Sea Witch [Mass Market Paperback]

I am not a big fan of the paranormal romance novel. I think there are so many of them that calling them cliche is too mild a term. What is worse is that so many of them seem like it is the same story written over and over again.

But Sea Witch (Children of the Sea, Book 1) gives the subgenre a nice boost in the right direction.

Caleb Hunter is a former soldier and big city policeman. Understandably, he has returned home to an island off the coast of Maine called World's End. He's come back because he wants a simpler life.

Margred is a child of the sea. Literally. She's a selkie who is 700 years old and she comes to shore in search of sex and she chooses Caleb as her target.

The story opens as simple as that. She wants him, she lets him know, he backs off but can't quite forget her. He searches her out again and they have their tryst. After that, it is she who can't quite forget him.

And that's where the main narrative begins and Ms Kantra does a wonderful job of keeping the balance between explaining the mythical (and making it seem plausible), a believable romance, and a small town murder mystery with distinctive characters.

The story is well paced and never overdone. Events that unfold are described in such a fashion that it never feels rushed or convoluted. Secondary characters are given enough distinction that they don't feel like props to the main characters.

And the main characters are likable without being too perfect. Caleb is no rich man. He lives in a one bedroom apartment. He has issues with his father. He has a limp he acquired from his stint in the Iraq war. He has a few nightmares too. Margred is a selkie who is forced to be a human for an indeterminate amount of time. She's fairly sure she doesn't want to stay that way. She has moments of cowardice and indecision.

But these quirks of theirs never overpower or overtake Caleb and Margred's innate goodness. The quirks just make them accessible and relatable and easy to spend time with.

So easy that I read this novel in one evening. The story flow was simply that smooth and enjoyable.

And already I'm looking forward to more from Ms Kantra and the good news for me is that her next Children of the Sea novel, Sea Fever (Children of the Sea, Book 2), is coming out in August 2008. Based on the quality of Sea Witch (Children of the Sea, Book 1), I can't wait!

Police Chief Caleb Hunter never expected to find a woman as alluring as Margred along the shoreline of World's End. Caleb is a man seeking only peace, a job that he can relax and try to forget the horrors of war. Margred shines like a beacon of hope to him, but she has a secret she knows he won't possibly believe. Margred is a selkie and everyone knows selkies are not meant for everlasting love with humans. Or are they? Meanwhile, the quiet island now harbors a darkness that threatens Margred's entire existence. Will Caleb believe Margred is a selkie in time to stop the evil that lurks on the island?

Atmosphere is key to the success of SEA WITCH. Virginia Kantra creates a very haunting, almost mystical mood that makes the selkie legends seem alive. One can easily envision both the island of World's End as well as the selkies' island Sanctuary through Ms. Kantra's vivid descriptions.

Virginia Kantra does a great job with character development. Margred is a bit distant initially, as befitting a selkie. The changes that occur in her help propel the story, as she is woman unused to caring for anyone but herself. Caleb challenges all that she knows and believes about herself and her race. Caleb is a great contrast to Margred, a man with deep emotional scars after a life of sacrifice. Whether fighting for his country or looking after his family, Caleb has willingly put aside his own needs. And yet despite their differences, Caleb and Margred share one thing in common... both are lonely and see potential happiness in the other.

SEA WITCH is an unusual story, one that draws the reader into the dark but oh so captivating world of the selkies. I've read other paranormal short stories by Virginia Kantra and am glad to see her style translates well into a full length paranormal tale. Easily recommended!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Margred is a selkie. Able to shift shape and live either as a human or a seal, Margred is a widow and has gone without the sexual touch of a mate for many years. Finally, however, her need for touch and the warmth of another has driven her to shore and an island called World's End. Carefully hiding her pelt, a selkie's greatest possession and treasure, Margred begins her hunt for the perfect man. She finds him in the form of island Police Chief Caleb Hunter, a veteran of the Iraqi war and a local islander.

Caleb Hunter is a one-man force. As far as law enforcement goes, he is it. Fielding yet another call from an irate islander complaining of a bonfire on the beach, Caleb is astonished to see the beautiful dark eyed woman staring at him across the flames. Attraction flares in her eyes and Caleb finds himself instantly lured to her side where sparks fly.

Margred and Caleb spend hours satisfying each other but as soon as Caleb's guard is down, Margred disappears, taking Caleb's heart with her. Unable to forget her, Caleb spends the next few days searching the beach looking for the sensuous siren that fills his thoughts and haunts his dreams. The lovers are reunited once again when Caleb rescues her after an assault. Margred states she can't remember her attacker and Caleb knows she is withholding information. He has to earn her trust - he yearns for it. But, he is ill prepared for her story.

I read Virginia Kantra's novella, `Sea Crossing' in the Shifter anthology a few short weeks ago and since that time, I have been dying for the release of Sea Witch. Sea Witch has combined paranormal elements with legend and lore to equal a sensuous, sultry, and suspenseful tale. The epitome of an avenging hero, Caleb's desire to protect Margred was noteworthy and I loved watching them fall in love with each other.

Sea Witch is exactly what I wanted it to be and I have no choice but to Joyfully Recommend this endearing and provocative novel.

Talia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed