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Dark Is the Sea
Haunted by her mother's disappearance and plagued by nightmares, eighteen year old Rowan Munro abandons London for Dorchay, the remote Scottish village where she spent her childhood. With the help of her eccentric aunt and a familiar face from her past, she unlocks a power in her that is at once terrifying, yet curiously addictive. As she uncovers the deeply buried secrets of her family, she awakens something only imaginable in her worst nightmares. The Hunter; a centuries old malevolent and ferocious being, intent on killing Rowan and those closest to her. To survive Rowan must learn to harness her new found inheritance, and use her powers to finally confront the brutal, murderous force which has plagued her family for generations.
- GenresYoung Adult
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2014
4 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Heather Blanchard
3 books12 followersWith a childhood spent in the Scottish Highlands and Yorkshire, Heather Blanchard developed a passion not only for books, but also for creative writing.
Dark is the Sea, her first novel, emerged from a love of ghost stories, fairy tales, folklore, and old movies.
Heather lives in London with her husband Paul.
Dark is the Sea, her first novel, emerged from a love of ghost stories, fairy tales, folklore, and old movies.
Heather lives in London with her husband Paul.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 15, 2016
1. First off the cover is BEAUTIFUL!
Its set in the Scottish Highlands. I could literally picture myself there and smell the sea. Rowan (love that name for a girl) abandons London for Dorchay, the remote Scottish village where she spent her childhood. She doesn't expect to unlock a power in her and uncover the deeply buried secrets of her family, she awakens something only imaginable in her worst nightmares.
I love @h_blanchard_ Writing!!! So atmospheric! I could close my eyes and imagine myself there! The pace was wonderful, Rowan is one brave girl who I could relate to so much even though I couldn't imagine going through the same stuff she has. So many twists and revelations....
Its set in the Scottish Highlands. I could literally picture myself there and smell the sea. Rowan (love that name for a girl) abandons London for Dorchay, the remote Scottish village where she spent her childhood. She doesn't expect to unlock a power in her and uncover the deeply buried secrets of her family, she awakens something only imaginable in her worst nightmares.
I love @h_blanchard_ Writing!!! So atmospheric! I could close my eyes and imagine myself there! The pace was wonderful, Rowan is one brave girl who I could relate to so much even though I couldn't imagine going through the same stuff she has. So many twists and revelations....
February 14, 2016
Can we take a moment and appreciate how beautiful the cover is! The title is equally ravishing, but the author's writing style tops it all. I could feel the uncanny aura settle around me, the sea waves roaring my name, I could hear the forest trees howling in the night. I fell in love with the hauntingly beautiful setting, ripped from a dark fairytale (in Rowan's words), the dreary world the author created.
After turning every page my hunger effloresced. I needed to know what'll happen next. I am definitely going reread this book, I can already hear the mystic beauty and enchantments asking me revisit this contexture perfected by Heather.
Man, I am actually obsessed. I highly recommend this book. All you need to know is that this book is a treasure box of twist and turns that'll leave you breathless.The plot, pacing, almost everything's done beautifully. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK. IT'S PERFECT.
After turning every page my hunger effloresced. I needed to know what'll happen next. I am definitely going reread this book, I can already hear the mystic beauty and enchantments asking me revisit this contexture perfected by Heather.
Man, I am actually obsessed. I highly recommend this book. All you need to know is that this book is a treasure box of twist and turns that'll leave you breathless.The plot, pacing, almost everything's done beautifully. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK. IT'S PERFECT.
January 8, 2017
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
*I was sent this book in exchange for my honest review*
After her mother's disappearance, Rowan leaves London to go live with her eccentric Aunt Kitty in Durachy. Upon arriving, Rowan discovers that she comes from a long line of witches. As she steps into her new found powers, she is being hunted by a spirit that has been around for many years called The Hunter.
I love the cover which was why I was initially drawn to this story. Unfortunately, it was not my favourite. The beginning few chapters started off strong and I thought I was really going to enjoy it but as the story went on it became very predictable and felt rushed. At times, it was difficult to distinguish between Rowan's dreams and actual reality as there was no transition between the two. The insta-love in this book is ridiculous, one second Rowan is saying how scared she is of the love interest and the next second she's saying she loves him and taking him to bed... I also found the writing style to be very choppy and difficult to read. I also was able to call who The Hunter was as soon as they were mentioned in the story.
Overall, the concept for the story was interesting, but I don't think it was executed as well as it could have been.
*I was sent this book in exchange for my honest review*
After her mother's disappearance, Rowan leaves London to go live with her eccentric Aunt Kitty in Durachy. Upon arriving, Rowan discovers that she comes from a long line of witches. As she steps into her new found powers, she is being hunted by a spirit that has been around for many years called The Hunter.
I love the cover which was why I was initially drawn to this story. Unfortunately, it was not my favourite. The beginning few chapters started off strong and I thought I was really going to enjoy it but as the story went on it became very predictable and felt rushed. At times, it was difficult to distinguish between Rowan's dreams and actual reality as there was no transition between the two. The insta-love in this book is ridiculous, one second Rowan is saying how scared she is of the love interest and the next second she's saying she loves him and taking him to bed... I also found the writing style to be very choppy and difficult to read. I also was able to call who The Hunter was as soon as they were mentioned in the story.
Overall, the concept for the story was interesting, but I don't think it was executed as well as it could have been.
July 26, 2016
Precise Rating: 2.5
This book was sent to me by the author in exchange of an honest review. All opinions stated are mine and 100% true.
I really love the cover and the tittle of the book. Absolutely Beautiful. Wish I could say the same about the story.
The story started out really well. Unfortunately things soon became rushed and predictable.
Romance needs time to set. I say, don't keep romance as a subplot if you can't give it sufficient time because your main character would across as a *you know what*, if she is having sex with her romantic interest the third day after she met him.
The fantasy part of the story was good, but not very well written. If you like short fantasy novel, go for it. Otherwise, nope. :(
This book was sent to me by the author in exchange of an honest review. All opinions stated are mine and 100% true.
I really love the cover and the tittle of the book. Absolutely Beautiful. Wish I could say the same about the story.
The story started out really well. Unfortunately things soon became rushed and predictable.
Romance needs time to set. I say, don't keep romance as a subplot if you can't give it sufficient time because your main character would across as a *you know what*, if she is having sex with her romantic interest the third day after she met him.
The fantasy part of the story was good, but not very well written. If you like short fantasy novel, go for it. Otherwise, nope. :(
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January 28, 2016Review to come.....
November 12, 2015
3.5 stars. Really cool concept...liked the mix of suspense and the paranormal. At times the difference between visions, dreams and reality (in the book) were rather blurry and I had a hard time following the storyline but overall a good read.
March 15, 2016
Amazing! I really enjoyed reading this book. I am really sad that it is not a series where it could continue. I loved everything about this book. The writing, the setting, the characters, and the story line was really good. It was awesome. I wish it was a series though, but that is ok.
December 14, 2016
3.5/5 stars.
A nice short read that I found to be quite enjoyable. This book is for witch lovers and those who enjoy a bit of Scotland. It has mythology, witchcraft, romance and mermaids. Overall it was a good book, though some parts were confusing it all turned out well in the end.
A nice short read that I found to be quite enjoyable. This book is for witch lovers and those who enjoy a bit of Scotland. It has mythology, witchcraft, romance and mermaids. Overall it was a good book, though some parts were confusing it all turned out well in the end.
September 4, 2017
I (surprisingly) enjoyed reading this book :)
complete review: https://zoeymusesaboutbooks.wordpress...
complete review: https://zoeymusesaboutbooks.wordpress...
October 25, 2020
This book was a perfect Autumn read around Halloween! I loved the eerie and ominous vibe with unexpected plot twists. I had an instant connection with the main character Rowan, and my heart ached for her. I cheered her on during her self discovery, and her difficult times and trials. I adored the contemporary seaside Scottish setting laced with magic, folklore, history, and a touch of horror. I have never seen witches, haunted castle, ghosts, familiars, and mermaids blended so well into one story in the modern world. Bonus points for the gorgeous book cover!
September 25, 2022
This book did have a lot of issues; the pacing was way to fast and the story felt more like it was telling the reader what happened rather than showing us. Also the romance was very insta-love to an odd extent. Some of the plot felt just thrown in and very jumbled.
However, I did enjoy the concept and writing, it was descriptive and dark, with a gothic atmosphere and a lot of traditional Witchcraft. It's a good book but don't expect too much.
However, I did enjoy the concept and writing, it was descriptive and dark, with a gothic atmosphere and a lot of traditional Witchcraft. It's a good book but don't expect too much.
March 14, 2017
This book has a wonderful cover. But unfortunately that's the only thing good about it. I didn't understood the story, the characters were dull and the plot messy and all over the place.
June 5, 2016
Are you ready to take an exciting, mind boggling journey with Rowan from her home in London to Dorchay? Where witches are real, shadows lurk, and friendships rekindle.
Dark is the Sea by Heather Blanchard is about a girl named Rowan, who has never been a very lucky girl. She is kidnapped at the age of 10 and then loses her mother shortly after. Rowan travels a lot with her dad, until she loses him as well. She has no choice but to move in with her aunt Kitty. Here she learns that she is a witch, a sea witch to be exact. She also sparks up a little romance with the creepy boy who lives up in the castle. Blake. Will Rowan discover what happened to her mom? What secrets does her families history hold? Can Blake be trusted? Is he the boy Rowan remembers? You need to read this book to find out!
Heather Blanchard creates such a magical world! Her book cover is extremely beautiful and the size of the book is so cute! But we all know, looks aren't everything! This book has it all! The looks and the content. Heather's detailed words flow majestically through my mind as I read. She adds in some crazy surprises near the end that will give you a heart attack! Such a well written and well thought out story! This book can definitely keep the reader wanting to read! I really enjoyed her writing style and definitely can't wait to read more by her!
Dark is the Sea by Heather Blanchard is about a girl named Rowan, who has never been a very lucky girl. She is kidnapped at the age of 10 and then loses her mother shortly after. Rowan travels a lot with her dad, until she loses him as well. She has no choice but to move in with her aunt Kitty. Here she learns that she is a witch, a sea witch to be exact. She also sparks up a little romance with the creepy boy who lives up in the castle. Blake. Will Rowan discover what happened to her mom? What secrets does her families history hold? Can Blake be trusted? Is he the boy Rowan remembers? You need to read this book to find out!
Heather Blanchard creates such a magical world! Her book cover is extremely beautiful and the size of the book is so cute! But we all know, looks aren't everything! This book has it all! The looks and the content. Heather's detailed words flow majestically through my mind as I read. She adds in some crazy surprises near the end that will give you a heart attack! Such a well written and well thought out story! This book can definitely keep the reader wanting to read! I really enjoyed her writing style and definitely can't wait to read more by her!
November 2, 2016
"This book was sent to me by the author in return for an honest review .That does not in any way change or affect how i felt about this book"
Dark in the sea was a very different read and i quite enjoyed it it was certainly eerie.I am the kind of person who gets scared very easily but i love listening and reading scary stories and this book was certainly very nerve wrecking .but i loved it , i loved the concept of witches that just roam about and mermaids and all the super natural folk .i have never read any thing about witches and this was a great read my only complaint about this book was that it e=was too short i would have loved to read more about our very interesting character Rowan and bake the ever amazing and mysterious love interest .
I loved the characters especially Blake he was very mysterious and interesting, the character development in this book was great and the cover was one of the best thing about this book its so beautiful.
COVER RATING ;
3.5/5
OVERALL RATING ;
3.5/5
TITLE RATING ;
5/5
Dark in the sea was a very different read and i quite enjoyed it it was certainly eerie.I am the kind of person who gets scared very easily but i love listening and reading scary stories and this book was certainly very nerve wrecking .but i loved it , i loved the concept of witches that just roam about and mermaids and all the super natural folk .i have never read any thing about witches and this was a great read my only complaint about this book was that it e=was too short i would have loved to read more about our very interesting character Rowan and bake the ever amazing and mysterious love interest .
I loved the characters especially Blake he was very mysterious and interesting, the character development in this book was great and the cover was one of the best thing about this book its so beautiful.
COVER RATING ;
3.5/5
OVERALL RATING ;
3.5/5
TITLE RATING ;
5/5
December 31, 2016
To be very honest I wasn't expecting this book to be this intriguing. Till the very end felt like reading it 'cause it was totally like watching a movie to me.
If I talk about what it's about then all you thriller lovers this ones for you. The story is about a 18 years girl Rowan who has anxiety and phobia issues. Her mother got disappeared when she was a kid and after the death of her father she moves to her old village to search for her mum and gets to know she actually is a witch like her mother. She gets suspicious of Blake a guy who used be her childhood friend and later discovers her family's dark secrets and who is behind all the troubles she has faced since childhood.
I really liked this book and I would totally recommend it to you if you like slow paced horror movies 'cause I literally felt like being in one while reading this book.
If I talk about what it's about then all you thriller lovers this ones for you. The story is about a 18 years girl Rowan who has anxiety and phobia issues. Her mother got disappeared when she was a kid and after the death of her father she moves to her old village to search for her mum and gets to know she actually is a witch like her mother. She gets suspicious of Blake a guy who used be her childhood friend and later discovers her family's dark secrets and who is behind all the troubles she has faced since childhood.
I really liked this book and I would totally recommend it to you if you like slow paced horror movies 'cause I literally felt like being in one while reading this book.
May 22, 2016
Are you searching for some creepy and 'are you out of your senses?'type of book? If yes,then you've just found it because this book is exactly what I mentioned above. This book was good.And let me tell you one thing-I wasn't able to read it in one sitting.The reason behind this is that me and my brain needed some time to digest and absorb all the creepy (in a good way) stuff that was happening. All said and done,the ending was satisfying and good enough.You definitely will sign off feeling satisfied.You'll feel as if you've gained something from this book.It is a great horror book with a tinge of romance in it.Plus the size is small and easy to carry.It is a must read if you love horror books.
December 2, 2016
I finished #DarkistheSea by #HeatherBlanchard today. It's an enchanted and amazing tale of witches/sirens but I must say not a typical/traditional one that I have read before.
It's a story of a girl named 'Rowan' who is haunted by sudden disappearance of her mother. She lives in london but her father's death sends her back to where her past belongs. She came to live with her aunt 'Kitty' that's where she gets to know the truth of her deep hidden powers and meets her childhood friends. Annnddd the story begins here.
This book kept me hooked until the last page. I enjoyed #Heathers unique and simple writing style. And I am sure i will be reading her new tale very soon as the story doesn't end here or does it?
It's a story of a girl named 'Rowan' who is haunted by sudden disappearance of her mother. She lives in london but her father's death sends her back to where her past belongs. She came to live with her aunt 'Kitty' that's where she gets to know the truth of her deep hidden powers and meets her childhood friends. Annnddd the story begins here.
This book kept me hooked until the last page. I enjoyed #Heathers unique and simple writing style. And I am sure i will be reading her new tale very soon as the story doesn't end here or does it?
November 14, 2014
This is an exceptionally good young adult fiction book from an exciting new British author. It's extremely well written, the clever plot moves along at a fantastic pace and the characters are very 'real' and very modern - and unlike many young adult fiction books it's genuinely haunting - even frightening in parts - and includes well-formed adult and elderly characters. Set in an eerie Scottish highland landscape, it combines witchcraft, fantasy and mystery in a way that's believable and compelling. A very fine debut novel that will be loved by young adults and the older generation too.
June 11, 2016
First of all the cover of the book is so beautiful.It was an exceptionally good book. Extremely well written with a clever plot. I literally fell in love with the world that Heather ( Author) created. I was so eager to know what would happen next. There were so many twists and turns in this book. I really liked this book
November 24, 2014
Not my usual genre of book but I really enjoyed it. The characters really came alive and the descriptive writing transported me into a mystical Scottish landscape. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. Looking forward to the next novel!
October 27, 2016
Beautiful cover and title.
Witch genres are my thing so was happy to have this book in my hands.
Quite a creepy book!
I just felt that parts of the story were rushed and I found it hard to take a liking to the characters.
3***
Witch genres are my thing so was happy to have this book in my hands.
Quite a creepy book!
I just felt that parts of the story were rushed and I found it hard to take a liking to the characters.
3***
February 22, 2016
This book just wasn't my cup of tea. I DNF at 70%
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews