Salted Review

Salted by Aaron Galvin

What they say: Life isn't better under the sea. Lenny Dolan is all too familiar with this reality. A Selkie slave in the realm beneath the waves, he has no choice when charged with leading a crew ashore to capture an elusive runaway. If unsuccessful, the loved ones kept behind will pay for his failure with their lives. But when their target leads Lenny and his crew to deeper, darker secrets, the Selkies are faced with a moral dilemma. Secure their own freedom at the expense of others, or return empty-handed to face the grisly consequences? How Lenny and his crew answer the question will teach them the harshest truth of all. Only through the loss of innocence does one become Salted.
Buy links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Smashwords

Author Spotlight: 

Salted is Aaron Galvin's debut novel. He first cut his chops writing original stand-up comedy routines at age thirteen. His early works paid off years later when he co-wrote and executive produced the 2013 award-winning indie feature film, Wedding Bells & Shotgun Shells.

He is also an accomplished actor. Aaron has worked in Hollywood blockbusters, (Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, and Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers), and starred in dozens of indie films.

Aaron is a proud member of SCBWI. He lives in Southern California with his wife and daughter.

Author & book links:

Goodreads * Website * Twitter * Facebook 

Early Praise:

It's always hard to find a unique novel on mermaids. I've seen a spin or two from time to time, but nothing really original, and certainly nothing I'd really describe as 'cool'. That was until I got the chance to read Salted.                              

 - Steampunk Sparrow Book Blog

I totally bought into the Salted world Galvin created. Not an easy read but a unique one, I would recommend Salted by Aaron Galvin for people who are looking for something beyond the typical mermaid and selkie tales.    

- Cherie Reich, author of The Foxwick Chronicles

Salted was an intriguing read that kept me hooked. It is a different spin on the underwater world and creatures, which I found brought quite a bit of originality to the genre.    

- Lost To Books

Salted is sure to grab your interest at the onset.

- Let There Be Movies

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: I was really intrigued with Salted because I haven't really experienced many mermaid and selkie books. 

My favourite aspect is without a doubt the mythology and world building. Aaron Galvin has a vivid and rich imagination (I'm a fan of Tolkien and Martin so I'm really into detail). I wasn't expecting the darker aspects of the story and Galvin isn't scared of tackling deep (pun unintentional) issues.

The story goes between the many different characters, which can sometimes be confusing but I didn't mind because the many perspectives helped to enrich the story. With YA books we are often faced with underdeveloped characters or a lack of emotional depth, I didn't feel this here and was pleased with the topics highlighted. 

I actually kept thinking this is a dystopia but under the sea (you'll understand when you read it). The salted are slaves, not free to live their own lives. I liked the 'hood' idea and found the concept very clever. I would have liked to have spent a little more time under the sea (sorry now I'm thinking Disney & The Little Mermaid). 

Certain events are pretty dark, which younger readers may find upsetting. The characters are a real mixed bag, some of which you'll like and others you'll despise. I'm still not sure how I feel about certain characters but they were definitely memorable.

The plot is clever, inspiring and definitely thought provoking. I'll never be able to look at a seal in quite the same way again!

3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!