Eternal Seas

Written by Lexi Rees

184 pages

Published by Troubadour Publishing

Publication date: 28th September 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

Such a small parcel shouldn’t cause experienced smugglers much trouble, but this parcel is far from normal.

Lost and scared after a violent storm, Finn and his sister, Aria, take shelter on a remote island. They discover the parcel contains a relic belonging to a long forgotten people. Locked inside are powers which will change their lives, and the world, forever.

As Finn realises his connection to the relic, a vision strikes him – but what does it mean? Who should they trust? And if they decide to follow their hearts rather than their orders, will they manage to deliver the relic in one piece?

Chased across the seas as they try to solve the mysteries within the parcel, the fate of this ancient people depends on them. Finn and Aria must choose between what is right and what is easy – and time is running out …

Praise for Eternal Seas:
“A thrilling and magical adventure with plenty of hair-raising chases and a villain readers will love to hate. ETERNAL SEAS is a must-read for young fantasy fans.” Madeline Dyer, author of the Untamed series

“ETERNAL SEAS is a compelling adventure that weaves mystery and intrigue into a tantalising plot for the reader to enjoy. The writing has a lyrical quality and almost seems to capture the movement of the sea as the story unfolds. A very enjoyable read.”
Jude Lennon, author of Hal and the End Street, the Lamby series and other children’s books

“An exciting debut novel that takes us on a roller coaster adventure ride over high seas to mysterious places and brims with magic and intrigue. Young readers will love this book.”
Shalbey Bellaman, author of Dragons in the Looking Glass and Jack in the Wallows

Defeated by the Earth Lords during the Last War, the other clans were forced deep into hiding, locking away their powers in mysterious relics.

As the centuries passed, people forgot these powers ever existed. They faded into myths and legends, bedtime stories for children about magical people who could control the waves and walk amongst the clouds.

Today we go about our daily lives, unaware of how ordinary we have become.

First impressions: So many things in the synopsis appeal to me! Snugglers, islands, relics and mysteries. I was also lucky enough to be part of the cover reveal and became even more intrigued once I saw the beautiful cover, full of swirling waves.

This story follows Finn and Aria as they discover that the stories they have heard of people who are able to control the elements are more than stories, but actually part of their history and heritage.

We first meet them as Finn surfaces after spending eleven minutes holding his breath underwater, a place where he feels almost more at home than on dry land. His little sister Aria and himself are both worried because their father has accepted the job of retrieving and smuggling a ‘parcel’, picking up from a dangerous location and taking it to somewhere even more deadly. We follow them as their world goes from careful, routined and safe to a wild adventure across oceans and faraway lands.

“Welcome to New London” says the sign as we turn the boat into the Thames Estuary. Underneath, a smaller notice in scratchy writing hangs lopsidedly, “Pirates and Smugglers Beware“.

Rotting bodies swing from a row of gallows. My heart skips a beat. I want to look away but I can’t.

The further up the river we go, the tense Dad gets.

What I liked: Adventure storyline which is fast-paced, Aria and Finn’ s sibling relationship, the relics and the powers they seem to awaken, the mixture of magic and some modern technology.

Even better if: I wanted to know more about the baddie – guess that I will just have to wait until the next book to find out more! I also wanted to see more of the relationship between Finn and his parents as this seemed like it could have been explored more.

How you could use it in your classroom: This would be great to spark a creative look into how magic and technology could co-exist, how our world might change if people could wield powers like those in the story. This would be a good recommendation for any young fans of adventure or fantasy.

Don’t miss my interview with the author, Lexi Rees, where you can get an insight into some of the inspiration behind this book and learn about what will be coming next!

While you’re here, why not check out my reviews of Shadow Weaver, How to Catch a Witch, Flower Moon, The Storm Keeper’s Island or The Hazel Wood?

Don’t miss the other stops on this blog tour!

Giveaway!

Finally, so you fancy winning a £10 Amazon voucher, or the chance to have your illustration in the next book? Read on!

Win one of two £10 Amazon gift vouchers (UK only). To enter

Share a photo of you with the book (paperback or ebook) on Twitter or Instagram
Tag @lexi_rees (Twitter) or lexi.rees (Instagram) and #EternalSeas
Closing date 30th November 2018
UK only
Winners will be drawn randomly

Illustration competition – would your children like to see their illustrations published in a book?

Six lucky winners will have their illustrations printed in the sequel to Eternal Seas
Winners and runners up will also have their drawings featured on lexirees.co.uk and on social media

Drawings must be in black and white, and can be in any of the following categories

Aria flying up in the sky
a cat
mountain ponies
a snow eagle
a demon-goddess
a sailing boat
Finn and/ or Aria

Please see detailed terms for entry requirements

Open to children aged 13 or under
You can enter as many categories as you like
Winners will be chosen by Lexi Rees
Children’s name and age will be published together with their illustration. Parents/ guardians must confirm they are happy with this when they enter. Other information (e.g email address) will not be shared.
No purchase necessary
Closing date 31/1/19
Entries must be scanned or photographed in high resolution and emailed to lexireads@hotmail.com. The winners may need to post originals if the images are not high enough quality for printing. Postage costs will be covered in this case.
Full entry details can be found on lexirees.co.uk

Find me on Twitter , Goodreads or Instagram

Thanks for reading!