Kate Archer thought she could put magic and world-walking behind her by running away to an ordinary life–but destiny has other plans. With her grandmother suddenly missing, Kate must return to the bedraggled Maine seaside resort she grew up in, and take charge of the family carousel. If she doesn't–and it's by no means certain that she can–very bad things will happen, to Kate and to the town, for the carousel isn't at all what it seems.
On the other hand, neither is Kate.
A gripping contemporary fantasy thriller from master storyteller Sharon Lee, award-winning co-creator of the popular Liaden Universe® saga.
On Carousel Tides:
“[A] pyrotechnic finale that plays out magically behind the ordinary facade of smalltown Maine life, evoking much of the romance and magic of [Lee’s] popular Liaden series.” –Publishers Weekly
"[A] virtuoso ride, full of the spirit of the carnival, aware of the thinness of the veil between the worlds. . .a rollicking tale full of non-stop action. . .and yet there's also a quiet at its heart, because there really is this magic in everything and Sharon Lee knows how to spin it."–SFsite
On Sharon Lee & Steve Miller’s Liaden Universe® Space Opera Epic:
“Lee and Miller’s novels are full of action, exotic characters, plenty of plot, and even a touch of romance. The world building is outstanding.” –Booklist
DeborahJRoss
Posted April 7, 2011
Every once in a while, I come across a fantasy that is immensely satisfying on many different levels. This wonderfully-wrought book by Sharon Lee was one such treat. It falls comfortably within a number of genres: it's contemporary, romantic and in first person; it's got a flawed but passionate and courageous protagonist; the locale is a small town on the Maine coast, drenched in color; it's got some interesting twists on the lands of Faerie, a council of "the Wise," evil magicians, the corrupting influences of power, naiads and selkies and elemental spirits; best of all, it's got the spookiest carousel since Ray Bradbury, complete with a fanged, batwinged horse that's really an imprisoned criminal spirit. Lee weaves together all these elements with a sure and skillful touch.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I didn't want to put this book down. It was a good mystery with lots of suspense along with humor. The Otherworldly characters are interesting and refreshingly different.
I intend to look into her other books as she has a way of writing that makes you want to hope the story never ends.
Although I don't like stories to go more than three or four books, this one should continue!!
Anonymous
Posted October 27, 2010
Great contemporary fantasy from Sharron Lee. Intriguing plot line. Vivid, realistic characters. A great book to read and re-read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In the resort of Archers Beach, Maine, elderly Bonny Pepperidge vanishes without a trace. When she learns her beloved relative is missing, Bonny's worried granddaughter Kate Archer rushes home to the town she grew up in hoping to find her grandma. She also reluctantly takes over Bonny's role as Guardian of Fun Country amusement park, a place where fae criminals are exiled and become the "animals".
Drug smuggler Joe Nemeier is unhappy with Kate's arrival. He sends his hit men to kill her. Meanwhile, the earth spirits inform a worried Kate that they think Bonny has discovered where Kate's missing mom has been all these years. However, the family reunion may prove deadly if the three generations of females reunite as besides the Nemeier mob, an evil fiend pursues Kate's mom who just escaped from devilish incarceration.
This is a fabulous Maine horror-fantasy tale. Sharon Lee's vivid imagery will transport readers into a foggy deadly atmosphere. By returning home Kate becomes the focus of otherworldly and human predators in a fabulous setting. Readers will be spellbound as all hell literally breaks out just because the prodigal granddaughter has come home; and like a magnet has attracted Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ray Bradbury).
Harriet Klausner
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 16, 2011
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Overview
Kate Archer thought she could put magic and world-walking behind her by running away to an ordinary life–but destiny has other plans. With her grandmother suddenly missing, Kate must return to the bedraggled Maine seaside resort she grew up in, and take charge of the family carousel. If she doesn't–and it's by no means certain that she can–very bad things will happen, to Kate and to the town, for the carousel isn't at all what it seems.
On the ...