Through the Whirlpool

The Jewel Fish Chronicles #1

by K. Eastkott

The Ocean of Shah is dying. Could a rebellious girl and a tormented youth be its champions?

When Jade rescues her younger brother from the sea, little does she suspect that a voice haunting her dreams will drag her down into a whirlpool of fear.

Kreh-ursh, wracked by guilt over a friend’s death, struggles to survive a life-testing rite. Yet soon he will face an even greater challenge, one that could divide him forever from his tribe.

Combining forces is key to saving both their worlds. But to protect their peoples, they must brave the terror of the rift.

Through the Whirlpool is the first book in the epic saga, The Jewel Fish Chronicles.

178 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 2013

About the author

Born on an island in the South Pacific, from my first foray into The Hobbit at ten years old, through writers such as Ursula K. Le Guin and Anne McCaffrey, I spent my early years submerged in fantasy and science fiction. At nineteen I set out to discover the world and spent the next twenty-odd years living in and moving between countries such as Spain, Australia, New Zealand and England. I currently live between London and Barcelona. “The Jewel Fish Chronicles” is my first fantasy series, though I also write contemporary fiction as Kevin Booth.

Through the Whirlpool and Twilight Crosser, the first two parts of the Jewel Fish Chronicles, are now available in print and as e-books, while Book III, Lake of Stone will be out in February 2015.

You'll find my blog on speculative fiction at www.fantascifire.wordpress.com
and please "like" me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K.Eastkott

Reviews

[Ciera Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Through the Whirlpool” immerses readers in a creative, new fantasy world full of magic and adventure. With vivid descriptions, readers will feel each step of the journey alongside the characters, as well as their unique magical abilities and coming-of-age customs. While the characters are relatable down to each detail, there is also an ever-present awareness that larger forces are at work, adding to the overall excitement of the tale.

The story, though well written, is a tad slow for my taste at times but that is more of a personal preference. On the other hand, having the story move a bit slow does add to the feeling of being in the jungle surviving alongside Kreh-ursh, as well as the realness of the other character’s experiences.

This book does require attention to detail, as readers may otherwise find themselves mixing up the many unique character/animal/location names. Something like going to a new country and having to learn all the unfamiliar names/locations in another language. This added to the feeling of being in a totally different and foreign world.

The ending did seem a bit premature, since the book ended just as both worlds were beginning to intertwine.

Overall, this book was very rich in detail and creativity, offering a new fantasy world for readers who enjoy this genre.

[William Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

K. Eastkott’s Through the Whirlpool is the first riveting installment in the Seeking the Jewel Fish Trilogy. It’s a richly imagined fantasy set in parallel dimensions: the more contemporary environment of Jade and her family and the fantastical, mythical and dragon-wielding reality of Kreh-ursh.

Kreh-ursh, heartbroken over the loss of a friend, is on a life-defining nomadic rite of passage and Jade is a surfer, haunted by nightmares of a disembodied voice, who notices a strange substance in the water when she rescues her brother.
Eventually their worlds collide as a major storm gathers strength, weakening the barrier between the two realities and causing evil to seep into the ocean.

Together they must confront supernatural forces, corporate greed, and other mysterious forces in a bid to protect their fragile ecosystems.

This novel is a superbly written roller-coaster ride that is both captivating and compelling. Eastkott masterfully tackles complex issues such as environmental protection, survival, and good versus evil.

His lyrical prose will immerse you in a world of adventure, fantasy, and he also delivers a powerful message about the need to preserve our fragile ecosystem.

Well done!

[Aerilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to tried out a fantasy book that features water power and sea power. However, I was left disappointed, the book basically drop you in a middle of nowhere without name dropping any character or any clear description of their role, and you are left confused. I sort of sense that there is a trial or something to become a sea nomad? But it was never properly describe or developed, I felt like it would be suitable and less confusing for the reader if the author developed and describe at least the purpose of the trial and what the character is doing there than just throwing the readers in. I had a hard time recalling any of the characters' names besides Jade, and even her arc was confusing. Where was she, was she in a beach house or something, and why does Revy wants to kill her??? It was all sort of confusing without any explanation. Moreover, this is just the personal preference, but I didn't vibe with the writing style.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Seeking the Jewel Fish series, it had that element that I was wanting from the description. I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed the water magic element that I was looking for. K. Eastkott does a fantastic job in writing fantasy book, I really enjoyed the way the characters and world were presented and developed. I'm excited to read more in this series and from K. Eastkott.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so far out of my normal reads but I’m so glad that i kept with it. It was full of wonder and joy and angst and just every other emotion you can think of. Great great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I disclose in my review that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

Thank God I started reading this on Saturday, I was barely able to put it down and pretty much read it in one sitting.

This book is compelling and enthralling. I can't wait to read the next installment.