Song of the Saltings
By Rachael King
Review by Alex A
Haunting, immersive and magical! The latest from Ōtautahi local Rachael King is an evocative, slightly creepy, sparkling supernatural folk-thriller.
Set on the island of Brack, a grey and barren place without contact with the outside world, 16 year old Lotta works as a stable girl for the local Council. The village makes a yearly sacrifice to a creature called the Glimm, a fierce God-like being who haunts the salt marshes. Eight years prior, Lotta was selected as a tribute but narrowly escaped when her horse intervened to protect her and was taken instead.
When a chance encounter with local boy Moss reveals a previously undiscovered power, Lotta becomes attuned to the rhythm of the island, and starts to suspect the Glimm is trying to call her back to it.
Soaked in Scottish and British folklore references, the story is a compelling, captivating exploration of defying societal expectations and reconnecting with the natural world.
Perfect for fans of Margaret Mahy’s The Haunting and Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising sequence.
