Review: The Waves by Jen Minkman

Title: The Waves

Author: Jen Minkman

Publication Date: October 4, 2013

Synopsis:

The first memory I have of my grandfather is of a moment that we share together.
I’m sitting on his knee looking out over the harbor. Grandpa is smoking a pipe. He points at the horizon. “Look, Walt. Our ships are out there. And one day, another even more beautiful ship will appear at the horizon. A mighty ship to take us all away. And Annabelle will be at the front deck with open arms, inviting us all to join her on board.”

“Why don’t we sail to her ourselves?” I want to know.

“Because she promised she would come,” granddad replies. “And in that promise we trust. It’s only the Unbelievers who think they can do everything themselves. They have no faith in the Goddess.”

Walt lives in Hope Harbor, an island community that has put its trust in salvation from across the sea. The townspeople wait patiently, build their ships to sail out and welcome the Goddess, and piously visit the temple every week. Horror stories to scare their children are told about the Unbelievers on the other side of Tresco. 

But not all is what it seems. Walt has questions that no one can answer, and when his best friend and cousin Yorrick is killed in an accident, he digs deeper to find out the truth about the origins of Hope Harbor’s society… and the secrets of the temple.

My Thoughts:

Back in June I was fortunate to receive a novella called The Island for review. I enjoyed this story quite a bit (read my review here) and was thrilled to learn that the author was released a companion novella from a different character's point of view. 

After hearing from Leia in The Island, it was only fitting that we hear Walt's side of the story. I was anxious to hear how he came to cross the dividing wall and came across Leia. But not only do we learn about Walt's adventure, we also learn a lot more about the "Fools" and how they live. 

Walt is a fifteen year old boy who is just trying to figure out life on his own terms. He has questions about his faith and heritage but also doesn't want to give up on it. He wants to find his own way, even if that means having to cross the wall to the Unbelievers and put himself in danger. He is a strong character, likable, and one that everyone can connect with no matter what their age.

I was a little worried at first that this story would turn super religious because Walt's grandfather, Thomas, is a strong believer in the Goddess Annabelle. He is obsessed with going to Temple and determined to get Walt to join him too. Thankfully though, the story did not become preachy and I wasn't turned off from it. 

What I loved most about this story was not only learning the history of the Fools but also the mystery. There is murder and deception that Walt is determined to see resolved. The two themes come together in a spectacular way and I just inhaled the story as fast as I could. The author also does a fantastic job of reminding readers of the events of the last book without rehashing it all over again.

Overall, I truly enjoyed The Waves. Maybe even more so than The Island because I already had half of the back story and this was the perfect way to add to it. If you love dystopians, Young Adult or short stories, I highly recommend you pick up both The Island and The Waves as soon as possible. These reads are perfect for a chilly afternoon read or when you are in need of something quick yet satisfying. 

For more about Jen Minkman and The Waves, visit her website here. 

Purchase:

Amazon

B&N

*I received this book for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.