ARC Review: Carousel Seas by Sharon Lee

Carousel Seas
Author: Sharon Lee
Series: Archers Beach (Book 3)
Publication: Baen (January 6, 2015)

Description: NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED

Welcome to Archers Beach in the Changing Land, the last and least of the Six Worlds, where magic works, sometimes, and the Guardian husbands the vitality of the land and everyone on it -- earth spirit and plain human alike.

Kate Archer, Guardian and carousel-keeper, has been busy making some changes of her own, notably beginning a romantic relationship with Borgan, the Guardian of the Gulf of Maine, Kate's opposite number, and, some would say, her natural mate.

Oh, and she's been instrumental in releasing the prisoners that had been bound into the carousel animals -- which she's inclined to think is a good thing. . .

Until a former sea goddess sets up housekeeping in the Gulf of Maine, challenging Borgan's authority; endangering Kate and everything she holds precious.

. . .because the goddess has fallen in love in Borgan; and she'll stop at nothing to possess him.

Archers Beach is about to suffer a sea-change -- and the question is whether Kate can survive it.

My Thoughts: Kate Archer is beset with problems both magical and mundane in this conclusion to the Archers Beach trilogy. Having released prisoners bound to the carousel she manages in a seaside town in Maine, she knows that she will have trouble with the Wise - powerful beings from the other linked worlds - but she thinks that the prisoners have all left Earth. She learns that, at least, one has remained behind and has determined to conquer Borgan and take over his guardianship of the Gulf of Maine.

In an attempt to win his affections this goddess kills two goblins that Borgan has spared, despite the fact that they would like him dead. This grieves and angers the sea who loved them and the sea changes making life hard for the citizens of the town. After all, no waves and invasions of jellyfish aren't going to draw the tourists needed for the booths and rides.

Of course the whole of the amusement park is being threatened by another mundane source. The owners are planning to sell the land where it sits so that condos can be built. This is very upsetting to the magical and non-magical folks who make their livings from the park. In facts, they had been petitioning to make the season longer than the 12 weeks it had shrunk to over the years. Now the committees are looking for other options - either a way to buy the land or a place to move the park.

If that wasn't enough, Kate is just getting used to her connection with the land and her growing magical abilities. She is still learning about her land and finding out about the trenvay who live there. Kate also expands her family by adding a cat and a liege-sworn to her retinue. Both add depth and complications to her life.

This book was a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary fantasy with excitement, magic and romance. I highly recommend this trilogy.

Favorite Quote:

"My grandfather was not a gentle man," I agreed—which might win understatement of the year, if I remembered to enter the contest.

I got this eARC from Edelweiss for review. You can buy your copy here.