The Crystal Shore

by Jo de-Lancey

'An excellent read for lovers of high-adventure fantasy looking to fall into a fantastical world filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable characters.' - The Books That Make You.

'This novel is a testament to de-Lancey's skilful storytelling and ability to balance action, character development, and romance with the restrained hand of a seasoned, wonderfully talented writer.' - Readers' Favorite.

The Crystal Shore was the winner of two gold awards at the spring 2023 Book Fest awards. It came first in both Epic Fantasy, and Magic, Myths and Legends. It also has 5-star recognition from the Readers' Favorite.

How far would you go for a shot at redemption?

Killian O’Shea is a charlatan who masks his painful past with a smirk and a shrug. One night, the neurotic Ren Thorncliffe walks into his life and changes it forever. Ren’s father is dying, and the only thing that can save him is an enchanted artefact hidden on an uncharted island. According to Ren, Killian is the only person who can find it, and he’s willing to pay handsomely for his services. Killian agrees to help, seeing it as a way to make amends for his past by saving a life to pay for the two he lost.

Killian seeks out untouchable pirate captain Lily Rothbone for convenient transportation and inconvenient feelings. They share a turbulent history, but as long as they can keep from bickering about it, the mission should be easy. She will become rich, and he will put the ghosts of his past to rest by doing something good for once in his life.

After discovering the artefact locked away, Killian’s only choice is to throw himself into a hole in the ocean, known as the Demon’s Drop, to find the key. He awakes alone and in another world where he’s forced to prove his worth to a mysterious race by completing increasingly dangerous tasks. Failure will guarantee Ren’s father’s death and Killian’s too. A lonely death without redemption.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

578 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2022

About the author

Jo de-Lancey is a fantasy writer from the U.K. She wanted to be an author from a very young age, and used to while away the hours writing stories about enchanted scarecrows – which she’d then read to her older brother and his friends. Yes, she now cringes about this, but everyone has to start somewhere and with some sort of audience.

She’s since left the scarecrows behind in favour of thieves, pirates and magic. A love of the classic Final Fantasy and Zelda games drew her towards the fantasy genre, as well as the desire to create her own world. Her debut novel, The Crystal Shore, is the first in a series of four.

When she’s not writing can be found playing video games, navigating the wilds of the English countryside with her fiancée or watching b-movies while drinking cocktails.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-stars for this.

My review is on Instagram and Amazon.co.uk

[Jess Lessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crystal Shore is the first book in The Tempered Soul series. It follows scoundrel Killian and his redemptive journey as he aids an adorable and anxious young man named Ren who needs his help and only his help to obtain an artifact that will save his father. Killian enlists the help of Lily and her pirate crew for transport.
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If you are looking for a rollicking fantasy adventure, this is worth picking up. I adored the pirate crew in this, and the 'will they, won't they' subplot between Killian and Lily was fun, though I can't lie, I shipped Killian and Ren more. There were some action sequences that were reminiscent of classic video games which were so cool. I do think it meandered at some points and didn't need to be almost 600 pages long.

This is a fantastic summer read. I thought Killian's redemptive arc was very well done and Lily dealing with her stagnation was relatable. I'm so curious about Raven and I assume we'll get to know more about what his deal is in future books in the series. The last chapter was a doozy and I am still processing it. Can't wait for the next book!

This is a big indie gem that is available now on Amazon. I got an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cunning rogue Killian is compelled to help nervous-wreck Ren in an attempt to deal with the guilt he feels regarding his dark mysterious past. The two embark on a quest with pirate queen Captain Lily Rothbone and her crew, through which they must face magical adversity, snarky pirates, and their own demons to recover a magical artefact that will save the life of Ren’s father.

I loved this story. It is quite long (over 500 pages) but managed to keep me captivated and always wondering what was going to happen next. Some of the side-quests in the beginning were very unrelated to the main plot and I was a little worried I’d get bored (I just wanted to get going on the main quest!) but they weren’t too long and I ended up being thoroughly entertained. Plus, they did give us a lot of insight into Killian’s character, so I actually cared about him when the real action started.

The story was full of fantasy elements, high stakes, and an intricate world full of different locations, each with their own original atmospheres. De-Lancey’s world was brought to life through her fascinating descriptions, world building, and backstory, all of which were weaved seamlessly into the story without being clunky or jarring.

The two POV characters had very distinctive voices and fully-realized characterization and arcs. As a fellow nervous wreck, I really related to Ren and his arc meant a lot to me. The only things more interesting than the characters themselves were their relationships to each other, and how they changed throughout the story.

Speaking of relationships, I really enjoyed how de-Lancey handled the romantic subplot. In my humble opinion, the perfect amount of romantic subplot is the just enough to make me want more — or rather, make me want to yell at the characters through the pages — and that is exactly where de-Lancey took me. I love characters who love people they think aren’t right for them, but just can’t help it. I love TENSION!!!

I noticed some full-circle moments, especially in the beginning and ending, that really emphasized the extent of the journey each character had taken. I really appreciated these moments.

This book is one that I am thankful I was reading while I was writing, because I feel like I have learned from it, especially in regards to character development and description. Thank you for that opportunity, Jo de-Lancey! I cannot wait for the “Tempered Soul” sequel !

If you like character development just as much as you like action (or even more) and are a fan of pirate quests, fantastical settings, will-they-won’t-they romantic tension, and lots of magic and banter, The Crystal Shore is the book for you. This book fulfills all the expectations I had of a character-driven fantasy pirate adventure and more.

Thank you Jo de-Lancey for offering me a free copy of The Crystal Shore in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie Plourde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc read for an honest review!
One, what a beautiful cover and interior design. I loved that even in eBook you saw the pictures of the characters! It helped bring them to life as you read and part of me kept looking back to the pictures to see their mannerisms a little more in my head.
This book is defiantly a great example of piracy and character arcs and the ability to change even if your life was handed to you with empty promises or a darker past. Killian is braving a dangerous journey to make up for his past, to show he is worth something in this life and this book brings him through so much adventure and the path to finding his true self. Sure we might all be rough around the edges or have a tough past but it is what we do with the time ahead that can help heal our wounds and become the man or women we were meant to be.

Captain Lily was my favorite fmc! Along with some of the crew members who were funny and mysterious (yes raven was a definite!) but she's spunky and tries to have such a hard exterior being a well known pirate but you see her softer side behind closed doors. And all I'm going to say to this is her and Killian need to get their head out of the sand!!

Ren Thorncliffe is trying to save his father and Killian is the only one who can help him. It was this journey that not only changed Ren but also gave Killian the chance to face his inner demons. (You'll see what i mean when he enters the trials) and fall in love with the underground place and events.

I got to say from chapter 20 on I couldn't wait to come home from work and read this story. I will definitely be buying the book as soon as I can because the beauty alone would be fantastic on my shelf!

[Dean Shepley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the Crystal shore, it has a really accessible writing style full of adventure and world building. The characters are relatable and the dialogue is brilliant with the right pinch of humour. I found myself in the end really rooting for the characters as individuals and feel like i really know them like old friends.

I can't wait for a sequel, loved it!

[Adrienne McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crystal Shore has the really familiar, accessible writing style of something like Shadow and Bone but it's definitely not for a younger audience. This is an adults book that is easy to read, it's fun, lighthearted and really enjoyable. The plot moves along nice and quickly, around chapter 20 I got to the point where I didn’t want to put it down. Everything builds up around you so gradually as you read, the characters, the magic, the world, the intrigue. That's not to say that the early chapters aren't good, but the middle is where this really grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. Ren's father is dying and so unassuming, nervous Ren is given a quest; find Killian and retrieve a life saving artifact from a mysterious temple on an uncharted island. Swaggering Killian has a good heart underneath all the swashbuckling bravado, but Ren and Killian can't complete the quest alone, that's where Lily and her crew come in, together they set sail for adventure. I won't spoil the details, you'll need to read those for yourself but this book has so much going for it, action, adventure, a little will they/won't they romantic tension, decent world building, characters that you get to know gradually who actually evolve with the story, by the end they felt like old friends. This is a book that snowballs and by the end I was hooked. I'm very much looking forward to the sequel. This was a very enjoyable read by a promising new author, it was a privilege to receive a review copy. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I bought the paperback to keep on my shelf.

[Terry Kitto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delancey weaves a riveting, swashbuckling escapade with laughs and tears abound in The Crystal Shore! Killian is a quick-thinking thief with the bravado of Caption Jack Sparrow and the charm of Ross Poldark, who becomes involved in a not-so-typical treasure hunt with Lily, a formidable pirate captain. Early into the story we learn that Killian and Lily have a romantic history, which bubbles to the surface the more we read. Delancey proves herself a master of tone and location, using vivid descriptions to flesh out the world of Brackmouth and beyond. Stereotypes are often turned on their heads, leaving us with rich characters that will most certainly surprise you. With plenty of action, comedy, and magic, there’s something for everyone in this page-turning adventure for new adult and adult readers.

[Cory A. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is an abridged version of a long, essay-style review I wrote for my blog several months back. I’ll be giving you just the story-focused version here. It’s important to note that I am not a critic, but a fellow author, and a friend of Jo De-Lancey. That said, I promised her the most honest review that I could write. So here it is:

The Crystal Shore is a spellbinder, and a relentlessly fun adventure on the high seas.

The story is about a somewhat directionless charlatan named Killian O’Shea. He’s our main man, and I say he’s directionless because he seems to not fully know what he’s doing with his life when we first meet him. He’s pompous, and seemingly high on himself, but we’ll discover that these traits cover up a deep-rooted personal struggle.

Killian is a multi-layered character who is ever evolving as the story progresses. The more we learn about him, the more gravity we find belies his acutely arrogant presentation. He’s a thief, and swindler. He’s insanely gifted at playing cards, and behaves as though there’s really nothing to it and it isn’t his fault if nobody is as good as he is. It’s theirs.

But then he meets Ren Thorncliffe, a fish out of water character who’s come to find Killian at the behest of his ailing father. He’s been told that Killian can help him find a mystical artifact called the Gramarye that might be the only way to save his Father’s life. This part of the story is perhaps the most mysterious of all, as little is known exactly why Ren’s father sent him to find Killian specifically. Killian himself cannot make heads or tails of it, but agrees to help.

Why? Well we kinda skipped a detail. An incident following their initial meeting ends with Ren being assaulted, nearly to death, and Killian manages to save his life. When Ren recovers, he gives Killian the rundown, and offers him a substantial compensation for his services. Killian agrees mainly for the money, but there is another factor that he can’t quite figure out as first, but becomes clearer to him over the course of his journey.

I should mention here that it is during Killian’s effort to save Ren’s life that we meet Cylus, who happens to be my favorite character in the book. He’s an alchemist of sorts, and a half-crazy old coot whose eccentricity makes his stories difficult to ascertain truth from nonsense, but it’s through Cylus that we will uncover several of the story’s key details.

Killian knows that he will not be able to get the Gramarye by himself, as he’s not necessarily the seafaring type. The Gramarye is located in a temple on a mysterious island. So, in order to traverse the waves; He needs someone who can navigate them to it.

Enter Captain Lily Rothbone, the sexy pirate-queen who commands the “Tempest”. She and her crew reside on her own island, and are resting on the laurels of their past successes. Pirates without a booty quest, if you will.

When Lily enters the picture, our story is in full effect. The crew of the Tempest will make up many of our support characters, and the ship itself will be the setting for much of the novel’s duration. It’s almost immediately clear that Killian and Lily have a complicated relationship. A sketchy history between them makes for an initially unpleasant meeting, and they are not quite best buddies to say the least. Yet, there’s clearly a connection. There’s something there between these two, that we know will become important from the start, and I’ll just say that for me, this relationship is the engine that drives the whole story on.

Lily is sold on the idea after the promise of treasure being held within the temple along with the Gramarye is established. That promise is not the most reliable, but it gets her interested. Lily sends Killian on a couple of quests to procure a few things that she wants. A feather for her captain’s hat, and a wooden box with a special seashell that Lily wants for her collection. Annoyed with the honey-do’s but lacking other options, Killian sets off on these tasks of thievery. I won’t say much here, but these couple scenes are among my favorites in the book.

The reason is because these sequences really communicate what is really at the heart of the novel, not in terms of the plot, but in terms of what Jo is really trying to do here. The real beauty of this book is that Jo clearly set out to tell you a story that is, gloriously, pure story. It’s an unpretentious, unadulterated thrill ride that wants to entertain you and leave you feeling like you been on a wild adventure with a great group of friends whom you won’t soon forget. That’s really what this book is about, and I’m happy to report that Jo has accomplished that goal in admirable, and much appreciated fashion.

After Lily is satisfied with Killian’s errands, and agrees to their voyage, the real meat and potatoes of the book arrive, and they set off across the sea.

The crew of the Tempest are numerous, but there’s a specific handful of characters who become our supporting cast. We have the gunners, Tom, Finn, and Blake. These folks are great, and provide much of the fun of the story’s middle, and latter sections.

Tom is the crude dude with a penchant for political incorrectness. He’s my favorite of them. I just love his free-spirited nature, and his delightful deficiency of fucks to give. Finn took some time to grow on me, but by the book’s end she truly did. Blake is the most interesting of them, with a very rich character profile all his own. He's the character responsible for my favorite scene in the book (more on that later).

We also have Seth, the ships alcoholic cook who Ren bonds with, and Raven, Captain Lily’s right-hand man who is arguably the most mysterious character in the whole story. He’s fascinating, and multi-layered in his own right. That’s saying very little, but trust me, there’s much to be said of these characters, and they fill out what is a vastly diverse, and eclectic cast. And, yet there are more important characters to arrive in the second half.

Skipping along further, we have a sequence where Killian and the gang make their first attempt to go to the mysterious island, get inside the temple, and procure the Gramarye. This is foiled by a group of giant statues come to life, and a seemingly impenetrable stone wall. They only narrowly escape, and are sent to re-think their strategy.

Killian revisits Cylus, who tells him of “The Demon’s Drop”: A massive hole in the ocean made by an active, high-pressure geyser. Legend has it that beneath the drop is a magical underworld inhabited by a strange race who are reputed to possess the kind of magic that may be just what Killian needs to get inside the temple.

After some deep soul-searching, Killian decides to take on the task of plunging into the drop, and returning with said magic. Despite the real possibility of it being a suicide mission that he alone will risk taking, he persuades Captain Lily and the crew to make the voyage to this strange portal to another world.

He only barely survives the drop, and then he is introduced to the world of the Cornelians. They are a race of humanoid, goat-like creatures from another realm. His arrival at the titular ‘Crystal Shore’ is where the fantasy element kicks in, and the story enters a whole new arena.

He befriends a cornelian named Cassius, and his loving bride Freya. They help him navigate the strange underworld and introduce them to their ‘Tia’ (Queen), Nesta. She agrees to help Killian provided that he complete a series of dangerous tasks to prove himself worthy of taking on such power.

And I’ll leave the plot there. That’s enough for review purposes, and going any further would take us into spoiler country.

The cover art is done by the amazing Thea Magerand. It is a beautiful depiction of the titular scene where Killian arrives at the Crystal Shore, and gets his first look at the Cornelian underworld. Particularly, he stands before the temple wherein he will face his tasks.

The Cornelians have a language of glyphs that appear as design elements at each chapter’s beginning, and at the front of the book we get a small gallery of character artwork featuring Killian, Lily, Ren, and Nesta. All of them were also designed by Thea. They’re accompanied by quotes from the book.

I do wish the book came in a hardcover edition, but it’s pretty much paperback only. And e-book, of course, for those of you who don’t care about physical media, and are fine with the digital-shmigital discount version.

It’s not certain yet whether or not Jo will be producing an Audiobook version, but I would certainly encourage her to do so because this story would be every bit as wonderful to listen to if done by a solid narrator, and maybe some music at the chapter starts. It’s really kind of a perfect book for the format, and I happen to think that not having an audio version is leaving a solid opportunity on the table.

Now, let’s tackle some pros and cons. Since I want to really focus on what is good about this novel, we’ll get those pesky cons out of the way first.

CONS:
Alright; there’s no easy way to say this, but the narrative structure definitely suffers from “Book One” syndrome. While I loved the novel overall, it must be said that I enjoyed the second half considerably less than the first. And I believe that ‘Book One’ syndrome is the principal culprit.
Maybe this isn’t a problem for some, but I’ve often had issues with the first book in a series for it typically failing to provide a conclusive resolution. In addition, there’s a structural irregularity in the second half. I think this is in part because of the story’s need to set things up for book 2, but it makes the flow a bit wonky. It’s not egregiously so, but I found myself struggling to compartmentalize several story beats because I felt like I was getting them out of order.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s something to be said for deviating from conventional story structure, particularly when you’re driving a certain mood, and setting the reader up for something unexpected. If anybody can appreciate that, and even commend it, it’s me. That said, it does require a bit more labored thinking which detracts from the ease of reading. Again, it’s not a huge detriment to the book’s quality, but it’s something that makes a noticeable difference.

The outstanding example of this issue is the sequence that introduces a character named ‘Raphael d’Roué’. Now, this is the only scene in the book that I genuinely do not like at all. Mostly for reasons I cannot say without spoilers, but also because it violates one of the golden rules of narrative fiction: Don’t introduce new characters in a major role near the end of the story.

Who the bloody crap is this arrogant Frenchman all of a sudden? To be fair; it is quite possible that there was a previous mention of him that just escaped my memory. Still, it shouldn’t have. If there was something there to foretell of this character’s involvement, it was so subtle that I overlooked it.

I don’t have the best memory, admittedly, but I think I would remember something that indicated that this was coming if it had been more pronounced. Ultimately it came off as a completely unannounced, and frankly, unwelcome element that irked me. It was the only time I put the book down because it had spoiled my enjoyment for the evening. Of course I came back to it the next night, but it still bothers me after finishing it.

The only reason I suspect for this is that it sets up something that will be more prominently featured in a future installment. In other words: It’s Book One syndrome in a nutshell.
One thing I’ll put in the con section that is really not a con so much as a note on Jo’s writing style that I think she’ll improve in the future. That being how she lays out action sequences. I can tell you as the author of a book that heavily relies on action scenes, that they are quite tricky to write.

When the pace quickens sufficiently to get the reader’s pulse raised, and have them exhilarated, it’s very difficult to provide enough description to keep the reader visualizing the scene without the description itself slowly down the reading rate. It’s a very delicate dance, and in The Crystal Shore’s action heavy scenes, it becomes evident that this is not Jo’s greatest strength.

Where her writing really shines is something we’ll get to shortly, but the action scenes are often where I had to re-read paragraphs multiple times in order to feel like I fully understood what was going on. That and a few of them come off as a bit more cartoony and unrealistic than they were probably meant to be. It’s a learned skill, and I do believe Jo will become a very good action writer in time, but it’s not her strong suit in this debut effort.

PROS:

Alright, the real pros of the prose here have already been eluded to, but it’s time to take a deeper look at them.

First is that the cast of characters here is wonderful. I didn’t mention in the cons that there’s a lack of a strong villain to oppose our heroes because the nature of the story works well without one for now, and we are introduced to what I expect will be the series’ antagonist (or one of them) by book’s end. We also have a handful of small-time baddies to contend with along the way, from Morton, who is Killian’s nemesis among the crew of the Tempest, to the aforementioned Raphael d’Roué (I seriously hate this guy. The nerve of this Beefeater Gin mascot lookin’ prick. Fuck him.)

It's also one of those stories where the protagonist sees himself as the primary villain. I cannot explain without spoilers, but Killian’s struggle to find his identity is the main struggle of the story, and It manifests in a very strong way later on.

I mentioned earlier that Lily’s honey-do errands are some of my favorite scenes, but the best of them all in my humble opinion is the scene where Blake uses his dreamweaving smoke cast to tell the story of ‘The Demon’s Maw.’ I will leave the story itself for Jo, via Blake, to tell, but this scene is really where her writing blooms into something special. I also love it as a huge “Creature From The Black Lagoon” fan, but that’s all I’ll say about that.

Whereas I said earlier that the action sequences aren’t Jo’s strong suit, conversely, the magical, and highly visual sequences most definitely are. It’s this scene where that comes into full view. The scene starts enchantingly enough with a beautiful description of the night air and sky on the deck of the Tempest where the crew are lying around, and Blake is prompted to tell them a story.

When we get into it, Jo’s prose becomes resplendent, fully alive, and moving with an organic purpose. The visuals light up in the text like in the plumes of smoke from Blake’s pipe. I found myself envious of her talent during this sequence, and several others. It’s what leads us toward the “Demon’s Drop” and kicks off the fantastic streak in this book with a fabulous entry point.

Not to suggest that her material up to that point was any slouch, either. The blend of humor, heart, energy, and spirit of adventure is there from the first page to the last. This is why I don’t feel that any of the cons listed above detract from the Crystal Shore in the grand scheme. Not even the Raphael d’shitface part. Hell, the rest of that sequence is actually pretty great, and features the best character moment for Raven, so it was not a total bust by any means.

Lastly, I want to talk a bit about the relationship between Killian and Lily. As I said before, this, for me, is the engine of the whole thing. I wanted these two to iron out their issues both with themselves, and each other, because I can’t help but want them to be together. Killian is constantly thinking of her, and usually trying to deny that he loves her, even to himself. I almost found this a little annoying because it was so drawn out and repeatedly hammered into our head, but it all serves the purpose of Lily representing Killian’s desire for importance to his life.

Make no mistake, there are other major elements that are more important to his redemption arc, particularly from his past, but Lily definitely embodies his will for a more fruitful life, and in order to have that, he needs to better himself.

For her part, Lily maintains this belief that falling in love makes her weak and distracts from her priorities, and she curses Killian as much if not more than he curses her. It’s so heavy-handed that you cannot read it as anything other than Love. Proving that Love is harder to feel than hate, but cannot be so easily denied. I think both of them want to hate each other, but they just can’t. Because they’re in love. That’s my stance, and I’m sticking to it.

And, folks, that’s all just part of what’s on offer in this novel. Don’t forget that I left out huge chunks that you will have to discover for yourself.

So what don’t we have here? Well let’s see. You got your pirate adventure, you got your magical fantasy, you got your love story, you got your humor, and you’ve got a fair bit of darkness and suspense as well. I didn’t really mention it before, but there is a good deal of suspense and even borderline horror moments during “The Tasks” that are really well done.

I guess what you don’t have is a poorly written, heartless, lackadaisical effort written by a hackneyed jabroni who’s just trying to make a buck with vapid storytelling. That is definitely absent, only the opposite is here. Thank goodness.

Jo De-Lancey spent years of her life working on this novel, and it shows. She poured a lot of her heart into this book, and that shows. She unapologetically wrote this sucker with her own unique voice, and did so proudly despite the self-doubt issues that plague writers like her and I, and that most definitely shows.

One of the most charming aspects to the writing here is the sheer Britishness of it. Jo being from the Manchester area has got all that comes with it, and it’s absolutely present and accounted for. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. A lesser writer would try to keep the language as universal as possible for ease of accommodating the widest audience. Jo is as British as Bangers N’ Mash, and writes the way she thinks. God bless it.

She’s also a true believer in the goodwill of the craft. She’s a pop-culture fan, and wants to give something back. So she did, and did so splendidly. So go and pick up a copy, and give it a read. If you’re disappointed, you have impossibly high standards, because The Crystal Shore is damn good. Better than we deserve.

Cheers!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crystal Shore centres on roguishly charming charlatan Killian O’Shea and how he gets involved with a wet behind the ears young man, Ren Thorncliffe to seek out an ancient artefact that will help cure Ren’s ailing father.
Teaming up with pirate queen Lily Rothbone, who Killian has a chequered history with, he and Ren prove their worth by taking on a couple of tests before Lily will provide them passage.
On their travels, they encounter killer statues, an ancient temple, an assortment of fantastically written characters, and Killian has to put himself through the ultimate test when he ventures to a hidden world to seek help.
This is a very well written story, which starts off dropping the reader into the action, setting up an unlikely friendship between the two protagonists. Killian is instantly likeable, whilst Ren’s character grows as the story moves on.
The only character I wasn’t entirely convinced by was Lily herself, there were glimpses of her fierce reputation, but in comparison to characters such as Finn, she came across as being quite gentle.
There’s some lovely world building, especially in the Cornelian realm, and the tasks Killian has to take on have just the right amount of tension and pacing.
I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series to see how this adventure unfolds!
Thank you Jo for providing me with an ARC of The Crystal Shore in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy books and swashbuckling adventures!

[C.L. Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like sexy pirates and sexy, roguish rogues? Well, THE CRYSTAL SHORE by Jo de-Lancey might be the summer fantasy story you’re looking for.

Rascal Killian teams up with frosty pirate queen/old flame Lily to hunt for a magical thingie that will save a someone’s life and earn him a nice reward. Of course this entails shenenigans such as burglary, sword fights at the bottom of the ocean and escaping creepy killer gargoyles in tropical climates. 🏝
This book is heavy on banter, light on plot (at ~500 pages that’s a lot of banter). The chemistry between Lily and Killian was rather weak and convoluted - I much preferred the chemistry between Killian and Ren. The ending was rather deflating, though it sets up a sequel.

I mean, the people who want easy entertainment may not care about plot, and I think it does what pirate fantasy is supposed to, so feel free to give it a go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Simon Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crystal Shore by Jo De-Lancey

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced readers copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Crystal Shore is an exciting, magical and adventurous story, full of ups and downs and thrills.

The story follows Killian O’Shea who helps Ren Thorncliffe to seek out an ancient artefact that will help cure Ren’s ailing father. The two embark on a quest with a pirate queen and her crew.

This is rather a long book but it managed to keep me gripped the entire time. The book is filled with fantasy elements and a detailed world that I found to be fully fascinating. De-Lancy managed to build such gripping atmospheres and he world-building had me wanting to keep on reading more.

Thank you so much to Jo De-Lancy for sending me a copy of this book. I can’t wait to read the sequel!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure!

After just finishing this book, all I want is to continue the story and get my hands on book 2! I will be happily waiting for the next chapter of Killians adventures from Jo de-Lancey.
This is definitely a book for anyone who loves depth to their characters and development throughout the story - It's very clear that the author has put a lot of work into each one of the characters, blood, sweat and tears!
For anyone who enjoys fantasy, pirates, adventure, a magical element, and a hint of love interest, this book is for you. And for everyone else who doesn't think this would be to their personal taste, don't let that stop you... the adventures this book takes you on could easily be translated into a video game or a film.
Great book, fantastic descriptive writing, beautiful artwork, and well crafted.
Highly recommend.

I love this author, I would highly advise signing up to her mailing list as well! A monthly email with updates and goings on with what she's read and watched which as we have similar taste I really enjoy. https://jodelancey.com/ Do it now you won't regret it!!

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crystal Shore
by Jo de-Lancey

I received a complimentary copy from Rowanvale Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Book One in the Tempered Soul Series
The Crystal Shore is a beautiful and emotionally resonant fantasy debut that delivers everything I didn’t know I needed in a story: flawed and lovable characters, an immersive world, unexpected magic, and a slow-burning emotional journey that lingers long after the final page.

At the heart of the book is Killian O’Shea, a smooth-talking conman with a past full of regrets. Hired by the gentle and principled Ren Thorncliffe to recover a mysterious artefact, Killian sets out on what seems like a simple job, until it leads them to the enigmatic pirate Lily Rothbone, a woman with a fierce reputation and a complicated connection to Killian. Together, the trio stumbles into a magical portal called the Demon’s Drop, plunging them into an otherworldly trial that tests their loyalties, strengths, and sense of self.

The story is part epic journey, part emotional reckoning. It blends together charm and mystery with Jo de-Lancey’s wholly original voice. The writing is lyrical without being overly heavy, and the pacing is purposeful without dragging.

✅ What I Loved:
The characters. Killian is layered, vulnerable, witty, and wounded. He’s the type of character you root for even when he doesn’t believe in himself. Ren and Lily both bring their own unique weight to the story, and their emotional arcs are just as meaningful.
Worldbuilding. The coastal town, the portal realm, and the mystery of the artefact are all wonderfully atmospheric. You feel like you’re right there with them, breathing the sea air or holding your breath through the magical trial.
Dialogue and banter. It’s smart, funny, and never forced. The tone stays grounded even when the world turns surreal.
Emotional stakes. The book quietly explores grief, identity, guilt, and the fear of letting people in. It’s powerful without ever being preachy.
Female characters. Lily is a standout, fierce, competent, and never reduced to a cliché or plot device.
⚠️ Small Caveats:
Slow start. The early chapters take their time, but if you trust the journey, the payoff is 100% worth it.
Focused on scope. While the story hints at a larger world, this book zeroes in on the inner lives of its characters. If you're expecting a sweeping war or political epic, this is a more intimate and emotionally driven story.
Ends with setup. While the main arc resolves, the ending clearly tees up the next instalment. Personally, I loved this, but some readers may crave more closure.

💬 Favourite Line:
“I’ve spent so long guarding the door, I forgot what it’s like to let someone knock.”
That line perfectly sums up the emotional tone of the novel, a story about opening up, rediscovering purpose, and letting people in after pain.

🎯 Final Verdict:
The Crystal Shore is a stunning start to a new fantasy series that prioritises heart over spectacle. With its beautifully flawed characters, lyrical prose, and imaginative worldbuilding, it’s a must-read for fans of emotionally intelligent fantasy.
This was my first book by Jo de-Lancey and I can’t wait for the next. Highly, highly recommended.

[Graham | The Wulvers Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

How far would you go for a shot at redemption?

The Crystal Shore by Jo de-Lancey is a captivating read that had me wondering just what was round the corner with each reveal.

Killian O’Shea is a charlatan who masks his painful past with a smirk and a shrug. One night, the neurotic Ren Thorncliffe walks into his life and changes it forever. Ren’s father is dying, and the only thing that can save him is an enchanted artefact hidden on an uncharted island. According to Ren, Killian is the only person who can find it, and he’s willing to pay handsomely for his services. Killian agrees to help, seeing it as a way to make amends for his past by saving a life to pay for the two he lost.

I thought this would take me a while to read at around 600 pages, but I whizzed through this. I've mentioned before my love for Final Fantasy and reading the beginning of this was reminiscent of this. We have our characters discovering themselves and slowly unravelling the plot and each other. It even feels like there are side quests to the main plot that were entertaining and insightful and really add depth to our characters.

The story itself really came into its own when Killian went into the Devils Drop. The fantasy elements really shone here, and I wished that Killian could stay there longer because what de-Lancey wrote here was something that I was interested in and I hope to see more of this in book 2. De-Lancey wrote these locations so distinctively that I could picture them in my head and see myself control these characters around a 2D map with their little sprites! De-Lancey has created a world here that is filled to the brim with lore without getting too heavy and taking away from the story.

I enjoyed reading the characters and how different they are. Ren & Killian almost feel like brothers with their dynamic and Lily's relationship with their crew is so believable. When we meet Nesta they are so mysterious and I just want to know more. They go through such great arcs, devastating and hopeful, that when things start to happen you really feel for each character and believe the emotion they show.

I am glad to have read this book and I wish it had more attention. For a character-driven adventure set on the seas filled with great plot and a unique story, classic banter, and hints of magic, check out Jo de-Lancey's The Crystal Shore and be excited for book 2 with me. Especially after that ending!!

[Danni Lynn (WritingDaydreams2Reality) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo de-lancey’s The Crystal Shore (Review, no spoilers)

Synopsis: Killian O’Shea sets out on an adventure to help his new acquaintance, Ren Thorncliffe, whose ailing father needs a special cure. This need sends them on an adventure across the high seas with the aide of the infamous Captain Lily Rothbone, her crew, and the mysterious Raven.

The lead, Killian, is your classic tough adventurer with a past, but what makes his character so intriguing is the reality of his personality. He is strong and brave, but he also has fears, emotions, and a heart. Lily wants what is best for her crew and strives to find great treasures, but she can’t get Killian out of her mind.

I also enjoyed reading about Ren and his sudden introduction into the world that Killian and Lily inhabit. Action, adventure, and long days at sea do not agree with him as he struggles to learn the ropes, tries not to get sick, and finds his place among the crew.

de-lancey creates a mystical world for both her readers to explore. Every twist and turn enamored me with her creative choices for the different characters, settings, and ideas. I can truly say I did not know what would happen next after each chapter.

What stood out strongly in de-lancey’s book is the time spent in between each high point of the journey. She settles her cast and crew into the waves of their adventures at sea by really taking her time showing the characters getting to know each other and figuring out how to pass their time as they travel to each destination. Usually books I’ve read skip the long voyages but here in The Crystal Shore, it is a unique experience to really feel the length of the voyage with the characters as you continue to imagine where they go next.
Expect twists and turns, in-depth characters, and beautiful worlds.

This book is for you if you like:
Big Adventures
Magical/ Mythical Worlds
The Little Moments In-between
Slow Burn Romance
Friendships

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of Jo's books that I've read, and I am very impressed. There were certain things which I didn't particularly care for, but overall the writing was really well done and the story was enjoyable.
  The first few chapters were somewhat slow, in my opinion. It wasn't as though nothing was happening, it just felt like sidequests before you got to the main quest. But once you get to the main story, it really picks up the pace.
  The characters are all a lot of fun. Especially our protagonist and main cast. And as important as the adventure and quest is, the development of Killian, Ren, and Lily is my favorite aspect of the book.  Ren's growth in particular I enjoyed.. Probably because it was so easy for me to relate to him. As far the romance goes... the tension is real. And so is the slow-burn- which I always enjoy. But seriously: TENSION.
Life-threatening trials, ancient temples, mysterious treasure, super cool pirates, a self-doubting MC who that doesn't follow the "chosen one" trope- rather he just does the best he can- and just the right amount of magic; this book hits all the marks. Combined with immersive writing style and world-building, it is a super fun read.
*warning* this is not a children's book. Though there is no sex scene or fade-to-black sex scene, there is a bunch of reference to sex, and a fair amount of crude humor. There is also a lot of cuss words throughout (over 80); no God's name in vain or blasphemy though, which I appreciated. There is a very brief scene with Lgbt content, which I didn't care for.
All in all, the characters were likeable and believeable (within their world, of course) and the quest was exciting and fun. Plus the ending was very unexpected to me. I'm certainly curious about what happens next!
I voluntarily reviewed this book after recieving a complementary copy from ARC, Hidden Gems Books.

[Christine Duts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story and kept on turning the pages from the start. The first thing I loved were the drawings of Killian, Lily, and Ren, accompanied by a quote. They were beautifully done and help visualize the characters throughout the story.

All three characters were fleshed out well. And although Killian at first appears to be a little full of himself, and he swindles Ren out of his money in a game, it quickly becomes obvious that Killian has a difficult past. I liked his character a lot, he wasn't afraid of anything, just went for it. Lily was also a convincing character, not the "always" tough pirate queen, but a pirate queen who takes great care to portray a hard image of herself, but behind closed doors, she shows vulnerability, which is much more realistic.
I enjoyed Ren's character development throughout the story, and especially the growing friendship between him and Killian. It was sweet how Killian "took care" of him or got him out of tough situations — like the sword fight during a drunken evening.

The alchemist making the potions that were needed was a nice, quirky addition. The side characters all form an integral part of the story and were fun to read.

Although the beginning felt a little slow with the quests (or errands) Killian had to run for Lily, those quests give an indication of the tension between them and their overall relationship. I just wanted the adventure to begin and didn't want to gt sidetracked, but I also see why those little adventures were added.

Things I loved: the character development, the interactions with the pirate crew, the tension between Lily and Killian, and Ren's growth. I would love to read the second book of this series. I am glad Rowanvale Books provided me with a copy of this book, I really enjoyed this. My review is unbiased and my own.

[Hannah Mcintosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo de-Lancey’s The Crystal Shore launches readers into an exhilarating sea-bound fantasy, where pirates, magic, and second chances collide. At the heart of the story is Killian O’Shea—a roguish yet layered protagonist haunted by his past—who finds himself entangled in a dangerous quest to retrieve a powerful artifact that may be the key to saving a life. Alongside the fierce and commanding Captain Lily Rothbone and the ever-nervous Ren Thorncliffe, Killian’s journey becomes as much an inward transformation as it is a race against time.

De-Lancey’s strength lies in her vivid and immersive world-building. From the spray of salt air to the intricate magical lore, the novel paints an atmospheric and richly imagined landscape. The cast is equally compelling—each character is distinct, emotionally grounded, and shaped by believable arcs that deepen as the story unfolds.

That said, the novel’s considerable length—clocking in at over 500 pages—may feel overwhelming to some readers. The pacing occasionally lags, particularly in the middle chapters, where tighter editing might have helped sustain narrative drive without losing the story’s emotional weight.

Still, The Crystal Shore stands as an impressive and heartfelt debut—offering a satisfying mix of action, character growth, and enchanting world-building. It lays a strong foundation for The Tempered Soul series, and I’m looking forward to where de-Lancey takes us next.

Thank you to Rowanvale Books for the opportunity to read this title. My review has been shared voluntarily.

[Aine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My love for this story snuck up on me and struck when I least expected it. The length of the book and first few chapters with the side-quests before the main arc did lose me a little at the start, but sticking through was the best decision I made. The Crystal Shore grew to become everything I would want in an epic tale - vivid world-building, high-stakes adventure, good lore and compelling characters.

As soon as the pace picked up, I struggled to put the book down (there were many ‘just one more chapter’ moments at 1am). Jo de-Lancey expertly weaved together personal stories with intricately described world-building, which enabled me to transport myself into the book and join the characters on their journey for the life-saving artefact.

The MCs were written very well, particularly Ren. His nervous disposition is a trait I related to, and his growth is one of my highlights of the book. The subtle romantic tension throughout the book also left something to be desired. I love how it didn’t detract from the plot but was enough to become emotionally invested (which is, respectfully, the best way to write romance).

As I have never read a pirate adventure before, I feel satisfied that I’ve not only discovered a book series, but also a genre that I don’t think I’ll be able to get enough of any time soon. I mean, the combat scenes? Amazing!! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

**I was fortunate enough to be provided with a free copy of this book by Rowanvale Books. Regardless, I am providing this review upon my own volition without retribution.**

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo de-Lancey’s The Crystal Shore is a beautifully written, character-driven fantasy. I’ve just finished enjoying a re-read before diving into The Blue Mage, the second book in The Tempered Soul Series.
 
My first readthrough was during a heatwave not long after the book’s release – I remember it being the ideal book at the time. Being immersed in the town of Brackmouth and reading about Killian and Ren’s early antics was the best distraction from the heat a reader could ask for…! This time around, it’s been a highly enjoyable escape from the real world.
 
I cannot praise the world building enough. Not only does the book offer mouth-watering scenery, but it’s also been a reminder for me to slow down and take it all in: whether it be the detailed scenes in Brackmouth (of which I can picture vividly), times spent with the crew aboard the Tempest (featuring plenty of banter) or in the mysterious worlds (I will keep this spoiler free) where magic and secrets may lurk…
 
The depth of the characters is just immense. I feel like I know these guys and we’ve been friends for years. Killian is a great hero, and how can you not love Lily, Ren and the crew? There were also plenty of will-they-won’t-they moments which have left me dying to get stuck into book two… Speaking of, the twist near the end (although it shattered my heart into a thousand tiny pieces) leads us nicely onto the next adventure.
 
If you’re on the hunt for a beautifully crafted fantasy world to get lost in, The Crystal Shore is your next favourite read.

[myfriendsarefantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killian is your lovable rogue who is on a quest to help Ren, who is a bit of a pompous, nervous noble, find a special artefact that will potentially save his Father’s life. He enlists the help of infamous Captain Lily and her crew after completing a couple of high stakes errands for her.

Killian is conflicted by his own demons and his natural instinct to be a better version of the one he sees of himself. He’s also bloody hilarious and an absolute lightweight on red wine.

‘I’d rather be polishing my swords and drinking myself into a coma.’

I enjoyed the strong badassery of the Captain - who doesn’t love a strong woman?! She is shrouded in mystery and you don’t really get to know what she has been through.

‘She had been reborn in the oceans, so it was only natural that she was drawn back to the waves.’

This was quite a long debut at over 500 pages, however there were a lot of tense and addictive moments that made you want to continue reading. This is very much only a glimpse into the World that Jo De-Lancey is building and a lot was left unsaid. I look forward to learning more about the magical abilities of the certain characters, Raven and the beings at the bottom. I also need a more fleshed out explanation to what the heck is going on .. because that cliff hanger!

Thank you to Jo De-Lancey for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to book two.

[Cal Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Crystal Shore (The Tempered Soul Series, #1) ★★☆☆☆

An epic fantasy that really sets the scene!

The Crystal Shore starts off strong, with action, charming humour and some beautiful fantasy settings. The characters were rich, and I particularly enjoyed the banter many had with each other; it was very reminiscent of early 2000s fantasy/sci-fi literature. The protagonist in the beginning did strike me as a little too cookie-cutter for my taste, but pleasantly surprised me as the book progressed.

I did felt as though the writing style could benefit from some refinement, particularly in description and pacing. Some sections were overly descriptive, which slowed down the narrative flow. I found that at the beginning of the novel, I struggled to immerse myself in the story, mainly because of this. As the book progressed, the writing style seemed to improve and become more engaging; however, it then had a few handfuls of stagnant pages.

The romance subplot was excitingly unique, and De-Lancey successfully serves a refreshing dynamic. With a teasing humour, I found the duo to be super feet-kicking, we love a charismatic pirate captain. Though I felt that the chemistry was lacking in some areas, it was less 'will they won't they' and more one-sided at times. The protagonist did seem to have more rosy 'magnetism' with his mate.

Additionally, the character arcs were very meticulously handled, and it's clear that a lot of love and passion for fantasy were intertwined within this book! I look forward to the next and hope my (many) noted questions get answered :D

Epic-fantasy is a sweet treat in this day and age, and I thank Rowanvale books for bestowing upon me a free copy to enjoy and review! ☆

[Katie-bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crystal Shore by Jo De-Lancey was a true swashbuckling adventure rivalling Sinbad and Aladdin in its roguish nature. I loved the characters’ depths immensely. While Killian was our true hero, although he doubts it himself, I couldn’t help but enjoy the feistiness of Lily Rothbone and the intricate flavours of the other secondary characters. The moral complexities were very realistic also and I loved that! Admittedly, I felt Thorny’s part was a little less than it could have been it certainly still had me reeling at the finale! (No more spoilers!)
The imagery was beautiful; I felt the sea spray on my face! And so much happens but without feeling rushed! I truly loved the complexity of the story and its characters while also feeling it was an easy, comfortable read – a book you could snuggle up and read the weekend away! No easy feat for a 500-odd page book!
Some areas lagged a little but nothing that kept me from wanting to read more and honestly, I felt this was a rare gem that we rarely get now! True pirate adventure.
I was very grateful to receive a copy from Rowanvale publishing house, but I am definitely now following De-lancey and I can’t wait for Book 2!!!
Thank you!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my preferred genres is fantasy, so I was excited to give this particular book a try, especially since the cover looked so inviting. Inside the book, I discovered a unique world, a story that had a lot of twists and turns, with an ending that left me wanting for me. As for the cast of characters, I must say that I was really impressed. Everything you might want from a fantasy story has been included in this book, including plenty of adventure to keep you on your toes. You will definitely fall in love with the world and its characters, mainly Killian and Ren. In my opinion, this book is an excellent choice for those who love Tolkien. Definitely not for a younger audience though, there are many topics that are mature. One of the things I loved about the story is the romantic tension, which is just enough to keep one dreaming. And what great news, there is going to be another book. Can’t wait to read it, I am sure it will be just as amazing as this particular one. I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books, but the opinion I posted is my own and not biased in any way.

[Pete Biehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this pirate adventure. The main character, Killian, was written extremely well. He is a character that might seem one dimensional at first, but proves throughout the story to be far more complex than the reader might initially suspect. The plot is fun, a little slow in the first chapters, but it picks up fairly quickly and never slows down from there. The secondary characters add great flavor to the story, especially Thorny, Raven, and Captain Lily. I especially enjoyed a series of chapters about two thirds of the way through the story, where Killian has to travel to a mysterious location and meets a new race of people. I don't want to risk any spoilers, so I will leave it at that, but that was a fantastic sequence! Overall, this book kept me reading, the ending was a surprise, and I will certainly pick up any future stories in this series!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure!

After just finishing this book, all I want is to continue the story and get my hands on book 2! I will be happily waiting for the next chapter of Killians adventures from Jo de-Lancey.
This is definitely a book for anyone who loves depth to their characters and development throughout the story - It's very clear that the author has put a lot of work into each one of the characters, blood, sweat and tears!
For anyone who enjoys fantasy, pirates, adventure, a magical element, and a hint of love interest, this book is for you. And for everyone else who doesn't think this would be to their personal taste, don't let that stop you... the adventures this book takes you on could easily be translated into a video game or a film.
Great book, fantastic descriptive writing, beautiful artwork, and well crafted.
Highly recommend.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would absolutely recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy fantasy and adventure. De-Lanceys descriptive style takes you on the swashbuckling journey across the sea and to magical places. There is a great character build up which is necessary considering this is the first book of a series. I found myself growing attached to (particularly wimpy Ren) and having a better understanding of the characters much earlier than other fantasy novels. I enjoyed the way characters abilities are introduced, without condescending descriptions of magical abilities which leaves you wondering how powerful some of the central figures are. I couldn’t put this book down and now I’m impatiently waiting for the next! Certainly worth reading and I wish I could give more than 5 stars.

[Brittany Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely brilliant!

The Crystal Shore follows charlatan Killian O'Shea as he is hired by a young man, Ren, who is needing to locate an artifact to save his father. Ren was advised that he needed to find Killian as no one other than Killian could help him. Killian then enlists the enigmatic Captain Lily Rothbone and her band of pirates to help them find this artifact. You are taken on a whirlwind of an adventure with this crew and are exposed to wonderful characters, magic, and unknown worlds. This is but book one in a multi-part series and I anxiously await the next installment so I can fall back into this amazing world.

[Onika Howdyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mix of fantasy, action, and nail biting tension.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Crystal Shore is a mountain of a book that possesses all the elements of great storytelling. de-Lancy does a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged throughout the entire novel. Whether it's a menial mission into a fish barrel or plummeting down a bottomless pit in the middle of the ocean, this book is packed with amazing story building and character growth. You don't need to be a fan of pirate fantasy to enjoy this one. I promise 😉