What do you think?
Rate this book
Seal Island #3
The Selkie Sorceress
American detective Sam Holt has a knack for finding people who shouldn't be found. When his last case almost killed an innocent woman, he swore off detective work forever. But when this same woman asks him for one last investigation—to find her husband's long-lost mother—Sam can’t refuse. Clairvoyant Irish artist Glenna McClure will do anything to stop Sam, even if it means teaming up with a powerful sorceress she knows she shouldn’t trust. But when the petals of a mysterious night-blooming rose begin to turn black, Glenna realizes that an even darker force is at work. To protect the people she loves, Glenna will have to face a terrible curse that has haunted her all her life before the final petal fades to ash.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2013
51 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Moss
7 books262 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sophie Moss writes magical Irish romances and heartwarming love stories set on the Chesapeake Bay. Drawn to peaceful island settings and the charm of close-knit communities, Sophie sets all her novels in places that feel like home. She grew up in a small, coastal town in Maryland, much like the one featured in her beloved Wind Chime series. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a retired Navy pilot who’s convinced she manifested him in one of her books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 3, 2013
Once you start this book you won't stop reading. Sophie Moss knows how to pull you in fast and take you on a wild adventure full of twists and turns, making you laugh and cry. Her female characters are strong, intelligent and always highly creative. In fact all her characters are well developed, so much so that you want a book on each one! The romance is perfect-steamy and sweet. And who doesn't want to live on Seal Island? Can't wait for her next book.
April 18, 2023
Wonderful Story
I really enjoyed this trilogy. A mixture of magic myth and reality amid a fantastic setting. I highly recommend this series.
I really enjoyed this trilogy. A mixture of magic myth and reality amid a fantastic setting. I highly recommend this series.
September 4, 2019
I enjoyed this book the most of the all the books in the trilogy. It did go a little more in depth. Still a little too quick for me.
October 3, 2015
I have to admit that these books can get a little cheesy with the whole True Love is the Greatest Power business (Sam: “I have never had anything to live for until I met you.”). A lot of the big reveals also felt super predictable to me so I wasn't all too surprised while reading. However, I do like the writing and how things are weaved together.
Glenna really pissed me off in this book because of how much she lied and deceived (she did in the others, too, but I guess it's because she was centre-stage in this one that it annoyed me more). I do understand that she had a reason behind what she did...but it still really annoyed me. What annoyed me more, though, is that Sam was angry for all of two seconds that she'd been . Like...what the hell? Give me a little more anger!
Although, like I said, the writing was good, I didn't like the structure of the book. I didn't like how the book was chaptered because sometimes I felt it shouldn't have switched to a new chapter but it was. The book also felt really whiplash-y at times because there are so many POVs that the author switches between. There are more than half a dozen people's POVs and the switches are done fairly often and a good chunk of the book it told from the views of people other than Sam and/or Glenna. Sometimes there's barely a page dedicated to one person before it switches to someone new. I get that it had to be done to tell the story...but it got fairly irritating switching between all of these people.
Glenna really pissed me off in this book because of how much she lied and deceived (she did in the others, too, but I guess it's because she was centre-stage in this one that it annoyed me more). I do understand that she had a reason behind what she did...but it still really annoyed me. What annoyed me more, though, is that Sam was angry for all of two seconds that she'd been . Like...what the hell? Give me a little more anger!
Although, like I said, the writing was good, I didn't like the structure of the book. I didn't like how the book was chaptered because sometimes I felt it shouldn't have switched to a new chapter but it was. The book also felt really whiplash-y at times because there are so many POVs that the author switches between. There are more than half a dozen people's POVs and the switches are done fairly often and a good chunk of the book it told from the views of people other than Sam and/or Glenna. Sometimes there's barely a page dedicated to one person before it switches to someone new. I get that it had to be done to tell the story...but it got fairly irritating switching between all of these people.
June 21, 2020
I loved this series. She captures the essence of Irish folklore, her characters are genuine people who have flaws, secrets and various personalities, but underlying all their idiosyncrasies, they have love and respect for one another and their environment. I loved each book in the series and had a hard time putting them down until I was finished. I also read the Wind Chime series and can hardly wait until Wind Chime Cottage comes out, as it is supposed to tie the two series together with Aiden’s story. He is Dominic’s and Liam’s brother who was given up for adoption.
April 11, 2013
A sizzling, riveting finale to this enchanting trilogy! The brilliant way Moss ties up Sam and Glenna's story will have you on the edge of your seat. Action-packed, full of surprises, and beautifully written. I absolutely loved this book!
January 27, 2019
YES, Its over! And the good guys won!
Thank you for letting Moira get her just do! Now that I got that out of the way, I felt everyone would get what they needed, but I like the way you did it. Bringing Sister into the ending was a really nice touch. I was beginning to wonder about Glenna, but you wrapped that up very nicely as well. I liked ALL your characters (YES even the rotten ones), because without them the story wouldn't be the same. You wove the threads beautifully, and kept us interested all the way! Irish tales are near to me as my ancestors are from Ireland! So thank you again for a great series and let us know when Aiden's story is ready. From williefrank0494@gmail.com.
Thank you for letting Moira get her just do! Now that I got that out of the way, I felt everyone would get what they needed, but I like the way you did it. Bringing Sister into the ending was a really nice touch. I was beginning to wonder about Glenna, but you wrapped that up very nicely as well. I liked ALL your characters (YES even the rotten ones), because without them the story wouldn't be the same. You wove the threads beautifully, and kept us interested all the way! Irish tales are near to me as my ancestors are from Ireland! So thank you again for a great series and let us know when Aiden's story is ready. From williefrank0494@gmail.com.
November 6, 2016
I loved every page of this trilogy. Took me away to Ireland .. a land I have always wanted to visit. The fantasy seems so real that I hated to put the books down. Thank you Sophie Moss!
Loved a three Seal Island books! Can't wait to read more books by this wonderful author. Go d job .. real page turners
Loved a three Seal Island books! Can't wait to read more books by this wonderful author. Go d job .. real page turners
April 20, 2018
Wonderful Series
Absolutely fell in love with this series—the characters are all quirky and relatable—this series had a bit more magic in it than her Wind Chime series—but still lovely to read—all the plots moved at a good pace and I loved the conclusion....anxiously awaiting the next book that ties the two series together
Absolutely fell in love with this series—the characters are all quirky and relatable—this series had a bit more magic in it than her Wind Chime series—but still lovely to read—all the plots moved at a good pace and I loved the conclusion....anxiously awaiting the next book that ties the two series together
November 28, 2022
LOVED the book. Once I got started, I didn't want to put it down. Seal Island is a very good trilogy and so is Sophie Moss's Wind Chime series. Book 4 of the Wind Chime series can also be considered a 4th book in the Seal Island series as it ties the two series together. I recommend both series and look forward to reading more from Sophie Moss.
March 7, 2023
Drama, magic and the ocean in Ireland
Ireland has always seemed special and magical to me. So when I stated with the first of the trilogy, I was hooked! The characters were real with worries, problems and finding new friends. I really enjoyed mixing an old fairy tale with modern people. Very special trilogy and I thoroughly enjoyed them!
Ireland has always seemed special and magical to me. So when I stated with the first of the trilogy, I was hooked! The characters were real with worries, problems and finding new friends. I really enjoyed mixing an old fairy tale with modern people. Very special trilogy and I thoroughly enjoyed them!
May 5, 2019
Excellent choice
Sophie Moss has a very rare talent. She has a special ability to weave a storyline that wraps your desire to engage in a story and your thrust for adventure. You will love her Chas as family.
Sophie Moss has a very rare talent. She has a special ability to weave a storyline that wraps your desire to engage in a story and your thrust for adventure. You will love her Chas as family.
July 18, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable
Couldn't put it down! Having read the wind chime novels I wondered if the author could carry this off as it's so different but I needn't have worried. Well done, Sophie. Can't wait for the next.
Couldn't put it down! Having read the wind chime novels I wondered if the author could carry this off as it's so different but I needn't have worried. Well done, Sophie. Can't wait for the next.
October 21, 2021
Selkies!!
Loved this book and the whole series. Magic everywhere, along with danger, romance and intrigue. I would recommend this book to anyone who believes in magic (or wants to believe in magic)
Loved this book and the whole series. Magic everywhere, along with danger, romance and intrigue. I would recommend this book to anyone who believes in magic (or wants to believe in magic)
November 25, 2022
Seal Island Trilogy
Throughly engrossing series, read it from book 1 to book 3 in two days, extremely well written. The characters all worked, and their stories are very well worked together. Brilliant.
Throughly engrossing series, read it from book 1 to book 3 in two days, extremely well written. The characters all worked, and their stories are very well worked together. Brilliant.
October 1, 2017
Seal Island trilogy intriguing
Great flow. Really enjoyed how mythological stories were weaved into today's world. Looking forward to reading the Wind Chimes collection.
Great flow. Really enjoyed how mythological stories were weaved into today's world. Looking forward to reading the Wind Chimes collection.
October 5, 2018
Glenn's plan
This story was even more compelling.So many secrets that all will be explained in the end,if it's not too late to save the island!
This story was even more compelling.So many secrets that all will be explained in the end,if it's not too late to save the island!
February 28, 2019
Good
I like all her series so far. Makes you not want to put them down. I hope you enjoy them too.
I like all her series so far. Makes you not want to put them down. I hope you enjoy them too.
June 20, 2019
Trilogy of Seal island.
Very interesting set of books. They made you looks at myths,fairy tales, and legends in a very different way. Read all three don’t miss a single one
Very interesting set of books. They made you looks at myths,fairy tales, and legends in a very different way. Read all three don’t miss a single one
August 21, 2019
Wonderful
I love these stories. I love magic and this brings life and magic together. I am looking forward to reading about their long lost brother
I love these stories. I love magic and this brings life and magic together. I am looking forward to reading about their long lost brother
March 10, 2022
This was a very fun series to read. I loved each and every one of the characters and the Irish folklore was amazing. I would definitely read it again!
December 31, 2022
Just finished this. It was harder to get into for some reason, a bit different than the other 2 but I persevered and it was worth it.
April 2, 2023
The series was fun and pulls you in immediately.
Who doesn’t like fairy tales and magic especially when the ocean is involved
Who doesn’t like fairy tales and magic especially when the ocean is involved
May 25, 2023
Selfie #3
I loved this series. It was very interesting and holds your interest. I would recommend this series to everyone. Enjoy !
I loved this series. It was very interesting and holds your interest. I would recommend this series to everyone. Enjoy !
February 7, 2017
Great ending!
Great ending to a good story. I'm glad to hear she will be continuing the stories. Let's of new developments. I'll never look at the sea the same. Looking forward to reading more!
Great ending to a good story. I'm glad to hear she will be continuing the stories. Let's of new developments. I'll never look at the sea the same. Looking forward to reading more!
November 25, 2013
Throughout the past two book in the Seal Island Trilogy I have loved the little glimpses we’ve had into Glenna and Sam’s rather turbulent relationship, and was so excited for the third book that would tell their story.
Needless to say I was not disappointed. I absolutely adored every page of this book just as I loved the last ones, and Sophie Moss’ beautiful prose with which I connected to so much was again present, beautiful descriptions of the magical Irish landscape making the story seem so real and familiar as I get drawn into the life of the Islanders.
Glenna’s character is one that has always intrigued me. I loved the fierce protectiveness she had for her friends in the last two books, and her scenes with Sam in Book One when she tried and succeeded to distract him in order to give Tara more time to escape, made me laugh out loud and give a high five for team girl power. I always admired the strength that Glenna seemed to exude, and felt for her when she had to keep the facade up to protect her and her friends. Although I didn’t agree with the many choices that Glenna made in her past, I understood why she felt the need to act the way she did, and admired her desire to protect others even though it would be dangerous to herself. The relationship she had with her mother Moira was one that pulled at the heartstrings. Moira’s descent into darkness and Glenna’s habit of pushing away the people who care for her was cleverly entwined and I loved how Sam worked away at Glenna to make her see that they were stronger together.
Another part of this story that I really enjoyed was seeing that Owen’s sudden transition to the human world wasn’t as easy on him as you might think. I always had some sympathy for Owen, even though he had found his true family, as I knew that a child would find it difficult to pass over their affections immediately to a new mother. As much as I love Caitlin and Liam, I was so pleased to see that Owen still felt the need to visit Nuala and sit with her. She was the only mother he knew for the majority of his childhood which was mostly underwater in a completely different world. It would be very difficult for him to adjust to the life on land.
I don’t want to spoil the main storyline of the story so will keep this part of the review brief. The storyline, as with the last two books, was so engaging and kept me on my toes throughout. Sophie Moss expertly entwines hints of mystery, fantasy, intrigue and suspense all wrapped up nicely with some beautiful undertones of the love of family and friends and the power of light in the face of darkness. This story neatly wraps up the entire series without leaving me with any questions unanswered. This series is unique in its story and just so beautifully written that it is a treat to read when you just want to escape from the world for a few hours.
5 Stars!
November 5, 2013
I started writing this review and realized it was almost exactly the same as the ones I wrote for the first two. It isn't that the books are monotonous or repetitive because they aren't. I loved each one separately for their unique stories, but the thing they have in common is Sophie Moss' TALENT. This author has a well developed voice that has style and is a joy to read.
The Selkie Sorceress, like its predecessors, is a very well written book. Sophie Moss presents a climactic and engaging end to this wonderful selkie trilogy. The mix of mythology in a contemporary setting was achieved through fairytale books read by the children in the novel. The story is familiar and yet presented in a way where I did not know what to expect. Brilliant. The supernatural is presented in a believable and realistic way. It was like the air on Seal Island was thick with magic and the inhabitants didn't notice because they were used to it. The same happens to the reader - each book is more fantastical (I mean, this one had a murdering sea witch and good hearted mermaid/selkie hybrid) and yet the author manages to make you so engrossed with the story that you forget to disbelieve. The magic seems perfectly normal. The same two things struck me as I read this one as when I read the others: the rich well described setting and the excellently paced plot. The story developed naturally, not a word seemed rushed nor description overly drawn out. I was actually anxious when the tide threatened the island, and felt the heat of the fire. Every character's actions make sense; they do what feels right to that individual, not just what the author needs them to do.
If you haven't read The Selkie Spell and The Selkie Enchantress, then do yourself a favor and buy them! You won't regret it. Obviously these books are in a series and should be read in order. I wish I could go back and read them again for the first time.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Natalie Gibson, reviewer for Satin Sheets Romance Review
The Selkie Sorceress, like its predecessors, is a very well written book. Sophie Moss presents a climactic and engaging end to this wonderful selkie trilogy. The mix of mythology in a contemporary setting was achieved through fairytale books read by the children in the novel. The story is familiar and yet presented in a way where I did not know what to expect. Brilliant. The supernatural is presented in a believable and realistic way. It was like the air on Seal Island was thick with magic and the inhabitants didn't notice because they were used to it. The same happens to the reader - each book is more fantastical (I mean, this one had a murdering sea witch and good hearted mermaid/selkie hybrid) and yet the author manages to make you so engrossed with the story that you forget to disbelieve. The magic seems perfectly normal. The same two things struck me as I read this one as when I read the others: the rich well described setting and the excellently paced plot. The story developed naturally, not a word seemed rushed nor description overly drawn out. I was actually anxious when the tide threatened the island, and felt the heat of the fire. Every character's actions make sense; they do what feels right to that individual, not just what the author needs them to do.
If you haven't read The Selkie Spell and The Selkie Enchantress, then do yourself a favor and buy them! You won't regret it. Obviously these books are in a series and should be read in order. I wish I could go back and read them again for the first time.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Natalie Gibson, reviewer for Satin Sheets Romance Review
May 4, 2013
As an ending to the series, it was more than I could have hoped for. Everything tied together so nicely, and I loved how the first two books' plots intertwined with this third novel. They weren't stand alone books, and I loved the way Sophie Moss weaved the story throughout all of them. Sam and Glenna's love for each other was so beautiful and true, and I just swooned at Sam's unrelenting passion and love for her. He was one of my favorite characters; he never gave up on her, and he was strong enough to match Glenna and break the "curse." I also enjoyed the continuing story-line with all of the other characters--Tara, Dominic, Liam, Caitlin, Owen, and Kelsey. Although at times, I felt like the pieces with them overshadowed Glenna and Sam's scenes. I wanted more of them and their story, but all of the characters were so important to the novel, and I loved that the ending still involved all of them. This novel was beautifully written and wonderfully told. It was so easy to love the characters, even Nuala, who was forgiven for what she had done in the second novel. I have to say, I'm a sucker for fairy tales, true love, and happy endings. I got all of that, and so much more. I thought the epilogue tied up the loose ends, except for one of them (but I can't say, because it would be a spoiler). I wonder if Moss will continue that story-line in a different book. I want her to, because I'm not sure I'm ready to say goodbye to the amazing people on Seal Island. With Irish legends and myths, passionate characters, and an evil witch, Moss has woven a wonderful tale of courage, hope, and love.
October 11, 2015
The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss is an thrilling conclusion to the Seal Island Trilogy. The story centers around local Irish artist Glenna, a clairvoyant who also performs a bit of magic. Although Glenna has sworn off men after several relationships ended badly, she falls for Sam, the American investigator hired to locate Tara in Selkie Spell. The story begins with Sam investigating the disappearance of Liam's and Dominik's mother, Brigid, over 25 years ago. Unbeknownst to Sam, Glenna is using her magical powers against him finding Brigid. Glenna's intentions are pure as she is only trying to protect Brigid from her evil mother (think the sea-witch from the Little Mermaid fairytale).
Like the Selkie Enchantress before it, the Selkie Sorceress is a wonderful blend of fairy tale and mystery. It clearly borrows a little from the Little Mermaid (a teenaged sea female falls in love with a man not of her species), but it is so much more. We have a mystery (what happened to Brigid), a thriller (will Moira kill Sam and Brigid, as well as destroy all of Seal Island), and of course, a romance (will Glenna learn that true love is stronger than any magic).
Hollis McCarthy did an outstanding job narrating, as she did with the other two books in trilogy. She really brings all of the characters to life giving each one their own distinct voice, both male and female. She also has a rhythm to her reading that is melodious, giving it a fairytale quality. In summary, Sophie and Hollis together are the perfect pairing for hours of thoroughly enjoyable entertainment.
Like the Selkie Enchantress before it, the Selkie Sorceress is a wonderful blend of fairy tale and mystery. It clearly borrows a little from the Little Mermaid (a teenaged sea female falls in love with a man not of her species), but it is so much more. We have a mystery (what happened to Brigid), a thriller (will Moira kill Sam and Brigid, as well as destroy all of Seal Island), and of course, a romance (will Glenna learn that true love is stronger than any magic).
Hollis McCarthy did an outstanding job narrating, as she did with the other two books in trilogy. She really brings all of the characters to life giving each one their own distinct voice, both male and female. She also has a rhythm to her reading that is melodious, giving it a fairytale quality. In summary, Sophie and Hollis together are the perfect pairing for hours of thoroughly enjoyable entertainment.
October 25, 2015
Selkies and mermaids, who would have known ? Well I didn't but the author clearly has a broader knowledge of such things than I. I've read both of the earlier books of this series and enjoyed them, but this one is something different, something deeper, a stronger story.
There is a romance angle like in the other books, and it is still central to the story but it is not The Story. And, readers probably need to have met the main characters in the earlier books to really get a sense of the undercurrents, the tension and conflict between the hero and heroine started two books ago and comes to fruition in this story. Loved that part by the way.
But the main wow factor for me in this book was the merging of two strands of myth, which I had never imagined combined in any way, and weaving a depth and substance to what I thought was a fluffly fairy tale into a really engaging paranormal thriller. (IMO, no H about that!)
The only thing I don't like is the redesign of the covers for the series. I don't dislike the cover per se, but I liked the feel of the original covers better. Eh, they say you can't judge a book by its cover even if we do.
Start with book 1 and read them all, because book 2 is key to understanding the action of book 3, and book 1 sets the stage for the relationship in book 3.
Really enjoyed the series, sorry to see it end.
There is a romance angle like in the other books, and it is still central to the story but it is not The Story. And, readers probably need to have met the main characters in the earlier books to really get a sense of the undercurrents, the tension and conflict between the hero and heroine started two books ago and comes to fruition in this story. Loved that part by the way.
But the main wow factor for me in this book was the merging of two strands of myth, which I had never imagined combined in any way, and weaving a depth and substance to what I thought was a fluffly fairy tale into a really engaging paranormal thriller. (IMO, no H about that!)
The only thing I don't like is the redesign of the covers for the series. I don't dislike the cover per se, but I liked the feel of the original covers better. Eh, they say you can't judge a book by its cover even if we do.
Start with book 1 and read them all, because book 2 is key to understanding the action of book 3, and book 1 sets the stage for the relationship in book 3.
Really enjoyed the series, sorry to see it end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews