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Sea of Souls Saga #2
Mists of Memory
She had no need for the tides to be kind, not if she became the storm
The Selkie Isles were meant to be a safe haven for Isla Blackwood, a place she could finally call home. Instead, she finds herself hunted across the sea for a pelt the Grand Admiral will do anything to recover.
But the Admiralty isn’t the only threat on the horizon. A terrible mist sickness plagues the isles, carried by the vengeful spirits of fallen selkies. To stop it, Isla will need to learn the lost secrets of her mother’s rare magic—if she can earn the trust of those who call her an outsider.
Back in the capital, Darce Galbraith prepares to set sail with the enemy fleet. Surrounded by danger, he will do all he can to sabotage their search—even if it means risking the wrath of the Grand Admiral himself.
A storm is ready to break on human and selkie alike, and only the tides know what’s waiting on the other side…
Mists of Memory is the gripping sequel to Sea of Souls, a dark fantasy saga steeped in Scottish folklore, ancient magic, and monsters that feel all too familiar. Perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig and Ava Reid.
The Selkie Isles were meant to be a safe haven for Isla Blackwood, a place she could finally call home. Instead, she finds herself hunted across the sea for a pelt the Grand Admiral will do anything to recover.
But the Admiralty isn’t the only threat on the horizon. A terrible mist sickness plagues the isles, carried by the vengeful spirits of fallen selkies. To stop it, Isla will need to learn the lost secrets of her mother’s rare magic—if she can earn the trust of those who call her an outsider.
Back in the capital, Darce Galbraith prepares to set sail with the enemy fleet. Surrounded by danger, he will do all he can to sabotage their search—even if it means risking the wrath of the Grand Admiral himself.
A storm is ready to break on human and selkie alike, and only the tides know what’s waiting on the other side…
Mists of Memory is the gripping sequel to Sea of Souls, a dark fantasy saga steeped in Scottish folklore, ancient magic, and monsters that feel all too familiar. Perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig and Ava Reid.
- GenresFantasyDark Fantasy
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
7 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
N.C. Scrimgeour
8 books132 followersN. C. Scrimgeour is a science fiction and fantasy author whose books focus on character-driven stories in vibrant worlds, from folklore fantasy to space opera.
After completing her Masters in English Literature, she went on to work in journalism and communications while pursuing her passion in writing.
She lives in Scotland, where the weather often provides the perfect excuse to sit in front of a computer and work on her next book (while occasionally getting sidetracked by video games).
When she's not writing, she enjoys reading as much fantasy and science fiction as she can get her hands on and cheering on Edinburgh Rugby.
After completing her Masters in English Literature, she went on to work in journalism and communications while pursuing her passion in writing.
She lives in Scotland, where the weather often provides the perfect excuse to sit in front of a computer and work on her next book (while occasionally getting sidetracked by video games).
When she's not writing, she enjoys reading as much fantasy and science fiction as she can get her hands on and cheering on Edinburgh Rugby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 5, 2025
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
4.5 stars (rounded up)
In Mists of Memory, N.C. Scrimgeour takes everything that was so brilliant and uniquely captivating about Sea of Souls, and then somehow takes it up a wee notch. It’s an exceptional sequel full of revelations, consequences, betrayals, redemption, conflict and tragedy that will leave you drowning in a whirlpool of emotions by the end.
Mists of Memory picks up roughly three months after the brutally bittersweet events at the end of Sea of Souls, and it wastes zero time diving straight back into treacherous waters with these characters. The conflict between the humans and selkies reaches new heights and darker depths, all while both sides are slowly being torn apart by friction and threats from within. A storm is coming, and soon both new and old bonds are tested beyond belief as the stakes rise higher than the tides.
Now, as much as I adored exploring this dark yet breathtaking world through Isla’s eyes in Sea of Souls, I was beyond delighted to discover that Mists of Memory brings another perspective into the mix; none other than the legendary Darce Galbraith himself. To me, Scrimgeour pulled the dual POV storytelling off with effortless grace, which just made every aspect of this multi-layered masterpiece even more nuanced and complex than it already was.
Even though it pained me to see some of my favourite characters separated for large parts of this sequel, I absolutely loved how it allowed everyone’s individual journeys to shine so brightly. Exploring the selkie history, culture and magic so intimately with Isla while she desperately tries to gain their trust was more fascinating than I ever could have dreamed of, and then couple that with Darce’s dangerous mission to sabotage the Grand Admiral’s quest of hunting down the precious pelt that Isla now calls her own. And when all the threads interweave and paths start to cross (again) around the midway point, everything just unravels in the most nerve wracking and satisfying way possible.
But what I loved most about Mists of Memory is how it hones in even more on its core theme of family, be that blood or found. This tale is just soaked in bloody history and complicated emotions, and I really enjoyed how all the character dynamics and interpersonal relations became even more complex and realistically messy than they were in book 1. It’s exactly that level of moral ambiguity that makes these three-dimensional characters so believable and understandable in their motivations and actions, even if I sometimes didn’t know if I wanted to hug, strangle, slap or drown some of them for the choices they made.
Scrimgeour’s storytelling and prose is honestly more entrancing than a siren song, and I think Mists of Memory easily is one of the strongest middle books I have ever read. So, if you love the sound of an emotionally charged high seas fantasy adventure that embraces both its horror and the romance aspects, all while never losing sight of its wonderfully mystical and folkloric heart, then please just do yourself a favour and dive into the Sea of Souls Saga already. This series has me so hoooked, and it will be lingering in my memory for a long time to come.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars (rounded up)
In Mists of Memory, N.C. Scrimgeour takes everything that was so brilliant and uniquely captivating about Sea of Souls, and then somehow takes it up a wee notch. It’s an exceptional sequel full of revelations, consequences, betrayals, redemption, conflict and tragedy that will leave you drowning in a whirlpool of emotions by the end.
Mists of Memory picks up roughly three months after the brutally bittersweet events at the end of Sea of Souls, and it wastes zero time diving straight back into treacherous waters with these characters. The conflict between the humans and selkies reaches new heights and darker depths, all while both sides are slowly being torn apart by friction and threats from within. A storm is coming, and soon both new and old bonds are tested beyond belief as the stakes rise higher than the tides.
Now, as much as I adored exploring this dark yet breathtaking world through Isla’s eyes in Sea of Souls, I was beyond delighted to discover that Mists of Memory brings another perspective into the mix; none other than the legendary Darce Galbraith himself. To me, Scrimgeour pulled the dual POV storytelling off with effortless grace, which just made every aspect of this multi-layered masterpiece even more nuanced and complex than it already was.
Even though it pained me to see some of my favourite characters separated for large parts of this sequel, I absolutely loved how it allowed everyone’s individual journeys to shine so brightly. Exploring the selkie history, culture and magic so intimately with Isla while she desperately tries to gain their trust was more fascinating than I ever could have dreamed of, and then couple that with Darce’s dangerous mission to sabotage the Grand Admiral’s quest of hunting down the precious pelt that Isla now calls her own. And when all the threads interweave and paths start to cross (again) around the midway point, everything just unravels in the most nerve wracking and satisfying way possible.
But what I loved most about Mists of Memory is how it hones in even more on its core theme of family, be that blood or found. This tale is just soaked in bloody history and complicated emotions, and I really enjoyed how all the character dynamics and interpersonal relations became even more complex and realistically messy than they were in book 1. It’s exactly that level of moral ambiguity that makes these three-dimensional characters so believable and understandable in their motivations and actions, even if I sometimes didn’t know if I wanted to hug, strangle, slap or drown some of them for the choices they made.
Scrimgeour’s storytelling and prose is honestly more entrancing than a siren song, and I think Mists of Memory easily is one of the strongest middle books I have ever read. So, if you love the sound of an emotionally charged high seas fantasy adventure that embraces both its horror and the romance aspects, all while never losing sight of its wonderfully mystical and folkloric heart, then please just do yourself a favour and dive into the Sea of Souls Saga already. This series has me so hoooked, and it will be lingering in my memory for a long time to come.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2025
What a sequel! I loved Sea of Souls, and Mists of Memory is absolutely on the same level. The story progression is excellent and the character development superb. The way the motivations of some characters are revealed throughout the book is really well done, giving some genuine shocks on one hand, and some wholesome redemption on the other.
There is so much intensity in the writing here, it’s truly masterful. Every page made me want more, with fast-paced action liberally sprinkled throughout the chapters and interspersed with calming moments of discovery. We learn so much more about the selkie element of the worldbuilding here, but we also learn the truth about the gun-anam, unveil the history of Mara and Cunningham, discover the soul ships, and much more.
I’m so impressed with this series so far, and implore everyone to check it out.
There is so much intensity in the writing here, it’s truly masterful. Every page made me want more, with fast-paced action liberally sprinkled throughout the chapters and interspersed with calming moments of discovery. We learn so much more about the selkie element of the worldbuilding here, but we also learn the truth about the gun-anam, unveil the history of Mara and Cunningham, discover the soul ships, and much more.
I’m so impressed with this series so far, and implore everyone to check it out.
July 10, 2025
Siblings on opposite sides of a war, a bodyguard torn between duties, love, and responsibility. SELKIES, nautical fantasy, atmospheric writing.
A two-sitting read.
This series is one of the easiest to read, in the sense that you will not be able to stop turning the pages. The writing is easy to digest, the chapters short, the characters relatable, flawed, and broken.
"It's no easy thing, being the first to lower one's blade. Especially if you don't trust your enemy to follow suit." He fed a twig into the flames. “The history between human and selkie is written in blood, and blood has a long memory. Sometimes, I fear there's no escaping it.”
I mistakenly thought this was a duology, literally right up until the last 16 pages.
I think because of this, I was slightly let down. It felt like a bait and switch (even though the author has made it clear it is a trilogy).
Apart from the ending, the pacing is good, the betrayals painful, the reconciliations heart warming and breaking.
Physical arc gifted by the author.
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A two-sitting read.
This series is one of the easiest to read, in the sense that you will not be able to stop turning the pages. The writing is easy to digest, the chapters short, the characters relatable, flawed, and broken.
"It's no easy thing, being the first to lower one's blade. Especially if you don't trust your enemy to follow suit." He fed a twig into the flames. “The history between human and selkie is written in blood, and blood has a long memory. Sometimes, I fear there's no escaping it.”
I mistakenly thought this was a duology, literally right up until the last 16 pages.
I think because of this, I was slightly let down. It felt like a bait and switch (even though the author has made it clear it is a trilogy).
Apart from the ending, the pacing is good, the betrayals painful, the reconciliations heart warming and breaking.
Physical arc gifted by the author.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
March 18, 2025
This was a wonderful sequel. All the expected atmosphere, cold and chilling, was thread throughout the book. The weather was as unrepentant as the Admiral intends on reclaiming Isla for his own. The characters were so good too. All the main characters were very well developed and realized. But this doesn’t mean that there weren’t some surprises.
At first the plot was swimming along smoothly, and then deceptions and betrayals hit the waves. We got to better understand the relationship between the haar and the gun-anam. And how Isla’s destiny is attached to them. Isla finds out she’s a dreamwalker, but what does this mean to her connection to the other selkies and a constant calling for her to go out to sea?
Darce and Isla have a special connection since he’s a sentinel with particular magical ability. “If a sentinel willingly spills their blood for someone other than their captain, it can heal a mortal wound.” I really route for them as a couple. “He’d given his soul to save Isla’s life, and that oath had awoken his sentinel magic. He could wield more ths a sword; he could harness the power of the sea itself.”
I must give special mention to Featherblade and Shearwing, the guidebirds who guide ships. For some reason, Featherblade always gives Darce a nip. I see it as a love bite. Also Isla’s uncle Muir is a great addition to the story.
How will Isla belong to her human and selkie families? She seems to be “aineol” or stranger to both. When she figures this out, then maybe the endless bloodshed between the two can end.
Thank you to the author for this ARC copy.
At first the plot was swimming along smoothly, and then deceptions and betrayals hit the waves. We got to better understand the relationship between the haar and the gun-anam. And how Isla’s destiny is attached to them. Isla finds out she’s a dreamwalker, but what does this mean to her connection to the other selkies and a constant calling for her to go out to sea?
Darce and Isla have a special connection since he’s a sentinel with particular magical ability. “If a sentinel willingly spills their blood for someone other than their captain, it can heal a mortal wound.” I really route for them as a couple. “He’d given his soul to save Isla’s life, and that oath had awoken his sentinel magic. He could wield more ths a sword; he could harness the power of the sea itself.”
I must give special mention to Featherblade and Shearwing, the guidebirds who guide ships. For some reason, Featherblade always gives Darce a nip. I see it as a love bite. Also Isla’s uncle Muir is a great addition to the story.
How will Isla belong to her human and selkie families? She seems to be “aineol” or stranger to both. When she figures this out, then maybe the endless bloodshed between the two can end.
Thank you to the author for this ARC copy.
April 22, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Excellent story, world building, and character development. Perfect pacing with two POVs. Highly recommend this series and author.
August 24, 2025
I think NC Scrimgeour effortlessly produces a sequel as compelling as the Sea of Souls. The tragedy is that as self published books many people might never read these. For me these books are better than RJ Barker's Bone Ships trilogy and would appeal too readers of that.
So im on board for The Tides of Torment , please get your ticket and join me on this final voyage upon a soulship!
So im on board for The Tides of Torment , please get your ticket and join me on this final voyage upon a soulship!
September 20, 2025
5 stars!
Sometimes a second book in a series is weaker than the first. Certainly not in this case. Deeply emotional, featuring tragic loss, betrayal and brutality, all the characters are deeply entrenched with each other.
I laughed, cried and gasped in shock, often! The surprises were coming from all directions and the terrible actions were happening seemingly on every page.
The world lore goes deeper in this installment. Things definitely became clearer with motivations and the path forward.
The writing is just stunning. I can't put this series down.
Sometimes a second book in a series is weaker than the first. Certainly not in this case. Deeply emotional, featuring tragic loss, betrayal and brutality, all the characters are deeply entrenched with each other.
I laughed, cried and gasped in shock, often! The surprises were coming from all directions and the terrible actions were happening seemingly on every page.
The world lore goes deeper in this installment. Things definitely became clearer with motivations and the path forward.
The writing is just stunning. I can't put this series down.
March 24, 2025
A solid second book. No middle book syndrome and there were a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and really enjoyed. Excited to see how it ends.
May 15, 2025
The Mists crawl close and carry with it hidden history and Memory that can chill even the most savvy sea warrior to their very bones...welcome to N.C. Scrimgeour's follow up to "Sea of Souls"...book 2 "Mists of Memory" has arrived and brought the storm! 😈
This entry, as with the seas, brings us waves of vengeance, betrayal, violence and loss. Coupled with hope, love, family and history as deep as the very depths we sail...this book gives everything us as readers yearn for in these Saga's.
Scrimgeour picks up almost directly after the harrowing events of book 1 and sets our course through turbulent waters full of the deep Scottish lore we devoured in "Sea of Souls" and completely smashes open this story like the tidal wave of fury that is, "Mists of Memory"! Isla is back as our MC navigating us through the Haar and her family's tortured past, also back front and center (and adding a second PoV this time) is our favorite sentinel Darce. Scrimgeour really hits her stride with this Epic and it's vast story arcs with the addition of a second PoV, woven beautifully throughout this entry (even when separated and strained). The added arcs flesh out the looming hurdles and impending darkness hunting them across the pages of this wee jaunt in the salty seas. Selkies, lost souls and ships forgotten to memory churn in the deep, bloody waters of this dive into darkness.
The group of other brilliantly written characters that were introduced in Souls are back in Mists, along with a few new souls that add to the bonds both strengthen and broken. Just as we would encounter with the wild waters, this book has an amazing ebb and flow to it with calm waters building our deep story lines and turbulent waves that test the strength of them along with everyone cought in the storm.🌊⚡
Magic, unknown places and a few nips of the dram round out this salty sea dog and it leaves us clinging to the rocky shores of uncertainty...N.C. you keep us gasping for air at a surface that continues to drag us to the depths of darkness, only to spit us back out and tell us it's not our time yet! ☠️ The ending of this has me spinning in the undertow and I'll be damned if I'm not ready to dive in again! 💦
4.5⭐ and a nice step up from the already amazing Sea of Souls! I can't wait to see what haze and mystery the next book brings, N.C. here's to you and that beautiful imagination of yours! 🥃📚
This entry, as with the seas, brings us waves of vengeance, betrayal, violence and loss. Coupled with hope, love, family and history as deep as the very depths we sail...this book gives everything us as readers yearn for in these Saga's.
Scrimgeour picks up almost directly after the harrowing events of book 1 and sets our course through turbulent waters full of the deep Scottish lore we devoured in "Sea of Souls" and completely smashes open this story like the tidal wave of fury that is, "Mists of Memory"! Isla is back as our MC navigating us through the Haar and her family's tortured past, also back front and center (and adding a second PoV this time) is our favorite sentinel Darce. Scrimgeour really hits her stride with this Epic and it's vast story arcs with the addition of a second PoV, woven beautifully throughout this entry (even when separated and strained). The added arcs flesh out the looming hurdles and impending darkness hunting them across the pages of this wee jaunt in the salty seas. Selkies, lost souls and ships forgotten to memory churn in the deep, bloody waters of this dive into darkness.
The group of other brilliantly written characters that were introduced in Souls are back in Mists, along with a few new souls that add to the bonds both strengthen and broken. Just as we would encounter with the wild waters, this book has an amazing ebb and flow to it with calm waters building our deep story lines and turbulent waves that test the strength of them along with everyone cought in the storm.🌊⚡
Magic, unknown places and a few nips of the dram round out this salty sea dog and it leaves us clinging to the rocky shores of uncertainty...N.C. you keep us gasping for air at a surface that continues to drag us to the depths of darkness, only to spit us back out and tell us it's not our time yet! ☠️ The ending of this has me spinning in the undertow and I'll be damned if I'm not ready to dive in again! 💦
4.5⭐ and a nice step up from the already amazing Sea of Souls! I can't wait to see what haze and mystery the next book brings, N.C. here's to you and that beautiful imagination of yours! 🥃📚
October 1, 2025
RTC, slowly become a top tier trilogy. So pumped for book 3.
February 16, 2025
Rating 4.5 stars. This story picks up where the other left off and increases into a battle between humans and selkies. Darce tries to protect Isla while various other characters take sides in a grander battle. Isla's quest to find the ship made of selkie bones and stop the horrible haar (a sickness that kills selkies) is interrupted by Emhir's change to questing vengeance and the Admiral's ability to rise from the dead. The drawbacks for me were some of the plot is a little repetitive and many of the characters are not well developed or fully fleshed out.
Isla becomes tied to Darce as he sacrifices to save her life. For the rest of the novel, she is trying to stop the violence between humans and selkies and stop the selkie destruction. She finds allies in Muir, her uncle, and Nishi, the captain of the Jade Dawn. Her brother, Lachlan, is convinced the horrors visited on humans are Isla's fault and that Isla has turned to evil. Her real father, the Admiral, leads the charge against the selkies, despite being shot and facing a brutal selkie attack (later in the novel). He is a flat character, bent on killing.
Emhir, who has been Isla's friend and guide, takes Isla to meet with two selkie leaders, Duncan and Angus. Both are rather cold but want Isla's ability to rescue the selkies from the Haar and stop the community from falling into ruin.
Emhir, however, becomes infected and rages to destroy humans. She slashes Isla open and takes her pelt, in hopes to kill her so she can accomplish her goal. But Isla, because of Darce, survives. In a very touching scene, Isla talks to the spirit of her dead mother, Mara, and learns that magic is in the water, not blood as everyone has believed. Isla is the most complex character.
Darce, Isla, and Nishi, are double crossed by Nathair Quinn, and struggle against forces on both sides. In the end, we are left with the trio, joined by Lachlan who reluctantly joins them in returning to their home.
The magic and lore is well developed and the action well paced. It is very much a plot driven book. I had hoped for some of the depth of character that is in the first book of the series. Because there is so much plot, many of the characters are just driven by their hatred or fear instead of having more nuance. The prose is strong and the story itself, very interesting. I assume there will be a book 3.
Isla becomes tied to Darce as he sacrifices to save her life. For the rest of the novel, she is trying to stop the violence between humans and selkies and stop the selkie destruction. She finds allies in Muir, her uncle, and Nishi, the captain of the Jade Dawn. Her brother, Lachlan, is convinced the horrors visited on humans are Isla's fault and that Isla has turned to evil. Her real father, the Admiral, leads the charge against the selkies, despite being shot and facing a brutal selkie attack (later in the novel). He is a flat character, bent on killing.
Emhir, who has been Isla's friend and guide, takes Isla to meet with two selkie leaders, Duncan and Angus. Both are rather cold but want Isla's ability to rescue the selkies from the Haar and stop the community from falling into ruin.
Emhir, however, becomes infected and rages to destroy humans. She slashes Isla open and takes her pelt, in hopes to kill her so she can accomplish her goal. But Isla, because of Darce, survives. In a very touching scene, Isla talks to the spirit of her dead mother, Mara, and learns that magic is in the water, not blood as everyone has believed. Isla is the most complex character.
Darce, Isla, and Nishi, are double crossed by Nathair Quinn, and struggle against forces on both sides. In the end, we are left with the trio, joined by Lachlan who reluctantly joins them in returning to their home.
The magic and lore is well developed and the action well paced. It is very much a plot driven book. I had hoped for some of the depth of character that is in the first book of the series. Because there is so much plot, many of the characters are just driven by their hatred or fear instead of having more nuance. The prose is strong and the story itself, very interesting. I assume there will be a book 3.
December 21, 2024
"The sea had called to her, and she’d answered."
Mists of memory contains captivating magic, swoon-worthy romance, and deep lore. Scrimgeour has created an atmospheric dark fantasy filled with themes of morality, magic, power, forgiveness, family, and love.
Isla has found her purpose, her home with the selkies. After leaving her soul-bound sentinel Darce to escape the Admiralty and return to her people, she finds that the Admiral will stop at nothing to capture her for her dreamwalker's pelt. In the other POV, Darce is surrounded by enemies, and is forced to help the Admiral track down Isla or her brother dies. He does his best to throw the Admiralty off her trail but keep her brother alive as the magic of the seas awakens. She learns about her magic and herself, and uncovers the secrets of the mist-sickness and gun-anam.
"The soulless realm will bleed into our own. And the gun-anam will feast on the killing that follows until all that’s left are ghosts."
Selkies, gun-anam, mist-sickness, kelpies, guide birds, and sea-bending sentinels fill this book with tons of magic and lore at every turn. A truly excellent read that captivated me at every page. I could hardly put it down as I needed more of the gripping stakes, the stunning prose, and the unique magic. I loved watching all the relationships develop and evolve. It perfectly builds on the themes of the first book, but is distinct in terms of magic, plot, and increasing stakes. It has none of that middle-of-the-trilogy lull as the action rarely stops.
Overall, Mists of Memory is an irresistible tale of adventure, love, and magic.
*I read an ARC copy of this book and provided an honest review.
Mists of memory contains captivating magic, swoon-worthy romance, and deep lore. Scrimgeour has created an atmospheric dark fantasy filled with themes of morality, magic, power, forgiveness, family, and love.
Isla has found her purpose, her home with the selkies. After leaving her soul-bound sentinel Darce to escape the Admiralty and return to her people, she finds that the Admiral will stop at nothing to capture her for her dreamwalker's pelt. In the other POV, Darce is surrounded by enemies, and is forced to help the Admiral track down Isla or her brother dies. He does his best to throw the Admiralty off her trail but keep her brother alive as the magic of the seas awakens. She learns about her magic and herself, and uncovers the secrets of the mist-sickness and gun-anam.
"The soulless realm will bleed into our own. And the gun-anam will feast on the killing that follows until all that’s left are ghosts."
Selkies, gun-anam, mist-sickness, kelpies, guide birds, and sea-bending sentinels fill this book with tons of magic and lore at every turn. A truly excellent read that captivated me at every page. I could hardly put it down as I needed more of the gripping stakes, the stunning prose, and the unique magic. I loved watching all the relationships develop and evolve. It perfectly builds on the themes of the first book, but is distinct in terms of magic, plot, and increasing stakes. It has none of that middle-of-the-trilogy lull as the action rarely stops.
Overall, Mists of Memory is an irresistible tale of adventure, love, and magic.
*I read an ARC copy of this book and provided an honest review.
March 14, 2025
I feel so privileged to have received an eARC of this epic sequel! I have been eagerly waiting for its release since reading the eARC for Sea of Souls as well.
I found Mists of Memory to be as well paced as book one, with the complexities of the characters growing deeper and the world building becoming even stronger. It is a lengthy novel, but it definitely needs to be!
The storyline and Isla’s journey in general is gripping, and I didn’t feel that “mid series slump” that can occur in sequels. Mists of Memory contains heaps of classic N. C. Scrimgeour twists that will have your jaw on the floor, and specifically the last 100 pages had me repeatedly holding my breath in anticipation!
A really excellent read, and one I recommend for fantasy and mythology lovers.
I found Mists of Memory to be as well paced as book one, with the complexities of the characters growing deeper and the world building becoming even stronger. It is a lengthy novel, but it definitely needs to be!
The storyline and Isla’s journey in general is gripping, and I didn’t feel that “mid series slump” that can occur in sequels. Mists of Memory contains heaps of classic N. C. Scrimgeour twists that will have your jaw on the floor, and specifically the last 100 pages had me repeatedly holding my breath in anticipation!
A really excellent read, and one I recommend for fantasy and mythology lovers.
March 7, 2025
In all honesty I do not have the words to describe the sheer emotional impact this book had on me. I’d read the first couple of chapters and then life got in the way for a while, so I came back and started from the beginning – and I did not stop, not even as the clock crept past bedtime, and then midnight and far too late and early in the morning for a work day. I could not pull myself away from this story, this world, with all the little details of the Scottish influence that were woven through out, and the twists and turns of fate and fortune and choices. Finishing this book was gut-wrenching because I just wanted to keep going, and yet at the same time the ending, and the way Scrimgeour brought this middle installment to the end was perfect – and I spent a good hour or so afterwards just mulling over what I had read. And even now writing this review, I’m going over all the little details, the emotional moments, the twists, the lore – and honestly Mists of Memory is everything that I love about this genre.
Mists of Memory picks up where Sea of Souls left off, still in the ripples of the events that ended that book and Scrimgeour doesn’t waste any time at all in pulling us back into this world, and into the very real threat and stakes that rose throughout book one but reach another level here. This is a middle book that set out with a purpose; and Scrimgeour has taken all the elements that made the first book so brilliant and made them shine like the ocean under a noonday sun.
One of my favourite aspects of this series has always been the worldbuilding, and that remains more true than ever. We see the scope of the world itself increasing, from the home of the Selkies – and oh the details about the Crannogs made me so happy – to the search for the Soul Ships, as well as revisiting familiar places through new eyes; and I loved that we get to see the impact of the events that the characters are wrapped up on having a phsyical impact on the world itself. Amburgh I found particularly interesting as a spiderweb of different machinations, but also as a battleground for the hearts, souls and freedom of nearly every character that we have come to know and love.
Folklore is embedded into every layer of this book, from elements taking from Scottish Folklore, to the internal folklore of this tale and Scrimgeour does it in such a way that it feels like you could step into the haar and find the selkies there waiting for you. However, what truly delighted me with the lore in Mists of Memory was both the idea of cultural memory and knowledge being passed down both in general, with the way we see it play through Sentinels and Guidebirds for example, or the lore of the Selkies about how blood is used; but also through dreamwalking. The idea that there is this huge depth of knowledge, an archive that is carried from generation or generation – or should be. But, also how fragile that knowledge can be, and how easily it can become lost or twisted, with the true meaning lost to the tides of time; but also strong and powerful the truths at the centre of that lore can be. The journey to find the Soul Ships and discovering the truth of blood and sacrifice and the haar, were my favourite elemnts of this book – with each new thread adding depth across the world and story.
There was also an interesting parallel that as that journey reached its pinnacle, and the old tales were becoming more real and spreading, confronting the established beliefs and order of the world; the more straightforward the path became. The truth being uncovered in the old tales, being mirrored with a realisation of truths and choices in the characters lives.
The development of the lore around Selkies, the gun-anam, blood and sacrifice and the haar and soul ships was beautifully handled; and I loved that it only added to the depth of the representation of selkies in this series. This series, along with Hannaford’s The Black Hind series show this mythical people as they could be – and I am absolutely living for it.
As divine as the worldbuilding is – and I could go into raptures about that all day; it is accompanied by absolutely masterful character writing. Because this world, the folklore, the old tales and the truths are all shaping and being shaped by the characters; and that is very much true of all elements in this series, everything has a ripple effect on everything else.
Isla is very much evident of this, and I said in my review of Sea of Souls that it felt like a coming of age story for her, even though it wasn’t really as she had already made something of her life at sea. But, if that was a story of her finding herself, Mists of Memory was the story of her claiming herself. Of both accepting who she had become, and the weight that meant bearing, but also in choosing to fight for both parts of herself – it would have been so easy, and understandable for her to latch onto this new life, this future for the selkies and herself she was fighting for and turn her back on everything else, but to chose to fight both halves of whom she was. To want to save both sides, made for an incredibly compelling character arc. And it’s still a journey, she still has flaws, chooses with heart over head – to the detriment of herself and others at times; but that just makes her even more compelling to read and there were moments from her POV where I was shouting at her, others when I wanted to hug her, and always, always wanting her to succeed.
Darce was the character that took me longest to warm to in the last book, but here and with the introduction of his POV and the way Scrimgeour handles the weight of his choices absolutely turned him into one of my favourite characters. Isla is so central to the story, half human and half selkie, the bridge between worlds; but Darce is absolutely the same, both in terms of his own path as swordsman and now Sentinel, but also with his loyalty to both Isla and Lachlan. And I love that even with being soul bound, and almost being a north star to each other, this was very much a tale of two individuals finding a path towards each other, and then together, not as one, but as two beings supporting one another. It added an element to the romance that continued to devlop, and to the longing, and the choices they made, and I’m interested to see how some of their choices play out especially with the new knowledge of what blood and sacrifice mean.
Cunningham. In this man – if he can even really be called that at this point – Scrimgeour has created a villain that I revile but ultimately I am fascinated by; and the way Mists of Memory take the foundation laid in book one and then dive into the depths of his machinations with a slow peeling away of the horror that this man has committed and continues to commit. The way his relationship with Mara has the potential – even acknowledged – to mirror Darce and Isla, and seeing that weight in their own choices. What really fascinates me though is that in some ways he feels like a human gun-anam, in that while he is alive, he is a horror of blood and sea and his role in the violence behind the rise of the gun-anam; and I can’t wait to see where his story will end, because the destruction he leaves in his wake is the kind that feels like it will come calling for revenge on the tide.
Lachlan was a raw wound for much of this book, and Scrimgeour did a fantastic job with making him so. He was the living consquence of so many choices that had been made in the first book, both by others and by himself; and we got to see that play out. In some ways it felt like this was his coming of age book, as though with that step apart from Isla, he was able to find who he wanted to be – and it wasn’t an easy journey, and as with every character in this book, choice very much played a part in his path. With every choice having a price. And I loved that right until the very end, you could never tell which way his choice would fall, because just as Darce was pulled in two directions, so too was Lachlan.
Eimhir was my favourite character from the first book, and that remains true, for all the devasatation that has ended up bringing me with this book. Her strength was different in this one. In Sea of Souls we got to see her holding out a hand, against the backdrop of history and loss and the potential of losing herself; here her strength comes from love and family. She is still the fighter, the protector, but for a good portion of the book it felt like we got to see her as she should be, even with the pressure of what was happening in the world, and the way Isla took risks. Seeing that, made the events of the last part of the book all the more raw.
Mists of Memory much like its predecessor rmains very much a family saga, only in this one, that family has grown and changed, both for the better and for the worst. And we still very much have the central themes of acceptance – we see it in Isla’s trying to show she belongs with the Selkies, and Lachlan trying to forge a place for himself within the limitations around him and the noose around his neck; and we see it in the shifting, tentative alliances and friendships. But, even more so about accepting yourself – this was a thread in the first book, but here it has risen to the surface. As much as the connections and accepting of one another is core to the story, the real moments of individual strength are where we see the characters claim the path they want to follow – regardless of the cost, of the weight and pull of different allegiances – we see it when Isla choose to become the storm, when Lachlan makes his choice, when Muir reclaims his old title – and at the same time, we get to see the flipside of that coin with Eimhir.
However, one element that Mists of Memory focuses on far more is the idea of choice. Both on the individual level, but also the ripple effect of those personal choices. There is not one choice in this book that was a simple black and white answer; nor was there any choice made that was ever in isolation – every decision big or small had a ripple effect, on the other characters, on the world, on the fates. This is not a world where any choice is simple, it is a world that is set at odds against its own inhabitants – and where the simplest choice is to bow down to that world, to those in power. We see it with the influence of the Admiralty, and the hold that Cunningham has especially over the Sentinels, and through the tendrils of influence if Muir and Quinn in their own ways. We see it reflected in the selkie society too, with the influence and decisions of the chieftans and the weight of the past dictating paths to be taken.
‘And there lies the truth too terrible to admit, Eimhir had told her once. The men are the monsters, and the monsters men. This violence belongs to all of us. It will continue as long as we let it.’
Scrimgeour plays with that idea of choice with great skill, and everything in this book was a choice taken on the edge of a knife, whether the characters chose to fall on the knife held out to them and take the simplest choice, or whether they carved their own path and wounds. Blood was a choice. Family was a choice. Freedom was a choice. And every chocie was caught in a storm – pulled by situation, by emotion, by histroy – so that there was always a layer of moral ambiguity. The right choice was never simple, and was never the right choice for all and the wrong choices that were made, were often right in a painful way – I especially loved how this played out with Isla and Eimhir, and with the Sentinels and Cunningham and those were the rawest, most compelling moments.
Mists of Memory is a storm of a book, with all the drama and roar of thunder and the swells and lulls of winds that have the power to alter the course of everything. Sea of Souls was an absolutely stellar introduction to this saga, but Scrimegour has well and truly raised the bar with this sequel. There was no stopping once I had got into the flow, because the treachorous waters of this tale meant that it felt as though if you took your eyes of the horizon for even a moment you would be lost. Masterful character work, combined with a high stakes, emotionally gripping story and worldbuilding that will have me waiting for the haar to to roll in so that I can step into the world of this story – absolutely a book of the year for me, and I can’t wait to see where these characters and this story will go in the third book.
Mists of Memory picks up where Sea of Souls left off, still in the ripples of the events that ended that book and Scrimgeour doesn’t waste any time at all in pulling us back into this world, and into the very real threat and stakes that rose throughout book one but reach another level here. This is a middle book that set out with a purpose; and Scrimgeour has taken all the elements that made the first book so brilliant and made them shine like the ocean under a noonday sun.
One of my favourite aspects of this series has always been the worldbuilding, and that remains more true than ever. We see the scope of the world itself increasing, from the home of the Selkies – and oh the details about the Crannogs made me so happy – to the search for the Soul Ships, as well as revisiting familiar places through new eyes; and I loved that we get to see the impact of the events that the characters are wrapped up on having a phsyical impact on the world itself. Amburgh I found particularly interesting as a spiderweb of different machinations, but also as a battleground for the hearts, souls and freedom of nearly every character that we have come to know and love.
Folklore is embedded into every layer of this book, from elements taking from Scottish Folklore, to the internal folklore of this tale and Scrimgeour does it in such a way that it feels like you could step into the haar and find the selkies there waiting for you. However, what truly delighted me with the lore in Mists of Memory was both the idea of cultural memory and knowledge being passed down both in general, with the way we see it play through Sentinels and Guidebirds for example, or the lore of the Selkies about how blood is used; but also through dreamwalking. The idea that there is this huge depth of knowledge, an archive that is carried from generation or generation – or should be. But, also how fragile that knowledge can be, and how easily it can become lost or twisted, with the true meaning lost to the tides of time; but also strong and powerful the truths at the centre of that lore can be. The journey to find the Soul Ships and discovering the truth of blood and sacrifice and the haar, were my favourite elemnts of this book – with each new thread adding depth across the world and story.
There was also an interesting parallel that as that journey reached its pinnacle, and the old tales were becoming more real and spreading, confronting the established beliefs and order of the world; the more straightforward the path became. The truth being uncovered in the old tales, being mirrored with a realisation of truths and choices in the characters lives.
The development of the lore around Selkies, the gun-anam, blood and sacrifice and the haar and soul ships was beautifully handled; and I loved that it only added to the depth of the representation of selkies in this series. This series, along with Hannaford’s The Black Hind series show this mythical people as they could be – and I am absolutely living for it.
As divine as the worldbuilding is – and I could go into raptures about that all day; it is accompanied by absolutely masterful character writing. Because this world, the folklore, the old tales and the truths are all shaping and being shaped by the characters; and that is very much true of all elements in this series, everything has a ripple effect on everything else.
Isla is very much evident of this, and I said in my review of Sea of Souls that it felt like a coming of age story for her, even though it wasn’t really as she had already made something of her life at sea. But, if that was a story of her finding herself, Mists of Memory was the story of her claiming herself. Of both accepting who she had become, and the weight that meant bearing, but also in choosing to fight for both parts of herself – it would have been so easy, and understandable for her to latch onto this new life, this future for the selkies and herself she was fighting for and turn her back on everything else, but to chose to fight both halves of whom she was. To want to save both sides, made for an incredibly compelling character arc. And it’s still a journey, she still has flaws, chooses with heart over head – to the detriment of herself and others at times; but that just makes her even more compelling to read and there were moments from her POV where I was shouting at her, others when I wanted to hug her, and always, always wanting her to succeed.
Darce was the character that took me longest to warm to in the last book, but here and with the introduction of his POV and the way Scrimgeour handles the weight of his choices absolutely turned him into one of my favourite characters. Isla is so central to the story, half human and half selkie, the bridge between worlds; but Darce is absolutely the same, both in terms of his own path as swordsman and now Sentinel, but also with his loyalty to both Isla and Lachlan. And I love that even with being soul bound, and almost being a north star to each other, this was very much a tale of two individuals finding a path towards each other, and then together, not as one, but as two beings supporting one another. It added an element to the romance that continued to devlop, and to the longing, and the choices they made, and I’m interested to see how some of their choices play out especially with the new knowledge of what blood and sacrifice mean.
Cunningham. In this man – if he can even really be called that at this point – Scrimgeour has created a villain that I revile but ultimately I am fascinated by; and the way Mists of Memory take the foundation laid in book one and then dive into the depths of his machinations with a slow peeling away of the horror that this man has committed and continues to commit. The way his relationship with Mara has the potential – even acknowledged – to mirror Darce and Isla, and seeing that weight in their own choices. What really fascinates me though is that in some ways he feels like a human gun-anam, in that while he is alive, he is a horror of blood and sea and his role in the violence behind the rise of the gun-anam; and I can’t wait to see where his story will end, because the destruction he leaves in his wake is the kind that feels like it will come calling for revenge on the tide.
Lachlan was a raw wound for much of this book, and Scrimgeour did a fantastic job with making him so. He was the living consquence of so many choices that had been made in the first book, both by others and by himself; and we got to see that play out. In some ways it felt like this was his coming of age book, as though with that step apart from Isla, he was able to find who he wanted to be – and it wasn’t an easy journey, and as with every character in this book, choice very much played a part in his path. With every choice having a price. And I loved that right until the very end, you could never tell which way his choice would fall, because just as Darce was pulled in two directions, so too was Lachlan.
Eimhir was my favourite character from the first book, and that remains true, for all the devasatation that has ended up bringing me with this book. Her strength was different in this one. In Sea of Souls we got to see her holding out a hand, against the backdrop of history and loss and the potential of losing herself; here her strength comes from love and family. She is still the fighter, the protector, but for a good portion of the book it felt like we got to see her as she should be, even with the pressure of what was happening in the world, and the way Isla took risks. Seeing that, made the events of the last part of the book all the more raw.
Mists of Memory much like its predecessor rmains very much a family saga, only in this one, that family has grown and changed, both for the better and for the worst. And we still very much have the central themes of acceptance – we see it in Isla’s trying to show she belongs with the Selkies, and Lachlan trying to forge a place for himself within the limitations around him and the noose around his neck; and we see it in the shifting, tentative alliances and friendships. But, even more so about accepting yourself – this was a thread in the first book, but here it has risen to the surface. As much as the connections and accepting of one another is core to the story, the real moments of individual strength are where we see the characters claim the path they want to follow – regardless of the cost, of the weight and pull of different allegiances – we see it when Isla choose to become the storm, when Lachlan makes his choice, when Muir reclaims his old title – and at the same time, we get to see the flipside of that coin with Eimhir.
However, one element that Mists of Memory focuses on far more is the idea of choice. Both on the individual level, but also the ripple effect of those personal choices. There is not one choice in this book that was a simple black and white answer; nor was there any choice made that was ever in isolation – every decision big or small had a ripple effect, on the other characters, on the world, on the fates. This is not a world where any choice is simple, it is a world that is set at odds against its own inhabitants – and where the simplest choice is to bow down to that world, to those in power. We see it with the influence of the Admiralty, and the hold that Cunningham has especially over the Sentinels, and through the tendrils of influence if Muir and Quinn in their own ways. We see it reflected in the selkie society too, with the influence and decisions of the chieftans and the weight of the past dictating paths to be taken.
‘And there lies the truth too terrible to admit, Eimhir had told her once. The men are the monsters, and the monsters men. This violence belongs to all of us. It will continue as long as we let it.’
Scrimgeour plays with that idea of choice with great skill, and everything in this book was a choice taken on the edge of a knife, whether the characters chose to fall on the knife held out to them and take the simplest choice, or whether they carved their own path and wounds. Blood was a choice. Family was a choice. Freedom was a choice. And every chocie was caught in a storm – pulled by situation, by emotion, by histroy – so that there was always a layer of moral ambiguity. The right choice was never simple, and was never the right choice for all and the wrong choices that were made, were often right in a painful way – I especially loved how this played out with Isla and Eimhir, and with the Sentinels and Cunningham and those were the rawest, most compelling moments.
Mists of Memory is a storm of a book, with all the drama and roar of thunder and the swells and lulls of winds that have the power to alter the course of everything. Sea of Souls was an absolutely stellar introduction to this saga, but Scrimegour has well and truly raised the bar with this sequel. There was no stopping once I had got into the flow, because the treachorous waters of this tale meant that it felt as though if you took your eyes of the horizon for even a moment you would be lost. Masterful character work, combined with a high stakes, emotionally gripping story and worldbuilding that will have me waiting for the haar to to roll in so that I can step into the world of this story – absolutely a book of the year for me, and I can’t wait to see where these characters and this story will go in the third book.
January 27, 2025
Sea of Souls trilogy 02 Mists of Memory by N.C. Scrimgeour
challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
Goodness. This book is heavy (not in physical weight, especially since it is an eBook), but the themes that are explored in this middle story are dark and unforgiving.
This may be an odd comparison, but if you've ever seen the Western movie called Unforgiven (1992) with Clint Eastwood as protagonist, and the director of the film, with acclaimed actors like Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris.
It's a dark story, and may be the best that Clint Eastwood (and the others) have ever been associated with, but it is DARK.
I felt the same way...as I was reading this book. I was entranced, and the comparison didn't come to me...until I finished the book. So it wasn't competing for time in my head, but the weight of THIS story, and the weight of THAT movie...hold the same space. Powerful.
There are/were dark themes in the first book, Sea of Souls...but in this book...it was DARK.
I love the characters. In this book, it was a dual POV narrative. One POV is Isla, and the other is Darce...and it works really well. For obvious reasons, they are central to EVERYTHING that is happening, and come in contact with everyone else (usually the antagonists within the story...and there are MANY).
Of the core characters in this story, Isla and Darce (cannot get out of my head...and I'm not sure it was intentional...but I think of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy...when I think of our two protagonists).
Poor Lachlan. Don't want to say too much, but I feel that he continues to make bad choices. I feel for him, for he's not a bad person, but a person who's lost EVERYTHING, and struggling to find his feet again. ugh. A tragic character, if there ever was one.
Nishi and Kerr...ugh. What can you say without spoilers. Love them, but didn't/don't always trust them. There seems to be a push/pull thing going on. I hope they end up on the "right side" of the thing that's going on.
Admiral Alastair Cunninghame is a git. Ugh, I hate him SO much. What could've been good, has been bent to evil purposes...and it seems to be getting worse and worse...dragging EVERYONE downhill. Sheesh.
Oh, and there are betrayals, reversals, friends to enemies, enemies to friends. Alive then dead, but then also dead then alive.
There were certain times during the story...that I actually had NO idea what was going to happen, next. I was throwing my hands in the air...and saying, "NO, not that. Please not that. How are we going to get back from here? Come on!" and I'd pick the book back up...and read on (through the night and into the day)
There is SO much going on in this story. You may not have thrown the kitchen sink, but you got damn near it (and it has been beautifully executed). Your writing is getting tighter, and the story is more economical (without straying too far from the targeted conlusion in the final book...which I am CRAVING for...even more now).
Middle books are usually the dip in the trilogy, but for you in this narrative...you've upped your game and given us an amazing story. With this, it sets up for an EPIC conclusion...and I'm here for it.
You have become an "automatic buy" author, for me.
Thank you for the eArc given for an honest review. Sorry if I've gone too far in my praise, but it's actually the way I feel. IF the third book was finished at this time, I'd be starting it...once I posted this review. You've got my heart and soul in this book, and I NEED to know how it ends.
challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
Goodness. This book is heavy (not in physical weight, especially since it is an eBook), but the themes that are explored in this middle story are dark and unforgiving.
This may be an odd comparison, but if you've ever seen the Western movie called Unforgiven (1992) with Clint Eastwood as protagonist, and the director of the film, with acclaimed actors like Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris.
It's a dark story, and may be the best that Clint Eastwood (and the others) have ever been associated with, but it is DARK.
I felt the same way...as I was reading this book. I was entranced, and the comparison didn't come to me...until I finished the book. So it wasn't competing for time in my head, but the weight of THIS story, and the weight of THAT movie...hold the same space. Powerful.
There are/were dark themes in the first book, Sea of Souls...but in this book...it was DARK.
I love the characters. In this book, it was a dual POV narrative. One POV is Isla, and the other is Darce...and it works really well. For obvious reasons, they are central to EVERYTHING that is happening, and come in contact with everyone else (usually the antagonists within the story...and there are MANY).
Of the core characters in this story, Isla and Darce (cannot get out of my head...and I'm not sure it was intentional...but I think of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy...when I think of our two protagonists).
Poor Lachlan. Don't want to say too much, but I feel that he continues to make bad choices. I feel for him, for he's not a bad person, but a person who's lost EVERYTHING, and struggling to find his feet again. ugh. A tragic character, if there ever was one.
Nishi and Kerr...ugh. What can you say without spoilers. Love them, but didn't/don't always trust them. There seems to be a push/pull thing going on. I hope they end up on the "right side" of the thing that's going on.
Admiral Alastair Cunninghame is a git. Ugh, I hate him SO much. What could've been good, has been bent to evil purposes...and it seems to be getting worse and worse...dragging EVERYONE downhill. Sheesh.
Oh, and there are betrayals, reversals, friends to enemies, enemies to friends. Alive then dead, but then also dead then alive.
There were certain times during the story...that I actually had NO idea what was going to happen, next. I was throwing my hands in the air...and saying, "NO, not that. Please not that. How are we going to get back from here? Come on!" and I'd pick the book back up...and read on (through the night and into the day)
There is SO much going on in this story. You may not have thrown the kitchen sink, but you got damn near it (and it has been beautifully executed). Your writing is getting tighter, and the story is more economical (without straying too far from the targeted conlusion in the final book...which I am CRAVING for...even more now).
Middle books are usually the dip in the trilogy, but for you in this narrative...you've upped your game and given us an amazing story. With this, it sets up for an EPIC conclusion...and I'm here for it.
You have become an "automatic buy" author, for me.
Thank you for the eArc given for an honest review. Sorry if I've gone too far in my praise, but it's actually the way I feel. IF the third book was finished at this time, I'd be starting it...once I posted this review. You've got my heart and soul in this book, and I NEED to know how it ends.
February 11, 2025
This review originally appeared in Grimdark Magazine
Two years ago indie author N. C. Scrimgeour gave us the sea-faring, sea monster-filled dark fantasy Sea of Souls, which combined an impeccably crafted maritime Scottish-inspired fantasy world with atmospheric prose, a dark, chilling tone and near-perfect characterisation.
Now she’s back with the sequel Mists of Memory, and not only is there no sophomore slump with this one but it sails proudly out of the seaborne fog as one of the contenders for fantasy of the year. Mists of Memory is a blood-soaked, heart-rending, compulsively addictive example of what the very best of the genre can offer.
We pick up pretty much where we left off last time, with sailor turned fugitive Isla Blackwood dealing with the revelations of her true heritage while Darce Galbraith, her soul-bonded love interest and sword master turned sea wizard, is trapped back in the capital. Immediately the stakes are set: this is the selkies versus the Admiralty, the latter headed by the memorably villainous Grand Admiral who will stop at nothing to get his daughter back and slaughter as many selkies as he can in the meantime.
In the middle of this blood feud are Isla and Darce, bonded yet separated. Isla must convince her newfound selkie family that she can save them all by completing her mother’s destiny, while Darce must try and defeat the Admiral from the inside while trying to protect Isla’s increasingly bitter brother Lachlan.
Mists of Memory is about people trying to find their true home, and what happens when that is split between their love and their family; it’s a book about sacrifice and generational healing; and it’s a book about how hatred between two peoples can blind them into cycles of violence. The vessel for exploring these meaty themes is Scrimgeour’s fantastic magic system, which involves blood magic that controls the oceans, souls being transferred through selkie pelts, a dream-walking purgatory state and more—a frankly surreal mixture that somehow feels compellingly authentic.
But this swashbuckling sequel is also a wickedly dark and fun ride across the ocean, with huge ship battles, terrifying soulless selkies made of mist riding salt-spray death horses, gruesome torture and scene-stealing twists. Scrimgeour consistently raises the stakes and the set pieces—daring rescues, naval skirmishes and twisted magic are all painted in lucid prose which is never far away from a quotable line or a haunting description.
But most impressive about Mists of Memory, even among all the ship chases and sea magic and sea bird-bonding (so much sea bird-bonding) is the first-rate character work. Scrimgeour has this ability to create realistic characters with sympathetic motivations who you desperately want to work it all out—and then pitch them against each other to torture the reader, while never sacrificing the realism.
Indeed, some of the best scenes are simply quiet conversations: the utter relief you will feel when one character gives a subtle hint they’ve not yet given up on the other, only to be devastated when fate pitches them against each other again. Oh and when these characters are hurt… getting to the end of this book requires nerves of steel and your heart constantly in your mouth so much you fear you’ll spit it out onto your bookmark.
Mists of Memory is a non-stop, deliciously dark white-knuckle ride across waters perilous that somehow finds time to stop and give us character moments that make you and break you, sometimes on the same page. To ride the waves with this crew is to experience the genre at its best—put simply, this is one of the must-read fantasies of the year.
Two years ago indie author N. C. Scrimgeour gave us the sea-faring, sea monster-filled dark fantasy Sea of Souls, which combined an impeccably crafted maritime Scottish-inspired fantasy world with atmospheric prose, a dark, chilling tone and near-perfect characterisation.
Now she’s back with the sequel Mists of Memory, and not only is there no sophomore slump with this one but it sails proudly out of the seaborne fog as one of the contenders for fantasy of the year. Mists of Memory is a blood-soaked, heart-rending, compulsively addictive example of what the very best of the genre can offer.
We pick up pretty much where we left off last time, with sailor turned fugitive Isla Blackwood dealing with the revelations of her true heritage while Darce Galbraith, her soul-bonded love interest and sword master turned sea wizard, is trapped back in the capital. Immediately the stakes are set: this is the selkies versus the Admiralty, the latter headed by the memorably villainous Grand Admiral who will stop at nothing to get his daughter back and slaughter as many selkies as he can in the meantime.
In the middle of this blood feud are Isla and Darce, bonded yet separated. Isla must convince her newfound selkie family that she can save them all by completing her mother’s destiny, while Darce must try and defeat the Admiral from the inside while trying to protect Isla’s increasingly bitter brother Lachlan.
Mists of Memory is about people trying to find their true home, and what happens when that is split between their love and their family; it’s a book about sacrifice and generational healing; and it’s a book about how hatred between two peoples can blind them into cycles of violence. The vessel for exploring these meaty themes is Scrimgeour’s fantastic magic system, which involves blood magic that controls the oceans, souls being transferred through selkie pelts, a dream-walking purgatory state and more—a frankly surreal mixture that somehow feels compellingly authentic.
But this swashbuckling sequel is also a wickedly dark and fun ride across the ocean, with huge ship battles, terrifying soulless selkies made of mist riding salt-spray death horses, gruesome torture and scene-stealing twists. Scrimgeour consistently raises the stakes and the set pieces—daring rescues, naval skirmishes and twisted magic are all painted in lucid prose which is never far away from a quotable line or a haunting description.
But most impressive about Mists of Memory, even among all the ship chases and sea magic and sea bird-bonding (so much sea bird-bonding) is the first-rate character work. Scrimgeour has this ability to create realistic characters with sympathetic motivations who you desperately want to work it all out—and then pitch them against each other to torture the reader, while never sacrificing the realism.
Indeed, some of the best scenes are simply quiet conversations: the utter relief you will feel when one character gives a subtle hint they’ve not yet given up on the other, only to be devastated when fate pitches them against each other again. Oh and when these characters are hurt… getting to the end of this book requires nerves of steel and your heart constantly in your mouth so much you fear you’ll spit it out onto your bookmark.
Mists of Memory is a non-stop, deliciously dark white-knuckle ride across waters perilous that somehow finds time to stop and give us character moments that make you and break you, sometimes on the same page. To ride the waves with this crew is to experience the genre at its best—put simply, this is one of the must-read fantasies of the year.
February 16, 2025
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
MISTS OF MEMORY is a great second entry in this selkie fantasy full of impossible odds and a powerful villain.
Both sides of this conflict have hurt each other so much that, even with the series' ultimate villain being a human, you can understand why neither the selkies nor the humans want to sit down and work it out. It lets the villain continue his reign of terror, for what he thinks is love, and makes it so much harder for Isla to find a route forward. I appreciate a book where it is genuinely hard to just sit down, when there's so much in the way on both sides.
Like the previous instalment, this book lives up to its dark fantasy moniker. It is brutal and does not shy away from the horrible actions taken by the Admiralty. It has that grim sense of everything being against progress, which made me root for Isla and Dacre even more, because they were up against such odds.
A lot more time is spent, this book, with the selkies, so you get a real appreciation for their pain and suffering. There is so much at stake for them, hunted for their skins. Eimhir was such a good character to sum up the confliction between peace and how extended suffering can lead to action that others see as drastic. It was also nice to meet other, older selkies, to get a sense of how the community as a whole would feel about a half-human, half-selkie.
The book also dives into the magic more, with a bunch of reveals about the nature of the selkies' power and that of the humans. I really like how it reframed the need for peace as well as gave some slivers of much needed hope.
Where SEA OF SOULS only had one narrator, Isla, MISTS OF MEMORY had Dacre's perspective alternating with hers. He gave us a glimpse into the world of the admiralty as well as the horrible control the villain had over everyone. Plus, it was nice to understand him. He's such a key character and helped with those slivers of hope - here is someone who doesn't have a foot in both camps, unlike Isla, and yet is committed to peace.
I loved that the book began with a recap of SEA OF SOULS - it was very useful for jogging the memory. Plus it was written in the style of a letter from Isla to Lachlan, so it contained all the emotional anguish of their last meeting. This meant it was super effective at not only recapping the book but setting up the tension between them. I loved their dynamic and interactions in the book and how that spilt over into tension with Darce and Lachlan.
I am looking forward to the final book in this trilogy!
MISTS OF MEMORY is a great second entry in this selkie fantasy full of impossible odds and a powerful villain.
Both sides of this conflict have hurt each other so much that, even with the series' ultimate villain being a human, you can understand why neither the selkies nor the humans want to sit down and work it out. It lets the villain continue his reign of terror, for what he thinks is love, and makes it so much harder for Isla to find a route forward. I appreciate a book where it is genuinely hard to just sit down, when there's so much in the way on both sides.
Like the previous instalment, this book lives up to its dark fantasy moniker. It is brutal and does not shy away from the horrible actions taken by the Admiralty. It has that grim sense of everything being against progress, which made me root for Isla and Dacre even more, because they were up against such odds.
A lot more time is spent, this book, with the selkies, so you get a real appreciation for their pain and suffering. There is so much at stake for them, hunted for their skins. Eimhir was such a good character to sum up the confliction between peace and how extended suffering can lead to action that others see as drastic. It was also nice to meet other, older selkies, to get a sense of how the community as a whole would feel about a half-human, half-selkie.
The book also dives into the magic more, with a bunch of reveals about the nature of the selkies' power and that of the humans. I really like how it reframed the need for peace as well as gave some slivers of much needed hope.
Where SEA OF SOULS only had one narrator, Isla, MISTS OF MEMORY had Dacre's perspective alternating with hers. He gave us a glimpse into the world of the admiralty as well as the horrible control the villain had over everyone. Plus, it was nice to understand him. He's such a key character and helped with those slivers of hope - here is someone who doesn't have a foot in both camps, unlike Isla, and yet is committed to peace.
I loved that the book began with a recap of SEA OF SOULS - it was very useful for jogging the memory. Plus it was written in the style of a letter from Isla to Lachlan, so it contained all the emotional anguish of their last meeting. This meant it was super effective at not only recapping the book but setting up the tension between them. I loved their dynamic and interactions in the book and how that spilt over into tension with Darce and Lachlan.
I am looking forward to the final book in this trilogy!
February 3, 2025
Mists of Memory by N.C. Scrimgeour was one of my most anticipated books of 2025 and I was not disappointed. I fell in love with these characters and this world in Sea of Souls and I was so happy that I got to revisit them. Isla Blackwood should have been safe on the Selkie Isles but instead of being a refuge she finds herself under suspicion and not entirely welcomed. To complicate matters she is being hunted by the Grand Admiral for the powers of the Selkie Pelt that she holds. That pelt belonged to her mother and unless she is able to untangle the secrets it holds she will not be able to stop the mysterious mist borne plague that is attacking the islands and proving dangerous to humans and selkies alike.
This is a magical dark fantasy filled with complex and well developed characters, magic systems that reference Scottish folklore and so much action and tension that I just did not want to put it down, in fact I read the whole book in less than a day. The writing was already beautiful in Sea of Souls and it stepped up another level here, as did the intensity of the storytelling. So many descriptive passages made me feel like I had been transported to another world while reading. There was so much development of the characters, not just Isla and Darce but also the secondary characters like Lachlan and even the Grand Admiral and I think that made me even more invested in the story as I got to understand the motivations of several characters so much better. Speaking of being invested in the story, there is a lot happening, never in a way that feels rushed or overly complicated but always in a way that made me want to keep turning those pages. Sometimes I find that the middle book in a series feels more like a bridge that a story in its own right, but I never felt that way while reading Mists of Memory, it was a fully satisfying reading experience that made me even more excited to see where the story is going next.
I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own.
This is a magical dark fantasy filled with complex and well developed characters, magic systems that reference Scottish folklore and so much action and tension that I just did not want to put it down, in fact I read the whole book in less than a day. The writing was already beautiful in Sea of Souls and it stepped up another level here, as did the intensity of the storytelling. So many descriptive passages made me feel like I had been transported to another world while reading. There was so much development of the characters, not just Isla and Darce but also the secondary characters like Lachlan and even the Grand Admiral and I think that made me even more invested in the story as I got to understand the motivations of several characters so much better. Speaking of being invested in the story, there is a lot happening, never in a way that feels rushed or overly complicated but always in a way that made me want to keep turning those pages. Sometimes I find that the middle book in a series feels more like a bridge that a story in its own right, but I never felt that way while reading Mists of Memory, it was a fully satisfying reading experience that made me even more excited to see where the story is going next.
I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own.
February 21, 2025
A huge thank you goes to N. C. Scrimgeour for letting me read an e-ARC of Mists of Memory! This is the second instalment in the Sea of Souls Saga, a dark fantasy focusing on the capricious sea & those who make it not only their home, but also their battleground...
Isla Blackwood has finally discovered her heritage, but at what cost? She is being hunted across the sea, by someone who should have only ever loved her. Wearing a pelt full of long-forgotten memories, Isla can’t outrun the Grand Admiral forever. Not when his fleet is scouring the far reaches of the sea to find her. But when the mist sickness threatens Isla’s brethren, she decides the time for hiding is over. Someone must find a way to end this plague of fallen selkies, & only Isla can access the magic her mother once wielded. Can Isla find her answers before the Grand Admiral finds her? Will Darce Galbraith be able to buy her time, sailing with their enemy? And what happens when open warfare threatens to break like a storm upon the sea?
Mists of Memory is a dark fantasy of which dreams are made of—this incredible tale perfectly balances horrific dangers, emotional turmoil & an innate desire to find out what the word ‘home’ truly means. The plot, glitterbugs. The. Plot. It twines around my heart & just *squeezes* so I don’t know how to breathe. Yes, that’s clearly a good thing! Scrimgeour places us in the perfect conditions for a maelstrom, but with her at the helm of this ship? You know that you’re in the safest of hands. And if I’m being honest? I’m just so grateful to be a passenger...
You can read my FULL review on my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/mists...
Isla Blackwood has finally discovered her heritage, but at what cost? She is being hunted across the sea, by someone who should have only ever loved her. Wearing a pelt full of long-forgotten memories, Isla can’t outrun the Grand Admiral forever. Not when his fleet is scouring the far reaches of the sea to find her. But when the mist sickness threatens Isla’s brethren, she decides the time for hiding is over. Someone must find a way to end this plague of fallen selkies, & only Isla can access the magic her mother once wielded. Can Isla find her answers before the Grand Admiral finds her? Will Darce Galbraith be able to buy her time, sailing with their enemy? And what happens when open warfare threatens to break like a storm upon the sea?
Mists of Memory is a dark fantasy of which dreams are made of—this incredible tale perfectly balances horrific dangers, emotional turmoil & an innate desire to find out what the word ‘home’ truly means. The plot, glitterbugs. The. Plot. It twines around my heart & just *squeezes* so I don’t know how to breathe. Yes, that’s clearly a good thing! Scrimgeour places us in the perfect conditions for a maelstrom, but with her at the helm of this ship? You know that you’re in the safest of hands. And if I’m being honest? I’m just so grateful to be a passenger...
You can read my FULL review on my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/mists...
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March 5, 2025RELEASE DAY!! It’s feels surreal to finally be saying this, but Mists of Memory is out today!
I truly believe this book is the best I’ve written so far. I put so much into this story, these characters, and all the things readers loved about Sea of Souls. You can expect more magic and folklore as we dive deeper into the world of the selkies, more action and adventure as we sail along with the ruthless Admiralty, and more gut-wrenching decisions from the characters you know and love.
To everyone who read Sea of Souls more than 18 months ago and has been waiting (patiently or otherwise!) for the sequel, I’m sorry it took so long! It was really important for me to get this book right and do justice to these characters you fell in love with, and all I can say is that I’m so proud of this book and the story I’ve written. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
If you’re new to the series, it’s the perfect time to dive in! (Don’t worry, the third and final book is well underway!) The Sea of Souls saga is a dark fantasy steeped in Scottish-inspired folklore and mythology, with family secrets and sibling rivalry, unlikely friendships and heartbreaking betrayals, ancient magic and a dash of romance. There’s everything from dark horror vibes to swashbuckling high seas adventure, with a cast of characters that will tug at your heartstrings and make you want to laugh and cry and rage.
I truly believe this book is the best I’ve written so far. I put so much into this story, these characters, and all the things readers loved about Sea of Souls. You can expect more magic and folklore as we dive deeper into the world of the selkies, more action and adventure as we sail along with the ruthless Admiralty, and more gut-wrenching decisions from the characters you know and love.
To everyone who read Sea of Souls more than 18 months ago and has been waiting (patiently or otherwise!) for the sequel, I’m sorry it took so long! It was really important for me to get this book right and do justice to these characters you fell in love with, and all I can say is that I’m so proud of this book and the story I’ve written. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
If you’re new to the series, it’s the perfect time to dive in! (Don’t worry, the third and final book is well underway!) The Sea of Souls saga is a dark fantasy steeped in Scottish-inspired folklore and mythology, with family secrets and sibling rivalry, unlikely friendships and heartbreaking betrayals, ancient magic and a dash of romance. There’s everything from dark horror vibes to swashbuckling high seas adventure, with a cast of characters that will tug at your heartstrings and make you want to laugh and cry and rage.
March 5, 2025
This is my new favourite series and my new auto-buy author. I came across Sea of Souls last year - it was incredible and felt like nothing I had read before! I couldn’t wait to read the next book so I signed up to read and review an ARC copy. I was so excited and it did not disappoint! The atmospheric detail is so strong in this series, I swear you can feel the cold ocean mist as you read! Perfect for cozy reading. Mists of Memory continues the story with even more beautiful detail and lore as they explore the Selkie Isles and so much more! The tension between all of the characters kept the story intriguing all the way through and I was on the eager to learn with our characters and to see what would happen next. I cannot wait for book 3! For now I’ll be patiently waiting to purchase the beautiful hardcover copy and jumping into N.C. Scrimgeour’s science fiction trilogy next!
March 5, 2025
MoM definitely avoids the sequel slump. Like in SoS, the Scottish-inspired environment feels like a character unto itself, which is amped up by the evocative prose. The magic and lore are gripping, and the characters pop off the page. There are different factions at play, betrayals, and a romance that romance fans will love and people like me will appreciate because it doesn’t go overboard into another genre.
5/5 selkies
5/5 selkies
March 1, 2025
Even more action than the first, following Isla’s journey was just as fun the second time! In this sequel we get dual POVs with Isla and Darce. I loved being able to see his side of the story and get some different insights on his character. This second book still has twists and betrayals that I would never expect! I truly can’t wait for book 3!
March 7, 2025
The first book astounded me, and this sequel pulled out the stops to keep me hooked. Many second books in a trilogy (I’m assuming this will be a trilogy) just are sort of there. Not a ton happens, it’s just the bridge between books one and three. This book does not fall into that second book trap.
Content includes (spoilers): violence, sex, and swearing. Wouldn’t recommend to under 18s.
Content includes (spoilers): violence, sex, and swearing. Wouldn’t recommend to under 18s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
A truly great & gripping sequel to Sea of Souls. This book follows Isla & Darce’s POV as they navigate difficult and dangerous scenarios whilst separated. The villainous Admiral is a great villain who always seems to come back no matter how much damage he takes. Highly recommend this series for those that like Scottish folktales, swashbuckling adventures & a good twist!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
The keening of seabirds rolls from the pages. This is a book seeped in salt sea wine. There is a well- chosen scattering of Scots and Gaelic words to give the book an authentic Scottish feel without it descending into the shortbread tin trope. Well written and an unusual spin on Scottish Selkie myth!
August 1, 2025
I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Scrimgeour packs a punch with this novel and I for sure teared up in several chapters. There were scenes that had me saying "Oh no!" and "How dare you." It's lush and dark and filled with sadness and hope despite all the hits that kept coming. I look forward to the third book!
May 12, 2025
Enjoyed this book even more than the first one. If you haven't read the first one, the author has cleverly summed up the story so far in a letter between two of the main characters so there is no repeating any of the story so far.
July 29, 2025
Mists of Memory is a fantastic follow up, the author doing a great job continuing the thrills and exciting scenes with a strong cast of characters. I love the folklore blending in with the storyline, and easily recommend this series.
February 13, 2025
ARC read. Great second book in the series, just as good as the first. Love these books. Lovable characters, great way to get lost in this world
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