Sea Spinners

Most myth holds an element of truth. Sea Spinners is my version of an ancient Greek myth, which I wrote as a herstory prequel to Jason and the Argonauts. I was inspired by the story of sea gold, a golden thread made from the mucus produced by a certain type of shellfish, transformed via an ancient and very shamanic process. There is a theory that the making of sea gold could be behind the story of the Golden Fleece…

(There is only one woman left alive today, Chiara Vigo, who is possibly the last person on earth to hold the secret of creating sea gold. She lives on an island off the coast of Sardinia.)

Sirena is a sea spinner, whose job is to keep her village in harmony with Ocean, the spirit of the sea. In return, she is gifted sticky black fibres produced by ancient sea clams, which she turns into gold thread, using a secret process as old as time. Everyone in the village has a magical protection charm, embroidered from the golden thread that links them to Ocean.

But when a boat filled with armed men arrives in the harbour, village life is turned upside down. These men have come for one reason only - to demand an entire cloth made from sea gold for their king.

Sirena knows this is impossible - the shells can't produce that much fibre. But if she doesn't do as the men ask, they won't hesitate to kill every villager, and raze the village to the ground.

Is there a way she can give these men what they want before they destroy everything and everyone she loves?

At heart, Sea Spinners is the story of the origin of the golden fleece, and the powerful young woman who weaves it.

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“An intriguing take on a favourite myth, Sea Spinners is an enchanting story woven through with sparkling magic.”

-Celia Rees, Award-winning author of Witch Child, The Sorceress and many others

“A book absolutely right for now, the perfect mix of strong heroine, myth, magic and blood. It’s a fantastic read and a proper page turner. Five stars!”

-Lucy Coats, author of Cleo, & Chosen

“Like fine threads of gold silk, Lu Hersey has woven a gripping story with a strong female lead to match any Greek hero! I loved it!”

-Jasbinder Bilan, Costa winning author of Asha & The Spirit Bird, Tamarind and the Star of Ishta, & Aarti & the Blue Gods

“Sea Spinners is a magnificent tale of old and very real magic, a deep connection to the sea, and a startling reminder of what is lost when we disrespect Mother Nature. Just as the Sea Spinners weave threads into magic, so Lu Hersey weaves an unforgettable tale from the heart of the Ocean.”

-Laura Daligan author of Reading Runes: Ancient Norse wisdom for divination, healing and personal power