Infinite Blue – Darren Groth and Simon Groth – Orca Book Publishers – Published 11 September 2018

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Synopsis

Ashley Drummond is an elite swimmer. Clayton Sandalford is a talented artist. From the  moment of their first meeting, they were destined to be together.

Staying together, however, will test the limits of their love. A world-record swim, and the strange vision that accompanies it, raises questions about the couple’s connection.

Then a life-altering incident triggers a mystical change, which will demand that both of them let go in ways never imagined.

My thoughts

Just like its cover, Infinite Blue is beautiful, ethereal and just a little bit magic. Mixing fantasy with realism, Infinite Blue is an epic love story about accepting your destiny and letting go.

The day Ashley and Clayton meet seems fated. Ashley appears almost out of nowhere to save Clayton’s life. As Ashley’s swimming career progresses to new heights, Clayton is her steadfast support. Yet as they face the challenges of time and distance they promise each other forever. Yet, neither could predict the impact that a terrible accident will have or the ways in which they will both have to let go.

I have enjoyed Darren Groth’s previous novels and was intrigued with how a co-authorship and transition to magical realism would impact his grounded writing style. I really enjoyed Infinite Blue. The pairing with Simon Groth was obviously an excellent partnership, as the writing is seamless. Infinite Blue was a very quick book to read, and while I was aware that it would leave the boundaries of reality and venture into the fantastical, I was unsure how much it would impact the plot line. The answer? Just enough to make this a unique and beautiful story, clever, creative and otherworldly without becoming a fantasy. At its heart, this book is an epic love story – a love story for the ages and a modern-day fairytale.

The story jumps time in spaces, which adds credibility to the romance. And while the plot does centre around the love story, it’s not a romance in the traditional sense. There is no doubting Ash and Clay’s connection or commitment. Rather, it‘s the two of them against the world. And while I wouldn’t call the ending ‘happy’ in a traditional ‘happily ever after’ sense, it perfectly fits the tone of the novel. Centred around Clay and Ash’s romance is a story of family, art, stories and destiny.

Beautifully written and easy to read, Infinite Blue is a unique and magical book.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

More information

Category: Young adult fiction.

Genre: Magical realism.

Themes: Swimming, art, drawing, Olympics, family, romance, relationships, destiny, water, ocean, supernatural.

Reading age guide: Ages 14 and up.

Advisory: Sexual references and implied sex scenes, no details. Infrequent coarse language, sh** (21), arse**** (3), bi** (1).

Published:  11 September 2018 by Orca Book Publishers.

Format: Paperback, ebook. 192 pages.

ISBN:9781459815131

Find it on Goodreads