Habits of the Sea by Shea Ernshaw Publishes 7/7/26

 An absolutely unique novel with a mysterious and haunting vibe.  There were several layers to this novel that make it a story that will stick with me for a long time. 



Ellie Mills is a child when she first sees a legendary island off the coast of Nova Scotia. She swims to it and finds a farm with a house and a man named Clay inside.  The man quickly ushers her back to land only for Ellie to discover that the few hours she thought she was gone was actually a week.  Ellie grows up but can't stop thinking about the island even as she tries to convince herself it isn't real.  When the island is spotted by several hundred people on a cruise ship, Ellie is drawn back to her home to see if she can see the island one more time.  She swims back to the island and finds Clay who is the exact same as when she was a child.  Thus begins a new chapter in Ellie's life. 


I keep finding myself drawn to this story and can't stop thinking about it.  An island where you can travel the world and you don't age.  There were fantasy, romance, and mystery elements to this novel.  There was also a dystopian feel towards the end.  All of these elements came together to make a story that reeled me in.  The writing was superb and I really felt like I could sense the ocean as I read.  This is a great book for anyone who loves magical realism and a novel that has great atmosphere and a unique storyline. 

4 out of 5 Stars

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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