YA Book Review: Watercrossing

About the Book:

"I let the sharp side of the instrument nick the tender skin at his neck. 'I’m not playing around here,' I threatened.

'I realize that.' He gave a weak grin before his eyes turned serious. 'Let me be honest with you now.

Have you ever considered the idea that your father does not want to be found?'

Summer at Camp Fusion is rapidly coming to a close for Whitnee and her best friends, Morgan and Caleb. Working as mentors for troubled preteens all summer would have been adventurous enough, but discovering a secret portal on the forbidden side of the Frio River turned their idea of reality upside down. Now the three friends are determined to find a way back to the magical White Island in the hopes of recovering Whitnee’s missing father and setting things right once and for all. However, the journey back is complicated—especially since Morgan is hiding a terrible secret and Caleb is looking less like a best friend and more like a potential boyfriend. Whitnee is determined to stay focused this time and not get distracted, especially by a certain someone, but she is completely unprepared the moment she enters again into a deadly game of control on the Island. Can Whitnee navigate her way through the danger and survive the lies that threaten the people she loves?"

Amber's Review:

Dive in, my fellow YA/fantasy fans - the water is fine! Given the chance, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to visit Camp Fusion and the White Island again, and I am here to report with a grateful (albeit slightly impatient!) heart that I got swept back into the continuing adventures of Whitnee, Morgan, Caleb, and all of their friends - and I wish I didn't have to return to the Mainland!

While events came around full circle in Windchaser and Windfall (the first two books in the "Phantom Island" series), Watercrossing wraps up some loose ends and then adds some surprises and different perspectives that marks this as the first of a new chapter in this epic series. The story begins with Gabriel as he deals with the aftermath of his heroic choice to send Whitnee back to Camp Fusion. There's just enough curious dialogue to raise a bunch of questions about the Guardian's self-seeking plot, Gabriel's uncertain future, and the fate of Whitnee's dad...and then the reader is tossed back onto the Mainland, flopping about like a fish desperate for water - or in this case, more of the story.

And the following pages don't disappoint! Whitnee, Morgan, and Caleb burst onto the scene during the weekend of the Fourth of July, on a mission to meet the camper from long ago who had inadvertently visited the White Island - now a grown man living with his mom and with the heartbreaking, mind-shattering truth that everyone thinks he is crazy. Thus begins a new journey full of twists and turns, leaving the reader deliciously uncertain as to what will happen next.

Camp Fusion comes to an end - but it's only one more bend in this fast-paced river of secrets and revelations, tough decisions and flip-flopping emotions, despair and hope. Not to mention that wonderful whirlpool known as "the yum vortex".... Mmmm-hmm, you're just going to have to read the book to find out about that one! *Wink*

Water runs deep in this third installment of the "Phantom Island" series as the characters cross over into new ground in their relationships. Trust will be tested. Romance will be rejuvenated, repressed, and rediscovered. And with a special highlight on Morgan's character, sacrifices and secrets take on a whole new dimension.

Watercrossing is another intriguing and vivid step on this exotic journey, but be forewarned - take this next step and you'll want to be in it for the long haul. After powering through Watercrossing, I'm ready to take a swim in the next "Water" book. I took the bait when I first heard of this series, and now I'm hooked and ready to be reeled in, one delightful addition to the series at a time!

*With special thanks to the author for providing me with a PDF pre-release copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

About the Author:

"Krissi Dallas is the author of Windchaser and Windfall - the first two books in the Phantom Island series. Like her fictional heroine, Krissi is also a gray-eyed Aerodorian from Texas with a ridiculous fish phobia. Krissi teaches junior high Advanced English and enjoys hanging out with her husband, the teens at Fusion Student Ministries, and her two wicked Yorkies. Her life is currently overrun with teenagers and she likes it that way. Join Whitnee's adventures as the Phantom Island drama continues. Visit the author at KrissiDallas.com."

Extras!

• Visit Krissi's website and blog!

• Follow Krissi on Twitter or Facebook!

• Buy Windchaser, the first book in the series, in paperback or Kindle format! (You can read Amber's review of the first book in the series HERE.)
  

• Buy Windfall in paperback or Kindle format! (You can read Amber's review of the second book in the series HERE.)
  

• Look for Watercrossing to be released later this spring!