What do you think?
Rate this book
Seaglass
SEAGLASS is a short fantasy story filled with magical portals, a hunt for elusive treasure, dark creatures and a young woman who risks everything for her future.
About the author
Kara Swanson
8 books1,027 followersHi there! I’m Kara.
I write stories about fairytales and fiery souls. I spent my childhood a little like a Lost Girl, running barefoot through lush green jungles which inspired my award-winning Peter Pan retellings, DUST and SHADOW.
I’m also the co-founder of the Author Conservatory (authorconservatory.com) where I have the honor of teaching young writers to craft sustainable author careers.
You’ll find me with my toes in California sand as a SoCal resident, belting Broadway show tunes on weekend drives to Disneyland with my delightfully-nerdy husband, or chatting about my love of magic and mayhem on Instagram at @karaswansonauthor.
I write stories about fairytales and fiery souls. I spent my childhood a little like a Lost Girl, running barefoot through lush green jungles which inspired my award-winning Peter Pan retellings, DUST and SHADOW.
I’m also the co-founder of the Author Conservatory (authorconservatory.com) where I have the honor of teaching young writers to craft sustainable author careers.
You’ll find me with my toes in California sand as a SoCal resident, belting Broadway show tunes on weekend drives to Disneyland with my delightfully-nerdy husband, or chatting about my love of magic and mayhem on Instagram at @karaswansonauthor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 31, 2022
4 stars seems too sad... lol But I guess since it was super short, I would have liked it 5 stars worth if it was longer. But this was a really good story with a really good message! Especially the last sentence!
June 29, 2021
Even though this fast-paced journey didn't jive amazingly with me in terms of style or development (very solid, but not stand-out-ish), it ended so, so beautifully. What a message, and what a unique concept through which to try and share it. Maybe on a reread I'll find I'm reconciled more to the execution of the story overall, but for what it was, I found Seaglass very worth my time.
May 1, 2022
This story moved me in a way I didn’t think it would. So powerful and raw, this kind of allegory of what really matters most in life really captured me and challenges you to stop and really grasp the moments around you but also shows the reality of how scary that can actually be.
Not to mention these characters just grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go—if Kara ever publishes a whole novel about these two I wouldn’t be mad. 😉 I just adored the whole story and will most assuredly read it many, many times.
Content: magical mirrors and creatures; characters nearly drown; a character’s sister has cancer (only mentioned)
Not to mention these characters just grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go—if Kara ever publishes a whole novel about these two I wouldn’t be mad. 😉 I just adored the whole story and will most assuredly read it many, many times.
Content: magical mirrors and creatures; characters nearly drown; a character’s sister has cancer (only mentioned)
November 13, 2024
Interesting concept. I think it was cool and could make a unique novella. I only read it because it was free with a newsletter signup, so who wouldn't read through twenty pages for that right?
June 10, 2024
Packs a giant emotional punch despite it's short length.
October 28, 2024
*4.25*
This novella helped me complete my Goodreads goal (well, kinda)!!
I technically finished another book late last night, but considering I had the choice to decide which book finished my goal…I went for this one.
This was a beautiful, short story/novella I received in the author’s newsletter. It was quick read for a nice break in my day. This story picks up in the middle of all the action. We follow Melody (gorgeous name) as she is on the run. We get some good backstory. It’s interesting at how much is packed in these short pages. It’s a full story of hope and knowing the broken people are never truly broken.
Content: Wraiths (bad people)
This novella helped me complete my Goodreads goal (well, kinda)!!
I technically finished another book late last night, but considering I had the choice to decide which book finished my goal…I went for this one.
This was a beautiful, short story/novella I received in the author’s newsletter. It was quick read for a nice break in my day. This story picks up in the middle of all the action. We follow Melody (gorgeous name) as she is on the run. We get some good backstory. It’s interesting at how much is packed in these short pages. It’s a full story of hope and knowing the broken people are never truly broken.
Content: Wraiths (bad people)
May 29, 2021
Another well-written piece from Kara! She develops the two main characters Melody and Dahlan masterfully in this short 20-page story. And the climax, oh goodness it’s good and the end. 😍 This didn’t steal my heart as much as Dust and The Girl Who Could See, but close. The fantasy elements are amazing. Just so good. It did take me a few rereads to get the whole beauty of this story, but I can tend to skim. Plus, that's a what good story is. *wink* Anyone who gets a chance to get this story should.
“And I smile. Because even shattered pieces of glass—even shattered people—can become something beautiful.”
Genre: fantasy
Girl MC POV
Short Story: length 20 pages
Quotes:
“This path was created for enjoying the view, and even as I run for my life, I can’t help but take it in: the salty breeze in my hair, the sun gleaming across the teal ocean in its spray of whitewash, the flutter of wings and screeching of seagulls.”
“Someday I’ll be able to afford house like that, fine and grand. That’s my promise to the girl in that alley: she’ll never starve again.”
"Slipping my pack on, I wink at the little girl watching me through wide blue eyes. “Nice wheels, kid.”
“Dahlan is a few feet ahead, glancing over his shoulder to send the sarcastic remark my way. His voice is low, words quick. Dahlan has never been one to waste time on conversation.”
“‘No!” I tighten my grip, so hard I can feel my knuckles bulging. “I will never become like you, because I do know what I’m running toward. I have something worth fighting for.” Someone who has a reason to live, and I will give him the chance to.”
“I have to stop running. To give up the hope for a future I’ve always dreamed of, and embrace the moments I already have. The breaths, the heartbeats, the hope that lies there too. Because the faster I run, the more I forget why I’m running in the first place. Now I remember.”
“Leaning on his elbow, he bends toward me, waiting until I catch his gaze. “You are not broken. We’ll figure out what to do about your leg. But even if you do lose it, nothing could ever make me see you as broken. You’re beautiful, and strong.”
“Tilting my head, I send Dahlan a soft smile. “We’ll embrace every moment, starting with this one.”
“And I smile. Because even shattered pieces of glass—even shattered people—can become something beautiful.”
Genre: fantasy
Girl MC POV
Short Story: length 20 pages
Quotes:
“This path was created for enjoying the view, and even as I run for my life, I can’t help but take it in: the salty breeze in my hair, the sun gleaming across the teal ocean in its spray of whitewash, the flutter of wings and screeching of seagulls.”
“Someday I’ll be able to afford house like that, fine and grand. That’s my promise to the girl in that alley: she’ll never starve again.”
"Slipping my pack on, I wink at the little girl watching me through wide blue eyes. “Nice wheels, kid.”
“Dahlan is a few feet ahead, glancing over his shoulder to send the sarcastic remark my way. His voice is low, words quick. Dahlan has never been one to waste time on conversation.”
“‘No!” I tighten my grip, so hard I can feel my knuckles bulging. “I will never become like you, because I do know what I’m running toward. I have something worth fighting for.” Someone who has a reason to live, and I will give him the chance to.”
“I have to stop running. To give up the hope for a future I’ve always dreamed of, and embrace the moments I already have. The breaths, the heartbeats, the hope that lies there too. Because the faster I run, the more I forget why I’m running in the first place. Now I remember.”
“Leaning on his elbow, he bends toward me, waiting until I catch his gaze. “You are not broken. We’ll figure out what to do about your leg. But even if you do lose it, nothing could ever make me see you as broken. You’re beautiful, and strong.”
“Tilting my head, I send Dahlan a soft smile. “We’ll embrace every moment, starting with this one.”
July 14, 2021
I read this several months ago, so I don't remember much about it. I don't think it was anything special, though. But for the sake of my 2021 reading challenge and remembering what I've read, it's going on here!
April 7, 2023
Charming fantasy short story about finding contentment and where one belongs. Well written with fantastic imagery, great urgency, and relatable characters.
October 28, 2024
This is such a beautiful story. I loved the meaning behind it. This was perfect, just perfect.
February 11, 2022
I read this short story a couple of weeks ago. I'm sick today, and bored out of my mind, so might as well review some books I have read in the past.
The story is interesting, and the monsters in it aren't unlike the Black Riders (Nazgul, right?) in LOTR. But, as with most contemporary fiction I've read (which isn't much, really. I like the classics and historicals.) I didn't connect with the characters that well. Yeah, I know, it is a short story, but still. And I don't quite get people describing their shoes by the brand name? I've never done that (heck, I can't tell you the brands of my shoes.), but it just seems a little pointless in the type of story we're reading, here? But, maybe I just don't get it because I have only four pairs of shoes rather than four hundred... I'm not too much of a shoe person.
The mirror portal thing was neat! It's too bad they could only go back and forth between those two places. The room full of the Nazgul thingys creeped me out. It sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Whoever you're running from ends up whereever you go? Or maybe more like an episode of The Incredible Hulk... hmm... (lol, jk there.)
The story is interesting, and the monsters in it aren't unlike the Black Riders (Nazgul, right?) in LOTR. But, as with most contemporary fiction I've read (which isn't much, really. I like the classics and historicals.) I didn't connect with the characters that well. Yeah, I know, it is a short story, but still. And I don't quite get people describing their shoes by the brand name? I've never done that (heck, I can't tell you the brands of my shoes.), but it just seems a little pointless in the type of story we're reading, here? But, maybe I just don't get it because I have only four pairs of shoes rather than four hundred... I'm not too much of a shoe person.
The mirror portal thing was neat! It's too bad they could only go back and forth between those two places. The room full of the Nazgul thingys creeped me out. It sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Whoever you're running from ends up whereever you go? Or maybe more like an episode of The Incredible Hulk... hmm... (lol, jk there.)
January 27, 2021
This was a good novella. Short but packs a powerful punch!
Teaches to embrace each moment and live life to the fullest.
Great little story!
Teaches to embrace each moment and live life to the fullest.
Great little story!
June 18, 2021
I read this a while ago but it's still one of my favorite short stories out there. :)
April 4, 2024
This is a great little urban fantasy story that isn't connected to anything else written by Kara Swanson, but it still has heartwarming themes like all her other stories.
Download and read for free here: https://www.karaswanson.com/
Listen for free here: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com/p...
Download and read for free here: https://www.karaswanson.com/
Listen for free here: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com/p...
January 9, 2022
This was an interesting short story. The author packed a lot into this. It was interesting how the main character was willing to give up a fortune to save her friend. I enjoyed it, and wish there was more to the story.
May 11, 2022
A reflective and wonderful short story. I'm definitely glad for the copy of this I received.
July 23, 2022
If it was an actual book it would have been 5 stars
July 6, 2023
This was a poignant little story. I always enjoy Kara Swansons writing.
November 17, 2023
Listened on Finding Fantasy Reads podcast.
What a fantastic story. With a beautiful message
What a fantastic story. With a beautiful message
October 28, 2024
Read this very briefly this morning, an enjoyable short story with a powerful point :) And worth subscribing to Kara's newsletter for, in my opinion ;)
August 28, 2024
This heart-touching and thrilling short story had me turning the pages quickly. Melody and Dahlan were well fleshed out that I wished this was a longer read than it was, though the theme was well driven which made me love the story all the more.
Quote:
I fight back a sob. "I don't—I'm not sure I know how to do this. How to live. All I've ever been good at was running. That mirror was my whole life, and now I don't have either. How do I...start over?"
Quote:
I fight back a sob. "I don't—I'm not sure I know how to do this. How to live. All I've ever been good at was running. That mirror was my whole life, and now I don't have either. How do I...start over?"
September 6, 2023
I'm not often a fan of short stories, but I really enjoyed this quick read. It was thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was sad once I had no more story 😔
August 28, 2024
The worldbuilding in this story was pretty interesting--though I felt that it was conveyed through unnecessary "telling" in a couple of places. Overall, Seaglass got four stars from me as all of it had potential--the world, characters, themes, etc.--and just didn't feel like it was written as strongly as it could have been.
August 4, 2021
I didn't know this was available to mark as "read" on Goodreads! You can get this short story for free by signing up for Kara Swanson's newsletter. (Totally worth doing, btw.) I think I signed up some time last year or maybe the year before and read this then, but I'm putting the date read for this year since I don't remember exactly when. (Plus I'll get to add it to my GR challenge, so.) It was a good little story. Very short, but an interesting and exciting world nevertheless. There is also that core of Truth that I'm finding in all of Kara's stories. Give it a shot when you get the chance!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews