The Lost Coast

Summary:

The spellbinding tale of six queer witches forging their own paths, shrouded in the mist, magic, and secrets of the ancient California redwoods.

Danny didn't know what she was looking for when she and her mother spread out a map of the United States and Danny put her finger down on Tempest, California. What she finds are the Grays: a group of friends who throw around terms like queer and witch like they're ordinary and everyday, though they feel like an earthquake to Danny. But Danny didn't just find the Grays. They cast a spell that calls her halfway across the country, because she has something they need: she can bring back Imogen, the most powerful of the Grays, missing since the summer night she wandered into the woods alone. But before Danny can find Imogen, she finds a dead boy with a redwood branch through his heart. Something is very wrong amid the trees and fog of the Lost Coast, and whatever it is, it can kill. Lush, eerie, and imaginative, Amy Rose Capetta's tale overflows with the perils and power of discovery — and what it means to find your home, yourself, and your way forward. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

This was a book that had me not quite sure what to make of it.  The magical realism was just a touch over the top for me and the while the whimsical descriptions of the trees was lovely prose it did make up the bulk of the book which meant the plot was a bit lacking.  The dynamic of the Grays was great as a whole, but the characters weren’t fully defined and I often found myself confused as to which one was which.

I will say that I enjoyed that the Grays helped Danny come out of her shell and embrace her identity.  Balanced against that was were abrupt events that through me a bit for a loop at times.  Ultimately that is the aspect that I found difficult with magical realism, the pacing just feels a bit off or I am totally confused as to what is going on.  All in all, I  think it’s a great pick up for those looking for something lyrical and queer-friendly, but otherwise not a “must read”.

Warning: Contains some sexual content and violence.

Rating: 3 stars!

Who should read it? Fans of magical realism.