Washed Under the Waves is a unique Christian fiction novel. It’s futuristic fantasy, yet approachable for any reader. I was transported to another time and place while reading this interesting book.
I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher, By the Vine Press. All honest opinions are my own.
About the Book:
A hidden island. A prince in disguise…and a lady torn between love and duty.
Lady Tayte Bashan never desired the distinctive black hair that marks her as Undae royalty, but when her family perishes in a devastating tsunami, the burden of leadership falls upon her young shoulders. Even as she prepares her island for the prophesied prince, she fears the duty to marry him is truly meant for another.
Dispatched by the King to an island untouched by the outside world for centuries, Prince Geoffrey Athan D’Ambrose must lead its people to the ultimate truth. But how is he supposed to win the heart of Undae’s princess when the King sends him disguised as a tutor?
Betrayal stirs within Castle Bashan, a threat as deadly as the rising wave. Now Tayte and Athan must brave the maelstrom or watch as the entire island succumbs to treachery’s destructive tide.
My Thoughts:
I have to admit, I’m not a huge speculative fiction fan. I need it to be pretty straightforward in order to follow what is going on. This one was a little better than most, but I still occasionally had a difficult time understanding how everything fit together. The author’s world building is amazing, and having a map at the beginning to refer to was very helpful.
This is most definitely a Christian novel. The author is upfront in her note in the beginning, but I just wanted to make it clear. “The King” is God/Jesus and it’s a prominent, evident theme throughout the entire novel. It’s an enlightening perspective on how the Gospel might travel the world and be known in a place that has never been reached. I found that concept intriguing and it really made me think about God’s power to overcome any obstacle. There are many scenes where the characters approach the King’s throne and have discussions with him, and this is incredibly thought provoking as it paints a picture of how believers should approach God’s throne “with confidence” as it says in the Bible.
The romance was interesting to me. I was torn between liking the fact that Athan and Tayte got to know each other without Tayte’s knowing he is the prince (and therefore changing the way she acted because of the preconceived notions she had about the prince), and not liking that it was deception. It was a point of contention with me, because I feel like it’s against God’s character to be deceptive, and this carried on much too long for my liking. I could see the rationale for hiding his true identity in order to wait for God’s perfect timing, but it didn’t necessarily sit right. There were some parts about the portrayal of God that seemed so fresh and gave a different perspective on His character, and others that just didn’t ring true, particularly the whole wedding situation. I just felt like overall Tayte got the short end of the deal because she was the only one in the dark, but Athan had just as many stumbles with following the King’s directions and guidance as she did.
There are some more mature and edgier scenes in this novel, so it’s not for those who prefer a milder form of Christian fiction. The sensual scenes are fairly intense at times.
Overall, the themes permeating the story outweigh its shortcomings. The fascinating setting, the way the island is stuck in the past, yet it is actually in the future, and there are many glimpses that show this throughout the tale. Themes of coming into God’s presence, approaching Him with confidence, as well as ones about following and submitting to authority, cultivating work ethic, and learning God’s will for our lives flow through this novel. There are many layers that will speak to readers in different life situations.
Bottom Line:
Especially meaningful to those who like more allegorical fantasy themes, Washed Under the Waves has something for everyone. Adventure, intrigue, spiritual development, and romance are entwined together to create a captivating story.
Gloria Clover’s Bio
Gloria Clover, Christ-follower and Truth-seeker, writes romantic fiction with the hope of showing God’s love and our need in both humorous and haunting ways. The Children of the King series is her first endeavor into speculative fiction, a series set in the future when the King sends out his children to reclaim his lost lands.
Gloria’s contemporary romances, published by Barbour Books and Son-Rise Publications, include: The Remaking of Moe McKenna in the Race to the Altar anthology, Brianna’s Pardon, and Tangled Truths. She compiled ten volumes of Penned From the Heart and wrote a short devotional, Who We Are in Christ, A to Z.
She is a member of Emmanuel Christian Church, active in prayer ministry, women’s ministries, American Heritage Girls, and various other projects. She participates in writing/book days at local schools and enjoys giving and receiving from her various writing critique groups. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, participating in the ACFW book club and prayer loops.
Married with child, she writes from her little white box in western PA.
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Thank you, Melissa, for taking the time to read my book and share your thoughts, especially since the genre took you out of your comfort zone. I appreciate your support in getting the word out.