What do you think?
Rate this book
Archers Beach #2
Carousel Sun
A gripping contemporary fantasy thriller from master storyteller Sharon Lee, award-winning co-creator of the highly-popular Liaden Universe® saga.
When magic meets mundane, sparks fly: these are exciting times in Archers Beach, Maine! A unprecedented Early Season has united townies and carnies in an effort to expand into a twelve-month resort, recapturing the town's former glory.
Kate Archer, owner-operator of the vintage wooden carousel, is caught up in the excitement—and is quite possibly the cause of it. Because Kate leads a double life, as carny, and as Guardian of the land. Her recent return to the home she had forsaken has changed the town's luck—for the better—and energized the trenvay—earth and water spirits who are as much citizens of the Beach as their mundane counterparts.
But the town's new energy isn't the only change afoot. Joe Nemeier, the local drug lord, whose previous magical consultant was vanquished by Kate, has acquired a new ally—and this one plays with fire.
About Carousel Tides:
“[A] pyrotechnic finale that plays out magically behind the ordinary facade of smalltown Maine life, evoking much of the romance and magic of [Lee’s] popular Liaden series.” –Publishers Weekly
"[A] virtuoso ride, full of the spirit of the carnival, aware of the thinness of the veil between the worlds. . .a rollicking tale full of non-stop action. . .and yet there's also a quiet at its heart, because there really is this magic in everything and Sharon Lee knows how to spin it."–SFsite
On Sharon Lee & Steve Miller’s Liaden Universe Space Opera Epic:
“Lee and Miller’s novels are full of action, exotic characters, plenty of plot, and even a touch of romance. The world building is outstanding.” –Booklist
When magic meets mundane, sparks fly: these are exciting times in Archers Beach, Maine! A unprecedented Early Season has united townies and carnies in an effort to expand into a twelve-month resort, recapturing the town's former glory.
Kate Archer, owner-operator of the vintage wooden carousel, is caught up in the excitement—and is quite possibly the cause of it. Because Kate leads a double life, as carny, and as Guardian of the land. Her recent return to the home she had forsaken has changed the town's luck—for the better—and energized the trenvay—earth and water spirits who are as much citizens of the Beach as their mundane counterparts.
But the town's new energy isn't the only change afoot. Joe Nemeier, the local drug lord, whose previous magical consultant was vanquished by Kate, has acquired a new ally—and this one plays with fire.
About Carousel Tides:
“[A] pyrotechnic finale that plays out magically behind the ordinary facade of smalltown Maine life, evoking much of the romance and magic of [Lee’s] popular Liaden series.” –Publishers Weekly
"[A] virtuoso ride, full of the spirit of the carnival, aware of the thinness of the veil between the worlds. . .a rollicking tale full of non-stop action. . .and yet there's also a quiet at its heart, because there really is this magic in everything and Sharon Lee knows how to spin it."–SFsite
On Sharon Lee & Steve Miller’s Liaden Universe Space Opera Epic:
“Lee and Miller’s novels are full of action, exotic characters, plenty of plot, and even a touch of romance. The world building is outstanding.” –Booklist
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2014
11 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
166 books789 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 19, 2014
3/5; 3 stars; B
I want to go to Archer's Beach! Sharon Lee does an awesome job of drawing a community that is both intriguing and inviting. A large portion of Carousel Sun is devoted to 'doing life' in Archer's Beach.
Magic, magical creatures and the intersection of magical worlds all exist in this bustling Maine community so 'doing life' is far from mundane. I enjoyed the sense of being there alongside Kate, Borgan, Mr. Ignat, Anna, Peggy, and the various Trenvay.
Much of Carousel Sun involves watching Kate develop in her role as Guardian of the Land and learn some skills in handling the magic she is filled with.
Although there are some developments with Joe Nemeier and the drug runners as well as some pretty interesting action with the Carousel, I never had the sense that there was a compelling plot line that was pulling the story forward. This book was mostly about world building and fleshing out the characters in Archer's Beach. I ended this book with a very strong impression of being poised for something big and exciting coming to town.
A couple of minor quibbles I had; as with the first book, each chapter is headed with a listing of the tidal info for that day. I found it really distracting because in most cases there was no obvious tie to what was going to transpire in the coming chapter. However, the information was there so I couldn't help but read it and try to suss out its meaning - EVERY time.
The other quibble I had was that after reading this book and book 1, I feel a bit shortchanged with respect to character development for both Kate and Borgan. There are hints in the story about their pasts and their otherworldly origins and training but its sketchy.
All that being said, I am looking forward to the next book in this series because I really like the characters and their world.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Baen books for the opportunity to read and review this book before publication.
I want to go to Archer's Beach! Sharon Lee does an awesome job of drawing a community that is both intriguing and inviting. A large portion of Carousel Sun is devoted to 'doing life' in Archer's Beach.
Magic, magical creatures and the intersection of magical worlds all exist in this bustling Maine community so 'doing life' is far from mundane. I enjoyed the sense of being there alongside Kate, Borgan, Mr. Ignat, Anna, Peggy, and the various Trenvay.
Much of Carousel Sun involves watching Kate develop in her role as Guardian of the Land and learn some skills in handling the magic she is filled with.
Although there are some developments with Joe Nemeier and the drug runners as well as some pretty interesting action with the Carousel, I never had the sense that there was a compelling plot line that was pulling the story forward. This book was mostly about world building and fleshing out the characters in Archer's Beach. I ended this book with a very strong impression of being poised for something big and exciting coming to town.
A couple of minor quibbles I had; as with the first book, each chapter is headed with a listing of the tidal info for that day. I found it really distracting because in most cases there was no obvious tie to what was going to transpire in the coming chapter. However, the information was there so I couldn't help but read it and try to suss out its meaning - EVERY time.
The other quibble I had was that after reading this book and book 1, I feel a bit shortchanged with respect to character development for both Kate and Borgan. There are hints in the story about their pasts and their otherworldly origins and training but its sketchy.
All that being said, I am looking forward to the next book in this series because I really like the characters and their world.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Baen books for the opportunity to read and review this book before publication.
January 22, 2014
Kate Archer is the Guardian of the land in Archers Beach, Maine. She has a magical connection to the land and is charged with protecting it as well as dealing with the magical beings around Archers Beach and keeping them in line. On top of that the fortunes of her small resort town rest on the good luck she brings, and with the tourist season just beginning things are starting to look up. That is until the local drug dealer enlists the help of a fire elemental in his game of cat and mouse with the law.
I struggled with this book, and there are a few reasons why. First and foremost this is book two in a series, and I haven't read book one. So much of what was happening, so many of the characters just flew straight over my head and I'm reasonably sure that if I had read book one that wouldn't have been the case.
The book is set in Maine and a lot of the dialogue is in that New England brogue which was a bit of a struggle for this Australian.
Finally the book is incredibly dense. There really is a lot going on and a good deal of it doesn't relate to the central story. Honestly it's not easy to pinpoint what the central story is. I guess going by the synopsis it's Kate's battle of wills with Joe Nemeier the town's drug dealer, but he doesn't figure all that prominently in the book and actually only appears once.
So, it was a difficult book for me but also a book I found oddly interesting. Just one caveat, if this book sounds like something you'd like, read the book one first.
Many thanks to Baen Books and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
I struggled with this book, and there are a few reasons why. First and foremost this is book two in a series, and I haven't read book one. So much of what was happening, so many of the characters just flew straight over my head and I'm reasonably sure that if I had read book one that wouldn't have been the case.
The book is set in Maine and a lot of the dialogue is in that New England brogue which was a bit of a struggle for this Australian.
Finally the book is incredibly dense. There really is a lot going on and a good deal of it doesn't relate to the central story. Honestly it's not easy to pinpoint what the central story is. I guess going by the synopsis it's Kate's battle of wills with Joe Nemeier the town's drug dealer, but he doesn't figure all that prominently in the book and actually only appears once.
So, it was a difficult book for me but also a book I found oddly interesting. Just one caveat, if this book sounds like something you'd like, read the book one first.
Many thanks to Baen Books and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
February 5, 2014
I recieved this Arc from Netgalley and this is my honest review
We once again return to Archers Beach where Kate is dealing with her new responsibility as a Guardian for Archers Beach and worrying about the recovery her mother and grandmothers health after their ordeals in "Carousel Tides"
Kate is also concerned that she has not seen trenvay Borgan since he returned to the sea to heal himself.Is it true what the mystery woman she encounters on his ship tells that hes keeping away from her and blaming her for his injuries?
She hopes its not the case. She just want to see him again.
Luckily she is distracted by the fact she still has to deal with the matter of finding a replacement for the little batwinged horse wich officially "vanished" from the carousel at the end of "Carousel tides"
Out of options she is forced to accept a substitue in form of a rooster that makes her cringe because it looks so out of place among the other carousel creatures. But there is something else about it too something she cant quite put her finger on.
We also get to see the return of bad guy Joe Neiemeier who still is up to no good and after the events of the last book he hasnt particulary good feelings about.
As opposed to the first book in the series I didnt really feel there was a final villain that had to be defeated instead this book dealt more with the aftermaths of the event in that one. There are antagonists but Carousel sun has a lot of side plots that weave together and most of them get a resolution.
But some others I cant help but wonder if they will appear in the third book (if there is one)
There is also romance as Kate and Borgans relationship progress in this book. Shes still a bit wary from her bad memories but he is being the cool dependable guy she needs.
As he tells her The land and the sea does belong together. And I can only agree to this. :)
I liked this book almost as much as "Carousel Tides" but something that I found quite boring in this book though was a side plotline where some inhabitants of Archers Beach wants to extend the Season. When we returned to this throughout buisness talk wich ocassionally felt like the author was writing a a theme into her book for supporting the economy and small buisnesses. And of course thats a good thing but not really what I want to read about.
The descriptions of Kate running her carousel and interacting with her fellow fair ground people are ok with me. They add atmosphere to the setting and is a welcome break from the otherwordly aspects of the world in wich Kate lives and the more mundane everyday one.
It didnt really help progress or add much the plot.
So my final thoughts on this book is that its a good sequel to the previous book and it ties up a lot of threads from "Carousel Tides" if you liked that one you will also like this one.
PS why does Borgan always look like a white guy on the cover as the impression Ive gotten from his description in the book indicates that he has a native american apperance? At least I assume its supposed to be him.
We once again return to Archers Beach where Kate is dealing with her new responsibility as a Guardian for Archers Beach and worrying about the recovery her mother and grandmothers health after their ordeals in "Carousel Tides"
Kate is also concerned that she has not seen trenvay Borgan since he returned to the sea to heal himself.Is it true what the mystery woman she encounters on his ship tells that hes keeping away from her and blaming her for his injuries?
She hopes its not the case. She just want to see him again.
Luckily she is distracted by the fact she still has to deal with the matter of finding a replacement for the little batwinged horse wich officially "vanished" from the carousel at the end of "Carousel tides"
Out of options she is forced to accept a substitue in form of a rooster that makes her cringe because it looks so out of place among the other carousel creatures. But there is something else about it too something she cant quite put her finger on.
We also get to see the return of bad guy Joe Neiemeier who still is up to no good and after the events of the last book he hasnt particulary good feelings about.
As opposed to the first book in the series I didnt really feel there was a final villain that had to be defeated instead this book dealt more with the aftermaths of the event in that one. There are antagonists but Carousel sun has a lot of side plots that weave together and most of them get a resolution.
But some others I cant help but wonder if they will appear in the third book (if there is one)
There is also romance as Kate and Borgans relationship progress in this book. Shes still a bit wary from her bad memories but he is being the cool dependable guy she needs.
As he tells her The land and the sea does belong together. And I can only agree to this. :)
I liked this book almost as much as "Carousel Tides" but something that I found quite boring in this book though was a side plotline where some inhabitants of Archers Beach wants to extend the Season. When we returned to this throughout buisness talk wich ocassionally felt like the author was writing a a theme into her book for supporting the economy and small buisnesses. And of course thats a good thing but not really what I want to read about.
The descriptions of Kate running her carousel and interacting with her fellow fair ground people are ok with me. They add atmosphere to the setting and is a welcome break from the otherwordly aspects of the world in wich Kate lives and the more mundane everyday one.
It didnt really help progress or add much the plot.
So my final thoughts on this book is that its a good sequel to the previous book and it ties up a lot of threads from "Carousel Tides" if you liked that one you will also like this one.
PS why does Borgan always look like a white guy on the cover as the impression Ive gotten from his description in the book indicates that he has a native american apperance? At least I assume its supposed to be him.
December 1, 2013
After the excitement of the first book, Kate's starting to settle into her role as Guardian, mentally and physically getting a feel for her power and even taking lessons, but now she's conscious of her role and beginning to settle back into her small Maine coastal community, she's discovering more than she wanted.
As with Carousel Tides, Sharon Lee expertly captures the feel of a tourist-bound summer town, with small town issues, the delicate balance between townies and tourists and those who go Away, creating a community so real you half-expect to join it when you walk out your door. Highly recommended for people who like a touch of magic in our world.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As with Carousel Tides, Sharon Lee expertly captures the feel of a tourist-bound summer town, with small town issues, the delicate balance between townies and tourists and those who go Away, creating a community so real you half-expect to join it when you walk out your door. Highly recommended for people who like a touch of magic in our world.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2022
An excellent novel, in a sublime series.
June 14, 2014
I love this series!
November 27, 2013
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2013/11/27...
Publisher: Baen
Publishing Date: January 2014
ISBN: 9781476736235
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.2/5.0
Publisher Description: Kate Archer, owner-operator of the vintage wooden carousel, is caught up in the excitement—and is quite possibly the cause of it. Because Kate leads a double life, as carny, and as Guardian of the land. Her recent return to the home she had forsaken has changed the town’s luck—for the better—and energized the trenvay—earth and water spirits who are as much citizens of the Beach as their mundane counterparts.
But the town’s new energy isn’t the only change afoot. Joe Nemeier, the local drug lord, whose previous magical consultant was vanquished by Kate, has acquired a new ally—and this one plays with fire.
Review: Hmmm. Quandary time. Great writer, superb prose, great character development………..that should all add up to a very riveting novel. It just doesn’t and here is why. Pages and pages of diatribe on carousels, theme park business management, history, and overly descriptive scene development. The author does a really great job of rendering this particular world but not really needed IMHO. It just drags the whole story-line down. I just don’t think readers are really interested in how an amusement park works (hiring practices, ride maintenance, technicians, hiring’s etc.) and the subsequent characters that work there if they are not relevant to the story. Nor are readers interested in town meetings that discuss topics not relevant to the premise of the novel (ex. Guardian Kate vs. X). The cover art is really juvenile. Kate looks like a pubescent albino with narcolepsy. The rooster referent I get but not really the best idea to put it on the cover. And who the f*ck is that dude behind her? David Copperfield jr.?
When the action unfolds, it is very apparent that the author has a great sense of developing creative action with regard to magic use. It is just so sporadic throughout the novel, that you almost yearn for it to appear amidst the pages of filler. There is so much non-relevant filler that the first 40% of the novel is Kate wandering the town involved in the carousel, pining for Borgan, yacking about her Gran and Mom, and going to meetings. When she conducts spell development training with Belignatious, you are instantly involved and riveted. Then all of a sudden, it’s over. Ho Hum, back into town she goes to yap about inconsequential events.
This novel leaves you perplexed in that when the story draws you in, it all of a sudden drops your interest as the character just moves on without regard to what just occurred. The author does not take you anywhere past what concerns her,..the town and its inner-workings. For example, Kate gets a huge dose of magic and Borgan is there to help her out. He walks her out to the ocean and soon they are back on the beach headed to her house. Huh? Why not forary a bit into the Sea King’s world and throw in a couple of Ronsitbles for good measure. Mix it up with a lot of magic and magical creatures and minimize the townie shtick. This novel just gets real boring, real fast. Creative development and story-line were so poorly done that what could have been a 4 or 5 star review, plummeted quickly to 3 stars and only because the author is a really good writer. If you read the first novel you mays as well get the second with no harm done. If you’re new to this series I recommend that you skip it.
Publisher: Baen
Publishing Date: January 2014
ISBN: 9781476736235
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.2/5.0
Publisher Description: Kate Archer, owner-operator of the vintage wooden carousel, is caught up in the excitement—and is quite possibly the cause of it. Because Kate leads a double life, as carny, and as Guardian of the land. Her recent return to the home she had forsaken has changed the town’s luck—for the better—and energized the trenvay—earth and water spirits who are as much citizens of the Beach as their mundane counterparts.
But the town’s new energy isn’t the only change afoot. Joe Nemeier, the local drug lord, whose previous magical consultant was vanquished by Kate, has acquired a new ally—and this one plays with fire.
Review: Hmmm. Quandary time. Great writer, superb prose, great character development………..that should all add up to a very riveting novel. It just doesn’t and here is why. Pages and pages of diatribe on carousels, theme park business management, history, and overly descriptive scene development. The author does a really great job of rendering this particular world but not really needed IMHO. It just drags the whole story-line down. I just don’t think readers are really interested in how an amusement park works (hiring practices, ride maintenance, technicians, hiring’s etc.) and the subsequent characters that work there if they are not relevant to the story. Nor are readers interested in town meetings that discuss topics not relevant to the premise of the novel (ex. Guardian Kate vs. X). The cover art is really juvenile. Kate looks like a pubescent albino with narcolepsy. The rooster referent I get but not really the best idea to put it on the cover. And who the f*ck is that dude behind her? David Copperfield jr.?
When the action unfolds, it is very apparent that the author has a great sense of developing creative action with regard to magic use. It is just so sporadic throughout the novel, that you almost yearn for it to appear amidst the pages of filler. There is so much non-relevant filler that the first 40% of the novel is Kate wandering the town involved in the carousel, pining for Borgan, yacking about her Gran and Mom, and going to meetings. When she conducts spell development training with Belignatious, you are instantly involved and riveted. Then all of a sudden, it’s over. Ho Hum, back into town she goes to yap about inconsequential events.
This novel leaves you perplexed in that when the story draws you in, it all of a sudden drops your interest as the character just moves on without regard to what just occurred. The author does not take you anywhere past what concerns her,..the town and its inner-workings. For example, Kate gets a huge dose of magic and Borgan is there to help her out. He walks her out to the ocean and soon they are back on the beach headed to her house. Huh? Why not forary a bit into the Sea King’s world and throw in a couple of Ronsitbles for good measure. Mix it up with a lot of magic and magical creatures and minimize the townie shtick. This novel just gets real boring, real fast. Creative development and story-line were so poorly done that what could have been a 4 or 5 star review, plummeted quickly to 3 stars and only because the author is a really good writer. If you read the first novel you mays as well get the second with no harm done. If you’re new to this series I recommend that you skip it.
February 4, 2014
...the Tides continue to flow and fascinate!
Welcome to Archers Beach, Maine. A small struggling tourist town with an amusement park featuring amongst other delights, an old fashioned wooden Carousel with a menagerie of fantasy animals that used to include a Batwing Horse. But that's another story.
Archers Beach is place where Silkies, Guardians, dryads, sea witches, supernatural beings that use jikinap (magic), and various otherworldly creatures can be found, if you know about them, if you can see them. A place where Mid Summer's Eve is an amazing celebration that is vigorous and true, for those in the know.
Kate Archer is a trenvay and temporary Guardian of the Land, whilst her grandmother the Guardian and a dryad, recovers from a daring rescue of her daughter Nessa, also Kate's mother, from another place, the Land of Flowers.
Six worlds of the cosmology are bound together. Our world is the most unpredictable.
Actually the Carousel is a prison, with a wild gate near it. The wooden animals are renegade Ozali, powerful magicians whose exploits have caught the attention of the Wise, the final arbitrators and dispensers of justice across the six worlds. Judgement by the Wise is never predictable, sensical or logical. The Ozali have been bound by the Wise, imprisoned as the wooden fantasy animals of the Carousel.
Kate, had repudiated her bond with the land and is now working to strengthen it, taking on more responsibilities and training to control her jikinap, her magic, with her grandmother's elderly beau and magic worker, Mr. Ignat', in reality Fire Ozali Belignatious, from Land of Flowers. Jikinap is a 'metaphysical substance that can be sold, stolen, earned, given away or accepted as a gift. In a dual between Ozali...the winner absorbs the loser's power.' jikinap is greedy in its desire for more. It's a gift to be wary of, a gift that needs control.
Kate has not seem Borgan, also a trenvay and Guardian of the Gulf of Maine, whom she is mightily attracted to since he helped her dispose of an evil Ozali from the Land of Flowers.
Borgan disappeared into the sea to regain his strength but seems to Kate to have been gone too long.
Archers Beach is still being troubled by the drug smuggler, Joe Nemeier. Kate has had clashes with him before and these continue.
Brogan and Kate are opposites. Kate is Guardian of the land and Borgan, Guardian of the Sea around the Gulf. Still opposites attract. After all the line between sea and land diminishes ever so slowly. The ebb and flow is all around. Where does one end and one begin? Love has it's own dance.
A NetGalley ARC
Welcome to Archers Beach, Maine. A small struggling tourist town with an amusement park featuring amongst other delights, an old fashioned wooden Carousel with a menagerie of fantasy animals that used to include a Batwing Horse. But that's another story.
Archers Beach is place where Silkies, Guardians, dryads, sea witches, supernatural beings that use jikinap (magic), and various otherworldly creatures can be found, if you know about them, if you can see them. A place where Mid Summer's Eve is an amazing celebration that is vigorous and true, for those in the know.
Kate Archer is a trenvay and temporary Guardian of the Land, whilst her grandmother the Guardian and a dryad, recovers from a daring rescue of her daughter Nessa, also Kate's mother, from another place, the Land of Flowers.
Six worlds of the cosmology are bound together. Our world is the most unpredictable.
Actually the Carousel is a prison, with a wild gate near it. The wooden animals are renegade Ozali, powerful magicians whose exploits have caught the attention of the Wise, the final arbitrators and dispensers of justice across the six worlds. Judgement by the Wise is never predictable, sensical or logical. The Ozali have been bound by the Wise, imprisoned as the wooden fantasy animals of the Carousel.
Kate, had repudiated her bond with the land and is now working to strengthen it, taking on more responsibilities and training to control her jikinap, her magic, with her grandmother's elderly beau and magic worker, Mr. Ignat', in reality Fire Ozali Belignatious, from Land of Flowers. Jikinap is a 'metaphysical substance that can be sold, stolen, earned, given away or accepted as a gift. In a dual between Ozali...the winner absorbs the loser's power.' jikinap is greedy in its desire for more. It's a gift to be wary of, a gift that needs control.
Kate has not seem Borgan, also a trenvay and Guardian of the Gulf of Maine, whom she is mightily attracted to since he helped her dispose of an evil Ozali from the Land of Flowers.
Borgan disappeared into the sea to regain his strength but seems to Kate to have been gone too long.
Archers Beach is still being troubled by the drug smuggler, Joe Nemeier. Kate has had clashes with him before and these continue.
Brogan and Kate are opposites. Kate is Guardian of the land and Borgan, Guardian of the Sea around the Gulf. Still opposites attract. After all the line between sea and land diminishes ever so slowly. The ebb and flow is all around. Where does one end and one begin? Love has it's own dance.
A NetGalley ARC
April 21, 2021
Kate Archer is back home in Archer's Beach, Maine, and running the family carousel. She is also the guardian of the land and the carousel acts as a prison for beings sent there by the Wise. As a guardian of the land her presence can lead to prosperity for the area. In fact, those others who are involved in the local amusement park are eager to expand their season from twelve weeks to year round. Kate gets involved some committee work to encourage that to happen.
Of course, she is also still trying to defeat the local drug lord Joe Nemeier who hasn't hesitated to import wizards from elsewhere in the Six Worlds to help him succeed in his enterprises. Kate temporarily defeated him in the first book in this series but the problem of Joe and his henchmen still weighs on Kate. He wants to take over the forest that is the safe place for her grandmother and mother who need the land for survival and healing.
Kate is also dealing with her relationship with Borgan who is the guardian of the sea around Archer's Beach. He was hurt at the end of the first book but Kate manages to rescue him from those who hoped to take over for him while he was weak. They spend a lot of this story figuring out what their new relationship was going to be.
I loved the way Lee wove the world we know with a fantasy world filled with magic and magical characters. I also loved the language of this story and Kate's very Maine-ish powers of understatement. Kate is a very engaging main character. Elisabeth Rodgers is an excellent narrator who brings the characters to life.
I recommend this story for lovers of contemporary fantasy. You won't want to miss the first book in this series - Carousel Tides - either.
Of course, she is also still trying to defeat the local drug lord Joe Nemeier who hasn't hesitated to import wizards from elsewhere in the Six Worlds to help him succeed in his enterprises. Kate temporarily defeated him in the first book in this series but the problem of Joe and his henchmen still weighs on Kate. He wants to take over the forest that is the safe place for her grandmother and mother who need the land for survival and healing.
Kate is also dealing with her relationship with Borgan who is the guardian of the sea around Archer's Beach. He was hurt at the end of the first book but Kate manages to rescue him from those who hoped to take over for him while he was weak. They spend a lot of this story figuring out what their new relationship was going to be.
I loved the way Lee wove the world we know with a fantasy world filled with magic and magical characters. I also loved the language of this story and Kate's very Maine-ish powers of understatement. Kate is a very engaging main character. Elisabeth Rodgers is an excellent narrator who brings the characters to life.
I recommend this story for lovers of contemporary fantasy. You won't want to miss the first book in this series - Carousel Tides - either.
June 13, 2014
Another immensely satisfying book. I don't whether it's the setting, for which I have a number of templates in my head from years ago, or whether it's just Sharon Lee's artistry as a story-teller, but whatever it is, both the reality of the place and the existence of magic seem totally at home with each other.
In this volume, Kate is settling into her role as Guardian and is also keeping a careful eye on the evil Joe, the drug smuggler and on her handsome counterpart, Borgan, Guardian of the sea. We meet lots of new characters and get into town life without that irritating false "folksy" element that sometimes spoils stories about American small towns. Crooked business, violent action, magic good, bad and indifferent, passion and friendship all combine to make this a fun story to read. I am looking forward to the next volume.
In this volume, Kate is settling into her role as Guardian and is also keeping a careful eye on the evil Joe, the drug smuggler and on her handsome counterpart, Borgan, Guardian of the sea. We meet lots of new characters and get into town life without that irritating false "folksy" element that sometimes spoils stories about American small towns. Crooked business, violent action, magic good, bad and indifferent, passion and friendship all combine to make this a fun story to read. I am looking forward to the next volume.
November 29, 2013
I couldn't wait so I bought the e-Arc. :)
Takes up about 8 weeks after the end of the first book, giving a status update of where we are now & what is needed to move forward.
The story is primarily focused on our Guardian taking up her duties - now that she has accepted that she ISN'T bad blood & won't taint the land. It's interesting to see the town & the residents (normal & not) fleshed out more.
The book ends with a startling change in circumstances -- cannot wait to see where they go with book 3!
Takes up about 8 weeks after the end of the first book, giving a status update of where we are now & what is needed to move forward.
The story is primarily focused on our Guardian taking up her duties - now that she has accepted that she ISN'T bad blood & won't taint the land. It's interesting to see the town & the residents (normal & not) fleshed out more.
The book ends with a startling change in circumstances -- cannot wait to see where they go with book 3!
March 5, 2024
I enjoy (present tense is correct; I continually re-read :-) ) this series. I like the protagonist, the mildly* modified Old Orchard Beach setting, the supporting characters, their interactions. I look forward to the next (Carousel Seas, due early 2015) with mixed feelings - I want to read the book, but then there are no more scheduled! :-(
November 19, 2017
read the e-arc which is available from Baen. great sequel probably better than the first.
June 10, 2019
Another winner, will read again.
October 17, 2021
I did book 2 on audio and was skeptical about the Maine accent the narrator was doing, but what do I know? I’ve never been there, and one of the reviews I read said it was good. At 1.5 speed, I got used to it. (Aside: I recently read an article— https://bookriot.com/slow-down-your-a... —arguing for the benefits of listening to audiobooks at speed. It was a good argument, but I don’t know if I can bring myself to do it).
I sure like the setting for this trilogy. The close-knit community of folk who run the tourist attractions, both magical and fully human, are warm, interesting characters, and their whole vibe makes me wish I were one of them. This is a community that scoops people up, helps them out, and brings them into the fold. I like it quite a bit.
So the fact that not a whole heck of a lot happened for the first half of the book didn’t affect my rating too much, and it didn’t make me quit the book, because I liked hanging out with this group and learning more about them. I could have done with fewer meetings and fewer reports of sunrise, sunset, and high tide, which are the only quibbles I’ll mention.
The action ramped up once Borgan was back, and I’m not ashamed to say the romance perked things up for me quite a bit. I’m on board for the next, which completes the trilogy.
I sure like the setting for this trilogy. The close-knit community of folk who run the tourist attractions, both magical and fully human, are warm, interesting characters, and their whole vibe makes me wish I were one of them. This is a community that scoops people up, helps them out, and brings them into the fold. I like it quite a bit.
So the fact that not a whole heck of a lot happened for the first half of the book didn’t affect my rating too much, and it didn’t make me quit the book, because I liked hanging out with this group and learning more about them. I could have done with fewer meetings and fewer reports of sunrise, sunset, and high tide, which are the only quibbles I’ll mention.
The action ramped up once Borgan was back, and I’m not ashamed to say the romance perked things up for me quite a bit. I’m on board for the next, which completes the trilogy.
May 26, 2025
"Carousel Sun" is the second book in the Archers Beach fantasy series: contemporary fantasy set in coastal Maine with supernatural creatures including earth and water spirits. I believe I enjoyed it just as much as book one, i.e. very much. The plot was less personally sharp-edged for the main character -- Kate, the Guardian of the Land -- than book one, but that was welcome, as I am not in the mood for anything very dark.
On the other hand, I was disappointed that Borgan -- Kate's counterpart, the Guardian of the Sea -- didn't appear until a little over a third of the way through the book. That's the trouble with making readers fond of characters: they will want them to return!
Four out of five rooster stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
On the other hand, I was disappointed that Borgan -- Kate's counterpart, the Guardian of the Sea -- didn't appear until a little over a third of the way through the book. That's the trouble with making readers fond of characters: they will want them to return!
Four out of five rooster stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
August 25, 2017
Well done, Master Wordsmith!
Tastefully moderated against a narrow, yet effective plot line. Achieving her fullest use of characters, not putting anything in the way, likewise a distinct, broad stroking of her brush to enliven her theme. Come aboard all you who wish to sail the bright sea, worship at her her feet when you return!
C
Tastefully moderated against a narrow, yet effective plot line. Achieving her fullest use of characters, not putting anything in the way, likewise a distinct, broad stroking of her brush to enliven her theme. Come aboard all you who wish to sail the bright sea, worship at her her feet when you return!
C
July 16, 2017
Very enjoyable reading
I didn't expect to enjoy this writer so much. This book has magic like few others. One reason I liked this read so much is it's not like most other books with magic users. I highly recommend
The whole series.
I didn't expect to enjoy this writer so much. This book has magic like few others. One reason I liked this read so much is it's not like most other books with magic users. I highly recommend
The whole series.
August 22, 2018
Book 2 in the Carousel/Archers Beach series. Guardian of the Land Kate and Borgan grow closer. Drug dealer Joe Nemeier is still at it with yet another imported enforcer and the old carousel still holds secrets.
Fans of Charles de Lint ought to be delighted with this series. I know I am!
Fans of Charles de Lint ought to be delighted with this series. I know I am!
January 6, 2021
I really enjoy Lee's work. I haven't read anything she's authored / co-authored that I haven't devoured with great pleasure. Only one more in this series, but I still have plenty of Laiden stories to enjoy.
March 24, 2024
Such a great second book
In really enjoying rereading this series! Urban fantasy, strong female main character. Cool premise and characters, kick butt adventures and snark!
In really enjoying rereading this series! Urban fantasy, strong female main character. Cool premise and characters, kick butt adventures and snark!
September 27, 2024
(Again with the wtf cover.) Weirdly readable, even with a climax that was oddly unclimactic. And it answered a question I had about a situation in Carousel Tides.
July 31, 2014
I picked up Carousel Tides (Archers Beach #1) in preparation for reading this second installment to the series. I really enjoyed that first book and looked forward to the continuation of the story in Carousel Sun. I like being able to go right on to the next book without having to wait. As I got into Carousel Sun, I wasn’t sure I was reading the same series. The first book had a sense of constant motion and mystery. This second book meandered along at a leisurely pace. I grew impatient waiting for this story to develop into something. I really wasn’t sure that any particular plot would develop until around the 80% mark.
As a result, I couldn’t help but feel that the narrative followed the wrong story down the rabbit hole. So many interesting things kept happening off-page. Joe Nemeier is the Big Bad, but we don’t get to know him at all. He’s an off-page spectre that occasionally sends his goons into town to rough-up the townsfolk. The “authorities” are after Joe Nemeier, but the narrative only refers to the action through newspaper headlines that the main characters are never involved with. As for the “new ally” that Joe hooks up with, she doesn’t do anything and her tie-in to the overall story feels loose. As a result, there is no tension, no drama, no mystery and no action having to do with Joe at all–which makes the blurb copy rather misleading. Joe’s storyline gets wrapped up without ever involving the reader in the actual details, nor does it seem to have much point to the story itself. As for the story’s actual climax, it fell flat due to the lack of any build-up surrounding that particular plot point. It just seemed so random–although it definitely enlivened the story. But it didn’t develop until the last 20% of the story, and it seemed yet another example of a book that didn’t quite know what its story was actually supposed to be.
Also, the storyline of Kate’s grandmother and mother, which took a backseat in the first book, never developed into anything in this story either. Considering what Kate’s grandmother achieved in book one (again, all of it happening off-page) and the dramatic way in which she entered the story at the end of the first book, I just thought there’d be some tie-in to their story in book two. Instead, they continued to play a very passive and mostly off-page role in Carousel Sun with neither of their characters being developed.
You might think all that meant I didn’t enjoy the second book, which isn’t entirely accurate. I did, in the end, settle in and just let the book be what it was without expectation. This installment is more of a slice-of-life story where Kate settles into town life and her role as Guardian of the Land, caretaker of the carousel, and Gatekeeper. We are presented primarily with scenes of Kate moving about her day and completing her duties. As with the first book, I continued to appreciate Lee’s fluid writing style and cadence–although these elements felt stronger in the first book. The worldbuilding is great and the town of Archers Beach is a rich environment to develop interesting characters and relationships. I liked the connection to the land that the trenvay maintained and how the state of the land was directly tied to the health of the trenvay and vice versa.
Kate and Borgan are...
Read the complete review at The Book Pushers: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/07/31/...
As a result, I couldn’t help but feel that the narrative followed the wrong story down the rabbit hole. So many interesting things kept happening off-page. Joe Nemeier is the Big Bad, but we don’t get to know him at all. He’s an off-page spectre that occasionally sends his goons into town to rough-up the townsfolk. The “authorities” are after Joe Nemeier, but the narrative only refers to the action through newspaper headlines that the main characters are never involved with. As for the “new ally” that Joe hooks up with, she doesn’t do anything and her tie-in to the overall story feels loose. As a result, there is no tension, no drama, no mystery and no action having to do with Joe at all–which makes the blurb copy rather misleading. Joe’s storyline gets wrapped up without ever involving the reader in the actual details, nor does it seem to have much point to the story itself. As for the story’s actual climax, it fell flat due to the lack of any build-up surrounding that particular plot point. It just seemed so random–although it definitely enlivened the story. But it didn’t develop until the last 20% of the story, and it seemed yet another example of a book that didn’t quite know what its story was actually supposed to be.
Also, the storyline of Kate’s grandmother and mother, which took a backseat in the first book, never developed into anything in this story either. Considering what Kate’s grandmother achieved in book one (again, all of it happening off-page) and the dramatic way in which she entered the story at the end of the first book, I just thought there’d be some tie-in to their story in book two. Instead, they continued to play a very passive and mostly off-page role in Carousel Sun with neither of their characters being developed.
You might think all that meant I didn’t enjoy the second book, which isn’t entirely accurate. I did, in the end, settle in and just let the book be what it was without expectation. This installment is more of a slice-of-life story where Kate settles into town life and her role as Guardian of the Land, caretaker of the carousel, and Gatekeeper. We are presented primarily with scenes of Kate moving about her day and completing her duties. As with the first book, I continued to appreciate Lee’s fluid writing style and cadence–although these elements felt stronger in the first book. The worldbuilding is great and the town of Archers Beach is a rich environment to develop interesting characters and relationships. I liked the connection to the land that the trenvay maintained and how the state of the land was directly tied to the health of the trenvay and vice versa.
Kate and Borgan are...
Read the complete review at The Book Pushers: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/07/31/...
January 31, 2014
Carousel Sun, the sequel to Carousel Tides, dips back into Kate Archer's life as Guardian of the land in Archer's Beach, Maine. Only a little time has passed, and Kate is still growing into her power. So she's taking magic lessons with her maternal grandfather, one of the great Ozali (mages) from the Land of the Flowers (an alternate universe, where magic is power and everyone is beautiful). Her grandmother, a dryad, is weary from her expedition to save her daughter, Kate's mother. Borgan, Guardian of the Gulf of Maine near Archer's Beach, is recovering from a grave wound he got in the last battle in Carousel Tides. A man named Joe Nemeier is the baddie - he's the local drug lord causing disturbances in Archer's Beach. Throughout, the land grows more lively, and the people of the carnival where Kate owns the carousel scheme to take advantage of an extended tourism season and the resulting prosperity.
Where this book excels is in its level of mundane, but interesting, detail. Where it drags is its details of mundane life. (See what I did there?) Seriously though, I have never enjoyed reading about everyday life as much as I did in this book. The carnival politics were almost as interesting as the magical happenings. On the other hand, every part of the book that covered carnival politics and daily doings of the main characters meant less coverage of the really interesting stuff, that is, the magic, the conflict, the romance.
Kate is a great character, strong-willed, determined, diplomatic, and at times vulnerable. Her bungled attempts at magic leave her with headaches and sometimes worse, along with chiding from Borgan and her grandfather, both experienced magic users. I enjoyed that she makes mistakes, learns from them, asks for help, moves on.
The romance between Borgan and Kate develops slowly, with Borgan giving Kate as much room as she needs, and sometimes more. When they have misunderstandings, they resolve them with maturity.
Magic in this world is unique, in that it can be inborn, absorbed from others who give it willingly (or not - as when two Ozali battle). The first provides the receiver with magic they can use once it settles, but the latter causes severe repercussions, as Kate discovers. Even more interesting is the world building. Our world is connected by World Gates to five other universes, with various physical rules and levels and types of magic, as well as diverse political and social systems and different races (we meet an angel-like creature from one of the other worlds in this book).
Overall, I quite enjoyed this book. The characters, fey and human alike, were interesting and realistic. The world building - well, let's just say I hope to learn more about the other worlds. And the romance was sweet (one of my favorite parts). The slow pace and the mundanity of much of the plot ultimately lessened my reading experience.
See my blog post at The Book Adventures for a few similar titles.
Where this book excels is in its level of mundane, but interesting, detail. Where it drags is its details of mundane life. (See what I did there?) Seriously though, I have never enjoyed reading about everyday life as much as I did in this book. The carnival politics were almost as interesting as the magical happenings. On the other hand, every part of the book that covered carnival politics and daily doings of the main characters meant less coverage of the really interesting stuff, that is, the magic, the conflict, the romance.
Kate is a great character, strong-willed, determined, diplomatic, and at times vulnerable. Her bungled attempts at magic leave her with headaches and sometimes worse, along with chiding from Borgan and her grandfather, both experienced magic users. I enjoyed that she makes mistakes, learns from them, asks for help, moves on.
The romance between Borgan and Kate develops slowly, with Borgan giving Kate as much room as she needs, and sometimes more. When they have misunderstandings, they resolve them with maturity.
Magic in this world is unique, in that it can be inborn, absorbed from others who give it willingly (or not - as when two Ozali battle). The first provides the receiver with magic they can use once it settles, but the latter causes severe repercussions, as Kate discovers. Even more interesting is the world building. Our world is connected by World Gates to five other universes, with various physical rules and levels and types of magic, as well as diverse political and social systems and different races (we meet an angel-like creature from one of the other worlds in this book).
Overall, I quite enjoyed this book. The characters, fey and human alike, were interesting and realistic. The world building - well, let's just say I hope to learn more about the other worlds. And the romance was sweet (one of my favorite parts). The slow pace and the mundanity of much of the plot ultimately lessened my reading experience.
See my blog post at The Book Adventures for a few similar titles.
February 2, 2014
Carousel Sun is the follow up to Carousel Tides, a contemporary fantasy by Sharon Lee, one half of the husband-and-wife writing team behind the Liaden series of science fiction novels. The story begins soon after the end of the previous book. In that novel, Kate Archer returned to her hometown of Archers Beach, Maine, after her grandmother’s disappearance. There, Kate had to assume her grandmother’s role as overseer of a carousel that is more than it seems and her own role as the magical Guardian of the land and its fae inhabitants. Ultimately, Kate wound up doing battle with a local drug lord and with an enemy sorcerer from her own past.
In this book, the focus is mostly on dealing with the fallout from the events of the previous novel. There isn’t a lot of intense action, although it does pick up toward the end of the novel, when Kate again tangles with the drug ring. However, much of the plot centers on Kate’s role as proprietor of the carousel (including the development of a business organization to promote the town and its attractions) and on her attempts to figure out what is involved in being the Guardian of the land. Her romance with her love interest from the first book, Borgan, also heats up along the way.
I guess that might sound kind of boring, and it might be boring for readers who enjoy a lot of action in their books. However, as longtime readers of Sharon Lee’s works with her husband know, they generally spend a lot of time exploring all the aspects of the characters’ lives, including their more mundane activities. They have a real gift for making the seemingly everyday aspects of their characters’ lives nearly as interesting as the high points of the action. I think it’s because their characters are generally so engaging, you just can’t help being interested in them, no matter what they’re doing!
I’d recommend this novel for anyone who read and enjoyed the first novel and for fans of Sharon Lee’s other work. If you’ve never read Lee before but enjoy contemporary fantasy, I would also recommend giving this series a try. However, I would start by reading Carousel Tides first, in part because the action in the two books is so closely connected but also to get a sense of whether Lee’s storytelling style works for you.
An ARC of Carousel Sun was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, the focus is mostly on dealing with the fallout from the events of the previous novel. There isn’t a lot of intense action, although it does pick up toward the end of the novel, when Kate again tangles with the drug ring. However, much of the plot centers on Kate’s role as proprietor of the carousel (including the development of a business organization to promote the town and its attractions) and on her attempts to figure out what is involved in being the Guardian of the land. Her romance with her love interest from the first book, Borgan, also heats up along the way.
I guess that might sound kind of boring, and it might be boring for readers who enjoy a lot of action in their books. However, as longtime readers of Sharon Lee’s works with her husband know, they generally spend a lot of time exploring all the aspects of the characters’ lives, including their more mundane activities. They have a real gift for making the seemingly everyday aspects of their characters’ lives nearly as interesting as the high points of the action. I think it’s because their characters are generally so engaging, you just can’t help being interested in them, no matter what they’re doing!
I’d recommend this novel for anyone who read and enjoyed the first novel and for fans of Sharon Lee’s other work. If you’ve never read Lee before but enjoy contemporary fantasy, I would also recommend giving this series a try. However, I would start by reading Carousel Tides first, in part because the action in the two books is so closely connected but also to get a sense of whether Lee’s storytelling style works for you.
An ARC of Carousel Sun was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2013
I got this book as an advanced review copy from NetGalley. It still needs some editing work because there are spelling errors and a too many italics. I didn't read the first book so at times I felt lost and wondered if reading the first one would have helped, though based on the information given in this book I feel I still would have been lost about certain things. There is never enough background information or explanations given, particularly when it comes to how the world of the book works.
Looking past all of that though, the story was very interesting and had a way of capturing me. A lot of the book was going through Kate's everyday mundane tasks in life and yet the way the author wrote about it, I was never bored. It made Kate more down to Earth and real. She had an everyday job with everyday problems and an everyday relationship. It was almost as if her human life was more important than her magical life. It made her a very relatable character.
One issue I had with the story was the fact that Kate's roommate, a normal human, saw a lot of magic happen and yet never questioned it. That took away from suspension of disbelief. If a human saw real magic they would freak out! The fact that Peggy didn't made her reaction less real. She could still be ok with it, but she would want answers and explanations.
Not only did I enjoy the storyline, I enjoyed how the author wrote at times. Her descriptions were unique. One of my favorites was "the water was peridot and cream." That just gave me a beautiful image in my mind.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it could use some improvements.
Looking past all of that though, the story was very interesting and had a way of capturing me. A lot of the book was going through Kate's everyday mundane tasks in life and yet the way the author wrote about it, I was never bored. It made Kate more down to Earth and real. She had an everyday job with everyday problems and an everyday relationship. It was almost as if her human life was more important than her magical life. It made her a very relatable character.
One issue I had with the story was the fact that Kate's roommate, a normal human, saw a lot of magic happen and yet never questioned it. That took away from suspension of disbelief. If a human saw real magic they would freak out! The fact that Peggy didn't made her reaction less real. She could still be ok with it, but she would want answers and explanations.
Not only did I enjoy the storyline, I enjoyed how the author wrote at times. Her descriptions were unique. One of my favorites was "the water was peridot and cream." That just gave me a beautiful image in my mind.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it could use some improvements.
August 30, 2016
This book has a very different pace from the first. Kate ran around putting out fires in Carousel Tides but settles in for the long haul of living in Archer's Beach here.
The cadences of Liad echo strangely in Maine. I have decided that Sharon Lee needs a stricter editor and a thesaurus. It's distinctly odd and distracting to read phrases that I recognize from her other series coming out of these characters. Unless I am mistaken, Shan yos'Galan is the one who frequently says, "A plan. Better yet, a good one." (Perhaps it's Daav yos'Phelium? Whichever, still one of Korval.) When it comes out as dialogue from an alien culture, I think, "Huh." the first time I read it and never think twice when I see it again. But it's so unidiomatic for an American that I can't help but be distracted when I read it in a novel set in America. And people "skin" out of things and down cliffs, wear "leathers", etc. Odd word choices that are repeated several times and end up being more distracting than enriching.
I like Americana feel to a fantasy series and I love getting a taste of Kate Archer's life. But the dialogue feels stilted in many places through this book and Carousel Tides. I can appreciate that not all of the characters are humans born in "The Changing Lands" but I'm not sure the distraction that Lee's diction causes is worth the distinction of otherness that it creates.
3 stars because I liked it over all.
The cadences of Liad echo strangely in Maine. I have decided that Sharon Lee needs a stricter editor and a thesaurus. It's distinctly odd and distracting to read phrases that I recognize from her other series coming out of these characters. Unless I am mistaken, Shan yos'Galan is the one who frequently says, "A plan. Better yet, a good one." (Perhaps it's Daav yos'Phelium? Whichever, still one of Korval.) When it comes out as dialogue from an alien culture, I think, "Huh." the first time I read it and never think twice when I see it again. But it's so unidiomatic for an American that I can't help but be distracted when I read it in a novel set in America. And people "skin" out of things and down cliffs, wear "leathers", etc. Odd word choices that are repeated several times and end up being more distracting than enriching.
I like Americana feel to a fantasy series and I love getting a taste of Kate Archer's life. But the dialogue feels stilted in many places through this book and Carousel Tides. I can appreciate that not all of the characters are humans born in "The Changing Lands" but I'm not sure the distraction that Lee's diction causes is worth the distinction of otherness that it creates.
3 stars because I liked it over all.
February 6, 2015
When I finished Carousel Tides, I was certain that Kate's story was not finished, and four years later, Sharon Lee continued the fantasy. I was not even looking for Carousel Sun when I found it on the 'new releases' shelf at my library, but I was absolutely overjoyed and excited. However, I had to break my usual habit of reading the previous book again, since my library owns only one copy of Tides, and I will have too many new releases to read on Tuesday (especially Skin Game for which I am fourth on a list of more than 200).
Carousel Sun is wonderful. Archer's Beach pulled me in again with it's siren song, convincing me that a world with trenvay, wizards, multiple worlds, fey, and an enchanted carousel is right and proper. Several new characters are entertaining, and add to the enchantment and humor. Bad things happen, but my lasting impression of these books is warmth and acceptance. My only regret is that I did not read Carousel Tides again before reading Sun, and I would recommend reading Tides first. Although I have read Tides two or three times, I did not remember important parts of the story. I would call this series urban fantasy, and a wonderful addition to the genre. Thankfully, the third book, Carousel Seas, is due out in early 2015, so the wait to visit Archer's Beach should be shorter this time.
Carousel Sun is wonderful. Archer's Beach pulled me in again with it's siren song, convincing me that a world with trenvay, wizards, multiple worlds, fey, and an enchanted carousel is right and proper. Several new characters are entertaining, and add to the enchantment and humor. Bad things happen, but my lasting impression of these books is warmth and acceptance. My only regret is that I did not read Carousel Tides again before reading Sun, and I would recommend reading Tides first. Although I have read Tides two or three times, I did not remember important parts of the story. I would call this series urban fantasy, and a wonderful addition to the genre. Thankfully, the third book, Carousel Seas, is due out in early 2015, so the wait to visit Archer's Beach should be shorter this time.
July 18, 2014
Author Laura Anne Gillman hits the nail on the head when she says, "Proof that contemporary fantasy is alive and well."
Not only that, it doesn't involve werewolves, vampires or demons from Hell.
Things have taken a turn for the better Since Kate Archer has returned to Archers Beach, Maine to manage the old antique wooden Carousel that is located in the permanent Carnival set up outside town.
Kate had exiled herself from Archers Beach and the town has suffered without her. Not only is Kate a carny and direct descendant of the town founder, but she is Guardian of the Land and is the center of the Land's protection and luck.
The local drug lord has been doing everything in his power to take over the town and had even hired a magical consultant to help him. Alas for the drug lord, Kate had vanquished the magical consultant before leaving Archers Beach.
But the drug lord had ducked down until Kate left and had increased his business many fold by the time she arrived.
Sharon Lee is the co-author of a number of books set in the future in the Liaden Universe and I have read them all. I would recommend you give her other books a read. She puts detail into her characters that pulls them right out of the book and makes them real.
This is a fun book to read and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Not only that, it doesn't involve werewolves, vampires or demons from Hell.
Things have taken a turn for the better Since Kate Archer has returned to Archers Beach, Maine to manage the old antique wooden Carousel that is located in the permanent Carnival set up outside town.
Kate had exiled herself from Archers Beach and the town has suffered without her. Not only is Kate a carny and direct descendant of the town founder, but she is Guardian of the Land and is the center of the Land's protection and luck.
The local drug lord has been doing everything in his power to take over the town and had even hired a magical consultant to help him. Alas for the drug lord, Kate had vanquished the magical consultant before leaving Archers Beach.
But the drug lord had ducked down until Kate left and had increased his business many fold by the time she arrived.
Sharon Lee is the co-author of a number of books set in the future in the Liaden Universe and I have read them all. I would recommend you give her other books a read. She puts detail into her characters that pulls them right out of the book and makes them real.
This is a fun book to read and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
September 23, 2014
4.5/5 stars
Pitch perfect contemporary fantasy.
With the sequel to Carousel Tides, one of my personal favorite books, Sharon Lee takes us on a tour of Kate's town, family, and friends. The novel has a distinct slice-of-life flavor with not much conflict until near the end. Lee's writing is fabulous, as is Elisabeth Rodgers' narration. Her Maine accent is a delight and the main (Yes. Pun!) reason I waited for the audio to be released so I could follow along. Definitely worth the wait!
It is a testament to Sharon Lee's writing how much I enjoyed taking my time reading this novel despite the lack of action until the end when the pieces fall into place. That's how much I love being in Archer's Beach. The setting is a character in and of itself.
Pirate Kate further grows in her relationships, particularly with Borgan and Peggy. Peggy Marr, how I love you! Perfect addition to an already wonderful cast of characters! And the way Kate and Borgan's relationship further develops is lovely. Thank you Sharon Lee for never letting me down and giving me this gift! I knew I was right to put my faith in you!
Completely satisfying. I cannot wait for the third and final installment, Carousel Seas.
Pitch perfect contemporary fantasy.
With the sequel to Carousel Tides, one of my personal favorite books, Sharon Lee takes us on a tour of Kate's town, family, and friends. The novel has a distinct slice-of-life flavor with not much conflict until near the end. Lee's writing is fabulous, as is Elisabeth Rodgers' narration. Her Maine accent is a delight and the main (Yes. Pun!) reason I waited for the audio to be released so I could follow along. Definitely worth the wait!
It is a testament to Sharon Lee's writing how much I enjoyed taking my time reading this novel despite the lack of action until the end when the pieces fall into place. That's how much I love being in Archer's Beach. The setting is a character in and of itself.
Pirate Kate further grows in her relationships, particularly with Borgan and Peggy. Peggy Marr, how I love you! Perfect addition to an already wonderful cast of characters! And the way Kate and Borgan's relationship further develops is lovely. Thank you Sharon Lee for never letting me down and giving me this gift! I knew I was right to put my faith in you!
Completely satisfying. I cannot wait for the third and final installment, Carousel Seas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews