Today on the blog, author S. Labrecque provides an in-depth review of The Changeling Sea by Patricia A. McKillip. If you enjoy this review, I recommend you read Labrecque's review of So This Is Ever After.
What’s more mysterious than the ocean? It’s no wonder many myths, legends, and fairytales are full of magical creatures that inhabit our shore.
“The Changeling Sea” by Patricia A. McKillip was first published in 1988, but has stood the test of time and become a classic fairytale love story.
A New Fairytale
“The Changeling Sea” is a unique story with new characters, plot, and setting, mixed with old elements from other tales. It has the feel of a bedtime tale, with a mature but magical plot for a YA audience.
Fairytale Elements
It’s interesting to pick out the classic fairytale elements that have a new spin in this book.
The Changeling: A human baby is replaced with a changeling child. In “The Changeling Sea,” we meet a changeling child nearing adulthood. The narrative explores the ramifications of such a switch, and why it happened. What drives a fey to leave their child with a human and kidnap the human baby?
We see the changeling grew up torn. It’s a painful experience for all involved: he was always going to leave his human family in the end.
The Trickster Magician: Ah yes, the mysterious caster who aids the heroine in her quest. This is a
staple of fairytales and fantasy. Our version is a handsome and clever young magician who’s interested in Peri. Why is he here, and what does he want? I love how quirky he is, and you’ll have to read the book to discover his intentions!
Spunky Heroine: Some fairytales are about princesses, and some are about poor, spunky heroines who earn their happy ending through grit and cleverness. Peri is the second kind. She’s a strange girl from a nowhere fishing village. We watch her confidence grow, and her bravery and determination are what save the day. It’s a journey of learning to forgive and let go. Plus, she discovers something special about herself along the way.
Cursed Princes: When we think of classic fairytales, we go to the ones where the prince rescues the princess. We forget there are many lesser known stories about heroines who rescue the prince and earn his hand in marriage. Isn’t it a shame we don’t see those retold more often?
This story features not one, but two cursed princes, and Peri caught in the middle. Can she save them and return them to where they belong? Read and see!
Gold Lust: Greed is a common theme in fairytales. We see greed sweep Peri’s town, and how quickly people justify anything to get gold. Except these greedy people aren’t punished. Instead, it’s those who value other things more than gold who are rewarded. Love, friendship, and freedom. One important lesson you can take from “The Changeling Sea” is that gold and wealth won’t make you happy. Valuing love and bravery will bring you true happiness.
The Writing
The writing is absolutely gorgeous. The descriptions are lyrical like poetry. I think Patricia’s narrative and descriptions are one of the biggest reasons this book feels like a fairytale. Anyone can tell a classic fantasy story. But the writing feels like a storybook, a bedtime tale full of adventure and wonder. It sets the readers in the right mood and holds us there.
Romance
If this is a fairytale, then we need a sweeping romance between the heroine and at least one handsome prince.
Peri’s and Prince Kir’s romance starts quickly, but I didn’t mind because it’s a fairytale, and that’s what happens in those stories. The prince and the heroine meet and fall in love.
But where Patricia goes with their romance is interesting. Their relationship’s built on mutual understanding. Peri and Kir are both drawn to the sea. They yearn for something they can’t have. And
Peri becomes the only one he can open his heart to and share his pain without holding back. Their
shared secrets lead to a bond.
But their romance is a tragic one. Kir will always be drawn to see over his love for Peri, so she’s doomed to wait for her long lost love, like her mother. They aren’t heading towards the classic happily ever after.
But never fear, dear reader! Without giving away spoilers, I assure you that this book does have a happy ending. And the final romantic relationship is far less fairytale and far more grounded: a healthy love founded in mutual respect and care.
“The Changeling Sea” by Patricia A. McKillip is a mere 137 pages, more a novella than a novel, but it is just the right length to tell the story she wanted. If you love gorgeous writing, brave heroines, and wondrous magic, give this book a try!
Want more fairytale and fantasy recommendations like this? Check out my Ultimate Compendium of Fantastic Fiction for a free book list.
Happy reading!
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