Today I’m veering off the normal promo posts path because I recently read a book (in one day) that just blew it out of the water. This is also proof that the social media grind does actually pay off sometimes so, dear indies, keep going even when it seems like it’s pointless. Anyway, I found Liz’s writing because she makes really hilarious reels about what it’s like being a writer and, in my ongoing attempt to build and support community, I decided to check her out. I was not disappointed in the least.
“Salt” is a fully immersive tale of a young MC who stumbles into a mess, who is a mess herself, and absolutely delivers at every turn. This book marches to the beat of a different drum. Without ever having spoken to Author Liz Shipton, I feel like she is my tribe. The main character, Bird Howsley, is a believable young adult navigating a messed-up post-apocalyptic world of big tech with a nautical theme that’s extremely refreshing. The supporting cast is great, inclusive, and, at times, hilarious. Humor is seamlessly woven into the narrative in a way that had me laughing as I couldn’t wait to turn the page. YA is not usually my cup of tea, but I’m glad I stepped outside my norm on this one. The spice level is age appropriate and not over done. The main supporting character, Sargo, is so well done and younger me would one-hundred percent be into him.
That’s the general review I left on the appropriate channels, but I’d like to elaborate just a little. First of all, this book is written in first person, present tense. If you know me at all, you know that is my absolute favorite format to write in myself, and to see it done well makes my black heart very happy. At no point does said writing throw you out of the narrative. It’s all quite smoothly done and, in my opinion, it actually makes the story more immersive.
Next, there is a moderate amount of spice in the story. Again, if you know me, you know I have zero qualms with sexy time in writing, but it can be overdone in my near-geriatric opinion. This book does it well. It makes sense for the age of the characters. It’s not overdone, trashy, or forced. It simply works.
Next. The world building is just fantastic. I went into it not knowing jack about sailing, but came out on the other side feeling like I had been in Sargo’s class. It’s obvious Liz used a bit of personal knowledge and it really shines through to round out the setting, which is a highly creative take on a dystopian story.
Character development and interaction is another high point. Bird is not your average hero. She’s a hot mess and that’s something I think we can all appreciate. We’ve all been there at some point. She’s believable and I feel like that’s important. Her budding relationship with Sargo is well done. They have their moments of butting heads and they work through them. While Sargo is a bit young for real me, young me is a sucker for a brown boy with dark curls. So, there’s that.
The best part? The story doesn’t end with book one. While I haven’t picked up the next installment yet, I will be doing so. I 10/10 recommend this book and author. Check her out!
Aj Elmore, Author 