Book Description:
To Cassandra Kelleher, trust is a dirty
word. A teenage selkie who grew up on land, all she wants is to free her family
from the man who stole their sealskins long ago. With her twin brother Brennan
losing hope and her window of opportunity disappearing like the beach at high
tide, she’ll try anything.Before long, however, Cassandra can’t tell whether her biggest threat is the man holding her family captive, a classmate who’s discovered her secret, or her own paranoia. Battling broken friendships and alarming romantic entanglements, Cassandra finds that trust could be the key to winning her family’s freedom … or losing her own.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
My Review: I received a copy of Wavecrossed from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was very excited about this book because Torched was one of my favorite indie reads of the past year. I award this book 3.5 stars.
Wavecrossed is a very different novel than Torched, which was a YA contemporary. I want to mention that I love that these books are totally different, because Colt takes a risk, and this is highly important for writers to be brave enough to do. This book stars Cassandra, a selkie, and her twin brother, Brennan two teenagers who are the only ones in their family who have their sealskins. Their parents and older brother Declan are still enslaved. To what lengths will each of them go to rescue them?
There is no doubt in my mind that Andrea Colt can write. Although I had some issues with how the story unfolds, I still got through the entire book in a few hours. The supporting cast is wonderful-- I loved Leisel and especially Ashlyn, the hated ex-best friend/girlfriend and queen bee of the school. I could imagine all of the scenes really well, and Brennan gives a nice balance to Cassandra, who is often hard to take. I loved the turn that everything takes in the end of the story, which I won't talk about, but you'll have to read it to find out!
As for my issues. I'm not sure that I agree with how the book starts. I dislike prologues as a general rule, but it might have been used effectively here. Instead of opening the story with the two of them swimming around, I think it would have been nice to see a scene of them trying and failing to save their parents. We are told most of this backstory through Cassandra's thoughts and dialogue between characters. Second, Cassandra is a very difficult character to like. I understand why she has to be that way, but often, I (and the characters as well) were begging to take a break from her continually negative and paranoid mind. Finally, as more of a personal preference than anything else, I think I've realized I'm not really into selkie stories. However, I did like how Colt makes the twins a bit different than "other" selkies.
Overall, a richly described novel that is fast paced with a terrific supporting cast. The way the plot unfolded and the main character weren't always my cup of tea, but no one can deny that Colt is a talented writer. I'll continue to pick up every book she writes.
http://oopsireadabookagain.
I didn't read your review as I don't read them before I have finished the book. I see by your rating you enjoyed it. I really want to read this and as soon as I replenish my book budget, I'm off to Amazon!
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