Welcome to my tour stop with Celebrate Lit! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...
Of Ink and Sea
By Clarissa Kae
Adult Split-Time Romance, Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 308 Pages
January 10, 2021 by Carpe Vitam Press
Summary
The Bristol Sea divides Cornwall and Wales—and sings an enticing tale to Sienna Rothesay, an English born, American raised photographer. Since childhood, she’s fought the temptation to listen to its siren song.
When Ioan Waif, an enigmatic neighbor from her Welsh days calls her home to care for her ailing grandfather, Sienna is faced with an old myth that hints at a nefarious secret, linking her ancestors with Ioan’s.
To uncover the truth, she must walk the blurry path between legend and reality but with more questions than answers, she fears giving into her heart will cost Sienna her head.
My Review
OF INK AND SEA is a story full of mystery set on the coast between Cornwall and Wales, woven with superstition and stories of curses and witches. The author caught the feel of both time periods (the early 1600s and present day) quite well and wove an intriguing story. Readers will fall in love with these characters and feel immersed in this world with a touch of magic and romance.
What first drew me to this story was the cover, which fits the book quite well once you know who the lady is. This reminded me so much of some other books I've read set in this area where myth and superstition still holds sway. I loved how the author tells this story steeped in superstition, of long-ago choices affecting families generations later. I just felt completely immersed in this area of mists and dangerous sea where clans and tyrants fought over the land and people ages ago. I also really liked these characters. Sienna and Ioan, Kenan and Elyna, as well as William and Doris. I think everyone could especially use a Doris in their life. The whole ink and blood magic also worked for me and how that bond carried forward. There was a constant string of tension, both in the mystery surrounding these families and romantically. The romance wasn't actually a strong part of this story, more of an aspect of it, which I think worked well becuase it was more about Sienna finding her place and the mystery that needed to be solved. The ending ties everything up perfectly.
I did have just a few issues with the story. There were some areas that needed a bit more development. I would have loved more about the rugged area and a bit more expansion in the side characters and feel of the towns. I'm also hoping the finished book has the typos and such corrected from the ARC (this is normally something I don't mention, but there were a lot of typos). I also didn't really agree with the fix towards the end since I didn't feel like a specific person was wronged in the past as a sacrifice was given. I felt like the wronged party was someone else or multiple people. I thought it should have been more to do with something else that started the whole thing in the first place, so that part didn't really work for me. Everything else did work for me though.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This story was full of mystery and superstition and pulls the reader right in to the magical feel of the area its set in. If you enjoy stories such as Eleanor and the Iron King by Julie Daines, Witch of the Glens by Sally Watson and Suffering the Scot by Nichole Van then I'd recommend this one.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.
Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
A Note from Clarissa
I was supposed to go to Wales for my 40th birthday which is this month January 2021. But COVID happened. Instead, I delved into Wales for a setting and never looked back.
Tour Schedule
Rebecca Tews, January 18
Sara Jane Jacobs, January 18
Texas Book-aholic, January 19
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20
Inklings and notions, January 21
Wishful Endings, January 21
For Him and My Family, January 22
deb’s Book Review, January 23
Blogging With Carol, January 23
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25
Heidi and Books, January 25
Artistic Nobody, January 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Connie’s History Classroom, January 27
Holly Jo Morris, January 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28
The Write Escape, January 29
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 29
Godly Book Reviews, January 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31
Mia Reads, January 31
Tour-Wide Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon, $50 Barnes & Noble and $50 Target gift cards!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Have you read any stories surrounded by superstition and a touch of magic set in this area of the world? What do you think of this one?
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