Title: Die Wellenläufer
Author: Kai Meyer
First published June 1, 2003
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9783785548486 (ISBN10: 3785548486)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
In the early 18th century, a magical tremor shakes the coasts of the Caribbean and children are born in the dark pirate harbors with the ability to walk on water. Jolly, a 14-year-old pirate girl, thought she was the last surviving “Waveskimmer” until she meets Munk.
He too has the same ability as Jolly and can conjure an ancient spell using shells. A mysterious stranger, the Ghost Trader, sends the two on a fantastic journey.
They are pursued by sea monsters, “Klabautern,” and all the pirates of the Caribbean as they face a treacherous danger: the Maelstrom, a dark vortex that tears down the barrier between worlds. Jolly’s quest takes her far beyond the Caribbean, straight into the Mare Tenebrosum, the legendary Sea of Darkness.
Join Jolly, Munk, the Ghost Trader, and Buenaventure, a creature that is half-human, half-dog, on a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
Kai Meyer is a highly successful German author whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. His work has been translated into 27 languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese.
Born in 1969 in northern Germany, Kai began studying film, theatre, and philosophy at the University of Bochum. However, he left after a year to work as a trainee journalist for a newspaper, eventually becoming a staff journalist for two years.
Kai wrote his first novel in his early 20s, which was published when he was only 24. Since 1995, he has been a full-time novelist and has written almost 50 books for both adults and teenagers.
His books are primarily historical with fantastical elements. In Germany alone, over 1.5 million copies of his books have been printed.
Kai’s popularity is growing in other countries as well. For example, THE WATER MIRROR went into its third printing in the US before it even hit bookstores, and his young adult dark fantasy series SIEBEN SIEGEL is a big hit in Japan.
The British edition of THE FLOWING QUEEN / THE WATER MIRROR won the 2007 Marsh Award for Best Children’s Book in Translation.
In 2007, Kai’s historical novel DAS GELÜBDE (The Vow) was adapted into a movie by renowned German director Dominik Graf. SIEBEN SIEGEL is set to be filmed in 2008, and other books by Kai have been optioned for adaptation.
Kai has also written screenplays, some of which have been made into TV movies. He even wrote a hardcover comic book, PANDORAMICUM, and helped create the fantasy role-playing game ENGEL (US edition by White Wolf).
Kai currently resides in Westphalia near the Rhine in Germany.
Editoral Review
Die Wellenläufer by Kai Meyer is a masterpiece of fantasy fiction that takes readers to an alternative world filled with mystery, wonder, and danger. Meyer is a prolific German author known for his vivid imagination, intricate world-building, and attention to detail.
Die Wellenläufer is a vivid example of his talent and creativity, and it has become a classic of YA literature since its first publication in June 2003. The book belongs to the genre of epic fantasy, with elements of magic, mythology, and adventure.
It is set in a world divided by two opposing forces: the Wave Runners, who have the power to manipulate water and control ships, and the Land Walkers, who rule over the land and despise the sea. The main character, Jolly, is a young Wave Runner with a secret past and a challenging future.
Jolly is determined to discover the truth about his origins, but his quest leads him to confront his deepest fears, face his enemies, and forge new alliances. The plot of Die Wellenläufer is gripping and fast-paced, with a lot of action, suspense, and romance.
The story is structured around Jolly’s journey from his humble beginnings as a fisherman’s son to his rise as a powerful Wave Runner and his transformation into a hero. The setting is beautifully described, with vivid landscapes, rich cultures, and fascinating creatures.
The conflicts are well-developed, with complex villains, challenging obstacles, and ethical dilemmas. The book has a significant historical and cultural significance in Germany, where it has become a bestseller and a cultural phenomenon.
It reflects the German fascination with fantasy and folklore, and it has inspired many other writers and artists. Moreover, the book has a timeless appeal and relevance, as it deals with themes such as identity, family, loyalty, love, and betrayal, which are universal and timeless.
The strengths of Die Wellenläufer are numerous. The writing is beautiful, lyrical, and evocative, with a lot of metaphors and imagery.
The character development is superb, with a lot of depth, nuance, and authenticity. The pacing is perfect, with a lot of tension, twists, and surprises.
The plot structure is solid, with a clear arc, logical progression, and satisfying resolution. The themes are powerful, with important messages about the value of diversity, the dangers of tyranny, and the beauty of freedom.
The weaknesses of Die Wellenläufer are few but noticeable. One of them is the predictability of some plot points, which can be anticipated by experienced readers.
Another weakness is the repetitiveness of some motifs, such as the sea and the waves, which can become overused. However, these flaws are minor and do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Die Wellenläufer is a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction, especially those interested in German literature and culture. It is suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds, as it can appeal to both teenagers and adults.
The book can benefit its readers by inspiring them to explore their own identities, to connect with nature, and to fight for their own rights and freedoms. Therefore, Die Wellenläufer deserves a rating of 9 out of 10, based on its excellent writing, characters, plot, themes, and significance.
