BRT: ARC The Surrogate Sea by Danielle E. Shipley

Title: The Surrogate Sea

Author: Danielle E. Shipley

Number of Pages: e-book

Rating: 4/5

Release Date: MARCH 24, 2015 - NEXT TUESDAY!

Add it on Goodreads!

(An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)

My Goodreads review states that this novella, for me, can be described in one word: "unexpected." This still holds true. It isn't unexpected in a bad way. Another phrase I used was "benefit of the doubt."

Being completely honest, I didn't like this novella's conclusion. For all of the tales of true love that we've read in The Wilderhark Tales up until now, how this book ends does not feel like true love. That's why I'm sincerely hoping this turns out to be a Part-One-of-Two ordeal.

Everything else remains just as amazing as has come to be expected though. Each character has their own motivations, feelings, and methods of addressing conflict. Reading The Wilderhark Tales can be like reading a pop-up book: the characters are still leaping off the pages! 

The progression of the plot was steady and never felt too rushed or too slow. Especially considering Shipley's transitions from Liliavaine to Muirigan to Ionquin to Vesparya (and more at times), she did a beautiful job of keeping their stories separated and at the same time joined together, all the while keeping the perception of time well in place.

As for the plot's twists and turns, there are no shortage of twists throughout this novella! Unexpected, indeed. "Whoa," "Huh?," and "What!" were all uttered at least once during my reading. The Surrogate Sea's got it all - sibling rivalry and love, scorned love, playful banter, conflict and resolution. Not to mention we get to see all of the awesome cast introduced in The Sun's Rival! (*Gasp!* More Lumónd and Laraspur!)

Though, as I said before, the resolution didn't satisfy me. It might satisfy others, but it didn't work for me. The final pairing that much of the book focused on (not Muirigan's) doesn't settle well with me, and I'm sincerely hoping that I'm right that the tale of The Surrogate Sea isn't quite over.

Yet, even if it is, that doesn't change the fact that this was a deeply enjoyable read and inspired a myriad of feelings. This book is especially a good novella for moral debates. This is indeed one of the most investing books of the series.

In conclusion, Danielle Shipley's fantastic writing has struck again! 

Read The Surrogate Sea next Tuesday, and prepare for the blog tour starting on its release! Stop by Jodi L. Milner's blog (click!) for the beginning of the tour on the 24th. My own blog tour stop will be the following Saturday, so check back here then too!

By the way, have the link to Danielle's blog as well. She's got all of the other details! 

Lastly, The Sun's Rival is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time! Hurry! 

BRT: The Swan Prince by Danielle E. Shipley



 

Title: The Swan Prince

Author: Danielle E. Shipley

Number of Pages: eBook format {ARC}

Rating: 5/5 stars

Date to-be Published: May 31, 2013

 SUMMARY

Catching her leg in a bear trap proves the least of Sula’s worries. Haunted by an enchanted monster from a past she dare not reveal, and hounded by the perilously perceptive young village doctor, Villem Deere, the headstrong girl of the woods gambles with fate by binding hers to that of Sigmund, the captivating orphan boy with mysterious nightly business of his own.

<> ~ <> ~ <>

An enchantress’s curse turns a spoiled royal into a beast; a princess’s pricked finger places her under a hundred-year spell; bales of straw are spun as golden as the singing harp whisked down a giant beanstalk – all within sight of Wilderhark, the forest that’s seen it all.

You’ve heard the stories – of young men scaling rope-like braids to assist the tower-bound damsel; of gorgeous gowns appearing just in time for a midnight ball; of frog princes, and swan princes, and princes saved from drowning by maidens of the sea. Tales of magic. Tales of adventure. Most of all, tales of true love.

Once upon a time, you knew them as fairytales. Know them now as Wilderharks.

REVIEW

*Deep sigh of content*

I loved it. The writing, the pacing, the characters, the plot, all of it—it’s superb. I kept trying to put the book away but found myself incapable. I’d be able to stop for maybe a few minutes, but then I’d keep going.

There was perhaps but one thing in the entire book that didn’t satisfy me, and that was how some of the characters’ relationships felt rushed. I understand, however, that this book was a novella and it required that small rush involved. Same with the quick comprehension of some characters—such as how Doctor Deere suddenly jumped to an accurate conclusion after a seemingly vague explanation.

Still, the content of the story and the diversity of the characters; the entrancing dialogue and scenery; and just the author’s voice made all of that very worthwhile. Oh, I loved it.

Since it’s not released and I don’t want to spoil; and as it’s a shorter story, I feel like there’s not so much I can say. Danielle’s voice is sort of similar to that of a fairytale (which is sooo perfect!) and it also reminds me a little of Tolkien’s. It’s amazing how Danielle made such a strong plot—I feel like this is a story I could’ve learned about when I was younger. It wouldn’t surprise me if people will tell their kids this story in a few years.

Another topic to address is how well she veils her truths and plot twists. Oh, wow. Within the last three pages of the book, there were so many amazing plot twists! I was reeling in amazement from them all, and when I finished the story, I just kind of sat there staring at the pages in dumbfounded awe for a few minutes.

This story is so successful in everything it wants to achieve. Inspiration, creativity, empathy, grace, and lessons learned… I fell in love with all of our protagonists. I want to know what happens to them in the future, for if Danielle has wrapped everything up so neatly in this tapestry, surely she has even greater twists and coincidences planned in their futures.

Seriously, read this book. It’s awesome. This may be one of my shorter reviews, but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. Just take my word for it.

Not to mention, this was my very first Advanced Reader’s Copy [ARC]! Thanks so much for letting me read it, Danielle. It was truly an honor!

THE SWAN PRINCE comes out on May 31, 2013!  Be immersed in the magic of the Wilderhark Tales!