This is an exciting historical story set on a whaling island off the coast of America. The main character Avery Roe comes from a long line of witches who have used their power to protect the members of the whaling community. Avery was brought up by her grandmother until her mother took her away, and she knows that she must return to her grandmother in order to unlock her powers. Her mother has married a local preacher and is desperate to break the witchcraft heritage but Avery is equally determined to take her place as the witch of Prince Island so that she can make charms to protect the whalers. Avery can interpret dreams and she knows that her dreams will come true; so when she meets Tane and falls in love with him we know that there will not be a happy ending. The ending is, however quite surprising and it reveals the strength of Tane's love for Avery.
This book is beautifully written in almost a poetic style and the characters are convincing. I enjoyed finding out about a way of life about which I knew nothing. Avery's mother seems to be the villain of the story but I could understand how fear of what would happen made her try to break the witchcraft inheritance. I enjoyed reading the book and I would recommend it but it left me feeling very sad so I wish there had been a bit more hope in it.
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