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ggpdiamond's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
lin00's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful!
This is the first book of The Bitter Sea trilogy. And it tells the story of Isaura. A young healer that is heading back home after her marriage ended. However, her ship is destroyed after a devastating storm, and now she is alone in the cold north sea without any hope to survive. That's when Leonel, Guardian of the Fathoms, sees her. He wants to save her but doing so is breaking the Blue Laws, yet, she might the only answer for the unnatural storms he's investigating.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly! It hooked me immediately, and it was impossible to put down. The world Deen has created is fascinating. The plot was extremely intriguing told through wonderful writing. I loved how the author talked about real issues in a very true and smooth way.
I genuinely loved the character, specially Leonel. He is so pure and has such a tender and honest heart. Sometimes it made want to hug him!
I can't wait to read the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
This is the first book of The Bitter Sea trilogy. And it tells the story of Isaura. A young healer that is heading back home after her marriage ended. However, her ship is destroyed after a devastating storm, and now she is alone in the cold north sea without any hope to survive. That's when Leonel, Guardian of the Fathoms, sees her. He wants to save her but doing so is breaking the Blue Laws, yet, she might the only answer for the unnatural storms he's investigating.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly! It hooked me immediately, and it was impossible to put down. The world Deen has created is fascinating. The plot was extremely intriguing told through wonderful writing. I loved how the author talked about real issues in a very true and smooth way.
I genuinely loved the character, specially Leonel. He is so pure and has such a tender and honest heart. Sometimes it made want to hug him!
I can't wait to read the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
romantasylife's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book for free for my review.
Where to begin? I’m so absolutely happy that the author reached out to me about this book. Otherwise, I may have never heard of it! I had such an amazing time reading this book.
So far, this is the only book I’ve read that’s set at sea that I have enjoyed. I love everything about this book.
Isaura is such a beautiful character. My heart broke for her many times in this book.
I love Leonel. I feel like he compliments Isaura so well. They’re perfect for each other.
I enjoyed all of the side characters so much. I only wish that Ava was more present!! I’m sure she probably will be in the second book.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!!
Where to begin? I’m so absolutely happy that the author reached out to me about this book. Otherwise, I may have never heard of it! I had such an amazing time reading this book.
So far, this is the only book I’ve read that’s set at sea that I have enjoyed. I love everything about this book.
Isaura is such a beautiful character. My heart broke for her many times in this book.
I love Leonel. I feel like he compliments Isaura so well. They’re perfect for each other.
I enjoyed all of the side characters so much. I only wish that Ava was more present!! I’m sure she probably will be in the second book.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!!
alicemirage's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
faithtrustpixiedust's review against another edition
4.0
I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book in any way. All quotes are taken from the uncorrected proof and are subject to change.
It was honestly more of a 3.5 but the first half was great, so I'm rounding up.
Obligatory Summary
Isaura is on a boat, going back home to her father's house after a failed marriage, but the sea has been behaving most strangely, and when her ship capsizes in a brutal storm, killing everyone except for her, she thinks she'll die far from anyone who loves her.
Leonel, the last of the mermen, illegitimate son of the sea goddess Ran, is the Guardian of the Fathoms. He's been investigating these storms for a while, trying to figure out what dark magic is causing them, but his royal family and kingly stepfather disregard every report. When he finds Isaura, adrift and alone, he breaks the Blue Laws to save her in hopes that she can help him solve the mystery.
My Thoughts
I had the pleasure to read an ARC of Anela Deen's [b:Failsafe|38729847|Failsafe|Anela Deen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1519407585s/38729847.jpg|60313270] last year and, while I found the plot a bit iffy at best, loved the banter between the two leads and genuinely loved their connection. It seems Deen has since learned how to perfect that dynamic, following the same pattern for love interests in this book, and I absolutely loved it! Her writing itself has significantly improved, and I made about 230 notes in my copy, the vast majority of which were positive. I was seriously expecting this to be a 5 star read, but unfortunately, the one thing Deen didn't improve was her plots. I'll go into this in a sec.
The first half of this was fantastic! Truly spectacular, with some of the most atmospheric writing I've ever read, and the deeply moving themes of the main characters were phenomenally done. Isaura's struggle with self-worth after learning she is infertile and her husband leaving her made me literally sob at one point, and Leonel's entire lack of personal identity at the hand of his abusive family ruined me. Isaura's father Johan and his sister Erla were a riot and I loved everything about them. The worldbuilding was amazing and I've never wanted to explore the ocean as much as in this, and that's saying a lot, because I wanted to be a marine biologist for like 10 years in my childhood.
But it didn't really continue past the 60% mark or so. The arcs stagnated and the plot followed them, but then both went from 30 to 100 real quick. Given how things ended with the main duo, I honestly don't know what kind of convoluted conflicts are going to arise in the sequel and third book to keep the romantic tension high. I dread a love triangle but I'm honestly thinking it might happen -_- Please hear my plea, Anela, and don't do it!
(Update! I've received confirmation from Anela Deen herself: there are no plans for a love triangle!)
The side romance, or the heavily implied one, between two supporting characters, Isaura's adopted brother Jurek and Leonel's only nice sister Ava, really lacked any emotion and didn't really do anything for the plot. It kind of made me dislike the two characters for no good reason.
Certain events happen at the end that may or may not involve water zombies, which I loved in concept, but their execution lacked something. I was also pretty disappointed that there was no call back to Gunnar, the super nice sailor from the very beginning, and it felt like a disservice to his death.
Ultimately, this was amazing, and I'm super glad I read it! I'm hyped for the sequel and I love supporting Anela Deen's work, because I think she's honestly a really great person and a very promising writer. Though this had its misgivings, I'd still recommend it, as well as Failsafe, to anyone who likes fantasy, of any age.
It was honestly more of a 3.5 but the first half was great, so I'm rounding up.
Love and friendship. Shame and heartache. Endings and beginnings.
Obligatory Summary
Isaura is on a boat, going back home to her father's house after a failed marriage, but the sea has been behaving most strangely, and when her ship capsizes in a brutal storm, killing everyone except for her, she thinks she'll die far from anyone who loves her.
Leonel, the last of the mermen, illegitimate son of the sea goddess Ran, is the Guardian of the Fathoms. He's been investigating these storms for a while, trying to figure out what dark magic is causing them, but his royal family and kingly stepfather disregard every report. When he finds Isaura, adrift and alone, he breaks the Blue Laws to save her in hopes that she can help him solve the mystery.
My Thoughts
I had the pleasure to read an ARC of Anela Deen's [b:Failsafe|38729847|Failsafe|Anela Deen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1519407585s/38729847.jpg|60313270] last year and, while I found the plot a bit iffy at best, loved the banter between the two leads and genuinely loved their connection. It seems Deen has since learned how to perfect that dynamic, following the same pattern for love interests in this book, and I absolutely loved it! Her writing itself has significantly improved, and I made about 230 notes in my copy, the vast majority of which were positive. I was seriously expecting this to be a 5 star read, but unfortunately, the one thing Deen didn't improve was her plots. I'll go into this in a sec.
A life, no matter how long it lasted, had value.
The first half of this was fantastic! Truly spectacular, with some of the most atmospheric writing I've ever read, and the deeply moving themes of the main characters were phenomenally done. Isaura's struggle with self-worth after learning she is infertile and her husband leaving her made me literally sob at one point, and Leonel's entire lack of personal identity at the hand of his abusive family ruined me. Isaura's father Johan and his sister Erla were a riot and I loved everything about them. The worldbuilding was amazing and I've never wanted to explore the ocean as much as in this, and that's saying a lot, because I wanted to be a marine biologist for like 10 years in my childhood.
But it didn't really continue past the 60% mark or so. The arcs stagnated and the plot followed them, but then both went from 30 to 100 real quick. Given how things ended with the main duo, I honestly don't know what kind of convoluted conflicts are going to arise in the sequel and third book to keep the romantic tension high. I dread a love triangle but I'm honestly thinking it might happen -_- Please hear my plea, Anela, and don't do it!
(Update! I've received confirmation from Anela Deen herself: there are no plans for a love triangle!)
“Things didn’t turn out how you hoped, but you reached for what you wanted. I’m proud of you for that.” He closed the open shutter, softening the sounds of the outside world. “Now it’s time to reach for something else.”
The side romance, or the heavily implied one, between two supporting characters, Isaura's adopted brother Jurek and Leonel's only nice sister Ava, really lacked any emotion and didn't really do anything for the plot. It kind of made me dislike the two characters for no good reason.
Certain events happen at the end that may or may not involve water zombies, which I loved in concept, but their execution lacked something. I was also pretty disappointed that there was no call back to Gunnar, the super nice sailor from the very beginning, and it felt like a disservice to his death.
Ultimately, this was amazing, and I'm super glad I read it! I'm hyped for the sequel and I love supporting Anela Deen's work, because I think she's honestly a really great person and a very promising writer. Though this had its misgivings, I'd still recommend it, as well as Failsafe, to anyone who likes fantasy, of any age.
“We aren’t defined only by our failures and sorrows. I’m starting to believe we’re an assortment. A few big events, but countless smaller details. Little joys that carry us through the days, even when those days are hard.”
naiapard's review against another edition
3.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
Shall we dive straight in? (yes, the pun was intended)
There are two main characters. The reader gets to see the perspective of both Isaura and Leonel as they intermediately appear, one chapter after the other.
The book opens with Isaura`s POV as she is crossing the sea. She is a healer (I got some serious vibes of the Outlander season four) that behaves more than well with the crew (there is a serious description on that part, on how nice she is and how everybody likes her to the moon and back).
And then, the storm happens. Their ship submerges. But, Isaura is the only survivor. How? Was she an exceptionally good swimmer? Or had she had the sense to wear something lighter than a full skirt and petticoats on a boat, so she wouldn`t drown in case of falling into the water?
No to all of the above.
She was rescued by the guardian of the sea, the one and only Leonel. He was the last one of his kind. He had a trident. He was the son of the sea goddess that was married to the sea king. He had a conflictual relationship with his stepfather, needlessly to say after you get to hear the way he addressed to Leonel:
“You fuss over waves and wind, son of my wife?” King Ægir had asked, his smile slight, his silver eyes hard beneath his coral crown. “Do you not have enough to do as the guardian of our sea?”
Now, that the main love interested has been identified, let`s see what is the conflict that shall keep us on the edge of our boats--->
Apparently, Leonel got into his head that the storms that kept appearing were not natural. The cause is of mystery, but he feels that something is off. He needs proof to convince the rulers that this is bad and happening.
So, he founds in Isaura a witness. He saves her, gets her to the shore where she is taken into the care of her brother, that held a conveniently high post in that port-town.
After that, he comes back to claim his “debt”. Let`s say that he is not that into subtle because this is the dialogue that goes between those two:
“Is no matter,” he said, terse in a way that suggested the opposite was true. “I am here for the debt.” “What debt?” “I saved your life. Repayment is owed. You will—” “Wait a moment,” she jutted a hand forward. “What do you mean I owe you? I mean, yes, obviously I do owe you my gratitude, but I would’ve died out there.” “Precise.
Somehow, Isaura draws the conclusion that she owns him nothing because her life is priceless (as if). Somehow, the reader is made to buy the part in which she is innocent and he is being a rude “fish” for not being more respectful. But, cmon! He saved her life! The least she could do it was to gather some info for this mystery to be elucidated.
With this point in mind I can enter deeper into the book. The premise, the sketch of the novel is not bad, the cover is really grate, but would I recommend this as the ultimate bombastic siren/mermaid love book?
No. It lacks details that could have made so much more out of it. For example, the two main characters are well contoured, but there is no one else beside them in the book. No other character was high-lightened or given a serious persona, maybe Isaura`s brother got a moment with Leonel`s sister, but that was more of a sloppy execution than a praised manifesto in the craft of writing.
At first sight the characters seem too beguiling. It will be too easy for the lead to prove her superiority by comparison to their background dialogue and unassumed actions. Even the love that was pushed between Isaura and Leonel seemed off:
“I feel…” He wanted to admit that he felt the connection she’d spoken of, but even thinking the words make his skin clammy with fear. “I feel…I should kiss you.” She breathed a laugh. “That’s a good idea.”
There are little tidbits, that should make the characters more, but they end up to be questionable. Why would be of any importance that Isaura had had a fiance previously to meeting Leonel? She could has been as well as, married with other seven people and it wouldn`t have mattered in here.
Isaura’s thumb rubbed at the indent on her finger where her wedding band had rested. She wondered if Jan had retrieved the ring from the floorboards after she’d chucked it at him, if he’d dredged up more emotion than that infuriating calm he had used to tell her it was over.
Over all, please try it if you feel like reading a cute story with a girl that is not a pirate but ends up on ships and a boy that is not the king of the sea, but holds a trident and is its guardian.
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Shall we dive straight in? (yes, the pun was intended)
There are two main characters. The reader gets to see the perspective of both Isaura and Leonel as they intermediately appear, one chapter after the other.
The book opens with Isaura`s POV as she is crossing the sea. She is a healer (I got some serious vibes of the Outlander season four) that behaves more than well with the crew (there is a serious description on that part, on how nice she is and how everybody likes her to the moon and back).
And then, the storm happens. Their ship submerges. But, Isaura is the only survivor. How? Was she an exceptionally good swimmer? Or had she had the sense to wear something lighter than a full skirt and petticoats on a boat, so she wouldn`t drown in case of falling into the water?
No to all of the above.
She was rescued by the guardian of the sea, the one and only Leonel. He was the last one of his kind. He had a trident. He was the son of the sea goddess that was married to the sea king. He had a conflictual relationship with his stepfather, needlessly to say after you get to hear the way he addressed to Leonel:
Now, that the main love interested has been identified, let`s see what is the conflict that shall keep us on the edge of our boats--->
Apparently, Leonel got into his head that the storms that kept appearing were not natural. The cause is of mystery, but he feels that something is off. He needs proof to convince the rulers that this is bad and happening.
So, he founds in Isaura a witness. He saves her, gets her to the shore where she is taken into the care of her brother, that held a conveniently high post in that port-town.
After that, he comes back to claim his “debt”. Let`s say that he is not that into subtle because this is the dialogue that goes between those two:
Somehow, Isaura draws the conclusion that she owns him nothing because her life is priceless (as if). Somehow, the reader is made to buy the part in which she is innocent and he is being a rude “fish” for not being more respectful. But, cmon! He saved her life! The least she could do it was to gather some info for this mystery to be elucidated.
With this point in mind I can enter deeper into the book. The premise, the sketch of the novel is not bad, the cover is really grate, but would I recommend this as the ultimate bombastic siren/mermaid love book?
No. It lacks details that could have made so much more out of it. For example, the two main characters are well contoured, but there is no one else beside them in the book. No other character was high-lightened or given a serious persona, maybe Isaura`s brother got a moment with Leonel`s sister, but that was more of a sloppy execution than a praised manifesto in the craft of writing.
At first sight the characters seem too beguiling. It will be too easy for the lead to prove her superiority by comparison to their background dialogue and unassumed actions. Even the love that was pushed between Isaura and Leonel seemed off:
There are little tidbits, that should make the characters more, but they end up to be questionable. Why would be of any importance that Isaura had had a fiance previously to meeting Leonel? She could has been as well as, married with other seven people and it wouldn`t have mattered in here.
Over all, please try it if you feel like reading a cute story with a girl that is not a pirate but ends up on ships and a boy that is not the king of the sea, but holds a trident and is its guardian.
my Blog
plaidpladd's review against another edition
5.0
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book really pulled me in immediately--I haven't stayed up late to finish a book in a long time! The world building was excellent and felt natural, and I liked that this was a plot-forward novel instead of only centered on the relationship like some romances. Both main characters felt real and I liked their dynamic. Plus I am HERE for merman detectives of the sea. I only wish had been shown more before the dramatic reveal. I'm excited to read the sequel!
This book really pulled me in immediately--I haven't stayed up late to finish a book in a long time! The world building was excellent and felt natural, and I liked that this was a plot-forward novel instead of only centered on the relationship like some romances. Both main characters felt real and I liked their dynamic. Plus I am HERE for merman detectives of the sea. I only wish
Spoiler
Kolgaarathenerd's review against another edition
4.0
ARC generously provided by BookSirens in exchange of an honest review.
I’m not gonna say I was expecting to dislike this book, but I definitely didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. In fact, I can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy.
She kept ahold of his hand as they resumed walking. “We aren’t defined only by our failures and sorrows. I’m starting to believe we’re an assortment. A few big events, but countless smaller details. Little joys that carry us through the days, even when those days are hard. I want to know yours.”
The book trapped me almost instantly: we start with Isaura’s side of the story, and we quickly learn that things are going less than ideal for her. She’s trying to get away from the island where she lived with her now ex-husband, when tragedy strikes. A huge storm arrives to the ship she’s in, sinking it with her and the crew in it. But she survives.
Because of some turn of destiny, the universe doesn’t want Isuaura to die just yet.
Leonel is the last of his species: a merman. He’s also the guardian of the sea, it’s protector and defender. Abnormal and dangerous storms have been striking human ships, putting in danger everything and everyone, so he needs to find out what’s going on. In pursuing these answers, Leonel discovers Isaura, the only survivor of the wreck. She may be his only clue to find out the truth.
Sooner than later, these two people form an alliance to both protect the sea and the humans traveling in it.
I really liked Isaura and Leonel’s relationship development. They both arrived to each other’s lives when they needed the most. They both offered valuable lessons to each other about life and themselves, and they grew so much because of it. I loved seeing Leonel learning about love, kindness and happiness. I loved to see Isaura learning her self-worth didn’t depend on what she couldn’t do, but on who she is. The development of these characters and their relationship was nicely built indeed.
While the plot was also great (war between the gods, magic from the sea, different creatures, and was that Nordic mythology?) I think this book mainly lacked in small details, like some things about the world not being well explained, so I kind of feel like I left the book with more questions than I had at the beginning. Or the simplicity of the plan the main characters had built. The execution of how Leonel and Isaura were tying everything to stop the threat coming their way was good but needed a little bit more, to be pushed just a little bit more to the edge. It isn’t until towards the end the stakes are finally settled.
Despite that, the story has a lot of potential, each character earning its place and value in the story, and the story only seems to get more and more interesting. I really want to know what will happen next!
I’m not gonna say I was expecting to dislike this book, but I definitely didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. In fact, I can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy.
She kept ahold of his hand as they resumed walking. “We aren’t defined only by our failures and sorrows. I’m starting to believe we’re an assortment. A few big events, but countless smaller details. Little joys that carry us through the days, even when those days are hard. I want to know yours.”
The book trapped me almost instantly: we start with Isaura’s side of the story, and we quickly learn that things are going less than ideal for her. She’s trying to get away from the island where she lived with her now ex-husband, when tragedy strikes. A huge storm arrives to the ship she’s in, sinking it with her and the crew in it. But she survives.
Because of some turn of destiny, the universe doesn’t want Isuaura to die just yet.
Leonel is the last of his species: a merman. He’s also the guardian of the sea, it’s protector and defender. Abnormal and dangerous storms have been striking human ships, putting in danger everything and everyone, so he needs to find out what’s going on. In pursuing these answers, Leonel discovers Isaura, the only survivor of the wreck. She may be his only clue to find out the truth.
Sooner than later, these two people form an alliance to both protect the sea and the humans traveling in it.
I really liked Isaura and Leonel’s relationship development. They both arrived to each other’s lives when they needed the most. They both offered valuable lessons to each other about life and themselves, and they grew so much because of it. I loved seeing Leonel learning about love, kindness and happiness. I loved to see Isaura learning her self-worth didn’t depend on what she couldn’t do, but on who she is. The development of these characters and their relationship was nicely built indeed.
While the plot was also great (war between the gods, magic from the sea, different creatures, and was that Nordic mythology?) I think this book mainly lacked in small details, like some things about the world not being well explained, so I kind of feel like I left the book with more questions than I had at the beginning. Or the simplicity of the plan the main characters had built. The execution of how Leonel and Isaura were tying everything to stop the threat coming their way was good but needed a little bit more, to be pushed just a little bit more to the edge. It isn’t until towards the end the stakes are finally settled.
Despite that, the story has a lot of potential, each character earning its place and value in the story, and the story only seems to get more and more interesting. I really want to know what will happen next!
melissasfandomworld's review against another edition
5.0
4,5 beautiful stars!
Finishing Beneath Cruel Fathoms had me happy and sad all at once. Happy because it was such a great read and sad because I couldn’t immediately start the second book haha. It’s a book that I thoroughly loved reading and it left me craving more instantly.
There are interesting settings present, on land and beneath the sea surface. I really liked getting to know the world Leonal lived in especially, in the sea. It’s not the typical Atlantis setting, even though the story has some Little Mermaid elements popping up every now and then, but it’s still so enchanting and dark and dangerous from time to time! I haven’t nearly gotten enough of it all and can’t wait to read more about it.
There’s so much awesome elements in this book that I don’t know where to start haha. There’s Norse mythology present, there are Gods present, there are monsters present, sirens and talk of mermen/mermaids. There’s action, adventure and a quest. There are great characters present, amazing character development, and a well developed romance.
The characters are truly interesting in their own way and their character development was just so well done in my opinion. Isaura is a really strong character for example, not only by heart but body as well. I was really surprised to see that she could really kick some ass and liked every bit of development revolving around her so much!
Leonel was maybe even more interesting. He’s a mermen and has lived a brutal and difficult live thus far; not being wanted by anyone really, and being ‘tormented’ by his family (like his half sisters who want to do him harm and a mother who is never in his corner to support him) throughout his life. And despite that, he still has such a good and loyal heart. He fights for the weak. It broke my heart to read about his mental struggles, and it was so beautifully written. His determination to look into the magical storms that are tearing apart his world down below, and fix/fight them, has him crossing paths with Isaura along the way and from then on he’s being set up to make some difficult and life altering choices. His development throughout the book was really really really great and I just love him so dearly. Did I also mention he’s HOT AF? Lol. Sure, he has a tail fin and isn’t human and all that, but still… I’m a mermaid at heart, have always been so my entire life, so I think I’m granted in my feelings towards this character ;)
The forming bond between Isaura and Leonel is beautifully developed and believable. I love how they can be strong characters on themselves but how they can be strong with and for one another as well. It was a joy to follow their unfurling romance/relationship in combination with the banter between the two.
The minor characters were all fun to read about as well and were a great addition to the story. Especially Jurek was one I was really interesting in reading more about (that’s one of the reasons why I can’t wait to read book 2 haha!)
The writing and story-telling was also really great I think. The author’s writing had me hooked right from the very first page and as I said: when I was finished, I immediately wanted more! I was enthralled from beginning till end.
So, there are some cliches present and despite the plot being really fun and well developed, the plot is also a bit predictable at times. But did it trouble me? Not.at.all. The author put in some really fun Little Mermaid elements and gave them a twist, so that it remained being ‘fresh’. I absolutely loved the author's view on this world and the way she gives her own voice to it all.
There really wasn’t a single moment in which I wasn’t enjoying this book. I’m having a hard time to really put into words how much I loved this and why. Basically every element in this book was right for me. From story-telling and plot to the characters and their development as well as the romance.
I received an ARC by the author in exchange for leaving an honest review.
I love it when authors take the time to reach out to readers and I love reading new to me authors. When I got the opportunity to read this book, I just couldn’t pass up on it because the promise of it all was so good. I am beyond excited that I can now say, after reading it, that the book lived up to its expectations and that I found a new author that I cannot wait to read more of. This is a book and author I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to read.
Finishing Beneath Cruel Fathoms had me happy and sad all at once. Happy because it was such a great read and sad because I couldn’t immediately start the second book haha. It’s a book that I thoroughly loved reading and it left me craving more instantly.
“Hunters come. They are- What is your word? They have fin on top.” He made a sharp whistle and jutted his fingers upward and toward his back. “Sharks?” She squeaked. “Is that what you mean?” “Yes, those.” “But you’re stronger than they are, right? You can kill them if they get too close?” “Kill them?” His eyes narrowed. “It is their nature to hunt.” “Is that supposed to matter? They want to eat us.” “They do no wrong. They come because of you. This bleeding.” “Oh well, many apologies. How inconsiderate of me to be injured in a shipwreck.” He made a snort of disdain. “Your kind should not even travel the water. It is not your world and you disturb ours with your crossing.” “And if the great continents weren’t underwater from the Gods’ War millennia ago, we wouldn’t need to, but here we are. Can we resume discussing our shark problem?” “They break no laws. I will not harm them for a dirt walker who should not be here in the first place.” “So, I’m to be fish food? I don’t believe this. You are the worst rescuer in history.” His brow thunderous, he hissed out a breath followed by an orchestra of clicks low in his throat. The sounds held a suspicious lack of courtesy. “That better not be directed at me or I’ll pan-fry your tail fin in butter and garlic.”
There are interesting settings present, on land and beneath the sea surface. I really liked getting to know the world Leonal lived in especially, in the sea. It’s not the typical Atlantis setting, even though the story has some Little Mermaid elements popping up every now and then, but it’s still so enchanting and dark and dangerous from time to time! I haven’t nearly gotten enough of it all and can’t wait to read more about it.
“There may only be the two of us to stop them, but a smart plan can overpower a strong army any day.”
There’s so much awesome elements in this book that I don’t know where to start haha. There’s Norse mythology present, there are Gods present, there are monsters present, sirens and talk of mermen/mermaids. There’s action, adventure and a quest. There are great characters present, amazing character development, and a well developed romance.
The characters are truly interesting in their own way and their character development was just so well done in my opinion. Isaura is a really strong character for example, not only by heart but body as well. I was really surprised to see that she could really kick some ass and liked every bit of development revolving around her so much!
“Who guards the guardian, Leonel? Is there someone who will help you?”
He thought of his cove. The ruined safety. The silence filling his heart. “There is no one.”
Leonel was maybe even more interesting. He’s a mermen and has lived a brutal and difficult live thus far; not being wanted by anyone really, and being ‘tormented’ by his family (like his half sisters who want to do him harm and a mother who is never in his corner to support him) throughout his life. And despite that, he still has such a good and loyal heart. He fights for the weak. It broke my heart to read about his mental struggles, and it was so beautifully written. His determination to look into the magical storms that are tearing apart his world down below, and fix/fight them, has him crossing paths with Isaura along the way and from then on he’s being set up to make some difficult and life altering choices. His development throughout the book was really really really great and I just love him so dearly. Did I also mention he’s HOT AF? Lol. Sure, he has a tail fin and isn’t human and all that, but still… I’m a mermaid at heart, have always been so my entire life, so I think I’m granted in my feelings towards this character ;)
Her steady presence comforted him, her words from the cave alive in his mind. You are not alone. It had filled him with an unfamiliar warmth that left him uncertain. He wanted it to be true, and he didn’t. He was accustomed to being alone. He trusted solitude.
The forming bond between Isaura and Leonel is beautifully developed and believable. I love how they can be strong characters on themselves but how they can be strong with and for one another as well. It was a joy to follow their unfurling romance/relationship in combination with the banter between the two.
’It’s too sweet.” Of course it was. His usual diet wouldn’t include anything made with sugar. No wonder he looked like eating it thrashed his palette. “Yes, very sweet.” With a determined glint in his eyes, he finished chewing the mouthful and swallowed. His pallor took on a greenish cast. She laughed outright. “You hate it.” “No, of course not,” he insisted, eying the pastry like a battlefield he was ready to die on. “It is,” his throat bobbed, “delicious.” When he seemed about to take another bite, she quickly plucked it from his hand. “Stubborn fish. Give it back before you make yourself sick. It’s obvious you don’t like it.”
The minor characters were all fun to read about as well and were a great addition to the story. Especially Jurek was one I was really interesting in reading more about (that’s one of the reasons why I can’t wait to read book 2 haha!)
The writing and story-telling was also really great I think. The author’s writing had me hooked right from the very first page and as I said: when I was finished, I immediately wanted more! I was enthralled from beginning till end.
So, there are some cliches present and despite the plot being really fun and well developed, the plot is also a bit predictable at times. But did it trouble me? Not.at.all. The author put in some really fun Little Mermaid elements and gave them a twist, so that it remained being ‘fresh’. I absolutely loved the author's view on this world and the way she gives her own voice to it all.
There really wasn’t a single moment in which I wasn’t enjoying this book. I’m having a hard time to really put into words how much I loved this and why. Basically every element in this book was right for me. From story-telling and plot to the characters and their development as well as the romance.
I received an ARC by the author in exchange for leaving an honest review.
I love it when authors take the time to reach out to readers and I love reading new to me authors. When I got the opportunity to read this book, I just couldn’t pass up on it because the promise of it all was so good. I am beyond excited that I can now say, after reading it, that the book lived up to its expectations and that I found a new author that I cannot wait to read more of. This is a book and author I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to read.
katevaliant's review
4.0
Some parts of this made me think of a gender swapped Little Mermaid at times. Except this time the merman must find proof that unusual storms sinking ships have been created by the old vanquished gods who are beginning to stir. He enlists the help of a woman he saves from one of the ship wrecks. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves merman and sea fantasy.