Mine

Saltwater Series #1

by James Russell

“Taking in the mesmerising vision before me, I raised my arms towards the ocean like an idiot king acknowledging his subjects. My own surfing realm. Every single wave that broke on this reef was mine.”

Twenty-six-year-old Jimmy Brennan’s life has taken a turn for the worse, and he’s desperate to numb the pain. When his mother dies and his girlfriend betrays him, it’s the final straw and he seeks escape; he boards a plane bound for Bali.

But Jimmy’s demons chase him. Sickened by the tourists and the crowded surf spots, he travels north up the archipelago, driven by a desire for solitude and possessed by a reckless, self-destructive urge.

When he’s offered the opportunity to visit and surf the forbidden island of North Sentinel, home of a forgotten tribe who have violently rejected outside contact for centuries, Jimmy takes it.

He finds his perfect wave, but it’s a decision that will have deadly consequences.

Genres: Australia

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

I am the author of the best-selling Dragon Brothers Trilogy of children's books (The Dragon Hunters, The Dragon Tamers and The Dragon Riders) and the best-selling, middle-grade novel series The Dragon Defenders (The Dragon Defenders, The Dragon Defenders – Book Two: The Pitbull Returns, The Dragon Defenders - Book Three: An Unfamiliar Place, The Dragon Defenders - Book Four: All Is Lost and The Dragon Defenders - Book Five: The Grand Opening.
I launch my first book for adults, entitled 'Mine - A Surfing Odyssey on North Sentinel Island' on June 1, 2021.
I live in Auckland with my wife and two young sons.

Reviews

[Justin Moor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A future classic surf novel - a must for every surfer dreaming of empty waves! I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of this novel (and am not affiliated or known to the author in any way or receiving any payment for my honest review). I'm a surfer and a lover of adventurous travel and travel writing who currently finds himself land-locked, locked-down and limited by life's commitments - so you could argue I was the perfect audience for Mine. Perhaps that's why this has been the first book in ages which I've literally not been able to put down and yet didn't want to end. If Alex Garland was a surfer he'd have written a book like this. Nicely paced with relatable, authentic characters and never a dull moment. Interspersed throughout with completely immersive surfing sequences which pull the reader into the very waves themselves. However Russell's ability to transport the reader into another world is faultless throughout. A highly recommended read, by the end of the book I was so immersed in the island on which "Jimmy" finds himself that it took me a few hours to mentally let go of it and come back to reality.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just awesome. Recommended. Dark escapism from our toxic-matrix into a simply savage reality. Hyper realistic visions of intense waves and gripping drama make this book hard to put-down. I can’t wait for another one along these lines as I didn’t want Jimmy’s fast-paced paradisiac-nightmare to end. The vivid descriptions are lush and super relatable for a gen-x surfer, MINE is written with my kind of lingo. Like a thought-out version of the unplanned exit we’ve all dreamt… but never quite had the push factors or the heart to get out there and realise. The surfing scenes are nothing short of epic.

[Richard Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a surfer by any stretch of the imagination, but this book does do a great job providing the thrill and obsession with the big waves. Very lyrical, beautifully written and a very interesting story to go with it. It will be a book that sticks with me for a long time.

[Andrew Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this and found it gripping from the start. As a keen surfer and someone who is fascinated by surf travel, and Indonesia and Asia, this was right up my street. The book really captured my imagination, and was written in a way so believable that I wondered if it may be a true and a story of someones life. A fascinating tail of a true adventure to one of the last frontiers! I listened to the audio-book of this which was ace and narrated very well in return for giving an honest review of it. The author lives on the other side of the planet so I have nothing to gain by being positive in my review but I would be very very keen to listen/read more books in this series. To the author, thankyou for a great listen, hope everything goes well and keep up the great work!
I would like to have reviewed this on Amazon to give greater exposure, but sadly living in the UK, i could not review it on the .com site, and it isn't listed on amazon.co.uk

[Mike Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner, fast paced, gritty and absorbing. As a surfer I loved the beautifully worded descriptions about waves, however this is so much more than a novel about surf. It's powerful characters and multi-layered plot will resonate with anyone looking for a disconnect from life's daily grind. Highly recommended.

[Jabin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid first entrance into adult writing, great surf scenes and descriptions and the main story line is lively fast paced and totally believable and in many parts relatable!
Recommend highly for any surfers wanting to read a surf adventure book or the average punter who enjoys a good travel fiction story. Will be keen to read any more in the series

[Jemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a day, it was impossible to put down! NZ author James Russell has written a debut adult fiction and it is gripping from the first sentence. 26 year old surfer Jimmy has hit a low point in his life, his girlfriend has betrayed him with his best friend, his mother dies and he is still suffering trauma from growing up with an abusive father. His only respite is found on the ocean when he immerses himself in another world - surfing - but crowds of people drive him away and he longs for a place that he can surf solo, away from everything. He books a trip to Bali, but is disgusted by the flocks of tourists, over-surfed beaches, and filth of the cities. When he hires a local seaman - Firoz - to take him out to surf locations further afield, Firoz confides in him that he knows an amazing surfing spot but it is at North Sentinel Island which is forbidden, as the tribe there gets no contact from the outside world and will kill outsiders. With sheer adrenaline, Jimmy discovers waves he has only ever dreamed of, but a near death encounter leaves him stranded there...
I am not a surfer but loved the descriptions of the waves and the ocean, James writes beautifully. There is a harshness to the main character and his experiences but he both loses and finds himself in the water, which is very relatable.
A thrilling read.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one sitting, it’s such a hidden gem of a novel and the storytelling was addictive to read, I just wanted more. So glad I picked this book up

[Natalie Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read this on Bookfunnel, thanks to James Russell author of the Dragon Brothers Series who is asking for book reviews of his new Adult!! book.

This is a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Jimmy faces life head on when his girlfriend does the unspeakable. This is a fast paced book that once you start you will read it in one go. Your emotions on the edge of the wave just like Jimmy everytime he goes out, will he be able to pull his life back on track. And just how far off the track will he go to survive. Take the ride.

[Barry Tuddenham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Mine from the author James Russell in exchange for an honest review. Truth be told I opted for the audiobook. In fact, this was my first ever audiobook and, if they’re all as enjoyable as this, it won’t be my last. However, for the review... but first, let me give you an idea of my background. I’m a 57 year old surfer from Avoca Beach in Australia with multiple Indo missions under my belt. I’ve watched Bali, in my opinion, degrade since its glory in the 80’s. And I’ve found myself searching the reaches of Indonesia looking to rekindle that early Indo magic ever since. Nias in 89, Desert Pt in 90, Lakeys 91,.......Ment’s, Grajagan, Paniatan, Telos, ... right up to the Hinakos in 2020. Accordingly I’ve got what I’d consider a fairly good handle on Indo surf travel culture over the past 35 years. Now... back to the review. I found the storyline to be not only captivating, but highly accurate. The referencing was such that I could picture each of the locations and in turn visualise what was being inferred. I found the balance of surfing and non-surfing content to be spot on the mark. The characters were, for the most, likeable, although every good tale does need its Joro. I would be surprised if anyone didn’t like Mine, especially if they embarked upon it with an open mind. I found it to be one of the more engaging pieces of fiction that I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying. In fact I was so impressed I went back for seconds! Congratulations James. I think that you hit this one out of the park. And for those who are yet to read (or listen to) Mine, do yourself a favour and get a copy. You won’t be disappointed.
Beej

[Ken Nicolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book at midnight and couldn't put it down until an early morning start forced me to at 3am. I couldn't wait to finish it and as soon as my day of surfing was done I came back and finished it. Yes it inspired me to get out there amongst the waves as quickly as possible because as a surfer it was so accurate, so beautifully written with crystal clear imagery enabling you to feel the energy of the ocean and combining that with an exciting and unique and intriguing story that I couldn't help but rate it as a fantastic read, surfer or not. Having also experienced many of the same frustrations and environments, places and history of the character it was hard not to relate to this character, his background and life before he reaches the magical paradise that was also so menacing. Perfect waves to himself in a land that was forbidden. How he overcomes the foreboding threats to his life while ripping into perfect barrels is a story you must investigate. Its written in an easy and flowing style that allows you to move from one event to another with eager anticipation carried along by beautiful visual descriptions and a powerful but subtle undercurrent of both sensuality and danger. Ken Nicolson.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept trying to get into this book, and ultimately just didn't connect with the story. I enjoyed the descriptions of the island, when the main character doctors and teaches the islanders to swim, the shipwreck, MacGyvered fishhooks, and the descriptions of the different types of waves and wipeouts. These however were largely overwhelmed by the main character ranting and cursing with little context for a substantial part of the book, which were jarringly intense overreactions to minor inconveniences. His attitude, which seems to only exist on a continuum of angst and apathy, leads him to wreak destruction in his wake everywhere he goes, whether it's in his family life, with his friends, in his love-life, or with the islanders. This ultimately made it difficult to empathize with him even after the giant flashback dump later in the story. His back-story, while sad, was introduced in such a way that it felt more like a blanket excuse for the long string of selfish outbursts. While there was some remorse, reflection, and a quasi-redemption arc by the end of the story, it didn't feel like an authentic counterbalance to the fervent angst and self-sabotage earlier in the book.

[Lindy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to ‘Mine’ on audio books, narrated by Luke Davis. It was both thrilling and compelling from the first chapter.
Even if you know little about surfing, the terminology is easy to follow and becomes its own language.
The adventure propels itself forward, taking you on the wildest ride that leaves you searching for the next book in the series.

[Rick Yeowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not one for fiction but this surf based book is fantastic. Not an ounce or pretence, visceral, exciting and enthralling. I couldn’t put it down.
Brilliant stuff. Feels like you’re reading your own diary in its familiarity

[Zan Carraher-Kang · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5/5 bc I hated the writing but still wanted to read to the end

[Pat Pattillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What surfer or non-surfer can’t identify with a desire to avoid crowds by straying from the beaten path to escape the overloaded nonsense of what we call civilization, especially in the case of surfers for uncrowded waves?

So it goes for 26 year-old James Brennan, surfer, son to an abusive father who drank himself to death and a recently deceased Mum. Adding to that misfortune is a girlfriend caught cheating on him with a friend and enduring being burned at his break by kooks it was enough to send him fleeing to Bali and beyond. So far beyond that he had second thoughts and doubted that he’d ever make it back again when his own self-preservation hinged on leaving.

First person narrative partially accounts for the characterization of "immersive." Everything is seen through James Brennan's eyes and that's a plus. There are books intended to introduce something to the unfamiliar (I'm thinking non-fiction writer Michael Lewis here) and others written only for the familiar. Despite surfing technicalities that must necessarily be accepted at face value by those never challenged by big wave surfing or emerging dry from a deep tube, the excellent narrative will nevertheless hold non-surfers in rapt attention. It may help to understand that the author know what he is writing about firsthand and that his descriptions of surfing make that clear to any surfer.

I’ll not spoil the ending by giving any more away except for saying there is danger, close brushes with death soul-searching and on the brighter side, waves, waves and more waves that are his and only his and to quote main character James Brennan all “Mine.”

Read it. You won’t be sorry.

[Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m ashamed to admit that I entered into reading of this book - as part of the pre release readers - with great trepidation. A children’s book authour taking on the (never accurately captured) surf and travel culture? Hmmmm.
But it turns out that I was not only pleasantly surprised, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Its accurate portrayal of the surf and third world travel cultures, combined with a flawed but relatable protagonist, with a sadly familiar back story, churn out a gripping novel. You can smell the salt and feel the crowd at the superbank, feel empathy as his world slowly falls apart and share in the optimism as he casts off the shackles and heads for the great unknown. Disappointment, fear, joy and understanding are all there on offer, and the age old dilemma of whether isolation or opening your borders is the correct route is brought to mind, at least for me.
A surprisingly engaging and compelling novel that will be enjoyed by both surfers and non-surfers alike, and will bring vivid memories back to anybody who has spent time travelling through developing countries. Highly recommended.

[Ruthita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun surfing novel. I got handed this book by the author, while watching the waves in the car park of my home break. A quick easy read for those looking for a page-turner and written in a friendly colloquial style. Follow Aussie James, who after a big night, discovers he has booked tickets to Bali. He had a shit deal handed to him in Oz with family and girlfriend issues, and he hates the crowded surf at home on the Gold Coast, so he takes the ticket. Not enjoying the crowds there, he finds the very uncrowded north sentinel where a lost tribe live. The book reads like a male surf fantasy story where I’m sure at times the reader would like to be in his shoes. I don’t necessarily always like James, the protagonist, I find him a bit ego-centric at times. But a fun, easy, quick read. Coming in at only 154 pages you will lap it up in no time. I will likely somehow find the next one in the series when it comes out. As a surfer myself, I enjoyed reading a surf novel, and immersing into the tales of the ocean.

[Allison Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book in Auckland, New Zealand at the promise of a true Oceanic storyline: surfers, beaches, mystery. The writing was incredibly fast-paced and probably a little too brief. He likes to go on and on for pages about surfing and skips over everything else.

The whole plot revolves around a surfer, Jimmy, whose mother dies and girlfriend cheats on him with his best friend in the same week. He escapes life to Southeast Asia to putter around and find the perfect wave to surf. By bad luck (or good luck?), he gets trapped on Sentinel Island by a tribe who has never been in contact with the outside world.

Honestly, it was a quick read and was a fun insight into a surfer's life. But nothing other than that. No suspense, no horror, no drama, no humor. Well - none that really were done correctly. I would recommend if you're bored and/or on vacation near a beach!

[Shayne William · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Mine from the author James Russell in exchange for an honest review.

I found it to be a great read. Being a surfer myself for over 60 years I could identify with Jimmy and his dislike of crowded waves. By time I got to the " The Killing of the two Brazilians " I am thinking this is going to be a great book and I was not let down.

A non surfer may struggle a little with the gripping descriptions of the waves, but they will be more than compensated with the story. The issues that happened to Jimmy are issues that we all face in one way or another and so you build this emotional attachment to Jimmy as he takes you on this wild adventure.

I can highly recommend this book

[Marco Milardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy is an Australian surfer, and like most surfers on the planet, in love with the activity but frustrated by the crowds in the water. When life kicks him in the groin, he first doubles down and dives into his work. But when it kicks him again he does what every surfer on the planet dreams of: he sets out on a trip to find better and less crowded waves. Jimmy gets more than he's bargained for, and has the adventure of a lifetime on one of the few places where white men have yet to set foot. If you're a surfer you'll appreciate the dreamy depiction of wave action, but if you're not you'll learn to appreciate it through this book and you'll still be gripped by the intense-paced action. I did receive an advanced copy of this book, but my review is as honest as they come.

[Elisabeth Nz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. My son 16 year old son Theo hasn't read much in the last year, as much as I put books in front of him, nothing has gelled - till Mine. And he gobbled it down in three days, and said it was one of the best books he's ever read although he did say it could be quite stressful reading prior to bed, as it did wind him up a bit. His review: "That James guy is a really good writer." The only problem being, what do I get him to read next. So hopefully the author will get the second book published pronto...and as soon as I've finished the latest Sally Rooney, which i'm loving. I'll be reading it too.

[Eileen Merriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and utterly immersive, with surfing passages that will have your heart leaping into your throat and your muscles twitching to do the same – a must-read for surfers and non-surfers alike. This is ‘Breath’ meets ‘The Beach’, but also a unique tale in its own right that will stay with the reader long after they read the last page. It was very obvious that the author is a surfer - I felt as if I was in there, surfing those very scary waves! I dare anyone to put this down - it was a real page-turner.

[Nigel Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself thoroughly immersed in this book from the first page, and did not want to put the book down. Being an older surfer I could relate to a lot of the main characters emotions and feelings, however I'm sure readers who have never surfed could also relate to it. Throughout the book I had to constantly remind myself that the story was fictional, and not the author's life experience, so thorough was the details and emotions. A very enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nick Tibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book. A book I wouldn't normally choose but after seeing the author requesting volunteers to receive a free copy and leave a review, (this was on a Facebook local surfer's page) I was happy to volunteer. After a slow start and me wondering where it would take me the book soon gathered pace and increased my interest. Written in great detail it left me thinking of perfect empty waves on a dreamy tropical island. I found it hard to put down and read the last 100 pages from start to end(very rare for me) and felt gutted when it ended. Hoping for a sequel. Highly recommended.

[Josie Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exciting story, and extremely well-written. Beautiful descriptions of waves and surfing, tempting me to give it a try. Most of the story is told through Jimmy's head - there isn't a lot of dialogue. The author's imagination is superb.

I would have liked to see a glossary of surfing terms. I only just managed to hold on to the descriptions of waves because they were so vividly drawn, otherwise I was tempted to skip those parts. And a slightly larger book, with bigger font, would have been good.

I'll be looking out for the next in the series, Lines.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid entry into the world of adult novels from the author of the renowned Dragon Defender series.

Mine follows protagonist Jimmy as his life falls apart. After the loss of his mother and the breakup of his relationship Jimmy does what many of us wish we could do, escape the country and go on an adventure.

Mine will appeal to surfers and adventurers alike with exciting adventures around every corner as Jimmy finds the ultimate private surf spot.

A modern boys own adventure, the dose of escapism we all need right now!

[Bene · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Russell handed me the book in raglan, nz and I probably wouldn’t have picked it in a bookstore. This way i had to read it tho.
After only a few pages it turns out that I really enjoy it.
I fell for the ease and flow the book has, every time I picked it up I only needed a few sentences to be back caught up in the story. Which was great for someone who definitely to often chooses the phone over a book.
After this book I am motivated to read more and regular it reintroduced the joy reading can give, thanks for that :)

[Caleb Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a visceral read. The surfers globe sometimes feels saturated by accessibility and the Nicobar Islands remain a rare, wild and mysterious corner that captures the imagination. The description of feelings and ocean experiences that only a surfer knows is exceptional and couples with the fear of primal savage brutality giving a hyper-real fictional immersion beyond the last frontier of globalization and surf adventure.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good read. Anyone who has ever surf Safari can relate..anyone who wants to..well it's a must read as the pitfalls and reef rash are real. It reads with the flow of the protagonist free falling down the face finding his rail and stalling into the pocket finding his line and driving down the face, standing tall in the shack and getting spit out..

Only a surfer knows the feeling and only a select few know what it's like to paddle out where fewer have before.