The Selkie's Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan - Book Review

The Selkie's Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan

Publication Date: 02nd Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Middle Grade/ YA 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A fast-paced read 

Brigit is half-selkie, half-human. Her mother is a selkie. Everyone in the little village suspects it. Naturally, Brigit has to deal with bullies at school. However, that seems to be the least of her concerns. 

Someone in the village is killing young seals, though they know it’s forbidden. The selkie folk are furious and vow revenge. Brigit and her family are stuck in the middle. She had to find a way to save the young seals, expose the criminals, and face the Great Selkie. But can she succeed? 

The story comes in Brigit’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I knew I had to read this when I saw the title. I recently wrote a short story with a half-selkie girl as the protagonist. I also wrote another story with the Celtic Brigit (goddess) as the main lead. Seeing the book seemed like the universe sending me a message (yet to figure out what it is). 

The book is short, just 200+ pages, and a quick read. Set in Nova Scotia (a Canadian province in the Atlantic), the story takes place over a few days, giving us a glimpse into the lives of locals and Brigit’s family. 

The starting is solid, even if it could be painful/ scary for young readers. There isn’t much character development, and most of them are surface-level. Yet, Margaret and Peter stand out. 

I love how each chapter starts with a verse about traditional Celtic personalities (and sometimes selkies). They help create the mood and the atmosphere. In fact, the atmosphere is spot-on and much better than the characterization. I could visualize every scene and become a part of the landscape. 

The book deals with various themes like family, friendship, community, bullying, greed, sacrifice, choices, etc. None of it is in detail, so it doesn’t overwhelm the readers. However, the contents are darkish and may not suit all young readers (check the trigger warnings at the end).

The fantasy elements are woven into the plot and are present just as much as required. It is seamless and uses the selkie mythology well. That said, I wouldn’t have minded if it was more prominent. 

The climax is also fast-paced, which adds to the tension. However, it is over too soon. We see only a glimpse of Brigit’s bravery. 

This could easily be a bigger book with more detailing and an in-depth character arc. Of course, that might make it suitable for adult readers. The premise calls for some intense darkness and drama. 

To summarize, The Selkie's Daughter is a good attempt at introducing mythical creatures to young readers. It’s an engaging read and should keep them hooked. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Holiday House, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheSelkiesDaughter

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T.W.: Death of a child due to illness, chopping web skin from hands, and murder of baby seals (these aren’t graphic and written with care, but they are present).