Salt & Storm

Salt & Storm has me so conflicted, it's a little hard to explain. Avery's story started with a bang. Watching her learn the trade of being the Sea Witch, of learning to control the swells and skies, was amazing to me. Learning of her curse was better still. Although I knew that this was a historical romance (the synopsis makes this quite obvious), I was honestly hoping for continued excitement. Perhaps more depth into the witches and their powers? Alas, this was not to be.

If you're looking at this story from a historical romance perspective, it's near perfect. The setting comes alive on the page. Kendall Kulper writes in way that allows the reader to feel the salt spray, and taste the tangy air of the whaling community perched on a tiny island. In the same respect, the simple people of Avery's island are laid out very well. I had no doubt in my mind that I was on board for a story about a simple whaling town and their Sea Witch.

I can't quite say that the romance is on the exact same level as the setting though. There may be plenty of readers out there who absolutely adore Tane and his mysterious existence. I wasn't so easily swayed. Tane, as a character, had so many things left unraveled. My character driven mind ached to know more about him. To know who this person was that gave himself so readily to Avery. I'll admit I was rather frustrated that I never got the knowledge I wanted. That, compounded on the lack of a quick moving plot, made this a very slow read for me.

The ending did pick up again, and the last few scenes were rather interesting! If I was basing my review on the beginning of this story, and the ending, it would have been closer to four stars. For the slow middle, and the fact that it took all my willpower to move through that portion, I've decided to settle on three stars. If you're a historical romance reader, I'd recommend this! Chances are that you'll appreciate Salt & Storm much more than I did.