Selkie Moon is a woman on the run.Hawaii is her refuge … escaped her controlling family to rebuild her life in Hawaii with the help of some quirky new friends.
But her refuge begins to unravel until she’s running from something else entirely.
A voice in a dream warns: Someone is trying to kill you. At first Selkie dismisses it as just another nightmare. Then a woman’s face appears in her bathroom mirror, a mirror once owned by an old kahuna.
Entangled in local superstition and folklore, Selkie’s visions become so strange and frightening they begin to lift the lid on long-buried secrets.
What really happened on the beach thirty three years ago?
Why did Selkie’s step-mother rename her Elkie?
And why won’t her father talk about it?
As her reality crumbles around her, Selkie’s instinct is to keep running. Because if she stays and begins to trust her long-forgotten psychic twinges, she’ll be forced to question every assumption her life is built upon.
And time is running out.
Thus begins a journey of self-discovery. As Selkie uncovers one secret after another, she must summon the courage and resourcefulness to survive each one.
And beyond her feelings of shock and betrayal, there may be unexpected redemption: to embrace the gift she’s forgotten, to understand the lies surrounding her childhood, to face the truth about herself and embrace the surprising new life that is calling her . . .
You’ll love this magical coming-of-age journey, rich with unique characters, a sense of place and a touch of romance – because everyone wants to see a woman under pressure find the inner strength to win.
Get it now.
“Imagine an Indiana Jones adventure only on a more personal, psychic level.” Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
WINNER OF A BRAG MEDALLION AND READERS’ FAVORITE SILVER MEDAL
Follow Selkie Moon on her journey around the world: Laying Ghosts (Australia), The First Lie (Hawaii), The Second Path (France), The Third Note (Ireland), The Fourth Door (Hong Kong).
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I reviewed the Prequel Laying Ghosts, in the Selkie Moon Series by Virginia King, and when the author saw it, she offered me a review copy of The First Lie. I love the cover, the location, Hawaii, and any kind of water…person, so there was no doubt in mind I had to continue on with the series. I was not disappointed.
Living in a difficult situation in Sydney she heard the call of Hawaii.
Selkie heard a voice, “Someone is trying to kill you.”
And so we begin. Is it real or a figment of her imagination? Is it Pele, warning her? Is she psychic? She’s seen the woman twice. Who is she? What does she want?
With the name Selkie Moon, I felt things would happen differently and The First Lie did not play out like I thought. It seemed a slow pace, but I think that is on me, not Virginia King…or Selkie herself. It takes time for her to work through her issues, her psychological introspection, growing and developing as a character to come into her own, becoming more mature, poised, and confident.
We have Hawaiian mysticism, and I love Hawaii, so this was that little bit extra that I look for in a good book. And, a friend, Wanda, who believes in all of it. Who doesn’t like to learn about the country they are visiting? I sure do. Years ago, Hawaii was #2 on my bucket list. I was so fortunate I was able to cross that off, though I would love to visit it again.
Selkie Moon almost drowned as a child and has a fear of water. The ocean calls to her, but she turns her back on it. Makes me wonder what is to come, if she won’t even get near it, let alone step into it.
Looking back, I appreciate the slow build and details of her life even more, walking in her footsteps and looking through her eyes. My anticipation for the next book, The Second Path, grew after reading the first chapter. I wasn’t going to read it, but seeing the next book is already out, I know there is no wait. And I do want to know what comes next…very much.
At first it felt hard to rate this, bouncing between a 3 and a 4, while reading. After writing this review and seeing the notes I made, I had to go with a 4.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The First Lie by Virginia King.
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“The First Lie” is a paranormal mystery story. Selkie Moon leaves her emotionally abusive husband in Australia and relocates to Hawaii. She has a chance to leave the past behind and start a whole new life.
In Hawaii, she moves in with Wanda, who has a tutu (grandmother) that was a kahuna (wise person, sorcerer). Wanda brings Tutu’s mirror to the flat, where Selkie sees a mysterious woman, which frightens her. This sets the tone to unravel the mystery of the strange woman.
“I’m falling off a cliff towards the rocks and the sea, when these words ring in my ears.
Someone is trying to kill you.”
Right there. At the beginning. It grabbed my attention and I couldn’t put this book down. The story is about mystery and self-discovery with some mythological elements thrown in. I thought that most of the characters were well fleshed out and helped move the protagonist on her journey.
The story is well-told with strong dialogue that helps progress it. And sometimes, she peppers her prose with some really beautifully descriptive images. Here’s a couple of my favorites:
“Concealed lights illuminate fading frescoes and crumbling pillars. Vines crawl through niches, and faux mosaics lie unfinished at my feet.”
“Around and around the room I go, pounding the vinyl with my bare feet . . . ”
And like I said – peppered; this isn’t purple prose.
I don’t normally read paranormal, but every once in a while I’ll try something new if it’s mixed in with what I already like – mystery and legends/mythology, in this case. I’m glad that I gave it a try and plan to read the next book in the series.
This manages to be compelling, haunting, a bit weird yet wonderous and extremely well written. I downloaded it as part of ‘Bookclub Gold’ and was surprised to enjoy it as much as I did. It combines elements of celtic folklore with modern mysticism, yet the characters feel rounded and very much like real people. I’m delighted to have discovered a new author and will buy the rest of the series…plus look for the other novels she may have written
I read the three book pack and was awed by the complexity with which Virginia King uses. Amazingly creative and hooks you in to each one. Fantasticly written and developed.
I never read anything from this author before, I’m glad I did, and can’t wait to read more. It’s a great twisty take with intrigue, romance, and supernatural overtones. Something for everyone. The ending is great, leaves the reader feeling fulfilled but not full. Wanting more! Lucky for us, there are more. Happy reading folks, I know I’m going for it!
First book that I have read by this author. I was impressed with her writing. Very well written and I felt like I was right there in the story. Highly recommend this book
Fantastic read!
I love the characters that Ms King has created. The story has mystery, a little romance, a little supernatural all rolled into one fantastic read. I have read recently that this was the authors first foray into adult writing. You sure couldn’t tell by this book! It is so well written and kept me interested until the very end and beyond.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Leaving Birds – A companion to Laying Ghosts consisting of four different stories, of which one is a true event. An interesting note is how these four items were the sparks of a fire known as Laying Ghosts. These were well written, intriguing stories; all different. The author did a wonderful job with Peig’s Place. I would recommend reading this after reading Laying Ghosts, The First Lie, The Second Path and The Third Note. I received this after reading the above listed books. 4*
Laying Ghosts – The beginning of the story repulsed me, but I hung in there and ending up liking the short story. The text gave me a heads up and I figured out the ending. Well-written, repulsive and good characters, good ending to the story for a worthy character. 4*
The First Lie – A well written, intriguing, paranormal suspense with believable and quirky characters and a rich plot that draw you in and you can’t put the book down. This book picks up where Laying Ghosts ended; the main character starting her new life in a new country. There’s a prologue, which I appreciate and a glossary of Hawaiian words. Laying Ghosts is a must read before First Lie; a good foundation short story. 5*
The Second Path – This is a wonderfully intriguing, suspense filled sequel to The First Lie and Laying Ghosts. It was hard to put the book down, so when real life called I couldn’t wait to start reading again. I savored the complex story, taking longer to read it then I usually do with good books. The reader is mesmerized by the flowing, surprised filled plot. The original characters keep growing in their development as the pages flow past. There are some wonderful new characters that make the story more magical and their friendship and guidance help Selkie discover the meaning of her quest.
Included after TSP is a glossary of Hawaiian terms and the short story Laying Ghosts. This short should be read before TSP and The First Lie, it lays a foundation that the other stories build upon. 5*
The Third Note – Another well written, complex novel that’s full of intrigue and suspense. Selkie continues to grow and develop her talents, with the help of her great-grandmother. The complex plot keeps the reader on edge and the components make a well blended mix to keep the reader mesmerized. The characters are realistic and don’t follow the usual stupid formula, and Ms. King’s descriptions paint vivid pictures as the scenes unfold.
For some reason, the Epilogue is separate from TTN, but has a link at the end of the story to obtain it from Bookfunnel. There’s a glossary of various terms. I look forward to reading more of Ms. King’s books; she’s doesn’t disappoint the reader. The Epilogue to The Third Note is very short, but entertaining and clears the air between some of the people who threatened Selkie throughout the story. 5*
On The Spooky Trail: Travels in Supernatural Wales – A very short read containing a few snippets of places of the supernatural stories of Wales. The reader will probably be disappointed in this brief, simplistic read after reading her other books. The snippets aren’t complex, just informative – like a casual conversation. There are three photographs that along with the snips fill 61 percent of this book; the rest is peeks into her other books and a free offering of Laying Ghosts. It’s entertaining enough for a coffee break. 3*
This is a terrific read for lovers of psychological thrillers with a twist. Selkie is a complex character on a search to uncover the secrets of her past, along with a few more yet to be discovered. A captivating story.
I won this book and the other two in the series in a giveaway by the author and decided to review it. I must admit, I’m torn as to how to go about that. When I started reading I thought I was going to be reading a paranormal murder mystery. Now that I’ve finished it….I don’t know what it is. To say I’m conflicted is the understatement of the century; but that conflict only lies in whether this is my kind of book or not (I’m leaning toward not). There is absolutely no doubt about whether it is well-written or not. There were a couple of places in the story where I found myself thinking, “This is the DUMBEST thing”. (Everybody always says “honest reviews”. Well, how’s that for honest.) But here’s the thing, even in spite of those “dumb” spots, I couldn’t stop reading; I didn’t want to stop reading. I had become so immersed in Selkie’s story that I had to ride it out to the end. The characters became people I wanted to know better and with whom I enjoyed spending time, even if it was weird time. It takes a very talented author to create characters that latch on to me that tightly. Now please do not take this as a negative review. Not all books are for all people and I’m inclined to say this one was not for me, but I can tell you Virginia King is one more talented writer.