Sea Change

By S. M. Wheeler

ISBN #: 9780765333148

Author’s Website:  http://smw.dreamwidth.org/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Valerie

Synopsis:

The unhappy child of two powerful parents who despise each other, young Lilly turns to the ocean to find solace, which she finds in the form of the eloquent and intelligent sea monster Octavius, a kraken. In Octavius’s many arms, Lilly learns of friendship, loyalty, and family. When Octavius, forbidden by Lilly to harm humans, is captured by seafaring traders and sold to a circus, Lilly becomes his only hope for salvation. Desperate to find him, she strikes a bargain with a witch that carries a shocking price.

Her journey to win Octavius’s freedom is difficult. The circus master wants a Coat of Illusions; the Coat tailor wants her undead husband back from a witch; the witch wants her skin back from two bandits; the bandits just want some company, but they might kill her first. Lilly’s quest tests her resolve, tries her patience, and leaves her transformed in every way.

A powerfully written debut from a young fantasy author, Sea Change is an exhilarating tale of adventure, resilience, and selflessness in the name of friendship. (Goodreads)

Review:

Sea Change is probably one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read. I don’t think it can be classified as fantasy unless it’s “fantasize about disturbing things we do for friendship.” Honestly, I was horrified as I read through Sea Change, but hey, at least I finished it!

It’s gory, creepy, scary, disgusting, and yet amazingly addicting at the same time. I felt pretty disgusted at the plot; you won’t believe what Lilly goes through. Lots of simply horrifying, gory, graphic events that somehow add (or subtract) into this unbelievable story.

Lilly is quite a character. She’s so strong that it hurts to read about her. She is such a great friend; I wouldn’t feel worthy of her companionship. She might not have died for her friend Octavius, but she has gone through much worse. I don’t know about any better character. (Sorry mom, even you can’t beat Lilly!)

There’s quite a bit of description as well. I could literally picture every single object and scene. I could imagine every bit of the story perfectly, and I don’t even want to know if that’s a good thing or not. Man, it is honestly so grotesque that I can’t bear to think about it!

Guys (and gals), if you’re not easily grossed out, definitely check this book out and be humbled by such a character.