Saltkin

by Karina Bamber

The war for Latharna has begun.

And blood will be shed.

The only question who survives?

The Selkie have returned to breed. Hungry. Desperate. And vengeful.

Archie Wolfenden, a grieving widower and last in a line of wolf-shifters once sworn to

protect the island, knows exactly what the Selkie are capable of. Seven years ago,

they took his youngest child and left his family in ruins.

By his side stands his sister, Ina — sharp-eyed, iron-willed, and unshaken by what

others call myth. With a blade in her hand and fury in her bones, she refuses to let

their home fall without a fight.

Together, they’ll face the rising dark. But Archie’s teenage son, Malachi, is quietly

crumbling. Grief-stricken and haunted by nightmares that may not be dreams, he

carries burdens no one’s ready to face.

As the tide rises and monsters return, the Wolfendens must hold their ground — not

just against the Selkie, but against the secrets and scars that divide them.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2026

Reviews

[Lucy]

'Saltkin' is a fantastical tale of love, loss, and community. Set on the mythical island of Latharna, it follows Archie Wolfenden, the last in the line of wolf-shifters who are sworn to protect the island. But 7 years ago, he failed: his son was taken by the Selkie and killed. Now they're back and he's ready to fight. For himself, for his remaining son (Malachi), and for the whole of Latharna. But keeping Malachi in the dark only endangers him further and the family are drawn into a battle they might not win...

Bamber has created a beautiful world in Latharna. Her descriptions are rich, her characters multi-faceted, and the lore well constructed. The wonder / mystery evoked by the Selkie and other mythical creatures is very well done - I loved their piecemeal introduction through different character's perspectives. But above all, 'Saltkin' is a heartfelt, compelling story which asks how far we'd go to protect our family. I loved it and I can't wait to see what Bamber does in Book 2!

[Shauna Adams]

When the first chapter grabs you and refuses to let go, you just know the book is gonna be awesome - well this is one of those books.

This story dragged me in so deep I felt like I was actually there.The descriptions of Latharna were so vivid I could literally taste the salt air and smell the scenes as they unfolded.

The themes of lost, grief, revenge and survival told from multiple points of view including the Selkie themselves was fantastic.

What would you do if the monsters you only hear stories of came out of the water and stole someone from you?

I loved the family dynamics between Archie, Ina, and Malachi each representing a different way of dealing with what happened.

Thrilling, suspenseful, emotional and packed with secrets, twists and folklore this is a must read for all fantasy lovers

I can't wait for the next installment.

[Thebookwitches_]

I finished this book in 2 hours! It was so good I couldn't put it down!! (More detailed review coming when Im not half awake) Loved it!! Looking forward to the next one!!

Update:

A Beautifully told story set in the world of Latharna, featuring our main characters Archie, Ina and Malachi Wolfenden (wolf shifters) and how they resolve their selkie problem and their unresolved trauma caused by the selkie too!

It was gripping from start to finish and I couldn't put it down!

I am so excited to read the next one and see where Karina takes this world she has created.

Thanks for the ARC Karina!

[Luce]

Karina Bamber’s debut, Saltkin, is contemporary fantasy gold.

From the very first page, the opening had me completely gripped. Starting a story with something that devastating is such a fantastic choice that immediately sets high stakes and pulls you in.

The complicated family dynamics felt so realistic given what they'd gone through, making every interaction believable and (at times) heartbreaking. The blend of mythical creatures into the seemingly mundane setting of the island of Latharna is woven so brilliantly that I really felt like it could exist. And then the secrets that are spilled with the subtle hints at what is yet to come for certain characters is the perfect way to keep you in your toes for the next book.

If you love:
- YA contemporary fantasy
- Mythical creatures and lore
- Complicated and flawed family relationships
- Characters with real depth and growth
- Themes of grief, loss, and trauma
Then get your hands on Saltkin now.

[Amara Lebel]

Saltkin was my first read by an Irish author, and someone I know personally, so I went into it already excited... and it absolutely delivered. I’m a sucker for wolf shifters and Irish lore, so this book felt like it was written to lure me straight into its claws.

The Otherworld especially has me hooked. I need to know more about the island, the creatures, and what else is hiding there waiting to be uncovered. The world feels layered without becoming overwhelming, and it left me genuinely curious for more.

The writing style was easy to settle into, the character development felt natural, and there was enough action throughout to keep me fully invested. Overall, such an enjoyable read, especially for anyone who loves shifters, folklore, and a touch of dark magic threaded through the pages.

[Sharron]

Review of advance copy received from author

So grateful I was able to read and Arc copy of Saltkin. Absolutely loved jumping in the world of Latharna, prepare yourself for heartache and loss right from the start. The authors descriptive prose allows a reader to vividly imagine the beautiful island location, and she also takes you on an emotional journey with the characters.
So much love & loss, secrets & miscommunication. They are just like most families so you can relate to their struggles & triumphs. The magical and fascinating element of the 'otherworld' is one that I can't wait to continue reading and I'm  really looking forward to book 2 being launched.

[Joanna Magill]

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions are so vivid that you can easily picture the island of Laharna, it's locations and feel the tension building the whole way through. I enjoyed the Wolfenden family dynamics, everyone has their own secrets and struggles which made the characters feel real and complex. There’s a great mix of suspense, emotion, and supernatural danger that keeps you wanting to read more. It was interesting to learn about Selkies too! Definitely a gripping read, and I’m excited to see what comes next!

[Jess Jackson]

Thank you for allowing me to ARC read this beauty for you Karina, it was an absolute pleasure to do so!
This is the first book in the Latharna Chronicles Series and I need the second book now! I absolutely loved this one, my heart felt so heavy for Malachi with all the nightmares not knowing what had really happened to his brother🥺 the suspense was there from the beginning & it was a struggle to put this one down! I cannot wait for the next one😍🖤

[Beatriz Elena]

Review of advance copy received from Author

On the island of Latharna, there’s another world just beneath the surface. If you love Supernatural vibes—think the Winchesters on a small coastal island, with lots of teacups—this is the book for you.

This debut by Karina Bamber is beautifully written, the characters have distinct voices, and the family dynamics are chef’s kiss.

And did I mention the Irish folklore? I’m obsessed. 🧜‍♀️

[Katie Wilks]

I am insanely impressed with this author. It's her first book and there weren't any plot holes or issues with pace. Character development is great and I enjoyed watching them grow together as the story went on. I'm very excited that she left it open at the end for another book and I can't wait to see where she takes it.

[Robyn Nelson]

I really enjoyed this book.
I was able to see exactly what Karina was describing.
Even tho it’s fantasy it’s still really easy to connect and relate to the characters which I often find difficult in other books.
Defo recommend