What do you think?
Rate this book
Rising #1
Rising
In a war between the humans and the inhabitants of the sea—humans will lose. Xanthus Dimitriou—the most lethal Dagonian to rise from the ocean—is on a mission to save mankind from annihilation. But first there’s one small thing he needs to do� kill a beautiful young woman in a wheelchair.
Killing her doesn’t start out as part of his plan. He entrenches himself deep in the human world. Aligning himself with his enemies, he prepares to send them to Triton to face their punishment. Then Sara Taylor rolls onto the scene. Xanthus knows at once she’s a criminal. And her crime? Being born. She’s a human/Dagonian half-breed, an abomination. Killing her should be an easy job. All he has to do is break into her apartment, slit her throat, and feed her body to the sharks. Simple, right? Wrong. If only she weren’t so beautiful, so innocent, so sweet...
Saving the world may have to wait. It appears Xanthus has a woman to save. But protecting her may cost him his own life.
Killing her doesn’t start out as part of his plan. He entrenches himself deep in the human world. Aligning himself with his enemies, he prepares to send them to Triton to face their punishment. Then Sara Taylor rolls onto the scene. Xanthus knows at once she’s a criminal. And her crime? Being born. She’s a human/Dagonian half-breed, an abomination. Killing her should be an easy job. All he has to do is break into her apartment, slit her throat, and feed her body to the sharks. Simple, right? Wrong. If only she weren’t so beautiful, so innocent, so sweet...
Saving the world may have to wait. It appears Xanthus has a woman to save. But protecting her may cost him his own life.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2013
395 people are currently reading
6,606 people want to read
About the author
Holly Kelly
16Ìýbooks349ÌýfollowersHolly Kelly is a wife, mother of six, author, editor, former English teacher, and daydreamer. Holly spent her childhood in a small town in Kansas reading, climbing trees, tumbling across her front yard, and swimming daily at the local pool where she spent her time pretending to be a mermaid.
When she was a young teen, she and her family moved to Texas (where she discovered how much she hated the heat), and then, during her senior year in high school, they moved to Utah. Despite living in the desert, Holly's fascination with the ocean grew. Before graduating from high school, she decided she wanted to be a marine biologist. This led to her attending college in Hawaii. She adored her time there swimming in the blue waters and studying the marine life, but missing her family had her returning to the mainland.
While attending college at BYU in Provo, Utah, she met and married karate teacher, James Kelly. Holly and James then welcomed six amazing children into their home. Between diaper changes and late-night feedings, Holly decided she wasn't tired enough. She began writing a novel, which she did between 3 and 6 AM every morning (before the kids woke up). Several years and four completed novels later, CTP Publishing offered her a contract to publish Rising, and the rest, they say, is history! Holly now has seven published novels, including the first book in a trilogy that released in September 2024. She also has several published short stories, all of which you can read on this website by clicking here.
Holly now spends her time writing young adult, paranormal books, freelance editing, and working on her master's degree in Creative Writing. Oh, and don't forget reading! She's always reading!
When she was a young teen, she and her family moved to Texas (where she discovered how much she hated the heat), and then, during her senior year in high school, they moved to Utah. Despite living in the desert, Holly's fascination with the ocean grew. Before graduating from high school, she decided she wanted to be a marine biologist. This led to her attending college in Hawaii. She adored her time there swimming in the blue waters and studying the marine life, but missing her family had her returning to the mainland.
While attending college at BYU in Provo, Utah, she met and married karate teacher, James Kelly. Holly and James then welcomed six amazing children into their home. Between diaper changes and late-night feedings, Holly decided she wasn't tired enough. She began writing a novel, which she did between 3 and 6 AM every morning (before the kids woke up). Several years and four completed novels later, CTP Publishing offered her a contract to publish Rising, and the rest, they say, is history! Holly now has seven published novels, including the first book in a trilogy that released in September 2024. She also has several published short stories, all of which you can read on this website by clicking here.
Holly now spends her time writing young adult, paranormal books, freelance editing, and working on her master's degree in Creative Writing. Oh, and don't forget reading! She's always reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
September 20, 2013
I LOVED this book! Of course I may be biased. I'm the author. :)
August 22, 2013
Such a beautiful and gentle love story full of mystery, mythology and a touch of attitude. Sara is a vulnerable yet tough MC complimented perfectly by her love interest Xanthus, a conflicted hero. Loved this book! Well done Holly Kelly.
August 6, 2016
For Full Review go to
5 out of 5 stars!!!
This book was amazing, it was one of my favorite Mermaid books!
5 out of 5 stars!!!
This book was amazing, it was one of my favorite Mermaid books!
August 24, 2013
I have never read a book about creatures that lurked under the sea. So naturally, I found this book fascinating! I found myself staying up late at night just to find out what happens next. This book is a real page turner! The cool creatures I read and learned about in this story were awesome!!
This book is told in the POV of two different characters. Xanthus Dimitriou is a powerful Dagonian in the sea. A Dagonian isn't considered a mermaid/merman, even if they are similar in certain ways, only the children of Triton are considered mermaids/merman's. In this book Xanthus is on a mission to save mankind from annihilation. Their are some of his people who see humans as a threat who need to be destroyed, but Xanthus isn't too sure. To prevent a war between the Dagonian and the humans he goes to the surface and blends in as a human to seek out those responsible for the crimes the Dagonian's accuse humans of doing and then he sends them to Triton to face their punishment. But before he can achieve his mission he needs to do something first. Kill a seemly innocent woman in a wheelchair named Sara Taylor. What's her crime you ask? Being born. She’s a human/Dagonian half-breed, an abomination where he comes from. He knows that he should kill her but...he can't seem to make herself commit the act. She seems so sweet, so innocent, so very beautiful. He knows what he should do, but what his head is telling him is going against what his heart is telling him. Before he knows it, he is protecting the human. But that just might cost him his life...
Sara Taylor is one of my favorite characters in this book. Despite being in a wheelchair, she tries to remain independent. She deeply cared for other people. And I believe, she was a perfect main character! She was sweet and kind but, at the same time brave and loyal. She has a good head on her shoulders and she is intelligent. She fought for the people she loved which I admired. I felt for Sara when she felt embarrassed about her 'Anomaly'. I wanted her to be confident in who she was. To know that she was beautiful and that nothing was wrong with her and eventually, she did see that. She grew as a character which is amazing, as a reader, to read about. I feel like I connected with Sara's character and really enjoyed reading about her!
Okay, now Xanthus has to be one of my favorite characters of all time! He was awesome!! He was just the right amounts of confident and aggressive. He never treated Sara bad or tried to control her. He accepted her independence and respected her for that. He was protective, don't get me wrong, but he wasn't overbearing. I hate male characters that act like the female needs to be rescued all the time and I'm so glad Xanthus wasn't like that. He was...perfect! Makes me want to go into the sea to see if I can find a guy like him!! LOL But not only was he brave, confident, and powerful, he was sweet and caring. He wasn't afraid to show Sara affection and treated her like she was the most treasured thing in all the world. Love his character!!
I love this book! Seriously, I could read it over and over again! It's a book that you will never get bored with, no matter how many times you read it. Come to think of it...I want to read it again! I loved the main characters, but I also liked the minor characters like Triton and Nicole. I found their characters so interesting and funny as heck! I hope there is a second book coming out soon! I need more! This is one of the best books I ever read and one of the best books I've read this year. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to everyone! It's brilliant!!
Some of my favorite parts:
“Before I give you any command, you will answer me this one question. Are you courageous or stupid?�
"He would kill for her. He would even die for her."
“Do Dagonian’s ever wear makeup?�
“You can tell I’m wearing makeup?� Xanthus gaped at her.
“What? No. You?� Xanthus laughed and Sara relaxed, scowling at her own naivety.
“I’ve never met a more unusual woman.� He smiled. “She is like being caught in a whirlpool. She’s moody, unreasonable, childish, overprotective, and by the gods, I’m beginning to like her."
This book is told in the POV of two different characters. Xanthus Dimitriou is a powerful Dagonian in the sea. A Dagonian isn't considered a mermaid/merman, even if they are similar in certain ways, only the children of Triton are considered mermaids/merman's. In this book Xanthus is on a mission to save mankind from annihilation. Their are some of his people who see humans as a threat who need to be destroyed, but Xanthus isn't too sure. To prevent a war between the Dagonian and the humans he goes to the surface and blends in as a human to seek out those responsible for the crimes the Dagonian's accuse humans of doing and then he sends them to Triton to face their punishment. But before he can achieve his mission he needs to do something first. Kill a seemly innocent woman in a wheelchair named Sara Taylor. What's her crime you ask? Being born. She’s a human/Dagonian half-breed, an abomination where he comes from. He knows that he should kill her but...he can't seem to make herself commit the act. She seems so sweet, so innocent, so very beautiful. He knows what he should do, but what his head is telling him is going against what his heart is telling him. Before he knows it, he is protecting the human. But that just might cost him his life...
Sara Taylor is one of my favorite characters in this book. Despite being in a wheelchair, she tries to remain independent. She deeply cared for other people. And I believe, she was a perfect main character! She was sweet and kind but, at the same time brave and loyal. She has a good head on her shoulders and she is intelligent. She fought for the people she loved which I admired. I felt for Sara when she felt embarrassed about her 'Anomaly'. I wanted her to be confident in who she was. To know that she was beautiful and that nothing was wrong with her and eventually, she did see that. She grew as a character which is amazing, as a reader, to read about. I feel like I connected with Sara's character and really enjoyed reading about her!
Okay, now Xanthus has to be one of my favorite characters of all time! He was awesome!! He was just the right amounts of confident and aggressive. He never treated Sara bad or tried to control her. He accepted her independence and respected her for that. He was protective, don't get me wrong, but he wasn't overbearing. I hate male characters that act like the female needs to be rescued all the time and I'm so glad Xanthus wasn't like that. He was...perfect! Makes me want to go into the sea to see if I can find a guy like him!! LOL But not only was he brave, confident, and powerful, he was sweet and caring. He wasn't afraid to show Sara affection and treated her like she was the most treasured thing in all the world. Love his character!!
I love this book! Seriously, I could read it over and over again! It's a book that you will never get bored with, no matter how many times you read it. Come to think of it...I want to read it again! I loved the main characters, but I also liked the minor characters like Triton and Nicole. I found their characters so interesting and funny as heck! I hope there is a second book coming out soon! I need more! This is one of the best books I ever read and one of the best books I've read this year. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to everyone! It's brilliant!!
Some of my favorite parts:
“Before I give you any command, you will answer me this one question. Are you courageous or stupid?�
"He would kill for her. He would even die for her."
“Do Dagonian’s ever wear makeup?�
“You can tell I’m wearing makeup?� Xanthus gaped at her.
“What? No. You?� Xanthus laughed and Sara relaxed, scowling at her own naivety.
“I’ve never met a more unusual woman.� He smiled. “She is like being caught in a whirlpool. She’s moody, unreasonable, childish, overprotective, and by the gods, I’m beginning to like her."
May 26, 2014
This book was amazing!!! It was one of my favorite Mermaid books, it was more mature then most I have read and that I could relate based on where I am in my life. It was not mature in that it had sexual content, or profanity, it was very clean. It was just that the characters were a little bit older and that there were more struggles in their lives and more violent situations (that people living in poor neighborhoods or someone out at night alone might deal with).
I loved the complexity of the characters in that they were multifaceted. Some of the characters struggle with themselves and are neither good nor bad. I love the romance and mythology that Holly Kelly has created in her story. The different races of underwater life was a great twist and it not just being Mermaids, was a wonderful addition to the book.
The book starts with a woman giving birth to a baby that has deformation with her legs and they are fused together. There is also a war under water brewing as the waters have been polluted by the humans and the race called Dagonian's want to make them pay for killing some of them and ruining their homes. But Xanthus believes that these humans can be reasoned with and goes to the god of the under water and the last of the Mer people and asks him if he can live among the humans. He promises to make those how have caused the pollution pay to Triton and to see if he can then seek peace, but Triton only gives him a year to do this.
When Xanthus is in Hawaii he notices a young women and he senses that something is different about her and immediately he knows that he shouldn't be drawn to her but he is. He knows that she should be killed for if she is discovered it could mean bad things for their kind and her living here is against the law.
Xanthus decides to get close to her to try to find out her story, who is she, why is she here? He soon starts to question everything he has been trained to believe and questions his mission. He soon realizes that he would risk everything to be with her.
I love this book, it is one of the best books I have read! It was well written, imaginative, not vulgar or to sexual, it was romantic and so full of fantasy and action. This was a great book for a man or a woman! Definitely a 5 out of 5 stars!!!
I loved the complexity of the characters in that they were multifaceted. Some of the characters struggle with themselves and are neither good nor bad. I love the romance and mythology that Holly Kelly has created in her story. The different races of underwater life was a great twist and it not just being Mermaids, was a wonderful addition to the book.
The book starts with a woman giving birth to a baby that has deformation with her legs and they are fused together. There is also a war under water brewing as the waters have been polluted by the humans and the race called Dagonian's want to make them pay for killing some of them and ruining their homes. But Xanthus believes that these humans can be reasoned with and goes to the god of the under water and the last of the Mer people and asks him if he can live among the humans. He promises to make those how have caused the pollution pay to Triton and to see if he can then seek peace, but Triton only gives him a year to do this.
When Xanthus is in Hawaii he notices a young women and he senses that something is different about her and immediately he knows that he shouldn't be drawn to her but he is. He knows that she should be killed for if she is discovered it could mean bad things for their kind and her living here is against the law.
Xanthus decides to get close to her to try to find out her story, who is she, why is she here? He soon starts to question everything he has been trained to believe and questions his mission. He soon realizes that he would risk everything to be with her.
I love this book, it is one of the best books I have read! It was well written, imaginative, not vulgar or to sexual, it was romantic and so full of fantasy and action. This was a great book for a man or a woman! Definitely a 5 out of 5 stars!!!
October 26, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed The Rising. I've always had a weak spot in my heart for mythology. Holly Kelly does a great job of incorporating the mythology into a believable world, an underwater world just beneath the proverbial surface of the world we all know. A world inhabited by Dagonians, seven-foot creatures that closely resemble Mermaids.
One of the things I appreciated about this book was that despite the main character's beauty, she wasn't the typical main character. She wasn't a super warrior. She didn't have tons of hidden talents that works like a Dues Ex Machina, helping her repeatedly escape from bad situations. The times when trouble arises, Holly did a great job establishing the escape routes literally half the book before. It made for a complex storyline with surprising twists and turns and many times where I paused and shook my head, wondering why I didn't think of that ahead of time.
While I think the truth about the main character is a little telegraphed, it doesn't detract from the great story. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.
One of the things I appreciated about this book was that despite the main character's beauty, she wasn't the typical main character. She wasn't a super warrior. She didn't have tons of hidden talents that works like a Dues Ex Machina, helping her repeatedly escape from bad situations. The times when trouble arises, Holly did a great job establishing the escape routes literally half the book before. It made for a complex storyline with surprising twists and turns and many times where I paused and shook my head, wondering why I didn't think of that ahead of time.
While I think the truth about the main character is a little telegraphed, it doesn't detract from the great story. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 4, 2013
I requested a review copy of this (okay, I begged) and was granted it and then I read it all in one sitting and am waiting until I can re-read it again. This book releases in 2 days and you, too, will be able to enjoy Xanthus & Sara.
The prologue opens with a woman giving birth and not one, but two nurses fainting dead away when they see the baby. And then chapter one opens twenty years later...
Sara is in a wheelchair thanks to her disfigurement (her legs...which, of course, are not legs but a tail!) Xanthus is on a mission from King Triton to find and punish those polluting the oceans and killing off sea creatures and Dagonians alike. Imagine Xanthus's surprise to find one of his own on land...
The chemistry between Xanthus and Sara is immediate. He is an overwhelming presence and Sara knows not what to make of him. I loved how Xanthus has this protective attitude that he just can't seem to help and sets about making sure Sara is safe. Sara's BFF is so happy for her; it was so sweet to see a friendship between women that wasn't catty.
I was livid at Xanthus's mother, enamored of his sister, ecstatic of Sara's parentage, and disgusted by the evilness that is Xanthus's brother, Gael, and his father. Just pure maliciousness poisoning the waters there!
The ending is incredibly satisfying and, after much turmoil, a HEA. I love mermaid tales, paranormal fantasies, romances, and books with action, a woman who doesn't melt into her lover's demands/opinions, and a man who adores and takes care of his woman. This has it all. By far the best mermaid tale I've read yet, I want this to be a series. A long series, exploring different characters with Xanthus & Sara popping in and out.
This is from Clean Teen Publishing and the romance is just that, clean. But you know...I was not expecting it to steamy! The sexual chemistry and tension was nearly palpable! Oh, and the epilogue. OMG MS KELLY! I know this is releasing in 2 days, but PLEASE tell me you have more written in this world?! Pretty please?
The prologue opens with a woman giving birth and not one, but two nurses fainting dead away when they see the baby. And then chapter one opens twenty years later...
Sara is in a wheelchair thanks to her disfigurement (her legs...which, of course, are not legs but a tail!) Xanthus is on a mission from King Triton to find and punish those polluting the oceans and killing off sea creatures and Dagonians alike. Imagine Xanthus's surprise to find one of his own on land...
The chemistry between Xanthus and Sara is immediate. He is an overwhelming presence and Sara knows not what to make of him. I loved how Xanthus has this protective attitude that he just can't seem to help and sets about making sure Sara is safe. Sara's BFF is so happy for her; it was so sweet to see a friendship between women that wasn't catty.
I was livid at Xanthus's mother, enamored of his sister, ecstatic of Sara's parentage, and disgusted by the evilness that is Xanthus's brother, Gael, and his father. Just pure maliciousness poisoning the waters there!
The ending is incredibly satisfying and, after much turmoil, a HEA. I love mermaid tales, paranormal fantasies, romances, and books with action, a woman who doesn't melt into her lover's demands/opinions, and a man who adores and takes care of his woman. This has it all. By far the best mermaid tale I've read yet, I want this to be a series. A long series, exploring different characters with Xanthus & Sara popping in and out.
This is from Clean Teen Publishing and the romance is just that, clean. But you know...I was not expecting it to steamy! The sexual chemistry and tension was nearly palpable! Oh, and the epilogue. OMG MS KELLY! I know this is releasing in 2 days, but PLEASE tell me you have more written in this world?! Pretty please?
August 31, 2014
I'm speeeechless, I don't know what to say. The story not only got me hooked in the first chapter but it got better, awesome and mind blowing. I didn't read the synopsis but the tag line got me and I wanted to know more as the cover to tagline captured my attention.
The story is just WoW!!! I'm having this big grin on my face just thinking about the whole adventure and mystery.
It has POV's of different characters, just to give slight glimpse to some clues and have you glued to the story.
Xanthus!! Aaaahhh! OMG!! He is just awesomest awesome and my new book boyfriend. Just thinking about has me grinning. He is so freaking sweet and in love with Sara, which is adorable. In beginning he tried/thought to kill her but he couldn't, Of course he couldn't!
"Sagana po parant poli mi landana, patdrép ma?"
It's in Atlantis language, which you will find out once you read it said by Xanthus to Sara.
I first disliked Sara's mother for being so rude, but after getting to know her I can understand Sara saying she loved her mother but couldn't live with her,lol., I like her now.
"Sara Elizabeth Taylor, don't listen to that fish in the mud. A morning swim is good for you."
She made me laugh and her antics are sometimes funny.
I've not started second book, I'd have but I would have mixed somethings from the second part in this review, otherwise I'd have just started after I finished reading Rising.
I'm looking forward to know more about Nicole and Triton (Sara's parents)in Descending if I'm guessing correct.
This is definitely a must read!!!!!
The story is just WoW!!! I'm having this big grin on my face just thinking about the whole adventure and mystery.
It has POV's of different characters, just to give slight glimpse to some clues and have you glued to the story.
Xanthus!! Aaaahhh! OMG!! He is just awesomest awesome and my new book boyfriend. Just thinking about has me grinning. He is so freaking sweet and in love with Sara, which is adorable. In beginning he tried/thought to kill her but he couldn't, Of course he couldn't!
"Sagana po parant poli mi landana, patdrép ma?"
It's in Atlantis language, which you will find out once you read it said by Xanthus to Sara.
I first disliked Sara's mother for being so rude, but after getting to know her I can understand Sara saying she loved her mother but couldn't live with her,lol., I like her now.
"Sara Elizabeth Taylor, don't listen to that fish in the mud. A morning swim is good for you."
She made me laugh and her antics are sometimes funny.
I've not started second book, I'd have but I would have mixed somethings from the second part in this review, otherwise I'd have just started after I finished reading Rising.
I'm looking forward to know more about Nicole and Triton (Sara's parents)in Descending if I'm guessing correct.
This is definitely a must read!!!!!
February 21, 2017
Good mermaid stories tend to be difficult to find. With the "Dagonians" and Triton filling the synopsis, this book either had the potential to rock, or bomb. It seemed obvious it would be a variation of a mermaid story, with Greek, and possibly Roman, mythology. I didn't know whether I'd like all of that mixed, but after finishing this book, I'm completely in love with this story!
I think Xanthus is one of my new favorite book heroes. Gorgeous, strong, powerful, honorable, and the perfect image of an epic warrior, what's not to like? Balancing out this herculean Dagonian, is the sweet little Sara. While she's got heart and spirit, she is so incredibly beautiful, kind, sweet and vulnerable, you just want to hug her and make her some cookies. Together, they make a perfectly balanced couple, who take readers on an incredible adventure.
Along with the fascinating match between Xanthus and Sara, this is a story full of danger, complications, action, and a lot of fish. Holly Kelly's writing is hilarious, and incredibly talented. She is able to be jovial and humorous, then glide seamlessly into action and suspenseful events, with writing that flows beautifully. She is a writer who could easily be both an inspiration to other writers, and a favorite author by any reader.
If you haven't guessed, I loved this book, inside and out. I'd recommend this to anyone, but especially fans of love stories, merpeople, mythology, and suspenseful adventure.
*I was given an eCopy of this book, from the author's publisher, Clean Teen Publishing, to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2014
The book cover alone sucked me in (easier to see detail on Amazon-click the cover). But I'm glad it did. The hero, Xanthus, is a Dagonian (similar to a merman, but a different subspecies of sorts). Who wouldn't like a gorgeous, nearly seven feet tall finned hunk who is called the "nightmare of the deep"? The sea god Triton gives him legs and sends him onto land to discover and stop some major polluters of the ocean who have killed thousands of their kind. While there Xanthus meets the heroine, Sara, wheelchair bound. Her ‘deformity� is always blanket-covered, but his attention is caught by her unique, yet oddly familiar scent.
I liked the characters, both good and creepy bad, the unfolding twists and turns, and the overall world-building, although we see less of the underwater world than I would have liked. The rules and relationships of the Dagonians added important dimensions to the plot and side issues. Best of all, this book precedes the next in the series, “Descending�, where we have more of Xanthus and Sara, but also another great hero and heroine. The Dagonians, the humans, and the mer people (physically similar to Dagonians, but not allies) all play roles. I can happily recommend both books and look forward to more in the series.
I liked the characters, both good and creepy bad, the unfolding twists and turns, and the overall world-building, although we see less of the underwater world than I would have liked. The rules and relationships of the Dagonians added important dimensions to the plot and side issues. Best of all, this book precedes the next in the series, “Descending�, where we have more of Xanthus and Sara, but also another great hero and heroine. The Dagonians, the humans, and the mer people (physically similar to Dagonians, but not allies) all play roles. I can happily recommend both books and look forward to more in the series.
November 1, 2014
Fascinating Oceanic Mythical World!
This is one awesome Mythical World so fascinating you’ll want to immerse yourself into. I am so stunned, I mean Wow! I’ve read many mermaid stories but never have read about Dragonian.
A Dagonian was created by Poseidon and isn't considered a mermaid/merman. They are similar in certain ways, however only the children of Triton are considered mermaids/merman's which Poseidon had eliminated out of spite. But Poseidon’s reign is short lived and his son Triton rules the oceans now and though Triton’s children no longer exist, at least he thinks none exist, he rules with a firm power.
I loved this story, I mean I ate it up by sucking all the mythical details and the amazing water world of life, how the mission of the Dagonians was to eliminate the mermaids when ruled by Poseidon to a new mission under the new ruler of Triton of finding and punishing those polluting the oceans regardless if they are mankind or ocean creatures.
I thought the Author did an awesome job with the description of this underwater world with amazing visualizing details that made me feel if as if I could dive into the ocean and experience it just like her characters.
The characters are beautiful. I fell in love with Xanthus Dimitriou theDagonian not because of his sexy description or his fierce soldiering abilities, but because of his common sense and morals towards mankind. He actually cared and instead of destroying life he wanted to save mankind from annihilation and live in peace unlike his own kin of hating humans.
I totally identified with Sara Taylor. Her courage, strength, and independence won me over. Being unaware that she was half human/Dagonian and thinking she was just a crippled stuck in a wheelchair only made this story more interesting.
Xanthus and Sara's chemistry was soul melting and sweet. The heat level is one star.
The whole plot in my opinion was perfectly created to keep the reader from second guessing and summing up the ends immediately. The Author kept me guessing all the way through and I loved that.
The ending left me wanting more and hoping I would get to see Triton get a second chance at love and creating more of his children or seeing a new species of human, dragonian, and mermaid combined.
I look forward to reading more by Author Holly Kelly and recommend this story to all mythology lovers.
Excellent Read!
This is one awesome Mythical World so fascinating you’ll want to immerse yourself into. I am so stunned, I mean Wow! I’ve read many mermaid stories but never have read about Dragonian.
A Dagonian was created by Poseidon and isn't considered a mermaid/merman. They are similar in certain ways, however only the children of Triton are considered mermaids/merman's which Poseidon had eliminated out of spite. But Poseidon’s reign is short lived and his son Triton rules the oceans now and though Triton’s children no longer exist, at least he thinks none exist, he rules with a firm power.
I loved this story, I mean I ate it up by sucking all the mythical details and the amazing water world of life, how the mission of the Dagonians was to eliminate the mermaids when ruled by Poseidon to a new mission under the new ruler of Triton of finding and punishing those polluting the oceans regardless if they are mankind or ocean creatures.
I thought the Author did an awesome job with the description of this underwater world with amazing visualizing details that made me feel if as if I could dive into the ocean and experience it just like her characters.
The characters are beautiful. I fell in love with Xanthus Dimitriou theDagonian not because of his sexy description or his fierce soldiering abilities, but because of his common sense and morals towards mankind. He actually cared and instead of destroying life he wanted to save mankind from annihilation and live in peace unlike his own kin of hating humans.
I totally identified with Sara Taylor. Her courage, strength, and independence won me over. Being unaware that she was half human/Dagonian and thinking she was just a crippled stuck in a wheelchair only made this story more interesting.
Xanthus and Sara's chemistry was soul melting and sweet. The heat level is one star.
The whole plot in my opinion was perfectly created to keep the reader from second guessing and summing up the ends immediately. The Author kept me guessing all the way through and I loved that.
The ending left me wanting more and hoping I would get to see Triton get a second chance at love and creating more of his children or seeing a new species of human, dragonian, and mermaid combined.
I look forward to reading more by Author Holly Kelly and recommend this story to all mythology lovers.
Excellent Read!
September 7, 2013
Oh my goodness! *Fans face with hand. * This book is HOT! Sure, I'm a bit biased seeing as how it's published through Clean Teen Publishing, but this is a must read. I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to a book of under the sea creatures. Holly Kelly pleasantly surprised me on that one! Xanthus is a strong lead character and Sara is easily relatable. What I really liked about this book is that Holly Kelly kept the romance content clean (Level 2 on our content rating) yet it was still smoking hot!
Rising has only been out for a day and has already hit best seller status on Amazon in three categories. You must get your hands on this read!
Here is the full disclosure form:
Rising has only been out for a day and has already hit best seller status on Amazon in three categories. You must get your hands on this read!
Here is the full disclosure form:
September 14, 2013
Rising by Holly Kelly is a uniquely beautiful and utterly priceless treasure that strives to gently remind us that we are infinitely valuable beyond what we can ever imagine and lavishly treasured beyond our wildest dreams. We are more than what we see in the mirror each day. We have value and purpose and we should never allow ourselves to forget that.
Where do I start in describing just how much I truly enjoyed and fell in love with this story?! I honestly loved everything about it!! I loved the themes that tightly swam through each page of this story such as the importance of being good stewards of what we are given and being kind and sensitive to those around us because our behavior matters. These tenants need to be lived out on a daily basis and given the respect and significance that they deserve. The importance and value of family was a theme that really touched my heart. It was handled with such amazing care and honored respect that I felt the author must hold this subject very close to her heart. The meticulous details given to the picturesque scenes in this book were utterly astonishing and beautifully mesmerizing.
I was enthralled and delighted by the innocently sweet yet pleasurably intense romance that unintentionally came to life between Xanthus and Sara. The focus was never on the physical aspect of their relationship as much as it was on the emotional aspect which was absolutely breathtaking. Nonetheless, there was no mistaking the heat and passion that developed between Xanthus and Sara. Their kisses practically melted the pages and left you sighing and wanting more. I loved how Kelly was able to brilliantly accomplish this without fiery, detailed sex scenes. I can happily admit that as their feelings deepened for each other and the heat was turned up between them as time went on, their loving and passionate displays of affection were portrayed in a very tasteful yet alluring way.
If that wasn’t good enough, Xanthus was amazingly respectful and passionately gentle with Sara. What an amazingly heart-melting example of how men should treat women! I fell in love with how calculated and deadly Xanthus was as a warrior of the sea and yet how sensitive and loving he was when it came to Sara. She was his heart, and he never let her forget it. Xanthus wanted to really and truly get to know Sara instead of pushing her too quickly into a physical relationship which just melted me. He saw her as a huge part of his future, and he wanted to handle this relationship with nothing but pure gentleness and adoring respect in order to make the passion and desire they shared that much deeper and more meaningful. He fully intended for them to be together forever, and he treated and cherished her as the princess that she was in his eyes. Oh, how I lost my heart in this story! This is the type of relationship that we should be modeling in front of and teaching our teens about! Just imagine how different our world might be.
Holly Kelly’s Rising captured my heart and gave it wings to fly to the heights of heaven and beyond! To say that I loved it would be the understatement of the year! This story has come to mean so much to me. I can’t tell you how much I adore stories that showcase the most important things in life as beautifully and masterfully as this one has. I can’t say enough good things about it, and I highly recommend this book to all young adults and adults alike. This is one story that you will not soon forget because of the amazingly precious gem that it is. Kelly has most definitely drawn me into her world, and I fully intend to enthusiastically devour her future projects.
Where do I start in describing just how much I truly enjoyed and fell in love with this story?! I honestly loved everything about it!! I loved the themes that tightly swam through each page of this story such as the importance of being good stewards of what we are given and being kind and sensitive to those around us because our behavior matters. These tenants need to be lived out on a daily basis and given the respect and significance that they deserve. The importance and value of family was a theme that really touched my heart. It was handled with such amazing care and honored respect that I felt the author must hold this subject very close to her heart. The meticulous details given to the picturesque scenes in this book were utterly astonishing and beautifully mesmerizing.
I was enthralled and delighted by the innocently sweet yet pleasurably intense romance that unintentionally came to life between Xanthus and Sara. The focus was never on the physical aspect of their relationship as much as it was on the emotional aspect which was absolutely breathtaking. Nonetheless, there was no mistaking the heat and passion that developed between Xanthus and Sara. Their kisses practically melted the pages and left you sighing and wanting more. I loved how Kelly was able to brilliantly accomplish this without fiery, detailed sex scenes. I can happily admit that as their feelings deepened for each other and the heat was turned up between them as time went on, their loving and passionate displays of affection were portrayed in a very tasteful yet alluring way.
If that wasn’t good enough, Xanthus was amazingly respectful and passionately gentle with Sara. What an amazingly heart-melting example of how men should treat women! I fell in love with how calculated and deadly Xanthus was as a warrior of the sea and yet how sensitive and loving he was when it came to Sara. She was his heart, and he never let her forget it. Xanthus wanted to really and truly get to know Sara instead of pushing her too quickly into a physical relationship which just melted me. He saw her as a huge part of his future, and he wanted to handle this relationship with nothing but pure gentleness and adoring respect in order to make the passion and desire they shared that much deeper and more meaningful. He fully intended for them to be together forever, and he treated and cherished her as the princess that she was in his eyes. Oh, how I lost my heart in this story! This is the type of relationship that we should be modeling in front of and teaching our teens about! Just imagine how different our world might be.
Holly Kelly’s Rising captured my heart and gave it wings to fly to the heights of heaven and beyond! To say that I loved it would be the understatement of the year! This story has come to mean so much to me. I can’t tell you how much I adore stories that showcase the most important things in life as beautifully and masterfully as this one has. I can’t say enough good things about it, and I highly recommend this book to all young adults and adults alike. This is one story that you will not soon forget because of the amazingly precious gem that it is. Kelly has most definitely drawn me into her world, and I fully intend to enthusiastically devour her future projects.
August 10, 2016
I love this book. It's a contemporary romance with mermaids. Clean and well-written, it's one I don't mind handing over to my daughters. I've already bought the second book in the series.
September 13, 2013
Loved it! It totally sucked me in. The story-line just kept me guessing and wanting more! I can't wait for book #2!! Please, please, please!
September 4, 2013
Being a part of the Clean Teen Publishing street team comes with the wonderful perk of being able to read and review their books before they are released. My favorite part about this perk is that their books are always so unique. I have not read a book from them that reminded me of any other book I have read. Their authors have such original ideas and they translate onto paper (or ereader screen) wonderfully.
Rising is no different. I have never read a book about mermaids (and in this case Dagonian) since The Little Mermaid. What I loved most about this book was the Greek mythology tie-in. You can tell that Holly did her homework before sitting down to write, and did not just throw together random bits of information. There was action, adventure, new beginnings, and a whole lot of shenanigans. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Now, I will warn you that this is not a sexually explicit book, so some things are left to the imagination. It was actually one of my favorite parts of the book - well after reading the book and having conversations with a few others who read the book. Trying to decide how certain things would work in this type of situation. Holly happened to see this conversation and decided to inform us so that we weren't quite so confused. She explained that the female anatomy of a "fish" (as I so eloquently put it) is the same as ours, but everything is in the front. She continued, "When it comes to males, you don’t really see much unless they are� you know� Need I go into detail? If you don’t understand, go ask your mother." Ha!
Rising is no different. I have never read a book about mermaids (and in this case Dagonian) since The Little Mermaid. What I loved most about this book was the Greek mythology tie-in. You can tell that Holly did her homework before sitting down to write, and did not just throw together random bits of information. There was action, adventure, new beginnings, and a whole lot of shenanigans. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Now, I will warn you that this is not a sexually explicit book, so some things are left to the imagination. It was actually one of my favorite parts of the book - well after reading the book and having conversations with a few others who read the book. Trying to decide how certain things would work in this type of situation. Holly happened to see this conversation and decided to inform us so that we weren't quite so confused. She explained that the female anatomy of a "fish" (as I so eloquently put it) is the same as ours, but everything is in the front. She continued, "When it comes to males, you don’t really see much unless they are� you know� Need I go into detail? If you don’t understand, go ask your mother." Ha!
August 13, 2016
Rising is an imaginative sweet romance with satisfyingly heroic characters. The storyline is a nice twist on the usual mere-people plot with a very sweet, sympathetic heroine and a hero that hits all the right notes: strong, noble, protective, and loving.
Other reviewers have done an excellent job of describing this book so I'll just say I really enjoyed reading Rising. Some minor editing/grammatical issues snagged at me a bit and the flow could have used some polish, but otherwise this is a solid piece of work: interesting plot, plenty of action, and a lovely romance with nice touches of heat to spice up this YA read. If you've been on the fence about diving into this book, let me give you a push--read it already! ;)
Other reviewers have done an excellent job of describing this book so I'll just say I really enjoyed reading Rising. Some minor editing/grammatical issues snagged at me a bit and the flow could have used some polish, but otherwise this is a solid piece of work: interesting plot, plenty of action, and a lovely romance with nice touches of heat to spice up this YA read. If you've been on the fence about diving into this book, let me give you a push--read it already! ;)
March 17, 2014
Let me start by saying that I've been burned by several books in the paranormal romance category lately. One book I couldn't even finish because it became too graphic. RISING was like a breath of fresh air. It stayed clean, yet the romance was still enjoyable. This was a new twist on the mermaid tale. I didn't feel like I was being retold Ariel's story. I enjoyed the history of the Dagonians and the mermaids. It kept my interest throughout. I never felt like it dragged. In fact, I finished it in two days, while being sick and having all four kids at home. I'm also very impressed with Clean Teen Publishing. I feel like Alice waking up in Wonderland. You mean I can read the books I love without wading through all the garbage? Yes, please!
September 24, 2013
4 stars
I was a mermaid…oh I am sorry not mermaid, Dagonian virgin. Not anymore!
So I received this for an honest review, on a blog tour with Juniper Blog Tour Company. With that said honesty is the best policy. Yup, yup, yup.
Song Choice: “What a Catch, Donnie� by Fall Out Boy (yeah I was trying to be slightly funny there, but also serious), and “Never My Love� by Har Mar Superstar featuring Adam Green
First thoughts: As a mermaid � sea creature (almost all sea creatures I can think of only one book that I read that had sea-creatures in it) virgin I was very pleased with this experience. I thought that this was a really easy read, I finished it within the day, and I wanted to find out what happened. While there were some parts that were too vague for my likings I really did enjoy this book. I think that if you interested in trying out a water-creature book this might be for you because (I have no NONE, NADA, experience in this area of paranormal) there was a lot of time spent on land, and there was time spent in the water as well. But it wasn’t a completely sea-based book.
Thoughts on Plot: Well I thought that was this was really interesting, I have to say it again I have no experience really with the water-like creatures, but do I knew mermaids, and I don’t think that I have ever heard of the Dagonian so I am going to assume that it is an original creation. I would probably have loved it more…if the differences of mermaids and Dagonian were explored a little bit earlier in the book, because for the first half I was just thinking well apparently you look the same so what the hell is the big difference? I got they were descended from different Gods, yeah I got that but otherwise…not so much. So that was one thing I personally struggled with. I loved some of the overall plot ideas that were presented. Ideas like the crimes of the father, the ideas of racism that were brought in slightly. It was interesting how they were tied into this plot. I liked it, I liked it a lot. So back to actually happenings in the book, some things didn’t really shock me at all, others were a bit more surprising. There is one thing that I am still trying to figure out but spoilers ;) Overall I really did enjoy this book, there was a case of insta-love, but after the insta-love they did spend a lot (and when I mean a lot of I mean more than a week) before they decided anything rash.
*Oh okay so I went into this for some odd reason thinking this was an adult rated book � I really don’t know why, but there is no funny business here wink wink, nudge nudge get it? Kay just kissies
Characters:
Sara: She was interesting� she was an odd mix of innocent, sweet, caring, and feisty. She thought she was born with a deformity and she cannot walk. So she becomes very hostile when people make certain comments, which yeah I understand that sometimes disabled people feel that way but at the same time I was wondering wouldn’t she want to lighten up a bit, she did make a lot of things about her disability (like when a comment was made, she automatically was like oh well he must not like me because of this�) Anyways I did for the most part like her, she was a good mix I think of being strong-willed and could take care of herself, but not so much so that when Alpha male comes in that she is just a bitch.
Speaking of Alpha Males� Xanthus: Over 7 feet tall, black hair, dark, dark, dark eyes, and dangerous to boot. He is a warrior and ready to destroy anything and everything that would harm Sara. I think for the most part I liked him, he was very much the Alpha male but also again he was that good mix, of Alpha male but also stepping back when he knew he should, and giving her space to breathe and do her own stuff. I liked him. :D
The ending, hmmm� I think for the most part I am okay with it. I thought it was the end of the Sara and Xanthus story, could there be another book about other characters maybe. Would I recommend it (being another book I mean)� I am not entirely sure to be honest.
Very last thoughts I liked this, a lot.
So if you are interested in my thoughts on other books, non-water creature based books ;) you can check them out here:
I was a mermaid…oh I am sorry not mermaid, Dagonian virgin. Not anymore!
So I received this for an honest review, on a blog tour with Juniper Blog Tour Company. With that said honesty is the best policy. Yup, yup, yup.
Song Choice: “What a Catch, Donnie� by Fall Out Boy (yeah I was trying to be slightly funny there, but also serious), and “Never My Love� by Har Mar Superstar featuring Adam Green
First thoughts: As a mermaid � sea creature (almost all sea creatures I can think of only one book that I read that had sea-creatures in it) virgin I was very pleased with this experience. I thought that this was a really easy read, I finished it within the day, and I wanted to find out what happened. While there were some parts that were too vague for my likings I really did enjoy this book. I think that if you interested in trying out a water-creature book this might be for you because (I have no NONE, NADA, experience in this area of paranormal) there was a lot of time spent on land, and there was time spent in the water as well. But it wasn’t a completely sea-based book.
Thoughts on Plot: Well I thought that was this was really interesting, I have to say it again I have no experience really with the water-like creatures, but do I knew mermaids, and I don’t think that I have ever heard of the Dagonian so I am going to assume that it is an original creation. I would probably have loved it more…if the differences of mermaids and Dagonian were explored a little bit earlier in the book, because for the first half I was just thinking well apparently you look the same so what the hell is the big difference? I got they were descended from different Gods, yeah I got that but otherwise…not so much. So that was one thing I personally struggled with. I loved some of the overall plot ideas that were presented. Ideas like the crimes of the father, the ideas of racism that were brought in slightly. It was interesting how they were tied into this plot. I liked it, I liked it a lot. So back to actually happenings in the book, some things didn’t really shock me at all, others were a bit more surprising. There is one thing that I am still trying to figure out but spoilers ;) Overall I really did enjoy this book, there was a case of insta-love, but after the insta-love they did spend a lot (and when I mean a lot of I mean more than a week) before they decided anything rash.
*Oh okay so I went into this for some odd reason thinking this was an adult rated book � I really don’t know why, but there is no funny business here wink wink, nudge nudge get it? Kay just kissies
Characters:
Sara: She was interesting� she was an odd mix of innocent, sweet, caring, and feisty. She thought she was born with a deformity and she cannot walk. So she becomes very hostile when people make certain comments, which yeah I understand that sometimes disabled people feel that way but at the same time I was wondering wouldn’t she want to lighten up a bit, she did make a lot of things about her disability (like when a comment was made, she automatically was like oh well he must not like me because of this�) Anyways I did for the most part like her, she was a good mix I think of being strong-willed and could take care of herself, but not so much so that when Alpha male comes in that she is just a bitch.
Speaking of Alpha Males� Xanthus: Over 7 feet tall, black hair, dark, dark, dark eyes, and dangerous to boot. He is a warrior and ready to destroy anything and everything that would harm Sara. I think for the most part I liked him, he was very much the Alpha male but also again he was that good mix, of Alpha male but also stepping back when he knew he should, and giving her space to breathe and do her own stuff. I liked him. :D
The ending, hmmm� I think for the most part I am okay with it. I thought it was the end of the Sara and Xanthus story, could there be another book about other characters maybe. Would I recommend it (being another book I mean)� I am not entirely sure to be honest.
Very last thoughts I liked this, a lot.
So if you are interested in my thoughts on other books, non-water creature based books ;) you can check them out here:
September 5, 2014
I have never read a book about creatures that lurked under the sea. So naturally, I found this book fascinating! I found myself staying up late at night just to find out what happens next. This book is a real page turner! The cool creatures I read and learned about in this story were awesome!!
This book is told in the POV of two different characters. Xanthus Dimitriou is a powerful Dagonian in the sea. A Dagonian isn't considered a mermaid/merman, even if they are similar in certain ways, only the children of Triton are considered mermaids/merman's. In this book Xanthus is on a mission to save mankind from annihilation. Their are some of his people who see humans as a threat who need to be destroyed, but Xanthus isn't too sure. To prevent a war between the Dagonian and the humans he goes to the surface and blends in as a human to seek out those responsible for the crimes the Dagonian's accuse humans of doing and then he sends them to Triton to face their punishment. But before he can achieve his mission he needs to do something first. Kill a seemly innocent woman in a wheelchair named Sara Taylor. What's her crime you ask? Being born. She's a human/Dagonian half-breed, an abomination where he comes from. He knows that he should kill her but...he can't seem to make herself commit the act. She seems so sweet, so innocent, so very beautiful. He knows what he should do, but what his head is telling him is going against what his heart is telling him. Before he knows it, he is protecting the human. But that just might cost him his life...
Sara Taylor is one of my favorite characters in this book. Despite being in a wheelchair, she tries to remain independent. She deeply cared for other people. And I believe, she was a perfect main character! She was sweet and kind but, at the same time brave and loyal. She has a good head on her shoulders and she is intelligent. She fought for the people she loved which I admired. I felt for Sara when she felt embarrassed about her 'Anomaly'. I wanted her to be confident in who she was. To know that she was beautiful and that nothing was wrong with her and eventually, she did see that. She grew as a character which is amazing, as a reader, to read about. I feel like I connected with Sara's character and really enjoyed reading about her!
Okay, now Xanthus has to be one of my favorite characters of all time! He was awesome!! He was just the right amounts of confident and aggressive. He never treated Sara bad or tried to control her. He accepted her independence and respected her for that. He was protective, don't get me wrong, but he wasn't overbearing. I hate male characters that act like the female needs to be rescued all the time and I'm so glad Xanthus wasn't like that. He was...perfect! Makes me want to go into the sea to see if I can find a guy like him!! LOL But not only was he brave, confident, and powerful, he was sweet and caring. He wasn't afraid to show Sara affection and treated her like she was the most treasured thing in all the world. Love his character!!
I love this book! Seriously, I could read it over and over again! It's a book that you will never get bored with, no matter how many times you read it. Come to think of it...I want to read it again! I loved the main characters, but I also liked the minor characters like Triton and Nicole. I found their characters so interesting and funny as heck! I hope there is a second book coming out soon! I need more! This is one of the best books I ever read and one of the best books I've read this year. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to everyone! It's brilliant!!
Some of my favorite parts:
"Before I give you any command, you will answer me this one question. Are you courageous or stupid?"
"He would kill for her. He would even die for her."
"Do Dagonian's ever wear makeup?"
"You can tell I'm wearing makeup?" Xanthus gaped at her.
"What? No. You?" Xanthus laughed and Sara relaxed, scowling at her own naivety.
"I've never met a more unusual woman." He smiled. "She is like being caught in a whirlpool. She's moody, unreasonable, childish, overprotective, and by the gods, I'm beginning to like her."
This book is told in the POV of two different characters. Xanthus Dimitriou is a powerful Dagonian in the sea. A Dagonian isn't considered a mermaid/merman, even if they are similar in certain ways, only the children of Triton are considered mermaids/merman's. In this book Xanthus is on a mission to save mankind from annihilation. Their are some of his people who see humans as a threat who need to be destroyed, but Xanthus isn't too sure. To prevent a war between the Dagonian and the humans he goes to the surface and blends in as a human to seek out those responsible for the crimes the Dagonian's accuse humans of doing and then he sends them to Triton to face their punishment. But before he can achieve his mission he needs to do something first. Kill a seemly innocent woman in a wheelchair named Sara Taylor. What's her crime you ask? Being born. She's a human/Dagonian half-breed, an abomination where he comes from. He knows that he should kill her but...he can't seem to make herself commit the act. She seems so sweet, so innocent, so very beautiful. He knows what he should do, but what his head is telling him is going against what his heart is telling him. Before he knows it, he is protecting the human. But that just might cost him his life...
Sara Taylor is one of my favorite characters in this book. Despite being in a wheelchair, she tries to remain independent. She deeply cared for other people. And I believe, she was a perfect main character! She was sweet and kind but, at the same time brave and loyal. She has a good head on her shoulders and she is intelligent. She fought for the people she loved which I admired. I felt for Sara when she felt embarrassed about her 'Anomaly'. I wanted her to be confident in who she was. To know that she was beautiful and that nothing was wrong with her and eventually, she did see that. She grew as a character which is amazing, as a reader, to read about. I feel like I connected with Sara's character and really enjoyed reading about her!
Okay, now Xanthus has to be one of my favorite characters of all time! He was awesome!! He was just the right amounts of confident and aggressive. He never treated Sara bad or tried to control her. He accepted her independence and respected her for that. He was protective, don't get me wrong, but he wasn't overbearing. I hate male characters that act like the female needs to be rescued all the time and I'm so glad Xanthus wasn't like that. He was...perfect! Makes me want to go into the sea to see if I can find a guy like him!! LOL But not only was he brave, confident, and powerful, he was sweet and caring. He wasn't afraid to show Sara affection and treated her like she was the most treasured thing in all the world. Love his character!!
I love this book! Seriously, I could read it over and over again! It's a book that you will never get bored with, no matter how many times you read it. Come to think of it...I want to read it again! I loved the main characters, but I also liked the minor characters like Triton and Nicole. I found their characters so interesting and funny as heck! I hope there is a second book coming out soon! I need more! This is one of the best books I ever read and one of the best books I've read this year. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to everyone! It's brilliant!!
Some of my favorite parts:
"Before I give you any command, you will answer me this one question. Are you courageous or stupid?"
"He would kill for her. He would even die for her."
"Do Dagonian's ever wear makeup?"
"You can tell I'm wearing makeup?" Xanthus gaped at her.
"What? No. You?" Xanthus laughed and Sara relaxed, scowling at her own naivety.
"I've never met a more unusual woman." He smiled. "She is like being caught in a whirlpool. She's moody, unreasonable, childish, overprotective, and by the gods, I'm beginning to like her."
September 5, 2014
Xanthus is a Dagonian which are often mistaken for Mermaids/Mermen. He is a warrior, however he does not agree with his brother to go into full blown war with the humans. So he brings his idea to go on land to try to convince the humans to quit polluting the water to stop the war to Triton. His brother couldn't possibly go against a god! While on land trying to complete his mission he runs into someone who he assumes to be an outlaw. A Dagonian living on land. When he see's this female Dagonian in a wheelchair he knows he has to kill her. Being an outlaw is punishable by death. However he just can't bring himself to do it. At the same time he doesn't expect to feel anything for her either.
Sara was born with a deformity that looks like a tail. Or at least that is what she always thought. She has always gone through great pains to always hide it and make sure no one see's it. She is finally free, living on her own away from her overbearing mother. Of course she can only afford an apartment in one of the worst area's. When she meets her new landlord and he expresses interest in her she doesn't know what to do. She knows if things progress further once he catches sight of her legs or what should be her legs that he will run.
But little does Sara know that Xanthus knows exactly what she is and what she is hiding and he has answers that she has wanted her whole life.
My Opinion: This is the first book that I have read from this author and I have to say that I am majorly impressed. I have books about Mermaids yet I had not read any of them yet until this one. I love the authors creativity and writing style. I was totally immersed in the book from beginning to end much to my husbands disappointment as it meant he was on kid duty. lol. Once I was done I immediately started on book 2 as I was eager for more. I definitely recommend reading!
'Read and Reviewed by LSK sweetheart Reviews'
Sara was born with a deformity that looks like a tail. Or at least that is what she always thought. She has always gone through great pains to always hide it and make sure no one see's it. She is finally free, living on her own away from her overbearing mother. Of course she can only afford an apartment in one of the worst area's. When she meets her new landlord and he expresses interest in her she doesn't know what to do. She knows if things progress further once he catches sight of her legs or what should be her legs that he will run.
But little does Sara know that Xanthus knows exactly what she is and what she is hiding and he has answers that she has wanted her whole life.
My Opinion: This is the first book that I have read from this author and I have to say that I am majorly impressed. I have books about Mermaids yet I had not read any of them yet until this one. I love the authors creativity and writing style. I was totally immersed in the book from beginning to end much to my husbands disappointment as it meant he was on kid duty. lol. Once I was done I immediately started on book 2 as I was eager for more. I definitely recommend reading!
'Read and Reviewed by LSK sweetheart Reviews'
November 21, 2014
What a fun read!
Sara is a "disabled" girl--she always keeps her legs bundled up so no one can see her deformity--a mermaid's tail. She has persevered in life despite her over-protective (and possibly deranged) mother, but she has no idea what is in store. See, under the sea there is a battle a-comin'.
Xanthus is a Dagonian--a virtually immortal race born from the union between the gods Dagon and Calypso--so just because he has a tail don't be calling HIM a merman. The Mer, children of Triton, are extinct--or are they? Triton grants Xanthus the power to walk on land in order to hunt down the human polluters who recently contaminated the seas killing thousands of Dagonians. He has one year to find the guilty parties and send them to Triton--and he's efficient. Catches the corporate masterminds who approved the polluting within a month.
What he didn't expect to find? A half-ling--a person born of a human and Dagonian. Mixing of the races is unlawful and Xanthus is duty bound to kill this offspring--and the Dagonian and Human who spawned such a monstrosity. Of course, meeting Sara Xanthus' zeal is tamed. The delicate creature is not what he had expected to find.
No, he's charmed by Sara, experiencing his first bloom of attraction for a female, ever, even if he isn't quite sure what sort of creature she is--her blue eyes mark her as not-Dagonian. Could it be that she's Mer? If he kills Triton's daughter he's in big trouble, but his authoritarian Dagonians will kill Sara on sight. Dagonians have long hated the Mer. Now Xanthus needs to protect Sara from his own family--and himself--goodness me, the gal's in "mating season" and her pheromones are testing every last piece of Xanthus' resistence.
The story's clean--suitable for YA readers. It's a fun, fishy tale with plenty of precautionary info--like make sure you pay attention to what sort of drink your date brings you 'cause it may be drugged--and there's a good bit of sexual tension that is dealt with frankly.
I had some lingering questions--like where does Xanthus get his money from? And, why is his brother so bent on ruling with an iron trident?
I loved how Sara kept herself strong in the face of mythic challenges. Also, there's some cool feminist themes--Sara isn't willing to simply submit to Xanthus, unlike Dagonian women, which is a cool swap. Xanthus has to learn to be less draconian and more open to "asking" Sara to do what he'd like. A bit of instalove between the characters, fueled by Xanthus' visceral reaction to Sara's pheromones...which was a neat way to foster sexual tension.
Sara is a "disabled" girl--she always keeps her legs bundled up so no one can see her deformity--a mermaid's tail. She has persevered in life despite her over-protective (and possibly deranged) mother, but she has no idea what is in store. See, under the sea there is a battle a-comin'.
Xanthus is a Dagonian--a virtually immortal race born from the union between the gods Dagon and Calypso--so just because he has a tail don't be calling HIM a merman. The Mer, children of Triton, are extinct--or are they? Triton grants Xanthus the power to walk on land in order to hunt down the human polluters who recently contaminated the seas killing thousands of Dagonians. He has one year to find the guilty parties and send them to Triton--and he's efficient. Catches the corporate masterminds who approved the polluting within a month.
What he didn't expect to find? A half-ling--a person born of a human and Dagonian. Mixing of the races is unlawful and Xanthus is duty bound to kill this offspring--and the Dagonian and Human who spawned such a monstrosity. Of course, meeting Sara Xanthus' zeal is tamed. The delicate creature is not what he had expected to find.
No, he's charmed by Sara, experiencing his first bloom of attraction for a female, ever, even if he isn't quite sure what sort of creature she is--her blue eyes mark her as not-Dagonian. Could it be that she's Mer? If he kills Triton's daughter he's in big trouble, but his authoritarian Dagonians will kill Sara on sight. Dagonians have long hated the Mer. Now Xanthus needs to protect Sara from his own family--and himself--goodness me, the gal's in "mating season" and her pheromones are testing every last piece of Xanthus' resistence.
The story's clean--suitable for YA readers. It's a fun, fishy tale with plenty of precautionary info--like make sure you pay attention to what sort of drink your date brings you 'cause it may be drugged--and there's a good bit of sexual tension that is dealt with frankly.
I had some lingering questions--like where does Xanthus get his money from? And, why is his brother so bent on ruling with an iron trident?
I loved how Sara kept herself strong in the face of mythic challenges. Also, there's some cool feminist themes--Sara isn't willing to simply submit to Xanthus, unlike Dagonian women, which is a cool swap. Xanthus has to learn to be less draconian and more open to "asking" Sara to do what he'd like. A bit of instalove between the characters, fueled by Xanthus' visceral reaction to Sara's pheromones...which was a neat way to foster sexual tension.
May 22, 2014
Picked this one up for free on Amazon. I'm glad I did. It was a great introduction to what this author has to offer and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This was a clean romance read, no swearing, some kissing and obvious attraction. There was some violence.
I did enjoy the characters and the underwater world with the mix of Olympus Gods thrown in for good measure. It's a sort of paranormal/fantasy romance. Fun.
Something that was super cool that I really liked because I'm always concerned about content is the little scan code at the beginning of the book. It said if I scanned it would take me to the content rating and description. So, I pulled out my phone and busted out my scan code app and it took me right to the content ratings and descriptions. It was AWESOME! I wish every book did that.
I did enjoy the characters and the underwater world with the mix of Olympus Gods thrown in for good measure. It's a sort of paranormal/fantasy romance. Fun.
Something that was super cool that I really liked because I'm always concerned about content is the little scan code at the beginning of the book. It said if I scanned it would take me to the content rating and description. So, I pulled out my phone and busted out my scan code app and it took me right to the content ratings and descriptions. It was AWESOME! I wish every book did that.
April 26, 2014
I was actually excited for this book. I was looking forward to read a book with an undersea world, but I was in for a great disappointment. This was not a great read for me. Several things about this book bothered me and I will list some of them here.
First, I did not like the writing much, it was somewhat good in the beginning, but the further I got in the book the worse the writing got. It could be a matter of personal preference, but the writing did seem somewhat forced to me. It seemed as the author tried too hard to create a good flow, which simply caused to create a bad flow. I also sat with many unanswered questions after I finished. Some questions was also really bugging me while I read.
Second, the characters did not seem believable to me. I most certainly did not like Xanthus. Not at all. In the description of this book, it says “Xanthus Dimitriou—the most lethal Dagonian to rise from the ocean…� For me he did not come across as badass as he sounds. He had his moments were he was all “kill kill kill� and then suddenly he was this little soft puppy who was all “Sara, Sara, I love you so much, you’re the love of my life, blah blah� Meh, so boring. He was simply not a good enough rounded character for me to like him.
In the start, I actually quite liked Sara. At first, she had this way of thinking that she was not a damsel in distress, but in the end, that was exactly what she was. She had her moments were I enjoyed her a lot, for example when she proved her independence, but then she come with some moments were she just annoyed me so much. It was like when she was with Xanthus she was this completely different person. The same goes for him around her.
Which brings me to their relationship, and let me tell you, it annoyed me so much. First, it happened out of nowhere, and was basically based on appearances alone. There just wasn’t any emotional ground to their relationship. Xanthus gets super protective for no reason (I can see) the instant he sees her (not meet, sees). It just appears so odd and unnatural to me, and was never fully explained. I find it so odd and out of character that just because she’s so beautiful he would just like that go against years (several decades actually) of experience and living as a dagonian and just let her live instead of killing her. I just can’t get my head around it. It seems so unbelievable. There were other things bugging me as well, like when Xanthus realizes he loves Sara, they have just met, they do not know each other, at all. And when he proposed? Way soon! It seemed so forced, odd and weird action after knowing the other person for what? A week?
In addition, the fact that that Sara just ran into Tritons arms when she found out he was her father, really annoyed me. Who just runs into a complete strangers arm just like that? Father or not. It just struck me as odd, as so many other things with this book.
The universe had great potential though, but I felt it was not done justice. It lacked details, and I had a hard time picturing it.
I rather liked the last few chapters, but this book just didn’t gave me what I look for in a book. It simply lacked that little extra.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2013
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!
**Received an ebook copy from Clean Teen Publishing for an honest review
The cover is absolutely beautiful!! I was intrigued from the first moment I saw it! Marya did a fantastic job!
The story was phenomenal and I loved every moment of reading it! I couldn’t put it down in fact I read it straight through much to my son’s chagrin.
I totally fell in love with Xanthus and Sara. Sara is strong, independent, and doesn’t just cower and hide when something bad happens. I couldn’t imagine being confined to a wheel chair or people thinking you were an abomination. She is very strong and a great role model for not giving up. Xanthus is a fierce and protective warrior with a soft spot for Sara. He also sounds very dreamy :)
This is a awesome combination of mythology, sea creatures, and the real world. Can you imagine if Dagonians or mermaids were real? What if they lived among us? Do you think they would appreciate what we do to the world? I think it would be cool to swim the oceans and not fear for your life from sharks and everything else that lives in the ocean especially if Xanthus was by your side.
Okay the ending frustrated me, but you have to read it to see what I mean!! I can't wait to read more about this awesome world!! Holly totally rocks!! :)
I will definitely be adding this book to my library in paperback. If you like mermaid adventures, you will love this one!!
**Received an ebook copy from Clean Teen Publishing for an honest review
The cover is absolutely beautiful!! I was intrigued from the first moment I saw it! Marya did a fantastic job!
The story was phenomenal and I loved every moment of reading it! I couldn’t put it down in fact I read it straight through much to my son’s chagrin.
I totally fell in love with Xanthus and Sara. Sara is strong, independent, and doesn’t just cower and hide when something bad happens. I couldn’t imagine being confined to a wheel chair or people thinking you were an abomination. She is very strong and a great role model for not giving up. Xanthus is a fierce and protective warrior with a soft spot for Sara. He also sounds very dreamy :)
This is a awesome combination of mythology, sea creatures, and the real world. Can you imagine if Dagonians or mermaids were real? What if they lived among us? Do you think they would appreciate what we do to the world? I think it would be cool to swim the oceans and not fear for your life from sharks and everything else that lives in the ocean especially if Xanthus was by your side.
Okay the ending frustrated me, but you have to read it to see what I mean!! I can't wait to read more about this awesome world!! Holly totally rocks!! :)
I will definitely be adding this book to my library in paperback. If you like mermaid adventures, you will love this one!!
February 19, 2014
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!
**Received an ebook copy from Clean Teen Publishing for an honest review
The cover is absolutely beautiful!! I was intrigued from the first moment I saw it! Marya did a fantastic job!
The story was phenomenal and I loved every moment of reading it! I couldn’t put it down in fact I read it straight through much to my son’s chagrin.
I totally fell in love with Xanthus and Sara. Sara is strong, independent, and doesn’t just cower and hide when something bad happens. I couldn’t imagine being confined to a wheel chair or people thinking you were an abomination. She is very strong and a great role model for not giving up. Xanthus is a fierce and protective warrior with a soft spot for Sara. He also sounds very dreamy :)
This is a awesome combination of mythology, sea creatures, and the real world. Can you imagine if Dagonians or mermaids were real? What if they lived among us? Do you think they would appreciate what we do to the world? I think it would be cool to swim the oceans and not fear for your life from sharks and everything else that lives in the ocean especially if Xanthus was by your side.
Okay the ending frustrated me, but you have to read it to see what I mean!! I can't wait to read more about this awesome world!! Holly totally rocks!! :)
I will definitely be adding this book to my library in paperback. If you like mermaid adventures, you will love this one!!
**Received an ebook copy from Clean Teen Publishing for an honest review
The cover is absolutely beautiful!! I was intrigued from the first moment I saw it! Marya did a fantastic job!
The story was phenomenal and I loved every moment of reading it! I couldn’t put it down in fact I read it straight through much to my son’s chagrin.
I totally fell in love with Xanthus and Sara. Sara is strong, independent, and doesn’t just cower and hide when something bad happens. I couldn’t imagine being confined to a wheel chair or people thinking you were an abomination. She is very strong and a great role model for not giving up. Xanthus is a fierce and protective warrior with a soft spot for Sara. He also sounds very dreamy :)
This is a awesome combination of mythology, sea creatures, and the real world. Can you imagine if Dagonians or mermaids were real? What if they lived among us? Do you think they would appreciate what we do to the world? I think it would be cool to swim the oceans and not fear for your life from sharks and everything else that lives in the ocean especially if Xanthus was by your side.
Okay the ending frustrated me, but you have to read it to see what I mean!! I can't wait to read more about this awesome world!! Holly totally rocks!! :)
I will definitely be adding this book to my library in paperback. If you like mermaid adventures, you will love this one!!
April 28, 2014
I could not lay this book down. I'm not even kidding. It has been a long time since I was enthralled with such a compelling story, and once I started reading, I didn't stop until I finished it. Holly Kelly has woven a beautiful tale, making life under the sea feel modern and desirable once again. Fantastic!
June 24, 2014
This book kept me awake all night. There's no better way to greet dawn then with the final chapters of a really good read. This was a really good read!
January 18, 2014
Okay... Not the book for me. I really thought I would love it, seing as how it has nearly 4.5 stars on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, but sadly, I was mistaken. Though there are some good things in this book, the last half killed it for me. Therefore I cannot give it more than one star, maaaybe 1.5.
Positive things:
- Very interesting and creative use of mythology.
- Great universe
- First half (at least the first chapters) were very well written. The prologue in itself, and not su much the summary, was what pursuaded me to buy it.
- Our hero, Xanthus was pretty alright, and the name is seriously cool.
Negative parts
- Predictable as hell
- Second half of the book.
- Our heroine, Mary Sue... Woops, I mean Sara, who seems to have this conversation a lot;
Some other person: ''Gosh, you really are beautiful. Like the most beautiful person I've ever seen''
Sara: ''Aaaaw, you really think so? I mean I do look a lot like my mother who is super attractive, but no... I'm not beautiful at all.''
Xanthus: ''You are so beautiful''
Sara: ''Really? Thank's''
Xhanthus: ''I'm sorry, but I must leave for a while''
Sara: ''Oh, no... Is it because I'm not beautiful enough?''
Sara: ''Oh no, why is every male constantly trying to kill or/and rape me? So annoying.''
Well, the scenes are not this bad, but you catch my drift.
- So many things vere left unexplained. Like how Sara, being a marmaid, has her period once a year.(Yes, an actual period. Not just breeding seasons) How does this work exactely? With her having a tail and all? And how on earth did she not notice the effect her singing had on males? Seriously girl, you sing all the time, but never think it's strange how everyone suddenly turnes and stares like you were made out of chocolate?
All in all the book had a great premise, but a poor execution. Unless you're into Mary Sues and their quests for true love (which she finds after spending a couple days/a week with our hero. Obviously).
Positive things:
- Very interesting and creative use of mythology.
- Great universe
- First half (at least the first chapters) were very well written. The prologue in itself, and not su much the summary, was what pursuaded me to buy it.
- Our hero, Xanthus was pretty alright, and the name is seriously cool.
Negative parts
- Predictable as hell
- Second half of the book.
- Our heroine, Mary Sue... Woops, I mean Sara, who seems to have this conversation a lot;
Some other person: ''Gosh, you really are beautiful. Like the most beautiful person I've ever seen''
Sara: ''Aaaaw, you really think so? I mean I do look a lot like my mother who is super attractive, but no... I'm not beautiful at all.''
Xanthus: ''You are so beautiful''
Sara: ''Really? Thank's''
Xhanthus: ''I'm sorry, but I must leave for a while''
Sara: ''Oh, no... Is it because I'm not beautiful enough?''
Sara: ''Oh no, why is every male constantly trying to kill or/and rape me? So annoying.''
Well, the scenes are not this bad, but you catch my drift.
- So many things vere left unexplained. Like how Sara, being a marmaid, has her period once a year.(Yes, an actual period. Not just breeding seasons) How does this work exactely? With her having a tail and all? And how on earth did she not notice the effect her singing had on males? Seriously girl, you sing all the time, but never think it's strange how everyone suddenly turnes and stares like you were made out of chocolate?
All in all the book had a great premise, but a poor execution. Unless you're into Mary Sues and their quests for true love (which she finds after spending a couple days/a week with our hero. Obviously).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2014
Unsolicited review.
What would have made this book spectacular. Kill Sara at the beginning of the book as Xanthus intended, then proceed to be a book about a vengeful not-mermaid-mermaid warrior taking out his rage on unsuspecting human polluters in the most horrific of ways. Seriously. THAT would be an awesome book.
The cover...I haven't seen such ridiculous poser mermaids since the early 2000's. Author--WHY did you accept such horrifying cover art? I can link to about five different artists who create stunning mermaid covers. This dude looks like a Poser model wearing a mermaid fin with his feet sticking out the sides. And the sharks remind me of the happy, dopey shark from A Shark Tale.
I have questions. Lots of questions. Why won't anybody answer these questions? Namely, the author. HOW DO MERMAIDS HAVE SEX? Where is the penis? The vagina? Do they do the Futurama Atlantan thing and the male just fertilizes the eggs after the female lays them? How does anybody of any intelligence believe that she's 'deformed' when she's OBVIOUSLY GOT A FRICKIN' FIN? Fish fins DO NOT look like deformed legs.
Also, this book was like a bad Anna Banks' Of Triton/Posiedon fanfiction. Really bad. Painful. Seriously. The parallels are really, really obvious. Kelly, did you copy Banks' books? I think you did. I didn't say plagerize, but there are some pretty dang significant similarities in the book. Like massive. Like, way too huge to have just coincidentally been the same sort of ya know, plot. Same type of feud. Same type of secret special powers--the siren-singing, the shark-taming. Same type of--yeah. I could go all day. This is me giving you the squinty-eye ;/ .
So there's probably spoilers, but honestly, if you don't figure out the 'twists' within a few pages, you're an idiot. That's all there is to it.
The book reads like it was written by a fifteen-year-old. Stilted, sloggy, slooooow action. Dialogue is weird and clunky. And inconsistent! Xanthus starts off talking in very proper, stiff English, then BAM, he's using slang and contractions. What's-her-face, the heroine, is all DON'T CALL ME CRIPPLED! and then constantly refers to herself as crippled. The book drones on and on and goes nowhere. It has these flashes of decent violence with a scary lead, and then it's back to hair-stroking and out-of-the-blue declarations of eternal love.
Xanthus is obviously a kick-ass protector. A little smothery for my tastes, but overall, sure, whatever. So instead of going to him with a major problem, what's-her-name runs away. To her mommy. Whom she hates. Because she's CRAZY. There was an attempt to inject some sort of wierd subplot about how mommy makes what's-her-name serve her and then ignores her, that really goes nowhere. The whole run-to-mom things goes nowhere, because the entire bulk of story-moving action could have been accomplished with a phone call.
Oh yeah. The heroine's name is Sara. She's--DUM DUM DUUUUUUM--Triton's daughter. (You know who else turned out to be sea-god royalty? Emma, in Anna Banks' books Of Triton/Of Poseidon.) INstead of being this fearsome ancient sea-god, he's a big lovey daddy fish! Whodathunkit? Everybody is scared shitless of the dude, and all he wanted was a HUG.
So, the story begins with Sara doing the independent disabled woman bit. She's strong, she's capable, and she can still kick ass, even with a FRIGGIN MERMAID TAIL FOLDED INTO A SPANDEX TUBE. Bones. Cartilage. Muscles. THEY DON'T FOLD. Can you fold a living fish in half (and still expect it to live?). She gets into trouble with a date-raper, and Zanthus, who apparently looks like a wrestler, shows up, kicks his ass, makes him pee his pants, and saves the day. THEY FALL IN LOOOOOOVE instantly. Fast forward through way too much non-story. Angry warrior not-mermaid mermaids want to kill the mermaid-mermaids. Laws are broken. Xanthus has gone from rugged warrior to huge GReek teddy bear. Sara is suddenly done with being independent and lets him literally carry her around everywhere. Not-mermaid-mermaids want to kill Sara. Xanthus says no. They try anyway. Prison scene. Prison scene. Prison scene. Big not-mermaid-mermaid fight where one not-mermaid-mermaid kills 3 dozen more not-mermaid-mermaids.
And I forgot! The worst part! Xanthus is MARRY ME! and Sara is YES! and then she's like omg, no, I can't I'm scared and runs to Mommy. Crazy mommy. Yep. Xanthus hunts her down, the big dashing warrior that he is. So they've known each other for like three weeks and apparently, discerning from statements Sara makes at one point in the book, she's been on her frickin' period for the ENTIRE time. Again, I ask, WHERE IS HER VAGINA, if she's got a frickin' FIN?
Another huge thing that has bugged the CRAP out of me? The doctor, in the first chapter. STERILE TECHNIQUE, DUDE! Deep handwash, if not a full surgical scrub, with antibacterial soap, then your gown goes on FIRST, then your gloves--the gloves cover the sleeves of the gown. Birth is technically not a sterile procedure, but you have to be as sterile as possible.
I'm so glad I got the book free. If you want a GOOD mermaid story, read Anna Banks' Of Triton/Of Poseidon series. It's so damn much better. Writing-wise, plot-wise, character-wise.
What would have made this book spectacular. Kill Sara at the beginning of the book as Xanthus intended, then proceed to be a book about a vengeful not-mermaid-mermaid warrior taking out his rage on unsuspecting human polluters in the most horrific of ways. Seriously. THAT would be an awesome book.
The cover...I haven't seen such ridiculous poser mermaids since the early 2000's. Author--WHY did you accept such horrifying cover art? I can link to about five different artists who create stunning mermaid covers. This dude looks like a Poser model wearing a mermaid fin with his feet sticking out the sides. And the sharks remind me of the happy, dopey shark from A Shark Tale.
I have questions. Lots of questions. Why won't anybody answer these questions? Namely, the author. HOW DO MERMAIDS HAVE SEX? Where is the penis? The vagina? Do they do the Futurama Atlantan thing and the male just fertilizes the eggs after the female lays them? How does anybody of any intelligence believe that she's 'deformed' when she's OBVIOUSLY GOT A FRICKIN' FIN? Fish fins DO NOT look like deformed legs.
Also, this book was like a bad Anna Banks' Of Triton/Posiedon fanfiction. Really bad. Painful. Seriously. The parallels are really, really obvious. Kelly, did you copy Banks' books? I think you did. I didn't say plagerize, but there are some pretty dang significant similarities in the book. Like massive. Like, way too huge to have just coincidentally been the same sort of ya know, plot. Same type of feud. Same type of secret special powers--the siren-singing, the shark-taming. Same type of--yeah. I could go all day. This is me giving you the squinty-eye ;/ .
So there's probably spoilers, but honestly, if you don't figure out the 'twists' within a few pages, you're an idiot. That's all there is to it.
The book reads like it was written by a fifteen-year-old. Stilted, sloggy, slooooow action. Dialogue is weird and clunky. And inconsistent! Xanthus starts off talking in very proper, stiff English, then BAM, he's using slang and contractions. What's-her-face, the heroine, is all DON'T CALL ME CRIPPLED! and then constantly refers to herself as crippled. The book drones on and on and goes nowhere. It has these flashes of decent violence with a scary lead, and then it's back to hair-stroking and out-of-the-blue declarations of eternal love.
Xanthus is obviously a kick-ass protector. A little smothery for my tastes, but overall, sure, whatever. So instead of going to him with a major problem, what's-her-name runs away. To her mommy. Whom she hates. Because she's CRAZY. There was an attempt to inject some sort of wierd subplot about how mommy makes what's-her-name serve her and then ignores her, that really goes nowhere. The whole run-to-mom things goes nowhere, because the entire bulk of story-moving action could have been accomplished with a phone call.
Oh yeah. The heroine's name is Sara. She's--DUM DUM DUUUUUUM--Triton's daughter. (You know who else turned out to be sea-god royalty? Emma, in Anna Banks' books Of Triton/Of Poseidon.) INstead of being this fearsome ancient sea-god, he's a big lovey daddy fish! Whodathunkit? Everybody is scared shitless of the dude, and all he wanted was a HUG.
So, the story begins with Sara doing the independent disabled woman bit. She's strong, she's capable, and she can still kick ass, even with a FRIGGIN MERMAID TAIL FOLDED INTO A SPANDEX TUBE. Bones. Cartilage. Muscles. THEY DON'T FOLD. Can you fold a living fish in half (and still expect it to live?). She gets into trouble with a date-raper, and Zanthus, who apparently looks like a wrestler, shows up, kicks his ass, makes him pee his pants, and saves the day. THEY FALL IN LOOOOOOVE instantly. Fast forward through way too much non-story. Angry warrior not-mermaid mermaids want to kill the mermaid-mermaids. Laws are broken. Xanthus has gone from rugged warrior to huge GReek teddy bear. Sara is suddenly done with being independent and lets him literally carry her around everywhere. Not-mermaid-mermaids want to kill Sara. Xanthus says no. They try anyway. Prison scene. Prison scene. Prison scene. Big not-mermaid-mermaid fight where one not-mermaid-mermaid kills 3 dozen more not-mermaid-mermaids.
And I forgot! The worst part! Xanthus is MARRY ME! and Sara is YES! and then she's like omg, no, I can't I'm scared and runs to Mommy. Crazy mommy. Yep. Xanthus hunts her down, the big dashing warrior that he is. So they've known each other for like three weeks and apparently, discerning from statements Sara makes at one point in the book, she's been on her frickin' period for the ENTIRE time. Again, I ask, WHERE IS HER VAGINA, if she's got a frickin' FIN?
Another huge thing that has bugged the CRAP out of me? The doctor, in the first chapter. STERILE TECHNIQUE, DUDE! Deep handwash, if not a full surgical scrub, with antibacterial soap, then your gown goes on FIRST, then your gloves--the gloves cover the sleeves of the gown. Birth is technically not a sterile procedure, but you have to be as sterile as possible.
I'm so glad I got the book free. If you want a GOOD mermaid story, read Anna Banks' Of Triton/Of Poseidon series. It's so damn much better. Writing-wise, plot-wise, character-wise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.