Review of The Saltwater Curse by Avina St. Graves
From the moment I stumbled upon The Saltwater Curse by Avina St. Graves, I was drawn in by its quirky premise and tantalizing blend of monster romance with emotional depth. Who could resist a story featuring a Kraken hero and a heroine escaping her traumatic past? It promised a whirlwind adventure that intrigued me immensely, and I’m thrilled to say it exceeded my expectations!
The novel kicks off with our protagonist, Kristy, who has just liberated herself from a suffocating and abusive marriage—literally, by stabbing her husband. This bold move leads her to reinvent herself as Cindi in Bali, seeking refuge and a fresh start. It’s a painful but relatable beginning, and my heart went out to her as she navigated her new life haunted by the ghosts of her past. What struck me most was how authentically St. Graves captured Cindi’s struggle with PTSD. Cindi walks through her new life in constant alert mode, flinching at male interactions and trying to survive in a world that had once been so cruel.
Enter Ordus, the Kraken with a heart as big as his tentacles. He embodies that classic “himbo” charm—fiercely protective yet adorably clueless about human norms. My inner romantic swooned at moments when his devotion to Cindi shone through, such as when he dramatically declares:
“Your soul called to me from across the sea…”
Yes, it’s cheesy, but the sincerity of Ordus’s feelings and the dichotomy of his monstrous nature make for an irresistible combination. He’s trying desperately to protect Cindi while grappling with marital constraints that threaten to doom their love. It’s such a compelling conflict that kept the pages turning and my heart racing.
A standout aspect of the book was Vaszeline, Ordus’s playful shark-dog-octopus companion. His chapters injected humor into the narrative and gave me some of my biggest laughs. I found myself eagerly flipping pages just to see what mischief he would get into next. His obsession with coconuts and protective nature made him a delightful sidekick that I didn’t know I needed!
The setting of Bali enriched the reading experience immensely. I read this book while actually in Bali, and the vivid descriptions—of the food, music, and cultural nuances—made me feel as though I was living within the story’s vibrant world. St. Graves’s writing felt so realistic; it was as if I could taste the flavors and hear the rhythm of the island around me.
In terms of pacing, The Saltwater Curse struck a great balance between humor and seriousness. While Cindi’s psychological struggle is an overarching theme, the playful elements cushioned heavier moments, making it an engaging and entertaining read throughout. The incorporation of monster romance tropes, especially the “captor/captive” dynamic, while leaning into familiar territory, felt refreshing under St. Graves’s imaginative touch.
If you’re in the mood for a book that balances laughter with layers of emotional depth, The Saltwater Curse is a must-read! Whether you’re a seasoned monster romance aficionado or stepping into this subgenre for the first time, there’s a delightful blend of whimsy and heart that has something for everyone. This was a journey I won’t soon forget, and I can’t wait to see where St. Graves takes us next. So grab a coconut and dive into this whimsical world—you won’t regret it! 🌊✨