That moment when you realise you’ve found a book that is what you’ve been looking to read for ages… It’s a great feeling isn’t it? The Lost Coast by Amy Rose Capetta is a magical book, and I wanted to read it slowly to not miss a thing. It does such a good job of combining story, atmosphere, characters, and lyrical prose all wrapped up in a beautiful standalone romantic mystery novel under 400 pages.
The Lost Coast is about Danny, who finds herself drawn to the town of Tempest, California, and it turns out she was actually summoned there by a group of friends who believe she has what they need to find their missing friend Imogen. Danny arriving there is the result of their last attempt at a spell. This group of queer witches are known as The Grays, and for someone like Danny, she’s starting to feel she has actually found her place and somewhere she belongs. They teach her about magic, but also guide her to what her own talents and gifts might be. Whilst figuring this out, she is also aware of her growing attraction towards one of the Grays but isn’t sure if her feelings will be returned. Their search for Imogen steers in different directions and there is a building eerie sense of something wrong.
The novel is certainly queer and uses the term on-page. Its diverse cast includes a lesbian character, bi characters, a non-binary character, and there is also some ace representation as well. The rep is what stands out for me as there are things in each character I can relate to, plus it’s always good to see more queer characters in the books we read. These characters are confident in their own identities and sexuality and encourage discussion about it: “So, what word fits in a way that makes you happy at this very moment?” I think part of their ability to be themselves is why Danny is so drawn to the group as she is finding people who understand her whilst also feeling free to be their true selves. They seem comfortable in their own skin. It’s been weeks since I finished this book and I’m already looking forward to reading it again as it left me with such a warm, fuzzy, positive feeling.
“I’ve found the heart of another secret: the Grays are always touching and kissing each other because so many before us couldn’t. Each kiss carries the weight of so many kisses that never were. Every touch is an invisible battle won.”
Did I mention this book is unapologetically queer? I love how The Lost Coast has such a nice way of portraying intimacy and attraction. Before coming to Tempest, one of Danny’s main pastimes was kissing girls and whilst this was frowned upon by her mother, Danny wasn’t ashamed of it. The Grays kiss each other and touch each other because they are close and feel they are able to do so. The book does include a sex scene and it is good to see characters feeling comfortable with sex and their bodies as it gives off a sex-positive message.
I have seen reviews comparing The Lost Coast to The Raven Cycle, which is one of my most favourite book series, and I can see why such comments are made. There are similarities like making magic, the found family trope, the continuous trips to the woods, and the sense of “otherness” surrounding the trees etc, but for me, that’s where it ends. Plus, this is a standalone so I don’t think it’s fair to compare it to a series.
“The trees keep us company as we ride. They keep our secrets, and we never have to ask. …Maybe that’s why girls like us are always in the woods.”
When it comes to writing, the story felt more character-based than plot-based, however, there is still a sense of the mystery running through it that forms the base of the story, but overall I felt like the focus was on the prose and atmosphere. I love looking at trees and like the feeling of being on a good walk in the woods. I can see the woods from my window and The Lost Coast just made me want to put my shoes on and walk out into nature. I adore the writing in this and because of that, I think I’ll look at other books by Capetta. The story is told in a non-linear fashion but each chapter tells you who’s point of view it is from and which point in time. I feel this writing choice works really well at giving insights into the characters. It helped the town of Tempest feel like an important character in its own right, the trees feel like a character, and the ravens are a character (they get their own short chapters and viewpoint). I enjoyed the difference in chapters between The Grays which are narrated in the third person, and Danny’s chapters which are in the first person from her point of view. It was easy to get into the swing of things after a few chapters.
It’s definitely a whimsical and imaginative read, and some readers may find it slightly weird at the end, but if you think you like the sound of this then I’d absolutely recommend it. I think if you enjoy contemporary fantasy, queer stories, and dreamy writing, then you can’t go wrong with The Lost Coast. I would really love more people to pick up and shout about this book. It’s a beautiful, beautiful book. I think it’s really about finding your place or your people and the real difference and hope that can bring to a person.
The Lost Coast is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up The Lost Coast? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
The spellbinding tale of six queer witches forging their own paths, shrouded in the mist, magic, and secrets of the ancient California redwoods.
Danny didn’t know what she was looking for when she and her mother spread out a map of the United States and Danny put her finger down on Tempest, California. What she finds are the Grays: a group of friends who throw around terms like queer and witch like they’re ordinary and everyday, though they feel like an earthquake to Danny. But Danny didn’t just find the Grays. They cast a spell that calls her halfway across the country, because she has something they need: she can bring back Imogen, the most powerful of the Grays, missing since the summer night she wandered into the woods alone. But before Danny can find Imogen, she finds a dead boy with a redwood branch through his heart. Something is very wrong amid the trees and fog of the Lost Coast, and whatever it is, it can kill. Lush, eerie, and imaginative, Amy Rose Capetta’s tale overflows with the perils and power of discovery — and what it means to find your home, yourself, and your way forward.
