Fear the Drowning Deep

August 22, 2016
In this atmospheric historical fantasy, set in 1913 on the Isle of Man, a young woman has to confront her fear of the ocean in order to deal with the mythological monsters terrorizing her community. Bridey Corkill has avoided the sea ever since something lured her grandfather into its depths, and no one would believe her tales of the supernatural. All she wants is to travel far from the island, but when people from her village start to disappear—just as an amnesic and gravely wounded young man washes up on shore—Bridey realizes that she may be the only person willing to fight whatever is preying on her friends and family. With the handsome, mysterious Fynn and cantankerous local witch, Morag, as her only allies, she sets forth to discover the truth about what dwells in the ocean. While first-time novelist Marsh draws heavily on standard paranormal tropes (the enigmatic love interest, for example), her evocative setting, memorable characters, and use of obscure folkloric elements all contribute to the novel’s strong sense of place. Ages 12–up. Agent: Christa Heschke, McIntosh & Otis.

A young woman battles sea monsters in this turn-of-the-20th-century fantasy set on the Isle of Man.Sixteen-year-old Bridey Corkill has hated the sea ever since it lured her grandfather to his death when she was 9. Until she can realize her dream of leaving her small fishing village to become a London shop girl, she reluctantly takes a job working for old Morag, who has a reputation as a witch. When Bridey's female neighbors begin to disappear one by one around the same time that Bridey sees an ominous black fin in the harbor, only Morag agrees that something monstrous from the ocean is to blame. Could it be the same beast that took Grandad? Meanwhile, Bridey discovers a handsome naked stranger she dubs Fynn washed up on the shore and quickly falls for him. Fynn claims amnesia but is soon accused by the villagers of murdering the missing women. Bridey must confront her fear of the water and the monsters within if she hopes to save Fynn and discover the truth about the missing villagers. Marsh's prose is often overdone ("the frigid fingers of a northern wind penetrated the hot kitchen"), and romance-novel cliches abound ("Then his mouth was on mine, hot, damp, salty"). Still, the Manx setting is an unusual (albeit all-white) one that's rich in folklore, and this watery take on "Beauty and the Beast" will be catnip to paranormal-romance readers. Mostly seaworthy. (author's note, glossary) (Fantasy. 12 & up) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-On a small, isolated island in 1913, readers will find the makings of an exciting tale full of magic. Bridey Corkill lives with her family on Port Coire and has dreams of leaving it all behind. She fears the sea, and nothing can change that, especially when a woman's body washes up on the shore. Then Bridey meets the mysterious Fynn; he can't remember who he is and doesn't know where he is from. The narrative is imaginative, adventurous, and full of mythology. The descriptive language will engage teens and is authentic to the time period. The story is captivating, and the mythological aspects will encourage readers to research unfamiliar terms and animals. Bridey is very relatable; she is courageous but also has fears. Her family and the townspeople add more to the intrigue. This title is perfect for fans of the romance in the "Twilight" series who are looking for a Rick Riordan twist. The elements of this book are much the same as those in other teen romances with magic and mythology, but the creatures, the glashtyn, are new to young adult fiction. VERDICT Recommended for collections in need of a new paranormal romance series.-Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

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