The Witch of Salt and Storm by Kendall Kulper

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Pages: 384

Publisher: 4th of September 2014

Released: Orchard Books

Sixteen-year-old Avery Roe wants only to take her rightful place as the sea witch of Prince Island, making the charms that keep the island's whalers safe and prosperous at sea. But before she could learn how to control her power, her mother - the first Roe woman in centuries to turn her back on magic - steals Avery away from her grandmother. Avery must escape before her grandmother dies, taking with her the secrets of the Roe's power. 

The one magical remnant left to Avery is the ability to read dreams, and one night she foresees her own murder. Time is running short, both for her and for the people of her island who need the witches' help to thrive.

Avery has never read a dream that hasn't come true, but a tattooed harpoon boy named Tane tells her he can help her change her fate. Becoming a witch may prevent her murder and save her island from ruin, but Avery discovers it will also require a sacrifice she never expected. And as she falls in love with Tane, she learns it is his life and hers that hang in the balance.

What I Have To Say 

This is a lovely tale of expectations, coming of age, first love and magic. The vivid backdrop of the Whaling community on a small island gives a really intricate background to Avery's tale. It's obviously very well researched and the authors note at the end gives more details about the way Kulper created everything from the details of society to the magic system based on real details and superstitions. 

Avery was a really strong female character. Although the Roe women seemed to be based on the same mold (as was stated in the book) they did seem to have slight differences as can especially be seen between Avery's mother and Avery herself. But to me, Avery was the best. Determined to take her place in society and obstructed by destiny. 

I'm really looking forward to the next book and seeing how Avery gets on after the events of the book. I can see it being a struggle for her and hope the next book builds on Avery's character in the same really interesting way. I have high expectations for this author.