The Salt Bind by Rebecca Ferrier
The Salt Bind by Rebecca Ferrier
This was a DNF book for me at about 50%, so I will only be able to give a few thoughts for this book.
I requested an ARC of this book as the premise seemed like my kind of book. Spirits, gods, sea monsters and ruthlessness? Sign me up.
While the atmosphere was fantastic, the pacing was off and the characters fell flat and one-dimensional. The story spans Kensa’s life so it does have to go through many years, but it seemed to drag for the first half of the book with very little action or substance. Although I first enjoyed that Kensa stole the glory from her sister, Kensa became quite annoying and whiney rather than just ruthless like I thought she’d be. She was also very naive on many situations which was ok at first but as she grew and apprenticed for a wise woman, she should have known better for certain scenes. The fact that I didn’t like any of the characters, even as a villain, made me finally give up on reading the story.
There was certainly promise with the atmosphere and premise, but you can tell this is the author’s debut novel. I’d be interested to read another book by her as she grows into her writing more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
Synopsis: The people of Portscatho are bound to traditions and to the sea, living side by side with the spirits, gods, and monsters that inhabit the rollicking waters. When Kensa and her half-sister come across a dying sea beast on the Cornish shore, Kensa is quick to claim credit for the discovery, and in doing so steals the glory and her sister’s position as apprentice to the local wise woman. It seems an appropriate station for Kensa, who has always existed out of step with the others in the village.
Yet to be a wise woman is to be alone—unmarried, childless, relied upon and lusted after yet never truly wanted. Kensa’s only real company is her mentor, the wise woman Isolde.
But Isolde won’t live forever, and when she falls ill, Kensa will do anything to save her and retain her newfound elevation within the community. Even if that means having to seek help from the Bucka, a terrifying and unfathomable sea god who guards the tides around Portscatho. In doing so, she’ll risk her life, her family, and everything she’s sworn to protect.