**** Overall ****Performance ****Story —— Review by Rox Burkey
‘Dreamers of the Sea’ is a captivating science fiction fantasy by Louis Williams. Cloyd Smith is a young boy torn between the desires of his imagination and the expectations of his father, Woodrow. In 1890, during the Age of Steam, Cloyd strikes out on his own to escape the pressures of his father’s world and embrace the allure of the sea.
Mr. Louis does a good job developing the various characters. Particularly notable are Cloyd, portraying a relatable coming-of-age dreamer yearning for adventure, and his father, Woodrow, who embodies the weight of parental expectations with little patience for his son’s whims. Their interactions create an emotional depth that pulls at the listener’s heartstrings. Morse, the seasoned steamship captain, adds another layer by embracing Cloyd’s strengths in ways his father doesn’t understand.
Austin Rhoads’ narration and pacing draw listeners into the tale. The story begins gently, allowing time for the listener to connect with the characters before shifting into a gripping adventure filled with smugglers and pirates. The descriptive storytelling brings to life the vibrant locations Cloyd encounters, making every place feel vivid and exciting. There were no issues with the quality of the audio performance.
While some may find the ending resolves too rapidly, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. The themes of relationships, self-discovery, and the longing for adventure resonate deeply. The story highlights things that matter in everyone’s life. Fans of fantasy with a rich imagination can discover an engaging story that offers a mix of adventure and emotion, with a touch of nostalgia will enjoy ‘Dreamers of the Sea.’ Louis William’s memorable debut will stay with you long after the final chapter. Happy listening.
About the Author
Louis Williams is an author of general fiction and whatever else catches his fancy. He’s written ‘Dreamers of the Sea,” his first book, several short stories, a werewolf blog, and various poems. When he’s not writing, he’s cooking, giving writing advice on his YouTube channel, or operating the camera for his friend’s YouTube channel, “Krazy Karl Projects.”
