The Way of the Sea

Off the coast of Northern Ireland lies a secret that could change the course of history if the wrong people discover it.

In 1943, tucked away from the turmoil of World War II, Rathlin Island is rife with old rumors about a violent storm and a vanished woman. When Eden O'Doherty stumbles upon a mysterious book and releases a burst of magic, those rumors about her mother start to seem like more than just baseless gossip. But her father's silence on the topic of her mother's disappearance leaves Eden desperate for answers. The only other person with knowledge seems unwilling-or too afraid-to speak.

Aidan McMalley dreams of joining Britain's Royal Air Force to escape the bullies of his hometown and help with the war effort, but feels a competing urge to stay and protect his siblings from their abusive father-not to mention that he can't imagine leaving Eden. But when Eden plunges headfirst into danger and a stranger arrives on the island asking too many probing questions, Aidan realizes that he might not get to choose between the fight against Hitler and his struggle against bullies; the war might be coming straight to his doorstep.

Torn apart by a cruel twist of fate, Eden and Aidan must navigate these dangerous secrets on their own. As their worlds slowly unravel, choices made in the past threaten to turn the tide of the war in the present. And with a new enemy rising just below the surface, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to protect what they love.

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An original story with themes centering around abuse and neglect, abandonment, friendship, and family.

Current word count: [57,838]

Awards:
Best Leading Character: 2nd place (Shadow City Awards)