When Lola Monteux returns to Port Despardoux after a long journey abroad, she brings back more than the fortune she amassed during her vampire past—she carries with her information about an ancient order of demon hunters that has established operations on her island. But home isn’t as she left it. Her tight-knit group of friends has unraveled, tensions simmering beneath the surface as grudges threaten to tear them apart. When danger strikes, the group is forced to take refuge in the hidden passageways and servant’s quarters beneath Walt Seabourne’s sprawling estate. What begins as a fascinating exploration of the mansion’s secrets soon spirals into a waking nightmare as they uncover dark truths buried within its walls. Old magic stirs, awakening vengeful forces tied to the estate’s tragic history. As the ghostly hauntings grow more perilous, Lola must lead her friends in unraveling a sinister mystery. Someone—or something—is targeting them, and with each new discovery, the stakes rise. But the clock is ticking, and the cost of failure isn’t just their friendship—it could be one of their lives.
Cordelia Kelly is the author of the Port of Lost Souls series and the YA fantasy The Sibyl and the Thief.
Her short stories, including “Herbalista” (Prairie Witch) and “Dare to Survive” (Dark & Stormy), have been featured in several horror anthologies. She also self-published a collection of horror stories, Then She Said Hush.
Fun fact: together with her sister, Kelly blogged recaps of the entire Fear Street series on Shadyside Snark, a project that continues to attract over 10,000 hits per month.
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
We get to meet the group again in the third Port of Lost Souls book, but sadly they are not as close knit as they once were, especially Lola and Gael, whose relationship is… tense… to say the very least. Luckily, I was glad to see Lola and Nix were closer especially in the first part (before Nix begins having some interesting changes in personality, for a more sinister reason!). Walt is dealing with family troubles of his own, and after a night scare when Walt’s father returns early and the group hides in passageways of Walt’s family estate, they come across some unsettling messages and more secret hidden places hidden amidst the old house. They continually learn more about the mysterious Order of Hanta Cythraul, or HC. So far, I’ve enjoyed how each book in this series focuses on a different kind of supernatural element. The first book was mainly vampires, with Lola’s past being a large part of it, the second was werewolves, and the third surrounds ghosts and paranormal activity, spirits and the like (and some witches!). However, there are still ties to the Tree of Life, and Lola taps into it, which I found very cool, not only as a throwback to the first book, but to Lola’s own abilities even now that she is a human as a result of what she did at the end of the first book!
In this installment of the series, Lola is as curious as always, eager to uncover the secrets of the Seabourne family estate and the Belowstairs mystery, though it does get her in some trouble, as I expected it would! After an eerie seance, Nix begins to take on odd changes in personality, and Lola, Walt, and even Gael, who Lola feels is slipping away from her, must work together to save their friend from Alice. Lola’s true bonds are tested when she has to make an eternal choice to protect Nix.
Beyond the more pressing threat of Nix, I also liked the ongoing tension between Lola and Gael. (okay, well I didn’t like it from the standpoint of me being sad, but I liked it from the standpoint of a good book). Even if I didn’t like how wishy washy Gael was being it felt realistic for juniors in high school or honestly anyone going through a rough patch and calling it “off” with their significant other. In addition the tensions festering between the rest of the group partially because of Nix’s on and off again possession with Alice felt real, her (or should I say Alice’s) rage at Walt (or more accurately the Seabournes) too. By the time Lola, Walt, and Gael recruit Marissa, Reiko, and even Violet to help save Nix from Alice, many characters have to set aside their differences and drama for a single goal. I overall thought the exorcism part was well done even if the part about Walt and his dad’s cocaine was a little odd. I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be funny or serious! However I did like the shift in how they viewed Alice and their decision to treat her fairly because she was truly a victim in what Mr. Seabourne did. Then, when Walt’s dad, the current Mr. Seabourne intervenes, things keep going worse! While the exchange between Mr. Seabourne and the group occasionally felt a little young, I also know this is a book for teenagers, somewhere in between young adult and middle grade. I was surprised what Walt did to his father but I liked it and knew it was for the best. I also liked how with his father’s death came a new era for the Seabournes led by Walt. A lot happens in the climax of the book: opened portals, contacting the beyond, contending with Mr. Seabourne in a violent struggle, and an encounter with demons. Because of this, I think the ending lacked some of the flow I typically like to see in climatic scenes, because there was just so much going on that I couldn’t fully focus on what the “main” fight was. I also think it took away from what I would’ve expected the severity to be with some people’s reactions: the revelation about what Lola was able to do felt short and Walt’s reaction to his dad’s death, even if his dad was horrible, seemed less conflicted than I hoped. I don’t necessarily think this is due to lack of character depth as much as it was there is just so much going on. That said, all in all, I still did enjoy the end on the whole. There is an edge of bittersweetness to it which I personally like. I am also very curious how or if the series will continue.
Looking back to the beginning with Lola I have enjoyed how she’s grown across the books, from a detached vampire to a human who makes huge sacrifices for her friends. It’s growth I really enjoyed following and I know I will continue to enjoy following in future books. Even if, from time to time, the book is on the younger side in voice and plot development for me like with the climax, it is still overall a wholly very positive experience. The characters are written well, the island town is charming and full of constant changing mysteries, and the paranormal elements have so far created nice themes across the book that I can see teen readers especially absolutely loving. I am eager to see if Lola and her friends will go on any more adventures, how things will develop with Gael, and what Lola’s future in general now holds.
The last time I delved into this series was April of last year, so it took a few chapters to refamiliarize myself with the characters and plot, but once I did, things really got going!
This book is written in third person POV, told chronologically as it follows our main character, Lola. The limited perspective allows the reader into Lola’s head, but none of the other characters, giving a close relationship to her thoughts and emotions as she and her friends work at solving the new mystery they’ve discovered.
I continue to love how Lola is an active protagonist, taking charge of the plot, even though other things are happening as well. She has a drive to make a difference and help her friends, but also to uncover truths, which comes from her treasure-hunting past. She’s an avid historian, and she’s stubborn in her beliefs, as seen when her friends think she’s exaggerating or hallucinating when the paranormal things happen. She’s also navigating the world with a new set of powers that she’s not used to, which is super interesting! Other characters include Nix, whom is the main focus of this book but who isn’t very active in the plot. Walt’s family (the Seabournes) becomes very important in this book as they dive deeper into his ancestors. And Gael? I’m not sure what to think about him. He’s still a good friend to them, but he makes a few questionable choices in this book.
After the last book during which Lola was isolated (all of her friends were hypnotized), she’s working with them more in this one. A few are still distant, such as Gael and Nix (for different reasons) but they’re all coming together again to investigate, which I loved. Conflict comes when Lola starts going to school, and when new drama and issues arise with the main crew’s families.
Kelly is a writer of fun and adventurous books! I will admit that there were a few phrases that felt unrealistic as dialogue (especially for teenagers to say) and narration that was a bit cliché, but overall, it was enjoyable and well-written.
The pacing was good, too. There was enough room at the beginning to get to know the characters again and pick up where book 2 left off, before the mystery part of the plot begins and the reader is swept away on the journey of saving Nix, uncovering the truth of the Seabourne estate, and keeping the rest of the kids at their high school unaware of the supernatural.
I definitely recommend this book to Teen and YA readers who love supernatural/paranormal activity! It’s a book with mystery, romance, ghosts, and treasure!
The Seabourne Legacy is atmospheric, romantic, eerie, and beautifully layered with maritime myth—exactly the kind of story that whispers to you long after you’ve closed the pages.
Kelly deepens her mythology rather than just expanding it. The ocean isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character—moody, haunted, and hungry. There’s a delightful “lush gothic sea-fantasy” energy to this installment, as if The Witcher made a secret pact with Pirates of the Caribbean and then decided to get emotionally vulnerable about it.
The characters hit their stride here. Relationships—romantic, tense, loyal, or fractured—carry more weight, and every emotional clash feels earned. There’s chemistry, there’s aching yearning, and there are scenes where the tension churns like storm-tossed waves. The spice, when it comes, isn’t thrown in for the sake of heat—it matches the story’s pulse.
The pacing is confident, tightening when the plot needs to rip like a riptide and slowing just enough for you to savor eerie moments and character confessions. Kelly threads in new mysteries while paying off old ones, which is something many mid-series books struggle with. Not here. You’ll get answers—but you’ll end with even more intriguing doors swinging open.
The ending? Prepare yourself. It lands the emotional hit without cheap shock value, sets up the series’ next arc perfectly, and makes you want the next book immediately. It’s that blend of satisfaction and agony only a well-written series can pull off.
If you crave fantasy that feels immersive and salt-kissed, if you love a story that is romantic but not toothless, mysterious but not confusing, and gothic without losing warmth—this installment deserves a spot on your nightstand… and maybe your freezer for emotional cooling-off breaks.
The sea keeps its secrets, but Kelly keeps giving us just enough to stay obsessed. Book 4 can’t come soon enough.
The Seabourne Legacy by Cordelia Kelly is a fast-paced, gritty supernatural story that immediately sweeps the reader into a world where past collides with present at breakneck speed.
Aptly aimed at YA, it weaves a thread of mystery and intrigue that makes the novel hard to put down, so it will undoubtedly appeal to adult fans of occult-based, paranormal fiction too. At the tender age of 60y, I devoured it in one sitting.
With well-developed and believable characters, enticing situations, and the feeling that you were along for the ride, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read that left me wanting more. The contrast in nature between Lola, Nix, Gael, and Walt adds to the intensity as the book unfolds.
Cordelia Kelly has skillfully created a tense flow of action, packed with dynamic shifts, complicated feelings, and challenging social hierarchies where tragedy, legacy, and secrets abound. The writing style flows effectively, blending insightful themes throughout the unwinding subplot.
This book is a must-read for booklovers with a passion for stories that explore the supernatural context in the real world and the possibility that connection with the Otherworld is attainable. I highly recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Lola Monteux returns to Port Despardoux after a long journey abroad, she brings back more than the fortune she amassed during her vampire past she carries with her information about an ancient order of demon hunters that has established operations on her island.
But home isn’t as she left it. Her tight-knit group of friends has unraveled, tensions simmering beneath the surface as grudges threaten to tear them apart.
When danger strikes, the group is forced to take refuge in the hidden passageways and servant’s quarters beneath Walt Seabourne’s sprawling estate. What begins as a fascinating exploration of the mansion’s secrets soon spirals into a waking nightmare as they uncover dark truths buried within its walls.
Old magic stirs, awakening vengeful forces tied to the estate’s tragic history. As the ghostly hauntings grow more perilous, Lola must lead her friends in unraveling a sinister mystery. Someone or something is targeting them, and with each new discovery, the stakes rise.
But the clock is ticking, and the cost of failure isn’t just their friendship it could be one of their lives.
The Seaborne Legacy is the third book to the Port of Lost Souls series. Cordelia does a fantastic job of sinking her paranormal fangs into you, that makes this book so dang hard to out down!!!! The mysterious Seaborne mansion has secrets inside, that Lola and the gang uncover. Follow them into darkness as they unravel a dark secret from the past.
I really enjoyed the writing, however there are parts where I feel like need just a little more depth. I felt distracted from some of the story because we keep hearing of the HC but my brain is just asking for more details. I know it's a secret society, but its just a little to secret for my liking 😆. Aside from that, I loved the tension building, it made the confrontation that more exhilarating (it definitely had my heart racing!)
I definitely will be recommending this book!!!
Thanks for an awesome read Cordelia!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once again, we’re back in the Port of Lost Souls with Lola and her friends!
Now that Lola has managed to access part of her fortune from her time spent as a vampire, she returns to the Port of Lost Souls and meets up with her friends, even though they are not quite as close as they were before, especially Lola and Gael after she broke up with him. This time around, Nix is the one affected by supernatural forces—being possessed by an angry spirit and it’s up to the gang to figure out who and why the spirit is so angry. I really enjoy how these stories are so character driven and how they all manage to interact and grow, bearing in mind that these are high school kids. There’s plenty of danger and suspense and all different kinds of supernatural creatures. I wonder what kind we’ll run into next. This is a highly enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 If gothic chaos, cursed mansions, and dysfunctional friend groups had a baby, it would be this book. Lola returns home with more baggage than an airport carousel, only to find her island....and her friends....teetering on the edge of beautiful disaster. Throw in haunted hallways, buried secrets, and a dash of demonic drama, and you’ve got yourself a supernatural cocktail best served with the lights on.
Dark, dramatic, and delightfully unhinged in all the best ways—this one sucked me right in (pun very much intended 🩸).
I had enjoyed this as a third entry in the Port of Lost Souls series, it had that element that I was expecting from the previous two books. I enjoyed the paranormal thriller concept and had that mystery concept that I wanted in this world. Cordelia Kelly was able to write a strong storyline and continued the story perfectly, I enjoyed how the characters were written and how suspenseful this was.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Seaborne Mansion was built on the cliffs of Duchesne Island with tunnels between the house and the water. Bootleggers were using it in the 1920s.
Very few from town knew of the "Beneathstairs". Terrible things happened and covered up. Lola, Nix, Gael and son Walt Seaborne search through the myths to correct the paths and tragedy of others
Another great book in this series! I couldn’t put this one down! I’m loving Lola and friends and their strange adventures on Duchesne Island. I loved how we got more of Marissa in this book. I can’t wait for book 4! Thank you so much for book sirens and Cordelia Kelly for the gifted eARC! I’m loving this series so much!