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The Lure of Shapinsay
Ever since Kait Swanney could remember, the old crones of the village have been warning her to stay away from the selkies. They claim that like sirens of old, the seal men creep from the inky waters, shed their skins, and entice women to their deaths beneath the North Sea. But avoiding an encounter becomes impossible when Kait is spotted at the water’s edge, moments after the murder of a half-selkie infant.
Unexpectedly, Kait is awoken by a beautiful, selkie man seeking revenge. After she declares her innocence, the intruder darts into the night, but not before inadvertently bewitching her with an overpowering lure.
Kait obsesses over a reunion deep beneath the bay and risks her own life to be reunited with her selkie. But when she lands the dangerous lover, the chaos that follows leaves Kait little time to wonder—is it love setting her on fire or has she simply been lured?
Unexpectedly, Kait is awoken by a beautiful, selkie man seeking revenge. After she declares her innocence, the intruder darts into the night, but not before inadvertently bewitching her with an overpowering lure.
Kait obsesses over a reunion deep beneath the bay and risks her own life to be reunited with her selkie. But when she lands the dangerous lover, the chaos that follows leaves Kait little time to wonder—is it love setting her on fire or has she simply been lured?
260 pages, Nook
First published December 16, 2011
3 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Krista Holle
2 books103 followersKrista has been writing since she was nine years old when she first scribbled out her first adolescent work entitled Merish, the completely illogical story of a girl who was part mermaid, part fish. As a young mother, she added to her repertoire some middle-grade readers and picture books.
In 2004, she began an intensive four-year period working part-time as a critical care nurse while homeschooling her four children. During this hectic time, courses of writing were taught and learned, and rules of syntax were scolded to memory. This period of time equipped her with the tools needed to enter the next phase of her writing experience—writing novels.
She has since published two books. Her brand is historical, sometimes magical, with a fast-paced plot and a mandatory love story woven through. Her novel, The Lure of Shapinsay, was a finalist for the Reader’s Favorite Award.
She currently resides in Montpelier, Virginia with her husband in a nearly empty nest. When she’s not writing, she’s babying her very drooly Great Dane, or backpacking sections of the Appalachian Trail.
In 2004, she began an intensive four-year period working part-time as a critical care nurse while homeschooling her four children. During this hectic time, courses of writing were taught and learned, and rules of syntax were scolded to memory. This period of time equipped her with the tools needed to enter the next phase of her writing experience—writing novels.
She has since published two books. Her brand is historical, sometimes magical, with a fast-paced plot and a mandatory love story woven through. Her novel, The Lure of Shapinsay, was a finalist for the Reader’s Favorite Award.
She currently resides in Montpelier, Virginia with her husband in a nearly empty nest. When she’s not writing, she’s babying her very drooly Great Dane, or backpacking sections of the Appalachian Trail.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 20, 2012
Kait a willful and independent young woman refuses to let anyone dictate how she will live her life. We meet her as she is bartering eggs with a fisherman. She sees her good friends father carrying a crying bundle and is relieved to see that she has finally given birth. Assuming the new grandfather is out and about to proudly show off his grandchild she presses near to see the baby. However, the grandfather seems less then willing to let anyone glimpse the babe and moves closer to the ocean. Hearing her friends soulful wail she runs to her aid and finds out from the midwife and her friend that the child is half selkie and the girls father is plannning on drowning the infant. Kait attempts to catch the man but arrives just after the deed is done. She attempts to save the poor creature but, alas, is too late.
Hiding in the oceans depths and plant life a selkie male hears the childs cry and goes to invesitgate and sees the babe as it expires and sees that is a selkie child. The first person he sees is Kait searching for the child and assumes she is the executioner of the child and furiously follows her home to exact revenge.
There really isn't much out having to do with the selkies. I had heard of them, but really didn't know much about them. So, this was a very intriguing read. It grabs hold and doesn't let go until the very end. The dialect in the dialogue as well as the superstition of the villagers really sets the scene. I would suggest this to anyone that is looking for something different to read. The romance and folklore/mythology of the story is fabulous.
Hiding in the oceans depths and plant life a selkie male hears the childs cry and goes to invesitgate and sees the babe as it expires and sees that is a selkie child. The first person he sees is Kait searching for the child and assumes she is the executioner of the child and furiously follows her home to exact revenge.
There really isn't much out having to do with the selkies. I had heard of them, but really didn't know much about them. So, this was a very intriguing read. It grabs hold and doesn't let go until the very end. The dialect in the dialogue as well as the superstition of the villagers really sets the scene. I would suggest this to anyone that is looking for something different to read. The romance and folklore/mythology of the story is fabulous.
March 13, 2015
Every so often I get around to reading something from a Goodreads friend, not that I am encouraging you to friend me for that purpose so please, please don’t. I read one every two years or so, at most, so I’ve got a decade backlog, at least, maybe two decades.
I think I bought The Lure of Shapinsay assuming it was YA and curious about its variation on paranormal romance (selkies and humans, not vampires and humans). Romance, however, is this book’s main game - not that the selkies aren’t integral to the plot - and romance just is not my genre. I was, however, fairly attentive during the beginning as fate brings the two together. The rural island setting and its placement in a pre industrial past interested me even as I wondered about the characters’ pleas to Odin, because I kept thinking the setting seemed Irish. (If you know much about this kind of thing and the author has it wrong, you may not be able to overlook it.) Parts of the middle, I admit, nearly brought me to my knees because the romance “conflict”, will they or won’t they, will their love develop this way or that way, dragged here and there for me, but that’s a given, because romance, well, it's just not my genre.
However, not all was a given. The romance conflict boiled up in such a way that I read the last 60 pages in one sitting. Its romancy twists grew very compelling. I did not know how they were going to salvage things and, I admit, I had to read until 1:15 am to find out. That’s a success!
The Lure of Shapinsay is self-published, I believe, and includes some quirks/flaws because of it. Nothing too outrageous. I think I can recommend this to most readers, except maybe those sensitive few who tolerate no genre stories or missteps. The prose is wordy at times, laden with adverbs and dialect for example, which is one reason I think it is not exactly YA. (YA prose is generally very crisp and clean, don’t you think?) Despite the wordiness, the description was evocative and I genuinely enjoyed it. We experience two points of view, Kait’s and her selkie man’s. The transitions between them are not always perfect, but I don’t think most readers would be jarred.
If you read paranormal romance, take a chance. It’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy this story. It is striking.
I think I bought The Lure of Shapinsay assuming it was YA and curious about its variation on paranormal romance (selkies and humans, not vampires and humans). Romance, however, is this book’s main game - not that the selkies aren’t integral to the plot - and romance just is not my genre. I was, however, fairly attentive during the beginning as fate brings the two together. The rural island setting and its placement in a pre industrial past interested me even as I wondered about the characters’ pleas to Odin, because I kept thinking the setting seemed Irish. (If you know much about this kind of thing and the author has it wrong, you may not be able to overlook it.) Parts of the middle, I admit, nearly brought me to my knees because the romance “conflict”, will they or won’t they, will their love develop this way or that way, dragged here and there for me, but that’s a given, because romance, well, it's just not my genre.
However, not all was a given. The romance conflict boiled up in such a way that I read the last 60 pages in one sitting. Its romancy twists grew very compelling. I did not know how they were going to salvage things and, I admit, I had to read until 1:15 am to find out. That’s a success!
The Lure of Shapinsay is self-published, I believe, and includes some quirks/flaws because of it. Nothing too outrageous. I think I can recommend this to most readers, except maybe those sensitive few who tolerate no genre stories or missteps. The prose is wordy at times, laden with adverbs and dialect for example, which is one reason I think it is not exactly YA. (YA prose is generally very crisp and clean, don’t you think?) Despite the wordiness, the description was evocative and I genuinely enjoyed it. We experience two points of view, Kait’s and her selkie man’s. The transitions between them are not always perfect, but I don’t think most readers would be jarred.
If you read paranormal romance, take a chance. It’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy this story. It is striking.
November 4, 2012
Before I started this book, I thought about it quite a bit. Historical books can be quite a challenge for me, I struggle without the modern conveniences (although I have had a few fantastic experiences with historicals). Also, this book was about Selkies – something else I’ve not had great experiences with. Now, throw all of that out the door because this book was f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c!
In a time when legend rules, faeries are real, and people are superstitious we find Kait who is a bit outside of the norm, herself. She lives on the island of Shapinsay. We start this book when her best friend, Astrid, is giving birth. Rumors fly instantly, people claim the baby is part animal. Selkie to be exact.
Back to Kait. A Selkie in the sea sees Kait looking in the water for the infant, and he thinks it is she who is at fault for what has happened. (am I vague much?) And he decides he is going to get justice, vigilante style. He begins to wreak havoc, as Selkies are rumored to do. And then one night as he watches her as she sleeps, she wakes up to see him. Legend has it that Selkies are magical, and even a look will drive a woman crazy with thoughts of love. But Kait is convinced it is real love, and not the after effects of magic.
It was so very gripping to watch Kait’s journey. Personally I couldn’t tell whether she was going mad or was truly madly in love. Maybe it was both. But watching these together was certainly a treat indeed. I do believe they both went a little mad together. Eamon, the Selkie, is so gruff at time, I didn’t know if I felt bad for him or for Kait.
Ultimately, this story of love was a treat. The characters were vivid. The story was heartbreaking at times. The emotions were beautifully conveyed. I wish I had read this book sooner, it was so good and so unexpected. There are so many twists and turns, questions and drama… everything played out perfectly and I felt like I was right there with everyone. I definitely recommend this book!
In a time when legend rules, faeries are real, and people are superstitious we find Kait who is a bit outside of the norm, herself. She lives on the island of Shapinsay. We start this book when her best friend, Astrid, is giving birth. Rumors fly instantly, people claim the baby is part animal. Selkie to be exact.
Back to Kait. A Selkie in the sea sees Kait looking in the water for the infant, and he thinks it is she who is at fault for what has happened. (am I vague much?) And he decides he is going to get justice, vigilante style. He begins to wreak havoc, as Selkies are rumored to do. And then one night as he watches her as she sleeps, she wakes up to see him. Legend has it that Selkies are magical, and even a look will drive a woman crazy with thoughts of love. But Kait is convinced it is real love, and not the after effects of magic.
It was so very gripping to watch Kait’s journey. Personally I couldn’t tell whether she was going mad or was truly madly in love. Maybe it was both. But watching these together was certainly a treat indeed. I do believe they both went a little mad together. Eamon, the Selkie, is so gruff at time, I didn’t know if I felt bad for him or for Kait.
Ultimately, this story of love was a treat. The characters were vivid. The story was heartbreaking at times. The emotions were beautifully conveyed. I wish I had read this book sooner, it was so good and so unexpected. There are so many twists and turns, questions and drama… everything played out perfectly and I felt like I was right there with everyone. I definitely recommend this book!
July 6, 2012
I debated about this rating - it was a 3.5 for me. It's unique in that it is a tale about selkies and pretty much stayed true to what I have read about the legends. Both males and females live in the sea as seals but can shed their skins on land and become beautiful men or women. The legends are often about how they have magic and can lure humans of the opposite sex into loving them, and they often in stories take the human into the sea with them where they drown. Other legends are of selkies who fall in love with their human partner and remain for years with them, always longing for the sea. An then there are the stories where the human steals their seal skin and hides it from them to force them not to leave and return to the ocean.
This was a quick read and I finished it in a day. In this story the human girl Kait who lies with her brother is at first stalked by a selkie who wants to kill her for reasons you will read i the book. Kait falls into his lure but for some reason he hesitates to kill her. She names him Eamon when he tells her the selkies have no names, and as the story evolves he too falls for her. There is a lot of angst in this story, because Kait is aware that she has fallen for the magic of the lure but believes she would love Eamon without it. She is so obsessed she knows if he returns to the sea she will willingly follow him and drown. Eamon is so in love with Kait that he believes he can give up the sea for good, and he gives her his skin telling her to hide it and never tell him where it is.
I thought the book did bog down with their anguish about what their love was doing to the other, and that in the end no good would come of it. That was pretty obvious. There is more to the story which I will not give away, but there are two unusual twists late in the story that turn a lot of it around. There is one thing that we do not know about Eamon that is surprising and the end of their story is unexpected and makes a satisfying end to the book.
This was a quick read and I finished it in a day. In this story the human girl Kait who lies with her brother is at first stalked by a selkie who wants to kill her for reasons you will read i the book. Kait falls into his lure but for some reason he hesitates to kill her. She names him Eamon when he tells her the selkies have no names, and as the story evolves he too falls for her. There is a lot of angst in this story, because Kait is aware that she has fallen for the magic of the lure but believes she would love Eamon without it. She is so obsessed she knows if he returns to the sea she will willingly follow him and drown. Eamon is so in love with Kait that he believes he can give up the sea for good, and he gives her his skin telling her to hide it and never tell him where it is.
I thought the book did bog down with their anguish about what their love was doing to the other, and that in the end no good would come of it. That was pretty obvious. There is more to the story which I will not give away, but there are two unusual twists late in the story that turn a lot of it around. There is one thing that we do not know about Eamon that is surprising and the end of their story is unexpected and makes a satisfying end to the book.
May 24, 2012
I love this book! I've read it a million times!
May 4, 2012
3.5 stars
It is not a secret that I have a thing for star-crossed lovers. Even though I sure won’t like to experience it myself, books about star-crossed lover always intrigue me. The pull is even stronger when it’s a paranormal story. So when I was presented to a chance to read a love story between a selkie and a human, how can I resist?
The Lure of Shapinsay presented a lovely story set in 1848, in an island named Shapinsay, off the north coast of mainland Scotland. Among village people, the folk of selkie men and women are passed through generations. The village people acknowledge selkie’s existence but they refuse to have anything to do with the creature. It’s not strange to find men boasting that someday they would catch a selkie woman in their net and take her as a wife, while village women are secretly dreaming of an encounter with beautiful selkie men. Kait Swanney is not one of the women. She is ignorant of the story about the selkie men’s beauty, thinking that their beauty won’t have the power to charm her. Never crossed her mind that later, she has to face a selkie men seeking for revenge.
Eamon is a very young selkie man. He mistook Kait as the murderer of a newborn selkie. He intended to take Kait’s life as the payback, but much to his surprise, he found Kait fascinating to watch. Kait’s love and yearning to the sea confuses Eamon greatly. Just like Kait who is lured by his beauty, Eamon is slowly but surely captivated by Kait’s devotion to him. Eamon is willing to give up everything for Kait, but will his selkie body survive his decision? What if their love story is fated to be another romantic tragedy?
Selkies are creatures who live as seals in the sea but shed their skin to become human on land. Selkie men are gorgeous creature and they have seductive power over human women. The Lure of Shapinsay stays faithful to the legend and I can see how great Eamon has lured Kait. I don’t think that Eamon lures Kait in purpose since he’s too young to really understand the selkie men’s power, but it’s clear that Kait is on the verge of losing her mind because of Eamon. I honestly can’t tell the difference between the effect of the lure or true love anymore in this book. It seems like Kait is affected by a form of fanatical, obsessive love which makes her willing to sacrifice her life just to be with Eamon. Even though Kait’s devotion to Eamon is quite touching (and crazy, I must say), I can forgive most of her actions because they are the result of Eamon’s magic.
In the last half part of the book, I was annoyed by Eamon’s stubbornness. His idealistic view got on my nerves, especially when he knows very well that nothing can be gained if he’s dying. Seem like the proud side of him is a characteristic of a selkie man. Eamon’s young age plays a big part in this story because without his lack of experience and reckless tendency, we won’t have this engaging love story.
Eamon and Kait’s story is sweet and moving. You can’t help but rooting
for this couple from the beginning. I also really like Tipper, the old woman who helps the couple a lot. Sadly, the other side characters are just dropped in the end, like Kait’s brother Blair or Magnum, the guy whom Kate expected to marry. It would be much better if the other characters still make appearance throughout the book.
The Lure of Shapinsay is a great book that I encourage you worth checking out. If you’re a fan of romantic story, then this is a must read! Fans of folktale and mermaid will also enjoy the story. I like Krista’s writing, so I will make sure to take a peek at her new book when it comes out!
“Your cheeks are flushed,” Eamon observed with a relaxed smile that lit up his face like the sun. He awkwardly pushed a blonde straggler behind my ear. His fingers lingered behind my neck as if they were always meant to be there. “Aren’t ye well?”
“It means I’m happy,” I said with a broad grin. “Your cheeks are splotched pink too.”
Eamon touched his cheek like it couldn’t be true then gave me a bewildered look. “Then I must be happy too.”
It is not a secret that I have a thing for star-crossed lovers. Even though I sure won’t like to experience it myself, books about star-crossed lover always intrigue me. The pull is even stronger when it’s a paranormal story. So when I was presented to a chance to read a love story between a selkie and a human, how can I resist?
The Lure of Shapinsay presented a lovely story set in 1848, in an island named Shapinsay, off the north coast of mainland Scotland. Among village people, the folk of selkie men and women are passed through generations. The village people acknowledge selkie’s existence but they refuse to have anything to do with the creature. It’s not strange to find men boasting that someday they would catch a selkie woman in their net and take her as a wife, while village women are secretly dreaming of an encounter with beautiful selkie men. Kait Swanney is not one of the women. She is ignorant of the story about the selkie men’s beauty, thinking that their beauty won’t have the power to charm her. Never crossed her mind that later, she has to face a selkie men seeking for revenge.
Eamon is a very young selkie man. He mistook Kait as the murderer of a newborn selkie. He intended to take Kait’s life as the payback, but much to his surprise, he found Kait fascinating to watch. Kait’s love and yearning to the sea confuses Eamon greatly. Just like Kait who is lured by his beauty, Eamon is slowly but surely captivated by Kait’s devotion to him. Eamon is willing to give up everything for Kait, but will his selkie body survive his decision? What if their love story is fated to be another romantic tragedy?
Selkies are creatures who live as seals in the sea but shed their skin to become human on land. Selkie men are gorgeous creature and they have seductive power over human women. The Lure of Shapinsay stays faithful to the legend and I can see how great Eamon has lured Kait. I don’t think that Eamon lures Kait in purpose since he’s too young to really understand the selkie men’s power, but it’s clear that Kait is on the verge of losing her mind because of Eamon. I honestly can’t tell the difference between the effect of the lure or true love anymore in this book. It seems like Kait is affected by a form of fanatical, obsessive love which makes her willing to sacrifice her life just to be with Eamon. Even though Kait’s devotion to Eamon is quite touching (and crazy, I must say), I can forgive most of her actions because they are the result of Eamon’s magic.
In the last half part of the book, I was annoyed by Eamon’s stubbornness. His idealistic view got on my nerves, especially when he knows very well that nothing can be gained if he’s dying. Seem like the proud side of him is a characteristic of a selkie man. Eamon’s young age plays a big part in this story because without his lack of experience and reckless tendency, we won’t have this engaging love story.
Eamon and Kait’s story is sweet and moving. You can’t help but rooting
for this couple from the beginning. I also really like Tipper, the old woman who helps the couple a lot. Sadly, the other side characters are just dropped in the end, like Kait’s brother Blair or Magnum, the guy whom Kate expected to marry. It would be much better if the other characters still make appearance throughout the book.
The Lure of Shapinsay is a great book that I encourage you worth checking out. If you’re a fan of romantic story, then this is a must read! Fans of folktale and mermaid will also enjoy the story. I like Krista’s writing, so I will make sure to take a peek at her new book when it comes out!
“Your cheeks are flushed,” Eamon observed with a relaxed smile that lit up his face like the sun. He awkwardly pushed a blonde straggler behind my ear. His fingers lingered behind my neck as if they were always meant to be there. “Aren’t ye well?”
“It means I’m happy,” I said with a broad grin. “Your cheeks are splotched pink too.”
Eamon touched his cheek like it couldn’t be true then gave me a bewildered look. “Then I must be happy too.”
April 8, 2013
Actual rating: 3.5
The only story I'd read about selkies was a short story called 'Love Struck' by Melissa Marr in the anthology titled Love Is Hell. I didn't quite understand what or who a selkie was then, so I decided not to dwell much on it. Then I came across The Lure of Shapinsay. The guy on the book cover with his great body reminded me a little of Elijah Wood. However, it was the book trailer video that really caught my attention.
The story of Kait and Eamon, one thing I really loved about The Lure of Shapinsay was the alternating point of view. It's not alternating in the literal sense of the term, but basically, you get to read what Kait AND Eamon are thinking. When there's romance and when it's between two different species altogether, it becomes easier to read from both the protagonists' POVs. Their love story is the highlight of the book.
I didn't quiet get how and when the two fall in love, but I suppose that's the beauty of it. These are things that 'just happen' after all. Another aspect of the romance that I found very pretty was that fact that it was a bit yesteryear and very much today at the same time. The whole act of chasing the one who has caught your fancy or searching for them hopelessly with the intention that they might find you and romantic words to express love, reminded me of the old age romances. It was all about beauty of being with the one you love and trying so hard to survive on your own and keep each other happy. Kait and Eamon's love seemed to grow day by day.
Also, the relation between Kait and her brother, Blair was a lot of fun to read. It reminded me of the relation between any normal brother and sister, where they fight like opponents with words, but know in their hearts that they love one another. Kait and Blair bicker about the one minute birth difference between them constantly.
"I dinnae wish to be your enemy, but you make me wish to hate you."
From there, it's all about Kait and Eamon trying to live happily and some really sweet incidents make you smile. Eamon's selkie skin also forms a major part of the story. The other villagers make the scene more lively and entertaining with their wacky accent and easygoing way of life, and Shapinsay itself has been described beautifully. The other character that really added a meaningful touch was Kait and Eamon's neighbor, Tipper, who, in my opinion, is like an angel in disguise for the couple.
The only story I'd read about selkies was a short story called 'Love Struck' by Melissa Marr in the anthology titled Love Is Hell. I didn't quite understand what or who a selkie was then, so I decided not to dwell much on it. Then I came across The Lure of Shapinsay. The guy on the book cover with his great body reminded me a little of Elijah Wood. However, it was the book trailer video that really caught my attention.
The story of Kait and Eamon, one thing I really loved about The Lure of Shapinsay was the alternating point of view. It's not alternating in the literal sense of the term, but basically, you get to read what Kait AND Eamon are thinking. When there's romance and when it's between two different species altogether, it becomes easier to read from both the protagonists' POVs. Their love story is the highlight of the book.
I didn't quiet get how and when the two fall in love, but I suppose that's the beauty of it. These are things that 'just happen' after all. Another aspect of the romance that I found very pretty was that fact that it was a bit yesteryear and very much today at the same time. The whole act of chasing the one who has caught your fancy or searching for them hopelessly with the intention that they might find you and romantic words to express love, reminded me of the old age romances. It was all about beauty of being with the one you love and trying so hard to survive on your own and keep each other happy. Kait and Eamon's love seemed to grow day by day.
Also, the relation between Kait and her brother, Blair was a lot of fun to read. It reminded me of the relation between any normal brother and sister, where they fight like opponents with words, but know in their hearts that they love one another. Kait and Blair bicker about the one minute birth difference between them constantly.
"I dinnae wish to be your enemy, but you make me wish to hate you."
From there, it's all about Kait and Eamon trying to live happily and some really sweet incidents make you smile. Eamon's selkie skin also forms a major part of the story. The other villagers make the scene more lively and entertaining with their wacky accent and easygoing way of life, and Shapinsay itself has been described beautifully. The other character that really added a meaningful touch was Kait and Eamon's neighbor, Tipper, who, in my opinion, is like an angel in disguise for the couple.
July 26, 2012
I debated between 4 or 5 stars. I really loved this, and definetly the first half was 5 stars all the way. Then halfway through there starts being talk of humping(He is a Selkie(Seal-Man) and he thinks kind of animalisticly), sex before marriage and talk of humping all night to satiate his loins. I would still classify this as a clean read, but it did push it a bit for my taste. I did love that this story was like nothing I've read before. It had a magical feel to it as I read and I never wanted to put it down! I thought the sex before marriage could kind of be rationalized away because of the lure(that's what the selkies do is lure women to bed and then to the sea to their deaths). I ended up going with 5 stars because I loved that they both ended up doing something major to sacrifice for the other that ended up proving they really did love each other, and it wasn't just the lure that kept them together. I loved how angry Eamon is and how untrusting of humans he is. I loved how he becomes jealous and angry at one point when he thinks Kait has "chosen a human mate", but really her brother set it up because he wants her married off to someone who will take care of her when he is married and gone. I really liked finding out just how young Eamon is and therefore why he is so quick tempered and untamed, and it explains why he had never taken a human to bed before. I love how fiercly loyal he is to Kait. I loved the almost sad/dramatic ending, but that it did have a HEA ending!
CONTENT: Talk of humping, sex before marriage, the girl being completely obsessed with the guy, to the point of wanting to, and being willing to go to the sea and die. So I would not recommend this to anyone under 17.
I was lured in by the beautiful music and scenery in this book trailer!=)......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=...#!
CONTENT: Talk of humping, sex before marriage, the girl being completely obsessed with the guy, to the point of wanting to, and being willing to go to the sea and die. So I would not recommend this to anyone under 17.
I was lured in by the beautiful music and scenery in this book trailer!=)......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=...#!
April 1, 2012
Clever writing and an intriguing historical backdrop, plus a feisty, strong-minded heroine, hook the reader into this story. Accurate dialogue set against a background of superstition (although who knows, maybe the magic is real ) and a rapid-pace plot line keep that attention, drawing the reader into the story and never letting her go. This is a very well-written novel, both in the sense of the author’s writing style, but also in terms of setting, plotting, dialogue, and background. I am simply marveling at Krista Holle’s ability to bring that “historical”/legendary background into realistic belief, to illustrate it, and to make us as readers believe in it. Wonderful! I highly recommend this one! YA-age readers will appreciate the heroine’s strength, ability to fend for herself after being orphaned at a young age, and her chameleon-like mutability as veneer over a very strong and independent core. Older readers will enjoy that as well, but will also glory in the subtle humour-wry and ironic-possessed by our protagonist. Trust me: you don’t have to like historical, mythical, or even Fae novels to enjoy this one! It’s just purely GOOD! This is one book I am very happy to have requested to review, and I am giving it a 12 star-of-5 recommendation!
November 17, 2011
I have to admit first off that this is the first novel that I have ever read that revolves around selkies so not only did I have a very wonderful plot and characters, I also got to learn loads about a new paranormal that I have not previously been exposed to which made the book very unique to me and a new favorite!
Though this book is pretty much YA I have to say that it had the feel of Adult novel. There is no erotica mind you; that is not to say there aren’t romance scenes, the book is as I said pretty much YA. But just the feel of it while reading feels like something anyone could connect to. One reason I think that is, is because of the whole kind forbidden or hopeless love thing that Kati and Eamon have together. He is a selkie, from the sea while she is human and from land. Their peoples are constantly against each other. Blair her brother is one of the ones that is most adamant that she stay away from him. Kind of reminds me a little, only a little though, of Romeo and Juliet thinking back now.
At times I admit to thinking Kati was going crazy, even she admits it in the novel but at the same time I could not help but read on wanting, needing, to know what would happen between her and her love and obsession, Eamon.
Eamon, I really do not think I could describe him in any way that suits what I really think but some words that come to mind are, stubborn, handsome, and slightly arrogant. He also has a very dangerous appeal to him like you do not know whether he would kiss you or kill you which definitely appealed to me and I think will others as well.
The world they are set in, I believe it is Scotland on a little island away from the Mainland called Shapinsay. The world is very real while reading, the author has a way of really making it come to life and make you feel you are there. I have actually found myself saying some of the words from the novel, so it did indeed leave a very big impression with me.
If I had to compare this novel to anything again the first thought that comes to mind is Romeo and Juliet (though we do get a HEA mind you) another that comes to mind is Twilight, mostly because of forbidden and at times difficult love of the two main characters also though because to me this book is pretty epic especially from a self-published, new, author!
I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a good paranormal read.
*I received an Ebook copy of this book for free to review from the author.
October 19, 2016
As seen at: Miss Book Reviews
The Lure of Shapinsay was a story that surprised me. I have never read a story on Selkies before so it was interesting getting to read this. Selkie Lore is very interesting and I found this story intertwined information about it as it progressed, it didn’t dump a whole load of information right at the beginning. I liked it this way, getting to learn about it more and more as I read.
Holle has a way of writing that it brings you straight into the world. I felt like I was really there as I was reading, I felt Kait’s struggles, I felt the sea air, I smelt the sea air. This story is completely brought to life. That’s what I really loved about it. I was pulled into Kait’s world and was utterly captivated.
When I first started to read this story it took me a few chapters to get used to the Scottish language but once I got used to it I found that I was able to really get stuck in to the story and really enjoy it.
The romance at first is only the ‘Lure’ that Kait feels to Eamon. She can’t help feel those feelings simply because he is a selkie and that is the effect that selkies have on humans. As the story progresses I first started to think Kait has really gone crazy and will probably kill herself to get to Eamon. But the longer they spend together the more I start to see that they really do fall for eachother. It’s an interested dynamic.
The ending wasn’t what I expected, there was a twist that compltely surprised me. And I loved it!
Overall, The Lure of Shapinsay is an interesting and intense read. I couldn’t put it down, the more I read about Eamon and his Selkie world the more I wanted to understand.
The Lure of Shapinsay pulls you in to the beautifully described world of the Kait and Eamon that leaves you breathless when you leave.
The Lure of Shapinsay was a story that surprised me. I have never read a story on Selkies before so it was interesting getting to read this. Selkie Lore is very interesting and I found this story intertwined information about it as it progressed, it didn’t dump a whole load of information right at the beginning. I liked it this way, getting to learn about it more and more as I read.
Holle has a way of writing that it brings you straight into the world. I felt like I was really there as I was reading, I felt Kait’s struggles, I felt the sea air, I smelt the sea air. This story is completely brought to life. That’s what I really loved about it. I was pulled into Kait’s world and was utterly captivated.
When I first started to read this story it took me a few chapters to get used to the Scottish language but once I got used to it I found that I was able to really get stuck in to the story and really enjoy it.
The romance at first is only the ‘Lure’ that Kait feels to Eamon. She can’t help feel those feelings simply because he is a selkie and that is the effect that selkies have on humans. As the story progresses I first started to think Kait has really gone crazy and will probably kill herself to get to Eamon. But the longer they spend together the more I start to see that they really do fall for eachother. It’s an interested dynamic.
The ending wasn’t what I expected, there was a twist that compltely surprised me. And I loved it!
Overall, The Lure of Shapinsay is an interesting and intense read. I couldn’t put it down, the more I read about Eamon and his Selkie world the more I wanted to understand.
The Lure of Shapinsay pulls you in to the beautifully described world of the Kait and Eamon that leaves you breathless when you leave.
August 4, 2012
Amazing! I loved this book! I have always been interested in mermaids since I was a little girl, and I love all the myths about the siren call and how they were supposed to enchant human males. With this book it's not a mermaid but a selkie, and I liked it even more because it was a male who held the enchantment over the female!
I was completely mesmerized with this book as much as Kait was mesmerized with Eamon! The love that they had for each other was just incredible! At first Kait was happy as long as Eamon was at her side, and Eamon was happy just because he could so easily make Kait happy. But after a while this started to cause problems. Eamon started becoming sick and weak without the sea, but he refused to leave Kait's side, because she would literally go crazy! If he so much as left her for a few minutes she could feel herself start to slowly loose bits of her sanity! So of course they loved each other so deeply that the tables were turned to Kait wanting to make Eamon return to the sea and Eamon determined to stay at Kait's side. Like I said amazing! Absolutely beautiful! It was very touching how they were so willingly to sacrifice themselves as long as it kept the other healthy and happy!
Two quotes that I loved!
"Kait would soon learn that there was nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I had chosen a new loyalty and would mourn the sea." -Eamon
“I’d not have you kill yourself,” I shouted over the water. “Dying is not a gift!” -Kait
So you're probably wondering how in the world they can be together because they are the ultimate star crossed lovers? Well you'll just have to read it and find out for yourself, but I swear you will not be disappointed!
I was completely mesmerized with this book as much as Kait was mesmerized with Eamon! The love that they had for each other was just incredible! At first Kait was happy as long as Eamon was at her side, and Eamon was happy just because he could so easily make Kait happy. But after a while this started to cause problems. Eamon started becoming sick and weak without the sea, but he refused to leave Kait's side, because she would literally go crazy! If he so much as left her for a few minutes she could feel herself start to slowly loose bits of her sanity! So of course they loved each other so deeply that the tables were turned to Kait wanting to make Eamon return to the sea and Eamon determined to stay at Kait's side. Like I said amazing! Absolutely beautiful! It was very touching how they were so willingly to sacrifice themselves as long as it kept the other healthy and happy!
Two quotes that I loved!
"Kait would soon learn that there was nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I had chosen a new loyalty and would mourn the sea." -Eamon
“I’d not have you kill yourself,” I shouted over the water. “Dying is not a gift!” -Kait
So you're probably wondering how in the world they can be together because they are the ultimate star crossed lovers? Well you'll just have to read it and find out for yourself, but I swear you will not be disappointed!
May 28, 2012
**AMAZING READ**
As soon as I started this book I was hooked from the very first line. This book seemed to have everything a book should have and the further I read it became apparently clear that it had more. I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons. The legend of the Selkies is a very old legend, it is said that that Selkies live as seals in the sea and humans on land. Krista really made this legend come to life in The Lure of the Shapinsay, and in the process added her own unique perspective to a very old and beautiful tale. As I began reading this book I noticed I started to feel connected to the characters and a strong kinship towards them. Kait is hard headed, very strong minded and pretty much does as she pleases whether anyone likes it or not and I can honestly relate to that in more ways than one. It seems Kait has fallen under the lure that selkies have. For some reason Selkie men can drive human women to do pretty much anything they want even to their deaths but Kait cant seem to shake the feeling she has for this Gorgeous Selkie man while her brother thinks she has gone mad. Is it the lure or is he her one truelove.
If you love a good love story then this is the book for you, I have read many books and this is not like any I have read. Krista really knows how to capture a readers attention and keep it. I am truely looking forward to more books from this Author. If you want to know more Please check out this amazing Author Krista Holle.
With Best Wishes,
Two women and a Book Review
For more good reads check out http://twowomenandabookreview.blogspo...
As soon as I started this book I was hooked from the very first line. This book seemed to have everything a book should have and the further I read it became apparently clear that it had more. I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons. The legend of the Selkies is a very old legend, it is said that that Selkies live as seals in the sea and humans on land. Krista really made this legend come to life in The Lure of the Shapinsay, and in the process added her own unique perspective to a very old and beautiful tale. As I began reading this book I noticed I started to feel connected to the characters and a strong kinship towards them. Kait is hard headed, very strong minded and pretty much does as she pleases whether anyone likes it or not and I can honestly relate to that in more ways than one. It seems Kait has fallen under the lure that selkies have. For some reason Selkie men can drive human women to do pretty much anything they want even to their deaths but Kait cant seem to shake the feeling she has for this Gorgeous Selkie man while her brother thinks she has gone mad. Is it the lure or is he her one truelove.
If you love a good love story then this is the book for you, I have read many books and this is not like any I have read. Krista really knows how to capture a readers attention and keep it. I am truely looking forward to more books from this Author. If you want to know more Please check out this amazing Author Krista Holle.
With Best Wishes,
Two women and a Book Review
For more good reads check out http://twowomenandabookreview.blogspo...
August 12, 2012
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 4.5 stars.
The Lure of Shapinsay by Krista Holle was an unexpected find. This story is about Kait, a headstrong girl, who falls in love with the wrong man... or in this case, a selkie--a seal that can turn into a man, and is gloriously handsome. She doesn't believe that he can really be in love with her as well. The rest is a love story that has unexpected twists and the story ends the only way it can.
By the time I received this book, I was inundated with requests, but I was intrigued by the premise, so accepted this novel to review. And boy, am I glad I did! This is mostly a love story between two young people, who are from very different worlds and everything seems to be working against them. Usually, I can't stand people who speak in dialect in books because it makes it hard to read, but somehow Holle does a great job balancing clarity of what is said with keeping in line with where the characters are. I loved the description of the land, the selkies, and the characters. My favorite character I have to say was Tipper, who was an unexpected gift in the last half of the book. At times, I felt that the love story was almost too much-- Kait seemed to be almost too desperate in her love for this man-- a far cry from the independent, fierce woman that she used to be. But the ending to all of this was absolutely perfect and made up for any of my misgivings.
Overall, a wonderful and unique first novel that I blazed through in a day!
The Lure of Shapinsay by Krista Holle was an unexpected find. This story is about Kait, a headstrong girl, who falls in love with the wrong man... or in this case, a selkie--a seal that can turn into a man, and is gloriously handsome. She doesn't believe that he can really be in love with her as well. The rest is a love story that has unexpected twists and the story ends the only way it can.
By the time I received this book, I was inundated with requests, but I was intrigued by the premise, so accepted this novel to review. And boy, am I glad I did! This is mostly a love story between two young people, who are from very different worlds and everything seems to be working against them. Usually, I can't stand people who speak in dialect in books because it makes it hard to read, but somehow Holle does a great job balancing clarity of what is said with keeping in line with where the characters are. I loved the description of the land, the selkies, and the characters. My favorite character I have to say was Tipper, who was an unexpected gift in the last half of the book. At times, I felt that the love story was almost too much-- Kait seemed to be almost too desperate in her love for this man-- a far cry from the independent, fierce woman that she used to be. But the ending to all of this was absolutely perfect and made up for any of my misgivings.
Overall, a wonderful and unique first novel that I blazed through in a day!
June 12, 2012
My thoughts:
This was my first Krista Holle story as well as my first selkie story. I am a fan of paranormal and was excited about it. Krista Holle did not disappoint. This story is clever and intriguing, bitter and sweet.
The author has built a world that is both realistic and fantastic. The old-world, historic feel paints the perfect setting for the story and she has created a colorful and mysterious legendary background for the selkies. The writing is vivid and detailed, assuring that the reader can visualize both the characters and the setting. It has romance, but not a lot of sexuality; the intimate moments in the story are left to the imagination of the reader.
The characters captured me and the creativeness and uniqueness of the story held me. Eamon is a selkie whose ideals and sense of self are seeped in his belief in honor. He is young and reckless. At the start he is out for revenge, but then falls in love. He believes that to be true to Kait he must give up the sea. Kait is bewitched at the start by Eamon's lure, but falls in love with him. This is their story, of their love and willingness to do whatever it takes to prove that love.
This story is carefully created, nicely paced and well-written. I would easily recommend it to others. I read purely for the entertainment and enjoyment of the story and I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to discover what this book had to offer.
This was my first Krista Holle story as well as my first selkie story. I am a fan of paranormal and was excited about it. Krista Holle did not disappoint. This story is clever and intriguing, bitter and sweet.
The author has built a world that is both realistic and fantastic. The old-world, historic feel paints the perfect setting for the story and she has created a colorful and mysterious legendary background for the selkies. The writing is vivid and detailed, assuring that the reader can visualize both the characters and the setting. It has romance, but not a lot of sexuality; the intimate moments in the story are left to the imagination of the reader.
The characters captured me and the creativeness and uniqueness of the story held me. Eamon is a selkie whose ideals and sense of self are seeped in his belief in honor. He is young and reckless. At the start he is out for revenge, but then falls in love. He believes that to be true to Kait he must give up the sea. Kait is bewitched at the start by Eamon's lure, but falls in love with him. This is their story, of their love and willingness to do whatever it takes to prove that love.
This story is carefully created, nicely paced and well-written. I would easily recommend it to others. I read purely for the entertainment and enjoyment of the story and I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to discover what this book had to offer.
March 2, 2012
With a much better ending! The Lure of Shapinsay is a very enjoyable love story about two lovers who in all intents and purposes shouldn't be together. First they live in different environments (land and sea) and in general their species tends to hunt one another. Then you find out that the selkie are actually weakened by being on land. The whole story seems so tragic and like there can't be a good end to these star-crossed lovers... except for maybe there just might be. I'll not spoil anything here, but if you like mythical creatures and love stories that seem to be hopeless- this is the book for you!
Krista Holle does a wonderful job immersing the reader in the world of an older fictionalized Scotland where myth and reality merge into a single existence. Prior to reading The Lure of Shapinsay, I didn't know much about Scottish myth- ok, so I knew nothing about Scottish myth- but I am now fasciated by these creatures called the Selkie. In fact, my mystification probably is what dragged out this book. The characters are all amazing, though I can't say I care for the brother, and the tale is quite enchanting- the "voice" o' the scottish don't hurt either.
This book was provided for me by the author at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
Krista Holle does a wonderful job immersing the reader in the world of an older fictionalized Scotland where myth and reality merge into a single existence. Prior to reading The Lure of Shapinsay, I didn't know much about Scottish myth- ok, so I knew nothing about Scottish myth- but I am now fasciated by these creatures called the Selkie. In fact, my mystification probably is what dragged out this book. The characters are all amazing, though I can't say I care for the brother, and the tale is quite enchanting- the "voice" o' the scottish don't hurt either.
This book was provided for me by the author at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
March 3, 2012
The author contacted me asking me to review and at first I wasn't so sure. The cover was a little confusing. I review paranormal, fantasy, and young adult, but this cover looked like I might be getting into some erotica. The author assured me it was appropriate and I took a shot at it. Right away I was lured into the book just like Kait is lured to the selkie man. So many old customs were used to beautifully and I wasn't confused again throughout the book. I didn't know what was going to happen next partly because I have never read anything like this. I don't even think I have heard of selkies before. In case you haven't heard about selkies, they are basically creatures of the sea that live for the water. They wear a skin that molds to them and helps them become one with the ocean. Well Kait being human falls for the lure of a selkie, and the selkie fell for the lure that Kait didn't know she possesses. This books opened my eyes to this type of genre. I'm hoping I can learn more about selkies or other mythical creatures in Krista Holle's future books. Anyway, If your like ancient myths or legends about mythical creatures I encourage you to read The Lure of Shapinsay!
Visit my blog for the author interview and giveaway!
www.thehauntedrose.blogspot.com
Visit my blog for the author interview and giveaway!
www.thehauntedrose.blogspot.com
March 30, 2012
I can't say that I have ever read a book about selkies before or even knew there were any such books out there. But this is a breath of fresh air from all the vampire and zombie books saturating our bookshelves. I am so glad that I came upon The Lure of Shapinsay. Krista Holle did such a beautiful job creating a love story surrounding these creatures of Irish, Scottish and Icelandic folklore. I really didn't want this story to end and really couldn't guess throughout whether it was going to have a happy ending or not. And to be completely honest, I thought the love story was doomed. But the ending was completely unexpected, but entirely satisfying. I will be waiting patiently for Krista Holle's next book. The Lure of Shapinsay is highly recommended...
February 23, 2012
When I was starting to read this I remembered that I actually don't care to much for selkie books. Mostly because they always have a bittersweet ending or are sad and I hate those types of endings. I was really happy with the ending and it was different from the others. I would read it again and look for more books from this author. This is a clean read but I would rate it a little on the pg-13 side.
September 15, 2015
*Many thanks to the author and those at Dark Mind tours for a copy in exchange of an honest review*
Visit ttoria.blogspot.com to win prizes: the novel & a t-shirt. Closes 27th of January!
Review:
Let me begin with the fact i wasn’t exactly clued up on selkies. I feel i now have a better understanding and consequently will be looking at seals differently... Selkies are luring creatures from the sea that shed their seal skins to walk on land as unbelievably gorgeous beings...
The Lure of Shapinsay immediately began with tension and wonder. While the obstinate Kait barters for food she’s interrupted when she witnesses her best friend’s newborn being hidden in the grandfather’s arms while his face is full of torment and fear. To her utter shock and dismay, the man throws the newborn into the sea due to him/ her being a half selkie. The town’s women soon erupt into gossip about their beliefs of the Selkies: that the males stroll around at night luring women into the depths of the ocean and to their death. This gave the story a dangerous vibe, one that i wish remained throughout the pages but unfortunately died down. Not overly so, but more about that later.
A vengeful Selkie is then introduced. Enraged at the infants demise he sets about confronting and killing the human girl, Kait, who was at the scene. But due to her innocence he doesn’t follow through with his plans and instead becomes intrigued by her. From that night both Kait and Eamon, as she decides to name him, seem to have nothing but each other on their minds. Is the magick lure of the selkies fully to blame for Kait’s obsession? It’s a question you ask yourself throughout. Though Eamon is just as much lured by her.
As their feelings begin to blossom and the predicament surrounding them cause’s issues, it becomes a story of ‘forbidden love’, as they both were raised as natural enemies.
For me though, i feel the build-up to the denouement could have been much more. Don’t get me wrong, it worked, and i did enjoy it! I just feel that so much more could have been interweaved. The main problem keeping the two at odds didn’t feel like it had enough force behind it. Like the issue could be solved.
When other characters were introduced such as Kait’s domineering brother, Blair, and the man he had agreed Kait would marry, Magnum (despite her unwillingness to) their presence enforced difficulties and drama. The quarrel between Kait’s betrothed and Eamon was fiery and gave the atmosphere a dangerous edge it needed. I would have liked to read about more obstacles, there were characters mentioned that could have easily caused them. Saying that, there was a great twist i smiled at and the character the twist involves, i don’t think i was supposed to like, but i did. She had a sad and quite melodramatic aura about her. All the while seeming strong.
The story was easily followed and delightfully read. Well i say delightfully, as it’s been a while since i’ve read a novel with the Scottish slang i still use today. I hadn’t expected this at all and it was convincing. Aye, nae, wee lassie, dinnae, eejit, fer, wan, bairn, bampot, ken, morra, and talks of eating haggis and for people to “Haud your weis[h]t” really made me laugh. Though i fret for those not familiar with the lingo, i don’t feel it would be overly hard to translate.
One major factor to this authors work is her ability to transport you into the surrounding by such descriptive scenery. You could almost feel and hear the waves of the sea crashing, taste the salt and visualise the birds. The attention to detail was captivating. Another strong point was Kait’s ‘madness.’ Sometimes you felt sorry for her, other times you wanted to just shake her.
I liked both characters and i enjoyed how Krista wrote from both of their POV’s, it balanced each perspective out nicely. Both protagonists, Eamon and Kait were instantly likeable. Despite Eamons defensive attitude and ill-will towards Kait initially, he possessed a certain sense of loyalty. Like him, Kait was strong-willed but also came across naive sometimes. This showed when she pretty much called the gossiping women of the town fools, yet it didn’t take long for them to convince her of the bad intentions of the selkie men, without evidence. Her sense of naivity and vulnerability later became justified due to her situation and age. She still kept her wits about her though.
Though Eamon is just as taken with her, Kait really delves into borderline obsession with him. The whole luring of the selkie does play a part, it’s mentioned numerous times and Eamon admits that the selkie can do this, and he has. But as she really does fall hook, line and sinker for him, you could be reading about any teenage girl as they experience first love. It seemed very believable and i often asked myself whether it was just the lure or not as he felt just as strongly for her. Eamon went from a character you liked but kind of feared, to a complete sweetheart. That being said, he did still have a violent and fiery side to him ,though it became toned down as his protectiveness of Kait became known. It was explained why his temper could get the better of him but i'm not going to say why and spoil it for you.
Summary
Weighing The Lure of Shapinsay up i’ve given it four stars. I wish i began my rating system including half stars because it would be four and a half. I devoured the tale and was entertained, but didn't give it the full five stars as I just feel it had the potential to knock my socks off had it remained intense throughout. I wanted to know more about the characters, each and every one. It would make a brilliant series.
There’s no denying the authors ability to pull you into the pages with the storyline in this novel and i would read it again even knowing the conclusion.
The Lure of Shapinsay didn’t disappoint in terms of introducing me to the world of selkies and i will be looking upon the firth’s in a whole different light.
Recommended to all lovers of romance and paranormal.
© TToria ttoria.blogspot.com
Visit ttoria.blogspot.com to win prizes: the novel & a t-shirt. Closes 27th of January!
Review:
Let me begin with the fact i wasn’t exactly clued up on selkies. I feel i now have a better understanding and consequently will be looking at seals differently... Selkies are luring creatures from the sea that shed their seal skins to walk on land as unbelievably gorgeous beings...
The Lure of Shapinsay immediately began with tension and wonder. While the obstinate Kait barters for food she’s interrupted when she witnesses her best friend’s newborn being hidden in the grandfather’s arms while his face is full of torment and fear. To her utter shock and dismay, the man throws the newborn into the sea due to him/ her being a half selkie. The town’s women soon erupt into gossip about their beliefs of the Selkies: that the males stroll around at night luring women into the depths of the ocean and to their death. This gave the story a dangerous vibe, one that i wish remained throughout the pages but unfortunately died down. Not overly so, but more about that later.
A vengeful Selkie is then introduced. Enraged at the infants demise he sets about confronting and killing the human girl, Kait, who was at the scene. But due to her innocence he doesn’t follow through with his plans and instead becomes intrigued by her. From that night both Kait and Eamon, as she decides to name him, seem to have nothing but each other on their minds. Is the magick lure of the selkies fully to blame for Kait’s obsession? It’s a question you ask yourself throughout. Though Eamon is just as much lured by her.
As their feelings begin to blossom and the predicament surrounding them cause’s issues, it becomes a story of ‘forbidden love’, as they both were raised as natural enemies.
For me though, i feel the build-up to the denouement could have been much more. Don’t get me wrong, it worked, and i did enjoy it! I just feel that so much more could have been interweaved. The main problem keeping the two at odds didn’t feel like it had enough force behind it. Like the issue could be solved.
When other characters were introduced such as Kait’s domineering brother, Blair, and the man he had agreed Kait would marry, Magnum (despite her unwillingness to) their presence enforced difficulties and drama. The quarrel between Kait’s betrothed and Eamon was fiery and gave the atmosphere a dangerous edge it needed. I would have liked to read about more obstacles, there were characters mentioned that could have easily caused them. Saying that, there was a great twist i smiled at and the character the twist involves, i don’t think i was supposed to like, but i did. She had a sad and quite melodramatic aura about her. All the while seeming strong.
The story was easily followed and delightfully read. Well i say delightfully, as it’s been a while since i’ve read a novel with the Scottish slang i still use today. I hadn’t expected this at all and it was convincing. Aye, nae, wee lassie, dinnae, eejit, fer, wan, bairn, bampot, ken, morra, and talks of eating haggis and for people to “Haud your weis[h]t” really made me laugh. Though i fret for those not familiar with the lingo, i don’t feel it would be overly hard to translate.
One major factor to this authors work is her ability to transport you into the surrounding by such descriptive scenery. You could almost feel and hear the waves of the sea crashing, taste the salt and visualise the birds. The attention to detail was captivating. Another strong point was Kait’s ‘madness.’ Sometimes you felt sorry for her, other times you wanted to just shake her.
I liked both characters and i enjoyed how Krista wrote from both of their POV’s, it balanced each perspective out nicely. Both protagonists, Eamon and Kait were instantly likeable. Despite Eamons defensive attitude and ill-will towards Kait initially, he possessed a certain sense of loyalty. Like him, Kait was strong-willed but also came across naive sometimes. This showed when she pretty much called the gossiping women of the town fools, yet it didn’t take long for them to convince her of the bad intentions of the selkie men, without evidence. Her sense of naivity and vulnerability later became justified due to her situation and age. She still kept her wits about her though.
Though Eamon is just as taken with her, Kait really delves into borderline obsession with him. The whole luring of the selkie does play a part, it’s mentioned numerous times and Eamon admits that the selkie can do this, and he has. But as she really does fall hook, line and sinker for him, you could be reading about any teenage girl as they experience first love. It seemed very believable and i often asked myself whether it was just the lure or not as he felt just as strongly for her. Eamon went from a character you liked but kind of feared, to a complete sweetheart. That being said, he did still have a violent and fiery side to him ,though it became toned down as his protectiveness of Kait became known. It was explained why his temper could get the better of him but i'm not going to say why and spoil it for you.
Summary
Weighing The Lure of Shapinsay up i’ve given it four stars. I wish i began my rating system including half stars because it would be four and a half. I devoured the tale and was entertained, but didn't give it the full five stars as I just feel it had the potential to knock my socks off had it remained intense throughout. I wanted to know more about the characters, each and every one. It would make a brilliant series.
There’s no denying the authors ability to pull you into the pages with the storyline in this novel and i would read it again even knowing the conclusion.
The Lure of Shapinsay didn’t disappoint in terms of introducing me to the world of selkies and i will be looking upon the firth’s in a whole different light.
Recommended to all lovers of romance and paranormal.
© TToria ttoria.blogspot.com
October 30, 2018
I loved this book, being half Scottish, I grew up on the legends my grandparents told me of Selkies, Kelpies and Waterhorses, but never have I read a retelling like this before!!! I found it so refreshing, I devoured this book in two days (and that's with snatching time between kids)!!!
While I enjoyed the story overall, with Kait's fierce independence, and the many wry misunderstandings, I have to admit to feeling somewhat deflated with the ending, though I was happy the main characters were reconciled with one another. I found myself wanting to know, what's next? Did Kait fulfill her promise to her friend in the last chapter? And what of Eamon and Kait themselves? For me, I felt the book was not quite finished and lends itself to either a sequel or an Epilogue as there remains at least one unanswered question. I'd be curious to know if there are any other adventures for Kait and Eamon or perhaps their offspring? Just a thought :)
While I enjoyed the story overall, with Kait's fierce independence, and the many wry misunderstandings, I have to admit to feeling somewhat deflated with the ending, though I was happy the main characters were reconciled with one another. I found myself wanting to know, what's next? Did Kait fulfill her promise to her friend in the last chapter? And what of Eamon and Kait themselves? For me, I felt the book was not quite finished and lends itself to either a sequel or an Epilogue as there remains at least one unanswered question. I'd be curious to know if there are any other adventures for Kait and Eamon or perhaps their offspring? Just a thought :)
May 6, 2013
Before I started book blogging, I thought that I would have the most fun reviewing books I did not like or did not finish. I believe the whole point was to be able to write a scathing review and clearly articulate every point I disliked about the book, along with very reason why it should not be read. Up until that point, that’s what would happen when my friends and I would start talking about books we disliked.
Today I’m finding that rather difficult. This is the first review that would truly be classified as BAD for me. And I’ve realized in my multiple attempts to write this review that whilst it is important for me to be honest, it is just as important for me to “mind my words”. Authors are people. And when I talk about one of their books, I’m talking about their babies, their children. I read recently that writing is the closest man could ever come to giving birth (sadly I can’t remember where this quote is from), and this is truth. So with that in mind, this is my review.
I was first attracted to this book because of the concept of selkies. I’m more of a mermaid fan but selkies are close enough to have caught my eye. They seem darker, more animalistic. Whereas mermaids are half fish, half human, and we tend to give them more human-like characteristics, selkies are half fish, and half seal and they are more seal than human. How far will a selkie go to keep its freedom? I wondered.
What I loved about the main character is also what I hated. She was an outcast, yes, but she still bought in to all the local superstitions and beliefs. She did not once question that maybe “selkies” might be different from what the town believed. She was not really accepted in the town and I feel like she could have feasibly had one of two reactions to selkies. One is to not want anything to do with them because she did not want to become more of an outcast. The other is to want to find out more about that because if she was misunderstood, they might be as well. Instead I got a girl that other than living set apart from the town, I could not quite figure out what made her an outcast, because she seemed just like the rest. They said it was because she voiced her own opinion a lot, but it did not seem more so than anybody else there. Or at least, not enough to warrant an “outcast” status.
***SPOILER ALERT*** read this review at http://thecozyarmchair.blogspot.com/2...
Then here comes the selkie. And immediately she falls in enchantment with him. It’s a complete 180 from swearing she’d scream out of fear if she saw one, to suddenly wanting to follow him to the ends of the ocean, even if it meant she’d drown, as long as she was by his side. It’s a very drastic change. I’d hoped that this meant that she was under some spell, and would somehow try to break the spell and fall in love with the selkie man of her own free will. That never happened. Throughout the entire novel she was under this spell, and the moment he was out of her sight she would panic that he was never coming back. It appears to be that she had him under a spell as well, and eventually they figured out a way to be together and all that wonderful good stuff. But the issue that her free will (both of theirs actually) was taken away because of the enchantment was never addressed. The fact that she would have panic attacks the moment he was out of sight (which BY THE WAY does not a healthy relationship make) was never addressed either.
It’s really frustrating, because it was such a good plot. So many wonderful angles to explore. The fact that she was under a spell that forced her to be in love/obsession with him: how would she escape that? And then still fall in love with him? The fact that she was an outcast and her only friend committed suicide: How would that affect her? Her brother was trying to marry her off to make sure she was taken care of. The fact that she was meeting up with the selkie in the crazy woman’s shack, who turns out to have had a history with selkies, was that some sort of warning she should heed? Was that foreshadowing her future? Or how about the fact that she NAMED the selkie, even after he told her that selkies did not have names, they had no need, she still named him. Names are important, that had a lot of significance and other than the name she gave him having a personal significance for her, her giving him a name was a very important detail in their relationship. She bound him to her when she did that, how would that affect him?
All of these details and more where things that the author completely skimmed over or ignored entirely. She could have honestly gone in any direction with the events of this book, it could have been dark, or fairy tale-like, or anything really, but instead, it somehow became a very one-dimensional, slightly disturbing story, about two beings who fall in love thanks to an enchantment and spend the entire novel trying to figure out a way to be together.
This is one of my longest reviews, and one of the hardest to write. The style of writing in this novel was superb and her talent of switching from his voice to her voice, changing styles so drastically, is admirable. I feel like Ms. Holle is very talented and I just cannot fathom why she did not expand on what could have been a fantastic novel. I would definitely be interested in reading more of her future work, in the hopes that I get to see her talent truly shine.
Read this review (and more!) at: http://thecozyarmchair.blogspot.com/2...
Today I’m finding that rather difficult. This is the first review that would truly be classified as BAD for me. And I’ve realized in my multiple attempts to write this review that whilst it is important for me to be honest, it is just as important for me to “mind my words”. Authors are people. And when I talk about one of their books, I’m talking about their babies, their children. I read recently that writing is the closest man could ever come to giving birth (sadly I can’t remember where this quote is from), and this is truth. So with that in mind, this is my review.
I was first attracted to this book because of the concept of selkies. I’m more of a mermaid fan but selkies are close enough to have caught my eye. They seem darker, more animalistic. Whereas mermaids are half fish, half human, and we tend to give them more human-like characteristics, selkies are half fish, and half seal and they are more seal than human. How far will a selkie go to keep its freedom? I wondered.
What I loved about the main character is also what I hated. She was an outcast, yes, but she still bought in to all the local superstitions and beliefs. She did not once question that maybe “selkies” might be different from what the town believed. She was not really accepted in the town and I feel like she could have feasibly had one of two reactions to selkies. One is to not want anything to do with them because she did not want to become more of an outcast. The other is to want to find out more about that because if she was misunderstood, they might be as well. Instead I got a girl that other than living set apart from the town, I could not quite figure out what made her an outcast, because she seemed just like the rest. They said it was because she voiced her own opinion a lot, but it did not seem more so than anybody else there. Or at least, not enough to warrant an “outcast” status.
***SPOILER ALERT*** read this review at http://thecozyarmchair.blogspot.com/2...
Then here comes the selkie. And immediately she falls in enchantment with him. It’s a complete 180 from swearing she’d scream out of fear if she saw one, to suddenly wanting to follow him to the ends of the ocean, even if it meant she’d drown, as long as she was by his side. It’s a very drastic change. I’d hoped that this meant that she was under some spell, and would somehow try to break the spell and fall in love with the selkie man of her own free will. That never happened. Throughout the entire novel she was under this spell, and the moment he was out of her sight she would panic that he was never coming back. It appears to be that she had him under a spell as well, and eventually they figured out a way to be together and all that wonderful good stuff. But the issue that her free will (both of theirs actually) was taken away because of the enchantment was never addressed. The fact that she would have panic attacks the moment he was out of sight (which BY THE WAY does not a healthy relationship make) was never addressed either.
It’s really frustrating, because it was such a good plot. So many wonderful angles to explore. The fact that she was under a spell that forced her to be in love/obsession with him: how would she escape that? And then still fall in love with him? The fact that she was an outcast and her only friend committed suicide: How would that affect her? Her brother was trying to marry her off to make sure she was taken care of. The fact that she was meeting up with the selkie in the crazy woman’s shack, who turns out to have had a history with selkies, was that some sort of warning she should heed? Was that foreshadowing her future? Or how about the fact that she NAMED the selkie, even after he told her that selkies did not have names, they had no need, she still named him. Names are important, that had a lot of significance and other than the name she gave him having a personal significance for her, her giving him a name was a very important detail in their relationship. She bound him to her when she did that, how would that affect him?
All of these details and more where things that the author completely skimmed over or ignored entirely. She could have honestly gone in any direction with the events of this book, it could have been dark, or fairy tale-like, or anything really, but instead, it somehow became a very one-dimensional, slightly disturbing story, about two beings who fall in love thanks to an enchantment and spend the entire novel trying to figure out a way to be together.
This is one of my longest reviews, and one of the hardest to write. The style of writing in this novel was superb and her talent of switching from his voice to her voice, changing styles so drastically, is admirable. I feel like Ms. Holle is very talented and I just cannot fathom why she did not expand on what could have been a fantastic novel. I would definitely be interested in reading more of her future work, in the hopes that I get to see her talent truly shine.
Read this review (and more!) at: http://thecozyarmchair.blogspot.com/2...
April 27, 2023
What a lovely selkie novel! I love that the author stuck with traditional selkie lore. At times, the plot was a bit slow for my taste, but I loved the ending!
See more mermaid reviews on my website and profile :)
See more mermaid reviews on my website and profile :)
January 6, 2013
3.5/5 stars.
I am a huge, giant fan of romance novels, although paranormal romances aren't typically my thing. But being a lover of mythology of pretty much any kind, I immediately jumped at the chance to read and review The Lure of Shapinsay. The story sounded completely different while still incorporating the aforementioned elements that I love. I also couldn't resist exploring the unique world of the selkies, and the historical setting promised in the summary. While there were certain aspects of this book that I had some issues with, overall I found this to be an engrossing read full of historical flair, atmospheric details, and - above all - an unbelievably heart-wrenching romance.
I couldn't help but root for Kait, who is a stubborn, headstrong girl, who doesn't fit in with her surroundings at all. She's too bold, too brash, and too honest; she says what she means and doesn't take crap from anyone. In fact, her banter with her brother, Blair, was perfect and had me grinning throughout. Then you have Eamon, the elusive selkie who captures Kait's heart and her attention, most notably through the use of his Lure. However, Eamon was quite a different sort of paranormal love interest, for he finds himself equally enamored of Kait. What then happened was the part of the book that made me slightly uncomfortable: their absolute codependence on each other.
Being a paranormal romance, the infatuation by the human partner was expected, and even the reason for said attraction was blatantly laid out: "Lure" is in the title, after all. And yet, I was unprepared for the absolute besotted devotion that Kait felt for Eamon. She is literally unable to function at all, for fear that he's going to leave her. Don't get me wrong: I KNOW that that's part of selkie lore, so I'm not arguing against it. I'm simply saying that reading about that sort of love and obsession was difficult for me because I just cannot fathom it myself. I did like that the love wasn't one-sided in its furor; not only is she wanting to do anything for him, he likewise wants to do anything for her, and in fact gives up far more than she ever could. The relationship itself just really wasn't a healthy one, at least not in my opinion. But perhaps that was the point. Holle didn't shy away from the insanity ever-present in the back of Kait's mind over Eamon. She likewise didn't mince words when it was Eamon's point of view, and the reader was allowed to see exactly what he felt for her. What comes out of The Lure of Shapinsay is basically your usual forbidden romance, but with a twist that I didn't actually see coming, and which I applaud Holle for introducing and using (apologies for being vague, but I don't want to spoil!). One thing that really DID annoy me, though was the whole thing where
Now please don't read that last paragraph and think I disliked this book, because I didn't. In fact, there was quite a lot that I actually really loved. I adored the setting: the way Holle described the island of Shapinsay, and the waters that surround it. I loved the description of the trees, and the castle, and the islands surrounding Kait's home. I also loved the historical flourishes she added by having the characters speak in dialect. And I loved the character of Tipper, whose story kind of broke my heart. Likewise, the dual viewpoints were also appreciated, as it allowed us to see not only inside Kait's head, but Eamon's as well.
While The Lure of Shapinsay is a bit of a departure for me personally, I am grateful for the opportunity to read it. I found in its pages a romance worth rooting for, with stubborn and headstrong characters who are caught up in things they can't control. While part of the romance aspect rubbed me the wrong way personally, I like how closely Holle followed the selkie lore, and was very intrigued to see how things would be resolved. If you're looking for a romance that's a bit different from the norm, then do check this one out!
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
I am a huge, giant fan of romance novels, although paranormal romances aren't typically my thing. But being a lover of mythology of pretty much any kind, I immediately jumped at the chance to read and review The Lure of Shapinsay. The story sounded completely different while still incorporating the aforementioned elements that I love. I also couldn't resist exploring the unique world of the selkies, and the historical setting promised in the summary. While there were certain aspects of this book that I had some issues with, overall I found this to be an engrossing read full of historical flair, atmospheric details, and - above all - an unbelievably heart-wrenching romance.
I couldn't help but root for Kait, who is a stubborn, headstrong girl, who doesn't fit in with her surroundings at all. She's too bold, too brash, and too honest; she says what she means and doesn't take crap from anyone. In fact, her banter with her brother, Blair, was perfect and had me grinning throughout. Then you have Eamon, the elusive selkie who captures Kait's heart and her attention, most notably through the use of his Lure. However, Eamon was quite a different sort of paranormal love interest, for he finds himself equally enamored of Kait. What then happened was the part of the book that made me slightly uncomfortable: their absolute codependence on each other.
Being a paranormal romance, the infatuation by the human partner was expected, and even the reason for said attraction was blatantly laid out: "Lure" is in the title, after all. And yet, I was unprepared for the absolute besotted devotion that Kait felt for Eamon. She is literally unable to function at all, for fear that he's going to leave her. Don't get me wrong: I KNOW that that's part of selkie lore, so I'm not arguing against it. I'm simply saying that reading about that sort of love and obsession was difficult for me because I just cannot fathom it myself. I did like that the love wasn't one-sided in its furor; not only is she wanting to do anything for him, he likewise wants to do anything for her, and in fact gives up far more than she ever could. The relationship itself just really wasn't a healthy one, at least not in my opinion. But perhaps that was the point. Holle didn't shy away from the insanity ever-present in the back of Kait's mind over Eamon. She likewise didn't mince words when it was Eamon's point of view, and the reader was allowed to see exactly what he felt for her. What comes out of The Lure of Shapinsay is basically your usual forbidden romance, but with a twist that I didn't actually see coming, and which I applaud Holle for introducing and using (apologies for being vague, but I don't want to spoil!). One thing that really DID annoy me, though was the whole thing where
Now please don't read that last paragraph and think I disliked this book, because I didn't. In fact, there was quite a lot that I actually really loved. I adored the setting: the way Holle described the island of Shapinsay, and the waters that surround it. I loved the description of the trees, and the castle, and the islands surrounding Kait's home. I also loved the historical flourishes she added by having the characters speak in dialect. And I loved the character of Tipper, whose story kind of broke my heart. Likewise, the dual viewpoints were also appreciated, as it allowed us to see not only inside Kait's head, but Eamon's as well.
While The Lure of Shapinsay is a bit of a departure for me personally, I am grateful for the opportunity to read it. I found in its pages a romance worth rooting for, with stubborn and headstrong characters who are caught up in things they can't control. While part of the romance aspect rubbed me the wrong way personally, I like how closely Holle followed the selkie lore, and was very intrigued to see how things would be resolved. If you're looking for a romance that's a bit different from the norm, then do check this one out!
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
June 24, 2012
This is my first selkie read. I love paranormal books and I've recently been reading a lot of mermaid novels, so I figured why not give selkie books a try. They're the closest thing to mermaid novels after all and the weekend that I bought this e-book, it was a dollar cheaper than usual. And let me tell you, Krista Holle did not disappoint.
Kait Swanney lives on the island of Shapinsay. Since before she was born, the older inhabitants of the island have warned of the selkies--dangerous beings who lured unsuspecting women to their death in the surrounding sea. The story begins with the birth of Kait's friend, Astrid's, bairn. And everything escalates from there. Despite repeatedly being warned to avoid selkies at all times, Kait finds herself drawn to one she dubs Eamon after he unintentionally put a lure on her while visiting her late in the night, debating on avenging the murder of a selkie pup by murdering her in return. What both were unready for was a whirlwind romance that would change their lives forever.
For those who don't know, a bairn is a child. It's Scottish, I believe, and most of the book is written with terminology like this. If you have no prior knowledge of words like this, you'll still be able to understand everything easily, and even get a giggle out every now and then when Holle mentions one of the characters putting on their pampooties. But do not expect this book to be written the same way as the average young adult novel/e-book. It's not.
The characterization in this novel was so creative and captivating. Kait was stubborn and strong-willed. She did not care what others thought of her, but what she thought of herself. And all she knew was that she loved Eamon and needed to be with him, despite those legends. A love like hers could not be from a lure, after all. It could be nothing but real. Eamon is a young, orphaned selkie. Honor means everything to him, which is why he fights so hard to rid Kait from his life. But when he realizes he is too weak to do so, he devotes himself to Kait on land and turns away from the sea to show that he is fully honoring her and only her. Honor means everything to him and he is torn between two worlds: his love with Kait and the sea calling to his inner selkie. He has no sense of self if he is not honorable. Will it be their undoing or their salvation?
The pacing in this novel was superb. It was not too fast and not too slow, but the middle dragged the tiniest bit. All essential information was given and the back-plot is extremely interesting. Because of this, I especially love the character of Tipper when she comes into play.
If you are a romance love, this is a novel for you. The entire novel is based upon a romance that should be forbidden. Selkies are creatures of the sea and Kait, a human, belongs on land despite her love of the sea. Eamon eventually turns his back on all that he knows for Kait and her land, but it begins to weaken them and their relationship. Forbidden love, for them, is not all that it chalked up to be. Desperate to salvage her relationship, Kait will stop at nothing to save her selkie mate. Thus the ending will not only put a smile on your face forever, but linger within your minds weeks after you finish reading. This is not a novel that can easily be forgotten.
With such a heavy emphasis on romance, I feel obligated to point out that there are some intimate scenes in this novel. While nothing is graphic, you know what's going on. You're told what's about to happen, but you do not actually read what's happening. It is left to your imagination. Holle showed their relationship and their intimacies beautifully in this sense without taking it to an unnecessarily graphic level. Instead it was what love should be: two people loving each other without an audience.
I am giving this novel 4 out of 5 stars. It didn't disappoint. While it did not leave me breathless and craving for me, I truly enjoyed reading Eamon and Kait's story. It was not the easiest relationship and they endured a lot of hardships. They're both stubborn characters that take you for quite a ride, but their story is unforgettable and worth reading.
This is a definite read for any romance lover. It's quick and easy and will satisfy any reader.
Kait Swanney lives on the island of Shapinsay. Since before she was born, the older inhabitants of the island have warned of the selkies--dangerous beings who lured unsuspecting women to their death in the surrounding sea. The story begins with the birth of Kait's friend, Astrid's, bairn. And everything escalates from there. Despite repeatedly being warned to avoid selkies at all times, Kait finds herself drawn to one she dubs Eamon after he unintentionally put a lure on her while visiting her late in the night, debating on avenging the murder of a selkie pup by murdering her in return. What both were unready for was a whirlwind romance that would change their lives forever.
For those who don't know, a bairn is a child. It's Scottish, I believe, and most of the book is written with terminology like this. If you have no prior knowledge of words like this, you'll still be able to understand everything easily, and even get a giggle out every now and then when Holle mentions one of the characters putting on their pampooties. But do not expect this book to be written the same way as the average young adult novel/e-book. It's not.
The characterization in this novel was so creative and captivating. Kait was stubborn and strong-willed. She did not care what others thought of her, but what she thought of herself. And all she knew was that she loved Eamon and needed to be with him, despite those legends. A love like hers could not be from a lure, after all. It could be nothing but real. Eamon is a young, orphaned selkie. Honor means everything to him, which is why he fights so hard to rid Kait from his life. But when he realizes he is too weak to do so, he devotes himself to Kait on land and turns away from the sea to show that he is fully honoring her and only her. Honor means everything to him and he is torn between two worlds: his love with Kait and the sea calling to his inner selkie. He has no sense of self if he is not honorable. Will it be their undoing or their salvation?
The pacing in this novel was superb. It was not too fast and not too slow, but the middle dragged the tiniest bit. All essential information was given and the back-plot is extremely interesting. Because of this, I especially love the character of Tipper when she comes into play.
If you are a romance love, this is a novel for you. The entire novel is based upon a romance that should be forbidden. Selkies are creatures of the sea and Kait, a human, belongs on land despite her love of the sea. Eamon eventually turns his back on all that he knows for Kait and her land, but it begins to weaken them and their relationship. Forbidden love, for them, is not all that it chalked up to be. Desperate to salvage her relationship, Kait will stop at nothing to save her selkie mate. Thus the ending will not only put a smile on your face forever, but linger within your minds weeks after you finish reading. This is not a novel that can easily be forgotten.
With such a heavy emphasis on romance, I feel obligated to point out that there are some intimate scenes in this novel. While nothing is graphic, you know what's going on. You're told what's about to happen, but you do not actually read what's happening. It is left to your imagination. Holle showed their relationship and their intimacies beautifully in this sense without taking it to an unnecessarily graphic level. Instead it was what love should be: two people loving each other without an audience.
I am giving this novel 4 out of 5 stars. It didn't disappoint. While it did not leave me breathless and craving for me, I truly enjoyed reading Eamon and Kait's story. It was not the easiest relationship and they endured a lot of hardships. They're both stubborn characters that take you for quite a ride, but their story is unforgettable and worth reading.
This is a definite read for any romance lover. It's quick and easy and will satisfy any reader.
August 21, 2012
On the small island of Shapinsay (near Scotland), legends of selkies run rampant amongst its inhabitants. Selkies are creatures that live as seals in the water and take off their skin to become humans on land. They are very beautiful, with selkie men having powers of seduction over human women. The lure of selkie men is often powerful enough to lead many women to their deaths in the sea. The villagers fear them, as well as the sea that is their home.
Sixteen year old Kait Swanney is an exception. She loves the water and scoffs at the idea that a selkie could possibly lure her to her death. She does not even expect to meet a male selkie in her lifetime, let alone be bewitched by one! But when a male selkie name Eamon mistakenly believes Kait to be the murderer of a half human, half selkie baby, all of that changes. Intending to avenge the baby, he sneaks into her room at night prepared to kill her. Kait awakens and clears up the whole misunderstanding. He leaves but not before unintentionally bewitching Kait -- and finding himself also falling in love with the "land loper". Will Eamon choose the sea over Kait? And is Kait truly in love with Eamon, or is it just the lure?
I was not familiar with the legend of the selkie when I started reading it so I made sure to do some research. There is some explanation in the novel about selkies but without prior knowledge or research, the reader will likely get confused. I am obsessed with selkies now and can't believe they're not more prevalent in paranormal romance novels! Krista Holle does an amazing job capturing the allure and danger of selkies, Eamon in particular. Learn more about selkies on its Wikipedia page.
The small island of Shapinsay is brought to life with beautiful imagery of the sea and an Scottish sounding dialect. There is also a motley of supporting characters who each bring something different. A young woman who watches as her human/selkie baby is torn away from her and killed. A brother who arranges his twin sister's marriage. A crazy old woman who is always searching for something by day and wailing by the sea at night. I think some of the supporting characters could have been a little more developed. However, Kait and Eamon's storyline interested me the most anyways so I didn't really mind.
Kait is truly something. She is a very likeable protagonist. She's the embodiment of the typical "strong" heroine - stubborn rebellious, brave and extremely independent. It was very interesting to see how all that mixed with her later obsession with Eamon after being bewitched by his selkiness. It would have been very easy for Kait to lose herself after being bewitched by Eamon but she still retains her headstrongness and determination, not losing what made her special in the first place. However, there were times when I couldn't tell whether it was love or the lure making her do what she does. That was a little frustrating at times.
I also loved Eamon. Like a lot. He is the perfect mix of reckless and the naive, with a touch of nobility and pride. Even though one of his main roles in the novel was to be the selkxy and alluring mythical creature love interest, Eamon has depth and humanity. And the most swoon-worthy lines
"Your cheeks are flushed," Eamon observed with a relaxed smile that lit up his face like the sun. He awkwardly pushed a blonde straggler behind my ear. His fingers lingered behind my neck as if they were always meant to be there. "Aren't ye well?"
"It means I'm happy," I said with a broad grin, "Your cheeks are splotched pink too."
Eamon touched his cheek like it couldn't be true then gave me a bewildered look. "Then I must be happy too."
At its heart, this novel is a sweet and engaging story about forbidden love. I really don't want to spoil too much but there are many twists and turns that keep the reader interested and emotionally invested. Very worth reading!
Check out this awesome book trailer :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXqeRP...
Review can be found at www.bookdoll.blogspot.com. Book was given to me by author in exchange for honest review, all opinions are my own.
Sixteen year old Kait Swanney is an exception. She loves the water and scoffs at the idea that a selkie could possibly lure her to her death. She does not even expect to meet a male selkie in her lifetime, let alone be bewitched by one! But when a male selkie name Eamon mistakenly believes Kait to be the murderer of a half human, half selkie baby, all of that changes. Intending to avenge the baby, he sneaks into her room at night prepared to kill her. Kait awakens and clears up the whole misunderstanding. He leaves but not before unintentionally bewitching Kait -- and finding himself also falling in love with the "land loper". Will Eamon choose the sea over Kait? And is Kait truly in love with Eamon, or is it just the lure?
I was not familiar with the legend of the selkie when I started reading it so I made sure to do some research. There is some explanation in the novel about selkies but without prior knowledge or research, the reader will likely get confused. I am obsessed with selkies now and can't believe they're not more prevalent in paranormal romance novels! Krista Holle does an amazing job capturing the allure and danger of selkies, Eamon in particular. Learn more about selkies on its Wikipedia page.
The small island of Shapinsay is brought to life with beautiful imagery of the sea and an Scottish sounding dialect. There is also a motley of supporting characters who each bring something different. A young woman who watches as her human/selkie baby is torn away from her and killed. A brother who arranges his twin sister's marriage. A crazy old woman who is always searching for something by day and wailing by the sea at night. I think some of the supporting characters could have been a little more developed. However, Kait and Eamon's storyline interested me the most anyways so I didn't really mind.
Kait is truly something. She is a very likeable protagonist. She's the embodiment of the typical "strong" heroine - stubborn rebellious, brave and extremely independent. It was very interesting to see how all that mixed with her later obsession with Eamon after being bewitched by his selkiness. It would have been very easy for Kait to lose herself after being bewitched by Eamon but she still retains her headstrongness and determination, not losing what made her special in the first place. However, there were times when I couldn't tell whether it was love or the lure making her do what she does. That was a little frustrating at times.
I also loved Eamon. Like a lot. He is the perfect mix of reckless and the naive, with a touch of nobility and pride. Even though one of his main roles in the novel was to be the selkxy and alluring mythical creature love interest, Eamon has depth and humanity. And the most swoon-worthy lines
"Your cheeks are flushed," Eamon observed with a relaxed smile that lit up his face like the sun. He awkwardly pushed a blonde straggler behind my ear. His fingers lingered behind my neck as if they were always meant to be there. "Aren't ye well?"
"It means I'm happy," I said with a broad grin, "Your cheeks are splotched pink too."
Eamon touched his cheek like it couldn't be true then gave me a bewildered look. "Then I must be happy too."
At its heart, this novel is a sweet and engaging story about forbidden love. I really don't want to spoil too much but there are many twists and turns that keep the reader interested and emotionally invested. Very worth reading!
Check out this awesome book trailer :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXqeRP...
Review can be found at www.bookdoll.blogspot.com. Book was given to me by author in exchange for honest review, all opinions are my own.
February 5, 2014
As soon as Holle contacted me and asked if I'd like to read this in exchange for an honest review, I was instantly keen. I've always been a huge fan of fantasy novels, and considering I'd never heard of selkies before, I was intrigued But now that I've finished the book, I have to admit that I am so torn about what to write about this book and what to rate it as! On one hand, I adored the flow of the story, but on the other, I just...didn't click with it.
The Lure of Shapinsay is set on a remote island called Shapinsay - never would have guessed it, huh? The main heroine is Kait Swanney, one of the most stubborn and independent characters you will ever meet. In a misunderstanding, a selkie male seeks to kill her, to avenge the death of a new-born baby - however, proving she is innocent, he leaves, but not before she a sort of spell is cast over her, which causes her to fall obsessively in love with him.
I guess I've got to explain selkies. To be honest, even now that I've finished the book, I don't really have a clue what they are. That's my first complaint - the island, the people, the houses, the sea...it was all described in much more depths than the selkie they are based around. But from what I could grasp, there are humans, and there are pure selkies - an almost seal-whale-like creature. Then, there are selkies that are also human - as in, they have a completely human body and a skin - a cloak-like creation that when put around their owner molds perfectly to their body shape. And once they dive under the water? The skin comes up and covers their head, evolving them into a selkie. And then once they move back onto dry land, the skin comes loose and drapes down back into a cloak. I don't know whether this is what Holle meant to put across, but that's what I got. I found the overall concept interesting, and definitely unique, and I thought that it was portrayed well and thoroughly.
I was also fond of the characters. As I said earlier, Kait was headstrong and, at first, incredibly likable; Blair was sweet, and Holle portrayed that big-brotherly character perfectly; Eamon was sexy and aggressive, a total heartthrob Whilst Kait did become incredibly annoying and pathetic as Eamon's lure over her increased, I did think her obsessive nature was well-characterized. The change in her was so believable, it did make me think that on a secluded island somewhere, way back in history, this could have been possible.
However, the problem I had with this novel was the language. It was well-written and had great descriptions, but I just didn't connect with the accents, which I think were Scottish. It seems a silly thing to complain about, but it did grind on me, wearing me down until I found it difficult to read. The story was easy to follow, but the language just got on my nerves.
And last but not least, the actual plot. I have to say, it was quite good. To begin with I did find it boring. But as soon as Eamon entered the scene, the whole novel really perked up - especially at the ending! I think the ending may have gained the novel another star, in my opinion anyway. It was probably silly that I didn't see any of the ending coming - but I'm glad of that, since it was such a nice surprise! I'm not much for a romance story, but it was a pretty cute ending, I must admit.
Overall, I loved the plot, the characters, the historical aspect of it - but the language just didn't sit well with me. Personally, I found the language made it more difficult to read, as well as less-interesting. I know that the accent use was part of the historical background of the whole novel and of Shapinsay, but I just...no. It was because of that that the book took me two months of part-time reading to finish. If you like unique fantasy novels, then you'll love this. But if you like an action-packed story, steer clear for this read, I think! It's a lovely tale, however, and it was nice to read a novel that ended with genuine true love.
---
UPDATE: The more and more I think about this book, the more I dislike it. One star because I just remember how much I didn't enjoy it.
The Lure of Shapinsay is set on a remote island called Shapinsay - never would have guessed it, huh? The main heroine is Kait Swanney, one of the most stubborn and independent characters you will ever meet. In a misunderstanding, a selkie male seeks to kill her, to avenge the death of a new-born baby - however, proving she is innocent, he leaves, but not before she a sort of spell is cast over her, which causes her to fall obsessively in love with him.
I guess I've got to explain selkies. To be honest, even now that I've finished the book, I don't really have a clue what they are. That's my first complaint - the island, the people, the houses, the sea...it was all described in much more depths than the selkie they are based around. But from what I could grasp, there are humans, and there are pure selkies - an almost seal-whale-like creature. Then, there are selkies that are also human - as in, they have a completely human body and a skin - a cloak-like creation that when put around their owner molds perfectly to their body shape. And once they dive under the water? The skin comes up and covers their head, evolving them into a selkie. And then once they move back onto dry land, the skin comes loose and drapes down back into a cloak. I don't know whether this is what Holle meant to put across, but that's what I got. I found the overall concept interesting, and definitely unique, and I thought that it was portrayed well and thoroughly.
I was also fond of the characters. As I said earlier, Kait was headstrong and, at first, incredibly likable; Blair was sweet, and Holle portrayed that big-brotherly character perfectly; Eamon was sexy and aggressive, a total heartthrob Whilst Kait did become incredibly annoying and pathetic as Eamon's lure over her increased, I did think her obsessive nature was well-characterized. The change in her was so believable, it did make me think that on a secluded island somewhere, way back in history, this could have been possible.
However, the problem I had with this novel was the language. It was well-written and had great descriptions, but I just didn't connect with the accents, which I think were Scottish. It seems a silly thing to complain about, but it did grind on me, wearing me down until I found it difficult to read. The story was easy to follow, but the language just got on my nerves.
And last but not least, the actual plot. I have to say, it was quite good. To begin with I did find it boring. But as soon as Eamon entered the scene, the whole novel really perked up - especially at the ending! I think the ending may have gained the novel another star, in my opinion anyway. It was probably silly that I didn't see any of the ending coming - but I'm glad of that, since it was such a nice surprise! I'm not much for a romance story, but it was a pretty cute ending, I must admit.
Overall, I loved the plot, the characters, the historical aspect of it - but the language just didn't sit well with me. Personally, I found the language made it more difficult to read, as well as less-interesting. I know that the accent use was part of the historical background of the whole novel and of Shapinsay, but I just...no. It was because of that that the book took me two months of part-time reading to finish. If you like unique fantasy novels, then you'll love this. But if you like an action-packed story, steer clear for this read, I think! It's a lovely tale, however, and it was nice to read a novel that ended with genuine true love.
---
UPDATE: The more and more I think about this book, the more I dislike it. One star because I just remember how much I didn't enjoy it.
May 11, 2013
From http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
2.5 stars
At A Glance
A book about obsession...and that's pretty much it.
The Good
My favorite part of The Lure of Shapinsay was the setting and the paranormal elements. I think it's set around the mid 1800s. I really felt like I was taken back to that time with the accented dialogue and grungy descriptions. I could smell the salt water mist from the sea and feel the smooth but rough skin of a selkie on my finger tips. Though the background on selkies was pretty short, I really had fun learning more about them. Like how they came to be and their magic. I would definitely like to read more about selkies.
Each character was interesting in their own way. Kait was a determined character with a hot temper. Eamon was stubborn to a fault and frisky like a teenager. His reckless actions pegged him as young and naive but he always had love and passion in his heart. He often made me smile. And event the side characters had their fun quarks.
The writing really was beautiful. The imagery was vivid and the pacing was just right. There was one or two twists and turns that really did surprise me. Not everything was always as it seemed.
The Bad
The Lure of Shapinsay started out so strong. Kait was a strong character, especially for the times, and Holle made me anxious to learn more about the mysterious selkies. Then that damn selkie lure ruined it all. I could never really feel the authenticity of Eamon and Kait's love because there was none. Kait becomes obsessed with Eamon because of this lure and Eamon becomes obsessed with Kait for reasons I can't mention. They form this sick puppy love that neither wants to give up and often almost kill themselves over. *sighs* What else can I say? I just couldn't get into their relationship like I hoped.
I also found some of the plot to be boring because nothing happens besides Kait barely being able to function without Eamon and Eamon being stubborn. The End. I felt like I was always waiting for the pivotal moment where something huge would happen and it never same.
The Snuggly
This book has a mature YA feel though it's labeled new adult by the author. We get build up towards sex but no actual sex scenes.
Final Thoughts
I did have fun with some of this book. If it wasn't for the "love" story that was really about obsession I would have liked this book a lot more. I am glad I read it but I wouldn't recommend it to many people. I would only recommend The Lure of Shapinsay to those who are dying to read about selkies.
Quotes
"I dinnae wish to be your enemy, but you make me wish to hate you."
*****
"Kait would soon learn that there was nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I had chosen a new loyalty and would mourn the sea."
*****
"Your cheeks are flushed," Eamon observed with a relaxed smile that lit up his face like the sun. He awkwardly pushed a blonde straggler behind my ear. His fingers lingered behind my neck as if they were always meant to be there. "Aren't ye well?"
"It means I'm happy," I said with a broad grin, "Your cheeks are splotched pink too."
Eamon touched his cheek like it couldn't be true then gave me a bewildered look. "Then I must be happy too."
2.5 stars
At A Glance
A book about obsession...and that's pretty much it.
The Good
My favorite part of The Lure of Shapinsay was the setting and the paranormal elements. I think it's set around the mid 1800s. I really felt like I was taken back to that time with the accented dialogue and grungy descriptions. I could smell the salt water mist from the sea and feel the smooth but rough skin of a selkie on my finger tips. Though the background on selkies was pretty short, I really had fun learning more about them. Like how they came to be and their magic. I would definitely like to read more about selkies.
Each character was interesting in their own way. Kait was a determined character with a hot temper. Eamon was stubborn to a fault and frisky like a teenager. His reckless actions pegged him as young and naive but he always had love and passion in his heart. He often made me smile. And event the side characters had their fun quarks.
The writing really was beautiful. The imagery was vivid and the pacing was just right. There was one or two twists and turns that really did surprise me. Not everything was always as it seemed.
The Bad
The Lure of Shapinsay started out so strong. Kait was a strong character, especially for the times, and Holle made me anxious to learn more about the mysterious selkies. Then that damn selkie lure ruined it all. I could never really feel the authenticity of Eamon and Kait's love because there was none. Kait becomes obsessed with Eamon because of this lure and Eamon becomes obsessed with Kait for reasons I can't mention. They form this sick puppy love that neither wants to give up and often almost kill themselves over. *sighs* What else can I say? I just couldn't get into their relationship like I hoped.
I also found some of the plot to be boring because nothing happens besides Kait barely being able to function without Eamon and Eamon being stubborn. The End. I felt like I was always waiting for the pivotal moment where something huge would happen and it never same.
The Snuggly
This book has a mature YA feel though it's labeled new adult by the author. We get build up towards sex but no actual sex scenes.
Final Thoughts
I did have fun with some of this book. If it wasn't for the "love" story that was really about obsession I would have liked this book a lot more. I am glad I read it but I wouldn't recommend it to many people. I would only recommend The Lure of Shapinsay to those who are dying to read about selkies.
Quotes
"I dinnae wish to be your enemy, but you make me wish to hate you."
*****
"Kait would soon learn that there was nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I had chosen a new loyalty and would mourn the sea."
*****
"Your cheeks are flushed," Eamon observed with a relaxed smile that lit up his face like the sun. He awkwardly pushed a blonde straggler behind my ear. His fingers lingered behind my neck as if they were always meant to be there. "Aren't ye well?"
"It means I'm happy," I said with a broad grin, "Your cheeks are splotched pink too."
Eamon touched his cheek like it couldn't be true then gave me a bewildered look. "Then I must be happy too."
September 10, 2012
* A copy was provided by the author for review.
Also posted on Rally The Readers.
I wasn’t familiar with selkie lore before reading The Lure of Shapinsay, and so its premise intrigued me greatly. I was not disappointed. This novel is a captivating blend of mythology and romance that instantly pulled me into its vibrantly detailed world. Krista Holle is a fantastic storyteller and breathes new life into the human-girl-meets-not-so-human-guy theme with her take on the selkie legend.
I really loved the world of this book; it was my favorite aspect of the novel. From the first chapter, I was immersed in the island life on Shapinsay, where everyone knows each other’s business and selkie folklore makes residents wary of the sea. Thanks to the vivid descriptions of the island and its surroundings, it was very easy to conjure up the scent of saltwater and envision the waves crashing against the shore. I liked the characters’ Scottish dialect and felt that it gave the setting even more authenticity. Readers who aren’t as enthusiastic about the use of local jargon, however, might need a bit of time to adjust to the book’s narration and dialogue.
Kait is a spirited, determined heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind or pursue what she wants. She doesn’t back down whenever her twin brother, Blair, tries to boss her around. Blair has a tiny superiority complex since he’s the older twin by one minute. The sibling squabbling turns serious, though, when Blair tries to marry his sister off to a much older man named Magnum. Kait is too independent to get married for the sake of being married. She’s the type of person who follows her heart, and her heart ends up being captured by Eamon, one of the selkies that she’s always been told to avoid.
Eamon’s headstrong personality makes him a perfect match for Kait, with whom he shares the book’s viewpoint. In the beginning he disdains land “loupers,” but it’s a louper who touches his heart. Although Kait is drawn to Eamon because of the natural allure that selkie men hold for human women, Eamon finds that he can’t stay away from Kait, either. I liked how the “lure” wasn’t one-sided, and how Kait’s feelings for Eamon were also her own and not just influenced by his selkie “magick.” The developing relationship between these two was perfectly paced, and I winced whenever anything threatened to keep them apart (which happened quite often because, well, you can’t exactly expect human/selkie romances to go smoothly).
My only quibble with the book was the ending, which arrived rather suddenly. I’d expected a slightly lengthier wrap up, but I really can’t complain because there’s also a very clever twist towards the end that took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure what kind of note the book was going to go out on, and I give Holle a lot of credit for keeping me guessing until the last minute.
This is such a unique book, and I can’t say enough about how imaginative it is. It’s the kind of novel that you have to read for yourself to fully appreciate the experience. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Krista Holle’s future books.
Also posted on Rally The Readers.
I wasn’t familiar with selkie lore before reading The Lure of Shapinsay, and so its premise intrigued me greatly. I was not disappointed. This novel is a captivating blend of mythology and romance that instantly pulled me into its vibrantly detailed world. Krista Holle is a fantastic storyteller and breathes new life into the human-girl-meets-not-so-human-guy theme with her take on the selkie legend.
I really loved the world of this book; it was my favorite aspect of the novel. From the first chapter, I was immersed in the island life on Shapinsay, where everyone knows each other’s business and selkie folklore makes residents wary of the sea. Thanks to the vivid descriptions of the island and its surroundings, it was very easy to conjure up the scent of saltwater and envision the waves crashing against the shore. I liked the characters’ Scottish dialect and felt that it gave the setting even more authenticity. Readers who aren’t as enthusiastic about the use of local jargon, however, might need a bit of time to adjust to the book’s narration and dialogue.
Kait is a spirited, determined heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind or pursue what she wants. She doesn’t back down whenever her twin brother, Blair, tries to boss her around. Blair has a tiny superiority complex since he’s the older twin by one minute. The sibling squabbling turns serious, though, when Blair tries to marry his sister off to a much older man named Magnum. Kait is too independent to get married for the sake of being married. She’s the type of person who follows her heart, and her heart ends up being captured by Eamon, one of the selkies that she’s always been told to avoid.
Eamon’s headstrong personality makes him a perfect match for Kait, with whom he shares the book’s viewpoint. In the beginning he disdains land “loupers,” but it’s a louper who touches his heart. Although Kait is drawn to Eamon because of the natural allure that selkie men hold for human women, Eamon finds that he can’t stay away from Kait, either. I liked how the “lure” wasn’t one-sided, and how Kait’s feelings for Eamon were also her own and not just influenced by his selkie “magick.” The developing relationship between these two was perfectly paced, and I winced whenever anything threatened to keep them apart (which happened quite often because, well, you can’t exactly expect human/selkie romances to go smoothly).
My only quibble with the book was the ending, which arrived rather suddenly. I’d expected a slightly lengthier wrap up, but I really can’t complain because there’s also a very clever twist towards the end that took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure what kind of note the book was going to go out on, and I give Holle a lot of credit for keeping me guessing until the last minute.
This is such a unique book, and I can’t say enough about how imaginative it is. It’s the kind of novel that you have to read for yourself to fully appreciate the experience. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Krista Holle’s future books.
April 9, 2012
Kindle Version (free from author for honest review)
What a book! The tale starts when Kait’s friend has a baby that is half selkie so it is drowned in the water surrounding the island by the babies grandfather. Kait sees this as a very wrong action to take and goes after the grandfather. When she sees him toss the baby into the water Kait jumps in after it, but she is too late to save the baby. When she is in the water a selkie male takes interest in her…at first to kill her because he thinks she is the one responsible for killing the baby that was one of his own kind. When he goes to kill Kait he sees something in her that makes him curious about her and not so willing to kill her anymore. Instead he lets her see him in his human form. Kait comes to love this selkie, whether it’s because of some selkie spell or lure or because she really loves him, she isn’t too sure. Kait’s parents died and now her brother has been responsible for her, even though they are twins and the same age. He wants to marry, but can’t do so without first marrying off Kait. He arranges a marriage between her and a man 20 years her senior from town, much to the displeasure and disgust of Kait. To get away from this she starts focusing more and more on the male selkie. She can’t seem to get enough of him, and oddly enough he seems to be slowly coming to like being around her too. When Kait’s brother is off finalizing things for his wedding Kait does something unthinkable and frowned upon by all in the town to get out of marrying the man she has been promised to. When her brother comes back there is quite the mess to sort out. Can Kait look to a selkie for help when they are said only to harm humans? Can she really outsmart her brother to get out of marrying a man she hates? Is it possible for a selkie to come to care for a human woman and not just use her? Even if a selkie man can come to care about Kait, how can a relationship ever work between a human girl and a selkie, who needs the sea to survive?
I absolutely loved this book. The first chapter or two I have to admit, I was iffy on the book, but decided to give it a fighting chance. After the next few chapters I was hooked. This is a wonderful romance story that has a paranormal twist, and not vampire paranormal either, which I found refreshing. I have never read any books about selkies, so was a bit worried I would be lost with understanding the dynamics of the characters, but the author did an amazing job with describing them. The characters in this book are very memorable, as are the situations they come to be in. This was a very good read and was very different than what I have been reading lately, which was a nice change too. Kait was by far my favorite character. She is strong willed, not a “typical” woman, someone who fights for what she feels is right, and isn’t going to let anything stand in her way of going after her dreams. She is also very strong willed and not easily railroaded by the men on the island that think a woman should have no say in things. Well written and just a great read!
5/5 Stars!
What a book! The tale starts when Kait’s friend has a baby that is half selkie so it is drowned in the water surrounding the island by the babies grandfather. Kait sees this as a very wrong action to take and goes after the grandfather. When she sees him toss the baby into the water Kait jumps in after it, but she is too late to save the baby. When she is in the water a selkie male takes interest in her…at first to kill her because he thinks she is the one responsible for killing the baby that was one of his own kind. When he goes to kill Kait he sees something in her that makes him curious about her and not so willing to kill her anymore. Instead he lets her see him in his human form. Kait comes to love this selkie, whether it’s because of some selkie spell or lure or because she really loves him, she isn’t too sure. Kait’s parents died and now her brother has been responsible for her, even though they are twins and the same age. He wants to marry, but can’t do so without first marrying off Kait. He arranges a marriage between her and a man 20 years her senior from town, much to the displeasure and disgust of Kait. To get away from this she starts focusing more and more on the male selkie. She can’t seem to get enough of him, and oddly enough he seems to be slowly coming to like being around her too. When Kait’s brother is off finalizing things for his wedding Kait does something unthinkable and frowned upon by all in the town to get out of marrying the man she has been promised to. When her brother comes back there is quite the mess to sort out. Can Kait look to a selkie for help when they are said only to harm humans? Can she really outsmart her brother to get out of marrying a man she hates? Is it possible for a selkie to come to care for a human woman and not just use her? Even if a selkie man can come to care about Kait, how can a relationship ever work between a human girl and a selkie, who needs the sea to survive?
I absolutely loved this book. The first chapter or two I have to admit, I was iffy on the book, but decided to give it a fighting chance. After the next few chapters I was hooked. This is a wonderful romance story that has a paranormal twist, and not vampire paranormal either, which I found refreshing. I have never read any books about selkies, so was a bit worried I would be lost with understanding the dynamics of the characters, but the author did an amazing job with describing them. The characters in this book are very memorable, as are the situations they come to be in. This was a very good read and was very different than what I have been reading lately, which was a nice change too. Kait was by far my favorite character. She is strong willed, not a “typical” woman, someone who fights for what she feels is right, and isn’t going to let anything stand in her way of going after her dreams. She is also very strong willed and not easily railroaded by the men on the island that think a woman should have no say in things. Well written and just a great read!
5/5 Stars!
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