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Pelican Bay
Some things are better left alone…
After Ethan Hodges discovers an undersea cemetery just off the beach of Pelican Bay, South Carolina, he seeks answers from a grandfatherly fisherman named Captain Shelby. The captain wants the past to remain buried, and he warns Ethan to stay away. But Ethan doesn't listen.
Ethan's best friend and secret love interest, Morgan Olinsworth, joins in the investigation, unearthing intriguing secrets about the mysterious fisherman. When Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, a manhunt ensues, revealing a truth that unnerves everyone in Pelican Bay.
After Ethan Hodges discovers an undersea cemetery just off the beach of Pelican Bay, South Carolina, he seeks answers from a grandfatherly fisherman named Captain Shelby. The captain wants the past to remain buried, and he warns Ethan to stay away. But Ethan doesn't listen.
Ethan's best friend and secret love interest, Morgan Olinsworth, joins in the investigation, unearthing intriguing secrets about the mysterious fisherman. When Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, a manhunt ensues, revealing a truth that unnerves everyone in Pelican Bay.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2013
23 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Jesse Giles Christiansen
8 books69 followers#1 bestselling author in sea adventures, Jesse Giles Christiansen is an American author whose page-turning fiction weaves the real with the surreal, while also speaking to the human condition. He was hailed by New York Times bestselling author, William R. Forstchen, as "leaving readers so tantalized by the story lines, they think the events actually happened--a demonstration of skill surely to launch this author into the big leagues."
Jesse was born in Miami, FL, playing on beaches as a boy, the sky bronzing him forever and the sea turning his heart lyrical. After spending a summer in Alaska before graduating from Florida State University with a degree in literature and philosophy, he wrote his first novel, Journey into the Mystic.
He feels he is haunted by Hemingway's ghost, not just by the poster in his writing studio that stares at him, saying, "What else you got?" but also by having a café called Hemingway's in the small European city where he writes. Finally, Hemingway became his neighbor on Amazon when his novel, Pelican Bay, outsold Old Man and the Sea.
He currently lives in Lüneburg, Germany, with his wife and their precocious White Siamese cat.
To learn more about this author, visit him at www.jessegileschristiansen.com.
Jesse was born in Miami, FL, playing on beaches as a boy, the sky bronzing him forever and the sea turning his heart lyrical. After spending a summer in Alaska before graduating from Florida State University with a degree in literature and philosophy, he wrote his first novel, Journey into the Mystic.
He feels he is haunted by Hemingway's ghost, not just by the poster in his writing studio that stares at him, saying, "What else you got?" but also by having a café called Hemingway's in the small European city where he writes. Finally, Hemingway became his neighbor on Amazon when his novel, Pelican Bay, outsold Old Man and the Sea.
He currently lives in Lüneburg, Germany, with his wife and their precocious White Siamese cat.
To learn more about this author, visit him at www.jessegileschristiansen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 9, 2013
The title of my blog is Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book and until I read this book I thought I had escaped into quite a few. Then I started reading Pelican Bay and I would have to say I was not only escaping into a book but immersing myself into it. Jesse has a very unique writing style. He has a very descriptive style that paints not only the images into your mind but feelings on your soul. It didn’t take long to enter the ghostly realm of Pelican Bay. You can smell the sea and hear the waves and feel the sand blowing into your face by the winds. In fact Captain Shelby jumped right out of the pages and seeped right into the floor in front of me. His dialect was spot on!
This is not a mystery although there is a mystery. It is a contemporary mystical myth of a story featuring fantastic characters set in idyllic place. There is romance but falling in love with your best friend makes moving forward hard especially when there are such awesome, incredible, unbelievable and tragic things happening all around you. Intrigue, uncertainty, and suspense. The story builds slowly and before you know it you are so engrossed things happening in the real world around seem to disappear.
The author says he was influenced by Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and I really saw the correlation. I think I was the only person in my English class that loved that book when we were forced to read it. It is a book I have reread several times since. Santiago in Hemingway’s story had the same relationship with the sea as Captain Shelby.
I don’t think is possible for me to put the measure of my enthusiasm for this book into actual words. This is one of the best stories I have read in years.
This is not a story for everyone. You really need to be able let go of the reality and step into the magical fantasy world Christiansen has created. Or is it really fantasy, who knows what lies beneath the sea. Maybe things are better left alone……….. but maybe not!
This is not a mystery although there is a mystery. It is a contemporary mystical myth of a story featuring fantastic characters set in idyllic place. There is romance but falling in love with your best friend makes moving forward hard especially when there are such awesome, incredible, unbelievable and tragic things happening all around you. Intrigue, uncertainty, and suspense. The story builds slowly and before you know it you are so engrossed things happening in the real world around seem to disappear.
The author says he was influenced by Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and I really saw the correlation. I think I was the only person in my English class that loved that book when we were forced to read it. It is a book I have reread several times since. Santiago in Hemingway’s story had the same relationship with the sea as Captain Shelby.
I don’t think is possible for me to put the measure of my enthusiasm for this book into actual words. This is one of the best stories I have read in years.
This is not a story for everyone. You really need to be able let go of the reality and step into the magical fantasy world Christiansen has created. Or is it really fantasy, who knows what lies beneath the sea. Maybe things are better left alone……….. but maybe not!
July 28, 2013
Part suspense novel, part literary mystery, Pelican Bay is an original story set in a small, forlorn beach town in South Carolina.
The tale begins with our young protagonist, Ethan Hodges, discovering a sunken cemetery just off the beach that could very well be four centuries old. Compelled to find answers, he begins to ask questions to an old, quirky fisherman named Captain Shelby, a man thought crazy by the town. However, it soon becomes clear that the old grandfatherly figure wants the past to remain buried, and he doesn’t waste time in making that clear to Ethan.
Of course, Ethan doesn’t listen, in spite of the fact that “the old man guards that spot like a great secret — a secret perhaps he’d kill to protect.”
Morgan Olinsworth, a beautiful girl Ethan has loved ever since he can remember, joins in the investigation, and soon the young couple begin to unearth secrets, secrets that are better left hidden under the sea…
Then, Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, and it isn’t long before unsettling discoveries are made, discoveries that shock Pelican Bay.
The South Carolina coast comes to life in this well-written, well-crafted story by Jesse Giles Christiansen. I was engrossed from the start by the sense of mystery, as well as by the magical, eerie sound of the sea. Ethan and Morgan are sympathetic characters and I loved the eccentric wisdom and quirkiness of Captain Shelby. The author did an excellent job with the old fisherman’s mannerisms and use of dialect.
The tone and atmosphere gave me a haunting feeling about old secrets better left untouched. If you’re looking for a different mystery, give this one a try. Recommended.
The tale begins with our young protagonist, Ethan Hodges, discovering a sunken cemetery just off the beach that could very well be four centuries old. Compelled to find answers, he begins to ask questions to an old, quirky fisherman named Captain Shelby, a man thought crazy by the town. However, it soon becomes clear that the old grandfatherly figure wants the past to remain buried, and he doesn’t waste time in making that clear to Ethan.
Of course, Ethan doesn’t listen, in spite of the fact that “the old man guards that spot like a great secret — a secret perhaps he’d kill to protect.”
Morgan Olinsworth, a beautiful girl Ethan has loved ever since he can remember, joins in the investigation, and soon the young couple begin to unearth secrets, secrets that are better left hidden under the sea…
Then, Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, and it isn’t long before unsettling discoveries are made, discoveries that shock Pelican Bay.
The South Carolina coast comes to life in this well-written, well-crafted story by Jesse Giles Christiansen. I was engrossed from the start by the sense of mystery, as well as by the magical, eerie sound of the sea. Ethan and Morgan are sympathetic characters and I loved the eccentric wisdom and quirkiness of Captain Shelby. The author did an excellent job with the old fisherman’s mannerisms and use of dialect.
The tone and atmosphere gave me a haunting feeling about old secrets better left untouched. If you’re looking for a different mystery, give this one a try. Recommended.
July 26, 2013
This was the perfect read for me at this time of year when time spent near the seaside is a must in the hotter weather! If you enjoy books based around the sea and it's history and fables etc then there is every good chance you will enjoy this. This is a mystery based around an old man called Captain Shelby and a cemetery that our leading character Ethan Hodges comes across . The story is based in South Carolina and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the area throughout the story. You get a real sense of history there. Captain Shelby is a very enjoyable character to read about, he is like a rough edged grandfather figure that is just what Ethan needs. Ethan and Shelby's bond is very close and I really enjoyed reading about it ,you got the feeling that they both needed it, Ethan maybe more so. There is a darker feel to the story at times which builds tension and keeps you on the edge of your seat.I could not guess the ending , it really has you guessing until the end which is lovely and really keeps you on your toes. All in all a very enjoyable read esp if you enjoy a setting beside the sea. Wonderful!
August 25, 2013
This book is a sure bet for a good read. The first few chapters had me hooked and I read the entire book with no lulls in entertainment value. The characters are multidimensional and believable. The author has an excellent vocabulary and has no qualms about putting it to use to give the entire story line a rich and detailed presentation that makes the plot come alive. There is something in this book for everybody; coming of age, historical references, nautical knowledge, romance, action, tragedy, mystery and even a bit of mythology and the paranormal. All of these elements are blended together so that they create a complementary tapestry that I couldn’t put down. I can’t wait for the movie – it certainly deserves to be made into one!
August 28, 2013
This was a great page turner with deep characters. Captain Shelby is a not from our world but could easily live next door (or in the local marina to be precise).
The story never stops surprising the reader, though it evolves naturally.
This book shows clearly that we don't know everything and should always strive to be open minded and tolerant; the own realm and reality does not necessarily belong to our neighbour!
Looking forward to the next novel in this series. Hopefully again with Captain Shelby?
The story never stops surprising the reader, though it evolves naturally.
This book shows clearly that we don't know everything and should always strive to be open minded and tolerant; the own realm and reality does not necessarily belong to our neighbour!
Looking forward to the next novel in this series. Hopefully again with Captain Shelby?
February 6, 2014
If you love stories set in present day with a supernatural element, than this is the book for you. This is what pulled me into the story and kept me entertained right to the end.
Pelican Bay is a small seaside town which has previously experienced deadly storms and hurricanes and many of its inhabitants have lost their life due to the hurricanes or in the sea. Our main protagonist is Ethan Hodges, a writer who has lived in Pelican Bay all his life. His parents died 'out at sea' and his grandmother Sidney lovingly brought him up. And Ethan is also deeply in love with local girl Morgan, the town librarian, but she appears not to return his love. And than there is Captain Shelby. He is a local fisherman who sleeps out in his boat, very old and weatherbeaten and somewhat of an oddball and eccentric. Already as a young boy, Ethan formed a friendship with Captain Shelby who takes him out fishing and they both enjoy their shared love of the sea. Captain Shelby does not have any other friends or family, and townspeople just seemed to be 'creeped out' by him.
One day after a storm Ethan spots some large stones in the sea near the shoreline who seemed to have appeared out of no-where. When investigating, Ethan finds them to be gravestones and his curiosity is raised. Captain Shelby tells him 'to leave the past alone'. But than Morgan looks up old town records and they cannot locate anything relating to Captain Shelby. Ethan's grandmother says that he was already a very old man when she was a schoolgirl. There are rumours and legends in town about Captain Shelby and Ethan and Morgan start to suspect that all is not as it seems with him and he may have been around a lot longer than this, our century. Ethan will eventually have to decide whether to stand by his oddball friend. And him and Morgan? Well, you'll have to see.
My favourite part and idea the book is the relationship between Ethan and Captain Shelby. Without giving away too much, I think I only fully appreciated it at the end of the book. I also liked the language used by Captain Shelby which, as the author explains in the addendum, is Old Newfoundland English phrases which were to a degree translated into modern English. Now this will not distract you from the book at all, as Ethan is the narrator and it adds a lot of character to the old man, in fact I've 'heard' him speaking and it really brought him to life for me. My favourite example is the word 'Ducky' - a word used for a female friend. Is that sweet or what?
Anything I didn't like? Not really. It took me a chapter or so to get into the book and get used to the 'scenery' of the fishing town but that was quickly achieved. The book is not too long and therefore did not stall.
If you like the sea and/or stories in a modern setting with a supernatural /mystery element than I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. Captain Shelby's character will stay in my memory for a bit, and that is always a sign of a good book for me.
My blog: http://thepegsterreads.blogspot.co.uk/
Pelican Bay is a small seaside town which has previously experienced deadly storms and hurricanes and many of its inhabitants have lost their life due to the hurricanes or in the sea. Our main protagonist is Ethan Hodges, a writer who has lived in Pelican Bay all his life. His parents died 'out at sea' and his grandmother Sidney lovingly brought him up. And Ethan is also deeply in love with local girl Morgan, the town librarian, but she appears not to return his love. And than there is Captain Shelby. He is a local fisherman who sleeps out in his boat, very old and weatherbeaten and somewhat of an oddball and eccentric. Already as a young boy, Ethan formed a friendship with Captain Shelby who takes him out fishing and they both enjoy their shared love of the sea. Captain Shelby does not have any other friends or family, and townspeople just seemed to be 'creeped out' by him.
One day after a storm Ethan spots some large stones in the sea near the shoreline who seemed to have appeared out of no-where. When investigating, Ethan finds them to be gravestones and his curiosity is raised. Captain Shelby tells him 'to leave the past alone'. But than Morgan looks up old town records and they cannot locate anything relating to Captain Shelby. Ethan's grandmother says that he was already a very old man when she was a schoolgirl. There are rumours and legends in town about Captain Shelby and Ethan and Morgan start to suspect that all is not as it seems with him and he may have been around a lot longer than this, our century. Ethan will eventually have to decide whether to stand by his oddball friend. And him and Morgan? Well, you'll have to see.
My favourite part and idea the book is the relationship between Ethan and Captain Shelby. Without giving away too much, I think I only fully appreciated it at the end of the book. I also liked the language used by Captain Shelby which, as the author explains in the addendum, is Old Newfoundland English phrases which were to a degree translated into modern English. Now this will not distract you from the book at all, as Ethan is the narrator and it adds a lot of character to the old man, in fact I've 'heard' him speaking and it really brought him to life for me. My favourite example is the word 'Ducky' - a word used for a female friend. Is that sweet or what?
Anything I didn't like? Not really. It took me a chapter or so to get into the book and get used to the 'scenery' of the fishing town but that was quickly achieved. The book is not too long and therefore did not stall.
If you like the sea and/or stories in a modern setting with a supernatural /mystery element than I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. Captain Shelby's character will stay in my memory for a bit, and that is always a sign of a good book for me.
My blog: http://thepegsterreads.blogspot.co.uk/
October 9, 2013
Is he alive or is he dead? That is the question...
Reviewed from e-book
Well-written, suspenseful, hauntingly surreal and atmospheric twisting between paranormal and magical, this book took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the camaraderie between Captain Shelby and the young Ethan Hodges. But is he responsible for the death of Ethan's parents? The young man spends most of his time on the beach with his friend Morgan Olinsworth, so naturally he notices the strange rocks that have suddenly appeared out in the water. Very strange rocks; too well-shaped, too quickly making an appearance and too spooky, bringing goosebumps and shuddering at their odd arrival. What are these mysterious creations? Ethan is determined to snorkel down with Morgan to have a look. Some things are best left alone.
With the appearance of Captain Shelby, a grizzled old man of the sea who lives on a fishing boat as grizzled as he, a warning is given that some things should be left alone and never questioned. Captain Shelby has been a fixture for as long as any resident remembers and always old. His background, as far as can be discovered when Morgan the librarian does some digging, takes his line back to Norwegian roots transplanted to Newfoundland, but this doesn't solve the riddle, it increases it because the names are the same and there is no other history. The stories surrounding the Captain tear at the psyche. Is he responsible for the many odd storms, storms that can even bury a village or uncover a long-buried one? Or is this Atlantic coast village itself jinxed? So many questions, yet some will be answered. Where most citizens of Pelican Bay are fearful of Captain Shelby, Ethan feels connected to him, in fact he the feelings he has for the ancient Captain are those one would feel for a kindly grandfather.
Jesse Giles Christiansen has written this book constantly questioning the connection between Captain Shelby and the sea, almost one and the same. I'm sure Jesse must be an architect, because he has built this story in a well-planned manner with many levels of curiosity and suspense with a bit of horror thrown in for added structural support. Yet the connection between the Captain and Ethan is almost magical. There are so many different nuances to the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am thrilled to learn this is the first in a planned series, and I will be first in line when the second installment is out, I can't wait.
Reviewed from e-book
Well-written, suspenseful, hauntingly surreal and atmospheric twisting between paranormal and magical, this book took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the camaraderie between Captain Shelby and the young Ethan Hodges. But is he responsible for the death of Ethan's parents? The young man spends most of his time on the beach with his friend Morgan Olinsworth, so naturally he notices the strange rocks that have suddenly appeared out in the water. Very strange rocks; too well-shaped, too quickly making an appearance and too spooky, bringing goosebumps and shuddering at their odd arrival. What are these mysterious creations? Ethan is determined to snorkel down with Morgan to have a look. Some things are best left alone.
With the appearance of Captain Shelby, a grizzled old man of the sea who lives on a fishing boat as grizzled as he, a warning is given that some things should be left alone and never questioned. Captain Shelby has been a fixture for as long as any resident remembers and always old. His background, as far as can be discovered when Morgan the librarian does some digging, takes his line back to Norwegian roots transplanted to Newfoundland, but this doesn't solve the riddle, it increases it because the names are the same and there is no other history. The stories surrounding the Captain tear at the psyche. Is he responsible for the many odd storms, storms that can even bury a village or uncover a long-buried one? Or is this Atlantic coast village itself jinxed? So many questions, yet some will be answered. Where most citizens of Pelican Bay are fearful of Captain Shelby, Ethan feels connected to him, in fact he the feelings he has for the ancient Captain are those one would feel for a kindly grandfather.
Jesse Giles Christiansen has written this book constantly questioning the connection between Captain Shelby and the sea, almost one and the same. I'm sure Jesse must be an architect, because he has built this story in a well-planned manner with many levels of curiosity and suspense with a bit of horror thrown in for added structural support. Yet the connection between the Captain and Ethan is almost magical. There are so many different nuances to the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am thrilled to learn this is the first in a planned series, and I will be first in line when the second installment is out, I can't wait.
September 23, 2013
Ethan's parents died at sea and he was raised by his paternal grandmother, Sidney Hodges. Sidney worries about Ethan since his best friend is a woman who he spends all his time with but she won't marry him and a crazy old man who talks to the pelicans. Ethan's best friend, Morgan, is a librarian and is painfully shy. Any time Ethan tries to profess his love for her or give her a compliment, she stops him and tells him she doesn't want to hear things like that. He's been friends with Captain Shelby for many years and the Captain treats Ethan like a son, but how much does Ethan really know about him?
One day, Ethan sees some gravestones in the water and wants to go diving to check them out. He enlists Morgan's help and that takes them on their quest to find out exactly who Captain Shelby is. There's lots of mystery and intrigue surrounding Captain Shelby and solving this mystery becomes the focus of their lives (and mine).
I read the summary on this and was instantly intrigued! Honestly, I wasn't too crazy about the cover so don't let that keep you from giving this book a chance. The writing is amazing! The author has great command of the English language and it shows in his vivid descriptions and flowing style. I was glad I was reading it on my Kindle so I could look up the definitions of some of the words, like sagaciously and lugubriously. It also seemed like it would be a fast read, but I found myself taking my time to absorb what was happening.
One of my favorite quotes is when Ethan is thinking back to when he was young and learning to surf: "I soon turned my focus to riding the waves, rather than trying to stop them. Now this is a good philosophy of life, I imagine. We cannot stop the waves of misfortune, but we can learn to ride them so that misfortune somehow feels like fortune." (p. 15)
This is a book I would recommend to others, with the warning that there is some mild language in it. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Mel's Shelves
One day, Ethan sees some gravestones in the water and wants to go diving to check them out. He enlists Morgan's help and that takes them on their quest to find out exactly who Captain Shelby is. There's lots of mystery and intrigue surrounding Captain Shelby and solving this mystery becomes the focus of their lives (and mine).
I read the summary on this and was instantly intrigued! Honestly, I wasn't too crazy about the cover so don't let that keep you from giving this book a chance. The writing is amazing! The author has great command of the English language and it shows in his vivid descriptions and flowing style. I was glad I was reading it on my Kindle so I could look up the definitions of some of the words, like sagaciously and lugubriously. It also seemed like it would be a fast read, but I found myself taking my time to absorb what was happening.
One of my favorite quotes is when Ethan is thinking back to when he was young and learning to surf: "I soon turned my focus to riding the waves, rather than trying to stop them. Now this is a good philosophy of life, I imagine. We cannot stop the waves of misfortune, but we can learn to ride them so that misfortune somehow feels like fortune." (p. 15)
This is a book I would recommend to others, with the warning that there is some mild language in it. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Mel's Shelves
September 26, 2013
There is much to love about Pelican Bay as it is an incredibly well written mystery. For me, a great writer is one who captures the reader and keeps them hooked throughout their story wanting to read another page. Jesse G. Christiansen did just that.
From the moment that I started reading this book, I pictured the story clearly and vividly in my mind. The descriptions were so cleverly written and detailed that the story just came to life. I could easily imagine Ethan, Morgan, and especially, the dynamic and ever so interesting Captain Shelby. The characters were definitely believable and real. Figurative language aids in the detailed descriptions adding that sense of really being there along with the characters. Jesse's attention to details also allows the reader to feel every moment and emotion as they occur in the story.
Although I usually do not read mysteries, Pelican Bay is one mystery that I definitely enjoyed reading. It had a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, romance, unexpected moments and even a touch of history.
I look forward to reading more books by Jesse and am glad to have read his book.
I recommend this book. Meet Ethan, Morgan and Captain Shelby for yourself.
On a personal note, as a teacher, I often take quotes from books I enjoy and use them in my own classroom. I have been using detailed descriptions from this book with my students. :)
From the moment that I started reading this book, I pictured the story clearly and vividly in my mind. The descriptions were so cleverly written and detailed that the story just came to life. I could easily imagine Ethan, Morgan, and especially, the dynamic and ever so interesting Captain Shelby. The characters were definitely believable and real. Figurative language aids in the detailed descriptions adding that sense of really being there along with the characters. Jesse's attention to details also allows the reader to feel every moment and emotion as they occur in the story.
Although I usually do not read mysteries, Pelican Bay is one mystery that I definitely enjoyed reading. It had a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, romance, unexpected moments and even a touch of history.
I look forward to reading more books by Jesse and am glad to have read his book.
I recommend this book. Meet Ethan, Morgan and Captain Shelby for yourself.
On a personal note, as a teacher, I often take quotes from books I enjoy and use them in my own classroom. I have been using detailed descriptions from this book with my students. :)
May 14, 2014
I just finished reading Pelican Bay. It is a book written by Jesse Giles Christiansen. It is about a small town that has a man who everybody is afraid of. Like most small towns, they feel they should know everything about everybody’s business. Some things are just better left alone though. The town soon finds this out.
I personally loved this book. It was beautifully written. It was also a real page turner. I was hooked until the very end of the book. It reminds me of this movie I once watched called Deeply. Kirsten Dunst plays one of the leading roles in it. The stories aren’t exactly alike, but they are similar. Both of them are very beautiful.
I honestly felt that a few scenes were brushed over. I felt that they could have been detailed a little more. I get that they didn’t fully go with the point of the story though so they didn’t need to be detailed too much. It would have just been nice to see. Other than that, I didn’t have any problems with the book. It was detailed well even if some of it was rushed over. It was greatly edited as well.
I fully recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike. I think both will get full enjoyment out of this story. I once participated in an event where there was a character war. Captain Shelby was in it. I voted against him. Had I read this story before participating in that, I would have voted for him. I fell in love with this story and the characters in it. I am pretty sure you will too!
I personally loved this book. It was beautifully written. It was also a real page turner. I was hooked until the very end of the book. It reminds me of this movie I once watched called Deeply. Kirsten Dunst plays one of the leading roles in it. The stories aren’t exactly alike, but they are similar. Both of them are very beautiful.
I honestly felt that a few scenes were brushed over. I felt that they could have been detailed a little more. I get that they didn’t fully go with the point of the story though so they didn’t need to be detailed too much. It would have just been nice to see. Other than that, I didn’t have any problems with the book. It was detailed well even if some of it was rushed over. It was greatly edited as well.
I fully recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike. I think both will get full enjoyment out of this story. I once participated in an event where there was a character war. Captain Shelby was in it. I voted against him. Had I read this story before participating in that, I would have voted for him. I fell in love with this story and the characters in it. I am pretty sure you will too!
October 8, 2013
This story was full of mystery and suspense. The author has a very descriptive writing style which transported me to the ocean. This seaside vacation wasn't relaxing but rather creepy and intense. There was always a storm brewing in Pelican Bay! The mystery centers on the nature of the enigmatic Captain Shelby who seems to have lived for hundreds of years. As Ethan and his friend Morgan begin to unravel this puzzle,storms threaten the town and people start to die. The last part of the story is so intense that it will keep you up at night to finish it!
The characters were fully fleshed out and believable. I'm not sure what Ethan saw in Morgan because she didn't seem very likable to me. I guess that's the blindness of love! Despite Captain Shelby being considered dangerous by the townsfolk, I quite liked him as soon as he made the surfboard for young Ethan. I never believed that he was evil. By the end I was definitely cheering him on! I think that anyone who loves the sea and its legends would really enjoy this book.
The characters were fully fleshed out and believable. I'm not sure what Ethan saw in Morgan because she didn't seem very likable to me. I guess that's the blindness of love! Despite Captain Shelby being considered dangerous by the townsfolk, I quite liked him as soon as he made the surfboard for young Ethan. I never believed that he was evil. By the end I was definitely cheering him on! I think that anyone who loves the sea and its legends would really enjoy this book.
September 25, 2013
This book set in the tiny town of Pelican Bay, with the mysterious Captain Shelby and Ethan and Morgan, deals with a lot of the mysticism surrounding the sea. Who is Captain Shelby? Ethan and Morgan discover old gravestones under the water that have been hidden for centuries, and they begin to get very curious about the town and its history. Captain Shelby seems to have been there forever, maybe centuries, how can that be?
While this book isn't the traditional mystery, there is still lots of mystery involved. Who is Captain Shelby, and just how old is he? Do Ethan and Morgan, best friends forever, fall in love. What is the answer to all those mysterious deaths/
I found that while I was reading this book, all those questions, and more, kept coming up. I loved the book.
While this book isn't the traditional mystery, there is still lots of mystery involved. Who is Captain Shelby, and just how old is he? Do Ethan and Morgan, best friends forever, fall in love. What is the answer to all those mysterious deaths/
I found that while I was reading this book, all those questions, and more, kept coming up. I loved the book.
August 4, 2013
“Pelican Bay” is an intriguing mystery surrounding a very old man who lives in the coastal town of Pelican Bay. The man has lived there for as long as anyone can remember and no one knows exactly how old he is. The story is beautifully written. The author definitely has a command of the English language. However, I felt as if there were places where the emotional responses to events that take place were a little over done. It lessened the emotional impact of the more dramatic parts of the story. I also thought that the author overused metaphors in his descriptions. Overall, I enjoyed the story and it kept my interest.
October 17, 2014
Beautiful in every way...,
I found this book hard to put down. Through Christiansen’s words I found myself in South Carolina and I enjoyed the descriptions of the area throughout the story. The story has amazing characters and I especially enjoyed the unique character of Captain Shelby. Action packed and full of suspense with great literary and mystery elements, brilliant read.
It is a Must Read!!
I found this book hard to put down. Through Christiansen’s words I found myself in South Carolina and I enjoyed the descriptions of the area throughout the story. The story has amazing characters and I especially enjoyed the unique character of Captain Shelby. Action packed and full of suspense with great literary and mystery elements, brilliant read.
It is a Must Read!!
June 17, 2014
A mixture of life love death mystery and fantasy. Captain Shelby exists for all who care to know him. Those that don't. Well watch out
Awaiting the next book
Awaiting the next book
August 27, 2013
Ethan was intrigued by the stones jutting above the water. He had to see them for himself.
It was an underwater graveyard.
Ethan talked his friend, Morgan into diving with him to see if they could find any names on the stones.
Morgan was a librarian, so when they found a name, she began to investigate.
Their search took them in an unexpected and dangerous direction.
Did Captain Shelby have all the answers?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love legends of the sea.
Pelican Bay is a ghost story that has a gothic feel to it. The writing made me think of the term "waxing poetic". At first it annoyed me and I thought, do I even want to read this? But I read on and am glad I did. The book subtly sneaks up on me and the need to know the answers grasps me and won't let me go. It went from - I don't think I can get past the first chapter to - hey, this isn't so bad to - I can't put it down until I know...
As I got into Ethan's story, I could visualize the grizzled, old sea Captain and the water that was the lifeblood of Pelican Bay.
"In Pelican Bay, the sea was the Hand of God."
It is also a love story. Ethan Hodges has been in love with Morgan as long as he can remember, but she won't even discuss their relationship. She won't even look him in the eye. It seemed pretty pathetic to me.
The characters are unique and my feelings about them bounced back and forth, like a tennis ball, throughout the book.
Instead of a grown man, Ethan seemed like a love struck teenager. I really didn't like him pining for Morgan's unrequited love, following her around like a puppy dog begging for a pat on the head. Even the characters tell him to man up. LOL But, I did love his adventurous spirit.
And Morgan? I thought she was a nutcase. But, yes, another but, she does get caught up in Ethan's desire to find out about the Captain and the graveyard.
Now, the old sea Captain, Shelby, I loved him. I knew there was more to him than meets the eye. Maybe that is what intrigued me about him. Was he just an old sea captain? Was he even a man? Was he a god?
Nereus - Greek god know as "the old man of the sea."
Jesse's vivid descriptions made me feel as if I was there. I could smell the water and feel the salt spray misting on my skin. I could feel the sand shifting under me as I sat on the beach, watching the waves. I have always loved doing that. I find it very soothing and I lose track of time, as wave after wave rolls in. I love listening to the sound of the waves pounding on the seashore, watching the water recede back to where it came from.
I love body surfing, with or without a board, rushing through the water on the top of the wave. Turning around and paddling back out to do it again and again.
I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review for Great Escapes Book Tours. Thank you Jesse and Great Escapes for the opportunity to read and review the book. I look forward to reading more of Jesse Giles Christiansen's work.
It was an underwater graveyard.
Ethan talked his friend, Morgan into diving with him to see if they could find any names on the stones.
Morgan was a librarian, so when they found a name, she began to investigate.
Their search took them in an unexpected and dangerous direction.
Did Captain Shelby have all the answers?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love legends of the sea.
Pelican Bay is a ghost story that has a gothic feel to it. The writing made me think of the term "waxing poetic". At first it annoyed me and I thought, do I even want to read this? But I read on and am glad I did. The book subtly sneaks up on me and the need to know the answers grasps me and won't let me go. It went from - I don't think I can get past the first chapter to - hey, this isn't so bad to - I can't put it down until I know...
As I got into Ethan's story, I could visualize the grizzled, old sea Captain and the water that was the lifeblood of Pelican Bay.
"In Pelican Bay, the sea was the Hand of God."
It is also a love story. Ethan Hodges has been in love with Morgan as long as he can remember, but she won't even discuss their relationship. She won't even look him in the eye. It seemed pretty pathetic to me.
The characters are unique and my feelings about them bounced back and forth, like a tennis ball, throughout the book.
Instead of a grown man, Ethan seemed like a love struck teenager. I really didn't like him pining for Morgan's unrequited love, following her around like a puppy dog begging for a pat on the head. Even the characters tell him to man up. LOL But, I did love his adventurous spirit.
And Morgan? I thought she was a nutcase. But, yes, another but, she does get caught up in Ethan's desire to find out about the Captain and the graveyard.
Now, the old sea Captain, Shelby, I loved him. I knew there was more to him than meets the eye. Maybe that is what intrigued me about him. Was he just an old sea captain? Was he even a man? Was he a god?
Nereus - Greek god know as "the old man of the sea."
Jesse's vivid descriptions made me feel as if I was there. I could smell the water and feel the salt spray misting on my skin. I could feel the sand shifting under me as I sat on the beach, watching the waves. I have always loved doing that. I find it very soothing and I lose track of time, as wave after wave rolls in. I love listening to the sound of the waves pounding on the seashore, watching the water recede back to where it came from.
I love body surfing, with or without a board, rushing through the water on the top of the wave. Turning around and paddling back out to do it again and again.
I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review for Great Escapes Book Tours. Thank you Jesse and Great Escapes for the opportunity to read and review the book. I look forward to reading more of Jesse Giles Christiansen's work.
September 10, 2014
This story could not only be considered a suspense or thriller but also in some ways a coming of age story. The main character is a young man named Ethan, who ends up in over his head more than once due to curiosity or love. The mystery surrounding Captain Shelby is buried in age old stories and old wives tales, and he’d rather be left alone to fish and live his life, but sometimes childish minds will get carried away and pursue things better left buried in the sea. The story itself takes place in the small island town of Pelican Bay, South Carolina and shows a great deal of love for the sea in general as well as the Carolina coast and the mysteries it can hold. The cast of characters includes Ethan, a young writer who happens to be in love with his local librarian. Sidney, the doting and worried grandmother who’s raised Ethan from a young age. Captain Shelby, the old “sea dog” that you’re not quite sure if he’s a God, a ghost, a murderer, or an overly protective grandfatherly influence in Ethan’s life. In addition, you meet the love interest of Ethan a young girl named Morgan who’s emotionally withdrawn and her depressed and widowed father who has no love for Ethan. There are several other supporting characters in the story.
I gave this book a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. There is one small historical inaccuracy in the initial flashback to 1931. The first thoughts that came to my mind when reading this story were that the author’s writing style and use of adjectives and vocabulary comes off as pretentious, or that he’s overused his thesaurus. The story is verbose, and that was a distraction from the story. If I hadn't promised the author a 100% honest review I would have put the story down before I got through the entirety of chapter one. I stopped reading and decided to learn more about the author, once I read the information about him available at his Amazon link, I understood a little more about his writing style. Not only does he hold an English degree, his influences came from authors in a time where the flow of poetry and prose was more descriptive than it is in most novels today. Keeping this in mind I began reading Pelican Bay again, and once I got past the “wordiness” of his novel I found the underlying story and plot line to be interesting and thought provoking. I spent a large portion of my life in South Carolina, and I could see the love he had for the coast and the sea in general. I found the mystery compelling and well thought out. The characters were intriguing, especially Captain Shelby and the research that Ethan and Morgan unearthed was riveting. Overall, the character, story and plot were exceptionally enjoyable; it was just the use of adjectives that seemed excessive. The use of descriptive writing did allow the view that the author had in his “mind’s eye” to come across in writing with little room for misunderstanding. I’ll be looking into his other stories in the future as well.
EDIT TO ADD: I changed the rating system I use since Amazon, Good Reads, Smashwords and many other sites only allow full star ratings.
This book is currently a 4.0 of 5.0 stars.
I gave this book a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. There is one small historical inaccuracy in the initial flashback to 1931. The first thoughts that came to my mind when reading this story were that the author’s writing style and use of adjectives and vocabulary comes off as pretentious, or that he’s overused his thesaurus. The story is verbose, and that was a distraction from the story. If I hadn't promised the author a 100% honest review I would have put the story down before I got through the entirety of chapter one. I stopped reading and decided to learn more about the author, once I read the information about him available at his Amazon link, I understood a little more about his writing style. Not only does he hold an English degree, his influences came from authors in a time where the flow of poetry and prose was more descriptive than it is in most novels today. Keeping this in mind I began reading Pelican Bay again, and once I got past the “wordiness” of his novel I found the underlying story and plot line to be interesting and thought provoking. I spent a large portion of my life in South Carolina, and I could see the love he had for the coast and the sea in general. I found the mystery compelling and well thought out. The characters were intriguing, especially Captain Shelby and the research that Ethan and Morgan unearthed was riveting. Overall, the character, story and plot were exceptionally enjoyable; it was just the use of adjectives that seemed excessive. The use of descriptive writing did allow the view that the author had in his “mind’s eye” to come across in writing with little room for misunderstanding. I’ll be looking into his other stories in the future as well.
EDIT TO ADD: I changed the rating system I use since Amazon, Good Reads, Smashwords and many other sites only allow full star ratings.
This book is currently a 4.0 of 5.0 stars.
September 16, 2013
Pelican Bay begins in 1931, the year of the great depression, and the drowning of a young boy, Aspen Langsley. It then jumps to present day and the lives of Ethan Hodges and Morgan Olinsworth. Ethan loved the sea and at a very young age he met Captain Shelby, a fisherman whose ship was always docked off the edge of the bay. Captain Shelby was a man of some age. Just how old he was no one knew but, regardless, he was a friend to Ethan. Ethan’s first surf board was made by Captain Shelby when he was just twelve years old. As Ethan grew so did his love for the sea and for Morgan. Ethan was a writer and Morgan was a librarian with a strong love of books and research. They had been friends since they were kids and Ethan loved Morgan fiercely. Getting Morgan to admit any feelings for Ethan was virtually impossible but he never gave up hope.
Then, one day, strange things started happening and after three mysterious deaths, including the death of Aspen Langsley in 1931, everyone began to suspect Captain Shelby. While Ethan loved Captain Shelby he also knew there was something strange about him. With Morgan researching Captain Shelby and rumors about him flying around Pelican Bay, Ethan isn’t sure what to believe. Should he trust his fisherman friend or be wary of him? Is Captain Shelby nothing but an old fisherman that loves the sea or is he a mysterious figured that is literally a part of the sea? Join Ethan and Morgan on their perilous journey as they work to solve the puzzle that IS Captain Shelby.
I had such mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed the story from beginning to end and I kept finding myself wanting to know what would happen next. I did find it a little overly descriptive. Things were described with such fervor that I found it slowed my reading because I was trying to process the details, but, I DO think readers of mystery and/or fantasy will enjoy the plot. It is a book that I think would be more accepted by a young adult audience but, at the same time, I can’t in good conscience recommend it to young adults because it does contain strong language in a few places and I think the buyer needs to be aware of this in case they are purchasing the book for younger kids. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
**A copy of this book was provided for free by the author for my honest opinion**
Then, one day, strange things started happening and after three mysterious deaths, including the death of Aspen Langsley in 1931, everyone began to suspect Captain Shelby. While Ethan loved Captain Shelby he also knew there was something strange about him. With Morgan researching Captain Shelby and rumors about him flying around Pelican Bay, Ethan isn’t sure what to believe. Should he trust his fisherman friend or be wary of him? Is Captain Shelby nothing but an old fisherman that loves the sea or is he a mysterious figured that is literally a part of the sea? Join Ethan and Morgan on their perilous journey as they work to solve the puzzle that IS Captain Shelby.
I had such mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed the story from beginning to end and I kept finding myself wanting to know what would happen next. I did find it a little overly descriptive. Things were described with such fervor that I found it slowed my reading because I was trying to process the details, but, I DO think readers of mystery and/or fantasy will enjoy the plot. It is a book that I think would be more accepted by a young adult audience but, at the same time, I can’t in good conscience recommend it to young adults because it does contain strong language in a few places and I think the buyer needs to be aware of this in case they are purchasing the book for younger kids. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
**A copy of this book was provided for free by the author for my honest opinion**
September 11, 2014
4 STARS
Pelican Bay is not your usual mystery book. There is plenty of mystery, suspense, interesting characters, murder or accidents? The story weaves back and forth in time. The book keeps your attention and wanting to know what is really going on.
At the heart of the story is a very old fisherman Captain Shelby. Everyone who knows him says he was old as far as they can remember.
Ethan Hodges was raised by his grandmother after his parents died at sea. He is really the only one who gets along and close to Captain Shelby. Ethan loves the ocean. He lives in the tiny village of Pelican Bay. He has loved Morgan forever.
Morgan does not love Ethan her best friend. She is shy and the town librarian. She lives with her father the town doctor.
Ethan notices some weird rocks in the bay. He dives down and finds out it is a old graveyard. No one remembers that it was their. He gets one name off of one of the headstones and with Morgan's help they start to look into the past of Pelican Bay.
Captain Shelby wants the past to be left alone and he warns Ethan to not ask questions.
Weird accidental deaths happen around the Captain. Some blame him for the deaths and remembers previous deaths that have happened around him long ago in the past.
Sometimes I was mixing up all the different Captains in the story, but that was my faults and not the story. I like Ethan and have mixed feelings about Morgan. I can understand reading all the time and escaping into books. She tries to be honest with Ethan about her feelings.
I would read more books by Jesse but I don't know if I want to read all 50 books that he is planning to write in his career but I would like to read more of his work.
I was given this ebook to read and in return asked to be part of Pelican Bay Book tour,
Pelican Bay is not your usual mystery book. There is plenty of mystery, suspense, interesting characters, murder or accidents? The story weaves back and forth in time. The book keeps your attention and wanting to know what is really going on.
At the heart of the story is a very old fisherman Captain Shelby. Everyone who knows him says he was old as far as they can remember.
Ethan Hodges was raised by his grandmother after his parents died at sea. He is really the only one who gets along and close to Captain Shelby. Ethan loves the ocean. He lives in the tiny village of Pelican Bay. He has loved Morgan forever.
Morgan does not love Ethan her best friend. She is shy and the town librarian. She lives with her father the town doctor.
Ethan notices some weird rocks in the bay. He dives down and finds out it is a old graveyard. No one remembers that it was their. He gets one name off of one of the headstones and with Morgan's help they start to look into the past of Pelican Bay.
Captain Shelby wants the past to be left alone and he warns Ethan to not ask questions.
Weird accidental deaths happen around the Captain. Some blame him for the deaths and remembers previous deaths that have happened around him long ago in the past.
Sometimes I was mixing up all the different Captains in the story, but that was my faults and not the story. I like Ethan and have mixed feelings about Morgan. I can understand reading all the time and escaping into books. She tries to be honest with Ethan about her feelings.
I would read more books by Jesse but I don't know if I want to read all 50 books that he is planning to write in his career but I would like to read more of his work.
I was given this ebook to read and in return asked to be part of Pelican Bay Book tour,
May 29, 2014
Southern Gothic Glory
I’m not sure that I’ve ever read a book where the location was as much a character as the characters. Pelican Bay is definitely alive. And that’s because author Jesse Giles Christiansen has done such a masterful job of creating it. The wild grass, the windswept beach, the unfathomable sea—they’re all looking over your shoulder as you read. It’s eerie and beautiful. It’s supremely poetic. It reminds me of Dylan Thomas and his Ballad of the Long Legged Bait. It sings and it wails. Its imagery is unforgettable.
And so is Captain Shelby. I may as well say it and get it out of the way. I’m in love with the man. He’s unique. He’s primal and powerful. He’s romantic and mysterious. Okay, he may not be much to look at. Sometimes. But I’d run off with him any day.
Pelican Bay is a true work of art full of complex characters and the forces of nature. I can’t wait until it opens its pages to us again.
I’m not sure that I’ve ever read a book where the location was as much a character as the characters. Pelican Bay is definitely alive. And that’s because author Jesse Giles Christiansen has done such a masterful job of creating it. The wild grass, the windswept beach, the unfathomable sea—they’re all looking over your shoulder as you read. It’s eerie and beautiful. It’s supremely poetic. It reminds me of Dylan Thomas and his Ballad of the Long Legged Bait. It sings and it wails. Its imagery is unforgettable.
And so is Captain Shelby. I may as well say it and get it out of the way. I’m in love with the man. He’s unique. He’s primal and powerful. He’s romantic and mysterious. Okay, he may not be much to look at. Sometimes. But I’d run off with him any day.
Pelican Bay is a true work of art full of complex characters and the forces of nature. I can’t wait until it opens its pages to us again.
August 6, 2016
Pelican Bay is the first novel I've read by Christiansen, so I was not prepared for, and therefore blown away by, his seriously gifted writing style. His descriptions are more than just vivid; they are romantic and almost lyrical. Not only can you picture it perfectly, but you can feel the loss when the sun goes down over the bay or when Morgan still refuses to give Ethan hope of returned affection. There were a lot of elements to this story that I enjoyed. Captain Shelby's love for his descendants/protectors, Morgan and Ethan's relationship, the suspense of discovering what Captain Shelby really is or isn't, and the coming of age feel as Ethan finally decides how to go after Morgan and how he ultimately views his relationship with Captain Shelby. Pacing, plotting, characters - all are amazingly well done. Five stars!
March 16, 2014
Pelican Bay was an intriguing and compelling mystery. I give it 4 and half stars, only because it took a bit for me to get into it.
Once I reached a certain point though, I did not want to stop reading! I had to know everything about Captain Shelby.
What I learned wasn't what I thought, but so much more! I'm very glad I gave this book a chance.
** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
My thoughts, feelings, and opinions are mine and mine alone.
I would definitely recommend this book. Especially to those that are history buffs, or into mysteries, intrigue and suspense.
My thanks to the author for sharing this book with me! Jesse let me know if there's another book in this series!
Once I reached a certain point though, I did not want to stop reading! I had to know everything about Captain Shelby.
What I learned wasn't what I thought, but so much more! I'm very glad I gave this book a chance.
** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
My thoughts, feelings, and opinions are mine and mine alone.
I would definitely recommend this book. Especially to those that are history buffs, or into mysteries, intrigue and suspense.
My thanks to the author for sharing this book with me! Jesse let me know if there's another book in this series!
August 1, 2014
Thought Provoking!
Mr. Christiansen tells this story in magnificent and descriptive detail. His descriptions are vivid and his storyline quite unique. I loved Captain Shelby's speech...it reminded me of some good Newfoundland friends! I enjoyed the historical, nautical and even paranormal aspects throughout the story. Ethan and Captain Shelby's relationship was well developed and interesting. It took me a while to warm up to Morgan, however by the end I was rooting for her and Ethan to end up together and be happy. This book has intrigue, suspense, history and even a bit of romance. I look forward to the next book.
Mr. Christiansen tells this story in magnificent and descriptive detail. His descriptions are vivid and his storyline quite unique. I loved Captain Shelby's speech...it reminded me of some good Newfoundland friends! I enjoyed the historical, nautical and even paranormal aspects throughout the story. Ethan and Captain Shelby's relationship was well developed and interesting. It took me a while to warm up to Morgan, however by the end I was rooting for her and Ethan to end up together and be happy. This book has intrigue, suspense, history and even a bit of romance. I look forward to the next book.
September 4, 2014
I read this book in South Carolina, sitting by the ocean with a storm brewing in the distance! Very apt as this book is also set in South Carolina, in fictional Pelican Bay and storms within its page are not uncommon! A very atmospheric book, the story is a real page-turner and the writing by turns eloquent and exciting. I LOVED the character of Captain Shelby, Morgan and Ethan were great too, their unfolding romance very sweetly done. There's a mystery involved and, as this is part of a trilogy, you'll not find all the answers in this book but what you do find will have you racing onto the next one. A great seafaring tale that should rank up there with the best of them!
February 23, 2016
Pelican Bay, on the coast of South Carolina experiences many bad storms and hurricanes. Ethan Hodges has lived in Pelican Bay all of his life. There is an old fisherman he became friends with when he was young named Captain Shelby. He has always had a special relationship with the old fisherman. Nobody knows how old Captain Shelby is. Everyone remembers him as being very old. Ethan finds an old cemetery that has been uncovered temporarily by the waves. Captain Shelby tells Ethan to leave things alone but he and his friend/girlfriend Morgan Olinsworth start digging into town history.
Good book, well written!
Good book, well written!
October 21, 2013
Not my genre but an OK read for those who like this weird stuff. I was confused by one character's demise on page 105 and then seemly resurrected on page 113 and then dead again. I am sorry I cannot be more positive. The author tells us he was influenced by "Shipping News", a book I loved, and I can not see any relationship other than some Newfoundland dialect. I will leave this book to others to try. It does keep you looking forward to a resolution, such as it is. The love interest is the best part of the story because it, unlike the rest of the book, has a quality of "real" about it.
December 6, 2015
One star because I can't give it 0
Don't waste your time. Mr. Christiansen seems to have a penchant for using his thesaurus and wanting the reader to use the dictionary. I have a very large vocabulary so kept up, but his usage of such obscure words, and redundancies, grated on my nerves and was laughably ridiculous. The only reason I finished reading this book is because I have a "thing" with abandoning a story. I won't be continuing with this series or any more of Mr. Christiansen's books.
Don't waste your time. Mr. Christiansen seems to have a penchant for using his thesaurus and wanting the reader to use the dictionary. I have a very large vocabulary so kept up, but his usage of such obscure words, and redundancies, grated on my nerves and was laughably ridiculous. The only reason I finished reading this book is because I have a "thing" with abandoning a story. I won't be continuing with this series or any more of Mr. Christiansen's books.
January 24, 2016
A fine read indeed
Love and strangeness intermingle beautifully in this novel. Two moral perspectives clash, and reader is trapped between them.. This is a book that doesn't reveal its philosophy in a take it or leave it manner. The narrator has human flaws, but they led me to sympathize with him rather than condemn him. I love books which create empathy like this one does.
Love and strangeness intermingle beautifully in this novel. Two moral perspectives clash, and reader is trapped between them.. This is a book that doesn't reveal its philosophy in a take it or leave it manner. The narrator has human flaws, but they led me to sympathize with him rather than condemn him. I love books which create empathy like this one does.
February 8, 2016
If you like descriptive stories then you will love this book. I personally struggle with it due to being dyslexic which meant I had to read the descriptive parts several times to understand them. This said it was a great, original story so I am glad I persevered .
December 21, 2015
Exceptional
Still haven't figured out just who or what the Captain might be, but I do understand that some thing's are better left alone. After all wouldn't life be dull if we knew everything about everything mr scopie.
Still haven't figured out just who or what the Captain might be, but I do understand that some thing's are better left alone. After all wouldn't life be dull if we knew everything about everything mr scopie.
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