West of the Sea

by Stephanie Willing

Tae Keller meets Tracey Baptiste in a tale of generational trauma, told with a cryptozoological twist.

When her mom disappears from their small Texas town, paleontology-loving Haven is determined to find her. But as she uncovers truths about her mom’s identity, Haven also uncovers a monstrous family secret. Her mom can take the shape of a human and, in the right environment, also turn into an amphibious creature known as a kitskara . And now that she’s growing up, Haven is discovering she has this ability, too. This newfound identity is her only clue to help her track her mother and bring her back home.

And so she, her older sister Margie, and her new friend Rye set off on a road trip across Texas’s Gulf Coast to her late grandparents’ abandoned home, where they’re sure her mom has disappeared to…along with plenty of family secrets.

Infused with a deep love of fossils and Celtic mythology, West of the Sea is a lyrical, heart-filled coming-of-age story for fans of cryptozoology—and anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world when they feel different.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Audiobook, Childrens, Mental Health, Juvenile, Magical Realism

352 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[rue mortensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

the spd rep!!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was INCREDIBLE. Stephanie’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, and I could not put the book down. She weaves a thrilling story through a family full of the same issues so many of us encounter on a daily basis, somehow making this cryptozoological story both relatable and fantastical. I’m a middle grades teacher and I am so excited to introduce my students to Haven and the other characters.

[Brian Silliman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, adventurous, and healing. This is a rare book that has a bit of genuine magic captured within it. Put it to the top of your shelf, your must reads, your nominees for best animated documentary shorts of 2013, put it everywhere. This is something truly special. Read, recognize, and cherish.

[Michelle Knudsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO excited to read this! I saw some chapters in the early early stage and those were amazing, so I know the final book will be so, so good.

[Gyda Arber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this adorable YA about a pair of sisters navigating growing up in unusual circumstances. Charming and very heartfelt.

[Rebecca Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

"West of the Sea" is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Haven West, a young girl fascinated by paleontology. She and her older sister, Margie, have struggled with their mom's deep depression, which leaves Haven constantly guessing whether it will be a "good" or "bad" day. Their mom's only solace seems to be her obsession with collecting fossils for her bone garden.

The story takes a mysterious turn when, after a strange moonlit conversation, Haven's mom disappears. At the same time, Haven discovers she has inherited a monstrous family trait, making her the latest in a line of cryptids—a secret her mother had kept hidden. Suddenly, the familiar Texas landscape is filled with ghostly dinosaur silhouettes, and Haven starts to develop scales at the most inconvenient times. Unsure of whom to trust and left without guidance, Haven embarks on a road trip with Margie and their new friend, Rye, in a desperate search for their mother and the truth about her cryptid heritage.

**Final Verdict: 3 out of 5**

"West of the Sea" has many appealing elements. The characters are well-developed, and the writing is solid, creating a fun and engaging story. However, while the book has its merits, it didn't evoke strong emotions or a sense of awe. It's not that the narrative was boring; it simply didn't leave a lasting impression or stand out as particularly memorable. Overall, it's an enjoyable read with a good mix of fantasy and adventure, but it lacks that extra spark to make it exceptional.

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Random thoughts about book:
West Texas setting
Reminds me of last beekeeper by Cartaya
Mom always in tub and mopey when she isn’t - is it depression or something else? Is she part sea creature? Parents from Orkney islands *
Why does Haven see prehistoric ocean creatures when she touches a fossil - are they real or imaginary?
Her sister’s eyes changing colors and her sensitivities to everything
It’s not a real pity party until you have yourself some cake. haven says this after returning home from cliff fall and reptile changing back to human in bathtub
* is mom adapted to Texas one or just haven? Kitskara but mom called her Kara in lullaby?
Maybe home was found moment by moment
Favorite Sesame Street character: Grover: anxious monster that tried really hard
Mom not only one with secrets
Great ending
Harry should be in the cover art!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“West of the Sea” was a unique and heartfelt story perfect for younger readers. The characters were relatable and their journeys were both inspiring and thought-provoking, making it an excellent choice for teens and preteens alike. The writing was engaging, and drew me into a world filled with adventure, emotion, and valuable life lessons. I especially loved the underlying nods to the LGBT community and climate change.

The audio narration deserves special mention—it was beautifully performed and really brought the characters to life, adding an extra layer of immersion to the story. This is a must-read (or listen!) for young audiences looking for an unforgettable tale.

[Melissa Gopp-Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my 10 and 12 year old boys, and they loved it! They were hooked from the beginning. As a parent, I appreciated the short chapters that we could digest in 15 - 30 minute evening reading sessions. We all were inspired by the themes of mental health and accepting people's differences. And most importantly, the story was great!

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different kind of book about self discovery & choosing one's own path. A mix of fantasy, folklore and realistic fiction. I will say I had never heard of cryptozoology before and now I know a LOT! Haven loves fossils and so does her mom and so did her grandparents. However, there was something different about her mom and grandparents; mom was always digging around, searching for something she just couldn't grasp. Her grandparents were distant, lived way off the grid. Haven couldn't understand the behavior until one day she "sees" her mother; Haven begins to question everything, especially when her mom disappears and Haven's skin begins to peel...and the water begins to "call" her; and she sees dinosaurs and reptiles that others cannot see. From there, an adventure begins. With her new BFF Rye and her sister Margie, they begin a journey, in Rye's dad's Coffee Truck!, to discover things they never knew existed. A novel full of wonder and heart and acceptance.

[Saundra Yaklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Book for Young Adventurers

Haven West feels real, smart and fun. I enjoyed it as an adult, but it seems perfect for young readers. It is exciting but not too scary and comforting but realistic (except, you know, the magic parts). Willing's voice as a writer is assured and her real voice in the Audible version is a pleasure. I particularly liked how she voiced, Rye, the boy next door. Packed in this adventure, I found love, wisdom and dinosaurs too. I wish I'd had a book like this to read when I was young.

[Jen Nishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic and unique read. This book was unlike any other middle grade novel I’ve read. Nuanced and gentle, the author has taken great care with plotting the mental health issues within the story. Great book.

[Montserrat Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embarking on the literary adventure that was 'West of the Sea' by Stephanie Willing proved to be one of the highlights of my reading journey in 2023. This sweet and charming book took me on an utterly moving exploration of change, the intricacies of dealing with depression, and the cathartic process of confronting one's past with the promise of stepping into a brighter future.

Although categorized as a young adult book, 'West of the Sea' effortlessly transcends the boundaries of age, delivering a deeply affecting and universal story that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. Stephanie is a skillful writer and weaves a tale that not only captures the essence of youth but also speaks to the timeless human experience of growth, self-discovery, and resilience.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of emphasis on the setting: a dry wheat farm in Texas, and on the character of Haven, who misses her mom - who first withdraws psychologically and then physically. Unlike much Middle Grade fantasy, Haven really does read like an 11-year-old, as she tries to bring her mom back to acting like a mom should act. I liked the oddball elements that weren't fantasy, such as Haven's pet peacock Henry, and her trek across Texas with her 15-year-old sister in a coffee truck, seeking their missing mother. Tweens will understand having strange things happen to your body, and discovering that the parents you have depended on both hide things and are imperfect. Despite the road-trip across Texas, this is much more of an emotional journey than an epic quest adventure.

[Bhoomi Rana · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG! This book turned very differently than I first imagined it but it turned out very well. I would’ve never thought that Haven’s mom would’ve turned into…THAT! It had incredible endings at each chapter, keeping me entertained and perfect to read when I was bored. I would keep flipping the pages and before I knew it, I had completed it! This book was incredible and I gave it a 4 stars because it was really good but it was also VERY slow in the beginning in my opinion. I’m the type of person where if it doesn’t hook me from chapter 1, I get bored of it but luckily I continued reading this book and found out how amazing of a writer Stephanie Willing was!!!

[Kristen Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic story of family coming together when things get tough and questions need answering . I loved the dynamic of these two different sisters bonding and trying to seek the truth behind their family secret and why their mother has disappeared. I really loved this story.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

[Erica Schimmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Electroclan17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5] I liked the queer rep. [I read this as an audiobook narrated by the author]

[Megan Back · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter loves this book! She loves fantasy and mystery so this was perfect! Willing hit it out of the park!

[renee nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Stephanie had me so convinced about one of her characters that I consulted Dr Google! You had me fooled, Stephanie! Read this great book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly original story from a top notch writer. It doesn't get much better than this.

[Jamie Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven West loves living in her small town in Texas with her peacock Harry, but things haven't been the same since her grandparents died in a car crash. Her mother can't shake her depression and she argues with her father about selling her parents property as their farm is struggling because of a drought. Things get even stranger when Haven learns her mother - and herself - can turn into a kitskara, a cryptid, and that her sister Maggie with her ever color changing eyes has the gene, too. When their mother disappears, the sister leave with their friend Rye in his father's food truck to see if they can find her and learn many things along the way, about themselves, Rye, and the cryptids. The depression the mother suffers and how it affects her family is palpable and leads to the road trip full of discoveries none of them were ready for. Haven, Maggie, and Rye, along with the side characters, are layered, complex, and show how their parents choices change and disrupt their lives. Wonderful book for dinosaur and cryptid lovers.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a unique plot and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it! Haven’s family lives in LaVerne, Texas, a small town on the Brazos. Middle-schooler Haven loves paleontology, specifically cryptozoology, and her peacock, Harry. After her grandparents die in a car crash, Haven & her older sister, Margie, feel like they are losing their mother, who is sinking deeper into depression every day. After their mom disappears one night, Haven is determined to find her. But Haven discovers something about her & her mom. They are cryptids, half human/half kitskara, a paleo-era fish and Haven is convinced it’s the reason their mom is missing. Haven, Margie, and their new neighbor, Rye, go on a trip to their grandparents bungalow along the Texas coast in search of the girls’ beloved mom and discover more about each other and themselves then they expected.

I struggled to get into the book, but once I did, I enjoyed it. It’s a far-stretch and not my usual type of book. I can’t see my high schoolers loving it, but maybe middle schoolers would enjoy it and Haven’s adventures.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fantasy premise of the book and the friendship w Rye. Towards the middle it got pretty heavy handed w the “accepting and celebrating differences” angle, and adding the sister coming out kind of felt like it was added later to make it more socially relevant or something. I wish she would’ve taken more time w the father character as well. He was kind of one dimensional which was disappointing-again it felt like a side note. Also I think it’s great to have an emphasis on mental health, but again, it just felt like the author added in some speeches at the end about going to therapy, which is great and all, but she’s a fantasy creature-how does she go to therapy anyway?? I just feel like all these issues could’ve been better woven into the story. It is an entire journey about metamorphosis, so I would’ve liked to have seen it handled in a more nuanced manner in line e the story. The fantasy part was definitely cool.

Content:
Fantasy
LGBTQIA
Depression

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content notes for depression, suicidal ideation, neglect. Check the book's listing for a full content notes. This is a heartbreaking middle grade book about 11yo Haven and her teen sister coming to terms with their mother's depression and its affect on the entire family that ultimately ends on a message of hope. I think many middle grade readers will connect with the issues Haven is facing. The mythology themes and and cryptozoology transformation metaphors in this novel may help give them an entry point to explore issues that can be so difficult. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric. I felt transported to Texas and fossil fields while reading. Thank you Edelweiss and the publisher for the chance to read early.

[Maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely and unique take on the coming of age tale that is steeped in Texas folklore and magical realism. Handles family trauma and mental health with distinct and thoughtful subtlety. A must read for middle-graders particularly those who love strong female characters and a touch of fantasy (although those who love realistic fiction will also enjoy this one I think quite a bit given its thoughtful approach to so many timely topics).

[Rachel Teferet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! It is beautifully written, features well-developed characters, a sweeping road trip adventure, and captures complicated family dynamics. I cried at the end. This would be the perfect book for a young person who is searching for belonging and how to navigate a difficult family situation. Plus, it has amazing magical dinosaur trivia. It's a really fresh story. I highly recommend it!

[Beth Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginative, heartfelt tale about the quest for truth and identity. Ghostly prehistoric animals provide thrilling fantasy, and real-world details of sun-baked Texas wheat fields and rivers are vividly and pleasurably drawn. Readers are sure to enjoy Haven, the spunky, shape-shifting narrator who is the novel’s beating heart.

[Liza]

DNF, another it wasn't the book it was me. I got about 70 pages in but I just couldn't get over the lack of "logic" in the book surrounding Haven's powers that were showing up. Her sister clearly has color changing eyes(and a lot of sensory stuff). I feel like that would open that conversation more but it never did.