The Selkie Spell (Seal Island Trilogy, #1) Sophie Moss (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
I received a complimentary copy of the Seal Island Trilogy in exchange for an honest review.The Selkie Spell is the first book of the Seal Island Trilogy. The story is about Tara, an American Doctor on the run from her abusive husband. She’s been moving from one place to another until she found herself on Seal Island. Her stay was met with disapproval from the tavern owner, Dominic, who wants her gone for some personal reasons. But from the first time she set foot on the island, strange things have been happening around her – which revolves around a legend that may be connected to her. Some people believe that she’s a descendant of the Selkie in the legend, that she has the power to break the 200 year old curse.Tara dismissed the stories knowing she will only stay for a short while. But she didn’t know that she’d fall in love with the island, the people, and Dominic. Now that her past is catching up to her, she needs to leave the island to protect the people she came to love, but Dominic won’t let her. Torn between wanting to keep them safe and wanting to stay with Dominic, will she choose to leave or fight for her freedom and embrace the legend and the magic calling to her blood?Of all the sub-genres of Paranormal Romance, it’s those connected to myth and folklore that I love the most. The Selkie Spell is a combination of Irish folklore and naked fairy tales based from Hans Christian Andersen's stories (definitely not the happy ending version by Disney). As Book One, it was a great starter for the trilogy. It made a perfect base for the next books. I love the first chapters of the book. It was haunting, beautiful and just gripped me until the last chapter. I love that the story was so mysterious that I just have to finish it to know the answers to questions thrown in the first few chapters. This is only the second series I've read featuring the Selkies and I’m glad to read more about them. The Selkie Spell features fantasy, mystery, and of course, romance with dark and gloomy settings.Character-wise, Sophie Moss created people you wish you'd meet in real life. The people in the island were lovable. They sounded warm and friendly and if Seal Island is true, I would love to go there just by the sound of the people. I like the interaction between the characters, particularly Tara and Dominic. I loved how their story maintained the sweetness and wasn't overwhelmed by over-steamy romantic/passionate moments. I’m glad the author didn't dwell much on the romance part. It was just a perfect balance of magic, mystery and romance. I guess the character who really made an impression on me is Glenna. From this book you can feel the air of mystery surrounding her which made me ask questions I know will be answered on the next books. The character that bothered me most is Kelsey. It was mentioned that she’s about 8 years old but by the way she talks in the book, it’s like a teenager or young adult is talking. It just didn't add up to her age, no matter how intelligent she is.So overall, I’m giving The Selkie Spell 4 STARS. It’s really a very good book. I love how the author mixed contemporary romance with folklore and fairy tales. It was entertaining and definitely merits a demand for books 2 and 3 to be read. If you love trilogies like Nora Roberts’ Three Sisters Island, then this book is just perfect for you. I would recommend this to paranormal romance readers who want to read a mash of mystery, folklore, and fairy tales. Definitely worth your time and money. Coming into this I was not sure what to expect. The selkie myth is huge yet there are not a lot of books that focus it it, so this was a delightful change from my usual shifters. I was also thrilled with the idea of delving into some Celtic myth.The story here is beautifully crafted. From the very start I was enchanted and did not want to stop reading. The whole book is very much like a Selkie Siren singing her song that puts you under a charming spell. I did not want it to end and was beyond thrilled to find it is actually a series!The story comes from a mixed narrative, mostly from the two leads POV, but also from many supporting characters. This gives you a more rounded tale and gain huge insights into the whole world. The transitions were smooth and flowed beautifully from one character to the next.I love Tara, she has such strength and determination. She meets her match in Dominic, they are both so stubborn. You can feel the chemistry from the start and there is no surprise that these two will get together. I love it when the sparks fly! The romance here is lovely and melts your heart at times!The story has so much more than just a romance. Everything about this sleep island town is engaging and the characters easily draw you in further. There are some great layers with the Selkie's curse and the danger following Tara. Everything combined to make an enchanting read.I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hollis McCarthy, who does a brilliant job! She takes on many distinct voices and delivers a delicious Irish accent in the hero! She has a fantastic pace in her read that lends itself to the movement of the story. This was a perfect marriage of narrator and book! I hope she stays with the whole series if it comes to audio.Overall, this is a dynamic read that delights the reader with beautiful prose and engaging characters. So much going on in this story but it never feels too busy. Ms Moss is also clever enough to weave in threads of the other two books characters. I am eager to see Caitlin and Glenna discover their HEA! When I accept a book to review I am always worried about how I will react. I am happy to admit I am ecstatic with this find and can not wait to read more of this charming author!Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
What do You think about The Selkie Spell (Seal Island Trilogy, #1) Sophie Moss (2000)?
Good read, good storyline. Reminded me of Nora Roberts.
—oumaima
What a great read. Very suspenseful and fast paced.
—juciara
