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Pub date: Feb 6, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-89132-104-5(paperback)

978-1-63988-124-6 (hardcover)

296 Pages

$12.99 / 24.99. / 7.99

Author interview

Set against the backdrop of the ever-shifting autumn equinox, Abernathy’s lyrical YA novel tells the story of six teenagers as they navigate the aftermath of a devastating illness in their seaside community. As a mysterious sickness ravages their close-knit community, there’s not much to do for children and teens. Lorelei, a determined fourteen-year-old oceanographer-to-be, braves a dangerous encounter in an eerie sea cave. Meanwhile, her loyal boyfriend Casey struggles to make sense of her wild claims in the logical world he knows. Condi knows about the ocean’s mystical abilities but is afraid to share them. Kait is caught up in a strange event related to her deceased lover’s surfboard. With his aversion to the ocean, Isaac, the recent arrival in town, must confront a startling reality: there is a deep and formidable magic that resides under the sea. Not only does Lorelei have to come to terms with her extraordinary encounter with the mysterious creature in the sea cave, but she also grapples with her own illness and her mother’s deteriorating health. Abernathy does a masterful job of delving into these issues from Lorelei’s perspective, as well as exploring the emotional turmoil it causes within her family. The book is filled with powerful emotions and contains moments of magic that will leave readers yearning for more stories in this enchanting world. The characters are wonderfully developed, and the allure of the ocean is palpable throughout the pages, creating an intense and captivating atmosphere. Immensely satisfying and poignant.

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