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The Salt Roses: A YA Paranormal Adventure Novel
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26Between witchcraft, demon studies and high school gossip, Lola is finally settling into island life and dares to believe she might have a future here.
Yet bound by a spell she’s never confessed and a past she can’t outrun, Lola finds enemies new and old surrounding her. In the sea caves that honeycomb the island, signs of a demon black market surface, while a haunting song from the deep threatens to drag her under. Now Lola’s visions return—sharper, darker, more violent than ever—and she fears the magic that once saved her friends may not be enough this time.
Yet bound by a spell she’s never confessed and a past she can’t outrun, Lola finds enemies new and old surrounding her. In the sea caves that honeycomb the island, signs of a demon black market surface, while a haunting song from the deep threatens to drag her under. Now Lola’s visions return—sharper, darker, more violent than ever—and she fears the magic that once saved her friends may not be enough this time.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 17, 2026
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Cordelia Kelly
10 books16 followersCordelia 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy
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.
It has been a few months since I accompanied Lola and the crew on their adventures, and it pleased me how quickly I got back into the swing of things with this lively cast. Between magical weapons and brimming mystical problems, Lola also finds herself concerned about Gael at the start of the novel, who is not as present nowadays. Something I loved to see, however, is the closeness between Nix and Lola. I might have said this before! I love their friendship and how it has developed over the books. At this point, Lola and her friends have dealt with everything from vampires to werewolves, ghosts, and now, a new kind of paranormal being: sirens. I enjoy how each book introduces a new aspect of paranormal fantasy, making this a great series for young adults and teenagers building out their paranormal collection. This time around, when a mysterious new girl named Lorelei shows up at their school, the group finds themselves dealing with more than they already had on their plate. Walt most of all is drawn to Lorelei, and I knew something was up the moment she appeared in the hallway, asking for Walt to show her around. In addition, Walt is still dealing with the aftermath of the events of the last book, which felt realistic. I was worried it would be swept under the rug, but it was brought up again in what felt a realistic yet palatable way considering the age group and audience of these books.
I enjoy this book the most out of the series! At this point, returning to the group feels like returning to old friends, and my excitement at whatever mystery they are going to uncover is enough to make me strongly recommend this book to a wide audience, but especially any reader around Lola’s age (or, I suppose the rest of the group’s age, even if I view Lola as a high schooler now anyhow). The book does a fantastic job juggling everything from frustrating high school drama to actual fantasy stakes like the Order and the witches, which makes it perfect for readers who might be looking for something not as heavy or dense as traditional fantasy, but which still has lots of magic and mythical aspects to enjoy. Especially with the introduction of Lorelei and the hold she has over Walt! I knew from the beginning “what” she was, but I didn’t know her intentions until later. I was hooked! With this, plus all the chaos going on with the Order, there is so much for the group to uncover. By the time Lola, Nix, Gael, and the rest uncover what truly is going on with Lorelei and the danger posed by the Order, I couldn’t stop reading.
What sold me above all was getting to know even more about Lola, as well as witnessing her struggle with whatever she did before she was turned: the first time she was human in France in 1942. It was introduced in a way that was deep enough to feel realistic, but also not at odds with the main story. Throughout this book, you see Lola and Gael grow closer despite some bumps in their relationship. I have enjoyed following both of them because Gael was the first person who really included Lola, and it is clear she feels safest around him. I am excited to continue seeing how they develop, along with the others of course, in future books. And then, the ending?! Talk about a cliffhanger! I need the next book immediately. This was by far the strongest novel in the series so far, and that is saying something. With all the threads tied together, the look into Lola’s past which I can only imagine will deepen in the next novel considering what happened at the end, and the storyline with the Order and Lorelei, the reader is in for so many twists and turns.
It has been a few months since I accompanied Lola and the crew on their adventures, and it pleased me how quickly I got back into the swing of things with this lively cast. Between magical weapons and brimming mystical problems, Lola also finds herself concerned about Gael at the start of the novel, who is not as present nowadays. Something I loved to see, however, is the closeness between Nix and Lola. I might have said this before! I love their friendship and how it has developed over the books. At this point, Lola and her friends have dealt with everything from vampires to werewolves, ghosts, and now, a new kind of paranormal being: sirens. I enjoy how each book introduces a new aspect of paranormal fantasy, making this a great series for young adults and teenagers building out their paranormal collection. This time around, when a mysterious new girl named Lorelei shows up at their school, the group finds themselves dealing with more than they already had on their plate. Walt most of all is drawn to Lorelei, and I knew something was up the moment she appeared in the hallway, asking for Walt to show her around. In addition, Walt is still dealing with the aftermath of the events of the last book, which felt realistic. I was worried it would be swept under the rug, but it was brought up again in what felt a realistic yet palatable way considering the age group and audience of these books.
I enjoy this book the most out of the series! At this point, returning to the group feels like returning to old friends, and my excitement at whatever mystery they are going to uncover is enough to make me strongly recommend this book to a wide audience, but especially any reader around Lola’s age (or, I suppose the rest of the group’s age, even if I view Lola as a high schooler now anyhow). The book does a fantastic job juggling everything from frustrating high school drama to actual fantasy stakes like the Order and the witches, which makes it perfect for readers who might be looking for something not as heavy or dense as traditional fantasy, but which still has lots of magic and mythical aspects to enjoy. Especially with the introduction of Lorelei and the hold she has over Walt! I knew from the beginning “what” she was, but I didn’t know her intentions until later. I was hooked! With this, plus all the chaos going on with the Order, there is so much for the group to uncover. By the time Lola, Nix, Gael, and the rest uncover what truly is going on with Lorelei and the danger posed by the Order, I couldn’t stop reading.
What sold me above all was getting to know even more about Lola, as well as witnessing her struggle with whatever she did before she was turned: the first time she was human in France in 1942. It was introduced in a way that was deep enough to feel realistic, but also not at odds with the main story. Throughout this book, you see Lola and Gael grow closer despite some bumps in their relationship. I have enjoyed following both of them because Gael was the first person who really included Lola, and it is clear she feels safest around him. I am excited to continue seeing how they develop, along with the others of course, in future books. And then, the ending?! Talk about a cliffhanger! I need the next book immediately. This was by far the strongest novel in the series so far, and that is saying something. With all the threads tied together, the look into Lola’s past which I can only imagine will deepen in the next novel considering what happened at the end, and the storyline with the Order and Lorelei, the reader is in for so many twists and turns.
Review of advance copy
What I love most about delving into a well-written series is the familiarity you build with the characters. You have followed their ups and downs, their troubles, trials, and tribulations, and you are now firmly ensconced in their journey, whether it be good or bad.
This is definitely true with the Port of Lost Souls Series and the inhabitants of Duschesne Island.
Cordelia Kelly has created a place where the islanders and its population alongside the visitors who are not always intending good for all, live out their everyday lives not always aware of the nature of the person next to them.
Filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing, Book 4 continues the story, delving deeper into the history of the island.
With the redevelopment of the Belowstairs of Seabourne Manor, following the untimely loss of the wealthy patriarch of the family, Walt is determined to understand what's going on.
With the help of his specialist friends Lola, Nix, Marissa, Gael and even the newbie, demon-hunter, Reiko, he sets up a host of investigations that lead the group into the face of danger time and again.
Riddled throughout with mystery, secrets, and love triangles, this story held my attention, carrying me through to the end at rapid speed and leaving me excited for the next chapter.
The eARC available via Book Sirens was a thrilling read from the outset, prompting this unsolicited recommendation because when this book hits the bookshelves, you won't want to get left behind.
This is definitely true with the Port of Lost Souls Series and the inhabitants of Duschesne Island.
Cordelia Kelly has created a place where the islanders and its population alongside the visitors who are not always intending good for all, live out their everyday lives not always aware of the nature of the person next to them.
Filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing, Book 4 continues the story, delving deeper into the history of the island.
With the redevelopment of the Belowstairs of Seabourne Manor, following the untimely loss of the wealthy patriarch of the family, Walt is determined to understand what's going on.
With the help of his specialist friends Lola, Nix, Marissa, Gael and even the newbie, demon-hunter, Reiko, he sets up a host of investigations that lead the group into the face of danger time and again.
Riddled throughout with mystery, secrets, and love triangles, this story held my attention, carrying me through to the end at rapid speed and leaving me excited for the next chapter.
The eARC available via Book Sirens was a thrilling read from the outset, prompting this unsolicited recommendation because when this book hits the bookshelves, you won't want to get left behind.
Review of advance copy
This was everything that I wanted from a fourth entry in the Port of Lost Souls series, it had that element that I was enjoying from the first book Well of Souls to the Salt Roses. It had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed in the paranormal adventure. The characters were so well written and continued to feel like they were meant to be in this world and storyline. It was everything that I wanted from the series and enjoyed from Cordelia Kelly's writing. It uses the supernatural elements perfectly and was glad it had that element that I was hoping for.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book in the Port of Lost Souls series. It answered a lot of the questions I had from the previous books!
I definitely loved how this book drew me in with mysterious caves and people, and kept me guessing to the very last few chapters!
I can not wait to see what Lola and her friends get themselves into….and out of in the next book!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I definitely loved how this book drew me in with mysterious caves and people, and kept me guessing to the very last few chapters!
I can not wait to see what Lola and her friends get themselves into….and out of in the next book!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Lola has moved to Duchesne Island and hoping to settle in at high school. The island has awesome caves and tunnels which her new friends love to explore. A demon black market is found, a haunting song is heard and beautiful salt roses. So many things begin to surface to solve besides a death. Super read!!
February 8, 2026
This was another fun read in the series! I enjoy the direction the story is heading for the series, though I do think there was a bit too much being tied up for the plot to move forward. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews