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Mountains of the Sea

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Mountains of the Sea, by Gunter O. Swoboda

Gunter O. Swoboda's `Mountains of the Sea' begins in 1776 England, with Walter Beaumont wasting his privileged social position in a dissipated life of drinking, opium abuse, and whoring, making no use of his artistic talent. When the story ends, Walter is an accepted member of a Hawai'ian community on Oahu, a responsible and loving husband and father, honored for his skills as an artist, warrior, and surfer. How his life is transformed is the meat of Swoboda's lively and emotional tale.

The author stumbles slightly at the outset by describing June 14, 1776 as a "midsummer night" instead of late spring, but moves swiftly to paint the background of Walter's life and the motives for his being sent to sea with the famous English explorer Captain James Cook. It is interesting to encounter a young Lieutenant William Bligh among Cook's officers, untainted by the later infamy that is now associated with him.

Once Walter arrives with Cook and his crew in the Pacific, Swoboda is in his element. The action speeds up, and the Tahitian and Hawai'ian history, society, and characters take on depth and realism. It's easy to be swept up in Walter's exhilaration of first observing and later learning to surf, to ride the "mountains of the sea" - not just a thrill of accomplishment but of rising beyond oneself and becoming a part of nature's power and rhythms.

I personally wish Swoboda had developed more of the meanings of Walter's dreams and encounters with Pele, which also fascinate the Tahitian and Hawai'ian characters, but this doesn't impede the story's enjoyment or importance. The author has crafted a story that allows readers to understand the early conflicts between Europeans and Pacific Islanders from both perspectives, and for this alone it is worth following Walter in his life-changing adventure.

Cheryl Ann Toliver, author of Wilderness Refuge: A Prophet's Kingdom

[....]

Mountains of the Sea is a heart pounding thrilling journey to the exotic South Sea Islands. The first chapter had me concerned because it described life in a house of ill repute. However, my concerns were dispelled as the journey began with the detailed and realistic sea adventure. It brought back memories of my first sea experience and sea sickness. The author next painted such a detailed and informative life on the Islands that I forgot that it was a fictional novel and not an historical account. The details and knowledge portrayed by the author made me wonder if he was born in the Islands.

I got so involved in the struggles of Walter Beaumont's attempts to become accepted into the culture that I found myself feeling I was also in the story, wishing with him. I became so emotionally involved in the story that I became fearful when Walter began romancing Lani, the girl wanted by the frightful and powerful warrior Koa. I don't remember the last time I became emotionally involved in a story. When I finished the novel I was so drained that I couldn't do anything else the rest of the day. I am sure that I will read Mountains of the Sea again some day.

There are many strengths to this story, its plot is exciting, descriptions impeccable and educational in regards to late 18th Century life both European and that of Pacific Islanders, and the journey's inherent mysticism keeps the reader turning pages through dramatic action-oriented situations that will have you at once at attention, at other times more reflective and genuine in moment accomplished through characters colorful, interesting; round, and you will embrace them.

Of course the cornerstone of this brilliant novel lay in its protagonist, Lord Walter Beaumont, and his brilliant character development as he transforms from a spoiled, abused, naïve goodhearted prodigal son trapped in an abusive elitist family offering a life only of the short stick, into a well travelled, experienced, mature and gutsy ironical hero.

If you're looking to enjoy a spectacular novel look no further before you consider Mountains of the Sea by Gunter O. Swoboda. He is an expert storyteller with an interesting, exciting and worthy tale to share. Mountains of the Sea will captivate the reader at Chapter One.

Al Carrozza, Author of Universal Enzyme
Universal Enzyme Part I

A beautifully written book - filled with adventure, history and passion. I couldn't stop reading it once I picked it up - best summer read yet!

From the aristocracy of Europe to the Pacific Islands! The writer takes the reader through so many adventures both on the sea and in the beautiful Pacific Islands. It has all the elements of a great read - it is thrilling, it has romance, it has danger. The writer has done his homework and it is a step back through history, one that you won't want to leave!

Never before have I experienced a historical novel this exciting. Gunter has blended wonderfully his enthusiasm of adventure into a beautifully crafted story. The writing is descriptive with details it almost seems you are seeing everything with your eyes. I followed Walter and was almost jealous when he was in love with Lani but another side of me was happy for him. The story makes one aware of their self-worth; that is to say, using your hidden talents to bring about positive changes to one's life. This is a novel that is both entertaining and educational; the story is not just about pleasure and excitement but about one's ability to rise to new heights and beyond. It's a book that will arrest your attention from the very start.