3.5/5 stars
Overall I enjoyed The Witch of Salt and Storm (Goodreads | Amazon). The atmospheric story takes place on Prince Island and you get a real sense of island life, the harbor full of boats and the scent of sale on the wind.
Avery Roe has always wanted to be the Prince Island witch. She comes from a long line of Roe witches, starting generations ago, including her grandma the current witch and stopping with her mother who refuses to take the job. Not only does she not want the job herself, but she takes Avery from her grandmother and refuses to let her train in the family craft.
Avery is at times frustrating character, only seeing what she wants to see. In some ways that makes her very believable, a stubborn teenage girl who won't listen to anyone and is blinded by her own desires. As the reader, you'll understand some things well before Avery does, but that's because an outside perspective is often clearer.
For me this story loses some ground with the love story. The quickness the relationship develops just isn't quite believable for me. However it's necessary to have the love story in there (a rarity) but it could be done a little better. The love interest is too perfect, Avery is too grumpy at times and I have trouble believing in the depth of their feelings. But this is so common in YA books that it shouldn't bother most readers of the genres (unless you're curmudgeonly like me about these things).
Overall if you like stories of witchcraft, especially with interesting and meaningful settings like Prince Island, you'll enjoy this book. The atmosphere and location are really what shines in this novel. While the romance leaves a bit to be desired, the whaling world of Prince Island that the Roe Witches serve is a place I definitely want to visit, both in books and the real world.
I received an advanced reading e-book in exchange for an honest review.
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