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Pretty Little Mermaids #.5
Cobalt: A Prequel Novella
Near the prow I stand at the brass railing, looking out at the city skyline. The wind kicks up my hair, sending long curls into my face.
Not far away, nestled in the Upper East Side is a cute and cozy apartment stuffed with books, well-worn furniture, and photos of the smiling couple of which I have been half. Here I am, running away like I’m fourteen again—and from a man who loves me. Yes, he loves me. He also betrayed me.
If I were just a twenty-three-year-old woman—as is stated on the government-issued ID I left back in our apartment—and not in my eighties, with a load of secrets heavy enough to sink this vessel, then all might easily be forgiven.
But a twenty-three-year-old woman I am not… and all is not so easily forgiven.
A keen young freshman. A siren at a crossroads. A chance meeting that changes everything.Gina is a mermaid—a siren—on her land cycle and she has found a human mate she loves. In fact, they're engaged, but to overcome a mysterious betrayal she isn't sure she should forgive, she needs some time at sea.
So she stows away on a tall ship.
Seth is a precocious fifteen-year-old working on a school project, researching Cobalt Girl, a modern sailing vessel.
A chance meeting and a fog bank along the Carolina coast will change both of their lives forever…
Cobalt kicks off Pretty Little Mermaids, an urban fantasy series that follows a set of contemporary sirens unlike any you've encountered before. Siren magic, mystery, mayhem... Romance, twists you won't see coming, and a unique and believable lore you'll fall in love with, this series will pull you in so deep you may never surface. Are you ready?
One-click Cobalt and dive in today!
Not far away, nestled in the Upper East Side is a cute and cozy apartment stuffed with books, well-worn furniture, and photos of the smiling couple of which I have been half. Here I am, running away like I’m fourteen again—and from a man who loves me. Yes, he loves me. He also betrayed me.
If I were just a twenty-three-year-old woman—as is stated on the government-issued ID I left back in our apartment—and not in my eighties, with a load of secrets heavy enough to sink this vessel, then all might easily be forgiven.
But a twenty-three-year-old woman I am not… and all is not so easily forgiven.
A keen young freshman. A siren at a crossroads. A chance meeting that changes everything.Gina is a mermaid—a siren—on her land cycle and she has found a human mate she loves. In fact, they're engaged, but to overcome a mysterious betrayal she isn't sure she should forgive, she needs some time at sea.
So she stows away on a tall ship.
Seth is a precocious fifteen-year-old working on a school project, researching Cobalt Girl, a modern sailing vessel.
A chance meeting and a fog bank along the Carolina coast will change both of their lives forever…
Cobalt kicks off Pretty Little Mermaids, an urban fantasy series that follows a set of contemporary sirens unlike any you've encountered before. Siren magic, mystery, mayhem... Romance, twists you won't see coming, and a unique and believable lore you'll fall in love with, this series will pull you in so deep you may never surface. Are you ready?
One-click Cobalt and dive in today!
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2023
170 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Knorr
68 books702 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 24, 2025
Sometimes I forget how much I like mermaid lore when it's done right.
October 2, 2023
Secrets, Suspense, and splendour
Yet another intriguing world being shaped by A. L. Knorr. Though she has written of mermaids before, she manages to put an Amazing spin on this Tale... 😉
Absolute MUST read.
Yet another intriguing world being shaped by A. L. Knorr. Though she has written of mermaids before, she manages to put an Amazing spin on this Tale... 😉
Absolute MUST read.
October 3, 2023
Wow!
I was sucked in again. I love your books so much, especially the mermaids. This one was so good. I can't wait for what comes next.
I was sucked in again. I love your books so much, especially the mermaids. This one was so good. I can't wait for what comes next.
October 2, 2023
This was such a fun little novella! I literally finished it in two and a half hours and I didn’t NOT want to put it down. I’m so excited for her new mermaid series! I love all of her fantasy, but I’m not afraid to say I think her mermaid stories or my absolute favorite!
October 1, 2023
Cobalt
I found Cobalt to be a great story of a Mermaid who had a decision to make but in between making the decision events happen and she was unable to completed her task. I would recommend for this book to be read.
I found Cobalt to be a great story of a Mermaid who had a decision to make but in between making the decision events happen and she was unable to completed her task. I would recommend for this book to be read.
September 30, 2023
I am never disappointed by anything I read by A.L. Knorr. This novella was full of intrigue and intense action throughout. It was a very quick read and is the start to what will be another epic series. Although, this would also make a perfect short story as is if left alone. But I am so glad that it is not being left here and that this is just the beginning. I felt so many emotions in this story. The first few chapters we get to know the main two characters. Once they meet, there is a connection. But they barely have time to get to know each other before their world is thrust into chaos. What happens next remains to be seen.
September 30, 2023
I want more!
A great start to a new series. Seth is lovely and I can’t wait to learn more about him. Poor Gina, I hope things work out for her in the following book.
A great start to a new series. Seth is lovely and I can’t wait to learn more about him. Poor Gina, I hope things work out for her in the following book.
September 23, 2023
This series is going to be amazing! Based on this prequel novella, I cannot wait to read Aquamarine. I was enraptured from the first page. No one writes mermaids like AL Knorr. I can't wait to read more about Gina and hopefully Seth. A must read, for sure!
September 19, 2023
Absolutely loved this taste of what is to come from the new series. Eagerly awaiting book 1
May 1, 2025
Mermaids
I loved the ending got me excited for the next one but also the writing was really good and the atmosphere was very titanic but modern
I loved the ending got me excited for the next one but also the writing was really good and the atmosphere was very titanic but modern
April 19, 2025
This 87-page book left me wondering, what was that?
We open with Gina, a mermaid on her land cycle, about to marry a man who betrayed her—how exactly? That’s never explained. She uses compulsion magic to board a ship, then erases everyone's memory with another power. She befriends a 15-year-old boy who’s supposedly “wise beyond his years,” and later rescues him after he risks himself to save someone else in peril.
Her fiancé is in his twenties, while she casually mentions being 80—though she looks 20, of course. The fact that she’s romantically tied to one young man and emotionally connected to another even younger makes the whole thing feel vaguely incestuous. Or at the very least, uncomfortably blurred.
Overall, it felt more like a writing prompt than a fully realized story. There's not much depth, little world-building, and few emotional stakes.
Major kudos to the cover artist, though—definitely the best part of the experience.
We open with Gina, a mermaid on her land cycle, about to marry a man who betrayed her—how exactly? That’s never explained. She uses compulsion magic to board a ship, then erases everyone's memory with another power. She befriends a 15-year-old boy who’s supposedly “wise beyond his years,” and later rescues him after he risks himself to save someone else in peril.
Her fiancé is in his twenties, while she casually mentions being 80—though she looks 20, of course. The fact that she’s romantically tied to one young man and emotionally connected to another even younger makes the whole thing feel vaguely incestuous. Or at the very least, uncomfortably blurred.
Overall, it felt more like a writing prompt than a fully realized story. There's not much depth, little world-building, and few emotional stakes.
Major kudos to the cover artist, though—definitely the best part of the experience.
October 4, 2023
I am so excited that there is another mermaid series from A. L. Knorr. I was absolutely taken with her previous range of series. If you haven't tried them they are: Mermaid's Return: The Complete Series: Prequel to the Elemental Origins Series.
The Siren's Curse, Complete Trilogy: Salt & Stone, Salt & the Sovereign, Salt & the Sisters (The Elemental Origins Series)
And the Elemental girls stories too!
However back to this prequel, Gina is so beautiful, full of life, a mermaid on her land cycle but now troubled by a relationship quandary. This is her adventure and my heart goes out to her. l think I remember her featuring in a previous series and I am looking forward to more of her story. RECOMMENDED
The Siren's Curse, Complete Trilogy: Salt & Stone, Salt & the Sovereign, Salt & the Sisters (The Elemental Origins Series)
And the Elemental girls stories too!
However back to this prequel, Gina is so beautiful, full of life, a mermaid on her land cycle but now troubled by a relationship quandary. This is her adventure and my heart goes out to her. l think I remember her featuring in a previous series and I am looking forward to more of her story. RECOMMENDED
October 14, 2023
An Exciting Experience Awaits !! . . .
Mermaid Gina and a teenage high school student, Seth, are both on a short sea excursion. Seth is doing research to write a paper for one of his classes. Gina has been betrayed by her fiancé and needs to think about whether she can forgive him or end the relationship, and she thinks better when closer to the sea. A fog bank that rolls in on the ship will have a profound impact on the two of them as it may have hit a reef. Will they be rescued in time? Or is there another fate awaiting them?
I loved the characters and the story line was very exciting. This looks like it will be a very worthwhile series to follow! Give it a try!
Mermaid Gina and a teenage high school student, Seth, are both on a short sea excursion. Seth is doing research to write a paper for one of his classes. Gina has been betrayed by her fiancé and needs to think about whether she can forgive him or end the relationship, and she thinks better when closer to the sea. A fog bank that rolls in on the ship will have a profound impact on the two of them as it may have hit a reef. Will they be rescued in time? Or is there another fate awaiting them?
I loved the characters and the story line was very exciting. This looks like it will be a very worthwhile series to follow! Give it a try!
November 7, 2023
Cobalt: A Prequel Novella (Pretty Little Mermaids), my thirty-second read from author A.L. Knorr. Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline in just 87 pages. 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 and look forward to the release of Aquamarine (Pretty Little Mermaids Book 1) releasing at the end of this month! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 26, 2024
Gina is a fascinating character and I love this start to a new series. I am glad I already have the next book loaded because I have to start immediately! Knorr's writing always keeps me engaged and her characters become friends. Gina and Seth are characters that do just that. I know that mermaid stories aren't for everyone but really - this isn't about her mermaid side this is about her as a person. She just happens to be a mermaid but is human most of the story. There are some mermaid aspects but if what turns you off from mermaid books is more the constant under the water - this is not that! I can't wait to continue Gina's story!
November 15, 2023
another masterpiece
AL Knorr it’s a fascinating author. After reading a few books, recently, written by other authors and thinking, “maybe I’ve just lost interest in reading because none of these stories are gripping me”, then I read another book written by Knorr and remember my love for reading. I just can’t get enough. The most disappointing part of this book was the ending, realizing that I’ll have to wait for the next one in the series.
This story was about a mermaid in her land-cycle trying to decide whether to forgive her human fiancé for a transgression.
AL Knorr it’s a fascinating author. After reading a few books, recently, written by other authors and thinking, “maybe I’ve just lost interest in reading because none of these stories are gripping me”, then I read another book written by Knorr and remember my love for reading. I just can’t get enough. The most disappointing part of this book was the ending, realizing that I’ll have to wait for the next one in the series.
This story was about a mermaid in her land-cycle trying to decide whether to forgive her human fiancé for a transgression.
July 17, 2025
My first mermaid/siren short novelette /book
A beautiful woman ( Is she a woman also if she's a mermaid/ siren) is running away from her fiance ( to think things through and stows away on a modernized sailing vessel. She works her siren magic and comes on board and even gets her own room through her siren words (suggesting forgetfulness) sort of like hypnotism?
There is a tragedy that happens and we get to see the characteristics of a siren/ mermaid in action. Very interesting. Check it out.
A beautiful woman ( Is she a woman also if she's a mermaid/ siren) is running away from her fiance ( to think things through and stows away on a modernized sailing vessel. She works her siren magic and comes on board and even gets her own room through her siren words (suggesting forgetfulness) sort of like hypnotism?
There is a tragedy that happens and we get to see the characteristics of a siren/ mermaid in action. Very interesting. Check it out.
October 8, 2023
Great Quick read. This book draws you in right away, I didn’t want to put it down. It was full of action. I was intrigued by Gina, she had decisions to make, it was easy to connect with her. Seth was also interesting, he was a hero and would not forget Gina. I can’t wait to see what comes next. I highly recommend you read this prequel. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2023
A riveting short story!
Love how this short story sets the stage for the upcoming siren series by AL Knorr! It stands on its own as a compelling short where our two main characters, Gina and Seth, create a connection aboard an older-than-it-seems ship. Mysteries surround the siren’s motives kept her story unfolding throughout, and I’m excited to see how it further plays out in other books
Love how this short story sets the stage for the upcoming siren series by AL Knorr! It stands on its own as a compelling short where our two main characters, Gina and Seth, create a connection aboard an older-than-it-seems ship. Mysteries surround the siren’s motives kept her story unfolding throughout, and I’m excited to see how it further plays out in other books
December 1, 2023
cobalt
Another great read. Always love this author’s characters. Very insightful. They all come to life, even the minor characters. And she does mermaids and underwater like no other. Love it. Read Aquamarine before this. Didn’t realize this was first. This just made me like Seth and Gina more. Now I guess I’m going to have to reread with this new info. Look forward to more books from this author. Thanks for the journey.
Another great read. Always love this author’s characters. Very insightful. They all come to life, even the minor characters. And she does mermaids and underwater like no other. Love it. Read Aquamarine before this. Didn’t realize this was first. This just made me like Seth and Gina more. Now I guess I’m going to have to reread with this new info. Look forward to more books from this author. Thanks for the journey.
April 17, 2024
I picked up this read because I am a huge fan of the author and I loved her first series about sirens. I think this was a good prequel albeit way to short, I understand it's a novella but we could have had a little more information as to what's to come, it set the scene but not quite enough.
I think the characters are intriguing and I am anxious to see what this series has in store and how it relates to the previous sirens serious.
I recommend this read.
I think the characters are intriguing and I am anxious to see what this series has in store and how it relates to the previous sirens serious.
I recommend this read.
May 15, 2025
In the past, I have mostly read prequels after reading the other books in a series. This was not the case with Cobalt and I am really glad I read it first. It’s a shorter book that really sets up the next two. Having read a couple of previous series by A.L. Knorr with sirens/mermaids, I knew a bit about how their world works. She really makes you feel for the characters and wondering how it will all end.
September 30, 2023
I love this authors books and they have never let me down and this latest novella is every bit as addictive as my previous reads and is a fantastic prequel to the pretty little mermaids series. Well written, mysterious and intriguing, with great characters, you find yourself sucked into this world and eager for the new series.
April 3, 2024
Cobalt: A Prequel Novella (Pretty Little Mermaids Book 1)
Cobalt: A Prequel Novella (Pretty Little Mermaids Book 1) I Absolutely loved💕 this book, can't wait to see what happens to Gina and Seth, the nightmares!!! I definitely recommend this mermaid book... Starting book 2 now
Cobalt: A Prequel Novella (Pretty Little Mermaids Book 1) I Absolutely loved💕 this book, can't wait to see what happens to Gina and Seth, the nightmares!!! I definitely recommend this mermaid book... Starting book 2 now
December 9, 2024
Damn. Let’s just say for a novella it is jammed pack with action. And the description is so detailed that you can feel and sense everything. I love it. A cruise, runaway fiancée, African American surfer, mythical creatures… fill in the blanks and you may be wrong. But this was so intense and action packed that I am craving for more!!!
September 30, 2023
A short but great prequel Novella, based on this I can't wait to find out what happens next.
This is just enough to draw me in and keep me guessing where this new series is going to take us.
I am looking forward to seeing where AL Knorr is going to take us.
This is just enough to draw me in and keep me guessing where this new series is going to take us.
I am looking forward to seeing where AL Knorr is going to take us.
October 1, 2023
The prequel to a new series is well written and enjoyable to read. I didn’t know where this book was going but now I am ready for the first book in the series. Be warned, this is just an introduction.
October 2, 2023
A.L. Knorr
Cobalt: A Prequel Novella (Pretty Little Mermaids)
Gina
A sweet prequel of a Mermaid returning to the sea, but not in the way she had intended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cobalt: A Prequel Novella (Pretty Little Mermaids)
Gina
A sweet prequel of a Mermaid returning to the sea, but not in the way she had intended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2023
I enjoyed the other mermaid/water elemental series by A.L. Knorr and I was excited to see we get to have a story from a new mermaid!
I love the setting on an old ship with Titanic-esque vibes going on.
My only complaint is that it's too short and I need to read this series immediately!
I love the setting on an old ship with Titanic-esque vibes going on.
My only complaint is that it's too short and I need to read this series immediately!
January 5, 2024
Cobalt
Gina is a stow a way on ship going any where. She has been betrayed by her fiance. The ship crashes. Gina saves Seth, but becomes a casualty. Will she loose herself? A great prequel. Definitely answers some questions.
Gina is a stow a way on ship going any where. She has been betrayed by her fiance. The ship crashes. Gina saves Seth, but becomes a casualty. Will she loose herself? A great prequel. Definitely answers some questions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews