Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Penguin
Source: Conference
Stand Alone
Liam MacGregor is cursed. Haunted by the wails of fantastical Bean Sidhes and labeled a demon by the villagers of Dòchas, Liam has accepted that things will never get better for him—until a wealthy heiress named Annabel Leighton arrives on the island and Liam’s fate is changed forever.
With Anna, Liam finally finds the happiness he has always been denied; but, the violent, mythical Otherworlders, who inhabit the island and the sea around it, have other plans. They make awager on the couple’s love, testing its strength through a series of cruel obstacles. But the tragedies draw Liam and Anna even closer. Frustrated, the creatures put the couple through one last trial—and this time it’s not only their love that’s in danger of being destroyed.
Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling poem, "Annabel Lee," Mary Lindsey creates a frighteningly beautiful gothic novel that glorifies the power of true love.

Review 
Why did I wait so long to read this? Seriously guys. It was so amazing. I could reread this probably 100 times and not get tired of it.

This tells the story of Liam and Anna. Liam is cursed and hated on the island. He's never been truly happy. Anna arrives on the island and changes everything. As they grow closer their relationship is put to the ultimate test.

Anna and Liam were drop dead amazing characters. I loved Liam's innocence. He was such a sweetheart. Boy did he have a way with words. I loved how complex he was. Anna was also quite complex. She definitely had two sides to her. I loved her strength. I loved seeing her change throughout the story. Liam and Anna had honestly the cutest relationship ever. It was unique. They took their time. They never stopped growing closer. It was perfect.

I've never read Edgar Allen Poe. I thought this had the most unique concept. It was dark but not too dark. It had plenty of interesting aspects. The setting was pretty great. I couldn't stop reading. I also couldn't see any of those twists coming. The ending left me in tears and having a mini freak out. It was a perfect ending but it really hurt my heart. Overall this was an amazing read. I was incredibly impressed. I can't wait to read more from this author!