Genres: Romantic Fantasy, NA Fantasy, Epic Fantasy | Release Date: 1 August 2023 | Series: The Grail Cycle | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 512 | Indie Author | Review
“I am as old as the forests of this world.”
Kate Schumacher
Overview:
A massive thank you goes to indie author Kate Schumacher for letting me read an e-ARC of The Call of the Sea! This epic romantic fantasy is book one in The Grail Cycle, taking a deep dive into Arthurian legend even as it’s reimagined for us romantasy lovers. How could anyone go past that?!
Jenyfer’s hidden her magic from the world all her life, for fear of being bound to the stake in Kernou just because she’s a Magic Wielder. But when her life is upended, Jen must choose whether to stay or flee. Within the same town, Arthur’s living in fear of being thrust into the role of Chif and becoming like his father. Struggling to hide who he is, Arthur’s confronted with a truth he never could’ve fathomed. When magic is revealed, Jenyfer, Arthur and the pirate Ordes are thrust towards a destiny for which none of them are prepared. Will Jenyfer survive the unleashing of her full power? Can Arthur learn to accept every part of himself? And if the fate of the world really does rest on their shoulders, is this trio up for the challenge ahead?
Happiness Boost:
I’m a big fan of Arthurian legends, so it’s no surprise I’ve been desperate to dive into The Call of the Sea! But this epic romantic fantasy completely blew my pre-conceptions out of the water (much like a certain pirate ship can take down its enemies). Kate doesn’t just deliver a retelling, she embraces the imperfections within the legend and masterfully reworks them into something that absolutely glistens. No pressure or anything, but it’s now my favourite Arthurian tale!
This is a story of reluctant, uncertain heroes. But it’s also a love letter to the power of nature, particularly the capriciousness of the sea. I *felt* the waves crashing into me, and the droplets of water being flicked towards Jenyfer’s face. The dark and brooding power of the God who rules the sea is also an ever-present threat, as are the syhrens who call the depths of the sea home. I could honestly talk about this aspect forever! Suffice to say, Kate’s a maestro when it comes to writing of a presence within the natural world.
So I’m learning that heartache is a given, when we’re reading one of Kate’s books. Thanks for that, Kate! But what we also get? Flawed characters who forge through experiences no one should ever have to endure. And because of this, their commitment to healing others’ hurts simultaneously breaks and mends my heart. This is such a treatise on how to be brave, when that’s actually the last thing you are.
Downside:
I have no downside for this gem, The Call of the Sea is exquisite!
Final Thoughts:
The Call of the Sea by indie author Kate Schumacher is an epic romantic fantasy, of Arthurian legends and extraordinary magic. This is honestly a masterpiece in reimagining a well-known myth into something completely unique, and I’m aching for more. Can we race ahead to get book two, please? Not that I’m impatient or anything… If you love the sound of this story from my review? Just click on the link below to pre-order a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order The Call of the Sea via this link: Amazon
