Scarlet Morning
by N. D Stevenson
Review by Alex A
Scarlet Morning is an old pirate’s tale of a wicked captain who slays the beautiful and defenseless queen, Hail Meridian. This is one of many old-world myths that Viola tells her brother Wilmur while awaiting their parent’s return on the forsaken island of Caveat. Fifteen years prior, a cataclysmic event has rendered the world’s oceans poisonous, now just a roiling mass of salt-bergs and terrifying sea creatures.
When Captain Cadence Chase arrives at their door one stormy night, the two see a chance to escape their miserable existence, and set out with Chase and her motley crew.
This is a definitely a story for older kids, 9-12+. The world building is immersive and far-reaching. There is a good dose of horror, and it delves into difficult emotions and how they manifest. I loved the casual diversity of the characters, the stark details of their environment, and the central, creepy mystery that ends on a cliff-hanger (book two is in the works).
Protagonist Viola is plucky, clever and the unlikely friendship she strikes up with Captain Chase forms the emotional spine of the novel. This is a sophisticated children’s book that prods at ethical dilemmas, how outer appearances can deceive, and the strength of found family ties.I can’t wait to read the next one!
Perfect for fans of Kieran Larwood or Rebecca Stead.
