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Thalassic #1
Salt
What do you do with a drunken sailor when the world is underwater?
In a brutal dystopian water world, where survival depends on skill and smarts, Bird Howsley is a beautiful disaster. A drunken sailor, a sharp-tongued back-talker, and a magnet for chaos, Bird is one bad decision away from watching her life go completely under water.
Her only lifeline? Level-headed sailing teacher, Sargo Paz. Sargo is a second-generation immigrant striving to prove himself in a city where no one looks like him, and despite Bird's salty demeanor, he seems determined not to give up on her.
But when a cryptic message from her dead brother sets Bird on a quest to find answers about her past, one reckless act puts her and Sargo in the crosshairs of a dangerous underground organization hell-bent on their demise.
Forced to flee their hometown, they embark on a treacherous voyage across the Salt - where perilous seas and close quarters stir up emotions neither of them expected, and they discover that the organization they're running from holds darker secrets than they ever imagined...
In a brutal dystopian water world, where survival depends on skill and smarts, Bird Howsley is a beautiful disaster. A drunken sailor, a sharp-tongued back-talker, and a magnet for chaos, Bird is one bad decision away from watching her life go completely under water.
Her only lifeline? Level-headed sailing teacher, Sargo Paz. Sargo is a second-generation immigrant striving to prove himself in a city where no one looks like him, and despite Bird's salty demeanor, he seems determined not to give up on her.
But when a cryptic message from her dead brother sets Bird on a quest to find answers about her past, one reckless act puts her and Sargo in the crosshairs of a dangerous underground organization hell-bent on their demise.
Forced to flee their hometown, they embark on a treacherous voyage across the Salt - where perilous seas and close quarters stir up emotions neither of them expected, and they discover that the organization they're running from holds darker secrets than they ever imagined...
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2023
760 people are currently reading
6006 people want to read
About the author
Liz Shipton
29 books589 followersHi! I'm Liz. I'm a writer and off-grid liveaboard sailor. I gallivant about the high seas with my partner and my dog, turning my adventures into speculative fiction.
While I explore the world, my books explore themes adjacent to mental health, the loneliness epidemic, addiction, tech creep, climate change, and the looming collapse of society (but, like...in a fun way.)
When I'm not penning novels about the impending apocalypse, I make money tearing other writers' manuscripts to shreds. Others call this pastime 'editing', and if you're interested, I can do it for you.
On the rare occasion I'm not working, you can find me swimming, complaining about the weather, telling my dog I love her for the bazillionth time today, or watching Taskmaster.
While I explore the world, my books explore themes adjacent to mental health, the loneliness epidemic, addiction, tech creep, climate change, and the looming collapse of society (but, like...in a fun way.)
When I'm not penning novels about the impending apocalypse, I make money tearing other writers' manuscripts to shreds. Others call this pastime 'editing', and if you're interested, I can do it for you.
On the rare occasion I'm not working, you can find me swimming, complaining about the weather, telling my dog I love her for the bazillionth time today, or watching Taskmaster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
January 22, 2024
As many others, I follow the author on Instagram for her hilarious reels. And of course, I also kept seeing her promote her own books, so during the last Stuff your Kindle day, I just went ahead and got the whole series (a couple were available for free, most were on sale).
The premise is that of a post-apocalyptic world nearly 200 years from now where the sea levels have risen enormously and most of the surface world has become uninhabitable. But people are still people, which means, for example, that our main character Bird is a 19-year-old who is not particularly focused on school (though she should be) and is much more interested in learning the effects of alcohol (though she shouldn't be).
The only thing I really knew to expect from this book was a dystopian pirate story. It was fun to discover that the world within it was our own, just a future version of it with some forms of advanced tech, including biotech, that have to work within the limitations of a world that doesn't offer as many resources anymore.
I enjoyed getting to know this vision for the future world and the different locations depicted and I loved the colourful crew of pirates, and I can't wait to get to know more about Savage in the next books! The fact that the author is well-acquainted with the nautical lifestyle came across very well throughout, though I appreciated the overview of a sailboat and its parts as well as the glossary of terms for my own sake.
I bought and read the New Adult version(s) of the book - yes, there are no-spice YA versions available for those who would prefer that -, so this includes some spicier solo moments, but as a whole, it doesn't really involve romance (yet), but is more focused on the sloooow burn.
It was a fun adventure and I've already caught myself wondering what's going to happen next over the last couple of days, so I'll definitely be continuing the series.
The premise is that of a post-apocalyptic world nearly 200 years from now where the sea levels have risen enormously and most of the surface world has become uninhabitable. But people are still people, which means, for example, that our main character Bird is a 19-year-old who is not particularly focused on school (though she should be) and is much more interested in learning the effects of alcohol (though she shouldn't be).
The only thing I really knew to expect from this book was a dystopian pirate story. It was fun to discover that the world within it was our own, just a future version of it with some forms of advanced tech, including biotech, that have to work within the limitations of a world that doesn't offer as many resources anymore.
I enjoyed getting to know this vision for the future world and the different locations depicted and I loved the colourful crew of pirates, and I can't wait to get to know more about Savage in the next books! The fact that the author is well-acquainted with the nautical lifestyle came across very well throughout, though I appreciated the overview of a sailboat and its parts as well as the glossary of terms for my own sake.
I bought and read the New Adult version(s) of the book - yes, there are no-spice YA versions available for those who would prefer that -, so this includes some spicier solo moments, but as a whole, it doesn't really involve romance (yet), but is more focused on the sloooow burn.
It was a fun adventure and I've already caught myself wondering what's going to happen next over the last couple of days, so I'll definitely be continuing the series.
February 25, 2023
I was offered a free copy of this book by the lovely author (thanks again Liz) for an honest review.
As I am one that does read dystopian types of novels on a regular basis this one was special to me. The writing style is refreshing, I sometimes feel that dystopian novels tend to be written a little off. This one however wasn´t. Sure it was a little hard to get into (but this is a recurring issue for me with books in general). If you like to read about boats, how they work, what they look like and the differences between them this book is for you. If you enjoy reading about pirates and all that type of stuff this book is definitely your cup of tea.
The romance subplot I did enjoy and a well-written friend to lovers is always welcome. I found myself squealing at some of their moments this is not something I do normally so that says it all. I am truly excited about the next book and will definitely read it!
As I am one that does read dystopian types of novels on a regular basis this one was special to me. The writing style is refreshing, I sometimes feel that dystopian novels tend to be written a little off. This one however wasn´t. Sure it was a little hard to get into (but this is a recurring issue for me with books in general). If you like to read about boats, how they work, what they look like and the differences between them this book is for you. If you enjoy reading about pirates and all that type of stuff this book is definitely your cup of tea.
The romance subplot I did enjoy and a well-written friend to lovers is always welcome. I found myself squealing at some of their moments this is not something I do normally so that says it all. I am truly excited about the next book and will definitely read it!
October 10, 2023
2.75. Stars. Well written, but I didn't like the fmc. Interesting twist on the dystopian world. Although it ends as cliffhanger, I have no plan to read on.
September 29, 2023
I got this book for free during the stuff your kindle event and wasn’t super sure if I’d like it. But I ended up really liking it. Climate disaster, dystopian future, big twists! The world building was fascinating and the characters were mostly compelling haha.
May 7, 2023
I could not put this book down! I love Malarky! Action packed and full of adventure. The hunger games meets the last of us, meets pirate adventure.
December 11, 2024
I’m like so totally over the stupid bitchy heroines. Totally.
April 3, 2025
3.5 - I bought this to support the indie author I follow on instagram and am so glad I did.
Though slightly clunky/cringey in places (it is her first novel to be fair!!), it has such an original premise and explores some really interesting themes. By the end I was completely hooked, so I’m looking forward to reading the next one!!
The only reason this is not 4 stars genuinely is just because of the countless descriptions of the fmc putting on her beanie which was so jarringly millennial it really took me out of the story at times.
Though slightly clunky/cringey in places (it is her first novel to be fair!!), it has such an original premise and explores some really interesting themes. By the end I was completely hooked, so I’m looking forward to reading the next one!!
The only reason this is not 4 stars genuinely is just because of the countless descriptions of the fmc putting on her beanie which was so jarringly millennial it really took me out of the story at times.
February 15, 2025
2.75⭐
I jumped into this book after an epic high fantasy read, and while it was good and I think the author writes a good story, I can say it's just not for me.
I think the character building was good, storyline fine, and maybe if it was a duology or trilogy I *might* have finished the series, but given it's a 9-book set (6 in the main series and 3 prequels, I believe) I might just abandon ship (apologies for the pun...)
I jumped into this book after an epic high fantasy read, and while it was good and I think the author writes a good story, I can say it's just not for me.
I think the character building was good, storyline fine, and maybe if it was a duology or trilogy I *might* have finished the series, but given it's a 9-book set (6 in the main series and 3 prequels, I believe) I might just abandon ship (apologies for the pun...)
March 10, 2024
This review has spoilers!
Anyways,
Friends to lovers: not my usual jam but this is a slow burn with a lil baby pinch of spice (sex dreams - love this)
Bird: we don't get enough of her inner monologue imo, like she has not enough introspection BUT I firmly believe this is because of the grog and her issues with it. I'm thinking she'll have much better solutions to things moving forwards 😂
Sargo: okie bb boy we need to learn you more 😜
Kingfisher secrets: I want them *all*. Tell them to me.
Fetch: especially you
Terminology: I learned so much more about sailing that I've never known until now I think despite being around boats and reading quite a few nautical tales before. Port is left.
Desperately waiting to get book 2
Anyways,
Friends to lovers: not my usual jam but this is a slow burn with a lil baby pinch of spice (sex dreams - love this)
Bird: we don't get enough of her inner monologue imo, like she has not enough introspection BUT I firmly believe this is because of the grog and her issues with it. I'm thinking she'll have much better solutions to things moving forwards 😂
Sargo: okie bb boy we need to learn you more 😜
Kingfisher secrets: I want them *all*. Tell them to me.
Fetch: especially you
Terminology: I learned so much more about sailing that I've never known until now I think despite being around boats and reading quite a few nautical tales before. Port is left.
Desperately waiting to get book 2
May 16, 2024
Salt is an exciting adventure in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world brought about by a pandemic that occasionally strikes a little too close to home. But I assume that is the point. Together with a sprinkling of sci-fi and set of intriguing and deeply flawed characters, it draws you in quickly and keeps you on your toes. I also learned a lot about sailing.
My only criticism is calling the organisation of bad guys the 'Anonymity', a word I have trouble thinking without stumbling over, let alone saying out loud. I will no doubt have the pleasure of attempting to say it out loud on air, because we will be interviewing the author, Liz Shipton on our podcast What We Wrote! So keep an ear out for that episode!
My only criticism is calling the organisation of bad guys the 'Anonymity', a word I have trouble thinking without stumbling over, let alone saying out loud. I will no doubt have the pleasure of attempting to say it out loud on air, because we will be interviewing the author, Liz Shipton on our podcast What We Wrote! So keep an ear out for that episode!
May 16, 2023
Thank you to the author for sending me the arc❤️
Can’t wait to read book 2&3 in the series 🤩
(This is a series of 3 books and this one is the first in the series )
This is the first new adult dystopian book I've read so far and it did not disappoint🫢💖
This story is set place in the future where 99% of the population died of a pandemic....
Also due to climate change most of the planet is destroyed and the salt stake of the earth has risen wich means that most of the soil and water are infertile and undrinkable..
So basically there is this super badass, fearless but reckless, 19 year old girl named Bird...
She is a good person with a difficult life who tends to make bad decions...
And there is Sargo, her professor who's in his twenties and teaches the students about sailing and boats... also he is the complete opposite of Bird ... he is super organdies and what's everything to be perfect and to als ways have a plan.
Sargo and Bird have this friendship like relationship ever since they know each other, but there is definitely more but neither of them wants to admit anything...
After a tragic event wich happened to Bird...she had to flee and Sargo fled with her whiteout any hesitation... so together they fled with his boat and sailed for a very long time...
On their flight they encounter a lot of challenges... and discovers many secrets, also heart breaking secrets…
But I’ll not say anything else because i would probably spoil the book…
honestly do yourself a favor and read this masterpiece ❤️
This story is a dystopian slowburn story, but the tension between Bird and Sargo is just mind blowing🫢❤️
Can’t wait to read book 2&3 in the series 🤩
(This is a series of 3 books and this one is the first in the series )
This is the first new adult dystopian book I've read so far and it did not disappoint🫢💖
This story is set place in the future where 99% of the population died of a pandemic....
Also due to climate change most of the planet is destroyed and the salt stake of the earth has risen wich means that most of the soil and water are infertile and undrinkable..
So basically there is this super badass, fearless but reckless, 19 year old girl named Bird...
She is a good person with a difficult life who tends to make bad decions...
And there is Sargo, her professor who's in his twenties and teaches the students about sailing and boats... also he is the complete opposite of Bird ... he is super organdies and what's everything to be perfect and to als ways have a plan.
Sargo and Bird have this friendship like relationship ever since they know each other, but there is definitely more but neither of them wants to admit anything...
After a tragic event wich happened to Bird...she had to flee and Sargo fled with her whiteout any hesitation... so together they fled with his boat and sailed for a very long time...
On their flight they encounter a lot of challenges... and discovers many secrets, also heart breaking secrets…
But I’ll not say anything else because i would probably spoil the book…
honestly do yourself a favor and read this masterpiece ❤️
This story is a dystopian slowburn story, but the tension between Bird and Sargo is just mind blowing🫢❤️
November 20, 2025
Incredibly frustrating book. The main character, Birdy, is absolutely awful. She makes no good decisions from start to finish, and is just bitchy all the way through. I felt so bad for her friend and love interest, Sargo. I'm not sure what awful thing he did in the past to deserve her. She pretty much ruined his life, and he still is there to save her life. The sexual fantasy scenes were icky and jarring to the flow of the story, and her addiction to alcohol throughout the book was alarming.
A story about steampunk pirates could have been so cool, and instead I'm walking away from this angry. I'm most angry about her abandoning the dog, Malarkey, on the boat without thinking twice.
100% not reading any more of this series, but if I would dare to guess, my expectation is that she will eventually get into a love triangle with the handsome and murderous pirate, Savage, and have to work with then double and triple cross the pirate crew, Anonymity, the company Zenith, and any other number of random groups that pop up over the series.
A story about steampunk pirates could have been so cool, and instead I'm walking away from this angry. I'm most angry about her abandoning the dog, Malarkey, on the boat without thinking twice.
100% not reading any more of this series, but if I would dare to guess, my expectation is that she will eventually get into a love triangle with the handsome and murderous pirate, Savage, and have to work with then double and triple cross the pirate crew, Anonymity, the company Zenith, and any other number of random groups that pop up over the series.
July 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It had some lovable characters. There was a lot happening, in a good way. It never had a boring or slow moment. I loved the dystopian world and the aspect of being out at sea. The main character definitely makes the very worst possible decisions haha! But it fit with her character. Very very slow burn romance. Friends to lovers with little spice. I think they will definitely get spicier! Can’t wait to continue this series!
May 14, 2025
3.5 ✨ rounded up. A post-apocalyptic pirate adventure romance with experimental tech was not on my bingo card, but I'll take it! The author is one of the funniest people on Instagram, so obviously, I had to support her book. The writing style was a little up and down, but it was sure a fun ride. I gave it 3.5 stars instead of 4 because I thought the ending was a bit cobbled together, and it should have just ended a few chapters earlier, saving some of those events for the next book.
November 20, 2024
This wasn’t great, but it wasn’t terrible either. That said, I’m probably going to read the next one to see if it gets better. The world building is interesting and I think that the foundation is there. I think that with some moderate tweaks, this book could have been the first third of a decent story.
August 31, 2025
Disappointing. I like this author’s silly short stories, but this novel was lacking. I like dystopians, but I don’t like water/nautical settings, and I didn’t really like any of the characters. The plot wasn’t super engaging either. It was just fine.
It’s like whenever I watch Waterworld (Kevin Costner). I always expect it to be so cool, and it never lives up to the hype in my mind.
It’s like whenever I watch Waterworld (Kevin Costner). I always expect it to be so cool, and it never lives up to the hype in my mind.
July 19, 2025
The characters were so unlikable. The H lectures the h constantly about her bad behavior. She is super annoying and reckless in a way that isn’t fun to read. There are too many dream sequences and the stuff going on in the hs head made the book unenjoyable to read. The book is too preachy also. The world seems like a cool world but the characters are just not relatable and the writing is not my thing.
Overall: 1.5
Overall: 1.5
August 18, 2025
Read for book club. Page turner. Interesting setting. Extremely unlikable main character- I constantly wanted to punch her. Could have done without the spice- it didn’t add anything for me personally.
added-it
June 6, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/6/2023)! 🎁
May 13, 2024
Fantasy/sci-fi romance. A post apocalyptic setting gave me something brand new I didn't know I wanted!
July 25, 2024
Probably more like a 3.75…not my usual genre but I was into it and want to read the second book.
October 30, 2024
Unexpectedly awesome
I generally love dystopian stories and have tired quite a few but this one was my first set in an ocean/sand/land environment and I loved it!! I learned a lot about sailing too which was a great bonus. The story is a great pace (for me who needs it to be a bit quick) and kept me intrigued the whole time. Can't wait to read the next one! Also thanks for the Spotify playlist Liz! I love it and it gives me an extra sense to add to the story!
I generally love dystopian stories and have tired quite a few but this one was my first set in an ocean/sand/land environment and I loved it!! I learned a lot about sailing too which was a great bonus. The story is a great pace (for me who needs it to be a bit quick) and kept me intrigued the whole time. Can't wait to read the next one! Also thanks for the Spotify playlist Liz! I love it and it gives me an extra sense to add to the story!
May 20, 2025
This did not work for me and it was a chore to finish. I wanted more dystopian content and commentary, and I wanted Bird to be less dumb. The attraction btw Bird and Sargo felt out of place.
March 8, 2025
3.5* I wanted to love this more than I did. It wasn’t a bad read, I just expected more than it delivered. I liked the characters but the pacing felt off, and I just wanted more or everything- more action, more tension, more spice… just more
July 19, 2025
This had me on the edge of my seat. Sadly, it ends in the middle…
Very good on audio.
Very good on audio.
May 24, 2023
This is a really good book and great start of a series. This is Shipton's New Adult book so it has spice and I love it. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes dystopian stories. It's a must read for sure.
April 13, 2025
All the ingredients I wanted, but ultimately I never got full
March 24, 2025
Cool worldbuilding; the FMC is grating my nerves but that absolutely seems to be the point here.
May 16, 2024
I found this author from her amazingly hilarious and accurate Instagram Reels on classic/cliché writing tropes. Love them! And yet, as someone who calls out those tropes, she writes them.
For a first book and start of a series, there’s a lot to introduce, characters to get to know, mysteries to plant, and adventures to start. LC does a good job getting us going, and the intrigue is good enough to keep the pages turning, but it’s all so “been there done that.” If you read it as a tongue-in-cheek, it can be fun, but trying to enjoy the story as is it’s very predictable and cliché filled.
The main character (Bird) is fine, but nothing to write home about, and love interest Sergo doesn’t seem to have much of a personality aside from “I’m here and I’m hot.” And as far as their love story, SLOW burn and no resolve as of the first book. Only spice is a day dream and literal dream, with the exception of one scene where she’s watching him without his knowing she’s there. (Not my cup of tea, thanks.)
Overall? Interesting start, good world building, and for a first book is just fine!! But compared to other series’ starts, this one does not keep me captivated enough in story or characters to convince me to go on to book two.
For a first book and start of a series, there’s a lot to introduce, characters to get to know, mysteries to plant, and adventures to start. LC does a good job getting us going, and the intrigue is good enough to keep the pages turning, but it’s all so “been there done that.” If you read it as a tongue-in-cheek, it can be fun, but trying to enjoy the story as is it’s very predictable and cliché filled.
The main character (Bird) is fine, but nothing to write home about, and love interest Sergo doesn’t seem to have much of a personality aside from “I’m here and I’m hot.” And as far as their love story, SLOW burn and no resolve as of the first book. Only spice is a day dream and literal dream, with the exception of one scene where she’s watching him without his knowing she’s there. (Not my cup of tea, thanks.)
Overall? Interesting start, good world building, and for a first book is just fine!! But compared to other series’ starts, this one does not keep me captivated enough in story or characters to convince me to go on to book two.
March 30, 2024
.
The premise for Salt was really intriguing. In a dystopian world, technology rules BUT is also controlled by four main companies. Bonus though: women have basically taken over the world.
Bird (yes, her real name, not a nickname) is self-absorbed and self-destructive which is a terrible combination. She has some sort of fight with her mums, seeks refuge at her friend/teacher’s house, and gets herself into so much trouble that the two of them have to flee in his boat.
She spend the rest of the book getting the two of them into trouble repeatedly. Sargo (also his real name) keeps having to save them from imminent danger - and yet Bird just 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 learn her lesson.
Sargo was a bit childish and stubborn at points but I’m not sure I actually liked Bird at all. So far her only redeeming quality is saving a dog. A pretty damn big redeeming quality in my world, but it happens so early on that the rest of her behaviour and personality just glares through negatively for the rest of the book.
That said, am I about to download the second book because I need to know what happens? Why yes. Yes I am.
The premise for Salt was really intriguing. In a dystopian world, technology rules BUT is also controlled by four main companies. Bonus though: women have basically taken over the world.
Bird (yes, her real name, not a nickname) is self-absorbed and self-destructive which is a terrible combination. She has some sort of fight with her mums, seeks refuge at her friend/teacher’s house, and gets herself into so much trouble that the two of them have to flee in his boat.
She spend the rest of the book getting the two of them into trouble repeatedly. Sargo (also his real name) keeps having to save them from imminent danger - and yet Bird just 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 learn her lesson.
Sargo was a bit childish and stubborn at points but I’m not sure I actually liked Bird at all. So far her only redeeming quality is saving a dog. A pretty damn big redeeming quality in my world, but it happens so early on that the rest of her behaviour and personality just glares through negatively for the rest of the book.
That said, am I about to download the second book because I need to know what happens? Why yes. Yes I am.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews