The Lure of Shapinsay

Apr 07, 2013 Sarika Patkotwar rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Actual rating: 3.5

The only story I'd read about selkies was a short story called 'Love Struck' by Melissa Marr in the anthology titled Love Is Hell. I didn't quite understand what or who a selkie was then, so I decided not to dwell much on it. Then I came across The Lure of Shapinsay. The guy on the book cover with his great body reminded me a little of Elijah Wood. However, it was the book trailer video that really caught my attention.
The story of Kait and Eamon, one thing I really loved about...more Actual rating: 3.5

The only story I'd read about selkies was a short story called 'Love Struck' by Melissa Marr in the anthology titled Love Is Hell. I didn't quite understand what or who a selkie was then, so I decided not to dwell much on it. Then I came across The Lure of Shapinsay. The guy on the book cover with his great body reminded me a little of Elijah Wood. However, it was the book trailer video that really caught my attention.
The story of Kait and Eamon, one thing I really loved about The Lure of Shapinsay was the alternating point of view. It's not alternating in the literal sense of the term, but basically, you get to read what Kait AND Eamon are thinking. When there's romance and when it's between two different species altogether, it becomes easier to read from both the protagonists' POVs. Their love story is the highlight of the book.
I didn't quiet get how and when the two fall in love, but I suppose that's the beauty of it. These are things that 'just happen' after all. Another aspect of the romance that I found very pretty was that fact that it was a bit yesteryear and very much today at the same time. The whole act of chasing the one who has caught your fancy or searching for them hopelessly with the intention that they might find you and romantic words to express love, reminded me of the old age romances. It was all about beauty of being with the one you love and trying so hard to survive on your own and keep each other happy. Kait and Eamon's love seemed to grow day by day.
Also, the relation between Kait and her brother, Blair was a lot of fun to read. It reminded me of the relation between any normal brother and sister, where they fight like opponents with words, but know in their hearts that they love one another. Kait and Blair bicker about the one minute birth difference between them constantly.
"I dinnae wish to be your enemy, but you make me wish to hate you."
From there, it's all about Kait and Eamon trying to live happily and some really sweet incidents make you smile. Eamon's selkie skin also forms a major part of the story. The other villagers make the scene more lively and entertaining with their wacky accent and easygoing way of life, and Shapinsay itself has been described beautifully. The other character that really added a meaningful touch was Kait and Eamon's neighbor, Tipper, who, in my opinion, is like an angel in disguise for the couple.(less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: tortured-hero, clean, fantasy-world, romance, lds-author, shape-shifting, ya, own, historical-romance, swoon-worthy-heroes

I debated between 4 or 5 stars. I really loved this, and definetly the first half was 5 stars all the way. Then halfway through there starts being talk of humping(He is a Selkie(Seal-Man) and he thinks kind of animalisticly), sex before marriage and talk of humping all night to satiate his loins. I would still classify this as a clean read, but it did push it a bit for my taste. I did love that this story was like nothing I've read before. It had a magical feel to it as I read and I never wanted...more

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Aug 03, 2012 Jessica Adkins rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Amazing! I loved this book! I have always been interested in mermaids since I was a little girl, and I love all the myths about the siren call and how they were supposed to enchant human males. With this book it's not a mermaid but a selkie, and I liked it even more because it was a male who held the enchantment over the female!
I was completely mesmerized with this book as much as Kait was mesmerized with Eamon! The love that they had for each other was just incredible! At first Kait was happy...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-and-reviewed-from-author-or-pu

I have to admit first off that this is the first novel that I have ever read that revolves around selkies so not only did I have a very wonderful plot and characters, I also got to learn loads about a new paranormal that I have not previously been exposed to which made the book very unique to me and a new favorite!

Though this book is pretty much YA I have to say that it had the feel of Adult novel. There is no erotica mind you; that is not to say there aren’t romance scenes, the book is as I sa...more

I have to admit first off that this is the first novel that I have ever read that revolves around selkies so not only did I have a very wonderful plot and characters, I also got to learn loads about a new paranormal that I have not previously been exposed to which made the book very unique to me and a new favorite!

Though this book is pretty much YA I have to say that it had the feel of Adult novel. There is no erotica mind you; that is not to say there aren’t romance scenes, the book is as I said pretty much YA. But just the feel of it while reading feels like something anyone could connect to. One reason I think that is, is because of the whole kind forbidden or hopeless love thing that Kati and Eamon have together. He is a selkie, from the sea while she is human and from land. Their peoples are constantly against each other. Blair her brother is one of the ones that is most adamant that she stay away from him. Kind of reminds me a little, only a little though, of Romeo and Juliet thinking back now.

At times I admit to thinking Kati was going crazy, even she admits it in the novel but at the same time I could not help but read on wanting, needing, to know what would happen between her and her love and obsession, Eamon.

Eamon, I really do not think I could describe him in any way that suits what I really think but some words that come to mind are, stubborn, handsome, and slightly arrogant. He also has a very dangerous appeal to him like you do not know whether he would kiss you or kill you which definitely appealed to me and I think will others as well.

The world they are set in, I believe it is Scotland on a little island away from the Mainland called Shapinsay. The world is very real while reading, the author has a way of really making it come to life and make you feel you are there. I have actually found myself saying some of the words from the novel, so it did indeed leave a very big impression with me.

If I had to compare this novel to anything again the first thought that comes to mind is Romeo and Juliet (though we do get a HEA mind you) another that comes to mind is Twilight, mostly because of forbidden and at times difficult love of the two main characters also though because to me this book is pretty epic especially from a self-published, new, author!

I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a good paranormal read.

*I received an Ebook copy of this book for free to review from the author. (less)

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May 05, 2013 Margaret rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Before I started book blogging, I thought that I would have the most fun reviewing books I did not like or did not finish. I believe the whole point was to be able to write a scathing review and clearly articulate every point I disliked about the book, along with very reason why it should not be read. Up until that point, that’s what would happen when my friends and I would start talking about books we disliked.
Today I’m finding that rather difficult. This is the first review that would truly...more Before I started book blogging, I thought that I would have the most fun reviewing books I did not like or did not finish. I believe the whole point was to be able to write a scathing review and clearly articulate every point I disliked about the book, along with very reason why it should not be read. Up until that point, that’s what would happen when my friends and I would start talking about books we disliked.
Today I’m finding that rather difficult. This is the first review that would truly be classified as BAD for me. And I’ve realized in my multiple attempts to write this review that whilst it is important for me to be honest, it is just as important for me to “mind my words”. Authors are people. And when I talk about one of their books, I’m talking about their babies, their children. I read recently that writing is the closest man could ever come to giving birth (sadly I can’t remember where this quote is from), and this is truth. So with that in mind, this is my review.

I was first attracted to this book because of the concept of selkies. I’m more of a mermaid fan but selkies are close enough to have caught my eye. They seem darker, more animalistic. Whereas mermaids are half fish, half human, and we tend to give them more human-like characteristics, selkies are half fish, and half seal and they are more seal than human. How far will a selkie go to keep its freedom? I wondered.
What I loved about the main character is also what I hated. She was an outcast, yes, but she still bought in to all the local superstitions and beliefs. She did not once question that maybe “selkies” might be different from what the town believed. She was not really accepted in the town and I feel like she could have feasibly had one of two reactions to selkies. One is to not want anything to do with them because she did not want to become more of an outcast. The other is to want to find out more about that because if she was misunderstood, they might be as well. Instead I got a girl that other than living set apart from the town, I could not quite figure out what made her an outcast, because she seemed just like the rest. They said it was because she voiced her own opinion a lot, but it did not seem more so than anybody else there. Or at least, not enough to warrant an “outcast” status.
***SPOILER ALERT*** read this review at http://thecozyarmchair.blogspot.com/2...
Then here comes the selkie. And immediately she falls in enchantment with him. It’s a complete 180 from swearing she’d scream out of fear if she saw one, to suddenly wanting to follow him to the ends of the ocean, even if it meant she’d drown, as long as she was by his side. It’s a very drastic change. I’d hoped that this meant that she was under some spell, and would somehow try to break the spell and fall in love with the selkie man of her own free will. That never happened. Throughout the entire novel she was under this spell, and the moment he was out of her sight she would panic that he was never coming back. It appears to be that she had him under a spell as well, and eventually they figured out a way to be together and all that wonderful good stuff. But the issue that her free will (both of theirs actually) was taken away because of the enchantment was never addressed. The fact that she would have panic attacks the moment he was out of sight (which BY THE WAY does not a healthy relationship make) was never addressed either.
It’s really frustrating, because it was such a good plot. So many wonderful angles to explore. The fact that she was under a spell that forced her to be in love/obsession with him: how would she escape that? And then still fall in love with him? The fact that she was an outcast and her only friend committed suicide: How would that affect her? Her brother was trying to marry her off to make sure she was taken care of. The fact that she was meeting up with the selkie in the crazy woman’s shack, who turns out to have had a history with selkies, was that some sort of warning she should heed? Was that foreshadowing her future? Or how about the fact that she NAMED the selkie, even after he told her that selkies did not have names, they had no need, she still named him. Names are important, that had a lot of significance and other than the name she gave him having a personal significance for her, her giving him a name was a very important detail in their relationship. She bound him to her when she did that, how would that affect him?
All of these details and more where things that the author completely skimmed over or ignored entirely. She could have honestly gone in any direction with the events of this book, it could have been dark, or fairy tale-like, or anything really, but instead, it somehow became a very one-dimensional, slightly disturbing story, about two beings who fall in love thanks to an enchantment and spend the entire novel trying to figure out a way to be together.
This is one of my longest reviews, and one of the hardest to write. The style of writing in this novel was superb and her talent of switching from his voice to her voice, changing styles so drastically, is admirable. I feel like Ms. Holle is very talented and I just cannot fathom why she did not expand on what could have been a fantastic novel. I would definitely be interested in reading more of her future work, in the hopes that I get to see her talent truly shine.

Read this review (and more!) at: http://thecozyarmchair.blogspot.com/2...(less)

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Dec 13, 2012 Kristina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

originally posted on my blog: http://newborrowedused.blogspot.com/2...

My Thoughts: While I read a lot of Fantasy/ shifter stories, this is my first with selkies as the main characters. They've been background characters (way back) so I knew a little about the legend but not much.
Kait instantly grabbed me. I loved when the story was from her POV, especially at the beginning. Her interactions with the villagers and relationship with her brother really showed her as a strong capable female. As the...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-to-z-challenge

About the book:
A completely unexpected surprise! The Lure of Shapinsay surprised me. The summary is compelling and draws you to read it but once you start you are engulfed in the atmosphere of the book. I kept reading for long hours and couldn't put the book aside. I have to say, the book is pretty long. Read a kindle version, thought it was endless but worth it. From the beginning the author took time to create the island to a point you can picture it on your mind. Author Krista Holle took inte...more

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Sep 30, 2012 The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read FULL Review At: The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger

The Lure of Shapinsay is a paranormal romance by indie author, Krista Holle. When Krista first approached me about reviewing The Lure of Shapinsay, I was immediately intrigued by the summary! Not only am I a lover of romance, but I was also excited to learn more about a type of paranormal I haven't read about before- selkies! After just recently finishing The Lure of Shapinsay, I have to say, I'm a little disappointed. Although there were things I d...more Read FULL Review At: The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger

The Lure of Shapinsay is a paranormal romance by indie author, Krista Holle. When Krista first approached me about reviewing The Lure of Shapinsay, I was immediately intrigued by the summary! Not only am I a lover of romance, but I was also excited to learn more about a type of paranormal I haven't read about before- selkies! After just recently finishing The Lure of Shapinsay, I have to say, I'm a little disappointed. Although there were things I did enjoy about the story, there was an equal amount (if not more) that just wasn't doing it for me.

To start off, I really want to point out that Krista Holle's interpretation of the selkie creatures was really well done. It was entertaining, interesting, and most importantly different from the regular "mermaid" tale. The mid 1800 setting and unique dialogue between the characters also makes it easy to clearly visualize everything in the story!

When we are first introduced to the main character, Kait, I immediately thought she was going to be a very strong, female character. Unfortunately my opinion of her steadily went downhill from there. Immediately after falling in love with Eamon, Kait becomes incredibly annoying. Her constant insecurities were repetitive and her character just became this love sick puppy blinded by "love." I was able to get past the instant-love thing....but what I wasn't able to get past was how being in love dramatically changed Kait's character (and not for the better). With this book being about 50% in Kait's POV, I was going mad from having to read through this girl's brain. *shivers*

Ahhh, Eamon....the handsome, selkie, Eamon.....He was probably my favourite character in this book. Although I could have gone without his numerous vulgar "humping" statements, (which was a bit disturbing :P) his character radiated a mystery that encouraged me to keep reading. Not to mention that seeing him make sacrifices to be with Kait was incredibly sweet- I'm a sucker for those sacrifice-rs ;)

The love story between Kait and Eamon was just, overall, really hard for me to get into. I wasn't able to connect with them very well -which is essentially the reason why I had to give this book such a low rating. After reading such amazing reviews from fellow bloggers, I really wanted to fall in love with this book but unfortunately that wasn't the case. (less)

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Sep 29, 2012 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

(( This review is also posted : http://cheerfulreviews.blogspot.com/2... ))

Thank you sooo much, Krista- for sending me this book in return for an honest review!

~~ 4.5 stars~~

This book was so good! When Krista first emailed me about reviewing her book I thought it sounded incredibly interesting but I never thought I would love it so much. From the very first page I was hooked. This book was definitely one that I read straight through without any breaks.

In the beginning we meet Kait- the main c...more (( This review is also posted : http://cheerfulreviews.blogspot.com/2... ))

Thank you sooo much, Krista- for sending me this book in return for an honest review!

~~ 4.5 stars~~

This book was so good! When Krista first emailed me about reviewing her book I thought it sounded incredibly interesting but I never thought I would love it so much. From the very first page I was hooked. This book was definitely one that I read straight through without any breaks.

In the beginning we meet Kait- the main character. She was speaking with some towns people when she hears that a good friend of hers has just had her baby. And what should have been an extremely happy day turns out as a terrible one. The baby is half selkie- and Kait witnesses the baby's grandfather drowning it in the sea. Well, turns out a different selkie witnesses it and mistakes Kait for doing it- and he's out for vengeance.

After the selkie hunts Kait down he realizes that she hasn't done it and leaves- but Kait feels this strong pull towards him and can't stay away. She hunts for him for days by the sea and when she finally finds him- she doesn't want to let go.

I just love this book so much for the plot. I mean, how many books can you think of on the top of your head about selkies? I know my answer- none! It's so original and fun to read about, I just loved it! The romance in the book was also phenomenal- the love between Eamon (the selkie) and Kait is so real and sweet- I loved reading scenes between them. They both fell so in love and wanted what was best for each other- which is really what love is about.

Eamon and Kait both have to go through many hard times figuring out their relationship. Eamon's home is at sea- where he is most comfortable, but Kait is on land- so they both have to try and figure out a balance and how to work it out.

This book was great. I loved every moment of it. And I would have given it 5 stars if well.. there were times in the second half of the book when "humping" was mentioned a lot and I get it- Eamon is a selkie and what not. But it could get annoying a few times. Besides that though- I loved it, loved it, loved it. It's such an original book and I would recommend it to anyone who is getting sick of vampires and werewolves- selkies are where it's at! (less)

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Aug 27, 2012 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was a fun read. I liked both the main characters, Kait and Eamon, a lot and I liked how Holle wrote from both Kait and Eamon's point of view throughout the book. It was great to read about what both characters were thinking and feeling.

What I enjoyed the most was the story that was told. I love mythology and have read several books about mermaids but this is the first time I have read about a selkie man who enchants a young woman. Holle does a wonderful job with filling the book with l...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Jenny Bookdoll rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

On the small island of Shapinsay (near Scotland), legends of selkies run rampant amongst its inhabitants. Selkies are creatures that live as seals in the water and take off their skin to become humans on land. They are very beautiful, with selkie men having powers of seduction over human women. The lure of selkie men is often powerful enough to lead many women to their deaths in the sea. The villagers fear them, as well as the sea that is their home.

Sixteen year old Kait Swanney is an exception....more

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Aug 17, 2012 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

First thoughts
I love all things Mythical; I love a good story with a mermaid. So the thought of a book centered on a Selkie (Seal) race was fascinating. The only thing that almost made me turn away from this book was the fact that it was set in the 1800’s. I don’t like historical books; they just don’t do anything for me. But I was told that I would still enjoy it, and I did. So glad I was able to read this book. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.

My thoughts
Lure of the Shapinsay was a...more First thoughts
I love all things Mythical; I love a good story with a mermaid. So the thought of a book centered on a Selkie (Seal) race was fascinating. The only thing that almost made me turn away from this book was the fact that it was set in the 1800’s. I don’t like historical books; they just don’t do anything for me. But I was told that I would still enjoy it, and I did. So glad I was able to read this book. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.

My thoughts
Lure of the Shapinsay was a great book! I was hooked from the beginning and I was not expecting that. The only thing that was a little frustrating was the language. In the beginning It made me crazy but once I started to understand that, it was back to being a great read. This book is quite different than anything I’ve read before. I’ve never read a book about Selkies! I love reading new things and seeing what authors can come up with next to make their story different than everything else out there.

This story starts out with a case of mistaking identity. A baby Selkie is murdered once the town discovers that the baby is not completely human. Eamon see Kait and assumes she is the one that murdered the baby, one of his own kind. Hell bent on revenge Eamon makes it his mission to make Kait pay. Once he discovers that she is not the one that killed the infant they discover they are attracted to each other, and it becomes hard for them to stay away.

Kait is feisty, independent and refuses to me married off to a man she doesn’t love. She has a strong desire to swim even though the towns people tell her to cautious of the Selkie man who will take lure her to them and drown her. She doesn’t listen and continues to look for the Selkie that has been in her thoughts since she saw him.

Eamon was a joy! He was so head strong, and intent of not being around the “land Louper’s” .But he could not get Kait out of his thoughts. He likes her lot and now he must decide if will continue being a Selkie or will he give up that life, hide his skin, and continue living life with Kait. Sounds Simple but it’s not everything is against them and a Selkie can’t avoid the sea forever, it’s a part of them.

Another character that I loved was Tipper. She ended up being my favorite, second to Eamon and Kait of course.

Overall this story was great.it made fall in Love with Selkie and wants to be lured into the sea by a beautiful man. The ending was a pleasant surprise all, was not expected that all yet it made it all the more better. It was sort of bittersweet. If you’re like me and don’t like historical books, let be the first to say that you never know what time this is yet it. It’s a story for everyone. I highly recommend it!
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Aug 11, 2012 Christina (Ensconced in YA) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-request

I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 4.5 stars.

The Lure of Shapinsay by Krista Holle was an unexpected find. This story is about Kait, a headstrong girl, who falls in love with the wrong man... or in this case, a selkie--a seal that can turn into a man, and is gloriously handsome. She doesn't believe that he can really be in love with her as well. The rest is a love story that has unexpected twists and the story ends the only way it can.

By the ti...more

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Aug 10, 2012 Ashley Williams rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review from the author. Thank you Krista!

This book was great! I was skeptical to read The Lure of Shapinsay, because I typically read more contemporary novels, but I was quickly enveloped into the world that Krista had made. I was blown away at the love that the characters felt for one another, it was very touching. I had never heard of the Selkie (a seal man that can shed his skin and become a very beautiful man), but I'd sure like to be lured by...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Preet rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was kind of unsure about reading The Lure of Shapinsay because I’d never heard of Selkie creatures. However, I was too intrigued to pass up the opportunity to learn more about the lore. Krista Holle creates a completely different world than we’re used to seeing with an old town Scotland setting.

Eamon is a Selkie, a seal type of creature that can turn into a human when on land, who falls in love with a human girl named Kait. I enjoyed both of the character because they both seemed to have fairl...more I was kind of unsure about reading The Lure of Shapinsay because I’d never heard of Selkie creatures. However, I was too intrigued to pass up the opportunity to learn more about the lore. Krista Holle creates a completely different world than we’re used to seeing with an old town Scotland setting.

Eamon is a Selkie, a seal type of creature that can turn into a human when on land, who falls in love with a human girl named Kait. I enjoyed both of the character because they both seemed to have fairly strong personalities that fought to understand one another. Kait is lovable in that stubborn girl for her time kind of way, while Eamon has a very mysterious lure ye want to know more about! Side characters were also well written, but I tended to prefer reading about the main relationship. Though cute, their relationship does have a slight insta-love quality that wasn’t the most believable. I think their relationship geared more towards going for something that was forbidden than it was love. However, their relationship was still an enjoyable read to root for. There are a few mature scenes regarding the relationship, but they’re all handled with light detail so it’s something that could still be YA appropriate.

Though thoroughly interesting, I hoped to have more of a background on Selkie creatures because I knew nothing about them. Even after finishing, I’m a bit hazy on truly understanding how they work. I think elaborating a bit on this aspect would’ve rounded the story out a bit more for me.

Overall, The Lure of Shapinsay was a really creative story that seemed to be very well researched. This is one of those stories I could definitely see more books on because there’s so much uncovered territory to the story and this book just scratches the surface. Take your chances on this book if ye looking for a unique and different read. (I’m unsure if I used that right, but I’m trying here.)

Soundtrack:
I was thinking a lot of LOTR type of Middle Earth music while I read this, so here we go:

Concerning Hobbits – LOTR Soundtrack
Into the Wild – Enya
Another Dance – Jean-Yves Thibaudet(less)

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Jul 12, 2012 Masquerade Crew rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There are a lot of romance stories out there involving (generally) a mortal female falling for a supernatural being and this one is pretty similar. Kait, being the human female unsatisfied with her lot in life and the marriage her brother is trying to arrange falls for Edmund, a young selkie male. I was a little disturbed at one point when it was revealed how young Edmund was, but I guess selkie’s mature faster than humans.

This story follows the 3 act format of romance novels so of course it’s...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My thoughts:
This was my first Krista Holle story as well as my first selkie story. I am a fan of paranormal and was excited about it. Krista Holle did not disappoint. This story is clever and intriguing, bitter and sweet.

The author has built a world that is both realistic and fantastic. The old-world, historic feel paints the perfect setting for the story and she has created a colorful and mysterious legendary background for the selkies. The writing is vivid and detailed, assuring that the re...more

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May 27, 2012 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

**AMAZING READ**
As soon as I started this book I was hooked from the very first line. This book seemed to have everything a book should have and the further I read it became apparently clear that it had more. I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons. The legend of the Selkies is a very old legend, it is said that that Selkies live as seals in the sea and humans on land. Krista really made this legend come to life in The Lure of the Shapinsay, and in the process added her own unique perspec...more

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Apr 26, 2012 MaryAnn Dennis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Lure of Shapinsay by Krista Holle Paranormal Romance

Shapinsay is a Scottish Island in the North Sea. This is a very unique romance between a human, Kait, who doesn't care for the land lovers, and Eamon, a Selkie--a seal when he is in the ocean and a man when he comes up on dry land.

Their bitter-sweet romance is told from both of their points of view, set against a backdrop of a superstitious village in 19th century Scotland. It definitely has an ethereal feel to it like Middle Earth; and not...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Fairview Fairview rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What I liked:

The main character, Kait Swanney is a strong, independent young woman who speaks her own mind and makes her own decisions. Pretty tough cookie for 1800’s Scotland.

The mythology of the ‘selkie’ was something I’d briefly heard about and I think Melissa Marr wrote a short story about in an anthology I read. That was the extent of my knowledge. This story fills in all the gaps in a way that makes sense.

Kait’s obsession with Eamon, the selkie, is written well so that I believed and under...more

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Mar 03, 2012 The Haunted Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The author contacted me asking me to review and at first I wasn't so sure. The cover was a little confusing. I review paranormal, fantasy, and young adult, but this cover looked like I might be getting into some erotica. The author assured me it was appropriate and I took a shot at it. Right away I was lured into the book just like Kait is lured to the selkie man. So many old customs were used to beautifully and I wasn't confused again throughout the book. I didn't know what was going to happen...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Shayna Gier rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

With a much better ending! The Lure of Shapinsay is a very enjoyable love story about two lovers who in all intents and purposes shouldn't be together. First they live in different environments (land and sea) and in general their species tends to hunt one another. Then you find out that the selkie are actually weakened by being on land. The whole story seems so tragic and like there can't be a good end to these star-crossed lovers... except for maybe there just might be. I'll not spoil anything...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Molly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: DarkMindBookTours

Shelves: book-review

Krista Holle is an author whom I am happy to say, I would read more of her work! I was a little skeptical about this historical paranormal romance story as it dealt with Selkies. I wasn't familiar with Selkies and what they were, but Ms. Holle did a fantastic job with describing them, and keeping the reader informed on what they do and why. I loved the way she created the characters. She made them complex yet intriguing and captivating.

Kait. What a wonderful, lovable character! I could just hea...more

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Jan 02, 2012 L.B. Clark rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Lure of Shapinsay is a tale of romance between a selkie male and a human female. This in itself was enough to make the book interesting, as I’ve never before seen a novel that features a selkie.

This book fits the typical romance structure – romance novels are formulaic for a reason, though, so that’s not a bad thing. The storyline was interesting enough, though I did feel like the plot spun in circles in some places and was a bit thin in others. The characters were believable, and some of H...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Tala rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, shapeshifters, paranormal, ya

Recieved from author for honest review.
Review also posted on Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!

The book opens with the mystery of what was wrong with the child born to Kait’s friend and what its grandfather was doing with it (and that’s what caught me). Kait follows the man and ends up being seen by the selkies that live around the island as she looks for the newborn, and that is how Kait gets inadvertently gets accused of murder.

Kait and her brother live on the Island of Shapinsay. Their parents...more Recieved from author for honest review.
Review also posted on Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!

The book opens with the mystery of what was wrong with the child born to Kait’s friend and what its grandfather was doing with it (and that’s what caught me). Kait follows the man and ends up being seen by the selkies that live around the island as she looks for the newborn, and that is how Kait gets inadvertently gets accused of murder.

Kait and her brother live on the Island of Shapinsay. Their parents died when they were young which lead to Kait being independent, strong willed and outspoken. She doesn’t seem to take much grief from anyone. Needless to say everyone else wishes she were quiet and obedient like the other young girls of the village. Her brother Blair has a hard time trying to be the head of the house and attempts to marry her off. Kait is naïve when it comes to selkies and men, it comes across well, I like my heroines a bit less so. She’s entranced and in Love from the start. She can’t go a second without thinking of her selkie or looking for him. At times it her obsession was a bit annoying, but it was an important part of the story.

Eamon, the selkie, wants revenge against Kait for the killing. After meeting her he can’t get her out of his mind. He treats Kait with dislike and contempt at the beginning of the story. He begrudgingly admires her love of the sea and swimming, so unlike the other humans on the island. The selkies are definitely more animal than human…“So ye really do not use names?” “I thought I was clear on that,” Eamon said with a growl as his eyes moved sleepily over my face. …..“Then how in creation do you address one another?” “The selkie speak with a look or a nudge. If that doesn’t work, we bite or use a swift rock to the head.” (Krista Holle. The Lure of Shapinsay)

The world that Krista Holle has created is complex and the research that went into it is obvious. I loved Tipper, can’t say more without giving something away. The struggle, both emotional and in the real world of the book, that would go on between selkie and human was portrayed very well. I would recommend this one to anyone who likes a good romance, paranormal and/or historical elements. I’ve no idea what Ms. Holle has planned but it would be a shame not to have another story in this well developed world. Tipper’s perhaps?
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May 05, 2012 Krista (CubicleBlindness Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have been reading a lot of mermaid books in the YA arena and when this author approached me to read and review this story I jumped at it. I was very intrigued with the idea. Here is a link to the Selkie wiki page if you would like to read more about them.
The book really grips you from the first page in which Kait discovers that the newborn baby was a half-breed and the town has thrown it into the water to die. She jumps into the water to try to save the infant even though it is common for thi...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Elsie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Move over vampires! This was a very unique novel. I had only briefly heard the mythology of the selkies in a previous series and the concept intrigued me, as I didn't have much knowledge of the legends.

Kait and Eamon, the selkie male, begin a strange relationship after his first encounter with her. At first I was not sure if Kait was stupid or if she was just so enchanted by him that she couldn't help it. It kept me a little frustrated, but just enough so that I had to keep reading to find out...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Jessica `~Blahyze~` rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks

This was a very original read and like nothing I have encountered before. I like to think of it as an out of the norm paranormal romance with a historical base. I was a little surprised to find myself getting into this read seeing as I am not a fan of books that have a historical element and the accents didn’t bother me either or detract from the read itself. The whole story starts with Kait’s friend having a baby that the towns people believe to be cursed by a selkie and to be destroyed but Kai...more This was a very original read and like nothing I have encountered before. I like to think of it as an out of the norm paranormal romance with a historical base. I was a little surprised to find myself getting into this read seeing as I am not a fan of books that have a historical element and the accents didn’t bother me either or detract from the read itself. The whole story starts with Kait’s friend having a baby that the towns people believe to be cursed by a selkie and to be destroyed but Kait is against it and goes to the sea to save the baby only to arrive too late, but sees something, someone that she will never forget and who becomes a focal point of her life and to an extent her troubles. When the selkie, which Kait decides to name Eamon, comes looking for Kait she is taken aback at first but isn’t afraid and grows to have feeling for the selkie just as he does her the more time they spend together. Eventually Eamon takes the step to live on land and be with Kait forever but this has dire consequences for his health in time and Kait must make the sacrifice to send him back to where he belongs, even if it means losing him;

““Listen carefully,” she whispered coarsely. “This isn’t about your pain. If you don’t want to bury that young burd, you must release him back into the sea.””

I was sure this was not going to be a happy ending at that point but I am glad that it all worked out, really kept me guessing with what was going to happen and if Eamon and Kait were ever going to be happy again. This is very much on the tame level of paranormal romance, if you are looking for steamy scenes then you won’t find them here but it is still a great story regardless. I didn’t have many issues with this read, but I did at certain points find Eamon irritating due to his stubborn ways but that is his character, being selkie. I also found Kait on occasion to have little regard for Eamon, thinking more of herself. Over all I would give this three and a half stars, this read was more than I expected it to be and if you are looking for something different to read and out of the ordinary, then give this one a chance, you might be surprised.

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Jan 16, 2012 Cate rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Holle does a fantastic job of weaving selkie mythology into Kait and Eamon’s relationship, sometimes to the point that I wasn’t sure if Kait’s feelings for Eamon were her own or the result of the selkie lure—the enchantment that makes men and women fall in love with selkies. The story had tones reminiscent of Twilight, sans the love triangle and WITH an actual reason for Kait’s obsession with and love for Eamon. And Kait’s such a fun, spunky character that it’s not terribly hard to believe Eamon...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Tara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-copy, kindle, mythology, young-adult, romance, paranormal-romance

Review:

When I first started reading this, I very much felt it reminded me of Maggie Steifvater’s The Scorpio Races. Part of it was the tone of the book, and the island setting, and part of it was the fact that Krista Holle shares Steifvater’s skill in describing things and bringing them to life.

This book was actually quite different to paranormal romances I’ve read before – and I have to admit, that’s partly because it was about Selkies, which is something I haven’t seen much of. I liked the fa...more

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