Eternal Seas

The Relic Hunters, Book 1

By: Lexi Rees

Narrated by: Christopher Dickins

Length: 3 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

Such a small parcel shouldn’t cause experienced smugglers much trouble, but this parcel is far from normal. 

Lost and scared after a violent storm, Finn and his sister, Aria, take shelter on a remote island. They discover the parcel contains a relic belonging to a long-forgotten people. Locked inside are powers which will change their lives, and the world, forever. 

As Finn realizes his connection to the relic, a vision strikes him - but what does it mean? Who should they trust? And if they decide to follow their hearts rather than their orders, will they manage to deliver the relic in one piece? 

Chased across the seas as they try to solve the mysteries within the parcel, the fate of this ancient people depends on them. Finn and Aria must choose between what is right and what is easy - and time is running out....

©2018 Lexi Rees (P)2019 Lexi Rees

Critic Reviews

"A thrilling and magical adventure with plenty of hair-raising chases and a villain readers will love to hate. Eternal Seas is a must-read for young fantasy fans.” (Madeline Dyer, author of the Untamed series)

“Eternal Seas is a compelling adventure that weaves mystery and intrigue into a tantalising plot for the reader to enjoy. The writing has a lyrical quality and almost seems to capture the movement of the sea as the story unfolds. A very enjoyable read.” (Jude Lennon, author of Hal and the End Street, the Lamby series and other children’s books)

“An exciting debut novel that takes us on a roller coaster adventure ride over high seas to mysterious places and brims with magic and intrigue. Young readers will love this book.” (Shalbey Bellaman, author of Dragons in the Looking Glass and Jack in the Wallows)

Loved it!

Title: Eternal Seas
Author: Lexi Rees
Release Date: September 9th, 2020
Page Count: 117
Start Date: January 1st, 2022
Finish Date: January 1st, 2022

Review:

Story: I really enjoyed this story. It was a very quick read. Personally, I would have liked to see it longer. However, I do understand that this is a children's book. It's understandably short. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Characters: I got a little confused with all of the character names. I also didn't really connect with any of them if I'm being honest. That isn't to say that I didn't like them. I just didn't find them very relatable to me. I also feel like a few of the characters were just a little two-dimensional.
Critiques: None
Narration: It was pretty great. Nothing really memorable stands out to me either good or bad.
Final Thoughts: I wasn't expecting to really get sucked into this book the way I did. I really enjoyed it very much. I don't know when I'll be able to get to the rest of the series. I am definitely looking forward to it though.

Fun Kids' Adventure

What a delightful kids’s story! It’s very fast-paced and suitable for kids of all ages. There’s high seas adventures set in a future world where we still have GPS tracking but also magic. Well, the magic was hunted down & squelched a generation or two ago by Waldred. Yet the clans did their best to hide the next generation of magic users, even keeping it from the kids themselves. Now Finn (12) and his little sister Aria (10) are caught up in this re-emerging magic. They are on a quest! They must find the relics for each magic type.

There’s little smidges of mythology woven into the story and I loved that it jumped around the world. Also, the cast of characters sounds like an SCA Shire – Finn, Aria, Pippin, Morgan, Massana, Isoulda, Waldred, Cullen, Ragnar, etc. I loved the eclectic nature of the characters. Traveling around on the Alcina, Finn & his family not only search for the relics but also try to save some family and friends.

Family connections are the supporting backbone for this story. Finn and Aria get along great and support each other in their efforts. Their dad Ragnar is also very supportive, though he also has to say No sometimes as the parent. Waldred is mostly this nebulous evil entity at this point in the series. Pippin is perhaps Aria’s age and joins the crew later in the book. Massana (spelling?) joins as a mystic guide of sorts. She’s key in helping Finn discover his magical abilities. The story ends on a bit of cliffhanger though, so be ready to pick up the next book. 4.5/5 stars.

The Narration: Christopher Dickins was a good pick for this book. He had a great voice for the kids, as well as female voices. He threw in a variety of accents too which helped keep every voice distinct. My one issue is that the name Massana was pronounced a few different ways throughout the book – Messada? Lessana? I’m still not sure which one is right. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with the recording. 4.5/5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.

A Magical Adventure for Mid Grade Readers

A long time ago, people had magical powers over the elements. But the clan elders decided to keep them safe and locked the powers away in relics. Now the world has changed and people know of magic only from stories. Finn and his family are smugglers and have been giving the task of retrieving a package. A problem arises when they open the package and learn that it is the relic that holds the water tamers magic.

Finn’s family sets out to take the relic to the elders, where the magic can be released. But their enemies are many and are chasing them to get their hands on the relic. If they can destroy the relic the sea tamer magic will be destroyed forever.

Finn and his family make a living smuggling items for clients. They have been trying to keep things going since they lost mother a while ago. But a strange package they pickup is messing with Finn. On the way to deliver it they find themselves on a strange island and learn that the package actually holds the water tamer relic. They also learn that their mother is still alive and being held hostage for the relic. But if they turn over the relic it will surly get destroyed.

This is a great story filled with action, adventure, an evil Lord, and magic. I was quickly sucked into the story and couldn’t get back to the audiobook fast enough. Christopher Dickins does a fantastic job narrating this book.

I loved this story and can’t wait to get into the next book, Wild Sky.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to listen to and post an honest review.

Great story

My little girl and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Listening to it with her was great fun.

Great start to a series

Travel with Finn and Aria on a journey to return magic to the world. I was invested in the outcome of the story within the first few minutes, despite not listening with children (as I do not have any) There is adventure and excitement galore as they search for a relic (the first in a series) which holds the key to restoring magic to a world which has had magic stolen from it by an evil scientist. Christopher Dickens is a treat to listen to. He carries off several voices with different accents without a hint of struggle, and he really brings the story to life, painting vivid pictures with his voice. Bravo to both Lexi Rees, for a wonderful story, and Christopher Dickens for bringing it to life.

Mystical powers

Wonderful story of 2 youngsters learning about the mystical powers they possess, which helps to find their mother. Looking forward to the next book.
Narration was excellent

Lots of unexpected plots and twists

What a wonderful fun book. I love how Finn was able to speak to all water creatures! By Pippin stole my heart! I hope she has a story too!

Well done to both the author and narrator!

great road trip read

Great story, complete Characters, and a cool plot. The sibling banter between the lead character and his little sister made the book for me. I am a sucker for siblings supporting siblings, working together to protect their family. The book is a quick, easy read, and, in my opinion, a great road trip read!!!

Adventure

I recieved this as an audiobook free and my review is voluntary. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but the magic and adventure is really fun. It was a great book.

Great characters and world

As an adult I could easily get into this audio book and I really enjoyed it. I found the characters interesting and was right along for the ride with the main protagonist. I found him likeable and relatable. The book is full of action, adventure and twists, so there's never a dull moment.

The narrator does a great job too.

I received a free copy of this book for a review, but I enjoyed it lots :)

Great adventure with an excellent narration

I really enjoyed this even though it's a story aimed towards children, and I'm not one. I was positively struck by the way the author marries ages-old traditions of sailing and smuggling with modern technology and contemporary landmarks - particularly in her London descriptions. This is nothing less than a delightful, clean story of adventure, self-discovery, identity, friendship and family ties that go deeper than blood. Christopher Dickins' narration is excellent, and is a perfect match for this audiobook and series. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to children, parents hunting for good reads for their kids, or adults who can still appreciate a very good story that's somewhat out of their age bracket.

Wonderful !

Such an incredible performance and story! Reminds me of Percy Jackson. I loved the narrator, works just perfectly.

Review for Eternal Seas by Lexi Rees

This is an action packed adventure story filled with magic and mystery. It has lots of little surprises that keeps the story fun and interesting and even though it's meant as a book for children ages 7- 12 years old I really enjoyed it as an adult reader. Really looking forward to the next book.
I loved the narrator Christopher Dickens' voices for the characters and delivery of the story.

Short and sweet

Just as i got into it it was over leaving me wanting more. Full of magic and adventure, this unusual adventure absorbed me.

A great start to the series.

Finn's family are smugglers, but since his mother disappeared it's just him, his father and his sister Aria. This time, the parcel they have to pick up and deliver is much more mysterious than usual. And when Finn realises he has a strange connection to it, his whole world changes.
A mystical world full of wonder, including my favourite, a magical stall that disappears as soon as you've bought something!
This book was aimed at a younger audience than I was expecting but once I still really enjoyed it. A great start to the series.

Great book

I read this with my duaghter and she loved it. My nephew then read it and he couldn't put it down.

The storyline is very well written and it is easy to fall in love with the land as the author describes everything beautifully.

She loved the story and the characters and now can't wait to get into the next one in the series

The narrator added an extra depth to the story and really made it come alive

An exciting children's adventure.

I really enjoyed this children's book, even though I'm well above its target age of 5-7 years. It was full of atmosphere and adventure and I look forward to my grandchildren being old enough for me to read it to them.

Finn and Aria live with their smuggler father on the high seas. He collects and delivers parcels and the children travel with him. Their mother has been gone for quite a while and they both miss her.
The parcel they are collecting this time, is from an island they rarely visit and the collection is shrouded with mystery. The tension builds as they search for the package and then attempt to deliver it to its rightful owner.

There are magical skills and conversations with dolphins, along with powers over the sea and air to help them on their quest. It is quite fantastical and I'm sure any child would love it. Perfect for stimulating young imaginations.

Excellent narration by Christopher Dickins added to my reading pleasure. I particularly liked the voice he gave to Lisana, who joins them in their quest.

I'm looking forward to Book 2 and I hope it will be available in audio with the same narrator.

Magic, smugglers and an epic adventure

I received a copy of this for free. This has not influenced my review.

What a fun adventure!

This has everything a kid (or adult) could want, with magic, smugglers and an epic adventure.

We follow two young children who travel the seas with their father smuggling things from all over the world. But this object is different to all the others. Together they learn about ancient magic, their family and many secrets.

I would have adored this as a kid, and to make it even better this is one of the best audiobook narraters I’ve come across. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more audiobooks from him, and of course for more books in this series.

Fantastic adventure story for all ages!


I had thoroughly enjoyed reading the e-book version of this story and was intrigued to discover if I'd enjoy the audiobook version as much - and I did! I'm sharing here a mix of my previously posted review of the ebook and added what my thoughts about the audiobook version.

This is the first book in a new series for middle grade readers and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is a fantasy adventure with brother and sister, Finn and Aria, sailing with their father who is a smuggler. Their mother is missing and you don’t initially know why so I’m not going to spoil it by telling you! With instructions to retrieve and deliver a small parcel as their next job, it shouldn’t be too difficult. However, there are forces attempting to steal it and danger around. As the youngsters explore their own powers they’ll uncover secrets, discover a new ally and face perils in this fast paced adventure.

The audiobook version is narrated by Chris Dickens and he is very talented at bringing the story to life in the imagination of his listeners. He uses his voice to make it clear just which character is talking and his use of expression, intonation and volume is exemplary. I can easily imagine children being as enthralled as I was by how he relates the story and events, capturing you and taking you into the heart of the action packed adventure.

The story has great characters that are easy to relate to. The book version has black line illustrations interspersed through the story that add to the scenarios. Written in short chapters, it is an engaging and entertaining read that will probably appeal to children who are able to read independently, probably from 8years old upwards. It has a male lead character in Finn and a female one in Aria. This story is centred around Finn coming into his powers and striving to solve a mystery with the aid of Aria and their father. Whilst this story comes to a conclusion with many things resolved it also ends on a cliff hanger in which Aria is given the next task, which I presume will be the subject of the second book in this series. I really hope I get to read it as I enjoyed this one and would like to know what happens next – even though I’m an adult!

I used a gift code to purchase a copy of this audiobook, without obligation, and this is my honest review written after listening to it.

Great for introducing fantasy

Finn, Aria and their father are smugglers.  They live on a boat and collect and deliver parcels for a living across seas.  One day they are asked to deliver a parcel for a mysterious customer and so begins an adventure that will change their lives forever.

I absolutely adored this audiobook for children aged 7-12 (ish).  I think it's a brilliant introduction to fantasy writing for young children and I'm sure they'll love the adventure and pirate feel to the book. 

Eternal Seas is set  in a world alike  ours but in the future with differences.  It's similar enough that children can identify with it but cleverly written to ensure the differences add depth to the story.  The different destinations are described vividly and are really brought to life and the sea storms are very realistic.    The portrayal of powers in this book is different to many that children are aware of and the idea of ancient, magical societies is a great one to explore.       

The characters are extremely likable (except the ones you aren't supposed to like) and I particularly loved Pippin - she was how I imagined a little puppy dog would be if they could talk.   

The audio itself was extremely well narrated, by Christopher Dickins, who did a brilliant job of using a range of voices so the characters can be distinguished between easily - I feel this is important for young children who find it more difficult to focus on audio.  Short chapters make it easy to listen to or read in shorter sessions.

This book is great for sharing with a younger child or for older readers to read alone.