Customer Reviews

Tsunami Blue

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Tsunami Blue" is a romance with fantasy elements. The story takes place in a future earth that, around 20-years ago, suffered a rather nebulous cataclysm involving a lot of Tsunamis. This devastated civilization as we know it. The leading lady, TB--, has a mystical power to understand what the ocean is saying (sometimes) and thus predict when another Tsunami is coming. She and her dog live alone on an island hiding from pirates. One morning a handsome man is washed ashore, and TB-- doesn't know whether to trust him or (is he a pirate?) kill him. Then a huge force of pirates arive to enslave her, and TB-- is forced to trust this stranger (somewhat) to save her life and keep her identity hidden from the pirates who surround them.

This is the author's first published novel. The setting is creative and interesting, and not nearly as unbelievable as it first appears...this is part of what I like about the novel, but I'd have to give away some serious spoilers to say way. Even so, you need a lot of suspension of disbelief -- technological facts are often ignored where they would conflict with the author's vision.

The main character is gutsy (which I liked) yet overly aggressive physically (which I didn't like). By this I mean she is constantly attacking people, usually cutting people with her knife, as a preemptive attack. The guys she stabs just sit there, the excuse being that TB-- was "just" establishing that she wasn't helpless. This is what bothered me about the story the most. I kept wanting someone to take away TB--'s knife and punch her in the face a few times to teach her some manners. TB--'s hostility and doubts regarding the leading man lasted most of the book, because he played a stupid "I'm not going to tell you anything" game for no apparent reason. These plot elements dragged on WAY too long.

Anyway, overall this novel was fun and enjoyable. I think you'll enjoy it more if you aren't expecting a 5-star keep-it-forever story. Suitable for a lazy afternoon in the hammock.

By 2003 undersea nuclear testing has caused a series of tsunamis that has devastated coast lines and islands. Only one person seems to uncannily predict when a horrific wave is coming and where including the one that killed her parents and twin brother in Thailand over fifteen years ago. Tsunami Blue lives on a remote rock in the San Juan Islands of Washington State with her dog Mad Max and a shortwave radio. From her outpost, she sends out warnings.

An unconscious Gabriel Black washes up on her beach. Though he is the most beautiful man she has ever seen, she fears he is one of her enemy; the runner pirates who want her dead as she interferes with their looting; he has their membership 666 tattoo on him. He awakens to her mixed feelings; as Tsunami is appalled by her attraction to the newcomer, but refuses to trust Gabriel. He hides who he is from her as he has loved her for years and has worked undercover keeping the pirates away from her. However, he knows the runners are coming for her and would die to keep her safe.

This is a great post apocalyptic high seas adventure romance that grips the audience from the moment Tsunami meets Gabriel on her beach. Fast-paced, the story line is refreshed by the unique heroine and the man who has loved her from afar, but forced to break cover to insure no harm comes to the woman he cherishes and admires. Gayle Anne Williams provides a terrific unique romantic suspense thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Originally posted at [...]

A first person, mile-a-minute adventure with chills, kills, and thrills, Tsunami Blue grabs the reader and doesn't let go until the very last word and even then it lingers in the mind along with all the "what if's" that creep in.

Reared among a barbaric bunch of men with cruelty all around her, Tsunami Blue learned to survive at all cost. Her Uncle Seamus had taken her when her parents were killed. He taught her how to kill or be killed, yet she had kept a part of her humanity that others seemed to have lost.

At her uncle's death, Blue's isolation deepens, but the sea whispers to her. She knows when the big monster waves are coming and tries to warn anyone who might be out there. Many who hear her call her a witch and worse. She knows many think of her as a freak.

Max, her huge dog companion, plays a major role, even though he is not notably present much of the time.

Gabriel Black, Blue's dark angel that she saves by breathing her own life breath into his unconscious body, proves to be a mystery of a man that is beautiful as an angel to her even though he wears the tattoo of a Runner. Their relationship is an enigma that enthralls. As they sail their way through constant danger, a terrifying, gripping story keeps the reader turning pages with bated breath.

Gayle Ann Williams creates a world that stems from enough reality to lure the reader in. Her graphic descriptions alert all the senses and assail them relentlessly. The cold, the wet, the depravity, the greed, the evil make the blood run cold, yet the humor that bubbles up in Blue's thoughts and expressions show a side of her that is resilient to horrors she sees and endures and that she even metes out at times.

The secondary characters range from killers and cannibals to innocent children that love life. The descriptions make the reader wonder if good can ever overcome such evil that seems to run rampant without anything to bring it to account.

Tsunami Blue fascinates. It teems with danger and evil, but amid all the suffering, LOVE that spans almost two decades never gives up. This is a love story and a setting long to be remembered.

Compelling reading!

Quick & Dirty: Strong characters, imaginative world-building, great action and deadly conflict make this book a must read.

Opening Sentence: "And so, my friends, the moon is full, the sea calm, and the wave?"

The Review:

Kathryn "Blue" O'Malley has an unusual ability. She can predict tsunamis. As a child, Blue predicted the first giant tsunami that hit, killing her family and millions of people. Raised by her Uncle Seamus, Blue is exposed to the harsh realities of life. Kill or be killed. He taught her how to survive and defend herself. In 2023, the U.S. is just a shadow of its former glory. Ravaged by giant tsunamis, only remote islands remain. The oceans are deadly, not just because they swallowed up whole cities, but because ruthless pirates called Runners troll the deep and unpredictable waters looking for their next victims. Unfortunately for Blue, her shortwave radio broadcasts have brought her to the unwanted attention of the Runners. Blue soon finds herself on the run with the deadly and dangerous Gabriel Black, a Runner...on the run.

While Blue is certainly far from the perfect heroine, she has many redeemable qualities. She is compassionate to a fault. Despite the hardships that she's been through, Blue is quick to stand up for what's right and to put her own well being at risk to help others. She cares very much about humanity and tries to save as many people as she can. She is strong, capable, funny, yet vulnerable.

I like Gabriel Black, but he doesn't make it easy. I did take issue with how he handled the situation with Max, Blue's loyal and lovable dog. Aside from that, he's a great alpha hero. Gabriel has definitely met his match with Blue. While he did save her a few times on their perilous journey, Blue did a fair amount of fending for herself, saving him a time or two in return. They complement each other, each counter balancing the other's weaknesses with their respective strengths. Gabriel and Blue have sizzling chemistry, but their connection goes much deeper than their physical attraction.

Ms. Williams has created a fascinating post-apocalyptic water world. Readers will be easily drawn into this story of survival, hope and high adventure. Ms. Williams has a beautiful and descriptive writing style, expertly capturing a wide range of emotions and bringing this intense tale to life.

Overall, Tsunami Blue is well worth reading. It is a refreshing and imaginative paranormal adventure. The world of Tsunami Blue is bleak, but filled with compelling characters, and topped off with a beautiful love story. Don't be afraid of the water - jump into Tsunami Blue.

Notable Scene:

The scream of outrage resonated throughout the tiny engine room; the echo of pain rang in my ears. The sickening copper smell of blood filled my nostrils. I willed myself not to gag. I'd dealt with plenty of blood in my time. It was just that, in some remote area of my very frightened brain, I wasn't a hundred percent sure that limb didn't belong to Gabriel.

I should have known better. It wasn't his voice that was screaming. And screaming still. And it wasn't Gabriel's style to be caught unaware, unprepared. I remembered when he stood up in the living area of my small cabin, confident, strong, in control. Losing a limb to scum like these men? Not possible. No Way.

The cries continued and I knew Snake had not stopped at a hand. He'd gone for the gut, moved to the heart, and now he'd take out the throat. Limb, gut, heart, throat. The best Runners could complete the kill ritual in seconds.

FTC Advisory: Dorchester Publishing provided me with a copy of Tsunami Blue. No goody bags, sponsorships, "material connections," or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don't receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.

They call her Tsunami Blue. Nineteen years ago, as a little girl, she ran on a Thailand beach screaming, "Tsunami" over and over, alerting, warning, prompting people to run for their lives. On that fateful day, the sea had told her it was coming. The series of monster tsunamis devastated the world.

It is the year 2023. The US has been reduced to a series of islands. Blue had been raised by Uncle Seamus on an island near Washington State. That is, until Runners murdered Uncle Seamus. Cut off from all society, Blue broadcasts on the airwaves nightly, telling anyone listening whether the night would be calm or if they should run to high ground. But her message eventually reaches the wrong ears. Now she is the target of Runners, ruthless pirates who want to use her ability of talking to the ocean for their own personal gain. Her only hope of survival is with a near dead stranger who has washed up on her beach. Soon after saving Gabriel Black's life, Blue begins to wish she had left him for dead. Gabriel might just be working for the Runners himself.

***** FIVE STARS! An adventurous, water-logged tale of survival and romance in a chaotic future. This story is heavily flavored with the salty tang of what could happen to the world should Mother Nature decide to turn her wrath upon humanity. Filled with intense characters, this tale caught my attention very quickly and set the fast pace that would sweep me through one dangerous moment to the next. Sublime! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This was such an interesting take on a possible future. Basically, a bunch of tsunamis destroyed the U.S. Coastline. The heroine is able to predict tsunamis, and that puts her in danger from just about everyone...yet she still sends out warnings when possible. One day, a very sexy and dangerous man washes up on her beach. She's afraid he's a pirate...

The romance is both sweet and sexy and I rooted for the characters from their first interaction. The hero is just awesome--protective, vulnerable, and deadly all at once. This is a truly fantastic thriller with a very fast pace.

I highly recommend this book!

Gayle has crafted to a quick pace that kept me reading when I should have been working. I like a female lead (Blue) that can walk the walk. Good, intense fight scenes and an ending that might surprise. Always like a faithful dog.

Overall? Cool concept well implemented. Buy it.

Wow! Tsunami Blue was had me hooked right from the start. I loved how feisty and tough "Blue" was as she fought for her life in this futuristic tale of Water World meets Mad Max. The kickass fight scenes, the sizzling romance, and the dashes of humor throughout make this book a five-star keeper! I have my fingers crossed that Gayle Ann Williams will be delivering another book staring Blue, Max, Gabriel, and the rest of her exciting cast of characters soon, because I need more of Tsunami Blue! If you like your heroines tough as nails and your villains mean and slightly sadistic, you'll love this story.

Gayle William's new book is a page turner. I picked this book up while on vacation and I'm glad of that because had I been home, I would have had to ignore everything and everyone as I read the book. I really could not put this book down. From the very beginning pages, I was hooked and had to know what happened next. I highly recommend it. I'm waiting anxiously for Gayle's next book.

I received a copy of this book from an acquaintance who knows the author. I must admit that it sat on my bookshelf for an embarrassingly long time before I read it. Even though I read a lot of romance novels, I think it was the cheesy cover that turned me off. I hope the publisher reads this review and takes note that they should work on a new cover. In any case, this is a perfect example of why you should never judge a book by its cover! This book captured my attention from Page 1 and was a fabulously fun read. I loved the futuristic waterworld-type setting and interesting heroine. I am not sure I would totally classify this book as a romance. It is a little light on the romance, and heavier on the action, but I like action, so that was fine with me. My only complaint was that the book was not longer, because I would have liked to know more detail about the interesting new world where everyone now lives. I think a prequel that tells the full story of how Tsunami Blue got to this point would be fun. The author touches on her background in this book, but it could be a full book all on its own. So if you are looking for a fun, fast, unique read, I recommend this book!