First thing, which really does not matter at all, is that I cannot figure out why they changed the name of the book. The new name, Silver Sea, does not really have any correlation to the story. Yes, they spend a lot of time sailing on the waters, which are probably silver sometimes when the light shines off of them the right way, but there is actually a prophecy in the story referred to as 'Wolf Cry.' Pointless change is pointless.

Last year, I read my first book by Julia Golding: Dragonfly. Although the story was largely predictable, I loved it. The characters were engaging and felt like real people. (And the P&Pish nature of the romance held appeal too.) I expected this book to be much the same: predictable, but quite enjoyable and clever in spite of that.

Well, I was wrong. I totally thought I knew what was going to happen. But I was wrong. For one thing, I didn't get the super happy ending that I was expecting. Most books for teens end pretty happily, although I can name a good selection that don't, although most are somewhere in the middle of a series or a dystopia. In this instance, the sad ending does make for a more realistic story given the setting. Still, I was rooting for the characters and hoped all the good people would get to have everything they wanted and the bad people die.

Julia Golding writes strong women, although not necessarily physically strong. They are clever, resourceful and determined. Although I recommend Dragonfly more than Silver Sea, I will definitely be reading more Julia Golding and think she is a fantasy author well worth trying. ( )

A new children's book (that I was lucky to get a proof of) by the author of the Cat Royal series and the Companion's Quartet. This time Julia Golding takes us back to Viking Times, and the story of Freydis and her brother Toki, who are awaiting their father's return. Howvere, pirate lord Sulke raids their home, and Toki and the villagers are kidnapped, leaving an injured Fraydis behind.
Meanwhile her father is returning, with a slave in tow for Theydis known as 'the blue man,' Enno. This story is about love , family, sacrifice and friendship, and will know doubt be eagerly read by fans of Golding's work. Personally I prefer Cat from the Cat Royal books, but this was still a very enjoyable read. ( )

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Freydis's father has never warmed to her. Still, his anger shocks her when he returns home to find their village destroyed and his daughter the only survivor. Never mind that Freydis is badly hurt. She takes her father's words bravely, but it breaks her heart.

She doesn't know what happened to her brother. Her father will take to the seas searching for him. At first, he wants to leave her behind, but Blue Man, the slave he bought her, convinces him to take her along.

They head North. Blue Man and Freydis forge a strange friendship. Blue Man's pride makes him refuse to believe he's less of a man because he's a slave. Freydis doesn't push the issue; in fact, she enjoys their discussions.

When the two are left together with another Viking tribe, they realize their fates are entwined. They also begin to unravel a prophecy of two wolves who will engage in a great battle between her father's enemy and those loyal to him.

THE SILVER SEA has a similar feel to Golding's previous novel, DRAGONFLY. This historical fiction portrays the Vikings in an engrossing manner, complete with raids, small tribes defending themselves, and pirates searching for revenge. The chapters alternate perspectives between Freydis, Enno (Blue Man), and Toki (Freydis's brother). All three must overcome danger and betrayal. They forge deep friendships, and they must find their inner strength and stand firmly for their beliefs. ( )