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Archers Beach #3
Carousel Seas
Sequel to National Bestseller Carousel Sun. A gripping contemporary fantasy thriller from master storyteller Sharon Lee, award-winning cocreator of the highly popular Liaden Universe® saga.
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Welcome to Archers Beach in the Changing Land, the last and least of the Six Worlds, where magic works, sometimes, and the Guardian husbands the vitality of the land and everyone on it—earth spirit and plain human alike.
Kate Archer, Guardian and carousel-keeper, has been busy making some changes of her own, notably beginning a romantic relationship with Borgan, the Guardian of the Gulf of Maine, Kate's opposite number, and, some would say, her natural mate.
Oh, and she's been instrumental in releasing the prisoners that had been bound into the carousel animals—which she's inclined to think is a good thing...
Until a former sea goddess sets up housekeeping in the Gulf of Maine, challenging Borgan's authority; endangering Kate and everything she holds precious.
...because the goddess has fallen in love in Borgan; and she'll stop at nothing to possess him.
Archers Beach is about to suffer a sea-change—and the question is whether Kate can survive it.
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Welcome to Archers Beach in the Changing Land, the last and least of the Six Worlds, where magic works, sometimes, and the Guardian husbands the vitality of the land and everyone on it—earth spirit and plain human alike.
Kate Archer, Guardian and carousel-keeper, has been busy making some changes of her own, notably beginning a romantic relationship with Borgan, the Guardian of the Gulf of Maine, Kate's opposite number, and, some would say, her natural mate.
Oh, and she's been instrumental in releasing the prisoners that had been bound into the carousel animals—which she's inclined to think is a good thing...
Until a former sea goddess sets up housekeeping in the Gulf of Maine, challenging Borgan's authority; endangering Kate and everything she holds precious.
...because the goddess has fallen in love in Borgan; and she'll stop at nothing to possess him.
Archers Beach is about to suffer a sea-change—and the question is whether Kate can survive it.
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2014
10 people are currently reading
145 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 5, 2022
Very good! Such a superb series!
May 17, 2022
3.5 stars
I loved the characters and the coastal Maine setting for this series. A hardworking, close-knit community of carnies—some human, some not—and a carousel that stands at a gate between worlds really appealed to me, and the romance between Borgen and Kate was refreshingly gentle and sweet. Borgen definitely got added to the book boyfriend list while I was reading these books.
I was disappointed with the number of plots that were getting juggled in this finale. I don’t think Lee was able to do them all justice, and I really hated the sea goddess plotline. The land getting sold, the cat stuff, the shenanigans in the other worlds, and wonderful Kain’s arrival were quite enough. I didn’t need a zillion POV chapters of some dumb sea goddess.
I’ve enjoyed the series as a whole, though, and I’m invested enough in the world that I’ll probably loop back to the short fiction she’s written in this setting. Lee has a fantastic imagination, and this trilogy has been a pleasant ride. The audio version, narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers, is lovely.
I loved the characters and the coastal Maine setting for this series. A hardworking, close-knit community of carnies—some human, some not—and a carousel that stands at a gate between worlds really appealed to me, and the romance between Borgen and Kate was refreshingly gentle and sweet. Borgen definitely got added to the book boyfriend list while I was reading these books.
I was disappointed with the number of plots that were getting juggled in this finale. I don’t think Lee was able to do them all justice, and I really hated the sea goddess plotline. The land getting sold, the cat stuff, the shenanigans in the other worlds, and wonderful Kain’s arrival were quite enough. I didn’t need a zillion POV chapters of some dumb sea goddess.
I’ve enjoyed the series as a whole, though, and I’m invested enough in the world that I’ll probably loop back to the short fiction she’s written in this setting. Lee has a fantastic imagination, and this trilogy has been a pleasant ride. The audio version, narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers, is lovely.
February 6, 2015
This book was a breath of fresh seaside air. I love the setting of a small sea town for a fantasy novel. There was definitely a feeling of 'old worldliness' about the story, both in the character's demeanours and language, and in the customs of the various folk. I received a copy of this book from netgalley, but after reading one or two chapters I had to go and buy book one and two and start from the beginning. I really hope a book 4 will be hitting our shelves soon, and if that's the case, I'll definitely be buying a copy!
October 15, 2014
Very good, I read it non-stop, and wish there was more! I highly recommend getting the EArc from www.baenebooks.com!
December 19, 2014
I loved it! I hope it's not the last of the series, but if so, it ended with a bang!
August 26, 2018
It's a hard thing to finish reading a book series, knowing there might not be any more further adventures.
Carousel Seas has Kate, Borgan and the rest of the folk of Archers Beach dealing with the people who were imprisoned inside the carousel. Now released, they make their wishes known.
Carousel Seas has Kate, Borgan and the rest of the folk of Archers Beach dealing with the people who were imprisoned inside the carousel. Now released, they make their wishes known.
February 10, 2015
Over the course of this trilogy, I have felt less and less satisfied with the details of life in a small Maine town, working a carousel at an amusement park, and getting along with all the natives, in human and other forms. This is not the fault of the story, of the details themselves, but belongs more to the pacing of the novel. This month, I appear to be looking for more fast-paced books with more action in them, and less description. The plot moves along so slowly that it doesn't grab my attention. A note here: the pacing adds another dimension to the setting, since it reflects a slower pace of life. The language, too, is very "Maine," and I think these added features really do help to bring the setting to life.
The relationships between many of the residents of Archer's Beach are varied and complex, which is unsurprising given the small size of this relatively close-knit community. I particularly enjoyed the introduction of the rogue cat community to this narration. In all of her books, Sharon Lee captures the essence of cats in a very entertaining and insightful way. The relationship between Borgan and Kate is one of the most self-aware ones I have come across, with each understanding the other (although perhaps Borgan is better at this than Kate), and making conscious decisions to succeed at the relationship, even against natural inclinations (Kate's, as she is more reluctant than Borgan to be involved with someone).
The magic system works very well. It is very thoroughly integrated with the world, based in nature as it is, and limiting magical creatures to their natural habitats that provide magical sustenance. The multiple worlds always remind me of Katamari Damacy, a video game where the son of the King of All Cosmos is charged with traveling around the universe to roll up enough material to rebuild the stars. As inaccurate as that may be.
This is a good book. I may have enjoyed it more if I had been reading it without a number of other books on my to-read list, or if I had been reading it without trying to review it. Simply put, it was not to my taste at this time.
Many readers will like it, enjoy the more measured unfolding of the story, and delight in the little details that really bring Maine culture to life. I appreciated all those things, but could not maintain my interest with the pace of the plot development.
The relationships between many of the residents of Archer's Beach are varied and complex, which is unsurprising given the small size of this relatively close-knit community. I particularly enjoyed the introduction of the rogue cat community to this narration. In all of her books, Sharon Lee captures the essence of cats in a very entertaining and insightful way. The relationship between Borgan and Kate is one of the most self-aware ones I have come across, with each understanding the other (although perhaps Borgan is better at this than Kate), and making conscious decisions to succeed at the relationship, even against natural inclinations (Kate's, as she is more reluctant than Borgan to be involved with someone).
The magic system works very well. It is very thoroughly integrated with the world, based in nature as it is, and limiting magical creatures to their natural habitats that provide magical sustenance. The multiple worlds always remind me of Katamari Damacy, a video game where the son of the King of All Cosmos is charged with traveling around the universe to roll up enough material to rebuild the stars. As inaccurate as that may be.
This is a good book. I may have enjoyed it more if I had been reading it without a number of other books on my to-read list, or if I had been reading it without trying to review it. Simply put, it was not to my taste at this time.
Many readers will like it, enjoy the more measured unfolding of the story, and delight in the little details that really bring Maine culture to life. I appreciated all those things, but could not maintain my interest with the pace of the plot development.
December 11, 2014
Shocking news could drive a wedge into the existing gap between townies and those from Away, alliances come from new and strange corners, but the unreasonable demand from one tourist to remove cats from their regular haunt doesn't help matters. Thus you are gently drawn back into Archers Beach, welcoming the individuals and the parallel threads that provide so much richness.
Even though this is the concluding book in the Archers Beach series, I still appreciate Kate's multi-layered life. As a relatively unpracticed user of power, her visualizations make it easier on me to form mental pictures too, something which I often find difficult in detailed magic scenes.
This is a book to be savored, not one to be rushed through, matching the rhythm of the beach and the slower pace of life. That said, I was reading again at 3am this morning, thanks to some insomnia, and to my delight and disappointment managed to finish it: delight because I love this series, and disappointment because now I must resort to re-reading the entire trilogy when I need a new fix!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Even though this is the concluding book in the Archers Beach series, I still appreciate Kate's multi-layered life. As a relatively unpracticed user of power, her visualizations make it easier on me to form mental pictures too, something which I often find difficult in detailed magic scenes.
This is a book to be savored, not one to be rushed through, matching the rhythm of the beach and the slower pace of life. That said, I was reading again at 3am this morning, thanks to some insomnia, and to my delight and disappointment managed to finish it: delight because I love this series, and disappointment because now I must resort to re-reading the entire trilogy when I need a new fix!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2017
Third in the Archer Beach series, but you do not need to have read the first two. The beginning was slow to draw me in, and I put the book aside for a month or so. 15 or 20% into the book it caught my interest and yes I did enjoy reading the rest of it. Contemporary fantasy, but no vampires, werewolves, or love potions.
Of the three novels, I enjoyed the second one most.
Of the three novels, I enjoyed the second one most.
June 29, 2025
"Carousel Seas" is the third book in the Archers Beach fantasy series: contemporary fantasy set in coastal Maine with supernatural creatures including earth and sea spirits. I believe I enjoyed it the most of the three books. I appreciate the friends the main character, Kate, has gained and that she is now able to put trust in someone else.
High points: firstly, a new addition to the cast, Cael the Wolf, Master of Hounds, whom I liked very much. Secondly, for being very well executed, though it wrenched me hard at the close, the arc with Jim Robins. Thirdly, Breccia.
I have two complaints, however. I missed seeing Heeterskyte (I love Heeterskyte). And, graver, where is book four? Alas that this appears to be the end of the series!
Four and a half out of five hound stars, rounded up because this made me happy as I read it (excepting the Jim Robins part).
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).
High points: firstly, a new addition to the cast, Cael the Wolf, Master of Hounds, whom I liked very much. Secondly, for being very well executed, though it wrenched me hard at the close, the arc with Jim Robins. Thirdly, Breccia.
I have two complaints, however. I missed seeing Heeterskyte (I love Heeterskyte). And, graver, where is book four? Alas that this appears to be the end of the series!
Four and a half out of five hound stars, rounded up because this made me happy as I read it (excepting the Jim Robins part).
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).
October 1, 2024
Finally, a not-wtf cover. The nice thing about the series is that the story arc doesn't require the reader to remember every detail of the earlier books; this one could almost be read as a standalone.
But let's talk paragraphing. Some conversations were difficult to follow because of Lee's tendency to plop down what's being said without reminding the reader who's saying it. Often, the speaker has grunted or shrugged or something the paragraph before, but not always. And almost all the speakers tend to sound the same, so speech pattern didn't help. This made the read less pleasant than it would have been.
We did wrap up loose ends in the earlier books, which was nice. And there's less Peggy, which was also nice. And Lee has left an opening for other books.
But let's talk paragraphing. Some conversations were difficult to follow because of Lee's tendency to plop down what's being said without reminding the reader who's saying it. Often, the speaker has grunted or shrugged or something the paragraph before, but not always. And almost all the speakers tend to sound the same, so speech pattern didn't help. This made the read less pleasant than it would have been.
We did wrap up loose ends in the earlier books, which was nice. And there's less Peggy, which was also nice. And Lee has left an opening for other books.
June 7, 2019
A charming fantasy set in a coastal New England tourist town; this third book was a little slower going than the first two, but picked up in the second two-thirds and had a satisfying ending. I'd love to read more in this series and hope it doesn't end at a trilogy. Archers Beach makes me nostalgic for the east coast, and the universe/concepts are different from the usual fare.
January 19, 2025
comforting. lovely story
Third book in a series I put off reading needlessly. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Grab them and read them.
Third book in a series I put off reading needlessly. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Grab them and read them.
August 17, 2016
Slow start but a good finish. This is the third and seemingly last of a three book series. I enjoy everything I have every read by these authors. However, I had such a hard time getting this book started that I almost quit. But then I got through to the middle and at that point I started enjoying the book. If you haven't read the other two books in this series then you won't enjoy this book nearly as much. You can still read it and enjoy it , just not as much. So go read them and then come back and read this one. There is a lot to like about this book and the series. In particular, this book continues the adventures of Katie, the Guardian of Archers Beach. Here, Katie has grown into her role and now we see the fall out from books 1 and 2. I liked the world building. There are many worlds and this, our world is the Changing world- This fact is important for the overall story arches from books 1 and 2 but doesn't really have that much to do with this book There is magic but there is also mundane, part of what makes it slow but necessary even so.In the beginning we're following Katie around and finding out stuff about the world and it's slow, but it picks up. Anyway, The new danger, the problem that must be overcome is two-fold, one is an escapee from the carousel. and how she causes a problem for Borgan, Katies' significant Other, how Borgan attempts to fix this new problem and finally how the problem affects Katie and Archie Beach. The second problem is avoiding backlash from the Wise ones. This second problem is woven throughout the whole book yet is more background than an actual event, except once. I liked that the end of the book was an actual finish but like any story life goes on even if we can't see it. I tried not to spoil it for you so that you can read it yourself. I think you'd like this book but only if you've read the other two first. I know it's supposed to be a stand alone book but there are too many threads that are clearly from before that get wrapped up here and have not much to do with the story. Even so, I liked it and it felt like I was reading it as as stand alone because I've forgotten so much and did not re-read the other books before reading this one.
January 4, 2015
Carousel Seas is the third in a series of contemporary fantasy novels by Sharon Lee, co-author of the Liaden sci-fi series. Taking place shortly after the end of the second book, this one continues to build on the action of the previous novels. In this installment, Kate Archer’s life is complicated by two of the escaped prisoners from her family’s enchanted carousel. While one of them turns out to be a friend, the other creates serious problems for Kate’s love, Borgan, Guardian of the Sea.
Unlike the previous novel in the series, Carousel Sun, there’s more of a focus on the fantastical aspects of Kate’s life in this book, as she continues to learn what she can do with her magic and as Guardian of the Land for Archer’s Cove. At the same time, she still has to deal with more mundane problems, both large—the company who owns the amusement park housing her carousel has decided to sell the land to developers—and small—Kate gets caught up in plans to remove a feral cat colony. (As a consequence of which, Kate gets a cat. Oh, and cats are apparently magical, which will surprise no one who has ever lived with one.) This mixture of the magical and the mundane characterizes this series, and to me, it’s one of its strengths, making the fantasy seem more rooted in the reality of our world.
If you’ve read and enjoyed the rest of the series, you will definitely want to read this novel, too. If you’re new to the series, you should give it a try if you enjoy character-driven fantasies with leisurely pacing. I wouldn’t start with this one, though, because you really need the background of the other books to make sense of the plot. Just start with Carousel Tides and treat yourself to the entire series.
From the way the book ends, it seems as if this particular series of novels set in Archer’s Cove has come to its natural conclusion. Lee does leave the door open to picking up the action at some point in the future, though. If so, I’ll be reading!
An ARC of Carousel Seas was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unlike the previous novel in the series, Carousel Sun, there’s more of a focus on the fantastical aspects of Kate’s life in this book, as she continues to learn what she can do with her magic and as Guardian of the Land for Archer’s Cove. At the same time, she still has to deal with more mundane problems, both large—the company who owns the amusement park housing her carousel has decided to sell the land to developers—and small—Kate gets caught up in plans to remove a feral cat colony. (As a consequence of which, Kate gets a cat. Oh, and cats are apparently magical, which will surprise no one who has ever lived with one.) This mixture of the magical and the mundane characterizes this series, and to me, it’s one of its strengths, making the fantasy seem more rooted in the reality of our world.
If you’ve read and enjoyed the rest of the series, you will definitely want to read this novel, too. If you’re new to the series, you should give it a try if you enjoy character-driven fantasies with leisurely pacing. I wouldn’t start with this one, though, because you really need the background of the other books to make sense of the plot. Just start with Carousel Tides and treat yourself to the entire series.
From the way the book ends, it seems as if this particular series of novels set in Archer’s Cove has come to its natural conclusion. Lee does leave the door open to picking up the action at some point in the future, though. If so, I’ll be reading!
An ARC of Carousel Seas was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2021
Kate Archer is beset with problems both magical and mundane in this conclusion to the Archers Beach trilogy. Having released prisoners bound to the carousel she manages in a seaside town in Maine, she knows that she will have trouble with the Wise - powerful beings from the other linked worlds - but she thinks that the prisoners have all left Earth. She learns that, at least, one has remained behind and has determined to conquer Borgan and take over his guardianship of the Gulf of Maine.
In an attempt to win his affections this goddess kills two goblins that Borgan has spared, despite the fact that they would like him dead. This grieves and angers the sea who loved them and the sea changes making life hard for the citizens of the town. After all, no waves and invasions of jellyfish aren't going to draw the tourists needed for the booths and rides.
Of course the whole of the amusement park is being threatened by another mundane source. The owners are planning to sell the land where it sits so that condos can be built. This is very upsetting to the magical and non-magical folks who make their livings from the park. In facts, they had been petitioning to make the season longer than the 12 weeks it had shrunk to over the years. Now the committees are looking for other options - either a way to buy the land or a place to move the park.
If that wasn't enough, Kate is just getting used to her connection with the land and her growing magical abilities. She is still learning about her land and finding out about the trenvay who live there. Kate also expands her family by adding a cat and a liege-sworn to her retinue. Both add depth and complications to her life.
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary fantasy with excitement, magic and romance. I highly recommend this trilogy.
In an attempt to win his affections this goddess kills two goblins that Borgan has spared, despite the fact that they would like him dead. This grieves and angers the sea who loved them and the sea changes making life hard for the citizens of the town. After all, no waves and invasions of jellyfish aren't going to draw the tourists needed for the booths and rides.
Of course the whole of the amusement park is being threatened by another mundane source. The owners are planning to sell the land where it sits so that condos can be built. This is very upsetting to the magical and non-magical folks who make their livings from the park. In facts, they had been petitioning to make the season longer than the 12 weeks it had shrunk to over the years. Now the committees are looking for other options - either a way to buy the land or a place to move the park.
If that wasn't enough, Kate is just getting used to her connection with the land and her growing magical abilities. She is still learning about her land and finding out about the trenvay who live there. Kate also expands her family by adding a cat and a liege-sworn to her retinue. Both add depth and complications to her life.
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary fantasy with excitement, magic and romance. I highly recommend this trilogy.
May 26, 2015
Return to Archers Beach, Maine, which is part of The Changing Land (last, and some say least, of the Six Worlds.) Sometimes magic works there and sometimes it doesn’t—but always, magic Changes things. Kate Archer is the current Guardian and also keeper of the carousel, which is the portal to the other worlds and until recently was also the prison for the worst of criminals. The Wise sentenced them in hopes of Changing them for the better. The swirl of magic that was packed into Carousel Sun broke those bindings, freeing the criminals to die, flee, or hide.
Now Kate and her friends and neighbors must deal with one of the hidden, a powerful sea goddess who has designs on Kate’s boyfriend Borgan, the Guardian of the Gulf of Maine, and also on the Gulf. But this plotting injures the Sea herself—and when the Sea grieves, everything is at risk. Once again Lee gives us her atmospheric, densely woven story filled with curious, quirky, and very believable creatures from Beyond. There are also slow-moving romances and swift dangers, cats with agency, and a lesson in just how strong and subtle the least of the magic worlds may be. Kate has made both powerful friends and dangerous enemies, and the bindings she has made must take her into the future.
Recommended. I think you can read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting with Carousel Tides. Why not take the entire journey?
Now Kate and her friends and neighbors must deal with one of the hidden, a powerful sea goddess who has designs on Kate’s boyfriend Borgan, the Guardian of the Gulf of Maine, and also on the Gulf. But this plotting injures the Sea herself—and when the Sea grieves, everything is at risk. Once again Lee gives us her atmospheric, densely woven story filled with curious, quirky, and very believable creatures from Beyond. There are also slow-moving romances and swift dangers, cats with agency, and a lesson in just how strong and subtle the least of the magic worlds may be. Kate has made both powerful friends and dangerous enemies, and the bindings she has made must take her into the future.
Recommended. I think you can read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting with Carousel Tides. Why not take the entire journey?
April 10, 2015
At 352 pages, this is a decent size book to read. It’s also the finale to a series. So, the best idea would be to read the other 2 (Tides and Sun) for the Archers Beach series. The cover was interesting enough to draw me in, a newbie to series as a whole. I like series because I get to spend extra time in this created world with magical characters.
You get to visit Archers Beach, Maine, see sea gods & goddesses, and meet great guardians. These work to keep things balanced, whether it be good or bad, saving feral cat colonies included. The pacing went well for the most part of the book. I even liked the characters. What I didn’t like was an inclusion of 5 other worlds. This book was too short to develop these and make them matter. It felt like a glimpse into something that became more of a filler. I’m supposed to care about these characters, and with so much punched into so few pages, I just wasn’t invested. I found myself skipping a few paragraphs here and there to just get to the ending.
There could’ve been more in the way of adding depth to characters and developing all these worlds more, but that doesn’t make it a bad read. Like I said, theres great pace and action with likeable characters. It a series that people should try.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy!
You get to visit Archers Beach, Maine, see sea gods & goddesses, and meet great guardians. These work to keep things balanced, whether it be good or bad, saving feral cat colonies included. The pacing went well for the most part of the book. I even liked the characters. What I didn’t like was an inclusion of 5 other worlds. This book was too short to develop these and make them matter. It felt like a glimpse into something that became more of a filler. I’m supposed to care about these characters, and with so much punched into so few pages, I just wasn’t invested. I found myself skipping a few paragraphs here and there to just get to the ending.
There could’ve been more in the way of adding depth to characters and developing all these worlds more, but that doesn’t make it a bad read. Like I said, theres great pace and action with likeable characters. It a series that people should try.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy!
September 18, 2015
Carousel Seas is very much like the book that preceded it with parallel story lines wandering along in everyday life, although an overarching theme is sneakily raising its head in which earth, or The Changing Land, is an important pawn in the war among the Six Worlds that connect to it. The story lines from Carousel Sun continue with Kate learning more about her duties as the Guardian of the Land and using her jikinap as well as her relationship with and trust in Borgan moving right along. Two of the prisoners of the Wise who had escaped the carousel binding in the last book add color and tension in this plot. One is a sea goddess who decides she wants to be Borgan's consort and rule the Gulf of Main. Another is a former servant from Kate's life as the Princess of Aeryonomous who begs her to accept his vow of allegiance. And then there is the feral cat population that needs protecting from an angry neighbor, the announcement that the land where the carnival runs is being sold out to hungry condo builders, and the threats from the powerful council of The Wise. The story is better if you read the two previous books for background and depth of characters. I enjoy the mix of mundane and magic and good people trying to do right.
December 21, 2014
I give this book 5 Stars. It finishes the story arc in very satisfying fashion but I really hope the author will sometime (soon!) revisit this world for more stories. The characters are compelling and I would be sad to not have a chance to visit with them again.
I read the book in eARC from BAEN as soon as it was released, re-read it just for the pleasure and will certainly reread it again when my signed copy arrives from Uncle Hugo's. I also purchased a copy for my daughter who is a great fan of Sharon Lee in her Archer's Beach stories and Sharon and Steve in the Liaden stories as well. Am impatiently awaiting the release of DRAGON IN EXILE in BAEN eARC and will certainly buy the hardcover in June as well! Highly recommended.
And be sure to read the short story set in the Archer Beach world currently up on the BAEN site. More good fare for us insatiable and voracious fans.
Anne in Virginia
I read the book in eARC from BAEN as soon as it was released, re-read it just for the pleasure and will certainly reread it again when my signed copy arrives from Uncle Hugo's. I also purchased a copy for my daughter who is a great fan of Sharon Lee in her Archer's Beach stories and Sharon and Steve in the Liaden stories as well. Am impatiently awaiting the release of DRAGON IN EXILE in BAEN eARC and will certainly buy the hardcover in June as well! Highly recommended.
And be sure to read the short story set in the Archer Beach world currently up on the BAEN site. More good fare for us insatiable and voracious fans.
Anne in Virginia
January 6, 2015
...challenges mount for the Guardian of Archers Beach!
Archers Beach, Maine. Events for Kate Archer, the Guardian take on a new twist. The disruption caused between worlds when Kate frees those imprisoned by the Wise in the Carousel brings new upheavals. A stranger, a newly come goddess enters the sea, and Brogan is threatened. Kate takes the oath of a bound subject, Cael from the House of Aerynomous.
The Amusement Park is being closed down, a beautiful and mysterious cat enters Kate's life. All is not well with the Changing World. And the Wise have started to investigate!
Vassily still looks after the carousel with his angel intact.
Kate needs all the friends, courage, luck and skill she can hold to face the coming storm!
Once again Sharon Lee has come through with a winning combination of action, fantasy and romance.
A NetGalley ARC
Archers Beach, Maine. Events for Kate Archer, the Guardian take on a new twist. The disruption caused between worlds when Kate frees those imprisoned by the Wise in the Carousel brings new upheavals. A stranger, a newly come goddess enters the sea, and Brogan is threatened. Kate takes the oath of a bound subject, Cael from the House of Aerynomous.
The Amusement Park is being closed down, a beautiful and mysterious cat enters Kate's life. All is not well with the Changing World. And the Wise have started to investigate!
Vassily still looks after the carousel with his angel intact.
Kate needs all the friends, courage, luck and skill she can hold to face the coming storm!
Once again Sharon Lee has come through with a winning combination of action, fantasy and romance.
A NetGalley ARC
June 13, 2015
I read "Seas" and its predecessor more or less in a single gulp, so I'll review both here. As per usual for Lee, the characters continue to be well drawn, unique, and interesting. As is also usual for Lee, the plots continue to be a struggle. She wanted some additional stories in this universe, but aside from the obvious of hooking Kate up with Borgan it didn't seem she wasn't exactly sure where she was going. There are some bad guys, some good guys with secret identities, some "not quite sure if they're on our side but definitely not safe" guys, and basically a whole lot of loosely connected events that eventually wrap themselves up into a sort of story. Not necessarily dissatisfying, but hardly "epic." If more books appear in this universe I'll undoubtedly read them, but I don't expect too much.
February 8, 2015
I waited to write my review, because I love the Archers Beach books, and I am sad that the series has ended, which is silly since Archers Beach was originally one book, Carousel Tides. Kate's story comes to a conclusion in Carousel Seas, as she works to control her magic and understand her Guardianship, prepare for the consequences of the prison break, and explores her relationship with Borgan. Change is coming not only to Archers Beach but also to the Six Worlds, and Kate must decide what part she will play in this different world. I want to gush about how wonderful this very different urban fantasy is, how the mundane world of Archers Beach beautifully frames the fantasy world of the trenvay and the other worlds, but I am still a little sad.
November 8, 2014
Continuing the story of Kate Archer and Archer's Beach, this brings the series to a fitting close.
Changes are afoot in Archer's Beach, as the managment company is planning to sell the land that the carnival sits on. The midway has already been sold. Along with the natural threats, there are also supernatural ones. The prison escape from the carousel threatens to bring the Wise down on Kate and on the Changing Land as a whole. And one of the escaped prisoners wants to steal the Gulf of Maine from Borgen.
The stakes are high, but somehow they seem lower here than in the first two books. But it is no less enjoyable for that.
Recommended.
Changes are afoot in Archer's Beach, as the managment company is planning to sell the land that the carnival sits on. The midway has already been sold. Along with the natural threats, there are also supernatural ones. The prison escape from the carousel threatens to bring the Wise down on Kate and on the Changing Land as a whole. And one of the escaped prisoners wants to steal the Gulf of Maine from Borgen.
The stakes are high, but somehow they seem lower here than in the first two books. But it is no less enjoyable for that.
Recommended.
March 2, 2015
I confess that when I embarked on these "carousel" stories, I thought I was beginning a trilogy, but I see now it is labelled a series and it is clear there are a number of stories to come.
It's not easy to say why I like this and the other books. The pace varies a lot - at times, you seem to be engrossed in the running of a funfair, employee problems and squabbles with developers, then suddenly there are pages of furious, magical drama, followed by another period of relative calm. In this book, Kate learns more about her magic, terrible things seem likely for Borgen and we still don't know what will become of the relationship between the Six Worlds. I'll have to keep on buying.
It's not easy to say why I like this and the other books. The pace varies a lot - at times, you seem to be engrossed in the running of a funfair, employee problems and squabbles with developers, then suddenly there are pages of furious, magical drama, followed by another period of relative calm. In this book, Kate learns more about her magic, terrible things seem likely for Borgen and we still don't know what will become of the relationship between the Six Worlds. I'll have to keep on buying.
March 8, 2015
Loved this book. The characters are well developed and easy to connect with. The story concept is unique and the descriptions of the characters and the settings are detailed enough that you can imagine exactly what they look like and picture yourself there.
Dive into the book and meet Kate Archer Guardian and Carousel-keeper. What you ask is a Guardian and a Carousel Keeper? You will have to open the book and find out. I will not post spoilers. If you love books full of magic, action and a little romance then you will love this one.
I will be looking for more books by Sharon Lee.
Dive into the book and meet Kate Archer Guardian and Carousel-keeper. What you ask is a Guardian and a Carousel Keeper? You will have to open the book and find out. I will not post spoilers. If you love books full of magic, action and a little romance then you will love this one.
I will be looking for more books by Sharon Lee.
February 26, 2015
There are two somewhat interwoven stories here—Kate and the other residents of Archers Beach have to contend with the sale of the whole amusement park to be turned into condominiums, and one of the beings freed from Kate’s carousel takes up residence in the sea nearby, with plans to resume her godhood and designs on Borgan. Kate’s interactions with Borgan, her friends, relatives, new cat, and neighbors are enjoyable.
Read
April 28, 2015I discovered Sharon Lee (and Steve Miller) fairly recently, and devoured everything they've written. Carousel Seas is an enjoyable and satisfactory conclusion to this trilogy, but it wasn't quite as enthralling for me as the Liaden Universe books. Those, I will read over and over again (already have, for that matter!). This one, while I have nothing negative to say about it, I'm content to have read it once.
July 11, 2015
The third book in the Archer's Beach trilogy. Sharon Lee is a joy to read. I discovered this series through an ARC from NetGalley, and I'm so glad I did. I fully intend to go back and re-read this trilogy since now I won't be in such a hurry to find out What Happens and can savor them. And then I intend to start on the Liaden Universe.
Sharon Lee also has a great blog on Live Journal called "Eagles over the Kennebec".
Sharon Lee also has a great blog on Live Journal called "Eagles over the Kennebec".
July 12, 2015
A contemporary romantic fantasy about loyalty and honor, accepting change, power and responsibility, and choosing to serve. Kate has really grown as a character – she is more comfortable with responsibility and more trusting of herself and Borgan. She takes care of the land, the trenvay, and her oath-bound vassals. One of my favorite snippets of dialog – Borgan: “So, you’re thinking world domnination?” Kate: “Who wants to do all that work?”
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