Seaborn by Michael Livingston is a Teen & YA fantasy novel that will transport you to a world of wonder and leave you eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

Synopsis: Seaborn by Michael Livingston

For centuries, the seven matriarchal houses of the Seaborn have ruled the seas of the Fair Isles. Masters of maritime trade, they navigate treacherous waters while defending their people against the relentless attacks of the infamous Bone Pirate. Life on the seas is perilous, but the Seaborn have always prevailed.

But, an unprecedented threat emerges from the night sky: the Windborn. These mysterious raiders descend without warning, unleashing destruction as they burn, kill, and plunder with ruthless efficiency. Their sudden and devastating assaults leave the Seaborn reeling, desperate for a way to fight back.

In a bold move to counter this new enemy, Shae, the fierce and cunning first mate of the Bone Pirate, orchestrates a daring plan. She leads a raid on a Windborn vessel, hoping to uncover their secrets and turn the tide of battle. During the raid, Shae captures the airship’s captain and makes a startling discovery: the Windborn leader is a man, shattering her preconceived notions about their enemy.

As Shae grapples with this revelation, she joins forces with Bela, a reluctant heroine drawn into the conflict. Together, they uncover a shocking truth about their shared heritage. The Windborn and the Seaborn, once united, were torn apart by blood magick in a catastrophic betrayal by a race of immortal mechanical men who turned against their human creators.

Realizing the depth of their intertwined destinies, Shae, Bela, and their unlikely allies embark on a perilous journey to unearth the secrets of their past. Their quest takes them through dangerous waters and treacherous skies as they seek to confront the dark magick at the heart of their division.

“Seaborn” by Michael Livingston is a thrilling tale of adventure, discovery, and the struggle for unity in the face of ancient betrayal. As the characters navigate their complex histories and forge new alliances, they must confront the profound truths that have shaped their world. Together, they strive to end the cycle of violence and reclaim their shared legacy, hoping to bring lasting peace to the Fair Isles.

Review of Seaborn by Michael Livingston

A spellbinding entry into the realm of fantasy, marking the first book in The Seaborn Cycle. This novel masterfully blends elements of maritime adventure, intricate world-building, and profound character development.

All this creates a compelling story that draws readers into the rich and tumultuous world of the Fair Isles.

World Building

The narrative starts by introducing the reader to the Seaborn, a matriarchal society that has dominated the seas for centuries. The seven ruling houses of the Seaborn are not only masters of trade but also formidable defenders against the notorious Bone Pirate.

Livingston vividly captures the essence of life at sea, with its inherent dangers and the unyielding spirit of those who call the ocean their home.

The world-building in “Seaborn” is meticulous and immersive. Livingston paints a vivid picture of the Fair Isles, from the bustling ports and treacherous seas to the mysterious and deadly skies ruled by the Windborn. The magic system, particularly the concept of blood magic and the immortal mechanical men, is innovative and intriguing, offering a fresh take on fantasy tropes.

The plot

Takes an exhilarating turn when the Seaborn face a new and terrifying threat: the Windborn. These airborne raiders descend from the night sky, bringing destruction and death. The sudden emergence of the Windborn adds a fresh and intriguing dimension to the story, heightening the stakes and plunging the Seaborn into unprecedented peril.

At the heart of the story is Shae, the Bone Pirate’s formidable first mate. Shae is a character of immense depth and complexity, driven by a fierce determination to protect her people. Her daring raid on a Windborn vessel, which leads to the capture of the airship’s captain, is a pivotal moment in the story. The revelation that the Windborn captain is a man challenges Shae’s perceptions and sets the stage for an unexpected alliance.

Bela, another central figure, emerges as a reluctant yet vital heroine. Her journey alongside Shae uncovers the intertwined histories of the Seaborn and Windborn, revealing a shared lineage fractured by blood magic and betrayal by immortal mechanical men. This backstory is rich with lore, adding layers of depth to the narrative and setting the stage for future instalments.

Livingston’s storytelling shines as he weaves these characters’ personal struggles with the larger conflict threatening their world. The themes of unity, betrayal, and redemption are explored with nuance, making “Seaborn” not just a tale of adventure, but a story with emotional resonance and philosophical depth.

For readers wondering if “Seaborn” can stand alone, it certainly holds its ground as a self-contained adventure. Nonetheless, the rich tapestry of plot threads and character arcs suggests a deeper narrative that will unfold in the next books.

Seaborn By Michael Livingston Conclusion

Fans of intricate fantasy series will appreciate the interconnectedness and the promise of further exploration in The Seaborn Cycle.

With “Seaborn” being a captivating start to what promises to be an epic series.

Being a must-read for fans of fantasy, offering a perfect blend of action, mystery, and richly developed characters. Whether you are a seasoned fantasy enthusiast or new to the genre, “Seaborn” will transport you to a world of wonder and leave you eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

Check here to see all the books in the The Seaborn Cycle Series or here for other Insightful Book Reviews from Mark Reads Books or you can add it to your TBR on GoodReads

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Meet : Michael Livingston

A native of Colorado, Michael Livingston holds degrees in History, Medieval Studies, and English. He lives today in Charleston, South Carolina, where he teaches at The Citadel.

In his author life, he is a winner of the prestigious international Writers of the Future Contest (in 2005), and his novel SHARDS OF HEAVEN, the first in a trilogy of historical fantasies, will be published by Tor Books in November 2015. He has also published in a variety of other genres and venues, from a historical retelling of BEOWULF to a brief story about quantum physics in the world-renowned journal of science, NATURE.

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