I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack Published by Evolved Publishing on 5-19-2014
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 290
Format: eBook
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After centuries of religiously motivated war, the world has been split in two. Now the Blessed Lands are ruled by pure faith, while in the Republic, reason is the guiding light—two different realms, kept apart and at peace by a treaty and an ocean.
Children of the Republic, Helena and Jason were inseparable in their youth, until fate sent them down different paths. Grief and duty sidetracked Helena’s plans, and Jason came to detest the hollowness of his ambitions.
These two damaged souls are reunited when a tiny boat from the Blessed Lands crashes onto the rocks near Helena’s home after an impossible journey across the forbidden ocean. On board is a single passenger, a nine-year-old girl named Kailani, who calls herself “the Daughter of the Sea and the Sky.” A new and perilous purpose binds Jason and Helena together again, as they vow to protect the lost innocent from the wrath of the authorities, no matter the risk to their future and freedom.
But is the mysterious child simply a troubled little girl longing to return home? Or is she a powerful prophet sent to unravel the fabric of a godless Republic, as the outlaw leader of an illegal religious sect would have them believe? Whatever the answer, it will change them all forever… and perhaps their world as well.
In this book, a young girl named Kailani washes ashore into the Godless republic, which is a place of reason and science. Kailani’s homeland is called the Blessed lands and is a religious nation. Between the two is an ocean and a history of war. When two teens discover Kailani, they are determined to keep her safe and help her eventually get back to her homeland.
This was a great read for me. Kailani is so mysterious and interesting. She disarms and charms everyone around her, and usually heals some pain in their hearts. Throughout most of the novel, we never know exactly who she is or where she comes from. She claims to be the daughter of the sea and sky and knows the wind. What does that mean? You’ll have to read to find out. And then Helena and Jason were both strong characters with a great moral compass. They were not content to leave things to the authorities. They wanted to protect Kailani and get her back home. The novel tackled the difference between a society based on science and reason (and no religion) to one based strictly on religion. But it never demonizes either group and shows the best that each has to offer. The world here (two continents and societies divided by an ocean and connected by a land bridge) was fascinating. I really wanted to learn more but we were only told what was necessary for the story.
Litwack always produces great, polished novels that explore deep themes and this one is no exception. This is a page turner in the way that you want to know who this girl is and what she is about. It’s a great journey and a memorable one.
About David Litwack
The urge to write first struck when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.
There Comes a Prophet, published in July 2012, was the first novel in this new stage of life. His second, Along the Watchtower, came out in June 2013.
David and his wife split their time between Cape Cod, Florida and anywhere else that catches their fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.
