A Mist of Memories

by Kate Blair

A lost island wreathed in whispering mists, two mysterious incidents, and a quest for the truth.

Ajay is desperately searching for his friend and crush, Oleander, who has gone missing. All his suspicions and all his investigations come up empty, and he’s left with the fear that Oleander is dead.

But he has one she once told him of an island that no one can remember. Could this island in the mist have the answers to what happened to Oleander? And what about the girl Ajay meets who seems to know all there is to know about the island, but has lost most of her memories?

Unlocking those memories could help both teens to find the truth.

Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2023

About the author

Born on a tiny island stuck to the south coast of England, Kate Blair has worked as a museum curator, a clown and at a theme park on the Jersey Shore. She's made furniture for the Sydney Olympic Village and been a cook on a ship on the Great Barrier Reef. She now lives in Toronto and is a young adult author, a mother of two small children, and very, very tired. Her first novel. Transferral, was nominated for MYRCA, Snow Willow Award and Sunburst Awards. It was optioned for TV and translated into French. Her second novel, Tangled Planet, is out in Canada in autumn 2017, and in the US in spring 2018.

I tend to only review books I've loved - which is why my reviews are mostly 5*.

Reviews

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating mix of want, feelings of loss, friendship, and twisted intentions. Oleander cannot free herself from the guilt of her father's suicide. When this is compounded by the pain and shame inflicted by a manipulative older boyfriend, her answer is to chase rumors of an island that removes memories. However, getting there is highly challenging.
When she disappears, her friend Ajay is devastated. While she told him to stay away and forget her, that's impossible. It's a struggle, but he finds a way to remember the name of the island and attempts to take a small boat there, it's the beginning of a most unusual adventure. Read the book to discover just how unusual it is. I was so impressed that I'm planning to read at least two more of the author's books as soon as I can lay my hands on them.

[Wendy J. Whittingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing page-turner involving a missing girl, a ghost, a legend and an ancient temple with a mysterious underground room. The MC is looking for his girlfriend and his mission brings him to a forgotten island. As he searches, he encounters many challenges.
This book has boat scenes that take place in a fog that were so vivid it made me wonder if the author was speaking from experience.
A very suspenseful and spooky read, filled with twists and unexpected turns.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a M. Night Shyamalan movie, but with a more profound message.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be true crime, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how this goes. Without spoiling anything, there's definitely an interesting concept here that I had a great time with. Oleander and Ajay were both great, and this is a high but unexpected rec from me.