June 2026
The Ocean and the Bones is an outstanding and completely one of a kind middle grade novel exploring the Neolithic Era through a compelling story of community, climate change and tradition. Author Genevieve Carver’s passion for prehistory and her extensive knowledge of the time period brings depth and intrigue that had me thinking about the book between reading sessions, eager to get back to it.
Little Meg has been awarded the treasured position of Sunhealer’s Shadow. She learns from the wise Grey Wethers and trains in the ways of the Spirits, healing and storytelling with the aim of one day becoming a Sunhealer herself. One of her first tasks is to help the Sunhealer make an offering to the Water Spirits: the bones of the Longdead, including those of her parents who died at sea. But Meg has a secret. She can’t bear to part with all the bones and keeps some hidden in her pouch. When a storm rages through the settlement, she knows the Water Spirits are angry and it might be her fault.
A girl named Kalø washes up on the shore with strange language and strange ways. When she sings, seals and fish gather. She knows how to build boats, speaks of Dyrs (spirit animals) and longs to return to the sea to find her father. The community suspect she is Brinksfolk from Doggala, the last remnant of the Ancestor Lands which existed before the ocean formed. Brinksfolk are part human and part Water Spirit. Desperate to appease the Spirits and calm the storms, they blame Kalø and try to get rid of her.
First through responsibility and then through genuine friendship, Meg gets to know Kalø and begins to see her own community in another light. She knows she must help Kalø return home to find out what’s happened to her family. Together with Meg’s sister and some friends, they reveal darkness in the settlement and teach everyone a lesson in acceptance.
Despite being set over 4000 years ago, incredibly relatable themes run through this powerful story. We are at the mercy of the weather and climate change continues to have an impact on communities around the world, at times forcing people from their homes. Readers are challenged to consider the welcome they offer strangers and how we, as a nation, react to those who arrive on our shores. Social hierarchy, power and fear drive people to act with hate instead of acceptance. Stories share tradition and cultural knowledge to bring beauty and truth to the more regular aspects of life.
Through the unique story of Kalø and Meg, Genevieve Carver weaves together threads of spirituality, nature and the human experience, creating a tapestry of faith and truth. Readers are given a glimpse of Neolithic life: their homes, food, daily chores, games and rituals of life and death. Connection to nature and each other reveal the continued importance of family, community and working together. Although fictional, The Ocean and the Bones pulls us closer to those who have come before and reminds us about what is really important.
Thank you to Rock the Boat for an early copy of this fantastic book which is sure to be one of my top books of 2026.
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