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Memoir of a Mermaid #1
When, At Last, He Found Me
(Revised and re-edited version.)
Seraphin Shedd wanted her high school graduation day to be different, and by different, she meant ordinary. In a life led by tragedy, a break from the flashbacks would have been a welcomed relief. Instead, after the disappearance of her beloved teacher, Ms. Dorah Zebedee, her memories became increasingly more vivid. Only one person, Joseph Merrick, knows where to find Ms. Z, but he's not eager to help. Unaccommodating and mysterious, Joseph brings Seraphin to an emotional breaking point. If she can learn to trust him, she just might uncover the mystery behind her heartbreaking past. Though, she can't help but wonder if his interest in her is purely for personal gain, or will he prove to be a loyal friend?
Follow along as Seraphin unearths her true identity as well as discovers the evil surrounding her past.
If you love mermaids, this is the young adult fantasy novel for you. See the raging sea through Seraphin’s eyes and struggle to make sense of the impossible. This isn’t an ordinary mermaid story, the mystery is as deep as the ocean. Through intrigue and romance, you'll be caught.
**************************
"It was almost like dancing, the way we swam together...Joseph was quite charming and I found myself wondering if I could indeed spend the rest of my life beside him."
Seraphin Shedd wanted her high school graduation day to be different, and by different, she meant ordinary. In a life led by tragedy, a break from the flashbacks would have been a welcomed relief. Instead, after the disappearance of her beloved teacher, Ms. Dorah Zebedee, her memories became increasingly more vivid. Only one person, Joseph Merrick, knows where to find Ms. Z, but he's not eager to help. Unaccommodating and mysterious, Joseph brings Seraphin to an emotional breaking point. If she can learn to trust him, she just might uncover the mystery behind her heartbreaking past. Though, she can't help but wonder if his interest in her is purely for personal gain, or will he prove to be a loyal friend?
Follow along as Seraphin unearths her true identity as well as discovers the evil surrounding her past.
If you love mermaids, this is the young adult fantasy novel for you. See the raging sea through Seraphin’s eyes and struggle to make sense of the impossible. This isn’t an ordinary mermaid story, the mystery is as deep as the ocean. Through intrigue and romance, you'll be caught.
**************************
"It was almost like dancing, the way we swam together...Joseph was quite charming and I found myself wondering if I could indeed spend the rest of my life beside him."
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2012
8 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Adrianna Stepiano
11 books32 followersAdrianna Stepiano is the author of Memoir of a Mermaid, her debut novel that captures the allure of the aquatic world through the lens of teenage fantasy. Inspired by her childhood experiences along the East Coast and the Great Lakes, Adrianna's fascination with merfolk lore resonates throughout her writing, echoing the enchanting qualities of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. A lover of classic literature, her work also draws inspiration from the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Jane Austen, Emily Dickinson, and Jules Verne, blending timeless themes with her unique narrative style.
Residing in Michigan with her family, Adrianna is deeply committed to her faith and actively involved in advocacy for mental health, reflecting her dedication to impactful themes both in her writing and her community engagement. Also a poet and performer, she often shares her work in public readings, embodying the emotional depth and creativity that define her as an artist.
Educated at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she earned her degree in Computer Art, Adrianna's artistic talents extend beyond writing. Her college years, marked by frequent visits to Tybee Island, reignited her love for mermaid mythology—a theme that beautifully permeates her artistic and written works. Adrianna crafts her stories to blend fantasy seamlessly into the real world, making the unseen believable in our daily lives. She explores the hidden lives of those around us, building her narratives on the Earth that exists today rather than distant, mythical realms. This approach makes her debut not just a book but a gateway to a mesmerizing, yet relatable, fantasy interwoven with the familiar fabric of our own world.
Residing in Michigan with her family, Adrianna is deeply committed to her faith and actively involved in advocacy for mental health, reflecting her dedication to impactful themes both in her writing and her community engagement. Also a poet and performer, she often shares her work in public readings, embodying the emotional depth and creativity that define her as an artist.
Educated at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she earned her degree in Computer Art, Adrianna's artistic talents extend beyond writing. Her college years, marked by frequent visits to Tybee Island, reignited her love for mermaid mythology—a theme that beautifully permeates her artistic and written works. Adrianna crafts her stories to blend fantasy seamlessly into the real world, making the unseen believable in our daily lives. She explores the hidden lives of those around us, building her narratives on the Earth that exists today rather than distant, mythical realms. This approach makes her debut not just a book but a gateway to a mesmerizing, yet relatable, fantasy interwoven with the familiar fabric of our own world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 10, 2012
This book is something that the author kindly offered out for a review on Goodreads. And of course I snagged it. So my thanks, to Adrianna for letting me read this. Normally I'm a vamp girl but lately, there has just been something very appealing about Mermen.
The book starts out with Seraphin, walking up to get her high school diploma. In line she gets a bit nervous and blacks out. It's her bodies response to any time she's gonna go in to freak out mode. After the ceremony she really has no place to go and sees her favorite teacher in the parking lot. She offers out her help to Ms. Z and they pack up the stuff and transfer the fish to another classroom becuase her teacher is taking another job elsewhere. While finishing up Ms. Z's nephew Joseph, shows up and they are introduced. The nephew is rude and when Ms. Z offers to take Seraphin to lunch. The nephew picking up on Seraphin's discomfort from his abrupt manner assures her that he isn't going. Meeting at a near by diner, Seraphin goes in to get a table while Ms. Z is talking to several people she knows outside. Seraphin grows impatient after waiting for about 15 minutes and gets up to go find her. When she gets outside, Ms. Z is nowhere to be found. And suddenly her car is screeching to a halt in front of her and Joseph is driving yelling for her to get in.
Now that is just the beginning. And it gets a lot more interesting as the story goes along. The ending however almost left me crying from frustration. As all good books, it leaves you in mid air with a cliffhanger. One where you wish you had the next book next to you so you could start in right away. (It happened to me with Meeting Destiny too, but the next one was out so I didn't go completely buck-nutty) Instead I get to hang out until January of 2013.
( Unedited version of the review will found on http://passionatebookdivas.com on May 30th.)
The book starts out with Seraphin, walking up to get her high school diploma. In line she gets a bit nervous and blacks out. It's her bodies response to any time she's gonna go in to freak out mode. After the ceremony she really has no place to go and sees her favorite teacher in the parking lot. She offers out her help to Ms. Z and they pack up the stuff and transfer the fish to another classroom becuase her teacher is taking another job elsewhere. While finishing up Ms. Z's nephew Joseph, shows up and they are introduced. The nephew is rude and when Ms. Z offers to take Seraphin to lunch. The nephew picking up on Seraphin's discomfort from his abrupt manner assures her that he isn't going. Meeting at a near by diner, Seraphin goes in to get a table while Ms. Z is talking to several people she knows outside. Seraphin grows impatient after waiting for about 15 minutes and gets up to go find her. When she gets outside, Ms. Z is nowhere to be found. And suddenly her car is screeching to a halt in front of her and Joseph is driving yelling for her to get in.
Now that is just the beginning. And it gets a lot more interesting as the story goes along. The ending however almost left me crying from frustration. As all good books, it leaves you in mid air with a cliffhanger. One where you wish you had the next book next to you so you could start in right away. (It happened to me with Meeting Destiny too, but the next one was out so I didn't go completely buck-nutty) Instead I get to hang out until January of 2013.
( Unedited version of the review will found on http://passionatebookdivas.com on May 30th.)
March 7, 2015
Welcome everyone to Q&A with Adrianna Stepiano!
First we want to thank Adrianna for taking time to answerer what may seem like a million silly questions. THANK YOU!! Have no worries if the question you dying to ask her is not here; I am sure we will see more from this very talented Indie Author.
1. (Q) The first question Diane and I had to ask and I am sure what most of us are eager to know is...What inspired you to write the book(s)?
(A) The inspiration to write Memoir of a Mermaid came from a combination of a stormy day and my daughter. I had recently been laid-off from my full time job. I live in Michigan and our state took one of the greatest hits during the economic downturn. Times were tough, financially and emotionally. When I finally decided to sit down and write, I was at the lowest point emotionally and I knew I had to turn myself around. That day, it was storming outside; I took my (then 3 year-old) daughter to the local library for story time. As I sat, on the verge of tears, the storm seemed to grow out of control. When my daughter emerged from the story time room, the sky seemed to clear with her smile. That was the first piece in the story of Seraphin.
2. (Q)Most of the readers can understand that. Times are getting harder for everyone. With the world in such dire straits and given your status of laid- off What sparked the idea for you to publish your novel?
(A)My daughter's smile, her love of mermaids, and many prayers.
3. (Q)It makes it easier when you have a higher power on your side.Which came first; the character's story or the idea for the novel?
(A)In Memoir of a Mermaid, Seraphin's story was first. As a matter of fact, I didn't know I was even writing a full novel until I was at about 50,000 words. It began as a short story about a girl who was stuck in a ring of bad luck.
4. (Q)That truly must have been a joy to share with your daughter; how did you start writing?
(A)I started writing as an escape from reality. Which, of course, is why I read so many books as well. At night, when everyone was sleeping and no one was left on facebook, I found I still had trouble dozing off. At times, I'd throw myself into an anxiety attack. I found that writing made all that anxiety go away. It truly is an escape for me. Hopefully, I'm providing an escape for my readers as well.
5. (Q)Oh, I get that as I am sure many do; escaping reality to visit places only your imagination can take you.What is your writing routine?
(A)My writing routine began at night, and was very random. Now, I write every second I can. It doesn't matter what time of day or what day of the week. If I can fit it in, I'm writing.
6. (Q)When you start to writeDo you outline or just let it flow to wherever your imagination flows?
(A)Probably not as good as someone who has been professionally trained in writing. I'm a graphic designer by trade and career, so I like to call what I do, sketching. I make flow charts of the characters and their personality traits as well as their role in the story. In my head, the book is just another design that I'm working on. Everything has to fit together and flow properly. When I close my eyes I can almost visualize the scene that I'm working on. Hopefully, my readers can too.
7. (Q)I have just started reading; I don’t think there is a problem with the scene they play very well in my vivid imagination. What is your favorite part of the book(s)?
(A)My favorite part of Memoir of a Mermaid, is when Seraphin and Joseph are on the Great Cranberry Island, alone, in the abandoned house. She becomes a hero for the first time in her life.
8. (Q)I have a daughter as well; so I am pleased when the female are strong leads. What was the hardest part to write in the book(s)?
(A)For me, the most difficult part of writing Memoir of a Mermaid, came in that opening paragraph. It changed so many times.
9. (Q)If possible will you Explain how you researched for the book?
(A)Of course, every book needs a setting. I had an almanac and marked off all the places in the world that I had visited. (There are not that many.) However, I live in Michigan, I've been to Italy, and I've also been to Maine. All three locations are either in, or referenced in, Memoir of a Mermaid. I picked Australia as a location for one of the pieces of the story because of the marine life that only lives in the waters surrounding the continent (that develops more in book #2). Anyway, I read everything and anything I could get my hands on that had to do with the ocean or marine life, as well as old fables and classic literature. By far, the book that inspired the purpose driven thinking, as in the fact that each character has to have a reason, was The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and Fascinating Facts by David Colbert. It was then when I realized that every name had to have meaning behind it and every action had to have motive or reason.
10. (Q)Travel can come in handy to an author. I noticed that most authors travel. You have explained why. What do you wish was different about the book(s)?
(A)As a self published, penniless, author, I don't have the money to pay for an editor. I wish I did. It's the strangest thing because I have read Memoir of a Mermaid a million times, however, there are little mistakes that I would have never picked up on. I have to thank my friends, they downloaded the book to their eReaders and marked it up for me (for free). It's funny because at smashwords.com, I ended up revising the file about 20 times. Actually, there are still small mistakes that I have to correct before I publish in printed form.
11. (Q)When it does make it to its print form I’m first in line for and autographed copy! My daughter loves the book!Who are some of your favorite authors or books?
(A)My favorite books, there are so many. I suppose it depends on the day and my mood. Of course, I love the Harry Potter books, the Percy Jackson series, the Hunger Games series, and the Twilight series. However, I am always up for a Nicolas Sparks or James Patterson novel. I'm in a book club and we read anything and everything. Right now, we are reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, but last month we read, Lake of Dreams by Kim Adams. Those book club ladies keep me diversified.
12. (A)Impressive I found my new kindle buddy! LOL! What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
(A)Do it. If it makes you feel good, do it.
13. (Q)Straight to the point, I like that. What are your plans for writing in the future?
(A)At the moment, I am nearly finished with Memoir of a Mermaid: When, at last, she came to see. I plan to have 4 books in the series. I also have two side novels started. Both are YA fiction, one is fantasy (sorry, no mermaids) and one more of a true to life drama. You'll be seeing a lot from me and I hope to be seeing a lot of you as well.
14. (Q)One more quick question before we go; If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
(A)I'm going to expand the boundaries of this question and give a fictional character. If I could have dinner with one person, it would be, Seraphin Shedd. She continues to surprise me. I know, I made her. To some, this might sound silly, but she continues to surprise me. I can't wait to find out where she wants me to take her next.
Thank you again Adrianna for taking time two answer our silly questions. If you want to know more about Author Adrianna Stepiano and all the characters she has swimming around in that talented mind of hers visit her at http://www.memoirofamermaid.com
March 16, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Mermaid with gumption, grace and courage,
This review is from: Memoir of a Mermaid: When, At Last, He Found Me (Kindle Edition)
I may be prejudiced toward this book a little, although I do not know the author, she speaks directly to my fondest wishes as a child. When I was somewhere in the preschool, pre-pre-school years, growing up in land locked Wyoming, I grew irritated that my parents hadn't made me be a dolphin, and I refused to answer to any name but "Flipper." Once I was convinced this was an impossible dream, I turned my yearnings into a more "realistic direction" and agreed to settle for being a MERMAID. I was an adult when Disney introduced Ariel, but I took my students to he theater, for my own sake.
Memoir of a Mermaid, therefore was a title that caught my attention. Still, I don't read books that don't hold my interest, or that are poorly edited or written. I do not give 5 stars to a book unless I honestly feel it is a good story, well written, original and worth my time and money. I feel very comfortable saying that Memoir of a Mermaid is a great book for those of us who enjoy YA/MG books, and especially those who love the sea.
Seraphin Shedd is a delightful girl, with courage and this does not turn out to be another routine love story. Seraphin is alone, and graduating high school, but not as alone as she thinks, and not as right as she thinks about a lot of assumptions about her life. She hates being lied to, but she has been, a lot. She is afraid of water, she blacks out often, but hasn't been diagnosed with epilepsy or lost her driver's license. She is nervous about her new adulthood, but eager to begin, and once you have this book, you too will be eager to begin.
I have only one real complaint, and that is that the second book is not available, because book one ends with a simple, throw away remark that shifts everything around and left me wanting more.
April 4, 2015
"Ms Z, what’s wrong with Joseph? I mean—I don’t know him but—well, I get the feeling he hates me.”
“Joseph is a very sweet young man—”
I cut her off. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything."
Seraphin
Gosh you're infuriating,
and stubborn.
Although, you are strong minded.
I actually agree with the marriage part thingy.
I don't know what it'd feel like to have no family,
though I don't want to experience it either.
I liked how you developed throughout the book, sort of.
To have your power..oh man.
You need to control your emotiond bro, seriously.
Joseph
I didn't really want to read the romance part because I have a relative with your name - but I kind of did.
I liked how you and Seraphin met, made me laugh. :)
Don't know about you, but I don't think being rude gets the ladies. ;)
I cried when I read the bit about your brother - must have really loved you.
At times you were frustrating and annoying,
but I liked that.
I want your Rune of the Sea tattoo thing.
HAHA. Your tails ugly. :D
Nasani
I think I cried,
can't remember.
Hopefully I don't go through what you did.
In future I hope you're happy.
Now that I think about it, I feel sorry for you.
Your dad makes me want to throw my shoe at him.
What a selfish bastard.
Don't know how you manage.
I can sort of relate I guess.
Ethan
Aaaah, loud mouth ?
No, motormouth.
I don't know, you're pretty weird to me...
Ms. Z
You bitch.
Enough said.
SMH.
Nasani's father
Most hated character. I hate you.
You don't even deserve to be called a 'father' or a 'dad.'
“Father,” A voice came from the half open door. “I am sorry to interrupt, but your helicopter is waiting.”
Nasani stood with her shoulders back, her head high and a face that was vacant of emotion.
“Thank you darling,” the man was polite to his daughter.
He turned to me, lifting my chin to meet his eyes. “If only God had gifted me with the female Guardian—she would have been perfection. Ms. Shedd, make wise choices and try not to let your raw abilities go to waste."
You idiot, Nasani was still in the room.
How can you just say that ?
Selfish monkey.
“Joseph is a very sweet young man—”
I cut her off. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything."
Seraphin
Gosh you're infuriating,
and stubborn.
Although, you are strong minded.
I actually agree with the marriage part thingy.
I don't know what it'd feel like to have no family,
though I don't want to experience it either.
I liked how you developed throughout the book, sort of.
To have your power..oh man.
You need to control your emotiond bro, seriously.
Joseph
I didn't really want to read the romance part because I have a relative with your name - but I kind of did.
I liked how you and Seraphin met, made me laugh. :)
Don't know about you, but I don't think being rude gets the ladies. ;)
I cried when I read the bit about your brother - must have really loved you.
At times you were frustrating and annoying,
but I liked that.
I want your Rune of the Sea tattoo thing.
HAHA. Your tails ugly. :D
Nasani
I think I cried,
can't remember.
Hopefully I don't go through what you did.
In future I hope you're happy.
Now that I think about it, I feel sorry for you.
Your dad makes me want to throw my shoe at him.
What a selfish bastard.
Don't know how you manage.
I can sort of relate I guess.
Ethan
Aaaah, loud mouth ?
No, motormouth.
I don't know, you're pretty weird to me...
Ms. Z
You bitch.
Enough said.
SMH.
Nasani's father
Most hated character. I hate you.
You don't even deserve to be called a 'father' or a 'dad.'
“Father,” A voice came from the half open door. “I am sorry to interrupt, but your helicopter is waiting.”
Nasani stood with her shoulders back, her head high and a face that was vacant of emotion.
“Thank you darling,” the man was polite to his daughter.
He turned to me, lifting my chin to meet his eyes. “If only God had gifted me with the female Guardian—she would have been perfection. Ms. Shedd, make wise choices and try not to let your raw abilities go to waste."
You idiot, Nasani was still in the room.
How can you just say that ?
Selfish monkey.
March 15, 2012
When Seraphina Shedd graduates high school, she is handed the keys to her Grandmother’s home. She’d lost her dad when she was ten, rescuing her from her sudden inexplicable disobedience, and was reared by her grandmother until the latter’s death. Now she’s free of the family friend who despises her, but is still fearful of moving on, into the unknown. Unbeknownst to her as yet, Seraphina is venturing into a much greater unknown than just the anxiety of leaving her Bar Harbor high school, of returning alone to her Grandmother’s home, and of finding a career and making her own way through life. For Seraphina Shedd is hardly an ordinary, routine, average, eighteen-year-old graduate. She is a product of the ocean, playing an essential role in the protection of the contemporary marine environment and thus of this planet.
Suspension of disbelief is so realistic in this novel; while the protagonist is thinking, “No, that can’t be,” early on in the story, the reader is thinking instead, “oh yes, it can! That makes such good sense!” That is how very easily the reader is hooked into a tale of the fantastical-it just seems right. Character delineation is very superbly and subtly done; and there is good character evolution, especially in the role of Seraphina, whose life is very unusual, but again, acceptable as real. One of my favourite portions of the novel, in addition to the scene at the swimming pool between Seraphina and her favourite teacher Mrs. Z, was the ending, because author Adrianna Stepiano leaves us simultaneously with a gasp of “What?!” and with a potential cliffhanger that will make readers eager to await the next book in the series.
Suspension of disbelief is so realistic in this novel; while the protagonist is thinking, “No, that can’t be,” early on in the story, the reader is thinking instead, “oh yes, it can! That makes such good sense!” That is how very easily the reader is hooked into a tale of the fantastical-it just seems right. Character delineation is very superbly and subtly done; and there is good character evolution, especially in the role of Seraphina, whose life is very unusual, but again, acceptable as real. One of my favourite portions of the novel, in addition to the scene at the swimming pool between Seraphina and her favourite teacher Mrs. Z, was the ending, because author Adrianna Stepiano leaves us simultaneously with a gasp of “What?!” and with a potential cliffhanger that will make readers eager to await the next book in the series.
May 29, 2012
Seraphin had always felt responsible for her father's death and her dreams seemed to enforce those feelings. When she met her teacher, Mrs. Z and was introduced to Joseph. life seemed to take on a direction of its own. Her father had instilled in her a fear of water, yet she could not resist being drawn to it. When Joseph made her realize she was a mermaid, she finally found her place in life.
I was captivated from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down and didn't quit til the wee hours of the morning. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to breathe under water? Wondered what would happen if you just let yourself go and let the water take you? Read Memoir of a Mermaid and you will have your answers.When, At Last, He Found MeAdrianna Stepiano
I was captivated from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down and didn't quit til the wee hours of the morning. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to breathe under water? Wondered what would happen if you just let yourself go and let the water take you? Read Memoir of a Mermaid and you will have your answers.When, At Last, He Found MeAdrianna Stepiano
June 1, 2012
This was my first Mermaid book, and I did not know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I did enjoy this book, I liked the way the story was told, the characters are well developed, and there were so many twist and turns that it kept you guessing till the very end. The suspense is just enough to keep the readers interest and the cliffhanger ending is certainly why I am going to be looking for the next installment.
I was never a reader of mythical stories, but this book caught my interest and kept me turning the pages, I could not put it down. I would recommend this book to all YA readers, it is a delightful read.
I recieved this book by the author, Adrianna Stepiano, for an honest review. Thank-you for entertaining me with your story.
I did enjoy this book, I liked the way the story was told, the characters are well developed, and there were so many twist and turns that it kept you guessing till the very end. The suspense is just enough to keep the readers interest and the cliffhanger ending is certainly why I am going to be looking for the next installment.
I was never a reader of mythical stories, but this book caught my interest and kept me turning the pages, I could not put it down. I would recommend this book to all YA readers, it is a delightful read.
I recieved this book by the author, Adrianna Stepiano, for an honest review. Thank-you for entertaining me with your story.
May 17, 2012
A refreshing read.
I loved the world building around the mer-people. Seraphin was a great female lead and I liked the fact that Joseph wasn't perfect, and that there were more than a few moments where he acted like an arrogant idiot; it made him all the more real. The plot was good and kept me guessing and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I loved the world building around the mer-people. Seraphin was a great female lead and I liked the fact that Joseph wasn't perfect, and that there were more than a few moments where he acted like an arrogant idiot; it made him all the more real. The plot was good and kept me guessing and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
February 9, 2012
Okay i loved this book! Wasnt too sure at first but by like chap 3 i was captivated! Such an amazing story. I cant wait to find out what happens next! Definetly going to recommend it! Phin's groupie cracked me up!
January 6, 2016
Nice easy read
This book is clean and entertaining. Although the characters are are young and have teenage emotional roller coasters, they aren't annoying. I definitely will read the next book when I get a chance.
This book is clean and entertaining. Although the characters are are young and have teenage emotional roller coasters, they aren't annoying. I definitely will read the next book when I get a chance.
May 18, 2018
This was not very good. I haven't read many mermaid books (or any I can remember), but this was all so very predictable. On top of that, the story as well as the characters felt very inconsistent to me. Also the little mermaid was not originally Dutch but Danish...
June 8, 2012
It is with a heavy burden to be the first person to give this book one star. At first, I thought about giving it a two, but then I realized there’s no ‘it was okay’ factor that I felt it deserved from me. The reasons are; I had trouble connecting with the characters, inconsistency within the characters, no driving force that motivates me to get to the next page hence a weak plot and I cringed every time I read another “a tear drops” sentence. I REALLY wanted to like this book since I was given to read it for free (Thank you Ms. S),it’s not every day you get free goodies, but alas, nothing goes according to your plan.
First, what threw me off was how Seraphin ‘speaks’ throughout the story. For an 18-year-old, she sure sounds very eloquent for her age and there were instances the dialogues and the sentences belonged to a 19th century setting. I was waiting for more background info on Phin that maybe she loves poetry, Shakespeare or read a lot of Jane Austen novels because that explains why, but there was none. Also, it was well established at the beginning that she has a severe fear of the open water, but then that fear instantly vanishes when Mr. J reveals what she was. It would have been interesting to see her struggle with her fear and her transformation at the same time, but oh well, you can’t get everything you want.
Ethan’s relationship with Phin should have been established from the beginning. It’s mentioned only later that they have somewhat a ‘family bond’. The ferry scene where Ethan left Phin to fend for her own when clearly he knows she has a fear of the open water, should be revised and the ‘hug’ scene as well. It really confused me when suddenly in the next few scenes; they can sit comfortably beside each other. I really like the tea bonding moment between them, but I need more substance than that for Phin to be able to lay her head on Ethan’s shoulder.
Next, Phin’s relationship with Mr. J was full of mistrust and stubbornness. I still have no idea why Phin finds him charming, nope, no hot factor was felt in their relationship. He was a jerk towards the ‘freaks’ and was there supposed to be a caste system where the goonch was at the bottom of the ladder? Either way, Mr. J was a jerk to Phin’s neighbors. Where’s the charm in that really? He has yet to redeem himself for treating them that way. One scene that I like between the two was when after Mr.J’s conference “Save the Orca”, Phin and him jumped into the ocean. Just that scene, that moment where he tackled her into the water, was a sweet scene I feel.
As Phin repeated herself, Mr. J has a one track mind. To save the ocean world from pollution and corruption and in order to do that they have to find that carcanet and cuff Guardian thingamajig. It was really a turn off when all he can think about (when he’s not casting Phin feelings aside) to save the ocean world. Another reason why it was a turn off, I didn’t feel any immediate danger that the ocean world needed to be save. <-- I’ll get into this in the next few paragraphs.
Nasani’s character was as volatile as Phin was. She can be sweet and all giggly but she can be snappish when she wants to. I had difficulties in connecting with the characters. It was at Chapter 16, I realized I still don’t know who they are and that I couldn’t distinct between Phin, Mr. J and Nasani’s characters. The three of them sound alike that the line between the three blurred. Thank goodness for Ethan but STILL! I think the characters needs to be consistent, relatable and distinguishable.
Next the driving force that motivates a reader to flip to the next page in anticipation! Well…..unfortunately, that didn’t happen to me *SIGHS* I suspect the main reason was (as I aforementioned) I felt there was no immediate danger to the ocean world that needs to be save by the Guardian of the Seas. Sure, there is the ongoing pollution and corruption, but it’s always been there. I didn’t understand how the jewellery thingamajig can eliminate corruption (Pollution? Maybe...). Finding where Ms. Z disappeared to was another driving force but wasn’t utilized well. I tried reading through the climax scene with the appropriate music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZVAvH...) but that still didn’t help raise it another star.
Many improvements can be made still (I guess in the sequel?). Hopefully, it can still be saved. I thought that maybe the story could have been better if it began from Chapter 9 from the second paragraph, “The dream was peaceful and calming. Clear, colorless waves washed overhead…” But hey, don’t let this one and only one star review from checking out this book. Who knows, it might just be your cup of tea. ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2013
As part of the research for my great and probably never-to-be-published novel, this reviewer has become quite a connoisseur of mer-folk fiction. There has been a tidal wave of this theme in Young Adult Fiction over the past year or two and a notable uptick in such books for adults. So far, I have tended to favour the former as most of the latter often seem to be a rather thin story line wrapped around a bumper serving of soft - and not-so-soft - porn. This reviewer has nothing against Adult themes but most of the time, they can get in the way of what could be a good story.
The Young Adult version of the mer-folk genre is often based on a young adult female suddenly discovering that she is a mermaid. (So far, I have seen few - if any - story lines where this happens to a young adult male.) This momentous event usually happens to girls who have been repeatedly warned by parents - living or dead - to stay out of the water. Not only is there this profound change in life-style, but the heroine discovers that she has special abilities (aside from being able to live under water), is a princess, a future queen, a savior of some sort, etc. Finally, she was originally born or goes to live in some sort of mystical, magical, mermaid-land under the sea.
All these are common elements of the genre and a number of them appear in this, the first book of the Memoir of a Mermaid series, but Adrianna Stepiano takes her story in a completely different direction. Seraphin Shedd is one such girl who discovers that things - including herself - are not what they once seemed. On the day of her high school graduation, she is completely alone; Her mother having departed when she was an infant and her father dead in the ocean when she was 10. To further complicate her life, she has blackouts at times of emotional anxiety like when she thinks of her father's untimely death. On the same day she receives her diploma, she also receives the key to the family estate, - an ordinary house on an ordinary street in an ordinary neighbourhood next to the sea - meets the somewhat baffling nephew, Joseph, of her biology teacher, and discovers that this very same teacher has suddenly disappeared.
All alone with no family and no college plans, Seraphin obtains a position as a housekeeper through the auspices of a neighbour. This job is at an oceanic research institute on nearby Great Cranberry Island. There, she finds the nephew of her now missing Biology teacher working under an assumed name. He has a friend in the person of a fellow researcher named Perrine Canard and working there as well is an acquaintance from high school named Ethan Cottington. Thus, the cast of central characters is gathered and the story really gets under way.
It is this reviewer's policy not to include spoilers or plot synopses but rather to give his impression of the book as a whole and comment on some elements of the story. That being said, this book is a real "page-turner" and the plot keeps you guessing. I am always looking for teachable moments in Young Adult Fiction and Ms. Stepiano's story contains a fair number. At one point or another, Seraphin encounters prejudice and bigotry, bullying and belittling.
One thing that makes this book stand out is that Ms. Stepiano has declined to create a magical undersea mer-kingdom. Instead, she portrays merfolk as ordinary people living ordinary lives and holding down everyday jobs. These are the residents of Seraphin's neighbourhood who have been watching and protecting her ever since her father died. It is these characters that help give this story a few comic touches and grounding in the in the real, believable world. The heroine is an extraordinary girl doing extraordinary things, loved and supported by her friends and neighbours.
The story contains romance, mystery, danger and heroism. Although the book was aimed at the mid-teen segment of the Young Adult market, it is easily readable and enjoyable by older teens as well as adults. In short, it is fun and exciting.
When, At Last, He Found Me will be followed by When, At Last, She Could See in January of 2013 and this reviewer believes that it will be eagerly anticipated. Aside from Seraphin and Joseph, there is a budding romance between the other two central characters that many readers, including myself, hope will be continued or at least expanded upon in the second book. Indeed, it has the potential to be a novel spun off of the main story.
Adrianna Stepiano has the makings of a real Young Adult classic on her hands and I hope that the next book will be just as good - if not better - as the first.
More reviews of Mer-fiction may be found at The Parsons' Rant
The Young Adult version of the mer-folk genre is often based on a young adult female suddenly discovering that she is a mermaid. (So far, I have seen few - if any - story lines where this happens to a young adult male.) This momentous event usually happens to girls who have been repeatedly warned by parents - living or dead - to stay out of the water. Not only is there this profound change in life-style, but the heroine discovers that she has special abilities (aside from being able to live under water), is a princess, a future queen, a savior of some sort, etc. Finally, she was originally born or goes to live in some sort of mystical, magical, mermaid-land under the sea.
All these are common elements of the genre and a number of them appear in this, the first book of the Memoir of a Mermaid series, but Adrianna Stepiano takes her story in a completely different direction. Seraphin Shedd is one such girl who discovers that things - including herself - are not what they once seemed. On the day of her high school graduation, she is completely alone; Her mother having departed when she was an infant and her father dead in the ocean when she was 10. To further complicate her life, she has blackouts at times of emotional anxiety like when she thinks of her father's untimely death. On the same day she receives her diploma, she also receives the key to the family estate, - an ordinary house on an ordinary street in an ordinary neighbourhood next to the sea - meets the somewhat baffling nephew, Joseph, of her biology teacher, and discovers that this very same teacher has suddenly disappeared.
All alone with no family and no college plans, Seraphin obtains a position as a housekeeper through the auspices of a neighbour. This job is at an oceanic research institute on nearby Great Cranberry Island. There, she finds the nephew of her now missing Biology teacher working under an assumed name. He has a friend in the person of a fellow researcher named Perrine Canard and working there as well is an acquaintance from high school named Ethan Cottington. Thus, the cast of central characters is gathered and the story really gets under way.
It is this reviewer's policy not to include spoilers or plot synopses but rather to give his impression of the book as a whole and comment on some elements of the story. That being said, this book is a real "page-turner" and the plot keeps you guessing. I am always looking for teachable moments in Young Adult Fiction and Ms. Stepiano's story contains a fair number. At one point or another, Seraphin encounters prejudice and bigotry, bullying and belittling.
One thing that makes this book stand out is that Ms. Stepiano has declined to create a magical undersea mer-kingdom. Instead, she portrays merfolk as ordinary people living ordinary lives and holding down everyday jobs. These are the residents of Seraphin's neighbourhood who have been watching and protecting her ever since her father died. It is these characters that help give this story a few comic touches and grounding in the in the real, believable world. The heroine is an extraordinary girl doing extraordinary things, loved and supported by her friends and neighbours.
The story contains romance, mystery, danger and heroism. Although the book was aimed at the mid-teen segment of the Young Adult market, it is easily readable and enjoyable by older teens as well as adults. In short, it is fun and exciting.
When, At Last, He Found Me will be followed by When, At Last, She Could See in January of 2013 and this reviewer believes that it will be eagerly anticipated. Aside from Seraphin and Joseph, there is a budding romance between the other two central characters that many readers, including myself, hope will be continued or at least expanded upon in the second book. Indeed, it has the potential to be a novel spun off of the main story.
Adrianna Stepiano has the makings of a real Young Adult classic on her hands and I hope that the next book will be just as good - if not better - as the first.
More reviews of Mer-fiction may be found at The Parsons' Rant
October 4, 2012
'Get in.' He demanded. [...] I got in the car, against my better judgement, because I didn’t want to cause a scene. [...] 'You understand that I just met you, right?'
'Yes. You understand that the woman you were about to have lunch with is my aunt and she just disappeared in a matter of minutes, right? You understand that perhaps there is more going on than you could possibly comprehend, right? You understand that I am trying to get you home safe, right?' His blue eyes pierced me and my body felt numb.
I did understand. I handed him my keys. 'My house is at 504 Briarwood Court.'
You like that? Good for you. To me this passage embodies everything I dislike about a certain type of paranormal young adult romance. And although I have read only 7% of the self-published mermaid novel, I can tell that I would label the whole package as unbearably awful. Therefore there is no sense in reading the remaining 93%.
If the 'teaser' above made you kind of excited, you might be pleased to hear that the story deals with a freshly graduated orphan called Seraphin, who has had water phobia since she went into the ocean against her father's explicit prohibition, which is somehow connected to her father's mysterious death. Rich Seraphin has lived for years Cinderella-style with a family friend, who resented her presence in the house. She made do with only one true friend, her biology teacher Ms. Z., who starts blathering about legends and merpeople and guardians and successions and prophecies out of the blue and right on graduation day. After Seraphin has laughingly established that she doesn't believe in mermaids, she witnesses said teacher-friend, who announces that she will have to leave town directly after lunch, to make the biology department's goldfishes do as she says using plain English to communicate at them. Just as Seraphin contemplates becoming a believer (Praised be Nemo!), Ms. Z's grumpy, shy and gorgeous nephew Joseph barges in, flickers his mesmerising eyes from ice to navy blue and back, stops himself from releasing a very secret secret and takes the first-I-have-to-pretend-to-hate-you role with aplomb. Phew! Just in time, because fifteen minutes later he needs to be the ill-tempered-and-tight-lipped-knight-in-shining-armor. Our friendless heroine of the later-to-be-revealed superior qualities is about to faint and cannot drive or think or walk and talk.
This marks the opening of the fantastic curtain: I am sure there will be a lot of mistrust and bickering and withholding of information. There will be fulfilments of prophecies that demand sacrifices of vast proportions to be made. And there will be goldfish lingo to be learned. In the end there will be peace and harmony in Earth’s oceans again. How inspiring! But alas, I cannot stay. You tell me, if I am right. But make it quick, okay?
Disclosure: I received a Smashwords Coupon from the author to download the e-book for free.
'Yes. You understand that the woman you were about to have lunch with is my aunt and she just disappeared in a matter of minutes, right? You understand that perhaps there is more going on than you could possibly comprehend, right? You understand that I am trying to get you home safe, right?' His blue eyes pierced me and my body felt numb.
I did understand. I handed him my keys. 'My house is at 504 Briarwood Court.'
You like that? Good for you. To me this passage embodies everything I dislike about a certain type of paranormal young adult romance. And although I have read only 7% of the self-published mermaid novel, I can tell that I would label the whole package as unbearably awful. Therefore there is no sense in reading the remaining 93%.
If the 'teaser' above made you kind of excited, you might be pleased to hear that the story deals with a freshly graduated orphan called Seraphin, who has had water phobia since she went into the ocean against her father's explicit prohibition, which is somehow connected to her father's mysterious death. Rich Seraphin has lived for years Cinderella-style with a family friend, who resented her presence in the house. She made do with only one true friend, her biology teacher Ms. Z., who starts blathering about legends and merpeople and guardians and successions and prophecies out of the blue and right on graduation day. After Seraphin has laughingly established that she doesn't believe in mermaids, she witnesses said teacher-friend, who announces that she will have to leave town directly after lunch, to make the biology department's goldfishes do as she says using plain English to communicate at them. Just as Seraphin contemplates becoming a believer (Praised be Nemo!), Ms. Z's grumpy, shy and gorgeous nephew Joseph barges in, flickers his mesmerising eyes from ice to navy blue and back, stops himself from releasing a very secret secret and takes the first-I-have-to-pretend-to-hate-you role with aplomb. Phew! Just in time, because fifteen minutes later he needs to be the ill-tempered-and-tight-lipped-knight-in-shining-armor. Our friendless heroine of the later-to-be-revealed superior qualities is about to faint and cannot drive or think or walk and talk.
This marks the opening of the fantastic curtain: I am sure there will be a lot of mistrust and bickering and withholding of information. There will be fulfilments of prophecies that demand sacrifices of vast proportions to be made. And there will be goldfish lingo to be learned. In the end there will be peace and harmony in Earth’s oceans again. How inspiring! But alas, I cannot stay. You tell me, if I am right. But make it quick, okay?
Disclosure: I received a Smashwords Coupon from the author to download the e-book for free.
June 3, 2012
Wow, I really enjoyed this book! There were a lot of twists and turns in the plot and I never guessed what was going to happen next. It definitely held my attention because I really wanted to know what exactly was going on. Poor Seraphin was clueless, but it was fun to learn along withe her. Although I was frustrated when people didn't tell her what she needed to know. Joseph shouldn't have kept things from her becasue it just made things worse, it also made me want to smack him sometimes, lol! I liked the mermaid world in this book and I thought the transformation was pretty cool as were the places they lived. It was great to see Seraphin grow into her roll and actually kick some butt. Finding out more about her powers was awesome too and I found them intriguing. There was a lot going on in this story and I was never bored. There were a lot of great characters as well and they really added to the story. The ending definitely left me wanting to read more, so I can't wait for the next book.
Serpahin was a great MC and I really liked her. She was very realistic and I loved how strong she is. Her life has not been easy and she has managed to do well regardless. When she found out about what she was she was resistant to believe and I thought her reaction was so believable and realistic, which I liked because it made the story more authentic. I also liked that she did not immediately fall in love wit Joseph, in fact she kind of hated him. She was very guarded and suspicious, which seemed very natural to me with the situation they were in. I enjoyed seeing their relationship build at a slow pace, it led to some great tension filled scenes. Sometimes I liked Joseph and sometimes he really ticked me off. He needs to come off of his high horse and be more honest with Seraphin. There were some great moments where I really liked him and then he would do or say something stupid. I can't say I like how he handled the situation and how he treated people sometimes. He started to redeem himself in the end, so I am interested to see how he develops. He wasn't all bad, he was just frustrating and arrogant at times. Nasani & Ethan were great secondary characters and I loved getting to see there separate part of the story! I also really liked the friendship each of them had with Seraphin. Oh and I really want to know what it up with Gianni and why Joseph is so on edge about him and whether there is anything going on with Gianni & Seraphin.
Overall I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to read the next one. I definitely recommend it!
Serpahin was a great MC and I really liked her. She was very realistic and I loved how strong she is. Her life has not been easy and she has managed to do well regardless. When she found out about what she was she was resistant to believe and I thought her reaction was so believable and realistic, which I liked because it made the story more authentic. I also liked that she did not immediately fall in love wit Joseph, in fact she kind of hated him. She was very guarded and suspicious, which seemed very natural to me with the situation they were in. I enjoyed seeing their relationship build at a slow pace, it led to some great tension filled scenes. Sometimes I liked Joseph and sometimes he really ticked me off. He needs to come off of his high horse and be more honest with Seraphin. There were some great moments where I really liked him and then he would do or say something stupid. I can't say I like how he handled the situation and how he treated people sometimes. He started to redeem himself in the end, so I am interested to see how he develops. He wasn't all bad, he was just frustrating and arrogant at times. Nasani & Ethan were great secondary characters and I loved getting to see there separate part of the story! I also really liked the friendship each of them had with Seraphin. Oh and I really want to know what it up with Gianni and why Joseph is so on edge about him and whether there is anything going on with Gianni & Seraphin.
Overall I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to read the next one. I definitely recommend it!
June 19, 2012
OMG, I can not believe the cliff hanger on this one!!! But I’m getting ahead of myself, first things first.
Memoir of a Mermaid is a YA novel. The first book in what I hope is a series, and with that cliff hanger there has to be a second book. This is the second book about environmental concerns that I’ve read in as little as a month, not bad in fact I enjoy reading about the environment I understand that certain things are make believe (merpeople) but some of the facts are real and true environmental concerns even the company that the characters work for is a real environmental engineer company.
The title says it all the story is about Mermaid(s) an 18 yr old Seraphin aka Phin. Phin just finished High School. Her parents are both gone, her grandmother gone she was forced to live with a friend of the family, families. Phin does not know why she has blackouts when she gets excited but when she does, no matter where she is or what she is doing she blacks out, completely knocked out. She finally graduate and moves back into her grandmothers’ huge house all by herself. She has always been afraid of the ocean, since her father has always told her to stay out of it. She was a good kid did not want to disobey her father and stayed out most of the time, until her friends egged her on and dared her to go in and that is when her life changed. I really enjoyed the story the characters were well described and could actually picture them. Loved the fact that Phin is a strong female character and was glad that Nasani turned into one as well. At first I thought, oh no it’s going to be one of those triangle relationship stories, but it surprised me that Ethan did not become a triangle in this story and glad (as well as Nasani) that Adrianna let him stick around. Loved some of the lines in the story especially this one “sometimes the truth hurts more than a lie and being naïve is a blessing in disguise” and “Your challenging, confusing and difficult – all the things I didn’t know I needed until we met” oh yea! Can’t wait for the next one.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/memoi...
http://www.amazon.com/Memoir-Mermaid-...
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Memoir of a Mermaid is a YA novel. The first book in what I hope is a series, and with that cliff hanger there has to be a second book. This is the second book about environmental concerns that I’ve read in as little as a month, not bad in fact I enjoy reading about the environment I understand that certain things are make believe (merpeople) but some of the facts are real and true environmental concerns even the company that the characters work for is a real environmental engineer company.
The title says it all the story is about Mermaid(s) an 18 yr old Seraphin aka Phin. Phin just finished High School. Her parents are both gone, her grandmother gone she was forced to live with a friend of the family, families. Phin does not know why she has blackouts when she gets excited but when she does, no matter where she is or what she is doing she blacks out, completely knocked out. She finally graduate and moves back into her grandmothers’ huge house all by herself. She has always been afraid of the ocean, since her father has always told her to stay out of it. She was a good kid did not want to disobey her father and stayed out most of the time, until her friends egged her on and dared her to go in and that is when her life changed. I really enjoyed the story the characters were well described and could actually picture them. Loved the fact that Phin is a strong female character and was glad that Nasani turned into one as well. At first I thought, oh no it’s going to be one of those triangle relationship stories, but it surprised me that Ethan did not become a triangle in this story and glad (as well as Nasani) that Adrianna let him stick around. Loved some of the lines in the story especially this one “sometimes the truth hurts more than a lie and being naïve is a blessing in disguise” and “Your challenging, confusing and difficult – all the things I didn’t know I needed until we met” oh yea! Can’t wait for the next one.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/memoi...
http://www.amazon.com/Memoir-Mermaid-...
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
June 14, 2012
Disclaimer: The fact that the author has provided me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review has not affected my rating.
Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Originally posted in Moosubi Reviews!
I think what stood out the most in this book was it's characters. I'm a fan of Phin - she thinks for herself and isn't afraid to speak out and walk out. For example, when Joseph , Phin isn't afraid to speak up and stand up for them. I found that this was especially remarkable because Joseph was described to be so good looking and powerful - most girls nowadays would just let him keep talking, or even contribute to the insults. I also liked the fact that Joseph, as well as his relationships with Nasani, his father, and Phin, wasn't perfect. In fact, his flaws were quite apparent, and seem to coincide with some realistic problems we must deal with today.
As for the supporting characters, I'm not sure what to think. Nasani is definitely a unique character - she seems to have three personalities - a happy and sweet one, a snappy and grumpy one, and an extremely emotional one. I wasn't sure exactly what to think about it because her multiple attitudes sometimes seemed fake to me. As for Ethan, although he receives quite a bit of screen time, I found his character a little underdeveloped, in terms of his personality and relationship with Joseph, Nasani, and most of all, Phin.
And Mrs. Z...
The plot moved quickly, although like most books, it was a little slow in the beginning. Interesting, but sometimes predictable (apart from the brunch in Perth and Mrs. Z... I didn't see that coming!) However, I found it annoying that Joseph and Phin had an insta-love-ish relationship. It eventually develops into something more, of course, but I found it a little annoying in the beginning. Moreover, I'm curious to learn more about the world of mermaids, although those questions I have in my head will probably be answered in the next book.
Overall, When At Last, He Found Me, is a well written mermaid story, although it leaves many questions in my mind and wanting the next!
Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Originally posted in Moosubi Reviews!
I think what stood out the most in this book was it's characters. I'm a fan of Phin - she thinks for herself and isn't afraid to speak out and walk out. For example, when Joseph , Phin isn't afraid to speak up and stand up for them. I found that this was especially remarkable because Joseph was described to be so good looking and powerful - most girls nowadays would just let him keep talking, or even contribute to the insults. I also liked the fact that Joseph, as well as his relationships with Nasani, his father, and Phin, wasn't perfect. In fact, his flaws were quite apparent, and seem to coincide with some realistic problems we must deal with today.
As for the supporting characters, I'm not sure what to think. Nasani is definitely a unique character - she seems to have three personalities - a happy and sweet one, a snappy and grumpy one, and an extremely emotional one. I wasn't sure exactly what to think about it because her multiple attitudes sometimes seemed fake to me. As for Ethan, although he receives quite a bit of screen time, I found his character a little underdeveloped, in terms of his personality and relationship with Joseph, Nasani, and most of all, Phin.
And Mrs. Z...
The plot moved quickly, although like most books, it was a little slow in the beginning. Interesting, but sometimes predictable (apart from the brunch in Perth and Mrs. Z... I didn't see that coming!) However, I found it annoying that Joseph and Phin had an insta-love-ish relationship. It eventually develops into something more, of course, but I found it a little annoying in the beginning. Moreover, I'm curious to learn more about the world of mermaids, although those questions I have in my head will probably be answered in the next book.
Overall, When At Last, He Found Me, is a well written mermaid story, although it leaves many questions in my mind and wanting the next!
July 2, 2012
Memoir of a Mermaid reminded me of why I love YA Paranormal Romances so much. It delivered everything I love about the genre and so much more. Reading it, I felt the excited giddiness rising inside me as the story developed and there was no way I could stop myself from loving the characters. Well, most of them anyway.
This is the second mermaid novel that I’ve read and I love the uniqueness that comes with the myth. As with any other paranormal being, authors are free to put their own spin on the legend that surrounds these creatures. Ms. Stepiano does a brilliant job of weaving a magical tale while always keeping her readers on their toes. What could have very easily become a predictable plot didn’t. There were many twists and turns that often had me wondering if certain characters could be trusted or not.
This book is filled with romance but I loved that it wasn’t rushed. We see hints of it and there’s no denying the chemistry between certain characters, but it ebbs and flows like the tide until they can no longer ignore their feelings – and this makes for many wonderful scenes throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the moment shared between Seraphin and Joseph in the cabin after they go looking for the relics and disaster strikes (Sorry, can’t say more than that). For me that was the ultimate sign that they were meant to be together because they connected in such a beautiful way.
What I also really loved about this book was how real it was – besides mermaids and a few other interesting creatures. The relationship between Seraphin and Joseph had its ups and downs, and not just because there was some evil force out to get them, but because normal human behaviour and emotions got in the way. Seraphin often followed her head instead of her heart, believing it was the right thing to do – even if it meant having to let go of Joseph. He made his fair share of mistakes and at times was really arrogant and self-centred, but he made up for his shortcomings, and I hoped against all hope that Seraphin would see this and for once listen to her heart. But again Ms. Stepiano didn’t make the journey to love an easy one for her characters, although I was happy for the glimmer of hope that ended this book on a high note.
I cannot wait to read the second book to see what further adventures lie in wait for Seraphin and Joseph.
This is the second mermaid novel that I’ve read and I love the uniqueness that comes with the myth. As with any other paranormal being, authors are free to put their own spin on the legend that surrounds these creatures. Ms. Stepiano does a brilliant job of weaving a magical tale while always keeping her readers on their toes. What could have very easily become a predictable plot didn’t. There were many twists and turns that often had me wondering if certain characters could be trusted or not.
This book is filled with romance but I loved that it wasn’t rushed. We see hints of it and there’s no denying the chemistry between certain characters, but it ebbs and flows like the tide until they can no longer ignore their feelings – and this makes for many wonderful scenes throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the moment shared between Seraphin and Joseph in the cabin after they go looking for the relics and disaster strikes (Sorry, can’t say more than that). For me that was the ultimate sign that they were meant to be together because they connected in such a beautiful way.
What I also really loved about this book was how real it was – besides mermaids and a few other interesting creatures. The relationship between Seraphin and Joseph had its ups and downs, and not just because there was some evil force out to get them, but because normal human behaviour and emotions got in the way. Seraphin often followed her head instead of her heart, believing it was the right thing to do – even if it meant having to let go of Joseph. He made his fair share of mistakes and at times was really arrogant and self-centred, but he made up for his shortcomings, and I hoped against all hope that Seraphin would see this and for once listen to her heart. But again Ms. Stepiano didn’t make the journey to love an easy one for her characters, although I was happy for the glimmer of hope that ended this book on a high note.
I cannot wait to read the second book to see what further adventures lie in wait for Seraphin and Joseph.
January 30, 2016
I had the pleasure of getting a copy from Adrianna Stepiano.
The story is about Seraphin a normal typical high school outcast. She suffered the loss of her father as a girl and grandmother before she graduated from high school. She is prone to blacking out when she gets stressed upset like a defense mechanism. When her beloved science teacher goes missing it's up to Seraphin to find out what happened to her, she has several run in ins with Joseph the nephew of her teach but never seems to get the answer she wants. She takes a job working for CORE the science research group. Her first missing out on the water finders her thrown off the ship as it sinks in a storm. Here is where she learns about who she really is that she's a mermaid, that Joseph is also a mermaid. She learns her whole life was a lie, she also learns that the neighborhood that she grew up in is full of mermaid like beings. Through the story Seraphin has to deal with being a mermaid, and a guardian of the ocean to boot. She still hunts for her teacher Ms.Z but it ends up not being so much of priority.
I was super excited this is my first Mermaid book, so I had some pretty big exceptions, and I feel like the book was better then I expected. I love the characters, they are so well developed you can't help loving them and instantly rooting for them. They are described so well I could picture them, even when they had tails. I found myself unable to put it down, it just sucked me to the point I couldn't get enough. It's got the twist of romance too which is a big plus. I enjoyed the ending it gave me exactly what I needed for it to end. This book has given me a new perspective on mermaid books, and I'm looking forward to the next one. I can't express how much I really loved this book. I think I told my hubby that like ten times already as I write this. It's just a well written book that keeps you interested.
The story is about Seraphin a normal typical high school outcast. She suffered the loss of her father as a girl and grandmother before she graduated from high school. She is prone to blacking out when she gets stressed upset like a defense mechanism. When her beloved science teacher goes missing it's up to Seraphin to find out what happened to her, she has several run in ins with Joseph the nephew of her teach but never seems to get the answer she wants. She takes a job working for CORE the science research group. Her first missing out on the water finders her thrown off the ship as it sinks in a storm. Here is where she learns about who she really is that she's a mermaid, that Joseph is also a mermaid. She learns her whole life was a lie, she also learns that the neighborhood that she grew up in is full of mermaid like beings. Through the story Seraphin has to deal with being a mermaid, and a guardian of the ocean to boot. She still hunts for her teacher Ms.Z but it ends up not being so much of priority.
I was super excited this is my first Mermaid book, so I had some pretty big exceptions, and I feel like the book was better then I expected. I love the characters, they are so well developed you can't help loving them and instantly rooting for them. They are described so well I could picture them, even when they had tails. I found myself unable to put it down, it just sucked me to the point I couldn't get enough. It's got the twist of romance too which is a big plus. I enjoyed the ending it gave me exactly what I needed for it to end. This book has given me a new perspective on mermaid books, and I'm looking forward to the next one. I can't express how much I really loved this book. I think I told my hubby that like ten times already as I write this. It's just a well written book that keeps you interested.
April 8, 2012
The original review can be found here:
http://chicklibrarycat.blogspot.com/2...
Seraphin ( Phin) grew up losing her family members one by one. She lost her mother when she was a baby, her father when she was ten, and her grandmother when she was a teenager. The strikes of the life just made her stronger. She lost her beloved teacher, another loss. She found out that she was a mermaid, one more turnover. Everything that happened in her life, only made her stronger as a person. Person who doesn't lie, and doesn't wanna be lied. A person who chooses her friends wisely.
Joseph Merick (Jay) supposed to be Seraphin's partner as a Guardian of the Sea. There were some things about him that I liked, some I didn't. He likes Phin, he looks amazing, knows a lot about the sea. Being Guardian of the Sea brings responsibilities, but there is difference between protecting someone and telling lies all the time. Is he trying to protect Phin just because he loves her, or because he wants them both to be Guardians and protect the sea, or he lies her and has some other things on mind?
There were other characters in the story. Ethan was the son of Phin's foster parents. He was her only friend at the time when she moved into their home. Nassani was Joseph's friend. Does she wanna Jay for herself?
This was a mermaid story that totally got me into. I liked the way this story was narrated. Fiction and fantasy were well plotted. There were so many turnovers and twists. I couldn't predict the end. I'm looking forward to read the next book, to read about the adventures of Phin above or under the sea. This wasn't a story just about mermaids. It was a story about trust, friendship, survival. Story about life.
http://chicklibrarycat.blogspot.com/2...
Seraphin ( Phin) grew up losing her family members one by one. She lost her mother when she was a baby, her father when she was ten, and her grandmother when she was a teenager. The strikes of the life just made her stronger. She lost her beloved teacher, another loss. She found out that she was a mermaid, one more turnover. Everything that happened in her life, only made her stronger as a person. Person who doesn't lie, and doesn't wanna be lied. A person who chooses her friends wisely.
Joseph Merick (Jay) supposed to be Seraphin's partner as a Guardian of the Sea. There were some things about him that I liked, some I didn't. He likes Phin, he looks amazing, knows a lot about the sea. Being Guardian of the Sea brings responsibilities, but there is difference between protecting someone and telling lies all the time. Is he trying to protect Phin just because he loves her, or because he wants them both to be Guardians and protect the sea, or he lies her and has some other things on mind?
There were other characters in the story. Ethan was the son of Phin's foster parents. He was her only friend at the time when she moved into their home. Nassani was Joseph's friend. Does she wanna Jay for herself?
This was a mermaid story that totally got me into. I liked the way this story was narrated. Fiction and fantasy were well plotted. There were so many turnovers and twists. I couldn't predict the end. I'm looking forward to read the next book, to read about the adventures of Phin above or under the sea. This wasn't a story just about mermaids. It was a story about trust, friendship, survival. Story about life.
May 26, 2012
When, At Last, He Found Me
Memoir of a Mermaid Book One
By Adrianna Stepiano
All Seraphin wants to do is make it through graduation and get the keys to her family home, after the death of her father Seraphin has been troubled by visions and randomly blacks which has led her to become an outcast. But after graduation she realizes that the black outs are only the tip of the ice berg where her life is concerned and when a mysterious man comes into her life she realizes she has been lied to her entire life. As she is tossed into an unexpected world she must come to terms with who she really is and find out who she can and cannot trust.
Adrianna Stepiano did a wonderful job in bringing to life the mythical world of mermaids, she managed to take a classic tale and bring it into a whole new dimension. Seraphin is a strong willed character unlike a lot of the young adult female characters who are coming to terms with themselves and growing up within the pages of a book and her love interest is arrogant and stubborn but when you combine the two they blend perfectly. In this story Seraphin turns out to be a guardian amongst mermaids and if this is not enough of a plot for you the author throws in one of the best fight scenes imaginable, as I read this book I kept thinking there is no way the author will be able to top this novel until she drops a bomb at the end that is sure to bring you back for more. This was definitely a great book and I look forward to reading more of the series.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
Memoir of a Mermaid Book One
By Adrianna Stepiano
All Seraphin wants to do is make it through graduation and get the keys to her family home, after the death of her father Seraphin has been troubled by visions and randomly blacks which has led her to become an outcast. But after graduation she realizes that the black outs are only the tip of the ice berg where her life is concerned and when a mysterious man comes into her life she realizes she has been lied to her entire life. As she is tossed into an unexpected world she must come to terms with who she really is and find out who she can and cannot trust.
Adrianna Stepiano did a wonderful job in bringing to life the mythical world of mermaids, she managed to take a classic tale and bring it into a whole new dimension. Seraphin is a strong willed character unlike a lot of the young adult female characters who are coming to terms with themselves and growing up within the pages of a book and her love interest is arrogant and stubborn but when you combine the two they blend perfectly. In this story Seraphin turns out to be a guardian amongst mermaids and if this is not enough of a plot for you the author throws in one of the best fight scenes imaginable, as I read this book I kept thinking there is no way the author will be able to top this novel until she drops a bomb at the end that is sure to bring you back for more. This was definitely a great book and I look forward to reading more of the series.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
March 25, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this novel. The flow of events is spectacular and I love Adrianna Stepiano’s writing style. This book has a bit of everything – romance, humour and action (not the blood and guts type). This novel is not what I expected at all.
Seraphin is a strong willed chick that doesn’t sit back and watch from the sidelines – she is upfront and centre. She really blows me away with how she handles events and people. Seraphin is lied to on many occasions and yet she still comes out stronger, walking her path with her head held high - where as I would show ‘em the ‘finger’ and walk away. Her character doesn’t take any BS from anyone. That alone says a lot about her.
Joseph a.k.a Jay Mason - to be totally honest I have NO idea how I feel about him. As soon as I think he’s good enough for Seraphin, another secret gets revealed, which leaves me cursing him to his own personal hell. He is sweet and nice (sometimes), but it seems as if he has a hidden agenda. I can’t place his character as either good or bad - a 50/50 toss up for me.
I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride with my emotions whilst reading this book – one minute I’m all for a character and the next I’m thinking of ways I’d like to shove their faces where the sun don’t shine. As soon as you think you’ve figured out what the plot is … BAM, it changes completely! Definitely an author I’ll be following closely!
Seraphin is a strong willed chick that doesn’t sit back and watch from the sidelines – she is upfront and centre. She really blows me away with how she handles events and people. Seraphin is lied to on many occasions and yet she still comes out stronger, walking her path with her head held high - where as I would show ‘em the ‘finger’ and walk away. Her character doesn’t take any BS from anyone. That alone says a lot about her.
Joseph a.k.a Jay Mason - to be totally honest I have NO idea how I feel about him. As soon as I think he’s good enough for Seraphin, another secret gets revealed, which leaves me cursing him to his own personal hell. He is sweet and nice (sometimes), but it seems as if he has a hidden agenda. I can’t place his character as either good or bad - a 50/50 toss up for me.
I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride with my emotions whilst reading this book – one minute I’m all for a character and the next I’m thinking of ways I’d like to shove their faces where the sun don’t shine. As soon as you think you’ve figured out what the plot is … BAM, it changes completely! Definitely an author I’ll be following closely!
September 18, 2013
When I first saw this book and read the synopsis I thought...Oh lord, this is going to be another rip off of the Little Mermaid!
It wasn't.
This book is the story of Seraphin. She is a young girl who was abandoned by her mom when she was two days old, her dad died when she was (I'm guessing...I don't remember exactly) ten years old, and then her grandma passed away when she was 17. She was seemingly all alone in this world, other than her favorite teacher, Mrs. Z.
Seraphin is a character you can't help but get drawn in by. From the moment you meet her, you can feel her inner struggles, and she becomes a real person you can't help but feel empathy for.
Bravo to this YA author! I literally couldn't put this book down! I was so impressed by the book, I sent the author a friend request so I couldn't forget her name, and so I could follow her writing in the future.
Sigh...this is one part of a two part series...My TBR list is really long but I plan on picking up the next book in the series relatively soon!
This book will act as a stand alone but I can't wait to see where Seraphin and Joseph go from here!
I have a weak spot for mermaids, but this really was one of the best mermaid stories I have read.
It wasn't.
This book is the story of Seraphin. She is a young girl who was abandoned by her mom when she was two days old, her dad died when she was (I'm guessing...I don't remember exactly) ten years old, and then her grandma passed away when she was 17. She was seemingly all alone in this world, other than her favorite teacher, Mrs. Z.
Seraphin is a character you can't help but get drawn in by. From the moment you meet her, you can feel her inner struggles, and she becomes a real person you can't help but feel empathy for.
Bravo to this YA author! I literally couldn't put this book down! I was so impressed by the book, I sent the author a friend request so I couldn't forget her name, and so I could follow her writing in the future.
Sigh...this is one part of a two part series...My TBR list is really long but I plan on picking up the next book in the series relatively soon!
This book will act as a stand alone but I can't wait to see where Seraphin and Joseph go from here!
I have a weak spot for mermaids, but this really was one of the best mermaid stories I have read.
March 25, 2012
3 1/2 stars
Seraphine, Phin for short, is your normal every day outcast girl without a family. She is staying with another family until she graduates who cannot stand her presence in their house, except for Ethan in whom she finds an unsuspected friendship. Since the death of her father, Phin has been known to black out when emotions run high as a safety switch her mind throws.
Things change quickly when she is thrust into a secret world of mermaids by her teacher, meets a guy who turns out to be her other half, finds out she is expected to do great things and that everything she has ever believed is a lie.
While I enjoyed the book, I did not feel overly invested in the characters. For me there was not any shocking revelation, except for the last line of the book (WHAT?!?) and I felt many times that I expected things to happen and they did. I feel it was a well-written book but kindof wished for more of the unknown...maybe a detailed visit to the cities, or something to that extent.
Overall, I'm glad I read it and appreciate Adrianna Stepiano allowing me to read and review!
Seraphine, Phin for short, is your normal every day outcast girl without a family. She is staying with another family until she graduates who cannot stand her presence in their house, except for Ethan in whom she finds an unsuspected friendship. Since the death of her father, Phin has been known to black out when emotions run high as a safety switch her mind throws.
Things change quickly when she is thrust into a secret world of mermaids by her teacher, meets a guy who turns out to be her other half, finds out she is expected to do great things and that everything she has ever believed is a lie.
While I enjoyed the book, I did not feel overly invested in the characters. For me there was not any shocking revelation, except for the last line of the book (WHAT?!?) and I felt many times that I expected things to happen and they did. I feel it was a well-written book but kindof wished for more of the unknown...maybe a detailed visit to the cities, or something to that extent.
Overall, I'm glad I read it and appreciate Adrianna Stepiano allowing me to read and review!
July 14, 2012
3.75 :) Just to be different..
Second ARC! *dances like a crazy person*
Thank you so very much Adrianna, so very much appreciated :)
This book was actually really good! I really liked it.
The romance seemed a bit out synch at times, it would have been nice to have seen that developed a little more clearer. It was sort of a one step forward and then three steps back kind of relationship, we know that you like each other, but then you don't, but you need each other, it was a little too all over the place for me, but still well-written, don't get me wrong :) But I guess, this will be further developed in the next installment of the series, which I will be reading (when it comes out)...
Also, some of Joseph's character traits seemed to come out of no-where...for example: his snobbiness to the "goonches", I was like, "Whoa, okay Joseph, where did that come from? or "Since when are you so whiny Joseph?" and etc.
But overall, it was well-written and just a lovely book to read, especially as an ARC :D
Have a read guys :)
Second ARC! *dances like a crazy person*
Thank you so very much Adrianna, so very much appreciated :)
This book was actually really good! I really liked it.
The romance seemed a bit out synch at times, it would have been nice to have seen that developed a little more clearer. It was sort of a one step forward and then three steps back kind of relationship, we know that you like each other, but then you don't, but you need each other, it was a little too all over the place for me, but still well-written, don't get me wrong :) But I guess, this will be further developed in the next installment of the series, which I will be reading (when it comes out)...
Also, some of Joseph's character traits seemed to come out of no-where...for example: his snobbiness to the "goonches", I was like, "Whoa, okay Joseph, where did that come from? or "Since when are you so whiny Joseph?" and etc.
But overall, it was well-written and just a lovely book to read, especially as an ARC :D
Have a read guys :)
April 8, 2012
For some reason, it felt like it took me a long time to get through this book. It's a good story but the writing style is more suitable for a much younger reader. The language slips back and forth between active and passive throughout the whole story. Also, the characters' ages are hard to discern. At first I thought Joseph was a teenager based on the way he reacted to Seraphin when he first met her, then it turns out he's a top researcher with CORE, then I find out he's still a college student. And Seraphin says things that a normal 18-year-old would never say such as this: “Excuse me? How could I have told you? You and Nasani were nowhere to be found—telling us nothing of your whereabouts.” The story line is cute, though, and I think teens would enjoy it. I wouldn't recommend it for adult readers, though.
February 22, 2013
Wasn't quite sure what to expect when I read the synopsis on this book, but I figured I would give it a go. I'm very glad I did. I found it to be quite a pleasant read. I found the characters to be well fleshed out, though at times I think the behaviors might have been slightly off (protagonist is very trusting), though not outlandishly so. It didn't take me out of the story, I just wanted her to press with her questions sometimes. The plot was fantastic. It kept me engaged and turning the pages long after I should have turned off the light and gone to sleep. The pacing was fast enough to keep me reading, but not so fast as to gloss over important details. All told a very pleasant read that I recommend to all.
April 1, 2016
At first I didn't like Seraphin's blacking out, it was kind of annoying to keep reading and started getting repetitive after a while. She did have a lot of growth as a character throughout the book, which is nice to see in teen books. I did enjoy the characters, the writing was probably a bit blunt. It definitely could have been fleshed out more, but overall I enjoyed reading it and following Seraphin through her journey.
If you are a teen, or like reading teen books then you will probably enjoy it. If you are more into 'adult' books, then you may find it a bit bland.
If you are a teen, or like reading teen books then you will probably enjoy it. If you are more into 'adult' books, then you may find it a bit bland.
September 12, 2016
Well... Im not really great at reviews. I have never read a mermaid book before and I was really really looking forward to this. I might just not be a mermaid kind of gal after all. I found the book to move slow to me, dont get me wrong it did have interesting parts but it was just not for me. I was not written badly, I just think I should stay with my normal realms.. thank you for the read.
February 5, 2013
I like the characters in this book, they are easy to know. The main character Phin is a little annoying but she has reasons to be so I don't mind it so much. Joseph is mysterious, so I really wanted to know what his deal was.
I think the age fits readers of teen fiction. The attraction scenes are not too intense. Okay for a younger teen reader but still interesting.
Good job for a first novel.
I think the age fits readers of teen fiction. The attraction scenes are not too intense. Okay for a younger teen reader but still interesting.
Good job for a first novel.
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