Review: Clever, Beautifully-Written, Stirring Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 26, 2012
When I read Gloria Glover's novel Washed Beneath the Waves, I ventured outside the genre I'm normally drawn to reading, and I'm glad I did. Washed Under the Waves isn't merely a smart piece of speculative romance, it's also a clever, beautifully written allegory depicting the love between Christ and His bride (the church), and her unshakeable faith in His sure return.Set among an island civilization which lost contact for decades with the outside world, the citizens of Undae Island have been waiting for years for the fulfillment of a prophecy which told of the coming of a prince to rule over and enlighten them about the King. Their forefathers and those who might have instructed them in the ways of their great King were swept away in a tidal wave when most of the islanders were still children. Since that time, the citizens have feared another wave, while at the same time they've waited for the prophecy to be fulfilled. However, some of the people no longer believe the promises are true, that the King truly exists or remembers them, or that the prince is ever coming.When a tutor arrives on their shores, claiming to be the forerunner of the prince, sent ahead to prepare the people for his coming, the little civilization undergoes upheaval. Some commotion is caused due to the excitement of those who've waited for so long and are anxious to prepare the island for him. This is especially true for Lady Tayte Bashan, the island's princess who, according to prophecy, is to wed the prince upon his arrival. The only problem is, she is unduly attracted to the tutor, and finds it difficult to remain true to a prince she's never met when her heart is slowly unfolding its wings for love of the tutor. More dangerous dissention is caused by sects of jealous islanders who don't believe in the fabled prince's coming, and they will do whatever they can to keep Tayte from becoming his bride if indeed he ever does show up.Lest you think you'll be preached at in this novel, allow me to say that the passions of the characters, the danger and intrigue, the interesting setting that is both futuristic and medieval at once, and the author's imaginative twists will pull you into this story that is, above everything, a stirring romance.I highly recommend it!