I picked this book up to work on a "nontraditional" shifter challenge read, and was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it quite a bit. A sort of retelling/contemporary take on the selkie legend. It's set on a small island (Seal Island) in the North Sea, and also has a thriller/suspense component to it. The contemporary tale is interwoven with a historic tale of a local selkie captured and held by a local man on the island, and the story of a young woman who comes to the island to escape her past. This is a very well written book. I won't do a plot summary - I'll talk about the seemingly effortless skill with which Sophie Moss presented this wonderful selkie story. The cover grabbed me but the first few pages tightened that grip and the story held me fast. The mix of mythology in a contemporary setting was presented in a believable and realistic way. It was like the air on Seal Island was thick with magic and the inhabitants didn't notice because they were used to it. The characters were well developed individuals but not caricatures. I want to do this book justice with a good review but honestly I just want to gush, fan-girl style. Two things struck me as I read: the rich well described setting and the excellently paced plot. The story developed naturally, not a word seemed rushed nor description overly drawn out. I would have bet money this book was written by an experienced author and published by one of the Big 6. I would have lost. Gems like this are why we should never let ourselves be swayed away from an indie book. Ms. Moss is an indie author to watch and her voice has style. ~ "The air was crisp and cool and refreshing when Tara stepped outside and she took a moment to soak in the view. She could hear men shouting over their motors down at the docs, bringing in their catch for the day. The ocean crashed turquoise over a silver beach, fading out to the Atlantic in darker blue. Sunlight sparkled, dropped like diamonds into the water. To the West, puffy clouds floated over the jagged peaks of Connemara, like rich dollops of cream. "Takes your breath away, doesn't it?" "That it does, Sophie Moss. That it does. Thank you for the imaginary vacation to Seal Island. It was beautiful.
What do You think about The Selkie Spell (2000)?
I loved this book... I am in love with Dominic! Seriously...
—aly
I give this book like 3.5 to 4 stars im not sure yet lol.
—Jeff
