy and the physical attraction can only go so far, even for a teenager.
I like an occasional YA book, but this was a bit stupid.
Meh.
This is the story of a very beautiful girl who has never had a boyfriend, suddenly uprooted from familiar surroundings to a fantasy lifestyle when her grandma breaks a leg and needs her help. She has a way-cool hippie pagan type grandma, her hometown is a quaint and charming seaside village, and helping her grandma means she gets a dream job of helping to run a very successful and beautiful bed and breakfast...and...she has her own cottage to boot! Well, this book IS a fairy tale, so I guess I can't expect it to be firmly rooted in reality.
So what then, got under my skin? The reality that the author tried to build the fairy tale around simply did not ring true. In this town, the only two love interests available are a handsome childhood friend who spends all his time sneering, threatening other people, and killing helpless animals (don't worry no animals were actually harmed in the story), and a selkie. Wow a mysterious faery of the sea! How intriguing! Not. The problem with the selkie is, instead of a sea lion taking human form and human persona, the selkie takes human form but seems to have kept the personality of a gentle animal instead. Ok, I understand his appearance is quite attractive. But dang, how can this girl stand to be with this guy for a whole week! He has nothing interesting to say, he can't stand being inside, or riding in cars, he is constantly snacking on raw fish bait, and has no understanding of human responsibilities. The eye-candy and the physical attraction can only go so far, even for a teenager.
I like an occasional YA book, but this was a bit stupid.
August 8, 2020
I revisited Seven Tears into the Sea after having it read it shortly after it came out years ago. Overall, it held up fairly well as a piece of writing and I still admire the prose in the novel, which is very well-grounded in setting. With the beach side vacation town as much a character as any of the actual characters, Seven Tears into the Sea is a great summertime novel.
In 2020, there are some lines that gave me pause -- descriptions of Jesse, before readers know him by his name, as "G*psy"; notes that his eyes are "slanted" (though, as a mythical creature, this could be a literal description and potentially not problematic); among non-Jesse related statements (including a fatphobic comment). These effectively removed me from the story but the prose in Seven Tears is enchanting enough that it was easy enough to fall back into the story.
As a character, Gwen is satisfyingly flawed and has a marked development by the end of the novel. Seven Tears peppers in other characters of interest who are stars in their own lives and seem to exist beyond the scope of Gwen's experience, further enriching the novel. While not all of the side characters have resolved arcs, nor are their exact intentions and desires fully realized, the small mysteries of these characters help to round out the novel in a unique way.
The pacing of the plot feels somewhat odd and readers who dislike instalove will struggle with Gwen and Jesse's connection. A number of significant events happen in quick succession within a short period, which makes the book a compelling read, but requires the suspension of disbelief (if you haven't already for the mythical creature aspect). By the end of the short period of time during which the novel takes place, it can be difficult to imagine the huge events happening so quickly.
Seven Tears into the Sea is a novel that didn't get enough buzz but is perfect for fans of Twilight and might have benefited from a sequel, but is good enough to savor on its own, particularly on the beach.
In 2020, there are some lines that gave me pause -- descriptions of Jesse, before readers know him by his name, as "G*psy"; notes that his eyes are "slanted" (though, as a mythical creature, this could be a literal description and potentially not problematic); among non-Jesse related statements (including a fatphobic comment). These effectively removed me from the story but the prose in Seven Tears is enchanting enough that it was easy enough to fall back into the story.
As a character, Gwen is satisfyingly flawed and has a marked development by the end of the novel. Seven Tears peppers in other characters of interest who are stars in their own lives and seem to exist beyond the scope of Gwen's experience, further enriching the novel. While not all of the side characters have resolved arcs, nor are their exact intentions and desires fully realized, the small mysteries of these characters help to round out the novel in a unique way.
The pacing of the plot feels somewhat odd and readers who dislike instalove will struggle with Gwen and Jesse's connection. A number of significant events happen in quick succession within a short period, which makes the book a compelling read, but requires the suspension of disbelief (if you haven't already for the mythical creature aspect). By the end of the short period of time during which the novel takes place, it can be difficult to imagine the huge events happening so quickly.
Seven Tears into the Sea is a novel that didn't get enough buzz but is perfect for fans of Twilight and might have benefited from a sequel, but is good enough to savor on its own, particularly on the beach.
July 27, 2016
Ok, this is so so bad it actually becomes good again because of how ridiculous it is.
The general plot isn't really worth going into, you know, normal girl is infatuated with magical guy, he's mysterious and brooding, she's intrigued, yada yada yada. It reads really weird and at times completely ridiculous, like the really long and for some reason very detailed part where she goes clamming, by herself, for dinner. I couldn't help marking my favorite "oh my god why would that happen why are you saying that" parts:
- "He looked down, and I felt my own blush. Lucky it was dark. I mean, here's another humiliating admission. I'd never noticed boys have nipples." WHAT?? You are 17 years old! You were a competitive swimmer! I'm assuming she's seen movies/been to the beach/literally just interacted with a man. Not to mention that she's talking about the same guy/selkie she saw NAKED when she was 10 years old. This was just hilarious tbh
- "'I'd protect you with my life!' His arms lifted skyward as if he were taking a vow." lol ok....
- "His arms tightened around me so hard, I gasped. 'Don't pull away or I'll take you underwater,' he said in a totally normal tone." LIKE WHAT OH MY GOD..... is this cute???? Am I supposed to be into this?? What's happening?? Is this whole book a fever dream??
- "'There you have it,' I said to the older couple. 'The totally unbiased opinion of my grandmother and m-my-' I actually stuttered.
'Friend,' said Nana.
'Mate,' said Jesse." AAAAHHHHHHHH OH MY GOD @ THIS WHOLE BOOK
- "'All right,' he said, but I had to open the passenger door for him and fasten his seat belt. Even then, he said, 'It's a very little car.'" I MEAN
Like this book is an experience. A wonderful, fever dream of an experience. I'd recommend it if you want a so-bad-it's-good-oh-my-god-what-is-this instead of a serious read.
The general plot isn't really worth going into, you know, normal girl is infatuated with magical guy, he's mysterious and brooding, she's intrigued, yada yada yada. It reads really weird and at times completely ridiculous, like the really long and for some reason very detailed part where she goes clamming, by herself, for dinner. I couldn't help marking my favorite "oh my god why would that happen why are you saying that" parts:
- "He looked down, and I felt my own blush. Lucky it was dark. I mean, here's another humiliating admission. I'd never noticed boys have nipples." WHAT?? You are 17 years old! You were a competitive swimmer! I'm assuming she's seen movies/been to the beach/literally just interacted with a man. Not to mention that she's talking about the same guy/selkie she saw NAKED when she was 10 years old. This was just hilarious tbh
- "'I'd protect you with my life!' His arms lifted skyward as if he were taking a vow." lol ok....
- "His arms tightened around me so hard, I gasped. 'Don't pull away or I'll take you underwater,' he said in a totally normal tone." LIKE WHAT OH MY GOD..... is this cute???? Am I supposed to be into this?? What's happening?? Is this whole book a fever dream??
- "'There you have it,' I said to the older couple. 'The totally unbiased opinion of my grandmother and m-my-' I actually stuttered.
'Friend,' said Nana.
'Mate,' said Jesse." AAAAHHHHHHHH OH MY GOD @ THIS WHOLE BOOK
- "'All right,' he said, but I had to open the passenger door for him and fasten his seat belt. Even then, he said, 'It's a very little car.'" I MEAN
Like this book is an experience. A wonderful, fever dream of an experience. I'd recommend it if you want a so-bad-it's-good-oh-my-god-what-is-this instead of a serious read.
September 20, 2010
"Beckon the sea, I'll come to thee...
Shed seven tears, perchance seven years..."
Aren't those lines just beautiful?
A handsome stranger speaks these haunting words to ten-year-old Gwen after he rescued her from drowning in the ocean one stormy night. He disapeered back into the sea, and shortly after the incident Gwen and her family moved away from the ocean to San Franscisco. For seven years, Gwen has pondered about that night. Who was the mysterious boy? Why was he swimming during the big storm, when the waves were brutal? Trying to forget about the strange encounter backfires for Gwen when she is sent back to the California shore to assist her grandmother seven years after she moved away. Coincedence? Perchance seven years...
I LOVED this book! Simple as that. The atmosphere, the descriptions, EVERTHING was just plain amazing! I felt like I was really standing on a cliff in California, listening intently as Gwen told her sad tale of the sea. Terri Farley truly proves New York Times worthy with her gorgeous writing. The topic of this book, selkies, is one I came across after reading "Sea Change" and researched intently. Through research, I came upon this book, and right when I looked at the cover I knew I just HAD to read it. Yes, it is a love story, but its totally different then the average I-love-you-so-we'll-be-together-forever kind of thing. It's saddening but satisfying.
Shed seven tears, perchance seven years..."
Aren't those lines just beautiful?
A handsome stranger speaks these haunting words to ten-year-old Gwen after he rescued her from drowning in the ocean one stormy night. He disapeered back into the sea, and shortly after the incident Gwen and her family moved away from the ocean to San Franscisco. For seven years, Gwen has pondered about that night. Who was the mysterious boy? Why was he swimming during the big storm, when the waves were brutal? Trying to forget about the strange encounter backfires for Gwen when she is sent back to the California shore to assist her grandmother seven years after she moved away. Coincedence? Perchance seven years...
I LOVED this book! Simple as that. The atmosphere, the descriptions, EVERTHING was just plain amazing! I felt like I was really standing on a cliff in California, listening intently as Gwen told her sad tale of the sea. Terri Farley truly proves New York Times worthy with her gorgeous writing. The topic of this book, selkies, is one I came across after reading "Sea Change" and researched intently. Through research, I came upon this book, and right when I looked at the cover I knew I just HAD to read it. Yes, it is a love story, but its totally different then the average I-love-you-so-we'll-be-together-forever kind of thing. It's saddening but satisfying.
November 9, 2012
In Seven Tears into the Sea Terri Farley takes a mainstay of Celtic lore and transplants it to the present day in coastal northern California. Selkie legends, in which seals shed their skins and come to shore in human form, have been the inspiration for many works; Johns Sayles’s film "The Secret of Roan Inish" is probably the most prominent of these in recent years.
Farley’s novel begins with ten-year-old Gwen Cook, who lives with her parents in a cottage near the sea, encountering a young man late at night on the beach. In her dreamy, sleepwalking state, Gwen is not sure whom she has encountered, nor does she understand the words he leaves her with:
Beckon the sea, I’ll come to thee . . . .
Shed seven tears, perchance seven years.
Her family soon leaves the area, but Gwen returns to their cottage seven years later to help with her grandmother’s bed and breakfast for the summer. The week in which she returns is filled with events that climax with the celebration of Midsummer Night. Most significant, however, is Gwen’s meeting with a young man named Jesse. Jesse lives in no particular place, and no one has any knowledge of where he is from.
Gwen and Jesse fall in love, and the course of the novel is taken up with the workings out of their relationship in the context of Gwen’s family’s place in the community, local controversies over the environment, and the repulsive behavior of local young toughs with whom Gwen had grown up during the first ten years of her life.
Jesse, of course, is the main mystery. Gwen has no doubt as to her feelings about him, but just who is he, and where has he come from? What will the nature of their relationship be? Farley drops hints by way of Nana, Gwen’s grandmother, who acts as the keeper and teller of local lore. Gwen herself knows the selkie tales and engages in her own speculation. The novel, and the answer to question of Jesse’s identity, plays out with attention to the nature and demands of friendship, love, and the life of a community.
The reader will suspect that she or he has figured the novel out long before it ends, but Seven Tears into the Sea is too rich to be that simple or predictable. Farley’s portrait of a particular love in a particular place takes unexpected turns that will keep the pages turning as well until the final pages when the meaning of the riddle of the sevens becomes clear, just when it should.
Farley’s novel begins with ten-year-old Gwen Cook, who lives with her parents in a cottage near the sea, encountering a young man late at night on the beach. In her dreamy, sleepwalking state, Gwen is not sure whom she has encountered, nor does she understand the words he leaves her with:
Beckon the sea, I’ll come to thee . . . .
Shed seven tears, perchance seven years.
Her family soon leaves the area, but Gwen returns to their cottage seven years later to help with her grandmother’s bed and breakfast for the summer. The week in which she returns is filled with events that climax with the celebration of Midsummer Night. Most significant, however, is Gwen’s meeting with a young man named Jesse. Jesse lives in no particular place, and no one has any knowledge of where he is from.
Gwen and Jesse fall in love, and the course of the novel is taken up with the workings out of their relationship in the context of Gwen’s family’s place in the community, local controversies over the environment, and the repulsive behavior of local young toughs with whom Gwen had grown up during the first ten years of her life.
Jesse, of course, is the main mystery. Gwen has no doubt as to her feelings about him, but just who is he, and where has he come from? What will the nature of their relationship be? Farley drops hints by way of Nana, Gwen’s grandmother, who acts as the keeper and teller of local lore. Gwen herself knows the selkie tales and engages in her own speculation. The novel, and the answer to question of Jesse’s identity, plays out with attention to the nature and demands of friendship, love, and the life of a community.
The reader will suspect that she or he has figured the novel out long before it ends, but Seven Tears into the Sea is too rich to be that simple or predictable. Farley’s portrait of a particular love in a particular place takes unexpected turns that will keep the pages turning as well until the final pages when the meaning of the riddle of the sevens becomes clear, just when it should.
September 2, 2010
This is the first time I ever hear of selkies. As per Wikipedia - Selkies (also known as silkies or selchies) are mythological creatures that are found in Faroese, Icelandic, Irish, and Scottish folklore. Selkies are able to become human by taking off their seal skins, and can return to seal form by putting it back on.
In Seven Tears Into the Sea, Ms. Farley tells the tale of a selkie boy and his lady love. What I most enjoyed about this story was the writing - it flows with a lyrical quality making the story sometimes feel sad and other worldly, yet there were times that were light and funny. Her characters are realistically portrayed although there is a paranormal element. The descriptions of the beach, the town, and the bed and breakfast where Gwen is helping out at during the summer, really give it a relaxed feel but at the same time there are so many moments where it feels whimsical - almost like a modern day fairytale.
The story is told through Gwen's perspective so you only get to see and feel what she does. I wish we would have learned a little bit more of Jesse - this would be my only complaint. But I was still pleased with the story as told through Gwen's eyes. The relationship that forms between them is sigh worthy and even tear inducing (on my part).
All in all, this was a lovely story. Ms. Farley masterfully uses the selkie myths and interweaves them into this story - making it a poignant yet mesmerizing read. I found it to be a very refreshing, unique and the perfect summer read.
In Seven Tears Into the Sea, Ms. Farley tells the tale of a selkie boy and his lady love. What I most enjoyed about this story was the writing - it flows with a lyrical quality making the story sometimes feel sad and other worldly, yet there were times that were light and funny. Her characters are realistically portrayed although there is a paranormal element. The descriptions of the beach, the town, and the bed and breakfast where Gwen is helping out at during the summer, really give it a relaxed feel but at the same time there are so many moments where it feels whimsical - almost like a modern day fairytale.
The story is told through Gwen's perspective so you only get to see and feel what she does. I wish we would have learned a little bit more of Jesse - this would be my only complaint. But I was still pleased with the story as told through Gwen's eyes. The relationship that forms between them is sigh worthy and even tear inducing (on my part).
All in all, this was a lovely story. Ms. Farley masterfully uses the selkie myths and interweaves them into this story - making it a poignant yet mesmerizing read. I found it to be a very refreshing, unique and the perfect summer read.
June 12, 2013
Beckon the sea,
I'll come to thee....
Shed seven tears,
perchance seven years....
When Gwen Cooke was ten years old, she met a strange and beautiful boy on the beach who whispered eery words in her ears - and then disappeared into thin air. Soon after their encounter, Gwen and her family move away from their sleepy coastal home town.
Now, at age seventeen, Gwen has returned, and things are just as strange as they were when she left seven years before.
So I really liked this novel!
I read a review of this book, and the person felt that the story was slow. For me, that was one of the reasons why I liked this book so much. Even though it is a fantasy novel, the day-to-day going-ons of Gwen made the story more realistic. She wasn't off doing wild things all the time, as some heroines are, but there was still enough 'wildness' to keep the book intriguing.
I loved Jesse's character, especially since he wasn't a brooding, bad ass, ridiculously over protective, and cold guy. That seems to be the norm of love interests in teen novels nowadays. I enjoyed his naivety, and his innocence. It was nice for a change.
I loved the magical side of this novel, but it didn't overtake the novel, and it didn't detract from the love that forms between Jesse and Gwen.
I felt as if the world building in this novel was pretty good - I imagined characters and places very easily.
Although the ending of this book was left quite open - and confused me a little bit - I still really enjoyed this book, and it is definitely one I want to own so I can read it on a rainy afternoon.
I'll come to thee....
Shed seven tears,
perchance seven years....
When Gwen Cooke was ten years old, she met a strange and beautiful boy on the beach who whispered eery words in her ears - and then disappeared into thin air. Soon after their encounter, Gwen and her family move away from their sleepy coastal home town.
Now, at age seventeen, Gwen has returned, and things are just as strange as they were when she left seven years before.
So I really liked this novel!
I read a review of this book, and the person felt that the story was slow. For me, that was one of the reasons why I liked this book so much. Even though it is a fantasy novel, the day-to-day going-ons of Gwen made the story more realistic. She wasn't off doing wild things all the time, as some heroines are, but there was still enough 'wildness' to keep the book intriguing.
I loved Jesse's character, especially since he wasn't a brooding, bad ass, ridiculously over protective, and cold guy. That seems to be the norm of love interests in teen novels nowadays. I enjoyed his naivety, and his innocence. It was nice for a change.
I loved the magical side of this novel, but it didn't overtake the novel, and it didn't detract from the love that forms between Jesse and Gwen.
I felt as if the world building in this novel was pretty good - I imagined characters and places very easily.
Although the ending of this book was left quite open - and confused me a little bit - I still really enjoyed this book, and it is definitely one I want to own so I can read it on a rainy afternoon.
May 20, 2009
Seven Tears in the Sea
When Gwen Cooke was ten, she was rescued from drowning by a strangely handsome young man, who whispered a rhyme into her ear, telling her to call for him with her tears in seven years time. The people in town believed she’d been molested. Her parents soon moved her away to a larger city and she never visited, until now. Gwen is acutely aware that it’s been seven years, but she’s headed back to the little town to help her grandmother (who was recently injured) with her bed and breakfast while staying at her old home, right next to the same beach where her mysterious rescuer last appeared.
The descriptions of the beach, the town, the cottage, and the bed & breakfast are extremely well done, I could almost feel the sand beneath my feet, smell the air, and hear the seagulls calling.
The book is told from Gwen’s point of view, we only know what she knows, so realistically, it makes sense that the reader doesn’t end up with a complete understanding of the other characters' motivations. However, it is a little frustrating, leaving me feeling like loose ends weren’t properly tied. Perhaps the author was trying to leave room for a sequel.
I really did get pleasure from reading this book. The ending was very touching and brought tears to my eyes. And now I want to go live on a beach.
When Gwen Cooke was ten, she was rescued from drowning by a strangely handsome young man, who whispered a rhyme into her ear, telling her to call for him with her tears in seven years time. The people in town believed she’d been molested. Her parents soon moved her away to a larger city and she never visited, until now. Gwen is acutely aware that it’s been seven years, but she’s headed back to the little town to help her grandmother (who was recently injured) with her bed and breakfast while staying at her old home, right next to the same beach where her mysterious rescuer last appeared.
The descriptions of the beach, the town, the cottage, and the bed & breakfast are extremely well done, I could almost feel the sand beneath my feet, smell the air, and hear the seagulls calling.
The book is told from Gwen’s point of view, we only know what she knows, so realistically, it makes sense that the reader doesn’t end up with a complete understanding of the other characters' motivations. However, it is a little frustrating, leaving me feeling like loose ends weren’t properly tied. Perhaps the author was trying to leave room for a sequel.
I really did get pleasure from reading this book. The ending was very touching and brought tears to my eyes. And now I want to go live on a beach.
July 3, 2009
Seven Tears into the Sea ia a beautiful story and the writing is concise and clear but the story feels unfinished to me. SO many questions left unanswered that bothered me.
The story is about Gwen, who at the age of ten, while sleep-walking on the beach almost drowns and is saved by a selkie or did she imagine it?
The confusing thing about it is that sometimes the author refers to the person who saved her as a man and sometimes a boy so I was never sure. When she is seventeen, she returns to the coast to help her grandmother run the inn she owns there and the selkie boy comes to Gwen again and they fall deeply in love. The ending is sad and hopeful at the same time.
The unanswered questions are what did Thelma see when she on the beach when Gwen was ten years old and why did she lie about it? What awful vision did Nana see in her scrying mirror? Why does Nana seem to understand Jesse, the selkie? Did she have a connection with the selkies?
Maybe she is planning a sequel, I don't know.
The book is a quick, enjoyable read and I recommend it but with some reservations. It may leave you with more questions than answers.
The story is about Gwen, who at the age of ten, while sleep-walking on the beach almost drowns and is saved by a selkie or did she imagine it?
The confusing thing about it is that sometimes the author refers to the person who saved her as a man and sometimes a boy so I was never sure. When she is seventeen, she returns to the coast to help her grandmother run the inn she owns there and the selkie boy comes to Gwen again and they fall deeply in love. The ending is sad and hopeful at the same time.
The unanswered questions are what did Thelma see when she on the beach when Gwen was ten years old and why did she lie about it? What awful vision did Nana see in her scrying mirror? Why does Nana seem to understand Jesse, the selkie? Did she have a connection with the selkies?
Maybe she is planning a sequel, I don't know.
The book is a quick, enjoyable read and I recommend it but with some reservations. It may leave you with more questions than answers.
July 2, 2010
LynnMarie’s Review
Seven Tears into the Sea was a cute Young Adult romance. The title intrigued me, as did the cover art. There was a unique paranormal element…no vamps or werewolves in this one. The mythology wound itself throughout the chapters, which left me wanting to know more.
Gwen spends the summer at her grandmother’s bed and breakfast to help out. She’s seventeen and still remembered the mysterious day when she was ten years old. A boy saved her from drowning and whispered words that she could never comprehend, “Beckon the sea, I’ll come to thee…Shed seven tears, perchance seven years...”
Now, years later, the mystery surrounding that one childhood event comes back into her life.
This is a Young Adult read with nothing explicit and safe for middle school readers. The writing was crisp and beautifully descriptive. My only disappointment was the lack of a traditional HEA.
For a sweet, engaging YA read with a hint of paranormal and the lure of true love conquers all, Seven Tears into the Sea may be the book for you.
3 1/2 Tea Cups!
Seven Tears into the Sea was a cute Young Adult romance. The title intrigued me, as did the cover art. There was a unique paranormal element…no vamps or werewolves in this one. The mythology wound itself throughout the chapters, which left me wanting to know more.
Gwen spends the summer at her grandmother’s bed and breakfast to help out. She’s seventeen and still remembered the mysterious day when she was ten years old. A boy saved her from drowning and whispered words that she could never comprehend, “Beckon the sea, I’ll come to thee…Shed seven tears, perchance seven years...”
Now, years later, the mystery surrounding that one childhood event comes back into her life.
This is a Young Adult read with nothing explicit and safe for middle school readers. The writing was crisp and beautifully descriptive. My only disappointment was the lack of a traditional HEA.
For a sweet, engaging YA read with a hint of paranormal and the lure of true love conquers all, Seven Tears into the Sea may be the book for you.
3 1/2 Tea Cups!
July 25, 2025
20 years & 200 rereads later, and this remains one of my most favorite, most beloved books. I will never be able to explain just how much this book means to me. It has carried me through so many changes, lives, loves, losses, places, people, animals..., but, one thing remains the same though: the breathless feeling every time I read this, and how much I'll always love it, and the sea
also, I can't believe I've never logged it on here? I'm still hoping for a sequel, all these decades later!
also, I can't believe I've never logged it on here? I'm still hoping for a sequel, all these decades later!
October 1, 2008
It was an amazing book. A first it was weird and stalkerish but then you were like Woah!. That was really good. This is the one of the only books that ever made me cry. Sorry for the stupid review it was my first.
October 27, 2022
I don’t really dive into YA novels, and this book is the reason why. The novel’s chapters were separated in ways that made no sense, characters were introduced and expanded upon for large portions of the early sections only for them to be absent for 80% of the novel, and the plot inconsistencies are among the books biggest issues. The ending was saved only insomuch that I didn’t predict it.
January 20, 2013
I'm still not entirely sure how to feel about this one.
If anything, it was interesting. I really liked the folklore that kind of sprung from the sea atmosphere. There definitely isn't much of that in popular literature of today. So, the fact that the main male character of this story was a mythical selkie only made it that much more interesting. The book itself was a quick read.
Gwen Cooke was sleepwalking at the age of ten when she came upon a boy whom she thought was drowning. Alas, this boy didn't drown and instead walked towards her and whispered four lines in her ear. Shortly after this encounter, Gwen and her family moved away. However, after seven years her Nana invites her back home to help at her Inn and Gwen remembers the weird happenstance that occurred just years before. Now, she meets the boy who whispered to her and discovers the secret behind the four lines that she's never forgotten.
I just don't know. The story was cool and different. The pacing wasn't difficult to keep up with or boring. I only felt that everything was going about 120mph in the last fifty or so pages, because it seemed like EVERYTHING was happening. It was like all of the loose ends were in a full out sprint to be completed by the last page.
Another reason for the middle rating might be due to the fact that I couldn't really connect with any of the characters. Sure, Gwen was helpful and lucky, but I just didn't feel anything for her in all of the 279 pages that I read about her. When it came to Jesse, I was left wondering where the chemistry and getting to know each other was. Gwen even mentioned it herself when they first met (or the second time). But, maybe this is just how true love or love at first sight plays out? Eh.
I felt that Jesse was written pretty well. It was made very clear that he's a mythical creature for the majority of his life as he doesn't have humanity down to a science. Some of the things that he says are dated, but it works for him. Sure. I'd almost forgotten the fact that he's supposed to be drop-dead gorgeous.
I think that one thing that I would've enjoyed a bit more was heavier emphasis on the folklore aspect of the selkie. Yeah, we get a story about how they function and what not, but can't we delve a bit deeper into their lives instead of just witnessing the undying devotion traits?
Overall, I did enjoy this read more so because it was something different then the werewolves, vampires and zombies that plaque literature nowadays.
☆☆☆/5
Recommend?: If you're up for a different type of folklore then your average vamps or wolves.
If you want something quick that you don't necessarily have to attach yourself to.
If anything, it was interesting. I really liked the folklore that kind of sprung from the sea atmosphere. There definitely isn't much of that in popular literature of today. So, the fact that the main male character of this story was a mythical selkie only made it that much more interesting. The book itself was a quick read.
Gwen Cooke was sleepwalking at the age of ten when she came upon a boy whom she thought was drowning. Alas, this boy didn't drown and instead walked towards her and whispered four lines in her ear. Shortly after this encounter, Gwen and her family moved away. However, after seven years her Nana invites her back home to help at her Inn and Gwen remembers the weird happenstance that occurred just years before. Now, she meets the boy who whispered to her and discovers the secret behind the four lines that she's never forgotten.
I just don't know. The story was cool and different. The pacing wasn't difficult to keep up with or boring. I only felt that everything was going about 120mph in the last fifty or so pages, because it seemed like EVERYTHING was happening. It was like all of the loose ends were in a full out sprint to be completed by the last page.
Another reason for the middle rating might be due to the fact that I couldn't really connect with any of the characters. Sure, Gwen was helpful and lucky, but I just didn't feel anything for her in all of the 279 pages that I read about her. When it came to Jesse, I was left wondering where the chemistry and getting to know each other was. Gwen even mentioned it herself when they first met (or the second time). But, maybe this is just how true love or love at first sight plays out? Eh.
I felt that Jesse was written pretty well. It was made very clear that he's a mythical creature for the majority of his life as he doesn't have humanity down to a science. Some of the things that he says are dated, but it works for him. Sure. I'd almost forgotten the fact that he's supposed to be drop-dead gorgeous.
I think that one thing that I would've enjoyed a bit more was heavier emphasis on the folklore aspect of the selkie. Yeah, we get a story about how they function and what not, but can't we delve a bit deeper into their lives instead of just witnessing the undying devotion traits?
Overall, I did enjoy this read more so because it was something different then the werewolves, vampires and zombies that plaque literature nowadays.
☆☆☆/5
Recommend?: If you're up for a different type of folklore then your average vamps or wolves.
If you want something quick that you don't necessarily have to attach yourself to.
March 16, 2011
This book was a total page turner, and is very hard to put down. It has the perfect combination of mystery, fantasy, and romance. The descriptive writing that Farley uses takes you away to the beautiful beach of Mirage Point actually giving you the feeling that you are standing at the cove experiencing the cool misty breeze off the ocean. Farley does an excellent job with her character development and it is very easy to experience the emotions that Gwen is feeling. And when Jesse comes into the picture there is an underlying connection to him as well from the background given by Gwen's experience with him. By the end of the book, I felt like I really knew each of the characters, even the few minor characters introduced in the beginning.
Through the story, we follow Gwen on her summer vacation after her seventeenth birthday. She is staying at Cooks Cottage, her childhood home helping her Nana run her Inn next door. Gwen's homecoming to Cooks Cottage had her unsettled after a traumatic event seven years before. Throughout the summer we see how Gwen comes to terms with dealing with her past and also coming to accept her destiny. The search for answers to her questions from her childhood mystery is a quest that many can relate to while searching for answers to their own life questions. As Gwen comes to terms with her past and destiny, we experience the rush of her becoming independent and becoming her own person.
While the storyline and character development is solid and captivating, the ending left me somewhat disappointed. Even though it is a satisfying ending, there is too much of a possibility that there could be a sequel following the story of Gwen after coming to terms with her past and destiny. And Terri has made it fairly clear that there will not be a sequel, even though she is not giving a definite answer. All in all, this book is a great read for either a quiet weekend on the beach or a summer night getaway to a paradise of fantast, mystery, and romance. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a mystical escape from reality and to anyone who loves reading a story with an aspect of mystery, fantasy, and a little romance. As well as the occasional glimmer of suspense. Or if you have a fancy for a good selkie story. And this book is most definitely re-readible considering that this is the third time I've read it :P
Through the story, we follow Gwen on her summer vacation after her seventeenth birthday. She is staying at Cooks Cottage, her childhood home helping her Nana run her Inn next door. Gwen's homecoming to Cooks Cottage had her unsettled after a traumatic event seven years before. Throughout the summer we see how Gwen comes to terms with dealing with her past and also coming to accept her destiny. The search for answers to her questions from her childhood mystery is a quest that many can relate to while searching for answers to their own life questions. As Gwen comes to terms with her past and destiny, we experience the rush of her becoming independent and becoming her own person.
While the storyline and character development is solid and captivating, the ending left me somewhat disappointed. Even though it is a satisfying ending, there is too much of a possibility that there could be a sequel following the story of Gwen after coming to terms with her past and destiny. And Terri has made it fairly clear that there will not be a sequel, even though she is not giving a definite answer. All in all, this book is a great read for either a quiet weekend on the beach or a summer night getaway to a paradise of fantast, mystery, and romance. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a mystical escape from reality and to anyone who loves reading a story with an aspect of mystery, fantasy, and a little romance. As well as the occasional glimmer of suspense. Or if you have a fancy for a good selkie story. And this book is most definitely re-readible considering that this is the third time I've read it :P
January 13, 2013
I thought this book would be really stupid, which is why I put off reading it for so long. Most YA I read these days is disappointing, and this whole paranormal romance trend? Don't even get me started. So it's rare that I read a YA paranormal romance that is actually. . . really good.
I think one of the main reasons is because this book (gasp) came out before Twilight, before paranormal romance became a "thing" and YA writers were churning out cheap "magical" romances by the dozen. So this book is original, and you can feel it's originality. At the time it was written (2005), there was so few YA paranormal romance books to compete with, and because of that I appreciated the originality of this book.
The love interest actually behaved like a mythical creature, not a teenage boy. Instead of being "hot and mysterious" while at the same time managing to be totally predictable, he was clueless about human ways and almost callously devoid of emotion at times, but not in an intentional, cruel way. . . if that makes sense. It was like he just didn't know any better and didn't care to. He was something else, obviously not human. I think that's what I hate so much about paranormal YA: all these "inhuman" beings acting just like human teenagers would. Where is the magic in that? In Seven Tears, at least, it was there.
I even like the main girl character. She was like a real person. Plus the beautiful seaside setting and descriptions pretty much made the whole book and would have kept me reading even if the story hadn't.
In closing, one of the best YA paranormal books I've read. Not just lately, but ever.
I think one of the main reasons is because this book (gasp) came out before Twilight, before paranormal romance became a "thing" and YA writers were churning out cheap "magical" romances by the dozen. So this book is original, and you can feel it's originality. At the time it was written (2005), there was so few YA paranormal romance books to compete with, and because of that I appreciated the originality of this book.
The love interest actually behaved like a mythical creature, not a teenage boy. Instead of being "hot and mysterious" while at the same time managing to be totally predictable, he was clueless about human ways and almost callously devoid of emotion at times, but not in an intentional, cruel way. . . if that makes sense. It was like he just didn't know any better and didn't care to. He was something else, obviously not human. I think that's what I hate so much about paranormal YA: all these "inhuman" beings acting just like human teenagers would. Where is the magic in that? In Seven Tears, at least, it was there.
I even like the main girl character. She was like a real person. Plus the beautiful seaside setting and descriptions pretty much made the whole book and would have kept me reading even if the story hadn't.
In closing, one of the best YA paranormal books I've read. Not just lately, but ever.
February 3, 2020
2.5. Can nobody write a good selkie book?! Started off strong - I loved the atmosphere and descriptions of Mirage Beach. The inn and grandmother character were charming. Protag was smart and a little bit weird. But...uh, it's a real shame when the selkie stuff in your selkie book is thoroughly underwhelming.
The selkie himself only shows up about 50% of the way through. And to be clear, I didn't mind that. The setup did a good job of building tension. Honestly I almost started thinking there were going to be some horror elements because there was such a sense of dread that preceded his arrival. But no, just a rather tepid summer romance. I would've preferred the horror.
I think the book was going for magical realism? But there was too little magic. Too little plot as well, if we're being honest. And too little development for Jesse. I think Gwen spent more time looking for him than they actually spent together. If you're going that route then at least make the time they do spend together impactful.
Also there were a lot plot threads that could've been cool but were weirdly left hanging. A seal saves Gwen's life. It is clearly Jesse. This is never brought up again. Grandma's predictions sort of get a resolution but...not really. Jesse predicting his own death? No payoff. Gwen isn't even there for the climax. And that's only naming a few.
My expectations for this book weren't super high but I was still disappointed. It started off promisingly enough but just completely fell apart by the end.
The selkie himself only shows up about 50% of the way through. And to be clear, I didn't mind that. The setup did a good job of building tension. Honestly I almost started thinking there were going to be some horror elements because there was such a sense of dread that preceded his arrival. But no, just a rather tepid summer romance. I would've preferred the horror.
I think the book was going for magical realism? But there was too little magic. Too little plot as well, if we're being honest. And too little development for Jesse. I think Gwen spent more time looking for him than they actually spent together. If you're going that route then at least make the time they do spend together impactful.
Also there were a lot plot threads that could've been cool but were weirdly left hanging. A seal saves Gwen's life. It is clearly Jesse. This is never brought up again. Grandma's predictions sort of get a resolution but...not really. Jesse predicting his own death? No payoff. Gwen isn't even there for the climax. And that's only naming a few.
My expectations for this book weren't super high but I was still disappointed. It started off promisingly enough but just completely fell apart by the end.
July 12, 2009
Seven Tears into the Sea is a great story where the fiction is supported by a Celtic myth. I enjoyed the story and liked all of the characters immediately. The narrative by the main character was captivating, and I became interested in her story from the first chapter. This book would have earned five stars if it wasn’t for its ending that left me with a few pertinent questions, which I won’t post as they would be spoilers.
Seven Tears into the Sea is about a young girl named Gwen who almost drowns at the age of 10 when she sleep-walks into the ocean near her home. She is saved by a mythical/mysterious being that shares a riddle with her leaving her with the conviction that, one, she’s not imaging this being and , two, she will see him again one day. Seven years later, after her family moves away from the ocean, she comes back to help her nana at an Inn and hopes to find answers to that mysterious night years ago.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit as I’ve never read Celtic lore about selkies. The book had my attention the whole way through, and just when it reached the climax, the author decides to rush an ending leaving me with a few questions that only a sequel can answer, which is a bit annoying. But that’s okay, it was a great story, and I can imagine my own resolution for the loose ends. Very enjoyable and worth the time.
Seven Tears into the Sea is about a young girl named Gwen who almost drowns at the age of 10 when she sleep-walks into the ocean near her home. She is saved by a mythical/mysterious being that shares a riddle with her leaving her with the conviction that, one, she’s not imaging this being and , two, she will see him again one day. Seven years later, after her family moves away from the ocean, she comes back to help her nana at an Inn and hopes to find answers to that mysterious night years ago.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit as I’ve never read Celtic lore about selkies. The book had my attention the whole way through, and just when it reached the climax, the author decides to rush an ending leaving me with a few questions that only a sequel can answer, which is a bit annoying. But that’s okay, it was a great story, and I can imagine my own resolution for the loose ends. Very enjoyable and worth the time.
July 8, 2014
1. I'm left hanging. Will Gwen wait seven more years or decide to leave Jesse? Maybe if they would have had sex they would have been more promised to each other. But Gwen isn't shallow so maybe she'll wait. I DON'T KNOW. I'm dying here.
2. I liked the flower description and how they summarized what was going on in the story.
3. I don't know anything about Celtic legends and selkies but this definitely peaked my interest.
4. I learned a new word. Scry. Speaking of which, her grandma never finished her reading and Gwen never met with Dr. Cates again and Thelma never told Gwen what she knew about what happened 7 years ago. Still hanging!!
5. The whole time reading this I felt like I was the one under a spell. Under a Celtic legend spell. I kept thinking about it and I dreamt of the sea at nighttime. And I sort of felt the same "out of control confusion" feelings Gwen was feeling about the whole situation.
6. Books that I was reminded of when reading this book: Deep, Dark, and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn; The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton; This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki
7. Will Gwen stay at Mirage Beach or go back home? Will Gwen become exceptional after this summer? Will her parents be less worried? Will her Nana be ok?
8. It sounds like I don't care for this book since I have so many questions but I love books that make me think and leave me wanting more.
2. I liked the flower description and how they summarized what was going on in the story.
3. I don't know anything about Celtic legends and selkies but this definitely peaked my interest.
4. I learned a new word. Scry. Speaking of which, her grandma never finished her reading and Gwen never met with Dr. Cates again and Thelma never told Gwen what she knew about what happened 7 years ago. Still hanging!!
5. The whole time reading this I felt like I was the one under a spell. Under a Celtic legend spell. I kept thinking about it and I dreamt of the sea at nighttime. And I sort of felt the same "out of control confusion" feelings Gwen was feeling about the whole situation.
6. Books that I was reminded of when reading this book: Deep, Dark, and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn; The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton; This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki
7. Will Gwen stay at Mirage Beach or go back home? Will Gwen become exceptional after this summer? Will her parents be less worried? Will her Nana be ok?
8. It sounds like I don't care for this book since I have so many questions but I love books that make me think and leave me wanting more.
May 3, 2013
*OBS antes de empezar*
Nunca tuve la costumbre de dejar un libro, por malo que sea. Me gusta la idea (absurda tal vez) de que llegaré al punto de poder encontrar el quid sustancial de la historia o que podré encontrar el significado "oculto" a mis novatos ojos. Suelo decir: "Algo tiene que haber, sólo que no logro encontrarlo aún" y que si alguien lo escribió y se dignó en publicarlo… Pues por algo habrá sido.
Bien, con Seven tears into the Sea fué exactamente lo que pasó.
Allá por la segunda o tercera página, ya di por ABSOLUTAMENTE perdida la historia, pero (y ahí entra mi "exótica" idea) decidí seguirla porque, admitiéndolo, lo que me compró fué el titulo.
La historia trata básicamente sobre… (cursifóbicos abstenerse) una historia de amor literalmente imposible o "paranormal" para la jerga literaria.
Lo cual rescato, y los motivos por el cuales elevo mi puntaje a 2 Estrellas (y no lo dejo en -5’) son: 1ro (y ni siquiera sé si vale la pena), la razón por la que tomé el libro, así que se lo doy al título, y la 2da el final de la historia (que no lo diré obviamente porque eh… bueno, arruinaría lo rescatable del libro).
En fin, lectura fácil, rápida, liviana (o volátil ¿?)
Nunca tuve la costumbre de dejar un libro, por malo que sea. Me gusta la idea (absurda tal vez) de que llegaré al punto de poder encontrar el quid sustancial de la historia o que podré encontrar el significado "oculto" a mis novatos ojos. Suelo decir: "Algo tiene que haber, sólo que no logro encontrarlo aún" y que si alguien lo escribió y se dignó en publicarlo… Pues por algo habrá sido.
Bien, con Seven tears into the Sea fué exactamente lo que pasó.
Allá por la segunda o tercera página, ya di por ABSOLUTAMENTE perdida la historia, pero (y ahí entra mi "exótica" idea) decidí seguirla porque, admitiéndolo, lo que me compró fué el titulo.
La historia trata básicamente sobre… (cursifóbicos abstenerse) una historia de amor literalmente imposible o "paranormal" para la jerga literaria.
Lo cual rescato, y los motivos por el cuales elevo mi puntaje a 2 Estrellas (y no lo dejo en -5’) son: 1ro (y ni siquiera sé si vale la pena), la razón por la que tomé el libro, así que se lo doy al título, y la 2da el final de la historia (que no lo diré obviamente porque eh… bueno, arruinaría lo rescatable del libro).
En fin, lectura fácil, rápida, liviana (o volátil ¿?)
January 2, 2017
I am totally disappointed. First off this book didn't have many scenes between Gwen and Jesse ( the guy who saved Gwen from drowning when she was 10). Jesse just randomly tells Gwen they are meant to be together, Gwen starts liking him and they are in love. Not so good. The author tries to make a conflict in the book so she gets in Zachary and his gang. I feel this was too out of place. The author should have focused on Gwen and Jesse more than those bad boys. Like, in the first half of the book, Gwen and Jesse barely meet( only 2 times do they meet), and in the 2nd time, Jesse and Gwen kiss. I mean, seriously, it's just their 2nd meeting and they kiss. It's like instalove. And the end of the book is a little confusing, Jesse and Gwen decide to stay together, Gwen tells Jesse to hide his skin, Jesse runs away and dives in the ocean, Gwen isn't even mad, she is pretty happy and decides to dive in the ocean, then Jesse will return after 7 years.I didn't like this book much, so 3.5 stars. I would rather read The siren by kiera cass, which is amazing.
Let's be friends if you like this review and feel free to comment on this. More reviews on other books will be coming soon.
Let's be friends if you like this review and feel free to comment on this. More reviews on other books will be coming soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2012
This book is something I would recommend to any and all young women who enjoy the fantastical. It's the perfect kind of adventure, parentless but with supervisors, romantic but adventurous, and full of old legend and mystery. speaking for myself, and probably many others, this is the kind of adventure you dream of having when you stay with a relative during the summer. The character archetypes are well done and it got me very interested in the Celtic legends at reference.
I couldn't put it down and found myself getting very emotional at the end despite the low amount of time I'd spent with the characters.
While there are many things with the book that weren't perfect, the idea in itself was beautiful and the setting added to the story extremely well. I believe it captured Gwen's thought processes as a teenager rather well, and the occasional hints at Jesse's language confusion with slang just made me smile.
Overall, a very good book, and I would definitely send someone in this story's direction.
I couldn't put it down and found myself getting very emotional at the end despite the low amount of time I'd spent with the characters.
While there are many things with the book that weren't perfect, the idea in itself was beautiful and the setting added to the story extremely well. I believe it captured Gwen's thought processes as a teenager rather well, and the occasional hints at Jesse's language confusion with slang just made me smile.
Overall, a very good book, and I would definitely send someone in this story's direction.
September 20, 2011
I finished this book a couple of years ago; however I still have it and I'll pull it out an go through it again to give you a good review. What I can tell you is that Gwen has a harrowing experience by the ocean when she's 10 she sees a boy swimming in the stormie ocean she feels inexplicably drawn to him but her parents are more concerned that it will happen again and they move away. 7 years later is where the story begins; with a mysterious boy, a grandmother who understands more than she might be saying and an experience that can never be recreated.
I remember that this story stayed with me long after I completed it and was saddened that this was not the type of writing that she did on a normal basis. Not complaining about her writing its just that once a piece touches you, you want more...
So I'll be back to you fellow readers with more of Gwen and her mysterious boy (selkie)
I remember that this story stayed with me long after I completed it and was saddened that this was not the type of writing that she did on a normal basis. Not complaining about her writing its just that once a piece touches you, you want more...
So I'll be back to you fellow readers with more of Gwen and her mysterious boy (selkie)
January 6, 2012
If I wanted to read all about mundane things, like how to make tea and what it's like to have a grandmother who runs an inn, then I would have enjoyed this book. Instead, I was misled into thinking this book would have a plot. I chose this book because I thought it might have something to do with mermaids or have something interesting to add to mermaid lore. I was hoping for, at least, an interesting and dreamy description of life by the sea. I did not get this. Instead a got a poorly pieced together story, an under-developed legend, a half-baked romance, and one of the most lifeless protagonists I've ever read.
April 2, 2009
Read #1
Started on March 8, 2009
Finished on March 25, 2009
I'm a little torn because, while I really liked the actual story, I found myself unable to connect to the characters themselves. That being said, there really should be more YA novels out there that focus on folklore of the sea. I love stories about anything to do with the sea. I got used to the prose after a while. It definitely added to the atmosphere. The ending is sad, but was slightly ruined for me because it seemed rushed.
Started on March 8, 2009
Finished on March 25, 2009
I'm a little torn because, while I really liked the actual story, I found myself unable to connect to the characters themselves. That being said, there really should be more YA novels out there that focus on folklore of the sea. I love stories about anything to do with the sea. I got used to the prose after a while. It definitely added to the atmosphere. The ending is sad, but was slightly ruined for me because it seemed rushed.
February 12, 2016
Empecé el libro con mucha expectativa y buscaba no decepcionarme. No puedo decidir si fue bueno o malo, pero de atraparme y dejarme con la intriga hasta el final,lo hizo. La historia es original, no había leído algo parecido y eso llamó mi atención. A mi parecer la historia divaga en varias oportunidades, mostrándote situaciones que en varias ocasiones me aburría. Ha sido una forma rara de empezar este año con respecto a lecturas,pero genial por conocer ,por primera vez, parte de la mitología escocesa. :)
January 1, 2010
Didn't like it. The age level was a little younger, even though the main character was seventeen for most of the book. I liked that it was about selkies--I've never read about them before this. The major thing I didn't like about it, is that it didn't really describe the rules of selkies very well. It was confusing. And it leaves a lot of things unaswered. And I hated the abrubt ending. It's a good read for people who like folklore things, like selkies. Not one I would read again.
December 31, 2013
Okay so I know people are giving this like 1 star but it's a freaking 5+ star book! One of my favourite books ever. This book is beautiful/funny/and sad. I've been wanting to read this for like a year and then I read the goodreads peoples reviews for it After I got the book and then I was like "what the bloody heck, if I don't like it I'll just stop reading" BUT THAT WASNT THE CASE!! I adore this book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews