Salt & Storm

by Kendall Kulper

[Katie King]

**I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

**3.5 stars**

I was really excited for Salt & Storm when I requested it on Netgalley, and I'm so glad it didn't disappoint!!

Avery was raised by her grandmother, the island's witch, so she observed her spells and waited for her chance to unlock her magic and succeed her. Her mother returns to her life and steals her away to a posh house on the exact opposite side of the island. Cursed by her mother, Avery doesn't see her grandmother for the next 4 years. When she foresees her own murder (she can interpret dreams), she knows she must unlock her magic to break the curse and find a way to her grandmother's for help.

Some people didn't like the author's "flowery language," but I actually really enjoyed it! The exposition was a very welcome change from the flat worlds I've encountered in my past few reads. I never felt like it was boring or dragged on at all. The author also does a great job of diversifying the events, so Avery doesn't spend the whole book focused on one task. She tries to unlock her magic, then break the curse, then stop her own murder, etc. The changes in pace are a great touch to keep 400 pages from getting boring. And it worked! I devoured this book over a period of 24 hours, something that has recently seemed impossible. :)

Another great point is the plot. I really enjoyed the entire premise of the book. There wasn't a LOT of magic but what there was was interesting. It's not like Blue Is for Nightmares where all the magic is just lighting candles. The backstory about the previous island witches was cool as well. There was also a little heartstring-tugging.

I will say that it is not without problems. For one, I wouldn't classify this book as a historical romance. Technically it takes place in another century, but this fact is so understated that I couldn't even tell you WHEN it takes place. It really has no bearing on the story. Second, the romance was a little too instalove-y for me. A romance with Avery's childhood friend would feel more natural. Avery's friendship with Tane felt okay, but the passionate love felt a little out-of-thin-air.

Finally, the ending bothered me. I understand that Avery is making her own future instead of one decided for her, but it didn't feel right to me. This is a personal opinion of mine, so it didn't have any bearing on the rating, but I thought following tradition would've been a better choice.