Synopsis
How far would you go for a shot at redemption?
Killian O’Shea is a charlatan who masks his painful past with a smirk and a shrug. One night, the neurotic Ren Thorncliffe walks into his life and changes it forever. Ren’s father is dying, and the only thing that can save him is an enchanted artefact hidden on an uncharted island. According to Ren, Killian is the only person who can find it, and he’s willing to pay handsomely for his services. Killian agrees to help, seeing it as a way to make amends for his past by saving a life to pay for the two he lost.
Killian seeks out untouchable pirate captain Lily Rothbone for convenient transportation and inconvenient feelings. They share a turbulent history, but as long as they can keep from bickering about it, the mission should be easy. She will become rich, and he will put the ghosts of his past to rest by doing something good for once in his life.
After discovering the artefact locked away, Killian’s only choice is to throw himself into a hole in the ocean, known as the Demon’s Drop, to find the key. He awakes alone and in another world where he’s forced to prove his worth to a mysterious race by completing increasingly dangerous tasks. Failure will guarantee Ren’s father’s death and Killian’s too. A lonely death without redemption.
Review
The Crystal Shore by Jo de-Lancey is a captivating read that had me wondering just what was round the corner with each reveal.
The story itself really came into its own when Killian went into the Devils Drop. The fantasy elements really shone here, and I wished that Killian could stay there longer because what de-Lancey wrote here was something that I was interested in and I hope to see more of this in book 2. De-Lancey wrote these locations so distinctively that I could picture them in my head and see myself control these characters around a 2D map with their little sprites! De-Lancey has created a world here that is filled to the brim with lore without getting too heavy and taking away from the story.
I enjoyed reading the characters and how different they are. Ren & Killian almost feel like brothers with their dynamic and Lily’s relationship with their crew is so believable. When we meet Nesta they are so mysterious and I just want to know more. They go through such great arcs, devastating and hopeful, that when things start to happen you really feel for each character and believe the emotion they show.
I am glad to have read this book and I wish it had more attention. For a character-driven adventure set on the seas filled with great plot and a unique story, classic banter, and hints of magic, check out Jo de-Lancey’s The Crystal Shore and be excited for book 2 with me. Especially after that ending!!
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