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A Mermaid Dystopia
What lies beneath the surface? One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it, new forms of life. Who are the Mers? Who is Mira? Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren across the border that divides Ellis Island and New Jersey, a border that divides two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one.
But as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of Aristocrats who hate the Mers, Pirates who want to sell them, and Magi who want to use them...finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death.
What lies beneath the surface? One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it, new forms of life. Who are the Mers? Who is Mira? Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren across the border that divides Ellis Island and New Jersey, a border that divides two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one.
But as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of Aristocrats who hate the Mers, Pirates who want to sell them, and Magi who want to use them...finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death.
275 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2011
9 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Ami Blackwelder
74 books380 followersM.Black is the author of ELECTRIC WORLD, EXOTIQA WORLD, SIM WORLD, GRAPH WORLD, QUANTUM STATE and more. She writes Dystopian Thrillers and can be found at http://MBlackDystopianThrillers.blogs...
Ami Blackwelder write Paranormal stories with a side of apocalypse. Elves, angels, vampires, zombies, mermaids, shifters. Found here: http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com
Rebecca May is her pen name for The Day the Flowers Died, a World War II romanc.e
Ami Blackwelder write Paranormal stories with a side of apocalypse. Elves, angels, vampires, zombies, mermaids, shifters. Found here: http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com
Rebecca May is her pen name for The Day the Flowers Died, a World War II romanc.e
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 1, 2011
"One hundred years ago, humans began to reap what they had sewn. The Earth fought back with vengeance. Water saturated the planet in what had been dubbed the Great Deluge. Much of the land on Earth vanished underneath the seas. Many humans died, but those who survived became divided."
Mira always knew she was different. Being raised by Mers while not actually looking like a mermaid seem to always make her wonder who she is. Until the age of seventeen she is just aware of the fact she is not like anyone else surrounding her on Liberty Shore. Though she is forbidden to wonder beyond the border of her homeland she is haunted by the desire to seek for her real family and find out about the reasons why they've abandoned her.
"Who is she? She hardly knows. A human? A Mer? An Aristo? Something else? Something more?
Oh my...this was truly an interesting read for me. It's my first mermaid dystopian and I really enjoyed every single page of this book. I always found mermaids very fascinating, especially because of their captivating beauty and enchanting singing. I even remember been read a lot of mermaid stories when I was young, and I always envied these beautiful creatures for their freedom to govern the seas.
So, besides being a great fantasy and young adult read, this book reminded me of the good old childhood days and I thank Ami for this.
The story is centered around Mira and her journey to self-discovery. While trying to find "her kind" she is about to reveal the truths hidden deep in her heart. It was really very easy to like her, the author developed it's character so well, you could almost see this young cherry-red haired girl wondering through new lands, curiously discovering new worlds.
I restrain myself from giving away more from the plot, because I really don't want to spoil your enjoyment while reading this book. But I will just say, I loved the message behind it - watch for it.
Finally, I would like to thank the author for generously giving me a copy of this lovely book. Thank you Ami, I really enjoyed it.
Mira always knew she was different. Being raised by Mers while not actually looking like a mermaid seem to always make her wonder who she is. Until the age of seventeen she is just aware of the fact she is not like anyone else surrounding her on Liberty Shore. Though she is forbidden to wonder beyond the border of her homeland she is haunted by the desire to seek for her real family and find out about the reasons why they've abandoned her.
"Who is she? She hardly knows. A human? A Mer? An Aristo? Something else? Something more?
Oh my...this was truly an interesting read for me. It's my first mermaid dystopian and I really enjoyed every single page of this book. I always found mermaids very fascinating, especially because of their captivating beauty and enchanting singing. I even remember been read a lot of mermaid stories when I was young, and I always envied these beautiful creatures for their freedom to govern the seas.
So, besides being a great fantasy and young adult read, this book reminded me of the good old childhood days and I thank Ami for this.
The story is centered around Mira and her journey to self-discovery. While trying to find "her kind" she is about to reveal the truths hidden deep in her heart. It was really very easy to like her, the author developed it's character so well, you could almost see this young cherry-red haired girl wondering through new lands, curiously discovering new worlds.
I restrain myself from giving away more from the plot, because I really don't want to spoil your enjoyment while reading this book. But I will just say, I loved the message behind it - watch for it.
Finally, I would like to thank the author for generously giving me a copy of this lovely book. Thank you Ami, I really enjoyed it.
March 28, 2012
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this ebook via the LibraryThing Members Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: The Mers: What lies beneath the surface?
One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it, new forms of life. Who are the Mers? Who is Mira?
Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren with her, across the border dividing Elise Island and New Jersey, the border dividing two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one. But as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of humans who hate the Mers, and pirates who want to sell them...finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death.
A series twist on the Mermaid tale.
My Thoughts: After The Invasion of 2020 I wasn’t expecting much. However, while the idea of a young girl deciding to go wander around in the city of her people’s deadly enemies just to see if she can find her family is a little far-fetched, this is a much better book overall. However, Blackwelder does a much better job developing the characters and creating an easily followed plot. I actually found myself quite engrossed in the story, wondering what would happen next. I liked the genetic progression from human to mer and although I’m not certain how realistic the pace of the mutation was, I felt the mutation itself was fairly realistic based upon the adaptability of DNA. I’m not sure of the additional progression that takes place, but this is a fantasy novel, so I’ll let that slide – it made sense in the context of the story and that is what matters. Folks who enjoy dystopian YA fantasy, especially regarding merfolk, should find this book eminently readable.
Synopsis: The Mers: What lies beneath the surface?
One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it, new forms of life. Who are the Mers? Who is Mira?
Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren with her, across the border dividing Elise Island and New Jersey, the border dividing two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one. But as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of humans who hate the Mers, and pirates who want to sell them...finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death.
A series twist on the Mermaid tale.
My Thoughts: After The Invasion of 2020 I wasn’t expecting much. However, while the idea of a young girl deciding to go wander around in the city of her people’s deadly enemies just to see if she can find her family is a little far-fetched, this is a much better book overall. However, Blackwelder does a much better job developing the characters and creating an easily followed plot. I actually found myself quite engrossed in the story, wondering what would happen next. I liked the genetic progression from human to mer and although I’m not certain how realistic the pace of the mutation was, I felt the mutation itself was fairly realistic based upon the adaptability of DNA. I’m not sure of the additional progression that takes place, but this is a fantasy novel, so I’ll let that slide – it made sense in the context of the story and that is what matters. Folks who enjoy dystopian YA fantasy, especially regarding merfolk, should find this book eminently readable.
December 10, 2011
3.5 stars
The Mers is a really unique and intriguing take on mermaid lore. This wasn't in traditional form and I like how Ami Blackwelder made it her own. I also really liked the world building. It was very vivid and rich with imagination.
This has just about everything I liked in my reads. Excitement, adventure and a very sweet budding romance between two life long friends. No love triangles here folks which will please many readers I'm sure.
I also liked that it wasn't very predictable. Mira knew that she wasn't a Mer but she wasn't sure if she was human either. Discovering that her parents found her, Mira goes to seek her real parents on the shores, only what she discovers is something no one saw coming, even the reader. But what I liked best about this book is that it ended the way I wanted it to. I wasn't sure at first since books these days seem to go the same way, with evil cliffies and wrong choices and frustrating characters. But in this book everything is as it should be and I found that really refreshing.
All in all I really liked this one. It was fun, entertaining and captivating and I enjoyed every minute.
Well done!
(Arc provided by Librarything and Ami Blackwelder)
The Mers is a really unique and intriguing take on mermaid lore. This wasn't in traditional form and I like how Ami Blackwelder made it her own. I also really liked the world building. It was very vivid and rich with imagination.
This has just about everything I liked in my reads. Excitement, adventure and a very sweet budding romance between two life long friends. No love triangles here folks which will please many readers I'm sure.
I also liked that it wasn't very predictable. Mira knew that she wasn't a Mer but she wasn't sure if she was human either. Discovering that her parents found her, Mira goes to seek her real parents on the shores, only what she discovers is something no one saw coming, even the reader. But what I liked best about this book is that it ended the way I wanted it to. I wasn't sure at first since books these days seem to go the same way, with evil cliffies and wrong choices and frustrating characters. But in this book everything is as it should be and I found that really refreshing.
All in all I really liked this one. It was fun, entertaining and captivating and I enjoyed every minute.
Well done!
(Arc provided by Librarything and Ami Blackwelder)
July 28, 2016
Have you ever started reading a book and thought to yourself 'this book is terrible', but convinced yourself just a few more pages and maybe it will get interesting; suddenly, despite the poor writing and thin plot you're very curious to know what happens to these people? This is that book. The writing is poor, the characters are barely developed, the plot is thin, the tropes are eye roll worthy, and Ms Blackwelder can't decide if she wants her writing to be accessible or if she should toss in big words to make herself feel smart. The last few chapters are the most unbelievable and there are virtually no surprises. While I did manage to satisfy my curiosity, I wholeheartedly regret forcing myself to read this book. Fortunately, I downloaded it to my Kindle for free and so wasn't forced to waste any money on this heap of trash.
August 5, 2012
Article first published as Book Review:The Mers by Ami Blackwelder on Blogcritics.
Knowing who you are and believing in yourself are what most believe create that inner feeling of completeness and possibly even happiness. For those who do not know of their familial background, a quest for information almost always begins.
In The Mers by Ami Blackwelder, the author takes us into such a situation, one our heroine, Mira, can only guess at. Living among the Mers, a people that have evolved after the Great Deluge, she understands she is not like them. They have gills and webbed appendages, while she is not comfortable in the water and is not equipped with the standard gills or webs. Her hair is another stand out, it is bright cherry red and is not like that of any of her friends. Nonetheless she knows she is loved and she loves her friends and family with abandon. She just feels a little like an outcast because she is not like anyone else she knows. She thinks she may be more like the humans, but they are bad and she does not want to think about them. They are dangerous and want nothing more than to destroy the Mers.
After the flood, necessity caused many changes and when adaptions such as the Mers possessed came to light it created fear and distrust. War ensued and after peace was brokered, the Mers were allowed to live their lives on Liberty Shore, the former Ellis Island, away from the humans. The Humans kept New Jersey and life became more peaceful. The treaty worked for many years, but things were beginning to change. Strange water waves and dangerous sea creatures were now in evidence and threatening the lives and existence of the Mers. While lives were lost among the Mers, it was the disappearances that were the most disturbing. Life was becoming unbearable. Pirates were raiding their shores looking for bounty but kidnapping Mers as well. What was behind this new and sinister danger?
As the danger creeps even closer, Mira learns a small piece of her past. She is a foundling, and her adopted parents believe she is human. They want only what is best for her and fear for her safety. Mira decides to break the rules and she and her best friend Nerin cross the border that separates these two entities in an effort to find the answers she is searching for. Is she really prepared for the answers? What they discover is both shocking and horrifying; they must find a way to warn the Mers, but how? They have been captured, but there is something very strange happening to Mira, she seems to be gaining the ability to do small bits of mind control. When they are helped by the Kings own son to escape, they find themselves in a fight for their lives to save their family and friends. Even as this evil is raging on, Mira learns part of the truth of her past. Can she live with what she learns of who she is?
Blackwelder has given us a dystopian world and created a society of different people that have become survivors. As with all societies she has built in the pettishness, and jealousy, as well as the fear of those who are different. Through it all she has weaved a gentle twist of romance and hope, and a love of family.
Her characters create feelings in the reader, the mostly gentle ways of the Mer draw you to them, yet their strength makes you understand their capabilities. The Humans have their own foibles and while most are caring and loving, the class system that is in place separates them too much. The distinctions are too extreme causing a feudal system with a King that has proclaimed his power. Blackwelder has given us a wicked Monarch that is easy to dislike, one who also has something to hide. Not because he is ashamed but because he plans to win at all costs.
If you enjoy end of the world scenarios, as well as mystery, romance and danger you will enjoy The Mers. There is beauty and abundance littered with hope. But betrayal raises the stakes and the adventure keeps you reading to find out how the Mers can survive, or even if they will.
This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based on my reading and understanding of the material.
Knowing who you are and believing in yourself are what most believe create that inner feeling of completeness and possibly even happiness. For those who do not know of their familial background, a quest for information almost always begins.
In The Mers by Ami Blackwelder, the author takes us into such a situation, one our heroine, Mira, can only guess at. Living among the Mers, a people that have evolved after the Great Deluge, she understands she is not like them. They have gills and webbed appendages, while she is not comfortable in the water and is not equipped with the standard gills or webs. Her hair is another stand out, it is bright cherry red and is not like that of any of her friends. Nonetheless she knows she is loved and she loves her friends and family with abandon. She just feels a little like an outcast because she is not like anyone else she knows. She thinks she may be more like the humans, but they are bad and she does not want to think about them. They are dangerous and want nothing more than to destroy the Mers.
After the flood, necessity caused many changes and when adaptions such as the Mers possessed came to light it created fear and distrust. War ensued and after peace was brokered, the Mers were allowed to live their lives on Liberty Shore, the former Ellis Island, away from the humans. The Humans kept New Jersey and life became more peaceful. The treaty worked for many years, but things were beginning to change. Strange water waves and dangerous sea creatures were now in evidence and threatening the lives and existence of the Mers. While lives were lost among the Mers, it was the disappearances that were the most disturbing. Life was becoming unbearable. Pirates were raiding their shores looking for bounty but kidnapping Mers as well. What was behind this new and sinister danger?
As the danger creeps even closer, Mira learns a small piece of her past. She is a foundling, and her adopted parents believe she is human. They want only what is best for her and fear for her safety. Mira decides to break the rules and she and her best friend Nerin cross the border that separates these two entities in an effort to find the answers she is searching for. Is she really prepared for the answers? What they discover is both shocking and horrifying; they must find a way to warn the Mers, but how? They have been captured, but there is something very strange happening to Mira, she seems to be gaining the ability to do small bits of mind control. When they are helped by the Kings own son to escape, they find themselves in a fight for their lives to save their family and friends. Even as this evil is raging on, Mira learns part of the truth of her past. Can she live with what she learns of who she is?
Blackwelder has given us a dystopian world and created a society of different people that have become survivors. As with all societies she has built in the pettishness, and jealousy, as well as the fear of those who are different. Through it all she has weaved a gentle twist of romance and hope, and a love of family.
Her characters create feelings in the reader, the mostly gentle ways of the Mer draw you to them, yet their strength makes you understand their capabilities. The Humans have their own foibles and while most are caring and loving, the class system that is in place separates them too much. The distinctions are too extreme causing a feudal system with a King that has proclaimed his power. Blackwelder has given us a wicked Monarch that is easy to dislike, one who also has something to hide. Not because he is ashamed but because he plans to win at all costs.
If you enjoy end of the world scenarios, as well as mystery, romance and danger you will enjoy The Mers. There is beauty and abundance littered with hope. But betrayal raises the stakes and the adventure keeps you reading to find out how the Mers can survive, or even if they will.
This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based on my reading and understanding of the material.
February 22, 2012
Book Title: The Mers
Author: Ami Blackwelder
Published By: Eloquent Enraptures Publishing
Genre: Romance/Supernatural
Recommended Age: 15+
Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Rating: 4 Ravens
This was definitely what I have spent a lot of time looking for. Today a lot of the same stories are made to all sound the same way. Lately we have all had more vampires, werewolves and other supernatural type of beings that we have lost out on the other monster and gods of old. Ami has done an amazing job of thinking up not only new ways to bring about a new Hero and Heroine but also getting a story that will draw you in. As with all stories there are the ups and the downs also the flaws but, thankfully this story is not the last in it’s series and so things will come out smoother I’m sure in the end. However, with it’s imperfections and perfections I have to say that I’m glad to say that this book did not let it pull me away but kept me turning the pages to delve deeper into this world .
The story is of Mira a young woman growing up in a world where she never truly feels she fits in, In love with a mer as they are called on the area where she grew up. She is hungry to learn why the humans hate the mer’s so much and if she’s a human and not a mer why she was given away forgotten and abandoned on the beach that she was. Together her and Nerin the young man mer she is in love with adventures from the small patch of land that they have all been banished to it’s from here that her world becomes something she never thought. She grows and finds not only her long lost father, mother but a brother and things take a turn for the extreme. There is adventure, danger , love and family in this book elements that all pull together to help keep you on the roller coaster ride and leave you awaiting for more…
Author: Ami Blackwelder
Published By: Eloquent Enraptures Publishing
Genre: Romance/Supernatural
Recommended Age: 15+
Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Rating: 4 Ravens
This was definitely what I have spent a lot of time looking for. Today a lot of the same stories are made to all sound the same way. Lately we have all had more vampires, werewolves and other supernatural type of beings that we have lost out on the other monster and gods of old. Ami has done an amazing job of thinking up not only new ways to bring about a new Hero and Heroine but also getting a story that will draw you in. As with all stories there are the ups and the downs also the flaws but, thankfully this story is not the last in it’s series and so things will come out smoother I’m sure in the end. However, with it’s imperfections and perfections I have to say that I’m glad to say that this book did not let it pull me away but kept me turning the pages to delve deeper into this world .
The story is of Mira a young woman growing up in a world where she never truly feels she fits in, In love with a mer as they are called on the area where she grew up. She is hungry to learn why the humans hate the mer’s so much and if she’s a human and not a mer why she was given away forgotten and abandoned on the beach that she was. Together her and Nerin the young man mer she is in love with adventures from the small patch of land that they have all been banished to it’s from here that her world becomes something she never thought. She grows and finds not only her long lost father, mother but a brother and things take a turn for the extreme. There is adventure, danger , love and family in this book elements that all pull together to help keep you on the roller coaster ride and leave you awaiting for more…
February 15, 2012
This was an interesting story, for a young adult type of book. The story revolves around a young girl (Mira) who is a human that is raised by a hybrid race of people called Mers. (It might just be me but when she described the Mers it instantly brought to mind the image of a Zora from Zelda. It’s not completely accurate but I couldn’t stop myself) Mira is on the hunt to find out where she comes from and what her people (the humans) are like. The story takes place after a giant flood of the entire globe (a lot like Waterworld). The story is interesting but again I’ll state this is in a YA format so don’t get over excited about details and progression. I enjoyed it, it was short and sweet. I would definitely recommend it to any young adult readers that enjoy some good fiction.
August 8, 2019
This story started out really good. Very interesting. As they started their travels, I felt like they just going in and out of the place they were trying to leave. They always found a reason to go back. Did not make a lot of sense to me. Ended good but I don't know if I will go on to book 2.
February 1, 2020
The writing is so vivid and colorful for a dystopia that truly feels awful. The lead felt real and easy to empathize. The romance between the leads is actually quite sweet.
May 4, 2012
There are few things in life that genuinely intrigue me.
What happened to the Jonas Brothers? Did they die in a plane crash?
Why is there braille on drive up ATM machines?
Who was the idiot that inspired the “do not drink” sign on the back of concrete mixers?
and
Who in there right mind would think to combine the fascinating world of mermaids with the destructive premise of dystopian literature?
I’m still working on the first three, but as for the mermaids? I can blame that on Ami Blackwelder.
“Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren with heracross the border dividing Ellis Island and New Jersey, the border dividing two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one.
But, as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of aristocrats who hate the Mers, pirates who want to sell them, and magi who want to use them…finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death. “
In the interest of saving time (cause I’m going to be horribly wordy with this review) on with the good the bad and the ugly.
The Good:
Blackwelder did an amazing job of creating a unique story set in a well thought out (very “Waterworld-ish”) dystopian society. The introductory creation of her future world was vivid, imaginative and detailed enough to paint a very lucid mental image. And her distinction of “classes/races” (including the behavior each were subjected to) was handled quite eloquently despite the horrendous treatment she inflicted through her writing.
All of the characters had strong backgrounds, (which of course lead to tons of doom and gloom in the second half of the story) and though there were more than a handful of characters at any given time, their distinction through their actions made it very clear who the narrating party was.
Unfortunatly these few “good” things took a back seat to the few “bad” things.
The Bad: It was too long.
I know you are probably looking at the page count for this book (196) thinking I’ve lost my marbles for calling it too long, but that’s exactly what it was. I found myself on several different occasions thinking I was at the end of the book, only to turn around and find out I had another 25% to go. What this tell me is that Blackwelder was so determined to tie up loose end, (and avoid a catastrophic cliffhanger) that she burned through her characters’ plot issues much quicker than she should have resulting in a “finalized feeling” well before the story was complete. If she had opted to end the book at one of these major revelations vs continuing the story through several more (bright shiny and new) issues, I wouldn’t have felt quite so weighted down. As it stands…I feel like I have everything I need to complete the story myself which eliminates the need/want to read it’s second installment.
Also, where Blackwelder’s descriptive passages shined like the jewels mentioned in her story,
“Slapping her arms into the water, Mira glided smoothly beside Nerin. They pushed forward towards Liberty Shore, or at least in the direction Nerin’s internal compass guided them. Mira trusted Nerin completely, and if he said Liberty Shore sat wet, west they would go. But maneuvering in the seas grew more difficult and dangerous as darkness rolled over them and heavy waves crashed against their fragile bodies.”
the dialogue between her characters felt stiff and forced.
“I don’t know, Mira, but I image if you unravel the secrets of your parents, you will find out.” “Then I have to return to Remantville.” “It would seems so.” “But first, I must save the Mers from further destruction.”
The disconnect with the dialogue led to a disconnect with the characters and ultimately…I didn’t care what happened to them. That’s not a very good sign. Did I want them to die? No. Would I cry myself into a hot sloppy mess if they did? Probably not.
Overall? It wasn’t that bad of a read. It had a few redeeming qualities that kept me interested, (like the expertly choreographed action scenes) and even though it morphed through 3 or 4 different genres (YA, Dystopian, Fantasy, Greek Lore…) it had a solid direction. (Which I have to say is impressive for a book about mermaids.)
Buy it if you like our fin-tailed friends, pirates and a pretty pissed of Poseidon, avoid it if you prefer short journeys.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: the apple NEVER falls that far from the tree.
What happened to the Jonas Brothers? Did they die in a plane crash?
Why is there braille on drive up ATM machines?
Who was the idiot that inspired the “do not drink” sign on the back of concrete mixers?
and
Who in there right mind would think to combine the fascinating world of mermaids with the destructive premise of dystopian literature?
I’m still working on the first three, but as for the mermaids? I can blame that on Ami Blackwelder.
“Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren with heracross the border dividing Ellis Island and New Jersey, the border dividing two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one.
But, as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of aristocrats who hate the Mers, pirates who want to sell them, and magi who want to use them…finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death. “
In the interest of saving time (cause I’m going to be horribly wordy with this review) on with the good the bad and the ugly.
The Good:
Blackwelder did an amazing job of creating a unique story set in a well thought out (very “Waterworld-ish”) dystopian society. The introductory creation of her future world was vivid, imaginative and detailed enough to paint a very lucid mental image. And her distinction of “classes/races” (including the behavior each were subjected to) was handled quite eloquently despite the horrendous treatment she inflicted through her writing.
All of the characters had strong backgrounds, (which of course lead to tons of doom and gloom in the second half of the story) and though there were more than a handful of characters at any given time, their distinction through their actions made it very clear who the narrating party was.
Unfortunatly these few “good” things took a back seat to the few “bad” things.
The Bad: It was too long.
I know you are probably looking at the page count for this book (196) thinking I’ve lost my marbles for calling it too long, but that’s exactly what it was. I found myself on several different occasions thinking I was at the end of the book, only to turn around and find out I had another 25% to go. What this tell me is that Blackwelder was so determined to tie up loose end, (and avoid a catastrophic cliffhanger) that she burned through her characters’ plot issues much quicker than she should have resulting in a “finalized feeling” well before the story was complete. If she had opted to end the book at one of these major revelations vs continuing the story through several more (bright shiny and new) issues, I wouldn’t have felt quite so weighted down. As it stands…I feel like I have everything I need to complete the story myself which eliminates the need/want to read it’s second installment.
Also, where Blackwelder’s descriptive passages shined like the jewels mentioned in her story,
“Slapping her arms into the water, Mira glided smoothly beside Nerin. They pushed forward towards Liberty Shore, or at least in the direction Nerin’s internal compass guided them. Mira trusted Nerin completely, and if he said Liberty Shore sat wet, west they would go. But maneuvering in the seas grew more difficult and dangerous as darkness rolled over them and heavy waves crashed against their fragile bodies.”
the dialogue between her characters felt stiff and forced.
“I don’t know, Mira, but I image if you unravel the secrets of your parents, you will find out.” “Then I have to return to Remantville.” “It would seems so.” “But first, I must save the Mers from further destruction.”
The disconnect with the dialogue led to a disconnect with the characters and ultimately…I didn’t care what happened to them. That’s not a very good sign. Did I want them to die? No. Would I cry myself into a hot sloppy mess if they did? Probably not.
Overall? It wasn’t that bad of a read. It had a few redeeming qualities that kept me interested, (like the expertly choreographed action scenes) and even though it morphed through 3 or 4 different genres (YA, Dystopian, Fantasy, Greek Lore…) it had a solid direction. (Which I have to say is impressive for a book about mermaids.)
Buy it if you like our fin-tailed friends, pirates and a pretty pissed of Poseidon, avoid it if you prefer short journeys.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: the apple NEVER falls that far from the tree.
January 8, 2012
This book took me over a month to read. True, I was in the midst of a move from Delaware to Ohio and it spanned the crazy-busy Christmas and New Years holidays but ordinarily I finish books in a matter of days, not weeks. I did appreciate that this was a very different storyline but I found the writing very clumsy. The authors used a technique which allowed the reader to know every characters point of view yet never consistently. One sentence to the next you were in and out of one character's mind to another.
Mira is a member of the Mers, a community of outcast part-human, part-mermaid. The Mers have been systematically hunted by humans for their believed magical hair, skin, eyes and other body parts. While Mira has grown up in this community her whole life she knows that she is fundamentally different. She doesn't have webbed hands and feet like her family and friends. She can not breathe underwater as they can either. Confronting her parents one night, she asks for an explanation as to how she can be so utterly different from all around her. Her parents gently explain that they found her abandoned as a young infant. Mira is of course shocked by the news but eventually she decides to brave a journey to Remnantville, the neighboring human village, to see if she might better understand her origins. The trip is fraught with dangers: Pirates who hunt the Mers, Magi who sell the Mers' body parts to the humans, and the humans themselves.
Mira finds that her nocturnal journey to Remnantville is not solitary as her best friend and soon-to-be boyfriend Nerin accompanies her. Mira is greatly relieved not to have to continue on alone though when Nerin's young sister Nerissa sneaks along as well the danger truly builds. Now Mira, who looks like a human, must help protect her very obvious Mer companions. The plot continues with evasion from the King's guards to capture from the King's guards to Mira discovering who her real parents were to meeting her half-brother-Ethan-now-turned-King to suddenly trusting Ethan to protect her after knowing her only 3 days. There are two further books planned in this series.
I found the plot riddled with inconsistencies: Mira lives in complete isolation among the Mers for 17 years yet seemingly overnight picks up on all the ins and outs of Remantville. How could she be so savvy as to know how to break into a prison or address a King and Queen? Why ever would she takes the risks she does when she is in such a foreign land? While it is clear Mira loves Nerin and he her, the romance isn't all that powerful or special. It just seems to be a technique to create a sense of loyalty among certain characters. I was thrilled to receive this as a free copy but unfortunately just can't give it a thumbs up. While there is absolutely nothing objectionable about the content, it was just "meh."
Suited for middle school students who enjoy a fantasy realm with a dose of sweet, if vague, romance.
Mira is a member of the Mers, a community of outcast part-human, part-mermaid. The Mers have been systematically hunted by humans for their believed magical hair, skin, eyes and other body parts. While Mira has grown up in this community her whole life she knows that she is fundamentally different. She doesn't have webbed hands and feet like her family and friends. She can not breathe underwater as they can either. Confronting her parents one night, she asks for an explanation as to how she can be so utterly different from all around her. Her parents gently explain that they found her abandoned as a young infant. Mira is of course shocked by the news but eventually she decides to brave a journey to Remnantville, the neighboring human village, to see if she might better understand her origins. The trip is fraught with dangers: Pirates who hunt the Mers, Magi who sell the Mers' body parts to the humans, and the humans themselves.
Mira finds that her nocturnal journey to Remnantville is not solitary as her best friend and soon-to-be boyfriend Nerin accompanies her. Mira is greatly relieved not to have to continue on alone though when Nerin's young sister Nerissa sneaks along as well the danger truly builds. Now Mira, who looks like a human, must help protect her very obvious Mer companions. The plot continues with evasion from the King's guards to capture from the King's guards to Mira discovering who her real parents were to meeting her half-brother-Ethan-now-turned-King to suddenly trusting Ethan to protect her after knowing her only 3 days. There are two further books planned in this series.
I found the plot riddled with inconsistencies: Mira lives in complete isolation among the Mers for 17 years yet seemingly overnight picks up on all the ins and outs of Remantville. How could she be so savvy as to know how to break into a prison or address a King and Queen? Why ever would she takes the risks she does when she is in such a foreign land? While it is clear Mira loves Nerin and he her, the romance isn't all that powerful or special. It just seems to be a technique to create a sense of loyalty among certain characters. I was thrilled to receive this as a free copy but unfortunately just can't give it a thumbs up. While there is absolutely nothing objectionable about the content, it was just "meh."
Suited for middle school students who enjoy a fantasy realm with a dose of sweet, if vague, romance.
January 30, 2012
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received this book through the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing.com
NOTE: This is a earlier version of the advanced copy. Ami Blackwelder has posted that there the professional edited copy will be out Feb, 2012 with a new cover.
Now on to my review but with the previous note in mind. Obviously there are a lot of issues with this copy of the book so I’ll skip mentioning the grammar, spelling, and typos included in the book as they will probably be fixed before the actual copy comes out.
The concept of this is one that I don’t think I’ve ever seen and it is my first actual mermaid novel I’ve ever had the chance to read. Combining mermaids and a dystopian society seems fairly farfetched but Blackwelder definitely came up with a unique way to go about it. At first I wasn’t all that fond of the way she described the world. I understand how and why the Earth can flood in the manner that it did, however I was really lost on how people managed to create land high enough to withstand the flooding in the areas they did. It’s for the lack of a better word, unbelievable. But seeing as this wasn’t a huge part of the story (the explanation of how, not the water) I put it by the way side and continued. The Mers are a great new take on mermaids and I enjoyed the conflict between the remaining humans and the mers. It was a refreshing change to something that has always seemed the same to me. The fact that the humans hate and envy the Mers is not farfetched and the fact that they catch them and use their bodies for various goods is pretty horrible.
The characters are alright but I didn’t really connect with any of them, and I had a hard time understanding their personalities. Mira seemed to be a scatterbrain with the way her thoughts a written and I found her to be annoying. I understood her plight and I got her reasoning behind most of the things she did but it wasn’t because her character made it clear to me. Nerrin seemed like a nice guy and Nerissa seemed sweet but they were both kind of lost on me. I had a lot of trouble figuring out how old Nerissa really was because at times she seemed to be almost 10 or so and then she would switch back to being around 5. The conversations were also rather odd to me. Sometimes the conversation didn’t feel all that real and felt stiff in it’s delivery. Some of it even seems rather formal. The more climatic events fluctuated between being really good and filled with tension, to being sort of anti climatic.
Overall I did enjoy the idea of the plot and I was interested in seeing where it was all leading too, but it didn’t quite make it for me. I may pick of the finished copy to see what all changed in it and if I do I’ll be sure to post a new review for it. Please keep in mind that this review is based on the early copy and not the new copy.
NOTE: This is a earlier version of the advanced copy. Ami Blackwelder has posted that there the professional edited copy will be out Feb, 2012 with a new cover.
Now on to my review but with the previous note in mind. Obviously there are a lot of issues with this copy of the book so I’ll skip mentioning the grammar, spelling, and typos included in the book as they will probably be fixed before the actual copy comes out.
The concept of this is one that I don’t think I’ve ever seen and it is my first actual mermaid novel I’ve ever had the chance to read. Combining mermaids and a dystopian society seems fairly farfetched but Blackwelder definitely came up with a unique way to go about it. At first I wasn’t all that fond of the way she described the world. I understand how and why the Earth can flood in the manner that it did, however I was really lost on how people managed to create land high enough to withstand the flooding in the areas they did. It’s for the lack of a better word, unbelievable. But seeing as this wasn’t a huge part of the story (the explanation of how, not the water) I put it by the way side and continued. The Mers are a great new take on mermaids and I enjoyed the conflict between the remaining humans and the mers. It was a refreshing change to something that has always seemed the same to me. The fact that the humans hate and envy the Mers is not farfetched and the fact that they catch them and use their bodies for various goods is pretty horrible.
The characters are alright but I didn’t really connect with any of them, and I had a hard time understanding their personalities. Mira seemed to be a scatterbrain with the way her thoughts a written and I found her to be annoying. I understood her plight and I got her reasoning behind most of the things she did but it wasn’t because her character made it clear to me. Nerrin seemed like a nice guy and Nerissa seemed sweet but they were both kind of lost on me. I had a lot of trouble figuring out how old Nerissa really was because at times she seemed to be almost 10 or so and then she would switch back to being around 5. The conversations were also rather odd to me. Sometimes the conversation didn’t feel all that real and felt stiff in it’s delivery. Some of it even seems rather formal. The more climatic events fluctuated between being really good and filled with tension, to being sort of anti climatic.
Overall I did enjoy the idea of the plot and I was interested in seeing where it was all leading too, but it didn’t quite make it for me. I may pick of the finished copy to see what all changed in it and if I do I’ll be sure to post a new review for it. Please keep in mind that this review is based on the early copy and not the new copy.
January 29, 2012
MY REVIEW
I did find this a little difficult to get into to begin with, but once I got to reading more about Nerin, his sister Nerissa and of course the main character Mira I really became hooked on what would happen next.
I like the way the Mers are so accepting of Mira even though she is different from them. Then Mira finds out the Mers that she thought where her parents are really the people who found her abandoned and brought her up as one of their own, she feels the need to find out what she thinks is her true identity and find her birth parents.
Mira sets off on her quest only to be followed by Nerin who secretly loves Mira and his little sister tags along after them not wanting to be left out of the great adventure. They face the dangers of Limbo, and eventually reach the town of Remnantville, where things seem extremely odd to them. Mira is immediately accepted and it is Nerin and Nerissa that face the prejudice and danger here.
What started out as an adventure to find out who Mira's parents are, soon becomes a fight for their own survival and the future survival and safety of the Mers too.
They meet allies in the least likely places as well as facing many enemies.
I did enjoy the battles that the trio faced, how they ended up rescuing much stronger Mers than themselves. I enjoyed the relationship between Nerin and Mira and how it developed into something deeper as their journey went on. I also loved how Mira interacted with Nerissa at one point in the book even saying that Nerissa was as much her sister as Nerin's. Mira's Mer family also show that though they worried about Mira they love her unconditionally. There are plenty of twists and turns in the tale, we find out who Mira's parents are , why she had to be sent away for her own safety. We also learn what Mira is. We ponder whether Mira should really trust her half brother Ethan. The end of the book leaves the way open for further tales, it leaves you feeling that the Mers battle for survival is far from over in certain ways.
I like the cover of this book, though it is also available with a different cover which I like even more (pictured below) The covers depict Mira with her unusual red hair, that in the end leads her to her father as that is who she gets the red hair from and her unusual hair colour is from her mother.
So, did I enjoy the book? Yes, Would I recommend it? Yes, Any negatives?As I was reading an unedited arc there were quite a few mistakes and spacing issues. Was not as dystopian as i thought I would call it more fantasy really with a dystopian twist in there too.
I feel that I prefer this cover this is the one I would pick up in a book store more than the other cover, even though the other cover is more colourful. Only negative on this cover is that the authors name is placed straight across the character of Mira's face!
I did find this a little difficult to get into to begin with, but once I got to reading more about Nerin, his sister Nerissa and of course the main character Mira I really became hooked on what would happen next.
I like the way the Mers are so accepting of Mira even though she is different from them. Then Mira finds out the Mers that she thought where her parents are really the people who found her abandoned and brought her up as one of their own, she feels the need to find out what she thinks is her true identity and find her birth parents.
Mira sets off on her quest only to be followed by Nerin who secretly loves Mira and his little sister tags along after them not wanting to be left out of the great adventure. They face the dangers of Limbo, and eventually reach the town of Remnantville, where things seem extremely odd to them. Mira is immediately accepted and it is Nerin and Nerissa that face the prejudice and danger here.
What started out as an adventure to find out who Mira's parents are, soon becomes a fight for their own survival and the future survival and safety of the Mers too.
They meet allies in the least likely places as well as facing many enemies.
I did enjoy the battles that the trio faced, how they ended up rescuing much stronger Mers than themselves. I enjoyed the relationship between Nerin and Mira and how it developed into something deeper as their journey went on. I also loved how Mira interacted with Nerissa at one point in the book even saying that Nerissa was as much her sister as Nerin's. Mira's Mer family also show that though they worried about Mira they love her unconditionally. There are plenty of twists and turns in the tale, we find out who Mira's parents are , why she had to be sent away for her own safety. We also learn what Mira is. We ponder whether Mira should really trust her half brother Ethan. The end of the book leaves the way open for further tales, it leaves you feeling that the Mers battle for survival is far from over in certain ways.
I like the cover of this book, though it is also available with a different cover which I like even more (pictured below) The covers depict Mira with her unusual red hair, that in the end leads her to her father as that is who she gets the red hair from and her unusual hair colour is from her mother.
So, did I enjoy the book? Yes, Would I recommend it? Yes, Any negatives?As I was reading an unedited arc there were quite a few mistakes and spacing issues. Was not as dystopian as i thought I would call it more fantasy really with a dystopian twist in there too.
I feel that I prefer this cover this is the one I would pick up in a book store more than the other cover, even though the other cover is more colourful. Only negative on this cover is that the authors name is placed straight across the character of Mira's face!
December 18, 2011
The Mers by Ami Blackwelder
The Mers is a dystopian story that that takes place in a futuristic New Jersey/New York. After catastrophic worldwide flooding, only small parts of land still exist. Human beings are forced to adapt to this new world. Some humans are able to start adapting to living part time in the water, developing gills and also webbing between fingers/toes and legs that enables to person to swim and live in the water. The humans on land are the same as everyday humans, no gills, no webbing. The humans who have adapted to the water are referred to as the Mers. There is distrust between the two groups, and much fighting breaks out. When the story begins, both sets of humans are separated and have an agreement not to go near the other group.
The main character of this story is a teenager named Mira. Mira has grown up with the Mers, but is not a mer but a human with land features. Although she is considered part of the mer community, she longs to find the parents who gave her up. She sets out to find her birth parents and goes to the forbidden place where land humans live. With her is her best friend and mer, Nirren, and his little sister, Nerissa.
As with any good novel, the journey is far from being peaceful and easy. As Mira begins to unravel the truths surrounding her birth and the fissure between the two groups, her life and those of her friend and little sister are constantly being threatened. Can Mira find her parents and help bring peace to the two sets of humans?
I found this story to be very interesting. The main character, Mira, was brought to life in this story and the reader is lucky to be along for the unique and interesting journey she goes on. I thought that the author did a good job on setting up the two societies and also the characters. I must admit, though, that the Mers are definitely protrayed as the peaceful, loving group and the land humans as the oppressive, evil group. It is very black and white and I wish that the author would have shown how each side has their flaws but also has their good qualities. While I enjoyed reading about the Mers and their society, I felt a little let down when I got to the land humans and their society.
The author set up the ending to allow for another book (or books) to continue the saga. I enjoyed this first book and am very interested to see where the author ends up taking the story when the next book comes out.
The Mers is a dystopian story that that takes place in a futuristic New Jersey/New York. After catastrophic worldwide flooding, only small parts of land still exist. Human beings are forced to adapt to this new world. Some humans are able to start adapting to living part time in the water, developing gills and also webbing between fingers/toes and legs that enables to person to swim and live in the water. The humans on land are the same as everyday humans, no gills, no webbing. The humans who have adapted to the water are referred to as the Mers. There is distrust between the two groups, and much fighting breaks out. When the story begins, both sets of humans are separated and have an agreement not to go near the other group.
The main character of this story is a teenager named Mira. Mira has grown up with the Mers, but is not a mer but a human with land features. Although she is considered part of the mer community, she longs to find the parents who gave her up. She sets out to find her birth parents and goes to the forbidden place where land humans live. With her is her best friend and mer, Nirren, and his little sister, Nerissa.
As with any good novel, the journey is far from being peaceful and easy. As Mira begins to unravel the truths surrounding her birth and the fissure between the two groups, her life and those of her friend and little sister are constantly being threatened. Can Mira find her parents and help bring peace to the two sets of humans?
I found this story to be very interesting. The main character, Mira, was brought to life in this story and the reader is lucky to be along for the unique and interesting journey she goes on. I thought that the author did a good job on setting up the two societies and also the characters. I must admit, though, that the Mers are definitely protrayed as the peaceful, loving group and the land humans as the oppressive, evil group. It is very black and white and I wish that the author would have shown how each side has their flaws but also has their good qualities. While I enjoyed reading about the Mers and their society, I felt a little let down when I got to the land humans and their society.
The author set up the ending to allow for another book (or books) to continue the saga. I enjoyed this first book and am very interested to see where the author ends up taking the story when the next book comes out.
January 27, 2012
It is the policy of this reviewer to NOT include spoilers and/or plot synopses in his reviews. (Neptune knows that there are enough other reviewers who do this.) Instead, this reviewer usually chooses to comment on the book as a whole or, perhaps, certain characters and/or points in the plot.
Unless otherwise noted, all reviews are based on the Kindle edition.
Ami Blackwelder's The Mers is a tale about a post-apocalyptic dystopian society and it's neighbouring colony of quasi-human amphibious creatures known collectively as "Mers". The heroine of this story is - ostensibly - a human foundling who has spent the 1st 18 years of her life in the company of and being raised by these creatures. At the ripe old age of 18, Mira is in love with a boy Mer named Nerin and at the same time curious about her origins. Where did she come from and who were her parents? Mira embarques on a journey of discovery accompanied by Nerin and - unintentionally - his younger sister, Nerissa.
In the world built by Ms Blackwelder, the ice-caps have melted and flooded the low-lying regions of the earth. The putative locale for the opening chapter is Ellis Island. It is here that the world-building first runs into serious trouble as the reader soon learns that all but the torch-tip of the Statute of Liberty is under water. This means that Ellis Island would be at least 50 fathoms under water. As the story progresses, the reader learns that Ellis Island is connected to New Jersey by a land bridge; Quite a stretch since that part of New Jersey would be submerged as well. There are other geographic inconsistencies such as Washington state being due North of NJ.
All this aside, "The Mers" - in it's Kindle incarnation - suffers from uneven story telling, a somewhat juvenile plot, improperly used words, typos, misspellings and often awkward sentence structure. Most young adults I know would have even more not-so-nice things to say.
This does not mean that the story itself if without merit. Indeed, this could be a an exciting and intriguing tale if it were not for the above-mentioned flaws. Since this book is also in print, one gets the feeling that the Kindle edition of "The Mers" was an unrevised, pre-proofed rough draft.
Ami Blackwelder is not without talent; It just seems that her vision was poorly executed. For this, I regrettably have to give this book only 2 stars.
Unless otherwise noted, all reviews are based on the Kindle edition.
Ami Blackwelder's The Mers is a tale about a post-apocalyptic dystopian society and it's neighbouring colony of quasi-human amphibious creatures known collectively as "Mers". The heroine of this story is - ostensibly - a human foundling who has spent the 1st 18 years of her life in the company of and being raised by these creatures. At the ripe old age of 18, Mira is in love with a boy Mer named Nerin and at the same time curious about her origins. Where did she come from and who were her parents? Mira embarques on a journey of discovery accompanied by Nerin and - unintentionally - his younger sister, Nerissa.
In the world built by Ms Blackwelder, the ice-caps have melted and flooded the low-lying regions of the earth. The putative locale for the opening chapter is Ellis Island. It is here that the world-building first runs into serious trouble as the reader soon learns that all but the torch-tip of the Statute of Liberty is under water. This means that Ellis Island would be at least 50 fathoms under water. As the story progresses, the reader learns that Ellis Island is connected to New Jersey by a land bridge; Quite a stretch since that part of New Jersey would be submerged as well. There are other geographic inconsistencies such as Washington state being due North of NJ.
All this aside, "The Mers" - in it's Kindle incarnation - suffers from uneven story telling, a somewhat juvenile plot, improperly used words, typos, misspellings and often awkward sentence structure. Most young adults I know would have even more not-so-nice things to say.
This does not mean that the story itself if without merit. Indeed, this could be a an exciting and intriguing tale if it were not for the above-mentioned flaws. Since this book is also in print, one gets the feeling that the Kindle edition of "The Mers" was an unrevised, pre-proofed rough draft.
Ami Blackwelder is not without talent; It just seems that her vision was poorly executed. For this, I regrettably have to give this book only 2 stars.
January 19, 2012
The Mers features an Interesting take on the tradition mermaid story. Blackwelder puts a dystopian spin on things and sets her story in a futuristic New York / New Jersey. The Mers themselves are not your traditional take on mer-people either. They are an evolved race of humans; after the world floods over humans began adapting and developing gills and webbed fingers, toes and legs. Soon friction develops between the two races - mainly on the human side of the story. Well long story short, war breaks out and humans come out on top and end up being downright nasty – killing Mers for sport and what not.
The story centers around Mira, a teenage girl who has grown up with the Mers. Mira know she is different; it is obvious to her that she isn’t a Mer. She doesn’t have gills, webbed limbs and can’t even really swim. While I liked the idea behind this setting, I thought Mira (and those around her) who a little slow coming to this conclusion. Obviously Mira knows she is different, but she was a bit slow on the uptake. She’s 17 when the story begins and nobody has come out and told her she was a human. She doesn’t look like anyone else in her community (they are all Mers); yet it’s still kept like some big secret. She states that everyone knows she is different, but nobody talks about it. And the children all think she is a Mer. When her parents finally tell her about her true linage (it happens early on in the story, so it’s not much of a spoiler!), she is completely shocked. What? How is that shocking? I am pretty sure we all knew you were adopted.
Well, anyways, back on track. Mira soon embarks on a dangerous journey to find her real parents and find out who she really is. Now, like I said, I loved the idea of this book. I think the plotline is incredibly creative and has a ton of potential. That was an A+ for me. But, I really struggled with the character connection. I just couldn’t get emotionally invested into Mira’s story, even though I wanted to. The characters came off a bit flat and my attachment to them suffered as a result.
That being said, I’d still recommend The Mers. It was an interesting light read that will keep you entertained. I didn’t love it, but it was decent. I will definetly be open to reading more of Blackwelder’s work in the future.
The story centers around Mira, a teenage girl who has grown up with the Mers. Mira know she is different; it is obvious to her that she isn’t a Mer. She doesn’t have gills, webbed limbs and can’t even really swim. While I liked the idea behind this setting, I thought Mira (and those around her) who a little slow coming to this conclusion. Obviously Mira knows she is different, but she was a bit slow on the uptake. She’s 17 when the story begins and nobody has come out and told her she was a human. She doesn’t look like anyone else in her community (they are all Mers); yet it’s still kept like some big secret. She states that everyone knows she is different, but nobody talks about it. And the children all think she is a Mer. When her parents finally tell her about her true linage (it happens early on in the story, so it’s not much of a spoiler!), she is completely shocked. What? How is that shocking? I am pretty sure we all knew you were adopted.
Well, anyways, back on track. Mira soon embarks on a dangerous journey to find her real parents and find out who she really is. Now, like I said, I loved the idea of this book. I think the plotline is incredibly creative and has a ton of potential. That was an A+ for me. But, I really struggled with the character connection. I just couldn’t get emotionally invested into Mira’s story, even though I wanted to. The characters came off a bit flat and my attachment to them suffered as a result.
That being said, I’d still recommend The Mers. It was an interesting light read that will keep you entertained. I didn’t love it, but it was decent. I will definetly be open to reading more of Blackwelder’s work in the future.
April 20, 2012
I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
3.5 stars
From Goodreads: "What lies beneath the surface? One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it, new forms of life. Who are the Mers? Who is Mira? Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren across the border that divides Ellis Island and New Jersey, a border that divides two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one.
But as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of Aristocrats who hate the Mers, Pirates who want to sell them, and Magi who want to use them...finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death."
When I read the synopsis of this book I was really excited to read it - a mermaid dystopian! I was hooked! Unfortunately, while the concept was very original, I never really connected to the characters, and I felt the writing was a bit stiff, especially during the conversations. When the teens were talking, it didn't sound like any teens I know. In too many instances where there should have been contractions, they just weren't there, and I personally don't know of any kids who talk as formal as these characters did. I also felt that in the relationship between Mira and Nerin, we were TOLD too often how in love they were, instead of being shown it. That being said, I did enjoy many aspects of the plot: when Mira decided to cross the border to try to find her parents and Nerin followed her, and all the trouble they got into in Remnantville after they found out what was being done to their fellow Mers. Even though Mira was human, she was never treated like an outcast by the Mers she grew up with, and she always sided with them, no matter what. Keeping the Mers safe was her first priority, even above finding her parents, and I loved that about her.
All in all I enjoyed the storyline, I just wish I had connected more with the characters. This is the first of a planned trilogy and I will be reading the next two in the hopes that they are better fleshed out in the books to come :D
3.5 stars
From Goodreads: "What lies beneath the surface? One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it, new forms of life. Who are the Mers? Who is Mira? Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren across the border that divides Ellis Island and New Jersey, a border that divides two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one.
But as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of Aristocrats who hate the Mers, Pirates who want to sell them, and Magi who want to use them...finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death."
When I read the synopsis of this book I was really excited to read it - a mermaid dystopian! I was hooked! Unfortunately, while the concept was very original, I never really connected to the characters, and I felt the writing was a bit stiff, especially during the conversations. When the teens were talking, it didn't sound like any teens I know. In too many instances where there should have been contractions, they just weren't there, and I personally don't know of any kids who talk as formal as these characters did. I also felt that in the relationship between Mira and Nerin, we were TOLD too often how in love they were, instead of being shown it. That being said, I did enjoy many aspects of the plot: when Mira decided to cross the border to try to find her parents and Nerin followed her, and all the trouble they got into in Remnantville after they found out what was being done to their fellow Mers. Even though Mira was human, she was never treated like an outcast by the Mers she grew up with, and she always sided with them, no matter what. Keeping the Mers safe was her first priority, even above finding her parents, and I loved that about her.
All in all I enjoyed the storyline, I just wish I had connected more with the characters. This is the first of a planned trilogy and I will be reading the next two in the hopes that they are better fleshed out in the books to come :D
October 28, 2012
I received Mers from the author Ami Blackwelder in return for a honest review from a giveaway on Librarything. The book is set 100 years in the future,over that time the earth has changed dramatically, causing humans to adapt to survive. Humans took to the water growing webbed feet and hands, gaining the ability to breath and swim under the water, these people are now called Mer. Mira isn't a mer, but she grew up among the mers even raised by mer parents. However Mira has always wondered who where she comes from because she's the only one of her kind living on Liberty Island.
Mira decides to set out for the human colony even though they are forbidden to venture there she still has to know even if it means leaving the mer she loves. Nerin knows Mira maybe better then herself and he knows she's up to something but he's not going to let her go alone, so he goes with her, his little sister tags along with them. The trio journey to Jersey to find out who Mira really is. Since Nerin and Nerissa both have webbed feet and don't look like humans because they have adapted to the water it's up to Mira to explore the colony.
While exploring the city Mira learns that Mers are treated like more like slaves while the royals rule the city. She meets Ethan the son of the king and instantly form a connection with him, wanting to learn more about the humans. However the more she learns the less and less she likes about the royals, they see the mers as nothing more then a product that they can use like wigs, skin cream, and they are hunted by pirates.
I was super excited to win Mers because I've recently gotten hooked on mermaid books. I found the concept unique and fascinating, I had a hard time putting it down to do real life stuff. I really found Mira easy to connect with, she's likable with a good heart which is something I love in a character plus she's also a little kick-ass. I found the story well written, it flows smoothly, and the characters are well developed. I like the idea of the Mers I can see it happening if things were to change which brings on the question maybe we do have mermaids in the water. Mer's really played to my imagination and I loved that so much. I loved it and can't wait for the next one.
Mira decides to set out for the human colony even though they are forbidden to venture there she still has to know even if it means leaving the mer she loves. Nerin knows Mira maybe better then herself and he knows she's up to something but he's not going to let her go alone, so he goes with her, his little sister tags along with them. The trio journey to Jersey to find out who Mira really is. Since Nerin and Nerissa both have webbed feet and don't look like humans because they have adapted to the water it's up to Mira to explore the colony.
While exploring the city Mira learns that Mers are treated like more like slaves while the royals rule the city. She meets Ethan the son of the king and instantly form a connection with him, wanting to learn more about the humans. However the more she learns the less and less she likes about the royals, they see the mers as nothing more then a product that they can use like wigs, skin cream, and they are hunted by pirates.
I was super excited to win Mers because I've recently gotten hooked on mermaid books. I found the concept unique and fascinating, I had a hard time putting it down to do real life stuff. I really found Mira easy to connect with, she's likable with a good heart which is something I love in a character plus she's also a little kick-ass. I found the story well written, it flows smoothly, and the characters are well developed. I like the idea of the Mers I can see it happening if things were to change which brings on the question maybe we do have mermaids in the water. Mer's really played to my imagination and I loved that so much. I loved it and can't wait for the next one.
December 20, 2011
Mira is a teenage girl living in a shattered world, a world that survived a massive flood and is mostly made up of water now. Humans have been evolving to adapt to their new environment, some being born with gills and webbed hands/feet. This has caused wars between the newly evolved humans, named Mers, and the humans who have stayed the same. The wars are supposedley over, but the races remain separated and pirates steal away unsuspecting Mers to sell their bodies piece by piece to the wealthy humans who use them to try and live forever. Mira has realized that even though she lives as a Mer, she isn't one. All she wants is to know where she comes from and who her real parents are. But all Mira manages to do when she steals away to the human side of the divide is cause major trouble for all the Mers, especially her best friend Nerin and his sister Nerissa. It sparks the remnants of the war, threatening to blow up the powder keg of resentments lying in wait. Who will be left standing in the end, humans or Mers? This was an extremely interesting read and I liked the plotline. It was like nothing I've ever read before and I can honestly say it's the first Mermaid-dystopian I've ever heard of! The beauty of the language and the plot couldn't make up for the truly lacking dialogue and the two-dimensional characters who I never really cared about at all. I read disinterestedley because I was not emotionally connected to Mira enought to care whether she won or not. And that is a deal-breaker for me. I would recommend this to curiosity seekers looking for something truly different and younger teens who might be swept up in Mira and Nerin's romance.
VERDICT: 2/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the author herself, via LibraryThing. No money was exchanged for this review. The publication date of this book was October 19th, 2011.*
VERDICT: 2/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the author herself, via LibraryThing. No money was exchanged for this review. The publication date of this book was October 19th, 2011.*
November 17, 2011
The Mers was a very interesting and exciting novel! It combines two of my very favorite genres and blends them into an enchanting story. Ami Blackwelder writes a mermaid dystopian that is a combination of action and romance that is extremely fast-paced from the very first page and never stops until the end.
I was a little surprised at how Ami Blackwelder described the dystopian world because it seemed so realistic. Often times dystopian worlds can seem a bit far-fetched, but this seemed entirely plausible and her description of how the Mers' appearances evolved was plausible as well. Seeing as how they are not the "traditional" mermaids, this made the story fresh and exciting.
Mira and Nerin are both very strong characters that you really grow to love as you get to know them. Their personalities balance each other perfectly and you want to see them succeed in their adventure so badly! Mira's hunt for her birth parents sends her, Nerin, and his sister Nerissa into the world of Remnantville, a place where Mers are hunted and killed, their bodies used to make products for the Aristos. The three of them must stay safe, unravel the mystery behind Mira's identity, and possibly save the Mers all at the same time.
Ami Blackwelder's writing is very vivid and colorful. She paints a picture with her words that leaves readers with a gorgeous image of the sea and the creatures inside it. The action inside this novel will leave readers turning the pages long into the night. While the story had a good resolution in my opinion, I can definitely see how the next two books will add so much more to the series. This is a brilliant start!!
I was a little surprised at how Ami Blackwelder described the dystopian world because it seemed so realistic. Often times dystopian worlds can seem a bit far-fetched, but this seemed entirely plausible and her description of how the Mers' appearances evolved was plausible as well. Seeing as how they are not the "traditional" mermaids, this made the story fresh and exciting.
Mira and Nerin are both very strong characters that you really grow to love as you get to know them. Their personalities balance each other perfectly and you want to see them succeed in their adventure so badly! Mira's hunt for her birth parents sends her, Nerin, and his sister Nerissa into the world of Remnantville, a place where Mers are hunted and killed, their bodies used to make products for the Aristos. The three of them must stay safe, unravel the mystery behind Mira's identity, and possibly save the Mers all at the same time.
Ami Blackwelder's writing is very vivid and colorful. She paints a picture with her words that leaves readers with a gorgeous image of the sea and the creatures inside it. The action inside this novel will leave readers turning the pages long into the night. While the story had a good resolution in my opinion, I can definitely see how the next two books will add so much more to the series. This is a brilliant start!!
November 28, 2011
The Mers offers a new, unique edge to the YA paranormal genre. This mermaid dystopian story follows young Mira who has never been quite sure whether she was a Mer or a human. She lives on Liberty Shore with the Mer community, only she doesn’t display the typical Mer physical appearance of webbed limbs and extremities. These qualities make them excellent swimmers, features that have evolved in the community over time. The Mers remain in their island home for fear of being kidnapped by pirates who sell Mer products to humans. Mira, who looks human but feels like Mer is experiencing identity confusion. So, she creates a plan to escape Liberty Shores across the seas to find out whether she belongs to the human community. She ends up taking along with her boyfriend Niren who is a true Mer.
The Mers is essentially a quest story, where Mira goes in search of her true identity and in doing so faces many challenges and barriers. This novel brings up themes of identity, prejudice and acceptance. The romance between Mira and Niren is quite sweet and their acceptance of each other is quite sweet. However, because they get together quite early in the story, the usual romantic suspence in this YA novel is absent. I was a little disappointed that the story wasn’t about mermaids in the true sense, rather humans with mermaid features. But the evolutionary description provided by the author was quite realistic. This is a really interesting story that I recommend for YA readers who are interested in a new genre to sink their teeth into.
The Mers is essentially a quest story, where Mira goes in search of her true identity and in doing so faces many challenges and barriers. This novel brings up themes of identity, prejudice and acceptance. The romance between Mira and Niren is quite sweet and their acceptance of each other is quite sweet. However, because they get together quite early in the story, the usual romantic suspence in this YA novel is absent. I was a little disappointed that the story wasn’t about mermaids in the true sense, rather humans with mermaid features. But the evolutionary description provided by the author was quite realistic. This is a really interesting story that I recommend for YA readers who are interested in a new genre to sink their teeth into.
January 24, 2012
This book is so unique. It's a mermaid story and a dystopian all in one. Plus there are really cool powers involved. This book has it all, but it never seems like too much. The story all fits together really nicely. I read this book in one sitting- I was that absorbed in the book.
Mira was pretty cool. I thought she handled everything so well. If I were that noticeably different than all the people in my community, it would be hard. It probably helped having a friend like Niren though. He is the definition of loyalty, and we all know how much I love my loyal characters! He was so sweet, and cute when he was trying to get Mira's attention.
I would have liked a little more character development on some of the secondary characters. There were probably close to 10 main players in the book, but only Mira and Niren were really fleshed out. The others were a little flat at times. They were likable though and they played pretty good roles in the story, I just would have liked to get to know them a little better.
The story really picks up when Mira goes into the mainland in search of something. She gets a dose of harsh reality of what the world is really like, and of course, being the kick butt heroine that she is, she just has to try and save the day. The Mers has tons of action and plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. And then when some powers start to show up in the book, it gets super cool! I really enjoyed the story. I can't wait to see what is going to happen next!
Mira was pretty cool. I thought she handled everything so well. If I were that noticeably different than all the people in my community, it would be hard. It probably helped having a friend like Niren though. He is the definition of loyalty, and we all know how much I love my loyal characters! He was so sweet, and cute when he was trying to get Mira's attention.
I would have liked a little more character development on some of the secondary characters. There were probably close to 10 main players in the book, but only Mira and Niren were really fleshed out. The others were a little flat at times. They were likable though and they played pretty good roles in the story, I just would have liked to get to know them a little better.
The story really picks up when Mira goes into the mainland in search of something. She gets a dose of harsh reality of what the world is really like, and of course, being the kick butt heroine that she is, she just has to try and save the day. The Mers has tons of action and plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. And then when some powers start to show up in the book, it gets super cool! I really enjoyed the story. I can't wait to see what is going to happen next!
August 6, 2012
I honestly think I have read only one Dystopian book and a handful with mermaids in them but not as a main character. What I found intriguing with this book was the unique world building this author created. We have the Mers who hate humans, humans who hate the Mers then there are several types of humans, Aristos, Commoners(who are really low on the totem pole), Magi's and even Pirates. The fact all of this takes place in or around Jersey makes me smile.
Mira, who all her life has lived as Mer but was different and wanted to know why, so she sets out for where she isn't allowed to go, due to a truce called between the Humans and the Mers. Her boyfriend and his little sister tag along. But she ends up more confused than ever until she finally finds out the truth.
The book started off a bit slow but soon picked up once they were in Jersey. Then it was non stop action with a touch of sweet romance. It also had a couple surprising moments that I didn't see coming. I do have to say though the ending I was a bit confused about not so much for the story as to where and how Ethan is going to be in the future. I know she was setting up for the next installment, I just I don't know if he is going to be good or bad. I surely hope its not the latter. I really liked him.
Overall this book was far different than I been reading and I did enjoy it. I am looking forward to see what the next book has to offer. Would I recommend yes, if you love YA Paranormal with a Dystopian twist then this book is for you.
Mira, who all her life has lived as Mer but was different and wanted to know why, so she sets out for where she isn't allowed to go, due to a truce called between the Humans and the Mers. Her boyfriend and his little sister tag along. But she ends up more confused than ever until she finally finds out the truth.
The book started off a bit slow but soon picked up once they were in Jersey. Then it was non stop action with a touch of sweet romance. It also had a couple surprising moments that I didn't see coming. I do have to say though the ending I was a bit confused about not so much for the story as to where and how Ethan is going to be in the future. I know she was setting up for the next installment, I just I don't know if he is going to be good or bad. I surely hope its not the latter. I really liked him.
Overall this book was far different than I been reading and I did enjoy it. I am looking forward to see what the next book has to offer. Would I recommend yes, if you love YA Paranormal with a Dystopian twist then this book is for you.
January 13, 2014
One hundred years into the future, after a great flood, humans started getting strange adaptations. Some started developing gills and webbed fingers. This change caused a war between the Mers and regular humans. But an uneasy truce was created and the Mers could live on Liberty Shores while the humans took New Jersey. But things are changing. Mers are disappearing, pirates are capturing the Mers, and strange and dangerous sea creatures are arriving in the water.
Mira has always felt like an outsider in the Mer community. She doesn’t have gills or webbed fingers and a head full of bright red hair really makes her stand out. She has always been loved but when she learns that she is a foundling, she wants to know more about the humans so she sets out for the human colony even though it is forbidden. So Mira and her best friend decided to go to New Jersey to find out more. There they are introduced to the different classes of people that run the human colony. They also learn the plans of the humans for the Mers and they have to go save their people. But being held captive will hinder their plans.
This is a great new approach to the dystopia stories. You usually don’t see too many mermaid stories although they are slowly coming out. I loved the background and how the Mers come about and all the drama it caused. The world was expertly created and the story just flowed. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more in the Mer Chronicles.
I received this book for free from the Library Thing early Reviewer Program in exchange for an honest review.
Mira has always felt like an outsider in the Mer community. She doesn’t have gills or webbed fingers and a head full of bright red hair really makes her stand out. She has always been loved but when she learns that she is a foundling, she wants to know more about the humans so she sets out for the human colony even though it is forbidden. So Mira and her best friend decided to go to New Jersey to find out more. There they are introduced to the different classes of people that run the human colony. They also learn the plans of the humans for the Mers and they have to go save their people. But being held captive will hinder their plans.
This is a great new approach to the dystopia stories. You usually don’t see too many mermaid stories although they are slowly coming out. I loved the background and how the Mers come about and all the drama it caused. The world was expertly created and the story just flowed. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more in the Mer Chronicles.
I received this book for free from the Library Thing early Reviewer Program in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2011
The Mers is not quite the type of novel I usually read. I'm not a big fan of the fantasy genre but I DO love a good dystopian story! And Mers delivered on that!
The novel takes place on Ellis Island and in New Jersey after the world has flooded. There is very little land left that is not covered by water and very few humans left also. Through the generations since the flood humans have begun to adapt to the water and more and more of them have developed mermaid-like features. But many of the humans are disgusted by the Mer features and many wars have occured between the humans and Mers.
Our heroine Mira grows up in the Mer community but knows she is different. She's not sure if she is a human but she definitely isn't like the other Mers. She knows her Mer parents found her in a basket and she decides to go on a quest, joined by her best friend who quickly becomes her boyfriend Nirren and his little sister Nerissa, to find her birth parents.
The quest is dangerous from the start as Mers and humans are separated and hate one another. Hiding Nirren and Nerissa's Mer features proves to be a challenge and Mira discovers just how cruel the humans are. But what is Mira?
As already mentioned, this novel does Dystopian lit well. It's also a coming of age novel with some romance. It's one of the most unique YA novels I have ever read. I look forward to reading the sequels.
*I won the ebook version of this novel through the LibraryThing member giveaway*
The novel takes place on Ellis Island and in New Jersey after the world has flooded. There is very little land left that is not covered by water and very few humans left also. Through the generations since the flood humans have begun to adapt to the water and more and more of them have developed mermaid-like features. But many of the humans are disgusted by the Mer features and many wars have occured between the humans and Mers.
Our heroine Mira grows up in the Mer community but knows she is different. She's not sure if she is a human but she definitely isn't like the other Mers. She knows her Mer parents found her in a basket and she decides to go on a quest, joined by her best friend who quickly becomes her boyfriend Nirren and his little sister Nerissa, to find her birth parents.
The quest is dangerous from the start as Mers and humans are separated and hate one another. Hiding Nirren and Nerissa's Mer features proves to be a challenge and Mira discovers just how cruel the humans are. But what is Mira?
As already mentioned, this novel does Dystopian lit well. It's also a coming of age novel with some romance. It's one of the most unique YA novels I have ever read. I look forward to reading the sequels.
*I won the ebook version of this novel through the LibraryThing member giveaway*
January 16, 2012
Mira has never really fit in with her family and the Mers. She can't swim and doesn't have gills like all other members of the Mer society. She's always wondered why she's so different - not that it mattered to her parents or her friends. The nagging voice in the back of her mind propels her to find the truth of who she really is how she came to live with the Mers.
With her best friend Niren, she decides to leave the Liberty Shore and see what is on the other side of the borders. Both Mira and Niren find more then they bargained for! And find themselves on a potentially deadly adventure to save their lives and the whole Mer society.
This was a very unique read. I haven't read a Mermaid/Mer based novel before and I really enjoyed the concept! Mira was a fun character, she loves her family but wants to know more about who and what she really is. The old saying "You might not always like what you find" comes to mind with Mira, who definitely finds more then she wishes to know.
I love Mira's relationship with Niren, and how they grow together and how everything develops. I also really liked how she meets Ethan and how that comes about. I don't want to spoil anything, because it's great how everything comes together and we learn who is who.
For those who love Mermaid/Mer based novels, this is one you will definitely enjoy.
With her best friend Niren, she decides to leave the Liberty Shore and see what is on the other side of the borders. Both Mira and Niren find more then they bargained for! And find themselves on a potentially deadly adventure to save their lives and the whole Mer society.
This was a very unique read. I haven't read a Mermaid/Mer based novel before and I really enjoyed the concept! Mira was a fun character, she loves her family but wants to know more about who and what she really is. The old saying "You might not always like what you find" comes to mind with Mira, who definitely finds more then she wishes to know.
I love Mira's relationship with Niren, and how they grow together and how everything develops. I also really liked how she meets Ethan and how that comes about. I don't want to spoil anything, because it's great how everything comes together and we learn who is who.
For those who love Mermaid/Mer based novels, this is one you will definitely enjoy.
March 31, 2012
Mira has always felt accepted by her family and friends, but also an outsider. She is not like the others in her village - they have webbed feet and gills, while she is the only one with fiery red hair and cannot swim to save her life. She has always thought herself more human than her Mer companions, yet she isn't 100% sure she is human either.
Mira sets out on an adventure to figure out who and what she really is and to find her real parents. She has always kind of known that she isn't a Mer, but also feels like she belongs with them. Something tugs at her until she finally breaks down and crosses the border into human lands. Will the old adage ring true, the grass is always greener on the other side?
I'm afraid of giving away spoilers, so I won't get into too much detail. I loved how there are so many surprises in this story, some I thought might happen and others blindsided me. I love when a book can catch me like that - sometimes I think I have it all figured out and am totally wrong. It is very unique and unpredictable.
This is a great dystopian book containing dashes of romance, action/adventure, fantasy and is a great story about accepting who you are and finding yourself.
I am eagerly awaiting book two in this series.
Mira sets out on an adventure to figure out who and what she really is and to find her real parents. She has always kind of known that she isn't a Mer, but also feels like she belongs with them. Something tugs at her until she finally breaks down and crosses the border into human lands. Will the old adage ring true, the grass is always greener on the other side?
I'm afraid of giving away spoilers, so I won't get into too much detail. I loved how there are so many surprises in this story, some I thought might happen and others blindsided me. I love when a book can catch me like that - sometimes I think I have it all figured out and am totally wrong. It is very unique and unpredictable.
This is a great dystopian book containing dashes of romance, action/adventure, fantasy and is a great story about accepting who you are and finding yourself.
I am eagerly awaiting book two in this series.
January 4, 2013
There is something about The Mers by Ami Blackwelder that is enchanting. The uniqueness of the story and the way that this race as well as the human race is written draws you in. You can't help but fall in love with the characters as they journey through an adventure to discover just who Mira really is.
Ami Blackwelder captures the earnest desire of Mira's to understand who or rather what she is. All Mira knows is that she's different from the Mers who raised her. Is she like anyone else out there? It is this unquenchable desire that drives this book to its pinnacle and places anyone that Mira holds dear in danger. Especially Niren, her best friend and love interest.
I adore how the author captured the human race with all of its darkness coming into play throughout this tell. But where there is darkness, there is also light. You will come to hate and love the different humans that play a part in this book. There are those that would kill to find a Mer, only to kill the Mer later, and those that will be the greatest help to Mira in her quest to save her friend and return to the home she took for granted.
It's a wonderful book. It's unique and beautiful.
Ami Blackwelder captures the earnest desire of Mira's to understand who or rather what she is. All Mira knows is that she's different from the Mers who raised her. Is she like anyone else out there? It is this unquenchable desire that drives this book to its pinnacle and places anyone that Mira holds dear in danger. Especially Niren, her best friend and love interest.
I adore how the author captured the human race with all of its darkness coming into play throughout this tell. But where there is darkness, there is also light. You will come to hate and love the different humans that play a part in this book. There are those that would kill to find a Mer, only to kill the Mer later, and those that will be the greatest help to Mira in her quest to save her friend and return to the home she took for granted.
It's a wonderful book. It's unique and beautiful.
January 27, 2012
The myths surrounding the mermaid legends has always fascinated me, mermaids to be precise have always been one of my favorite legends. I can remember as a child playing pretend and becoming one of them as my imagination roamed free.
This was a unique twist on the well worn fin. When the earth became swallowed by the oceans. leaving dry land sparse, we do what humans do best, we evolve. Humans turned into Mers. Men and Women who can breath under water and have webbed hands and feet so they can swim, along with a few other charachteristics that become enough to start a civil war and ending in exile.
As one young girl searches for the truth about her parentage and why she came to be, we get to tag along with what felt like a play by play diary. Through daring rescue, heart breaking goodbyes' , the battle of the pirates and having to save her people before they are wiped out for good, this book is a highly charged one that will keep you on the edge of your seat in preparation for what comes next.
This was a unique twist on the well worn fin. When the earth became swallowed by the oceans. leaving dry land sparse, we do what humans do best, we evolve. Humans turned into Mers. Men and Women who can breath under water and have webbed hands and feet so they can swim, along with a few other charachteristics that become enough to start a civil war and ending in exile.
As one young girl searches for the truth about her parentage and why she came to be, we get to tag along with what felt like a play by play diary. Through daring rescue, heart breaking goodbyes' , the battle of the pirates and having to save her people before they are wiped out for good, this book is a highly charged one that will keep you on the edge of your seat in preparation for what comes next.
February 12, 2012
This book was a great dystopian about mermaids. Something different that I needed in my reading material. Mers are people with webbed toes and fingers and they have yellow eyes. They have magic within their body so humans and pirates try to capture the Mers. They use their eyes for amulets, their hair for wigs, and their skin to remain looking young. Mira the main character constantly wonders why she is not like The Mers. She doesn't have webbed features, yellow eyes, and most importantly she can't breathe underwater. Her parents tell her they found her washed up on shore in a basket so Mira along with her boyfriend Nerin and his sister Neriessa they cross the border which separates the Mers from the humans in order to find her parents. Mira finds them along with a half brother and later discovers that she is a mermaid from the King Posedin. A mermaid has a fin, can breathe underwater, and hypnotize people with their singing. Mira slowly is changing into one. She has to stop her father from destroying the Mers the people she had grown up with and loved her whole life.
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