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Elemental Universe #8
Falling
The series was previously published as "Mira's Return".
Revealing herself means losing her true love, so how far will she go to protect her identity? Things are progressing with Mira and Nathan's relationship, although not nearly as quickly as Mira would like. If it were up to her, they'd be well on their way to making a family by now. But Nathan's traditional ways means Mira has to hold herself back. Not an easy ask for a siren. Just as Mira's life seems to be heading in the right direction, her estranged father makes an unexpected appearance. When past events that should have been erased from his memory begin to surface, driving him mad, everything Mira believed about the powers of a siren's voice is thrown into doubt. How will she cope when a member of her own family becomes the enemy? One-click today to find out! The Mermaid's Return trilogy is a companion series linked to The Elemental Origins Series , a teen fantasy adventure by a USA Today Bestselling author. Clean romantic content. Novella length.
Revealing herself means losing her true love, so how far will she go to protect her identity? Things are progressing with Mira and Nathan's relationship, although not nearly as quickly as Mira would like. If it were up to her, they'd be well on their way to making a family by now. But Nathan's traditional ways means Mira has to hold herself back. Not an easy ask for a siren. Just as Mira's life seems to be heading in the right direction, her estranged father makes an unexpected appearance. When past events that should have been erased from his memory begin to surface, driving him mad, everything Mira believed about the powers of a siren's voice is thrown into doubt. How will she cope when a member of her own family becomes the enemy? One-click today to find out! The Mermaid's Return trilogy is a companion series linked to The Elemental Origins Series , a teen fantasy adventure by a USA Today Bestselling author. Clean romantic content. Novella length.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2023
53 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Knorr
66 books701 followersA.L. Knorr is a USA Today Bestselling Author and award-winning Canadian conjurer of clean fantasy for teens and the young at heart. Her stories blend elemental magic, epic adventure, fierce female leads, and just enough romance to make your heart flutter (without needing to hide the book from your grandma).
Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.
No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.
And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.
Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
www(dot)alknorrbooks(dot)com
Find her on IG @alknorrbooks
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01NBAUVKO
Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/alknorrbooks
Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.
No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.
And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.
Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
www(dot)alknorrbooks(dot)com
Find her on IG @alknorrbooks
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01NBAUVKO
Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/alknorrbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 25, 2020
Author A.L. Knorr brings us the second installment in the Essentials prequel trilogy with Falling. Several months have passed and Mira and her boyfriend become engaged and it's up to her room mate to throw a great wedding for the Siren. While this is going on Mira's father Hal comes back into her life and she begins to find out that since the death of her mother the memory wipe that she did on him has begun to fade and he now realizes what she really is. During the wedding reception he asks her if she is a witch, she replies that she isn't but he isn't convinced. Then on their honeymoon Mira is approached by another Siren who tells her that she will one day have to leave her husband for the sea. This is a great novella and I highly recommend it for all Fantasy fans. I am looking forward to reading the last book in this trilogy and then starting the Elemental series which continues the story.
October 14, 2023
As a mermaid lover, I did not find this book particularly enjoyable. 99% of it took place on land, and it featured mundane themes like relationships and Daddy issues that are typically in more realistic books. Even though the main character was a siren, there was very little worldbuilding about the ocean she came from, and it felt like I was reading an angsty filler episode of a TV drama.
September 20, 2019
Returning: Episode II, my seventh read from author A.L. Knorr. After reading Born of Water: An Elemental Origins Novel & Returning I, I welcomed the chance to read Mira’s story. WOW, another incredible read, perhaps even better than Born of Water. I’ve been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment. Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story. I’ll be reading more from this author! Another must-read book! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 24, 2023
Family can be messy
Even when parents try their best, they’re still human (well, most of them are. I think…) and they make mistakes. Some, like Hal, even develop negative coping mechanisms to dull their pain. Even though both he and Mira have separately matured in during their years apart, their reunion is still nascent. Both characters need time to process their individual feelings before they begin working on “getting back together”. I definitely disagree with a different character’s Pollyanna-type view of reconciliation without reflection.
Fave line:
‘Out here on the ocean, stargazing is a whole new level of incredible.’
May we all have tons of big life moments along with tons of family and friends with whom to share them.
Next in series are ‘Surfacing’ then ‘Born of Water’ (have) and ‘The Siren’s Curse’ series.
Even when parents try their best, they’re still human (well, most of them are. I think…) and they make mistakes. Some, like Hal, even develop negative coping mechanisms to dull their pain. Even though both he and Mira have separately matured in during their years apart, their reunion is still nascent. Both characters need time to process their individual feelings before they begin working on “getting back together”. I definitely disagree with a different character’s Pollyanna-type view of reconciliation without reflection.
Fave line:
‘Out here on the ocean, stargazing is a whole new level of incredible.’
May we all have tons of big life moments along with tons of family and friends with whom to share them.
Next in series are ‘Surfacing’ then ‘Born of Water’ (have) and ‘The Siren’s Curse’ series.
August 30, 2018
This is a sweet, fun, sometimes funny, sometimes romantic continuation of Returning I, both of which are a prequel to Born of Water (which is s really enjoyable - and highly recommended - book in its own right). There's more of the backstory here and more understanding of mermaids, sirens, and shy everyone did the things discussed in Returning I and at times helping further understand why things happened in Born of Water. As that package this book is easily 4+ stars, but even alone the two Returning "episodes" have been a fun yarn.
September 9, 2017
As good as the first
This second part of Returning Episode II is as good as Returning Episode I the beginning. Getting to Know the main characters Mira and Nathan as they bond together is endearing. I could feel Mira's delemia to keep her secrets from others. Getting to know the story through the other characters in the story help solidified the story even more. I recommend this story wholeheartly.
This second part of Returning Episode II is as good as Returning Episode I the beginning. Getting to Know the main characters Mira and Nathan as they bond together is endearing. I could feel Mira's delemia to keep her secrets from others. Getting to know the story through the other characters in the story help solidified the story even more. I recommend this story wholeheartly.
July 12, 2019
Amazing Story!
I can’t get enough of the Water Elemental Story! Mira’s return is the prequel story to Born of Water, her daughter Targas story. I loved getting the background on Targa’s parents’ story, and seeing how true their love is, although the whole time I kept yelling at the book for her to tell Nathan that she was a mermaid haha! I also loved getting more information about mermaids and other elementals like the Firestarters!
I can’t get enough of the Water Elemental Story! Mira’s return is the prequel story to Born of Water, her daughter Targas story. I loved getting the background on Targa’s parents’ story, and seeing how true their love is, although the whole time I kept yelling at the book for her to tell Nathan that she was a mermaid haha! I also loved getting more information about mermaids and other elementals like the Firestarters!
July 4, 2018
Totally enjoyed Episode II of A.L. Knorr's Returning. Even with Mira's success at winning Nathan's heart without using her powers, the arrival of her father and the return of his memory regarding Mira's history turns her life upside down. Meanwhile, her drive to procreate a siren offspring increases. The suspense kept me turning the pages. I am looking forward to reading "Born of Water."
September 14, 2019
Mira's story is told over three novelettes and this second one continues the romance of Mira and Nathan and her quest to become a mother. Although I found this book the slowest of the three I did still thoroughly enjoy it and recommend this series and the follow on elemental series to everyone! The story building of this fantasy world is exquisite.
September 26, 2019
This was a charming and heartwarming sequel. Mira has a bitter sweet reunion with her father. She learns some things she didn’t know before and ends up having to make some tuff decisions.
I love how Mira and Nate’s relationship develops grows. They are a great couple. The ending holds a couple of surprises for the two. I’m excited to start the last part of their adventure together .
I love how Mira and Nate’s relationship develops grows. They are a great couple. The ending holds a couple of surprises for the two. I’m excited to start the last part of their adventure together .
October 22, 2019
A Grain of Salt
My review on this series needs to be taken with a grain of salt (pardon the pun); I have not been able to resist most mermaids for 50 years. I do have standards but these are quality stories with few disappointments. - I know the series is about Elementals but I am grateful for the lean on the water element.
My review on this series needs to be taken with a grain of salt (pardon the pun); I have not been able to resist most mermaids for 50 years. I do have standards but these are quality stories with few disappointments. - I know the series is about Elementals but I am grateful for the lean on the water element.
May 15, 2022
Falling: Mermaid's Return, Book 2 (The Elemental Origins Series)
I can't get enough of this series!! ❤️❤️🔥❤️❤️🔥 Mir, Nathan and let’s not forget Crystal have me totally hooked!!! I am getting ready to read Surfacing as soon as I’m done with this review !!!! This story once started I didn't want to stop until it was finished!!!!
Definitely recommend this book & series…
I can't get enough of this series!! ❤️❤️🔥❤️❤️🔥 Mir, Nathan and let’s not forget Crystal have me totally hooked!!! I am getting ready to read Surfacing as soon as I’m done with this review !!!! This story once started I didn't want to stop until it was finished!!!!
Definitely recommend this book & series…
August 16, 2022
This book felt a lot slower than it’s predecessor, but I appreciate the importance it holds for future books. This book introduced Mira’s dad. I found the interactions between Mira and her dad to be my favorite part. They were so emotional and heartbreaking (as one would expect after your child runs away at the age of 12)
October 10, 2017
Little bit of a letdown
Wasn't as long as I would have liked. Should have just made Returning a little longer. Too many things left unfinished. Why bring Aris in such as you did? Lotta questions there.
Wasn't as long as I would have liked. Should have just made Returning a little longer. Too many things left unfinished. Why bring Aris in such as you did? Lotta questions there.
March 28, 2018
Good quick read continuing the first novella.
Very quick read continuing Mira and Nathan 's love story and her need for a baby. This is a mermaid supernatural story. I'm ready to read the next novel now.
Very quick read continuing Mira and Nathan 's love story and her need for a baby. This is a mermaid supernatural story. I'm ready to read the next novel now.
August 18, 2018
Loving all the Born of Water series
The stories surrounding Born of Water are wonderful. A lovely twist on the myth of Mermaids. Intriguing storyline. Good for teenagers and adults too!
The stories surrounding Born of Water are wonderful. A lovely twist on the myth of Mermaids. Intriguing storyline. Good for teenagers and adults too!
September 19, 2017
Great
Great read. I love this series. It will drag you in and you will want to read the next. Highly recommended
Great read. I love this series. It will drag you in and you will want to read the next. Highly recommended
February 12, 2019
Nice little read
Enjoyed this next installment and am looking forward to the final one. Good strong characters and interesting story make these hard to put down.
Enjoyed this next installment and am looking forward to the final one. Good strong characters and interesting story make these hard to put down.
March 28, 2022
Such a good read.
August 25, 2022
A fun and fast-reading sci-fi series, Returning is a great setup for the main series, The Elementals.
July 6, 2023
Good, but not really to my taste.
July 27, 2023
Awesome book but I need to go back and read book 1. That way I can get more outta of it.
July 31, 2023
Apollo good!!
I love these books! They are very well written and draw you in to the lives of characters! I can't wait to read the next book!
I love these books! They are very well written and draw you in to the lives of characters! I can't wait to read the next book!
September 2, 2024
This second book in the Trilogy didn't disappoint, in fact it surprised in a good way. I probably enjoyed it even more than the first one ... and that's saying something! :)
December 21, 2025
Aaawwww. so wonderful!
You keep getting better and better. I just can’t wait to find out what happens next! It’s going great! Keep up the good work!
You keep getting better and better. I just can’t wait to find out what happens next! It’s going great! Keep up the good work!
January 4, 2026
The writing was so good! I was captivated and couldn't believe when I turned the next page and it was over, on a cliff hanger no less! Now onto the next one!
February 26, 2020
Better than part 1
I thought this story was better than the last one, there was more action and we found out more lore about the mermaids. Also more of mira's life was revealed. The story flowed nicely but I don't think it was worth $2.99, maybe $0.99.
There were some grammatical errors as usual but this story made me wonder about the Tritons, because in Salt and Sovereign the atlanteans said a mermaid and an atlantean would make a Triton, so how did Mira's son Emun become one if she mated with a human and his twin was a human?? I know that question doesn't pertain to this book but it was in my mind, especially since we saw other twins in this series.
Overall this was a good book.
I thought this story was better than the last one, there was more action and we found out more lore about the mermaids. Also more of mira's life was revealed. The story flowed nicely but I don't think it was worth $2.99, maybe $0.99.
There were some grammatical errors as usual but this story made me wonder about the Tritons, because in Salt and Sovereign the atlanteans said a mermaid and an atlantean would make a Triton, so how did Mira's son Emun become one if she mated with a human and his twin was a human?? I know that question doesn't pertain to this book but it was in my mind, especially since we saw other twins in this series.
Overall this was a good book.
October 15, 2020
MIRA "MERMAIDS"
Loved this book about Mira & Nathen's love. It a little slow at times, but it was a good read. All the books from A. L. Knorr are the best. The ELEMENTALS, especially so glad I found this author, she is such a great writer
Loved this book about Mira & Nathen's love. It a little slow at times, but it was a good read. All the books from A. L. Knorr are the best. The ELEMENTALS, especially so glad I found this author, she is such a great writer
April 9, 2017
Great story
This is installment 2-you need #1 in order to fully appreciate Mira's story.
Again, A.L. Knorr brings us into a world of fantasy which is hidden within ours... Mira starts the next chapter of her life and we are invited to go along! Great fun and definitely a story to read!
This is installment 2-you need #1 in order to fully appreciate Mira's story.
Again, A.L. Knorr brings us into a world of fantasy which is hidden within ours... Mira starts the next chapter of her life and we are invited to go along! Great fun and definitely a story to read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews