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A Wreck of Seabirds: Award-winning Australian gothic fiction novel
When Briony first meets Ren, he is standing in the freezing sea at the edge of their tiny town.Ren hasn' t been home for a decade but has returned to be with his dying father.Briony won' t leave, hoping that Sarah, her missing sister, will one day reappear.But Sarah and her friend Aria have been stranded on a desolate island far off the coast. The longer they' re trapped there, the less alone they seem.How many secrets in this town have been swallowed by the brooding sea?
322 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2024
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217 people want to read
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November 24, 2024
EXCERPT: The compound comprised a laboratory, a desolate greenhouse, and a small control room of sorts. The control room housed a radio and a generator, though both remained stubbornly silent. Sarah had fiddled with the radio for a long time before leaving the room in frustration.
Aria bit her lip. They'd tipped out the contents of the backpack they'd taken from the boat and sifted through it with increasing anxiety. There was a repair kit, but barely enough tape left to cover a small hole.
They'd also found two safety flares, a folded-up life vest with an attached whistle, a torch, and a box of out-of-date protein bars. Sarah had assured her that they'd make it work, but Aria hadn't missed the way her brows knitted together, and her hands tugged on the hem of her denim jacket. She trudged back outside.
Now, Aria looked down at her phone. The battery was less than half-charged, and a symbol at the top of the screen told her she was out of service range. The light through the open door was fading, the small clearing shifting and changing with the shadows cast by the trees.
She got to her feet and went in search of Sarah. She found her sitting on a felled tree at the edge of the compound, glaring at her own phone.
'Anything?' Aria asked, though she thought she knew what the answer would be. Sarah shook her head and looked at Aria guiltily.
'Aria -' her voice hitched, and Aria was shocked to see tears shimmering in her hazel eyes.
'Hey,' Aria shuffled closer. 'We'll be okay. People will notice when we don't come home.
When we don't come home. Aria tried not to think about that.
Sarah was shaking her head. 'You don't understand,' she whispered. 'I didn't tell anyone where I was going.'
Aria gaped at her. 'You didn't tell Briony? Your parents?'
Sarah shook her head, tears spilling over her long lashes to roll down her pale cheeks. 'No, no one was up.'
The answer sunk like a weight in Aria's stomach, anchoring her in place.
Her parents hadn't been home when she left, and in any case, Sarah hadn't elaborated on her plan until they'd been on their way to the harbour beside Blackwater Cove. Reality crept in with the darkness steadily engulfing the heart of the island. Neither girl spoke.
No one knew they were here.
ABOUT 'A WRECK OF SEABIRDS': When Briony first meets Ren, he is standing in the freezing sea at the edge of their tiny town.
Ren hasn' t been home for a decade but has returned to be with his dying father.
Briony won' t leave, hoping that Sarah, her missing sister, will one day reappear. But Sarah and her friend Aria have been stranded on a desolate island far off the coast. The longer they' re trapped there, the less alone they seem.
How many secrets in this town have been swallowed by the brooding sea?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved this book. It left me short of breath and with a pounding heart each time I put it down and, believe me, putting it down became increasingly hard to do.
Author Josh Radwell describes reading A Wreck of Seabirds as being like watching a storm brew; it's dark and brooding and it builds to a perfectly executed ending. He's dead right. I can't think of a better way to describe it.
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. We come to know the characters intimately. I loved the relationships between Ren and his younger brother Sam, between Briony and her brother Mike, and between Ren and Briony. I was totally captivated by both the characters and the plot.
Ren is haunted by the drowning of his younger brother. Briony can't leave the town in which she grew up in case her missing sister returns. The initial meeting of Ren and Briony is dramatic, and through their interaction in the current time period, we learn their backstories as we watch their relationship grow. At the same time, we are privy to what happened to Sarah and her friend Aria. An atmosphere of love, loss and emotional isolation just oozes from the pages.
The chapters are brief and tightly written. The chapter titles are recurring: The Shore, The Deep and The Shallows. This just adds even more to the moody atmosphere Olson has created.
I cannot fault this book. It is going on my 'keep forever' shelf and near, if not at, the top of my ten best reads for 2024. I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us in the future.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#AWreckofSeabirds @FremantlePress
MEET THE AUTHOR: Karleah Olson is a Perth-based author and an avid reader.
She has spent the last few years as a PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University where she is studying Australian Coastal Gothic Literature. Karleah wrote A Wreck of Seabirds as part of her PhD thesis.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Fremantle Press for providing a copy of A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olsen for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Aria bit her lip. They'd tipped out the contents of the backpack they'd taken from the boat and sifted through it with increasing anxiety. There was a repair kit, but barely enough tape left to cover a small hole.
They'd also found two safety flares, a folded-up life vest with an attached whistle, a torch, and a box of out-of-date protein bars. Sarah had assured her that they'd make it work, but Aria hadn't missed the way her brows knitted together, and her hands tugged on the hem of her denim jacket. She trudged back outside.
Now, Aria looked down at her phone. The battery was less than half-charged, and a symbol at the top of the screen told her she was out of service range. The light through the open door was fading, the small clearing shifting and changing with the shadows cast by the trees.
She got to her feet and went in search of Sarah. She found her sitting on a felled tree at the edge of the compound, glaring at her own phone.
'Anything?' Aria asked, though she thought she knew what the answer would be. Sarah shook her head and looked at Aria guiltily.
'Aria -' her voice hitched, and Aria was shocked to see tears shimmering in her hazel eyes.
'Hey,' Aria shuffled closer. 'We'll be okay. People will notice when we don't come home.
When we don't come home. Aria tried not to think about that.
Sarah was shaking her head. 'You don't understand,' she whispered. 'I didn't tell anyone where I was going.'
Aria gaped at her. 'You didn't tell Briony? Your parents?'
Sarah shook her head, tears spilling over her long lashes to roll down her pale cheeks. 'No, no one was up.'
The answer sunk like a weight in Aria's stomach, anchoring her in place.
Her parents hadn't been home when she left, and in any case, Sarah hadn't elaborated on her plan until they'd been on their way to the harbour beside Blackwater Cove. Reality crept in with the darkness steadily engulfing the heart of the island. Neither girl spoke.
No one knew they were here.
ABOUT 'A WRECK OF SEABIRDS': When Briony first meets Ren, he is standing in the freezing sea at the edge of their tiny town.
Ren hasn' t been home for a decade but has returned to be with his dying father.
Briony won' t leave, hoping that Sarah, her missing sister, will one day reappear. But Sarah and her friend Aria have been stranded on a desolate island far off the coast. The longer they' re trapped there, the less alone they seem.
How many secrets in this town have been swallowed by the brooding sea?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved this book. It left me short of breath and with a pounding heart each time I put it down and, believe me, putting it down became increasingly hard to do.
Author Josh Radwell describes reading A Wreck of Seabirds as being like watching a storm brew; it's dark and brooding and it builds to a perfectly executed ending. He's dead right. I can't think of a better way to describe it.
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. We come to know the characters intimately. I loved the relationships between Ren and his younger brother Sam, between Briony and her brother Mike, and between Ren and Briony. I was totally captivated by both the characters and the plot.
Ren is haunted by the drowning of his younger brother. Briony can't leave the town in which she grew up in case her missing sister returns. The initial meeting of Ren and Briony is dramatic, and through their interaction in the current time period, we learn their backstories as we watch their relationship grow. At the same time, we are privy to what happened to Sarah and her friend Aria. An atmosphere of love, loss and emotional isolation just oozes from the pages.
The chapters are brief and tightly written. The chapter titles are recurring: The Shore, The Deep and The Shallows. This just adds even more to the moody atmosphere Olson has created.
I cannot fault this book. It is going on my 'keep forever' shelf and near, if not at, the top of my ten best reads for 2024. I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us in the future.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#AWreckofSeabirds @FremantlePress
MEET THE AUTHOR: Karleah Olson is a Perth-based author and an avid reader.
She has spent the last few years as a PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University where she is studying Australian Coastal Gothic Literature. Karleah wrote A Wreck of Seabirds as part of her PhD thesis.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Fremantle Press for providing a copy of A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olsen for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 3, 2024
This is an incredible debut. (No spoilers)
You can taste the sea salt and feel the cold water with every page. Olson has a wicked command of language and each page is brimming with lush sentences and beautiful thoughts. It's like watching a storm brew, it's dark and brooding and it builds to a perfectly executed ending. It's tender, it's gentle, it's romantic, and it's also quite heavy thematically but it handles these themes with sensitivity and respect. Briony and Ren are two perfectly realised characters, each with an incredible emotional depth and distinct voices. The short chapters (love!) alternate between the past and present to unravel dark secrets, painful histories, and private triumphs. The story maintains an excellent pace, it's never too slow nor does it rush through - it takes its time, and as you sit with it, it rewards you. Still, I flew through it, I was fully captivated and didn't want to put it down. Here is a book with rich emotional insights (fantastic) and a clear appreciation for the beauty of the Australian coastal landscape (stellar). Watching these characters come to terms with their situations was heartbreaking and life-affirming in equal parts. (I particularly loved the relationship between Ren and his little brother Sam, it broke me, but it was so well done). The book fits well into New Adult territory, a category I'm glad is gaining more traction, and I can definitely see it being taught in classes at high school or university level, since there's a lot to love and plenty to dissect. Overall, it's just an incredible debut - you can tell that Olson is an avid reader and a lover of stories, because this one is full of life, pain, and love. I can't wait to see what Olson does next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can taste the sea salt and feel the cold water with every page. Olson has a wicked command of language and each page is brimming with lush sentences and beautiful thoughts. It's like watching a storm brew, it's dark and brooding and it builds to a perfectly executed ending. It's tender, it's gentle, it's romantic, and it's also quite heavy thematically but it handles these themes with sensitivity and respect. Briony and Ren are two perfectly realised characters, each with an incredible emotional depth and distinct voices. The short chapters (love!) alternate between the past and present to unravel dark secrets, painful histories, and private triumphs. The story maintains an excellent pace, it's never too slow nor does it rush through - it takes its time, and as you sit with it, it rewards you. Still, I flew through it, I was fully captivated and didn't want to put it down. Here is a book with rich emotional insights (fantastic) and a clear appreciation for the beauty of the Australian coastal landscape (stellar). Watching these characters come to terms with their situations was heartbreaking and life-affirming in equal parts. (I particularly loved the relationship between Ren and his little brother Sam, it broke me, but it was so well done). The book fits well into New Adult territory, a category I'm glad is gaining more traction, and I can definitely see it being taught in classes at high school or university level, since there's a lot to love and plenty to dissect. Overall, it's just an incredible debut - you can tell that Olson is an avid reader and a lover of stories, because this one is full of life, pain, and love. I can't wait to see what Olson does next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 1, 2024
I may be a teensy bit biased, but this is an incredible novel, and even after a few rereads in (both in work-in-progress and now final published form) I am still so engrossed every time. Ren and Briony are alive on these pages and their grief and confusion is so raw, but it is beautiful to see them find one another.
I love the coastal setting and can feel salt on my tongue as I read, it is described to vividly.
Sam has so much of my heart, and so does this book as a whole.
Good job sis 🌊💙
I love the coastal setting and can feel salt on my tongue as I read, it is described to vividly.
Sam has so much of my heart, and so does this book as a whole.
Good job sis 🌊💙
September 14, 2024
I finished this book at a rate that can only be described as astonishing, inhaling the pages like a swimmer gasping for air after the last lap. Beautifully developed characters, a teasing, twisting plot, and such a delicate way of portraying emotion!!! UGH, an absolutely BLISTERING debut for Karleah Olson. Congratulations on a fantastic novel.
September 25, 2024
Read the physical book.
Okay first things first I must disclose that I personally know the author of this book through our book club.
It was a GREAT book. I loved the short chapters because it was SO COMPELLING. I was desperate to read the next part but felt that way about every timeline story. I was so spooked by the island chapters but they were definitely the ones I HAD TO FINISH.
I loved the characters. Especially Ren. He was just perfection in a real, flawed way. I enjoyed the slow burn romance between Briony and Ren and was glad that they made it work after Briony moved to Perth.
Mike was such a good big brother and Briony was lucky to have him.
I cannot even go into Sam. Too sad. The fact that he died after that fight with his Dad. I will never recover.
Okay now. I have to discuss the ending. Apparently gothic fiction is supposed to have an open ending. I’m not okay with this. I was so shocked about the gruesome fate of Sarah and then Aria dying so no one would ever know. So frustrating that she’s just rotting on the rocks. I wanted her to be found at least so Briony could have closure. But I do understand that the whole point of the book was to let go of the ghosts. Still. I’ll always be a bit mad about it.
BUT a great book has the ability to make you mad about it.
Loved it and would recommend.
Okay first things first I must disclose that I personally know the author of this book through our book club.
It was a GREAT book. I loved the short chapters because it was SO COMPELLING. I was desperate to read the next part but felt that way about every timeline story. I was so spooked by the island chapters but they were definitely the ones I HAD TO FINISH.
I loved the characters. Especially Ren. He was just perfection in a real, flawed way. I enjoyed the slow burn romance between Briony and Ren and was glad that they made it work after Briony moved to Perth.
Mike was such a good big brother and Briony was lucky to have him.
I cannot even go into Sam. Too sad. The fact that he died after that fight with his Dad. I will never recover.
Okay now. I have to discuss the ending. Apparently gothic fiction is supposed to have an open ending. I’m not okay with this. I was so shocked about the gruesome fate of Sarah and then Aria dying so no one would ever know. So frustrating that she’s just rotting on the rocks. I wanted her to be found at least so Briony could have closure. But I do understand that the whole point of the book was to let go of the ghosts. Still. I’ll always be a bit mad about it.
BUT a great book has the ability to make you mad about it.
Loved it and would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
i can’t say i’ve ever really indulged in the genre of costal gothic before but my, i absolutely loved this one. i found myself being captivated by all aspects of this book, and the tension and suspense was really well developed by the short and sharp chapter layout of the book. i loved briony and rens relationship and how their friendship is such an anchor for this story about loss and loneliness. a big thankyou to fremantle press for the advanced copy 😊😊
October 2, 2024
Brilliant, devastating, captivating.
I haven’t raced through a book this quickly in a long time. Simply an extraordinary novel that has such a strong sense of Australian Gothic about it. The combination of isolation, desolation, torment and suffering combined with a tender love story about people brought together by loss and heartache.
The characters felt so alive, the multiple timelines kept the pace of the book roaring and as such made me keep turning the pages, I couldn’t put it down.
Bravo Karleah Olson, what a stunning debut novel. I can’t wait to use this in the classroom.
I haven’t raced through a book this quickly in a long time. Simply an extraordinary novel that has such a strong sense of Australian Gothic about it. The combination of isolation, desolation, torment and suffering combined with a tender love story about people brought together by loss and heartache.
The characters felt so alive, the multiple timelines kept the pace of the book roaring and as such made me keep turning the pages, I couldn’t put it down.
Bravo Karleah Olson, what a stunning debut novel. I can’t wait to use this in the classroom.
May 17, 2025
it was kind of slow to get into, but it was really good. i loved the different timelines and the not-so happy ending. im kinda depressed now thoo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2024
A Wreck of Seabird by Australian author Karleah Olson is a captivating debut fiction novel of hope and survival.
Ren finds himself back in the small costal town where he grew up with his family. He left when he was a teenager with his mum after his brother Sam died. With obligation he’s returned to look after his dying father but feels trapped within the memories of his childhood, especially those with Sam.
Briony is in limbo not wanting to leave town, she hasn’t lost hope that one day her missing sister Sarah will return to town. She feels as though she is the only one that hasn’t given up hope and won’t admit that she may never see her again. Little does she know Sarah and her friend Aria are trapped on Wreck Island far off the coast in an old research station trying to survive without anyone knowing where they are.
From the very first page, the author has the fantastic ability to pull the reader into the story. There were many thought-provoking revelations in the plot that kept me completely absorbed. The storyline switches between The Shore, The Shallows, and The Deep with twisty turns that are dark, beautiful and devastating weaving between past and present. I liked how the author didn’t rush the story but took her time to make the book a gripping and engaging read.
This is a completely character-driven novel revealing the complexities of each slowly and thoughtfully. The reader can get to know Briony, Ren, Sarah and Aria intimately as their inner thoughts, fears, and desires are revealed. I found myself emotionally invested in the souls of Ren and Briony. I became their cheering crowd throughout the book as I wanted their suffering to end.
The atmospheric touches are a particular highlight, painting the scene for us as if we are there to experience every part of the coastline landscape. You can hear the waves crash and smell the sea breeze with the sand under your feet. It was quite captivating.
I cannot stop looking at the cover because every element works so perfectly together to create such a specific atmosphere and setting. The illustration with this title packs so much emotion, you can feel the energy and movement within it. It’s a well-crafted cover.
A Wreck of Seabird is an unflinching look at the complicatedness of life, written with a sincerity that can only come from those who live it every day. Olson has crafted a book that doesn’t shy away from the tough topics of loss, grief, emotionally trapped and isolation. Yet, the story is never bleak. Instead, it is filled with moments of hope, healing, and the powerful reminder that change can start with the smallest act of kindness.
I highly recommend this book to young adults and adults alike.
Thank you, Beauty & Lace and Fremantle Press, for the opportunity to read and review.
Ren finds himself back in the small costal town where he grew up with his family. He left when he was a teenager with his mum after his brother Sam died. With obligation he’s returned to look after his dying father but feels trapped within the memories of his childhood, especially those with Sam.
Briony is in limbo not wanting to leave town, she hasn’t lost hope that one day her missing sister Sarah will return to town. She feels as though she is the only one that hasn’t given up hope and won’t admit that she may never see her again. Little does she know Sarah and her friend Aria are trapped on Wreck Island far off the coast in an old research station trying to survive without anyone knowing where they are.
From the very first page, the author has the fantastic ability to pull the reader into the story. There were many thought-provoking revelations in the plot that kept me completely absorbed. The storyline switches between The Shore, The Shallows, and The Deep with twisty turns that are dark, beautiful and devastating weaving between past and present. I liked how the author didn’t rush the story but took her time to make the book a gripping and engaging read.
This is a completely character-driven novel revealing the complexities of each slowly and thoughtfully. The reader can get to know Briony, Ren, Sarah and Aria intimately as their inner thoughts, fears, and desires are revealed. I found myself emotionally invested in the souls of Ren and Briony. I became their cheering crowd throughout the book as I wanted their suffering to end.
The atmospheric touches are a particular highlight, painting the scene for us as if we are there to experience every part of the coastline landscape. You can hear the waves crash and smell the sea breeze with the sand under your feet. It was quite captivating.
I cannot stop looking at the cover because every element works so perfectly together to create such a specific atmosphere and setting. The illustration with this title packs so much emotion, you can feel the energy and movement within it. It’s a well-crafted cover.
A Wreck of Seabird is an unflinching look at the complicatedness of life, written with a sincerity that can only come from those who live it every day. Olson has crafted a book that doesn’t shy away from the tough topics of loss, grief, emotionally trapped and isolation. Yet, the story is never bleak. Instead, it is filled with moments of hope, healing, and the powerful reminder that change can start with the smallest act of kindness.
I highly recommend this book to young adults and adults alike.
Thank you, Beauty & Lace and Fremantle Press, for the opportunity to read and review.
November 28, 2024
This is the kind of book they write essays about...
Briony is still recovering from her sister's sudden disappearance. Ren has returned to a town still haunted by his brother's drowning a decade ago.
This is a story about loss, survival, and healing. Reading this book felt like when I was caught by a wave, tumbled over and over and left, gasping and crawling up the beach, sand-ragged and salt-crusted.
"People find their way in the end."
Told in 3 timelines, we are given snapshots of lives and characters. We learn what happened to Ren's brother and Briony's sister. We learn what happens in the present, and the secrets held under the surface. There is mystery and intrigue but first and foremost, this is a story about each character and their relationships to friends and family.
"I have good days, Briony... you just met me at my worst."
It's a love letter to Australian beaches and the mystery of an ocean. It reminds me of a time when I read books simply for enjoyment, rather than what is "popular". I couldn't recommend this book enough.
Briony is still recovering from her sister's sudden disappearance. Ren has returned to a town still haunted by his brother's drowning a decade ago.
This is a story about loss, survival, and healing. Reading this book felt like when I was caught by a wave, tumbled over and over and left, gasping and crawling up the beach, sand-ragged and salt-crusted.
"People find their way in the end."
Told in 3 timelines, we are given snapshots of lives and characters. We learn what happened to Ren's brother and Briony's sister. We learn what happens in the present, and the secrets held under the surface. There is mystery and intrigue but first and foremost, this is a story about each character and their relationships to friends and family.
"I have good days, Briony... you just met me at my worst."
It's a love letter to Australian beaches and the mystery of an ocean. It reminds me of a time when I read books simply for enjoyment, rather than what is "popular". I couldn't recommend this book enough.
Read
April 23, 2025This is full of sadness and longing. Never heard of 'coastal gothic', but yeh I see it.
January 28, 2025
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Western Australia’s rugged coastline, A Wreck of Seabirds is a captivating exploration of our complex connection to the ocean. Shortlisted for the 2023 Fogarty Literary Award, Olson’z novel is a spellbinding exploration of loss, isolation, and entrapment.
Seamlessly shifting through time, it intertwines parallel narratives of young love and heartbreak with extraordinary emotional depth. The lyrical prose and vivid storytelling bring the coastal landscape to life, immersing readers in a world that is as haunting as it is majestic. This debut cements Olson as a bold new voice in young adult literature.
Seamlessly shifting through time, it intertwines parallel narratives of young love and heartbreak with extraordinary emotional depth. The lyrical prose and vivid storytelling bring the coastal landscape to life, immersing readers in a world that is as haunting as it is majestic. This debut cements Olson as a bold new voice in young adult literature.
May 28, 2025
I would have liked it to progress a little faster, with a few fewer jumps between characters, but the book certainly captures and conveys the atmosphere and emotions and the tragedy of the deaths, not only for the young people involved, but for the surviving loved ones.
June 25, 2025
This book took me so long to read. The start was good, the end was mostly good, but the middle was just really hard to read. For starters, I don't really like books written in 3rd person because I can't attach myself to the characters as much. I also found this book really choppy and changy, and the chapters were way too short, so i couldn't get into what was happening before the next perspective thing. Also, the ending. The only time the chapters where actually a decent size was at the very end, and all I wanted to see was the girl at the bottom of the cliff. It also lost point for the line 'His tongue traced her teeth.' What?!!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
I finished this in two days! Once I started I couldn’t put it down. A heartbreakingly, beautiful and painful story of family, love and loss. With short chapters that alternate between last and present you feel the story slowly unravel. Briony and Ren find each other at a time when their individual grief threatens to overwhelm them. Their journey of shared grief and healing was beautifully told.
August 10, 2025
An incredible debut, this book is a fantastic read for young adults. The short chapters, alternating perspectives and time periods and the mysterious storyline make this a compelling novel that is impossible to put down. It is well written, atmospheric and respects the reader by not tying up all the loose ends in the story, leaving the reader thinking and reflecting on what might have been long after putting the book down.
November 28, 2024
An incredible debut novel. Dark, moody, suspenseful. I enjoyed the style of the chapters flicking back and forth to the different stories. It was everything you’d want in the genre. The story sat with me for many days later.. thinking ‘if only’.. ‘but why did they’.. ‘what if they had’. Great to see such amazing work coming from local WA authors.
January 20, 2025
This is hands down one of the best books i’ve read, it made me cry, it made me laugh, i was creeped out and scared, yet couldn’t put the book down no matter what. I will forever recommend this book to everyone I meet.
March 3, 2025
A wonderful debut novel. The author creates strong imagery, particularly in regards to setting, mood and atmosphere, with descriptions of desolate islands, beautiful coastlines and stormy conditions. Her protagonists are troubled by grief and she does a good job of writing about their feelings and inner dialogue. A reflective, different read.
February 4, 2025
4.5 ✨️ wow! What a debut! A story about grief, self-forgiveness, and loss that I could not put down. Heart wrenching but incredibly captivating. Look forward to seeing what comes next from Olson!
Read
July 15, 2025Terrific. I loved the interwoven strands and could feel the wind and smell the sea salt…
May 8, 2025
I read this book as part of my goal of reading as many books from the CBCA 2025 Notables list as possible. A Wreck of Seabirds has been shortlisted for Book of the Year: Older Readers and well deserves this recognition.
The story is written in three strands which are woven together using (very) short chapters which moves the reader quickly and smoothly through the overarching narrative. This structure was a robust method of gradually revealing the plot and demonstrating the change and development of the characters who were likeable and realistic. The relationships were believable although I would have liked to understand why the relationship between Ren's parents deteriorated and to appreciate the POV of Ren's mother.
The setting was strongly evoked using poetic prose and convincingly portrayed as a key element of the plot.
I've read A Wreck of Seabirds described as Australian Coastal Gothic. I confess this is a genre I hadn't heard of before but totally appreciate how the book fits that description.
There are a couple of plot points that jarred a little with me. One being that no one ever thought to search the island of Wreck for the missing girls and another that the reason for Sam dying after he had recovered from 'drowning' wasn't evident. As for the ending I understand the author wanting to leave that open ended but I would have liked a couple more clues about the reasons for what happened to the girls while stranded on the island. However, I get that in life there are mysteries that are never resolved hence Briony and her family remain unaware of any details about Sarah's story.
Overall, I recommend this book for an experienced and sophisticated YA audience.
The story is written in three strands which are woven together using (very) short chapters which moves the reader quickly and smoothly through the overarching narrative. This structure was a robust method of gradually revealing the plot and demonstrating the change and development of the characters who were likeable and realistic. The relationships were believable although I would have liked to understand why the relationship between Ren's parents deteriorated and to appreciate the POV of Ren's mother.
The setting was strongly evoked using poetic prose and convincingly portrayed as a key element of the plot.
I've read A Wreck of Seabirds described as Australian Coastal Gothic. I confess this is a genre I hadn't heard of before but totally appreciate how the book fits that description.
There are a couple of plot points that jarred a little with me. One being that no one ever thought to search the island of Wreck for the missing girls and another that the reason for Sam dying after he had recovered from 'drowning' wasn't evident. As for the ending I understand the author wanting to leave that open ended but I would have liked a couple more clues about the reasons for what happened to the girls while stranded on the island. However, I get that in life there are mysteries that are never resolved hence Briony and her family remain unaware of any details about Sarah's story.
Overall, I recommend this book for an experienced and sophisticated YA audience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
3.5
This was really good, but then it just stopped. Everything was coming together so well, you were able to piece together everything and it was so satisfying and well done, but before the characters got to learn all of this, it just ended. Where is their closure!? They deserve that closure! And it would not have been difficult at all to imbed all these realisations and information into it so by the end they knew what had happened and peacefully move in with this knowledge that they have spent years desperate for. I still enjoyed A Wreck of Seabirds, but the ending kind of ruined it.
This was really good, but then it just stopped. Everything was coming together so well, you were able to piece together everything and it was so satisfying and well done, but before the characters got to learn all of this, it just ended. Where is their closure!? They deserve that closure! And it would not have been difficult at all to imbed all these realisations and information into it so by the end they knew what had happened and peacefully move in with this knowledge that they have spent years desperate for. I still enjoyed A Wreck of Seabirds, but the ending kind of ruined it.
May 8, 2025
Wreck of Seabirds is set in Australia on the coast somewhere and has 3 different point of views.
The first one The Shore follows Briony and Ren, bonded by trauma as they navigate through their relationship and the disappearances/death of their siblings.
The Deep is set back in time and follows Ren and how he looked after his brother and guided him through difficult family life.
The Shallows looks at Aria and Sarah (Briony’s sister) living on the island and their plans on getting back to the town.
This book had some great qualities like the character/setting descriptions and the portrayal of how Ren put his difficult childhood and grief behind him.
There were however some things that I felt were missing. For example, there were a lot of different things introduced throughout the novel but none of them felt like they were resolved. I also felt like the relationship between Ren and Briony was a little forced. I didn’t care for Aria or Sarah so I wasn��t very invested in their story or whatever happened to them.
Overall this book had some great points I still felt like I was missing a lot of explanation so thats why I only rated it 3 stars.
The first one The Shore follows Briony and Ren, bonded by trauma as they navigate through their relationship and the disappearances/death of their siblings.
The Deep is set back in time and follows Ren and how he looked after his brother and guided him through difficult family life.
The Shallows looks at Aria and Sarah (Briony’s sister) living on the island and their plans on getting back to the town.
This book had some great qualities like the character/setting descriptions and the portrayal of how Ren put his difficult childhood and grief behind him.
There were however some things that I felt were missing. For example, there were a lot of different things introduced throughout the novel but none of them felt like they were resolved. I also felt like the relationship between Ren and Briony was a little forced. I didn’t care for Aria or Sarah so I wasn��t very invested in their story or whatever happened to them.
Overall this book had some great points I still felt like I was missing a lot of explanation so thats why I only rated it 3 stars.
September 21, 2024
I finished this book a minute ago, put it down, and I genuinely feel weightless. I cannot believe this was a debut, the writing completely captivated me in a way that had me steamrolling through each page. I fell in love with each character, and I think I’ll be thinking about them for a long time. Olson’s writing was so beautifully refreshing and well done, I’m beyond words. It felt so natural and easy to read. The story, cut into three discerning narratives, all fit well together. I don’t normally gravitate towards these kinds of books but this one had me instantly gripped from the blurb. The pacing was great, with the short chapters (my adhd thanks you immensely for this!!) adding to the suspense. It made me want to read and read and read to know what was coming next. I’m not normally a fan of books that use reoccurring flashback to the past, but this one had me on edge and wanting to know more every chapter. I found myself looking forward to each chapter in its own right. The ending as well. THE ENDING. I can tell this novel will live in my brain rent free.
Biggest applause for Karleah Olson. Amazing, amazing job. I can see this becoming really big, and I’m so proud to have read it so early on!!
Biggest applause for Karleah Olson. Amazing, amazing job. I can see this becoming really big, and I’m so proud to have read it so early on!!
May 17, 2025
Not for me. The chapters were really short which made the story painstakingly slow. There was no momentum. The end was sudden and disappointing.
October 31, 2024
A spectacular debut, loved it from the first page. Shades of Evie Wyld...I look forward to Olson's next novel. Highly recommend
December 3, 2024
The duality of the Australian coast is at the centre of this novel. A place of beauty, which can also be a place of terror. I’ve been inspired by the coastline (particularly in Tasmania) and have also witnessed its destructive nature. From the first page, I could smell the salt, hear the waves and feel the restlessness in the cold water.
Briony and Ren are the two main characters. Briony first meets Ren as he stands in the freezing sea at the edge of the small town they are both living in. Ren, who left the town after his brother Sam died, has returned to be with his dying father. Ren feels both obliged to care for his father and trapped in memories of his childhood. Briony has not left the town: she is trapped by concern for her missing sister Sarah. Both Ren and Briony focus on the coast. Both are enthralled by their memories and, in Sarah’s case, by hope. Briony hopes for Sarah’s return, Ren mourns his brother’s death.
The story shifts, between short sharp chapters entitled ‘The Shore’, ‘The Shallows’ and ‘The Deep’. Three different but connected stories unfold moving between past and present. And through it all, the moods of the sea ebb and flow inexorably, giving and taking.
I am caught, as if by an undertow, wondering about Sam, about Sarah and her friend Aria. What happened and why? So many questions to consider but the sea rarely reveals answers. And in the present, Ren and Briony grapple with their own realities.
I am stranded, with Sarah and Aria, on their desolate island. Wondering.
I shift between the stories, wondering if either Ren or Briony can find what they need.
And I am swept back, on ‘The Tide’ to an ending which feels both perfect and incomplete. Every stage of life is complicated.
I finished this story, wiped the salt from my face and feet, and wondered about the secrets held by the restless sea.
An engrossing story brilliantly told.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Briony and Ren are the two main characters. Briony first meets Ren as he stands in the freezing sea at the edge of the small town they are both living in. Ren, who left the town after his brother Sam died, has returned to be with his dying father. Ren feels both obliged to care for his father and trapped in memories of his childhood. Briony has not left the town: she is trapped by concern for her missing sister Sarah. Both Ren and Briony focus on the coast. Both are enthralled by their memories and, in Sarah’s case, by hope. Briony hopes for Sarah’s return, Ren mourns his brother’s death.
The story shifts, between short sharp chapters entitled ‘The Shore’, ‘The Shallows’ and ‘The Deep’. Three different but connected stories unfold moving between past and present. And through it all, the moods of the sea ebb and flow inexorably, giving and taking.
I am caught, as if by an undertow, wondering about Sam, about Sarah and her friend Aria. What happened and why? So many questions to consider but the sea rarely reveals answers. And in the present, Ren and Briony grapple with their own realities.
I am stranded, with Sarah and Aria, on their desolate island. Wondering.
I shift between the stories, wondering if either Ren or Briony can find what they need.
And I am swept back, on ‘The Tide’ to an ending which feels both perfect and incomplete. Every stage of life is complicated.
I finished this story, wiped the salt from my face and feet, and wondered about the secrets held by the restless sea.
An engrossing story brilliantly told.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
November 9, 2025
The way to book is written gives you such a experience on actually putting you in the setting. It’s really slow paced, but genuinely is the right momentum for the book as the main message of the book talks about grief, letting things go, be alright even when you have bad days, and it definitely take its time to put you in these character heads so you can actually feel how they feel.
I also like that as the story is set in this sea side small town, the descriptive also helps to picture a quite, kind of gloomy town that experience storms a lot, really put me into the book.
One complain that i do have is, i feel like it starts really slow and ends abruptly. Although i do praise the slow pace, it only pays off until a bit later, when the book finally finished with its exposition and the story actually move on. At the end it built up the tension by having all the perspective going to its climax all at once, so you’re stressing for one story, then immediately stressing for the other while still waiting and wondering to see what will happen with the next. I don’t think the ending is written the way i envision it at the start, and that might skew my opinion, but objectively i do still feel that a good 20+ pages would’ve done me wonder as i wonder how some of the characters are thinking during the whole tension moment, instead of just showing things that are happening. We have been inside these character mind for the rest of the book, and i still would like to see it at the end!
I also like that as the story is set in this sea side small town, the descriptive also helps to picture a quite, kind of gloomy town that experience storms a lot, really put me into the book.
One complain that i do have is, i feel like it starts really slow and ends abruptly. Although i do praise the slow pace, it only pays off until a bit later, when the book finally finished with its exposition and the story actually move on. At the end it built up the tension by having all the perspective going to its climax all at once, so you’re stressing for one story, then immediately stressing for the other while still waiting and wondering to see what will happen with the next. I don’t think the ending is written the way i envision it at the start, and that might skew my opinion, but objectively i do still feel that a good 20+ pages would’ve done me wonder as i wonder how some of the characters are thinking during the whole tension moment, instead of just showing things that are happening. We have been inside these character mind for the rest of the book, and i still would like to see it at the end!
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