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Seven Tears at High Tide
The sea holds many secrets ...
Kevin Luong walks to the ocean’s edge with a broken heart. Remembering a legend his mother told him, he lets seven tears fall into the sea. “I just want one summer—one summer to be happy and in love.”
Instead, he finds himself saving a mysterious boy from the Pacific—a boy who later shows up on his doorstep professing his love. What he doesn’t know is that Morgan is a selkie, drawn to answer Kevin’s wish.
As they grow close, Morgan is caught between the dangers of the human world and his legacy in the selkie community to which he must return at summer’s end.
Kevin Luong walks to the ocean’s edge with a broken heart. Remembering a legend his mother told him, he lets seven tears fall into the sea. “I just want one summer—one summer to be happy and in love.”
Instead, he finds himself saving a mysterious boy from the Pacific—a boy who later shows up on his doorstep professing his love. What he doesn’t know is that Morgan is a selkie, drawn to answer Kevin’s wish.
As they grow close, Morgan is caught between the dangers of the human world and his legacy in the selkie community to which he must return at summer’s end.
234 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
July 8, 2019
Guilty pleasure read, come to Papa! : )
To avoid getting bored with the same old contemporary romance tropes, I *must* occasionally throw in a few odd-ball genres (angels, dragons, rentboys, magic, vampires, shifters, and mermen) just to break up any potential "Did I not just read that same fucking story?" monotony.
I think this is probably the first selkie (seal shifter) story that I've ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but let me tell you, having to keep up with your pelt when in human form would be a serious pain in the ass, for real. Talk about one huge Achilles heel!
As the story began, 16 y.o. loner Kevin's friendship with a popular boy had been seriously betrayed, so while breaking down alone on a local pier, crying 7 tears into the ocean, Kevin made a wish.
And the Sea answered in the form of Morgan, a kind and caring 16 y.o. half-selkie.
[Kevin...]
[Morgan...]
I adored both Kevin and Morgan to bits, as they both awkwardly fumbled around one another, and Kevin having no idea what to do with Morgan's innocent, but immediate proclamation of love.
This YA story was full of magic and mythology, which pulled me in pretty quickly. I will say that during the first couple of chapters, the writing felt a little stiff for my taste, but thankfully loosened up pretty quickly.
I really enjoyed the slow burn in this one, as the guys first became friends, spending all of their free time together (be still my beating heart, I love that shit), until Kevin realized that he had also fallen in love with Morgan.
But summers end and seals migrate, which was where the majority of the story's moderate angst arose. Along with a group of hunter scientists attempt to capture selkies, and a very difficult choice due to Morgan's half-selkie status, the fairly fast-paced story didn't present much time for the MC's to simply stop and breathe.
I really liked both sets of supportive parents and family members as well, especially towards the end, but was a wee bit annoyed with the separation, although it didn't span many actual pages in the story.
All of the already-limited steam was entirely off-page, but I knew this was a YA book going in, so that didn't bother me at all.
I loved the very last chapter, which ended with a hopeful HEA, and would rate the book at around 4 stars overall, recommending it to anyone who enjoys YA shifter tales.
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October 17, 2015
A charming and sweet twist on the selkie legend. Morgan,a half-human half-selkie and Kevin, an Asian American bisexual (and proud) human, are wonderful characters.
Their love story is very sweet, but that isn’t by any means the only plot in this book - there are some brilliant side plots about hunters, Morgan’s parents, and his place in the selkie world, which caught my attention and my heart too.
I loved the new twists on the selkie myth - especially the idea that selkies fall in love at first sight, as a way of finding a mate in the few minutes they might have contact with other selkie groups. This made the relationship development between Kevin and Morgan especially interesting, because Morgan was in love before they’d even spoken, which took Kevin a bit by surprise!
The descriptions of the coast and sea made me ache to visit the seaside, and Kevin’s geology hobby made for very interesting reading.
Overall, this was a very lovely story, and this is the perfect time of year to read it, as winter is approaching, for anyone who misses summer and wishes it had never ended.
Review first posted at: http://lgbt-ya.tumblr.com/post/131359...
Their love story is very sweet, but that isn’t by any means the only plot in this book - there are some brilliant side plots about hunters, Morgan’s parents, and his place in the selkie world, which caught my attention and my heart too.
I loved the new twists on the selkie myth - especially the idea that selkies fall in love at first sight, as a way of finding a mate in the few minutes they might have contact with other selkie groups. This made the relationship development between Kevin and Morgan especially interesting, because Morgan was in love before they’d even spoken, which took Kevin a bit by surprise!
The descriptions of the coast and sea made me ache to visit the seaside, and Kevin’s geology hobby made for very interesting reading.
Overall, this was a very lovely story, and this is the perfect time of year to read it, as winter is approaching, for anyone who misses summer and wishes it had never ended.
Review first posted at: http://lgbt-ya.tumblr.com/post/131359...
January 9, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“Except Kevin knows the warmth of Morgan’s hand is real, what he saw only a moment ago, the way his heart beats in time with the waves crashing ashore—this is all real, and his boyfriend is magic.”
A wish made on a whim cast to the winds of the sea of a lonely yearning heart, a promise fulfilled by a selkie of ancient lore destined to claim his heart, two young boys swept in a summer whirlwind romance buoyed by the sweetness of the melodies of first time discoveries, but endangered by the storms that weather on land and by the tempestuous sea that 'is ancient and deep, full of secrets' to even those entrusted to guard its treasures are not aware of the nature of its power. 🌊
“I just want one summer - one summer to be happy and in love.”
Kevin and Morgan - very cute, even if a little weird, and for good reason 🦭 - were adorbs together, a romance so syrupy I was practically dripping in it, of how Morgan rose to the challenge to complete Kevin's wish cast on the legend of Seven Tears at High Tide. 🥹🥹 Soft intimate moments of affection that blossomed into a full-fledged heartwarming love of two souls both longing to be 'young and happy and mated, blossoming in the joy of new love'. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 With a plot loosely-inspired by The Little Mermaid C.B. Lee's debut novel is a lighthearted fast-paced Young Adult read, filled with heartfelt humor, longing for affection, and the simple joys of having someone to share happiness and love with, and the grander feeling of having it returned. 🫂
“You care about him.”
“I love him.”
“Would you stay on land? For him?”
“I would,” Morgan says. “If he asked.”
Until an ancient curse arose that stole away their time together - shed away the treasure of memories borne out of a wish that was fated to be short-lived. 'The Sea is a possessive, jealous mother, and never wants us to forget our own heritage.' The conflicts that arose amidst the human world and the tempestuous sea swelled steadily, and captured Morgan's heartache vividly so. 🥺 Piedras Blancas was also described with rich detail to really give the sense of it being a tourist site that brimmed more than just the supernatural circumstances in which Kevin and Morgan met and slowly fell in love - 'it’s that warm, happy feeling in your gut, you know.' 💌
“The words have a haunting lilt, echoing in the room. It’s beautiful, and again Kevin can feel the music touching his skin, and he feels filled with sorrow in a way he can’t explain.”
It was not groundbreaking - it's not literary art - but it was what I needed to shed the dark cloud over my heart after a trio of disturbingly heartbreaking reads. The present tense of the writing was a struggle, but Morgan and Kevin were so precious together, it was easy to overlook it. ☺️ The conflict steadily arose - the emotional onslaught of their separation heralded an even more dangerous threat that also cast a light on Morgan's own past - a sacrifice that would defy his very existence. It was gentle, but still bittersweet. The little moments interspersed throughout where Morgan savored the joys of the human ways, and Kevin relished in bringing a smile to Morgan's face, in the most unconventional of ways. 🥲
“How could he have been so stupid as to ask only for one summer to be in love?”
It is that longing to keep that love forever that touched me the most, while also finding your place where you truly belong - a chance to be yourself and be happy and content with the ones you let into your lives. That while Morgan easily, if not flippantly confesses that he loves Kevin, without truly understanding the meaning behind the words, is what ties them back together. It was the little gestures of trust and closure that drew Morgan even closer to Kevin - saw into his heart beyond that of his own selkie capabilities. The ending was just - so affectionate, and just so C.U.T.E.!! 🥰🥰 'The words are easy, like a song he knows by heart.' Ridiculously cute that even when my cold heart usually avoids cuteness overload, I was smiling. 🥹 Smiling at how they braved the storm, defied the odds and found their way back to each other - shedding no more tears, but having the tide by their side. 🫶🏻
“Except Kevin knows the warmth of Morgan’s hand is real, what he saw only a moment ago, the way his heart beats in time with the waves crashing ashore—this is all real, and his boyfriend is magic.”
A wish made on a whim cast to the winds of the sea of a lonely yearning heart, a promise fulfilled by a selkie of ancient lore destined to claim his heart, two young boys swept in a summer whirlwind romance buoyed by the sweetness of the melodies of first time discoveries, but endangered by the storms that weather on land and by the tempestuous sea that 'is ancient and deep, full of secrets' to even those entrusted to guard its treasures are not aware of the nature of its power. 🌊
“I just want one summer - one summer to be happy and in love.”
Kevin and Morgan - very cute, even if a little weird, and for good reason 🦭 - were adorbs together, a romance so syrupy I was practically dripping in it, of how Morgan rose to the challenge to complete Kevin's wish cast on the legend of Seven Tears at High Tide. 🥹🥹 Soft intimate moments of affection that blossomed into a full-fledged heartwarming love of two souls both longing to be 'young and happy and mated, blossoming in the joy of new love'. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 With a plot loosely-inspired by The Little Mermaid C.B. Lee's debut novel is a lighthearted fast-paced Young Adult read, filled with heartfelt humor, longing for affection, and the simple joys of having someone to share happiness and love with, and the grander feeling of having it returned. 🫂
“You care about him.”
“I love him.”
“Would you stay on land? For him?”
“I would,” Morgan says. “If he asked.”
Until an ancient curse arose that stole away their time together - shed away the treasure of memories borne out of a wish that was fated to be short-lived. 'The Sea is a possessive, jealous mother, and never wants us to forget our own heritage.' The conflicts that arose amidst the human world and the tempestuous sea swelled steadily, and captured Morgan's heartache vividly so. 🥺 Piedras Blancas was also described with rich detail to really give the sense of it being a tourist site that brimmed more than just the supernatural circumstances in which Kevin and Morgan met and slowly fell in love - 'it’s that warm, happy feeling in your gut, you know.' 💌
“The words have a haunting lilt, echoing in the room. It’s beautiful, and again Kevin can feel the music touching his skin, and he feels filled with sorrow in a way he can’t explain.”
It was not groundbreaking - it's not literary art - but it was what I needed to shed the dark cloud over my heart after a trio of disturbingly heartbreaking reads. The present tense of the writing was a struggle, but Morgan and Kevin were so precious together, it was easy to overlook it. ☺️ The conflict steadily arose - the emotional onslaught of their separation heralded an even more dangerous threat that also cast a light on Morgan's own past - a sacrifice that would defy his very existence. It was gentle, but still bittersweet. The little moments interspersed throughout where Morgan savored the joys of the human ways, and Kevin relished in bringing a smile to Morgan's face, in the most unconventional of ways. 🥲
“How could he have been so stupid as to ask only for one summer to be in love?”
It is that longing to keep that love forever that touched me the most, while also finding your place where you truly belong - a chance to be yourself and be happy and content with the ones you let into your lives. That while Morgan easily, if not flippantly confesses that he loves Kevin, without truly understanding the meaning behind the words, is what ties them back together. It was the little gestures of trust and closure that drew Morgan even closer to Kevin - saw into his heart beyond that of his own selkie capabilities. The ending was just - so affectionate, and just so C.U.T.E.!! 🥰🥰 'The words are easy, like a song he knows by heart.' Ridiculously cute that even when my cold heart usually avoids cuteness overload, I was smiling. 🥹 Smiling at how they braved the storm, defied the odds and found their way back to each other - shedding no more tears, but having the tide by their side. 🫶🏻
June 11, 2021
How come when Kevin cries at the sea he gets a wish granted, but when I cry at the sea its "embarrassing" and "a public nuisance"
January 26, 2018
Seven Tears at High Tide has a little bit of everything that makes it so spectacular: a heartmelting and utterly adorable romance, characters that are sweet and lovable, a mixed family with one of the most lovely dynamics I have ever read, and selkie mythology with a twist.
Seven Tears at High Tide follows Kevin Luong whose loneliness and heartbreak spurs him to make a wish for happiness and love to the sea. His wish comes true rather unexpectedly in the form of a boy by the name of Morgan -- who is a selkie sent to fulfill Kevin's wish. For a story with such bittersweet undertones, I could not think of two better protagonists than Kevin and Morgan. They were delightful characters, and some of the sweetest and most sensitive boys I have read about in YA fiction. Some of their conversations between them made my heart burst with adoration -- and made me squeal. (I don't squeal, ever, when I read romance. But hell, I squealed reading this.)
The love that blooms between them is one of the purest romances ever, and is made of all the good and beautiful things in this world. Despite his wish, Morgan does take Kevin by surprise with his sudden visit, and the way they navigate this together is realistic and sweet. With its blend of selkie mythology, Lee gives the Morgan and his selkie family depth and develops the mythology. While I loved Kevin, I also loved Morgan and his character development as he questions his duty to the sea as a selkie and what it means to fulfill someone else's wish.
The narrative held so much innocence, the best kind of homage to young love and the wonders of youth. The storytelling told of the joys and the sweetness of summer love but also had its heavier and weightier moments. Either way, Seven Tears at High Tide is charming and wonderful because it balanced its highs and lows whilst remaining genuine and earnest.
Representation in this book is absolutely wonderful. Kevin is bi Chinese-American (which is stated explicitly in-text!) and he lives in a mixed household, with his Chinese father and white stepmother. There are no jealous or evil stepmothers in this story though nor is his sexuality an 'obstacle' for the family; Kevin's family is supportive, incredibly kind, and super cute. Going hand-in-hand with Kevin's healthy family dynamic is its discussion and inclusion of safe sex - to the point of being a little overeager. Some of Kevin's friends are also queer, and there are some light discussions about their sexualities.
Indeed, Seven Tears at High Tide is a cute and fun story, but it is also a thoughtful exploration of love, what it means to love fiercely and the difference between being in love and falling in love. Seven Tears at High Tide is one of the most stress-free books I have read; intended to be a simple romance, it delivers in every way possible at just that. Well-rounded, utterly adorable and incredibly charming, Seven Tears at High Tide promises a blissful and relaxing reading experience that will hit all the right spots.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
-
Is this book for you?
Premise in a sentence: A boy makes a wish to the ocean for a summer of love and happiness and his wish is granted: in the form of a selkie.
Perfect for: Readers who want a stress-free and relaxing read, a gorgeous romance, and like a bit of mythology.
Genre: Young adult, fantasy/mythology, romance
Recommended? Absolutely yes!
-
This review can also be found on my book blog, Read, Think, Ponder!
Seven Tears at High Tide follows Kevin Luong whose loneliness and heartbreak spurs him to make a wish for happiness and love to the sea. His wish comes true rather unexpectedly in the form of a boy by the name of Morgan -- who is a selkie sent to fulfill Kevin's wish. For a story with such bittersweet undertones, I could not think of two better protagonists than Kevin and Morgan. They were delightful characters, and some of the sweetest and most sensitive boys I have read about in YA fiction. Some of their conversations between them made my heart burst with adoration -- and made me squeal. (I don't squeal, ever, when I read romance. But hell, I squealed reading this.)
The love that blooms between them is one of the purest romances ever, and is made of all the good and beautiful things in this world. Despite his wish, Morgan does take Kevin by surprise with his sudden visit, and the way they navigate this together is realistic and sweet. With its blend of selkie mythology, Lee gives the Morgan and his selkie family depth and develops the mythology. While I loved Kevin, I also loved Morgan and his character development as he questions his duty to the sea as a selkie and what it means to fulfill someone else's wish.
The narrative held so much innocence, the best kind of homage to young love and the wonders of youth. The storytelling told of the joys and the sweetness of summer love but also had its heavier and weightier moments. Either way, Seven Tears at High Tide is charming and wonderful because it balanced its highs and lows whilst remaining genuine and earnest.
Representation in this book is absolutely wonderful. Kevin is bi Chinese-American (which is stated explicitly in-text!) and he lives in a mixed household, with his Chinese father and white stepmother. There are no jealous or evil stepmothers in this story though nor is his sexuality an 'obstacle' for the family; Kevin's family is supportive, incredibly kind, and super cute. Going hand-in-hand with Kevin's healthy family dynamic is its discussion and inclusion of safe sex - to the point of being a little overeager. Some of Kevin's friends are also queer, and there are some light discussions about their sexualities.
Indeed, Seven Tears at High Tide is a cute and fun story, but it is also a thoughtful exploration of love, what it means to love fiercely and the difference between being in love and falling in love. Seven Tears at High Tide is one of the most stress-free books I have read; intended to be a simple romance, it delivers in every way possible at just that. Well-rounded, utterly adorable and incredibly charming, Seven Tears at High Tide promises a blissful and relaxing reading experience that will hit all the right spots.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
-
Is this book for you?
Premise in a sentence: A boy makes a wish to the ocean for a summer of love and happiness and his wish is granted: in the form of a selkie.
Perfect for: Readers who want a stress-free and relaxing read, a gorgeous romance, and like a bit of mythology.
Genre: Young adult, fantasy/mythology, romance
Recommended? Absolutely yes!
-
This review can also be found on my book blog, Read, Think, Ponder!
July 21, 2019
This was like reading a fairy tale. A lovely story with two very sweet main characters. I really enjoyed it.
May 13, 2022
Until Te quiero, the last book I read, I had never finished a book and immediately started it again. Now I'm going to do that with Seven Tears at High Tide. Two books in a row! Who am I?
Seriously though, I'm not ready for Seven Tears to be finished. I'm not ready to let Kevin and Morgan go. I'm not ready to let the essence of this book go. The feelings it evokes and the sights and sounds and scents CB Lee effortlessly conjures in my imagination are enchanting and mesmerizing. I can smell and taste the ocean and feel the sand and rock beneath my feet. I was completely immersed in this book and want to stay there a while longer.
It's beautiful and innocent and sweet and it tore my heart out and made me weep and it was glorious! Like the wonders of a carnival ride, I want to do it again!
Seriously though, I'm not ready for Seven Tears to be finished. I'm not ready to let Kevin and Morgan go. I'm not ready to let the essence of this book go. The feelings it evokes and the sights and sounds and scents CB Lee effortlessly conjures in my imagination are enchanting and mesmerizing. I can smell and taste the ocean and feel the sand and rock beneath my feet. I was completely immersed in this book and want to stay there a while longer.
It's beautiful and innocent and sweet and it tore my heart out and made me weep and it was glorious! Like the wonders of a carnival ride, I want to do it again!
July 15, 2016
This is a sweet, light paranormal story about Kevin, an Asian-American openly bisexual (which is cool because rare in YA books) teenager, and Morgan, the selkie (seal-shifter) boy who answers his wish for a summer of happiness. The feel is fairy-tale, in a modern context. The tone is warm and slow, and the LGBT content is part of, but not central to, the story. There's a refreshing lack of coming out/bullying/angst for a YA book.
The writing is smooth and descriptive, and the selkie society had some interesting facets to it. There's a little bit of handwaving in the paranormal aspects (where secrecy, and Morgan's interactions with human world are an improbable mix) and I wasn't fond of the way the villain was depicted - the most two-dimensional character, among other far more interesting folk that populated the story. But Kevin and Morgan are fun and sweet together, the dynamics of Morgan's family are intriguing, and the ending is satisfying. A welcome addition to the YA paranormal shelf.
The writing is smooth and descriptive, and the selkie society had some interesting facets to it. There's a little bit of handwaving in the paranormal aspects (where secrecy, and Morgan's interactions with human world are an improbable mix) and I wasn't fond of the way the villain was depicted - the most two-dimensional character, among other far more interesting folk that populated the story. But Kevin and Morgan are fun and sweet together, the dynamics of Morgan's family are intriguing, and the ending is satisfying. A welcome addition to the YA paranormal shelf.
September 1, 2016
I’m sure this book is beautiful for a lot of people, it just didn’t really do anything for me. I picked it without really knowing anything about it, so when I found out it was YA (off-page sex scenes, people!), I was disappointed.
Kevin is 16, and feeling sad because a friend of his turned out to be just using him. He cries while sitting on the pier at the beach. And because he cries seven tears at high tide and makes a wish at the same time (to have someone to love for the summer), a Request was made.
A Request selkie Morgan grants. Morgan changes from seal to human to be able to be with Kevin. The boys spend a beautiful summer together and Morgan eventually tells Kevin his secret.
But it’s almost Morgan’s 17th birthday and with that comes a choice. The choice to remain human, or to be a seal forever. Morgan is no longer allowed to shape-shift after his 17th birthday…
This whole book felt bittersweet to me. And I hate bittersweet. The feeling that something bad has to happen before everyone can be happy… no thank you.
It was a nice story, but really not what I was in the mood for.
Kevin is 16, and feeling sad because a friend of his turned out to be just using him. He cries while sitting on the pier at the beach. And because he cries seven tears at high tide and makes a wish at the same time (to have someone to love for the summer), a Request was made.
A Request selkie Morgan grants. Morgan changes from seal to human to be able to be with Kevin. The boys spend a beautiful summer together and Morgan eventually tells Kevin his secret.
But it’s almost Morgan’s 17th birthday and with that comes a choice. The choice to remain human, or to be a seal forever. Morgan is no longer allowed to shape-shift after his 17th birthday…
This whole book felt bittersweet to me. And I hate bittersweet. The feeling that something bad has to happen before everyone can be happy… no thank you.
It was a nice story, but really not what I was in the mood for.
May 21, 2022
4.5
this was so cute i cried
this was so cute i cried
January 5, 2019
Review also on my blog | Twitter | Bookstagram
Rep: Bisexual Chinese main character, chubby mlm main character, m/m romance
Despite varying opinions that may occur, I think there’s one thing all book lovers can come in and unanimously agree on: finding a good mermaid book is really fucking hard. While this book has selkies and not mermaids, I think it still makes up for the lacking of good mermaid books.
If you are unfamiliar with selkie lore like I am, this is a little hard to follow initially. I thought selkies were similar to mermaids, but the book does a good job at portraying what selkies exactly are, and that is seals who can shed their skin and become human. That did make things difficult to picture at times, as it wasn’t so vivid what the underwater scenes looked like, and it did feel odd imagining literal seals, but that’s what you sign up for with this kind of book.
The story does follow the selkies mythos of seven tears leading to a wish. The lead character Kevin does this upon accident after getting his heart broken and wishing for a summer love. That’s where Morgan comes in. Morgan is tasked with fulfilling this wish by going into his human form and acting as a boyfriend for Kevin. Half of the book is Kevin being unaware of him being a selkie and just assumed Morgan is a boy who likes him and they date. That’s the most to be said without going into spoiler territory.
I feel like this story starts off as kind of predictable, but maybe in the intentional way like Not Your Sidekick. But when leading up to the climax you think you know where it’s going, but it goes somewhere I didn’t predict. And it was a really great and exciting climax full of tension. It was a great lead from a simple premise.
As Morgan is a selkie, he doesn’t understand most human related things. Kevin assumed he was pretty sheltered at the beginning of the novel. Morgan himself was a really sweet character, and his strength grew so much throughout the book. He’s the one who gets most of the development. So does Kevin, he learns to put himself out there more and to stand up for himself.
The romance was really good, it was the kind where they made each other stronger. It wasn’t a co-dependant relationship, but it was one where they were good to each other. You could argue it seemed insta-lovey on Morgan’s part. but that was kind of the point. He’s there to be a boyfriend for Kevin. But his love never felt inauthentic, it felt so genuine and real that you forget he’s only there to grant Kevin’s wish. Kevin does take his time to tell Morgan he loves him, which balances it out well.
Even though this isn’t a mermaid book, this is still a good option if you’re looking for something like a mermaid book (and it’s queer too!). It was a fun read.
October 18, 2015
I loved this much anticipated book, following the story of Kevin and Morgan. This enchanting tale puts a new spin on the Scottish mythology of selkies, folk who shift from seal to human. A romantic young adult tale full of beautiful imagery and a blossoming young love that will warm your heart. Lee deftly explores issues surrounding race, sexuality and mixed family dynamics against the summer setting of a Californian sea.
May 31, 2016
Kevin is 16 and heartbroken after a sudden act of cruelty. He gives into a whimsical impulse to plead with the sea to bring someone into his life who'd love him for the duration of the summer.
Morgan, also 16, is the half-human/half-selkie who is assigned to fulfill Kevin's plea.
Their sweet romance, however, is threatened by unseen danger...
This is the kind of YA LGTB+ romance that makes me grin like a fool and feel ten kinds of tingly.
What I liked
+ LGTB+ characters (including the protags!)
An Asian-American openly bisexual teenager? Talk about a really good incentive to read this book! One of the things that was so refreshing to read was that Kevin didn't struggle with his sexual orientation. I got the impression that he was one of those people who figure out their romantic and sexual attractions early on and without much fussing.
There were also at least two more gay characters, a queer female character, and a questioning character. A couple of other non-straight characters (I prefer not to label them) do appear a couple of times in the story (especially at the beginning and at the very end). They are closeted and show a lot of internalized homophobia.
As for the selkies, we learn that same-sex relationships do happen so Morgan's attraction and love for Kevin is not an issue.
In some ways, not having the MCs freakout about wanting to kiss guys added a level of depth to the plot.
+ Kevin/Morgan
SO FREAKING ADORABLE!!! Their interactions were LOLarious in the beginning. Morgan tried his best to act like an average human teenager boy--and failed. Kevin was confused (without getting frustrated about it). There's no way you won't cheer for these two guys to be together.
It is true that Morgan was head over heels in lurve with Kevin from the v. beginning. So then, it was interesting to see how and when Kevin would fall in love back. Even though they were from different species, there was enough of a common ground between them to connect. Their dates were really cute (especially because they were SUCH nerds).
Like, picture holding two puppies. That fizzy happiness? Yeah, that's what reading about Kevin and Morgan felt like. :)
+ The selkies
Lee did a good job in establishing the rules of the selkies' world. Morgan's family had their own quirks and dynamics. It was great to see. And, although, it was slightly less picturesque than the California Pacific coast, there was a sense of solidity to Morgan's other world.
What I didn't like
- The villain
So there's a group of people who are on the periphery of the story up to the 70% mark. I felt that the main guy was a little too cartoony. About the only thing that was missing was seeing him twirling his mustache.
- Two aspects of the ending
The other thing that annoyed me a little is that, even though this is mostly Kevin's story
The first thing made me do an EPIC HANDWAVE (that I forgave because I did liked most of the ending). #Butstill The second thing I'm going to give it a pass because this is Lee's debut novel and there are many other things she got right, imho.
TL;DR: This is an LGTB+ YA novel featuring a POC in the main pairing. It's on the fluffier side of the romance spectrum, but its tenderness makes up for most of the faily aspects. I'm deffo keeping an eye out for more books by this author.
Morgan, also 16, is the half-human/half-selkie who is assigned to fulfill Kevin's plea.
Their sweet romance, however, is threatened by unseen danger...
This is the kind of YA LGTB+ romance that makes me grin like a fool and feel ten kinds of tingly.
What I liked
+ LGTB+ characters (including the protags!)
An Asian-American openly bisexual teenager? Talk about a really good incentive to read this book! One of the things that was so refreshing to read was that Kevin didn't struggle with his sexual orientation. I got the impression that he was one of those people who figure out their romantic and sexual attractions early on and without much fussing.
There were also at least two more gay characters, a queer female character, and a questioning character. A couple of other non-straight characters (I prefer not to label them) do appear a couple of times in the story (especially at the beginning and at the very end). They are closeted and show a lot of internalized homophobia.
As for the selkies, we learn that same-sex relationships do happen so Morgan's attraction and love for Kevin is not an issue.
In some ways, not having the MCs freakout about wanting to kiss guys added a level of depth to the plot.
+ Kevin/Morgan
SO FREAKING ADORABLE!!! Their interactions were LOLarious in the beginning. Morgan tried his best to act like an average human teenager boy--and failed. Kevin was confused (without getting frustrated about it). There's no way you won't cheer for these two guys to be together.
It is true that Morgan was head over heels in lurve with Kevin from the v. beginning. So then, it was interesting to see how and when Kevin would fall in love back. Even though they were from different species, there was enough of a common ground between them to connect. Their dates were really cute (especially because they were SUCH nerds).
Like, picture holding two puppies. That fizzy happiness? Yeah, that's what reading about Kevin and Morgan felt like. :)
+ The selkies
Lee did a good job in establishing the rules of the selkies' world. Morgan's family had their own quirks and dynamics. It was great to see. And, although, it was slightly less picturesque than the California Pacific coast, there was a sense of solidity to Morgan's other world.
What I didn't like
- The villain
So there's a group of people who are on the periphery of the story up to the 70% mark. I felt that the main guy was a little too cartoony. About the only thing that was missing was seeing him twirling his mustache.
- Two aspects of the ending
The other thing that annoyed me a little is that, even though this is mostly Kevin's story
The first thing made me do an EPIC HANDWAVE (that I forgave because I did liked most of the ending). #Butstill The second thing I'm going to give it a pass because this is Lee's debut novel and there are many other things she got right, imho.
TL;DR: This is an LGTB+ YA novel featuring a POC in the main pairing. It's on the fluffier side of the romance spectrum, but its tenderness makes up for most of the faily aspects. I'm deffo keeping an eye out for more books by this author.
June 3, 2021
This is one of the fluffiest and sweetest books I've ever read, and it was such a comforting read!
January 14, 2022
sad bisexuals at sea is my favorite genre<3
March 31, 2021
reread 03/2021 - god i still love this book with my whole heart.
When CS Lewis said some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again, he was talking about me. That I would be old enough to read fairytales again.
Seven Tears at High Tide is a fairytale. And I loved every second of it. It’s the first fairytale I’ve ever been able to really see myself in; where the main character is Asian-American (like me) and bisexual (also like me). And both of these are just facts! Kevin is a bisexual As-Am kid! There’s no part of the story where he grapples with feeling like someone who is an “other” for either of those identities. I have no problems with stories where characters try to figure out their identity, but I need stories that exist alongside them where these are things that just are. And make it a fairytale! Make the fairytale center around an As-Am boy who falls in love with another boy! Show people that kids like Kevin can be the star of a fairytale, too.
In being a fairytale, the book can be predictable at times. More than once (more than twice, even) there were small hints dropped and I was able to read them and think “oh so this is going to come up again in a significant way,” only to find myself proved right. I didn’t have a problem with this, personally. It’s to no discredit of the author if I, a woman in her twenties, am able to catch the foreshadowing of the novel. It didn’t make the story any less beautiful or any less fun to read. I was still at the edge of my seat, excited and afraid to see how all the pieces would fall at the end.
Seven Tears at High Tide is CB Lee’s debut, and I always try to read debut novels with that awareness. This is an author who is sharing work for the first time, and that will be different from a seasoned author. It was a beautiful debut that may just make it onto my favorites list, and I look forward to reading more of her work (Sidekick Squad is on my tbr but I might be waiting for the series to finish first.)
kevin is aware of the twinkling constellations and the gentle blue calm of the ocean undulating behind them, but out of all of them, morgan is the most beautiful.
When CS Lewis said some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again, he was talking about me. That I would be old enough to read fairytales again.
Seven Tears at High Tide is a fairytale. And I loved every second of it. It’s the first fairytale I’ve ever been able to really see myself in; where the main character is Asian-American (like me) and bisexual (also like me). And both of these are just facts! Kevin is a bisexual As-Am kid! There’s no part of the story where he grapples with feeling like someone who is an “other” for either of those identities. I have no problems with stories where characters try to figure out their identity, but I need stories that exist alongside them where these are things that just are. And make it a fairytale! Make the fairytale center around an As-Am boy who falls in love with another boy! Show people that kids like Kevin can be the star of a fairytale, too.
In being a fairytale, the book can be predictable at times. More than once (more than twice, even) there were small hints dropped and I was able to read them and think “oh so this is going to come up again in a significant way,” only to find myself proved right. I didn’t have a problem with this, personally. It’s to no discredit of the author if I, a woman in her twenties, am able to catch the foreshadowing of the novel. It didn’t make the story any less beautiful or any less fun to read. I was still at the edge of my seat, excited and afraid to see how all the pieces would fall at the end.
Seven Tears at High Tide is CB Lee’s debut, and I always try to read debut novels with that awareness. This is an author who is sharing work for the first time, and that will be different from a seasoned author. It was a beautiful debut that may just make it onto my favorites list, and I look forward to reading more of her work (Sidekick Squad is on my tbr but I might be waiting for the series to finish first.)
November 21, 2024
Do you know how hard it is to find decently written queer magical romance? Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find a book with a bisexual protagonist who isn't just confused, indecisive or 'going through a phase'?
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
It was sweet, and thoughtful and had cool world building with interesting history and likable three dimensional characters, and flowed just as beautifully as its seaside setting.
Read it. Love it.
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
It was sweet, and thoughtful and had cool world building with interesting history and likable three dimensional characters, and flowed just as beautifully as its seaside setting.
Read it. Love it.
June 4, 2021
you know those books that you’re so into that you end up reading them during class? uh yes this was one of those for me
i loved this so so much!! i just finished an art project for school on mythology (if you know me you possibly also know i am obsessed with this stuff) so had this sudden craving to read this book and!!! i’m so glad i picked it up when i did
i loved loved loved the characters so much (morgan is the love of my life, he is my son do not fight me on this) and god this book was SO SWEET!!! i was tabbing it and, after counting, have realised i used thirty five tabs for romantic scenes uhhhhhh
i loved the rep so much aswell!! the characters just are who they are and it’s so important to have books where it’s not about people questioning things, they just have their identity and it is a fact of the story
there were a few things that made me hesitant to give it 5 stars (the writing felt a little stiff at times, there were points where it was just too predictable) but you know what? i don’t think a book has captured me this much in a while so i did it anyway, hah
i loved this so so much!! i just finished an art project for school on mythology (if you know me you possibly also know i am obsessed with this stuff) so had this sudden craving to read this book and!!! i’m so glad i picked it up when i did
i loved loved loved the characters so much (morgan is the love of my life, he is my son do not fight me on this) and god this book was SO SWEET!!! i was tabbing it and, after counting, have realised i used thirty five tabs for romantic scenes uhhhhhh
i loved the rep so much aswell!! the characters just are who they are and it’s so important to have books where it’s not about people questioning things, they just have their identity and it is a fact of the story
there were a few things that made me hesitant to give it 5 stars (the writing felt a little stiff at times, there were points where it was just too predictable) but you know what? i don’t think a book has captured me this much in a while so i did it anyway, hah
November 12, 2015
I wish I could hug this book. I LOVED this so, so much! It took a little bit to get used to the present tense, but afterwards I just devoured the story.
This book had a bi POC main character, a mixed family, fantastic selkie mythology, and just such a sweet, well-paced romance. Honestly, just such a lovely read.
This book had a bi POC main character, a mixed family, fantastic selkie mythology, and just such a sweet, well-paced romance. Honestly, just such a lovely read.
June 18, 2017
so many feeeeels
the cutest fantasy romance ever tbh
the cutest fantasy romance ever tbh
November 2, 2018
The Magic is Real
It took me a few chapters to decide if I liked this story that was unfolding. It felt a bit unbelievable to me. Well duh, it’s a magical story. About half way through the book I realized what my struggle was: I was trying to place a reality filter to the words. Once I let myself fall into a world where Selkies exist, the second half of the book read like a Disney fantasy. I was ok with that. 3.75 for hoodies.
It took me a few chapters to decide if I liked this story that was unfolding. It felt a bit unbelievable to me. Well duh, it’s a magical story. About half way through the book I realized what my struggle was: I was trying to place a reality filter to the words. Once I let myself fall into a world where Selkies exist, the second half of the book read like a Disney fantasy. I was ok with that. 3.75 for hoodies.
October 20, 2015
When you are young, everything seems so much more intense. A sixteen year old boy loves with all his heart, not yet realizing how to tell when that love is not returned. This is how Kevin Luong finds himself wandering the pier, crying and wishing for something so simple, someone to love.
Morgan is a half breed, half human and half Selkie, on the cusp of manhood as well. His soul is drawn to the pain and emotion of Kevin’s tears, his wish, and Morgan is tasked with helping Kevin fulfill that wish. Over the summer the two form a bond of friendship and love that is doomed by tradition and fate.
Selkie stories have always fascinated me as they are rooted in Gaelic culture. I really enjoyed how Lee kept the roots of the stories and legends, while giving it her own unique and modern twist for this tale. There was an innocence and youthfulness to this book that was evident not only in the characters and the storyline, but in the writing itself. I found it endearing that Kevin and Morgan fumbled their way around each other as they got to know one another and grew closer. It was a learning experience for them both and, as the reader, Lee wrote the story in a way that I could travel the journey with Kevin and Morgan, see what they saw, feel their love and their pain.
The story had so much depth and color, I was completely engrossed throughout. The character growth and development was pretty amazing as well. Kevin went from this shy, awkward, bullied teen in the beginning to a confident, self-assured young man by the end. Morgan had to learn how to be human, that being charged with “loving” someone is not the same as literally “loving” someone.
While this is a YA story, I think there is something here for readers of all ages. Emotional, in depth, fun and well written, and the balance between reality and fantasy is a fine line that blended well. This was my first read from CB Lee, but it definitely won’t be my last. I believe she just became an auto buy for me.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Morgan is a half breed, half human and half Selkie, on the cusp of manhood as well. His soul is drawn to the pain and emotion of Kevin’s tears, his wish, and Morgan is tasked with helping Kevin fulfill that wish. Over the summer the two form a bond of friendship and love that is doomed by tradition and fate.
Selkie stories have always fascinated me as they are rooted in Gaelic culture. I really enjoyed how Lee kept the roots of the stories and legends, while giving it her own unique and modern twist for this tale. There was an innocence and youthfulness to this book that was evident not only in the characters and the storyline, but in the writing itself. I found it endearing that Kevin and Morgan fumbled their way around each other as they got to know one another and grew closer. It was a learning experience for them both and, as the reader, Lee wrote the story in a way that I could travel the journey with Kevin and Morgan, see what they saw, feel their love and their pain.
The story had so much depth and color, I was completely engrossed throughout. The character growth and development was pretty amazing as well. Kevin went from this shy, awkward, bullied teen in the beginning to a confident, self-assured young man by the end. Morgan had to learn how to be human, that being charged with “loving” someone is not the same as literally “loving” someone.
While this is a YA story, I think there is something here for readers of all ages. Emotional, in depth, fun and well written, and the balance between reality and fantasy is a fine line that blended well. This was my first read from CB Lee, but it definitely won’t be my last. I believe she just became an auto buy for me.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
October 10, 2015
Seven Tears at High Tide
C.B. Lee
Five Stars
Like shifter YA? Come read the best.
Kevin Luong ia a heartbroken, sixteen-year-old boy facing a summer of loneliness. Morgan is, well, a seal. A selkie, really. He hears Kevin’s wish cast to the sea, and answers it. Summer ensues.
I loved their story, and cried in parts, and was glad to see a young adult story with interesting conflicts, rather than the same old stuff. This story is really just two kids facing their last days of innocence, and about loving families.
C.B. excels at world-building. She creates a layered and deep mythos without ever explaining things in detail and cluttering up the story. A hint here, a mention there, and the entire Sea comes alive. Fantasy writers should read this, instead of trying to get me to memorize a bunch of names I’ve never heard before...anyway, past, present, and future are all represented elegantly.
My one small issue is that Kevin Luong never faces any internal struggle of his own. He gets to be perfect and be loved without offering Morgan a true partnership in return. He’s not perfect, though. But I quibble. He’s just a kid, and he’s easy to like.
I read this for Inked Rainbow Reads, and did not receive any compensation.
~ Christy
C.B. Lee
Five Stars
Like shifter YA? Come read the best.
Kevin Luong ia a heartbroken, sixteen-year-old boy facing a summer of loneliness. Morgan is, well, a seal. A selkie, really. He hears Kevin’s wish cast to the sea, and answers it. Summer ensues.
I loved their story, and cried in parts, and was glad to see a young adult story with interesting conflicts, rather than the same old stuff. This story is really just two kids facing their last days of innocence, and about loving families.
C.B. excels at world-building. She creates a layered and deep mythos without ever explaining things in detail and cluttering up the story. A hint here, a mention there, and the entire Sea comes alive. Fantasy writers should read this, instead of trying to get me to memorize a bunch of names I’ve never heard before...anyway, past, present, and future are all represented elegantly.
My one small issue is that Kevin Luong never faces any internal struggle of his own. He gets to be perfect and be loved without offering Morgan a true partnership in return. He’s not perfect, though. But I quibble. He’s just a kid, and he’s easy to like.
I read this for Inked Rainbow Reads, and did not receive any compensation.
~ Christy
September 13, 2020
There was something about the last book I read I didn’t like so much and I still don’t know what. I thought it was because of using third person and present tense. But this one is third person and present tense and it didn’t bother me at all!
Seven tears at high tide is a nice and easy read. Kevin wants just one summer to be happy and in love and his wish comes true when he meets Morgan. From that moment the cuteness and fluffiness fly just off the pages.
Kevin and Morgan are very likable and an adorable couple. Morgan is new to the human world and although Kevin doesn’t know at first, he’s more than happy to guide Morgan who changes from seal to human and back again.
In the middle I got a bit bored because the boys were happy and in love and nothing more happened. But soon I was pulled back into the story. The ending was just so cute.
3.5 stars but because of the likability of the story I round it up to 4 stars.
Seven tears at high tide is a nice and easy read. Kevin wants just one summer to be happy and in love and his wish comes true when he meets Morgan. From that moment the cuteness and fluffiness fly just off the pages.
Kevin and Morgan are very likable and an adorable couple. Morgan is new to the human world and although Kevin doesn’t know at first, he’s more than happy to guide Morgan who changes from seal to human and back again.
In the middle I got a bit bored because the boys were happy and in love and nothing more happened. But soon I was pulled back into the story. The ending was just so cute.
3.5 stars but because of the likability of the story I round it up to 4 stars.
January 6, 2017
The prose style of this takes a long time to get use to and it slowed my reading down a lot. Once I got past the first 1/3rd, I did enjoy.
January 5, 2025
Clunky in some spots, but overall a really sweet, magical story!
May 21, 2018
This book.
This goddamn book.
I bought this for spring break (instead of Better To Kiss With You, but I will get that one when I have money again) and I'm so glad I did. Another Duet book, The Star Host by F.T. Lukens, was such a great book, so I wanted this one too.
Let's start with Kevin and the fact that we actually have an Asian main character. Finally, really. A queer Asian main character. I mean, so far I only know Blaine Anderson, Oliver Conrad (is that his name?) and Magnus Bane, and they're all from TV.
(And I have the feeling that Tina Cohen-Chang isn't really straight either, but hey.)
I have to admit that I thought he was a bit naïve in the beginning, but I liked him. I liked how he was so passionate about the things he loved, like the sea and his rock collection.
And then, Morgan happened. The most interesting part was that Morgan had to adapt to the human world and made a lot of mistakes, but Kevin just brushed it off because he doesn't want to be insensitive (since Kevin thinks Morgan is human). It's just kinda amusing sometimes, especially since Kevin tries so hard not to offend Morgan, but Morgan is just... not aware of how un-human he is.
I liked Lee's underwater world and how she gave the Sea, in a way, a voice. The selkies have their own rules and culture, and that what a part of this book is all about: culture and different cultures. There was one small part about chopsticks, Miles and racism and it was so spot on. Also, both main characters are half-half (wrong term to use, I know, but biracial doesn't fit Morgan and halfling doesn't fit Kevin), and despite the fact that this has different impact on both characters (since hey, they are different species too!), they can relate to that.
Then, bisexuality. Unfortunately, Seven Tears does not have the honour to be the first book I own with a bi main character (like I said: Star Host), but that doesn't mean that it was well executed. At one point, Kevin dates a girl and all is well. As always with IP books: I like that the story does not revolve about labels and sexuality. Even with Morgan, it doesn't matter that much.
And if you think that this is just a silly love story? It also has an amazing plot too! At one point, it becomes kind off a race against the clock against the people that want to hunt Selkies- especially when they get the wrong person. Luckily, the Sea can be giving too.
There is only one question left (to me, I mean): what will happen with Morgan and Floyd? Like, he is not officially Floyd's son and- ugh, can't I just call him Richard? (Floyd is the name of a dickhead from my school so yeah).
Anyway, as I was saying: Morgan now has Richard's last name, which isn't that big of a deal to most people. But what about Kevin's parents? As far as they know, Morgan has a mum and a dad that have never been to this city before. But then suddenly Morgan is the son of Old Man Floyd, who's been living here for ages? Ah well, some questions go unanswered and that's when the headcanons kick in.
But that's not the point. THE POINT IS THAT EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS. AND HUG SEALS (also, no, don't do the latter, because it might be unsafe).
This goddamn book.
I bought this for spring break (instead of Better To Kiss With You, but I will get that one when I have money again) and I'm so glad I did. Another Duet book, The Star Host by F.T. Lukens, was such a great book, so I wanted this one too.
Let's start with Kevin and the fact that we actually have an Asian main character. Finally, really. A queer Asian main character. I mean, so far I only know Blaine Anderson, Oliver Conrad (is that his name?) and Magnus Bane, and they're all from TV.
(And I have the feeling that Tina Cohen-Chang isn't really straight either, but hey.)
I have to admit that I thought he was a bit naïve in the beginning, but I liked him. I liked how he was so passionate about the things he loved, like the sea and his rock collection.
And then, Morgan happened. The most interesting part was that Morgan had to adapt to the human world and made a lot of mistakes, but Kevin just brushed it off because he doesn't want to be insensitive (since Kevin thinks Morgan is human). It's just kinda amusing sometimes, especially since Kevin tries so hard not to offend Morgan, but Morgan is just... not aware of how un-human he is.
I liked Lee's underwater world and how she gave the Sea, in a way, a voice. The selkies have their own rules and culture, and that what a part of this book is all about: culture and different cultures. There was one small part about chopsticks, Miles and racism and it was so spot on. Also, both main characters are half-half (wrong term to use, I know, but biracial doesn't fit Morgan and halfling doesn't fit Kevin), and despite the fact that this has different impact on both characters (since hey, they are different species too!), they can relate to that.
Then, bisexuality. Unfortunately, Seven Tears does not have the honour to be the first book I own with a bi main character (like I said: Star Host), but that doesn't mean that it was well executed. At one point, Kevin dates a girl and all is well. As always with IP books: I like that the story does not revolve about labels and sexuality. Even with Morgan, it doesn't matter that much.
And if you think that this is just a silly love story? It also has an amazing plot too! At one point, it becomes kind off a race against the clock against the people that want to hunt Selkies- especially when they get the wrong person. Luckily, the Sea can be giving too.
There is only one question left (to me, I mean): what will happen with Morgan and Floyd? Like, he is not officially Floyd's son and- ugh, can't I just call him Richard? (Floyd is the name of a dickhead from my school so yeah).
Anyway, as I was saying: Morgan now has Richard's last name, which isn't that big of a deal to most people. But what about Kevin's parents? As far as they know, Morgan has a mum and a dad that have never been to this city before. But then suddenly Morgan is the son of Old Man Floyd, who's been living here for ages? Ah well, some questions go unanswered and that's when the headcanons kick in.
But that's not the point. THE POINT IS THAT EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS. AND HUG SEALS (also, no, don't do the latter, because it might be unsafe).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2016
Seven Tears at High Tide starts with Kevin opening the door to an old myth: heartbroken over a messed-up romance, he sits at seaside and cries, dropping seven tears into the sea and making a wish for love. The wish is fulfilled–as these wishes often are–by a Selkie (a mythical creature, sort of like a mermaid/man, that lives as a seal but can also turn into a human and walk on land) called Morgan who is charged with taking on human form and helping Kevin escape his loneliness for the summer. During the course of fulfilling the wish for a summertime fling, Morgan falls (and Kevin falls, too) into love. When Morgan discovers he is half Selkie, half human and must–due to an old pact–choose between these halves of his identity when he comes of age (indirectly choosing between his family and his new love), complications arise.
Kevin is, incidentally, bisexual, and though that identity plays very little part in the story itself, his bisexuality haunts the story from its dark corners. Morgan has to choose between the love of his community and his (human, male) lover. This is a choice familiar to most of us queer folk and, I suspect, poignant in other ways for those in our community who identify as bisexual (straights don’t want someone queer, and non-bi queers don’t want someone who could pass as straight).
Kevin discovers Morgan’s…well, his non-humanness…about halfway through this love story. While the first half of the story is strung with the tension of their difference, of misunderstandings and cultural distance, the second half of the story works to make those differences legible, and then beautiful, to both characters.
This is a novel about difference and sameness. It’s a novel about straddling two very different worlds (complete with different values, different expectations, different responsibilities, different desires) and learning to balance with your feet in different places (or learning, in Morgan’s case, how to balance on feet at all, I guess). There’s gentle humor here (I laughed out loud and read passages to my partner a few times), and characters drawn with real emotional lives.
Often love stories thrive on difference, while assuming a comfortable sameness (the guy has dark hair, the girl is blonde; the guy is physically strong, the girl is dainty; the guy has guy-parts and the girl has girl-parts, but they both share the same white, middle-class 20th-C values, and somehow things fit together, lock and key, as if everything were inevitable). This love story doesn’t depend upon that schlock–sameness isn’t a requirement for love, and people are wonderfully different in more ways than just the equipment they use to pee.
I don’t want to give away how the story winds up, but I will say that this formerly-little queer girl got her happy ending.
Kevin is, incidentally, bisexual, and though that identity plays very little part in the story itself, his bisexuality haunts the story from its dark corners. Morgan has to choose between the love of his community and his (human, male) lover. This is a choice familiar to most of us queer folk and, I suspect, poignant in other ways for those in our community who identify as bisexual (straights don’t want someone queer, and non-bi queers don’t want someone who could pass as straight).
Kevin discovers Morgan’s…well, his non-humanness…about halfway through this love story. While the first half of the story is strung with the tension of their difference, of misunderstandings and cultural distance, the second half of the story works to make those differences legible, and then beautiful, to both characters.
This is a novel about difference and sameness. It’s a novel about straddling two very different worlds (complete with different values, different expectations, different responsibilities, different desires) and learning to balance with your feet in different places (or learning, in Morgan’s case, how to balance on feet at all, I guess). There’s gentle humor here (I laughed out loud and read passages to my partner a few times), and characters drawn with real emotional lives.
Often love stories thrive on difference, while assuming a comfortable sameness (the guy has dark hair, the girl is blonde; the guy is physically strong, the girl is dainty; the guy has guy-parts and the girl has girl-parts, but they both share the same white, middle-class 20th-C values, and somehow things fit together, lock and key, as if everything were inevitable). This love story doesn’t depend upon that schlock–sameness isn’t a requirement for love, and people are wonderfully different in more ways than just the equipment they use to pee.
I don’t want to give away how the story winds up, but I will say that this formerly-little queer girl got her happy ending.
October 16, 2018
Seven Tears at High Tide is another book that I read for Asian Lit Bingo. I really enjoyed Not Your Sidekick (review here) by the same author, and one of my favourite mythical people are selkies, so I knew I would read Seven Tears at High Tide sooner than later.
It’s an #ownvoices story.
Check out my book blog for more book reviews and other bookish posts!
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I love this book so much! Seriously, I was really scared going into it because I had such high hopes for the story, and usually my expectations aren’t met. But they were!
The writing style is present-tense and third-person, which is a style I’ve only seen in C. B. Lee’s work. It took me some time to get used to it. I really enjoy this writiing style and think it suits her books very well.
The worldbuilding is stunning. The selkies have their own traditions and their own culture. They are able to communicate with the Sea and have their own words for certain human words. I’m a huge fan of reading about how a non-human would view the human world and which words they have for their own daily lives, so this was a highlight for me. The worldbuilding was structured so flawlessly, I could really tell that the author had spent time creating the fantasy aspect of this novel.
Morgan’s mother is a Selkie, and his father is a human. It was interesting to see him explore his human side, seeing that he had never met a human before meeting Kevin. It was also interesting and, at times, funny to see him discover more about the human world (e.g. condoms). I thought that both of the choices that he had close to the end were awful, neither was better than the other, and this really got to me. I was so invested in finding out which he would end up choosing and was very happy with the solution.
The romance is so cute here. Kevin already knows he’s bisexual, so it’s not a coming-out story. It’s a story of somebody who doesn’t fall in love at first sight, slowing easing into a relationship with someone who has fallen in love at first sight. It’s very adorable!
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Seven Tears at High Tide is a beautiful story with one of the sweetest romances I’ve ever read. Huge recommendation from me! I’m hoping for a sequel as I would love to know if some of the penguins that Morgan met were shapeshifters – he thinks about this himself and I really want to know.
And if you need something other than my review to convince you that this book is adorable, check out the book trailer.
It’s an #ownvoices story.
Check out my book blog for more book reviews and other bookish posts!
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I love this book so much! Seriously, I was really scared going into it because I had such high hopes for the story, and usually my expectations aren’t met. But they were!
The writing style is present-tense and third-person, which is a style I’ve only seen in C. B. Lee’s work. It took me some time to get used to it. I really enjoy this writiing style and think it suits her books very well.
The worldbuilding is stunning. The selkies have their own traditions and their own culture. They are able to communicate with the Sea and have their own words for certain human words. I’m a huge fan of reading about how a non-human would view the human world and which words they have for their own daily lives, so this was a highlight for me. The worldbuilding was structured so flawlessly, I could really tell that the author had spent time creating the fantasy aspect of this novel.
Morgan’s mother is a Selkie, and his father is a human. It was interesting to see him explore his human side, seeing that he had never met a human before meeting Kevin. It was also interesting and, at times, funny to see him discover more about the human world (e.g. condoms). I thought that both of the choices that he had close to the end were awful, neither was better than the other, and this really got to me. I was so invested in finding out which he would end up choosing and was very happy with the solution.
The romance is so cute here. Kevin already knows he’s bisexual, so it’s not a coming-out story. It’s a story of somebody who doesn’t fall in love at first sight, slowing easing into a relationship with someone who has fallen in love at first sight. It’s very adorable!
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Seven Tears at High Tide is a beautiful story with one of the sweetest romances I’ve ever read. Huge recommendation from me! I’m hoping for a sequel as I would love to know if some of the penguins that Morgan met were shapeshifters – he thinks about this himself and I really want to know.
And if you need something other than my review to convince you that this book is adorable, check out the book trailer.
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