Home from the Sea

Elemental Masters, Book 7

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

New in the extraordinary series hailed as “a true frolic into fantasy” (Fantasy Bookspot) by a “Master Magician" (Midwest Book Review).

In Edwardian Britain, magic is real. And Masters of the Elements control Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.... Mari Prothero has lived all her life with her father, Daffyd, in a tiny fishing village on the coast of Wales. Though Daffyd takes his boat out on the sea regardless of weather, Mari has learned not to fear for his safety, for her father is a Water mage, and always comes home safely with a large catch. Mari knows that, in her family, children are expected to marry at 18, to an appropriate stranger. However, Mari is a fledgling Water Master with a rebellious nature. She has no intention of agreeing to any arranged marriage. But Mari has yet to learn the truth of the magical heritage that must be protected by these very marriages. For the Protheros are descended from Selkies - magical beings who are able to change from seals to humans - and to continue her line, she must marry a full-blooded Selkie....

©2012 Mercedes Lackey (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Easily one of my favorites from Mercedes Lackey

An excellent entry in her Elemental Masters Series, Home from the Sea touched on Selkies--a much beloved set of mythical creatures I used to read about as a child. Moreover, this book gives us a look into how the various magical creatures in the world of Lackey's fantastical imagination interact with humans, magicians, and Elemental Masters, while giving us a fantastic story that feels both modern, and classic fairytale. Mari is likable character who has flaws, growth, and personality. Her stakes are extremely personal, easy to empathize, or relate to in some moments, and I truly hope to see her and her family in future books.

Loved it.

Would you listen to Home from the Sea again? Why?

Yes. For the sheer pleasure of re-experiencing the setting and characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Home from the Sea?

When the constable arrived in the village.

Which scene was your favorite?

I couldn't begin to pick just one!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes. I laughed out loud several times.

Any additional comments?

Buy it.

good but be warned

this book heavily leans into two characters form a previous work. though it isn't necessary to have read the books to enjoy this one, I will admit to not really caring all that much for thier involvement and not to be too harsh, almost feel as though thier involment could have been minimized and accomplished the same.

Mercedes Lackey Delivers Again

I couldn't put the book down, the story had me captivated throughout. From start to finish the book is a sweetly woven work that all Lackey fans should enjoy. The narrator did a fine job as well.

Still comfort food reading

4.5-5 stars, but really, only because it's Mercedes Lackey, who is my ultimate comfort food novelist. While there was a great deal of STORY, there really wasn't any conflict until the last quarter or so, and the Big Bad Guy(s) was fairly non-fleshed out. Wasn't really a complex story, but it was, as I said, comfort food fluff, and I'll be reading it again. Of course. If you're new to ML, I wouldn't start with this book, as it doesn't show the awesomeness that is Misty, but then, if you're new to an author, you shouldn't be starting at book EIGHT of a series.

Very good and different

Good story enhanced by Kate Reading's narration. It is nice if you have read some of the earlier stories but not necessary.

love this book

I love this book and I love all of her stories. my only complaint is the reader did not pause between story changes so I was often confused what was happening.

Classic Mercedes Lackey

I never noticed until I lost my vision and I started listening to audiobooks, but Miss Lackey is amazing with one caveat; for some reason she seems to not know how to use subjunctive tense. I noticed in this book a lot of times when she should’ve use subjunctive, she did it. Other than that, this book is as good as all the other ones in the series. I still think the Valdemar series book so much better but this one is fun. It would be nice to have some variety but fun series nonetheless.

Wonderful new Elemental story.

Lackey has once again written a very believable and gripping Elemental Masters book. Her use of prior characters as grown women and her introduction of new characters keep the story both feeling like an old friend and giving us new friends as well. Use of the Selk stories and myth give the story an old world flavor while contrasting it against the "modern" London and UK of turn of the century England.

I was glad to see she did not create a new occult boogeyman/nemesis, but instead allowed the complications in the story to be created by greedy, suspicious humans and jealous, power hungry Selks. A refreshing and different change from her previous books with their good vs evil themes and this time allowing a believable and creative solution to the problems the new Elemental Master faced.

Well done and as satisfying as usual.

Great book with an unbelievably great performance

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

I was astounded by Kate Reading's performance of both female and male characters with Scottish, Engish and Welsh accents. It improved my understanding and set the mood so wonderfully. Just incredible.