Ashes on the Waves

In Lindsey's atmospheric love story, which draws from Edgar Allan Poe's poem "Annabel Lee," Liam MacGregor has lived his entire life on D%C3%B2chas, an isolated island surrounded by otherworldly sea beings. The islanders, whose society is governed by Celtic superstition, shun Liam because of his paralyzed arm and rumors that he is cursed. Liam has always loved his childhood companion Anna, whose prominent family owns a mansion on D%C3%B2chas. Anna, now a beautiful New York socialite, returns to D%C3%B2chas following an embarrassing public spectacle. Liam is astounded when Anna%E2%80%94who has much more depth of character than the tabloids suggest%E2%80%94reciprocates his boundless affection. Yet when the island's strange creatures are threatened by Liam and Anna's love, they set a trap to destroy it. Lindsey (Shattered Souls) skillfully crafts tension and ambiance as she unravels details of Liam's past and of D%C3%B2chas itself. However, Liam's antiquated way of speaking is more stilted than evocative, and when the many mysteries are unfurled, the result is an incongruous tapestry of mythological lore and other paranormal elements. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. (June)