Slack Tide

by Vanessa Barger

At a time when most girls are worried about prom dresses, Lorelei Stamper is worried about losing her skin -- literally. Receiving a sealskin from her Aunt, her world is changed. Not only is she a selkie, but she holds the key to breaking a curse affecting all selkie.

Now monsters are stalking her, forcing her to decide if she will end the curse before she even really understands what’s happening. When Declan, one of two bodyguards sent to protect her, wakes her sleeping heart, she must try to balance love, surviving her senior year, and deciding whether she wants to be human or not. No matter what she chooses, the fact remains that breaking the curse demands blood. Hers.

Genres: Mermaids, Paranormal, Fantasy

Nook

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), the Virginia Writer's Club, and the Hampton Roads Writers. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She is married to a fabulous man, and has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything involving selkies before, so I thought I’d check out Slack Tide to see what they were all about. If you are as unfamiliar with selkies as I, they are mythological shape shifters who live on land as humans, and live in the sea as seals. The story was enjoyable, and kept moving at a good pace. While it did have moments of uniqueness, it did fall victim to some of the tropes that plague YA paranormal literature (i.e. irresistible new supernatural guy at school, inexplicable connection/fated-to-be-mated, single parent, semi-absent parent, keeping secrets from the protagonist to protect her.)


Lorelei herself was a pretty flushed out character and a good heroine — brave, able to stand her ground, a little impulsive and just a little overwhelmed at the new direction her life has taken. I would’ve liked to see more development with Declan and some of the secondary characters though, especially Kellan. I think I may have found him more interesting than Declan as he has the potential to be a wonderfully complex character. Maybe he’ll get his own book?


The world/prophecy angle. I felt I never quite got a good handle on it. I felt as lost as Lorelei at times, and I wish there had been some deeper explanation into this under-the-sea world, Lorelei’s role in it and the politics involved. It was a really interesting world… I’m just not sure the reader gets enough of a glimpse at it to comprehend what’s all at stake.


Overall, if you’re looking for something a little different to curl up with on a cold, rainy afternoon, Slack Tide is a fun, fast read.

[Evie]

Love this cover and the idea!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorelei Stamper is ecstatic to receive a gift from her beloved aunt, but is confused when she pulls out a sealskin. Confused and annoyed at her mothers intense, negative reaction to the admittedly bizarre present Lorelei tries to confront her about it. Her mom remains tight-lipped and gets ever more controlling and overprotective. As heated words are exchanged at home, Lorelei must figure out senior year, her feelings for Declan, and break an ancient curse that threatens everyone…

I really, really like mythology and the ocean so a story about merpeople, selkies, gorgons, anything like that, is usually enjoyable for me. When I read the summary for Slack Tide I was fascinated by the incorporation of selkies, a prophecy, and a teenage girl. It just sounds so intriguing and I cannot wait to figure it out! I am also looking forward to the monsters stalking her, it seems to me that stories start off more interesting when the action starts while the MC is still adjusting!

I really like Lorelei, she comes across as a very respectful individual but still doesn’t take crap from anyone. I wasn’t very fond of her initial cold and aloof attitude towards Declan, even though she had his best interests at heart. I loved watching her come out of her shell and realize that some people really DO think she’s worth fighting for… if she’ll let them. It was obviously a hard thing for her to comprehend and it helped me empathize with her. Throughout Slack Tide she proved herself to be a strong, selfless individual who lets her passion for those she cares about guide her decisions.

Declan is a WONDERFUL character and I cannot imagine anyone better for Lorelei. He is kind and it’s obvious that he cares deeply for her. I do have a problem with a few of his tactics and some of his male arrogance but he (slowly) overcomes those faults and learns from his mistakes. I loved watching him grow and develop as a character!

The other thing I absolutely love about Slack Tide is the friendships that are shown. I LOVE how Lorelei’s best friend, reacts to all the problems going on at Lorelei’s house… it’s just so genuine. Her best friend is her family, and that's how I have always thought it should be. Throughout the story frequent jokes and serious discussions show how close the two really are, and it makes the whole scary prophecy aka: "OMG someone is going to DIE" thing, seem a little less frightening.

The Cover

The cover does a great job of incorporating the romance and the water that take place in Slack Tide.I love how it incorporates the couple, beautiful design work around the title and then continues down to the ocean. It is really quite genius!

I give Slack Tide 4.5 out of 5 hearts: Very Highly Recommended!

Review was first posted on my blog at www.epiloguereview.blogspot.com

[Traci Ashbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters, the idea of it all, and see a hint of a possible sequel in it!!