WHAT THE SEA BRINGS

A girl growing up in the Convent of Saer, which is protected by mermaids, finds the peace of her daily life shattered by a new arrival.

Ten-year-old Lynnette prays to the Water Folk, asking them to let the God of the Waves know how badly she wants her older brother, Samson, to return. After waiting more than a year, she surrenders, asking simply, “Please bring me a friend.” She’s the first to find the lone survivor of a shipwreck: A trail of gold coins on the beach leads her to a boy named Maddox. Mother Toya and Sister Yvanna are initially cautious, but Lynnette is curious about the stranger, and she and Maddox develop a friendship. He shares with her the secret that he’s the son of the Emperor of Basileia, who once tried to take Cliffside, the seat of the Great King of Saer. Maddox knows that revealing this information has left him vulnerable, and Lynnette wonders what his presence means for her as well. This deeply emotional story is brimming with skillful worldbuilding details. Twomey’s smooth storytelling focuses on the relationships among the characters and Lynnette’s faith in the God of the Waves, which she weaves throughout the story. Fans of Brian Jacques’ Redwall series will find and enjoy thematic and stylistic parallels in this novel. Lynnette and Maddox present white, and the members of the supporting cast are diverse in appearance.

Reading this lovely novel is like watching a puzzle come together piece by satisfying piece.