Book Type: Adult romance
Author: Melanie Jackson
Pages: 370
**Warning: This novel contains graphic situations of animal abuse(hunting/poaching). Reader discretion is advised.**
Summary(goodreads.com): From the Deepest Ocean While the technology of the war to end all wars had changed the face of Europe, some things stayed the same; the tempestuous Scottish coast and the surrounding sea remained a place of unfathomable magic and mystery. Sequestered at Fintry Castle by the whim of her mistress, Hexy Garrow spared seven tears for her past -- all of which were taken by the waves. Came the Deepest Love Joining the water those tears completed a ritual, and that ritual summoned a king. He came for Hexy -- and for something Hexy didn't know she had stolen. He was a man of myth, whose eyes held the dark secrets of the sea, whose silken touch was the caress of the tide, and whose nature went against all Hexy had held to be true. And he'd come not to collect her for the ocean, but for himself.
My Review:
Selkie romance novels are just as elusive as the famed creature, but I’m still on the lookout for those books that make an impact. After reading Jackson’s last novel, The Selkie Bride, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, The Selkie is a marvelous, romantic tale that weaves ancient Celtic folklore with a 1940s setting, creating an engaging story.
Take Me To The Sea: What I loved:
One of the best literary aspects about this novel is the setting detail. The descriptions of the castle and surrounding landscape are beautiful and really transport the reader into the scene.
"Ruairidh looked about with a cautious eye. The village had not changed. It was made up of the same antique cottages, too weathered to be an ideal example of human pastoral charm. They huddled together around what had been a small green planted in the time of the Norsemen, but was not barren except for a few buttercups that bloomed every spring" (Jackson, The Selkie).
These descriptions and great details expand into the old, foreboding castle that Hexy is forced to live in along with some other locations that are haunted with a dark energy. And not only does Jackson include seductive tales of selkies and their fae relatives but also darker creatures that are out for blood. During this 1940s atmosphere, it was refreshing to see Hexy play a larger role as the hero where women were still regarded as fragile and only belonged in the domestic sphere. Lastly, I also enjoyed the push and pull romance between Ruairidh and Hexy. Their developing relationship was as unpredictable as an ocean storm.
Even with these great features, there were a few features about the novel that detracted from the reading experience.
Coastal Storm: What I Didn’t Like:
Although the novel had fantastic setting details and romantic chemistry, there were times that the novel was a bit exposition heavy and had some over-embellished language that was difficult to get through.
Another major fall back was head hopping, meaning the novel switches point of view (POV) mid-scene. This made it difficult to determine what character the reader should follow. This seems to be a device that many romance authors use, but if you’re a writer, I strongly advise against this; it creates a jarring reading experience.
Hexy was a fun and progressive woman to follow, but she still had some common romance tropes and character pitfalls. For example, she accepts the magic in her life way too easily. She fully accepts Ruairidh and doesn’t question anything! Additionally, she’s very clingy with her selkie lover, and although I understand she was under a spell, it was a bit pathetic when she pined for him constantly:
“His presence was necessary for her happiness" (Jackson, The Selkie).
Since Hexy was the main character for a majority of the novel, I wish Jackson had made her more independent, seeking answers to the selkie mystery or just engaging in activities that would distract her until her selkie prince returned.
Final Thoughts:
Even with some of the traditional clichés of romance novels, I really enjoyed the great setting detail, descriptions, and romantic dynamic between the two main characters. The addition of folklore, including some of the darker aspects, also adding a thrilling experience.
I give this book 3.5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie