Customer Reviews

Saltwater Witch (Book #1 of The Seaborn Trilogy)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was my first time reading a book by this author and was not disapointed in the least. What seems like it could almost be a typical theme of abandoned teen turned otherworldy princess is instead a wonderfully creative story. Slightly typical to begin with the story quikly veers when the main character finds she can breathe underwater and encounters a water witch. Throw in a monster that can be summoned from a tear drop, a war against an underwater zombie army and trying to save a school and you have a great, fast-paced, read that is hard to put down.

I read a fair amount of this kind of stuff (teen sci fi/fantasy). This had an interesting premise, and I enjoyed the beginning. The tone of the writing is accessible, although occasionally inconsistent (innocent, innocent, then lots of real swear words...weird). The basic storyline was solid if formulaic (regular girl finds out she has mysterious past and amazing powers); the twist on her being a water witch was a good one, both trendy and new.

Alas, I thought the author got bogged down in detail about all the different people in the mythical history. Fantasy writers never get that what makes this sort of book great is our ability to relate to the character, and too much of that stuff that no longer relates to earth in some way gets boring and distances us. So after about a million references to thassolegenes and seaborn and kallixene and house of gregor and ampharete and praxinos and ocheros (you get the idea), I sort of gave up paying attention and started skimming.

I also thought the main character adjusted to her new situation way too easily, missing a nice opportunity for some character development and struggle.

Speaking of character development, I failed to understand the point of the teacher who she is trying to save, which relates to a couple of what were purposeful ommissions: the lack of any real point for the protagonist (was this a journey of self empowerment? not really), and a lack of a love interest. Making the teacher a young student teacher or whatever that the protagonist liked might have made this subplot more worthwhile. Some of the other characters were either way over the top (the evil school director) or not quite fleshed out enough (her two best friends). There were just a lot of people in the story, a few could have been edited out.

It's not a bad read if you like this sort of thing. I did finish it which is more than I can say for a lot of books I start. I just thought it could have been better.

I didn't expect I would like "Saltwater Witch" as much as I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it to have an interesting twist on fairytale foundlings.

I hate reading plot spoilers so I'll end with the fact that I'll be buying everything else I can from Mr. Howard!

This is such a beautifully told story with a main character who is fun to follow and tension building solidly to the end. I have to tell you I did not expect to find out what is revealed there, and there are so many wonderful twists throughout. Saltwater Witch is gripping. It is also really funny. (I absolutely love the three river witches, the naiads). There is something in this story for everyone: strong characters, impossibly bad odds (there is an army of the drowned dead!), humor, a terrific and satisfying ending.

I am a huge fan of all three Seaborn books. The middle one, Seaborn, is probably my favorite. Saltwater Witch takes place five years before, and is more like a young adult novel in tone than Seaborn or Sea Throne, although none of them are inaccessible to teens (Seaborn is just a more serious book). You do NOT need to read Saltwater Witch to read the second and third books. I would read it first. It is helpful, but not necessary. You will just have to read Seaborn a little more closely.

Here are the other two books in the series:
Seaborn (Book #2 of The Seaborn Trilogy)
Sea Throne (Book #3 of The Seaborn Trilogy)

I had never heard of Chris Howard, but came across the book on Smashwords and was intrigued by the back flap summary. I just finished it and was happily pulled into the maelstrom of Kassandra's world. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Although the initial copy needs a basic edit, it is quite good and there were few enough grammatical issues that it didn't disturb the read or flow. The characters, Ephoros, Jill, and Nicole surprised me as they found their place in a new world, supporting Kassandra in her direst of straights. I was impressed and surprised as the young girls found their destiny and family. I don't want to give to much away, so just pick up a copy for yourself.

Weston Kincade

[...]

Very slow book. Gave it the good try but didn't really get into the book until the very end. Had high hopes for book 2 that fell completely flat. Just not well done.