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The Mer King: A Fast-Paced, Dark and Angsty Mermaid Fantasy Romance
When I woke up, I found myself utterly alone in a new and unknown world full of danger and magic. Then I met the most handsome man I had ever laid eyes on. The Mer King
He called me his people’s savior. Heart of the realm, the long awaited Queen of all merfolk and the only person who could return the magic.
All I’d have to do was to participate in a simple rite to reverse the overlay of the worlds. Only, he didn’t tell me everything. Because magic like this always had a price...
He called me his people’s savior. Heart of the realm, the long awaited Queen of all merfolk and the only person who could return the magic.
All I’d have to do was to participate in a simple rite to reverse the overlay of the worlds. Only, he didn’t tell me everything. Because magic like this always had a price...
- GenresRetellingsFantasy
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2024
About the author
Cecily Anne Winters
4 books36 followersReading and inventing stories - usually with myself as the hero - have been part of my life since before I can remember it clearly. So what would come more natural than actually write them down?
In my stories you'll find all my preferred things - fantastic worlds, strong heroines, complex characters but also action, adventure and angst. There might even be the occasional romance involved, but first and foremost, I'm writing fantasy stories that I, myself, love to read and I hope that you'll enjoy reading them as much as I have fun writing them!
In my stories you'll find all my preferred things - fantastic worlds, strong heroines, complex characters but also action, adventure and angst. There might even be the occasional romance involved, but first and foremost, I'm writing fantasy stories that I, myself, love to read and I hope that you'll enjoy reading them as much as I have fun writing them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 13, 2024
ARC Review
I was asked for my honest opinion of this book, and while it may be someone's cup of tea, it was not mine. The writing seemed very juvenile and almost fan-fictiony. I'm also all for a good romance, but it was getting too sexual for my personal preference. I also was not hooked from the beginning, but I still kept forcing myself through it. I got to the end of chapter eleven, and I just can't do it anymore. I'm gonna have to mark this one as DNF, which is very rare for me. All of that being said, I think I was just not the right audience for this book. I know a lot of people who would absolutely adore the story.
I was asked for my honest opinion of this book, and while it may be someone's cup of tea, it was not mine. The writing seemed very juvenile and almost fan-fictiony. I'm also all for a good romance, but it was getting too sexual for my personal preference. I also was not hooked from the beginning, but I still kept forcing myself through it. I got to the end of chapter eleven, and I just can't do it anymore. I'm gonna have to mark this one as DNF, which is very rare for me. All of that being said, I think I was just not the right audience for this book. I know a lot of people who would absolutely adore the story.
March 9, 2026
I read Mer King in anticipation of Mer Queen which is being published at the end of this month.
I really enjoyed the book. It’s promoted as a reverse Little Mermaid, with the FMC being created as opposed to being born as a mermaid.
Don’t get me wrong I’d love to wake up as mermaid one day but Zoe absolutely reacted in the same way I think anyone would if that actually happened. Anger, upset, despair and then… eventually, acceptance. Callan was infuriating at the start, but I can forgive him for that as he’s not human and doesn’t think the same way that we do. He was desperate for a way to save his people and went about everything in the wrong way.
I really enjoyed how the plot progressed and I hope to see more of Antares and Mira in book 2 and hopefully Malik with a mate of his own, he deserves to be happy.
I really enjoyed the book. It’s promoted as a reverse Little Mermaid, with the FMC being created as opposed to being born as a mermaid.
Don’t get me wrong I’d love to wake up as mermaid one day but Zoe absolutely reacted in the same way I think anyone would if that actually happened. Anger, upset, despair and then… eventually, acceptance. Callan was infuriating at the start, but I can forgive him for that as he’s not human and doesn’t think the same way that we do. He was desperate for a way to save his people and went about everything in the wrong way.
I really enjoyed how the plot progressed and I hope to see more of Antares and Mira in book 2 and hopefully Malik with a mate of his own, he deserves to be happy.
July 13, 2024
✨Arc Review✨
Action! Action right of the bat to hook you in!! I know the girl just lost her fiancé and found out she’s a mermaid but she’s living the dream! What I’d give to be a mermaid 😂 I feel like this book was a good beginning for the series but I feel the future books will be better than this!
Action! Action right of the bat to hook you in!! I know the girl just lost her fiancé and found out she’s a mermaid but she’s living the dream! What I’d give to be a mermaid 😂 I feel like this book was a good beginning for the series but I feel the future books will be better than this!
August 16, 2026
3.75⭐️ - listen … you can’t tell me the FMC wasn’t told “everything. because magic like this comes at a price” & not expect me to be suspicious of *everyone* i encounter as i read 💀
this one took me a good minute to “lock in”, mainly because Zoe our “created” mermaid & even Callan our “Mer King” were both so stubborn & infuriating in very different ways that i found it hard to keep going at times because it was just them being ridiculous with each other & *to* each other 💆♀️ but OH! when the plot started plotting? the book went by too fast! i didn’t have enough answers! now i need more! so will be headed to book 2 (thankfully it’s released already 🙂↕️)
imagine being turned into a mermaid (created) & everything you didn’t like as a human, all your flaws & things you wanted to change just magically are gone & even the hair color you’re always wanted is your new hair color? like sign me up!
i get Zoe … i do … BUT … (& this is just me) but her Aidan obsession at the beginning was irritating. i get it, she had just recently gotten engaged to the man she loved as a human, they both “drowned” & then she wakes up as a mermaid it’s a shock! i get it! but she *literally* wasted half my time with her constant obsession with Aidan! so much so she literally had a hard time concentrating when she needed to because he was living rent free in her mind & if she wasn’t thinking about him she was calling out to him 🫠 Malik, her guard, was struggling for his life & homegirl concentrates on getting her engagement ring back? (to be fair, she wanted Aidan but he didn’t show)
as much as Zoe irritated me, & i am NOT defending her here, but i also get her irritation with Callan because he irritated me too! he was such a dıck, he refuses to answer any questions, barely helps her understand her new world & expected everyone to fall in line (i guess as any king would) because he commands it. & where did that get us? 🤨 honestly? i wanted to fight both Zoe & Callan & see if i could knock some sense into them both 🤺
good to know that even underwater MMCs will still throw their FMCs over their shoulders 😂 who knew!
i will *never* understand FMCs who enter (or get kıdnapped) new worlds & the first human they see they absolutely trust them. like irl would you be doing that? because i wouldn’t & i was already not trusting anyone in this book 💀 turns out (for now - that we know of) it worked out but it very easily could’ve NOT worked out
i know some people have problems with dual or multiple POVs but *i* don’t! i love them! i want to know what everything & everyone is thinking at all times if possible 😂 i loved it! & it definitely makes sense to have the multiple POVs here
beings i didn’t trust the entire book: Antares, Emanuel, Mira, the whole council, the conduit (a little), Aidan (for sure!) & Callan - i know he’s the mmc but the book had me thinking “is he *really* though?” obviously couldn’t mistrust Zoe since most of the book is her POV (😆) & she is the major main character, otherwise i wouldn’t have trusted her too 💀 basically, i wouldn’t have trusted anyone! not even the fish!
end of the day, while i got irritated at times with both Callan & Zoe, the book kept me hooked at the same time! & of course just as it was getting good we end up on a cliffhanger 😭 but as i said, book 2 is out so to book 2 i go!
this one took me a good minute to “lock in”, mainly because Zoe our “created” mermaid & even Callan our “Mer King” were both so stubborn & infuriating in very different ways that i found it hard to keep going at times because it was just them being ridiculous with each other & *to* each other 💆♀️ but OH! when the plot started plotting? the book went by too fast! i didn’t have enough answers! now i need more! so will be headed to book 2 (thankfully it’s released already 🙂↕️)
imagine being turned into a mermaid (created) & everything you didn’t like as a human, all your flaws & things you wanted to change just magically are gone & even the hair color you’re always wanted is your new hair color? like sign me up!
i get Zoe … i do … BUT … (& this is just me) but her Aidan obsession at the beginning was irritating. i get it, she had just recently gotten engaged to the man she loved as a human, they both “drowned” & then she wakes up as a mermaid it’s a shock! i get it! but she *literally* wasted half my time with her constant obsession with Aidan! so much so she literally had a hard time concentrating when she needed to because he was living rent free in her mind & if she wasn’t thinking about him she was calling out to him 🫠 Malik, her guard, was struggling for his life & homegirl concentrates on getting her engagement ring back? (to be fair, she wanted Aidan but he didn’t show)
as much as Zoe irritated me, & i am NOT defending her here, but i also get her irritation with Callan because he irritated me too! he was such a dıck, he refuses to answer any questions, barely helps her understand her new world & expected everyone to fall in line (i guess as any king would) because he commands it. & where did that get us? 🤨 honestly? i wanted to fight both Zoe & Callan & see if i could knock some sense into them both 🤺
good to know that even underwater MMCs will still throw their FMCs over their shoulders 😂 who knew!
i will *never* understand FMCs who enter (or get kıdnapped) new worlds & the first human they see they absolutely trust them. like irl would you be doing that? because i wouldn’t & i was already not trusting anyone in this book 💀 turns out (for now - that we know of) it worked out but it very easily could’ve NOT worked out
i know some people have problems with dual or multiple POVs but *i* don’t! i love them! i want to know what everything & everyone is thinking at all times if possible 😂 i loved it! & it definitely makes sense to have the multiple POVs here
beings i didn’t trust the entire book: Antares, Emanuel, Mira, the whole council, the conduit (a little), Aidan (for sure!) & Callan - i know he’s the mmc but the book had me thinking “is he *really* though?” obviously couldn’t mistrust Zoe since most of the book is her POV (😆) & she is the major main character, otherwise i wouldn’t have trusted her too 💀 basically, i wouldn’t have trusted anyone! not even the fish!
end of the day, while i got irritated at times with both Callan & Zoe, the book kept me hooked at the same time! & of course just as it was getting good we end up on a cliffhanger 😭 but as i said, book 2 is out so to book 2 i go!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
The Mer King had so many elements that immediately caught my attention: mythology, merfolk, hidden powers, political intrigue, romance, and some genuinely compelling ideas at its core. There is a lot of creativity here, and I could absolutely see the potential behind the story.
For me, though, the execution didn’t quite live up to that potential.
The biggest issue was pacing. So much happens, so quickly, that I often felt like major reveals, emotional shifts, and important character developments didn’t have enough time to breathe. There were many moments that should have felt impactful, but instead I was left trying to catch up because the story moved so fast from one big twist or revelation to the next.
Because of that, I struggled to fully connect with the characters. There are interesting dynamics here, but I never felt like I had enough time to truly settle into who these characters were before new layers, secrets, or dramatic turns were introduced. Some emotional developments, particularly in relationships, felt rushed to me simply because I wanted more buildup.
That said, I do think this book has an imaginative premise and a lot of ambitious ideas. I can absolutely see how readers who enjoy fast-paced fantasy romance with constant twists, high drama, and larger-than-life developments may have a great time with it.
Unfortunately, while I appreciated the creativity, this one just wasn’t the right fit for me personally. I wanted more depth, more breathing room, and more time to connect with the world and characters before being swept into the next major moment.
Overall, The Mer King had plenty of promise, but for me, it felt like a story I wanted to love more than I actually did.
For me, though, the execution didn’t quite live up to that potential.
The biggest issue was pacing. So much happens, so quickly, that I often felt like major reveals, emotional shifts, and important character developments didn’t have enough time to breathe. There were many moments that should have felt impactful, but instead I was left trying to catch up because the story moved so fast from one big twist or revelation to the next.
Because of that, I struggled to fully connect with the characters. There are interesting dynamics here, but I never felt like I had enough time to truly settle into who these characters were before new layers, secrets, or dramatic turns were introduced. Some emotional developments, particularly in relationships, felt rushed to me simply because I wanted more buildup.
That said, I do think this book has an imaginative premise and a lot of ambitious ideas. I can absolutely see how readers who enjoy fast-paced fantasy romance with constant twists, high drama, and larger-than-life developments may have a great time with it.
Unfortunately, while I appreciated the creativity, this one just wasn’t the right fit for me personally. I wanted more depth, more breathing room, and more time to connect with the world and characters before being swept into the next major moment.
Overall, The Mer King had plenty of promise, but for me, it felt like a story I wanted to love more than I actually did.
July 15, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. The premise was great. It has really great potential, but I feel like it was a bit rushed. This left me feeling a bit confused at parts and wishing for more information to clarify.
Things I liked:
You’re in the action, immediately. Not slow to get into it.
The FMC is sassy and speaks her mind (most of the time).
The world building/magic system is pretty cool (although, I wish it had been described more).
The two main female characters work together and are powerful, which makes people (men) listen.
Things I didn’t like:
I wasn’t sure if it was trying to be a love triangle or not. (Zoe, Callan, Malik)
The king claimed he was in love with her (after barely knowing each other) but was total a-hole most of the time. It was really hot and cold.
The witch kept assaulting the king while she held him captive and it was icky, obviously, but I didn’t like something about how it was talked about.
Overall, I think this could be a really great series BUT I feel like the events of this book needed to be described more. I needed more information to understand. I think there was just too much crammed into this one book.
Things I liked:
You’re in the action, immediately. Not slow to get into it.
The FMC is sassy and speaks her mind (most of the time).
The world building/magic system is pretty cool (although, I wish it had been described more).
The two main female characters work together and are powerful, which makes people (men) listen.
Things I didn’t like:
I wasn’t sure if it was trying to be a love triangle or not. (Zoe, Callan, Malik)
The king claimed he was in love with her (after barely knowing each other) but was total a-hole most of the time. It was really hot and cold.
The witch kept assaulting the king while she held him captive and it was icky, obviously, but I didn’t like something about how it was talked about.
Overall, I think this could be a really great series BUT I feel like the events of this book needed to be described more. I needed more information to understand. I think there was just too much crammed into this one book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
The Mer King was a fast paced, action packed book about merpeople. The only problem with this book was that it might have been too fast paced. You’re dumped right in the middle of the action from the very beginning, and throughout the book, much happens where you’re left wondering how the characters ended up there. There was no prelude to what was going to happen.
The relationship between the Mer King and Zoe was also just weird. He was a total jerk to her constantly, but then turns around and tells her she’s their salvation and how much he (insta) loves her. It was just weird and I didn’t enjoy that part of the story.
Overall, it was an entertaining book, but I’m not sure I still understand why Zoe is their salvation, so much was just not explained in the book. But, if you like a fast paced fantasy without too much world building or backstory, this would be a good book. I was still entertained, I just like a little more meat in my books. 3.5 stars rounded up.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The relationship between the Mer King and Zoe was also just weird. He was a total jerk to her constantly, but then turns around and tells her she’s their salvation and how much he (insta) loves her. It was just weird and I didn’t enjoy that part of the story.
Overall, it was an entertaining book, but I’m not sure I still understand why Zoe is their salvation, so much was just not explained in the book. But, if you like a fast paced fantasy without too much world building or backstory, this would be a good book. I was still entertained, I just like a little more meat in my books. 3.5 stars rounded up.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2024
I loved the worldbuilding and the amazing way the world was described. The main character was relatable and I liked that she didn't simply roll over and accept her fate, but did her best to fight it and return to her previous life.
The romance part of the book wasn't my favorite. The relationship between Callan and Zoe didn't have much time to evolve and yet they somehow jumped from hating each other to loving each other. I hope their relationship will get more space in the next book.
Overall, it was a great fantasy with lots of action and solid worldbuilding so if you're into that, don't hesitate to pick up the book!
The romance part of the book wasn't my favorite. The relationship between Callan and Zoe didn't have much time to evolve and yet they somehow jumped from hating each other to loving each other. I hope their relationship will get more space in the next book.
Overall, it was a great fantasy with lots of action and solid worldbuilding so if you're into that, don't hesitate to pick up the book!
August 4, 2024
My most recent arc read .
I was completely transported to another world under the sea. I really pictured a place where mermaids live.
I really wanted to side with Zoe, the FMC, and if she'd have punched a few people I would have joined in. The frustration this mer princess felt when no one would answer her questions. She's been transformed from her human self to a mermaid, given powers but not trained how to use them. Honestly, I would have swam in the other direction she is definitely a better mermaid than I ever would be. And the slightly morally grey Mer King...yeah I would have punched him too.
A slow burn, highly detailed underwater fantasy tale ending with a cliff hanger. I'm holding my breath in anticipation for the next installment.
I was completely transported to another world under the sea. I really pictured a place where mermaids live.
I really wanted to side with Zoe, the FMC, and if she'd have punched a few people I would have joined in. The frustration this mer princess felt when no one would answer her questions. She's been transformed from her human self to a mermaid, given powers but not trained how to use them. Honestly, I would have swam in the other direction she is definitely a better mermaid than I ever would be. And the slightly morally grey Mer King...yeah I would have punched him too.
A slow burn, highly detailed underwater fantasy tale ending with a cliff hanger. I'm holding my breath in anticipation for the next installment.
March 30, 2025
What a cool twist on mermaid lore.
These aren't sweet, cute mermaids who sing. These are vicious, possessive, savage mermaids who are ruthless. Their king the most ruthless of all as he searches for a way to save his people.
I really appreciated how the side characters were brought to life, and Malik is probably my personal favorite. There were a couple moments where I was seriously hoping this was about to be a why choose romance, but alas.
The way these mermaids are done is so different and unique, and their whole reason for being in the black depths of the ocean a sad one.
Going to need book two now!
These aren't sweet, cute mermaids who sing. These are vicious, possessive, savage mermaids who are ruthless. Their king the most ruthless of all as he searches for a way to save his people.
I really appreciated how the side characters were brought to life, and Malik is probably my personal favorite. There were a couple moments where I was seriously hoping this was about to be a why choose romance, but alas.
The way these mermaids are done is so different and unique, and their whole reason for being in the black depths of the ocean a sad one.
Going to need book two now!
July 26, 2025
This was such an interesting premise for a book! I hardly ever read fantasy and I thoroughly enjoyed this. I loved that it started off action packed right from the bet and it took me to a magical and fascinating world down under the sea.
I enjoyed the tension and banter, or maybe even hatred, and then love again 😉 between the mer king and Zoe. I am really looking forward to see what is going to happen next. And also between Mira and Malik because there’s definitely a story there.
What will become of the witch and how will she take on this army of mer people? And will the mer people find their way back to the world above and how? Can’t wait to find out!
I enjoyed the tension and banter, or maybe even hatred, and then love again 😉 between the mer king and Zoe. I am really looking forward to see what is going to happen next. And also between Mira and Malik because there’s definitely a story there.
What will become of the witch and how will she take on this army of mer people? And will the mer people find their way back to the world above and how? Can’t wait to find out!
July 7, 2024
*I received an ARC copy, and this is my honest review *
I liked the pace of this book! It is a quick read, (at heart for me because I naturally read fast)
it was a really nice palette cleanser but I really like the story and the fact it’s all underwater and with merpeople.
Mermaids have always interested me, so to read a story with all kinds of merpeople is fun!
I liked the dialogue and the characters, so I’m excited to see where the rest of this series goes! That’s another thing I like, there’s a true evil villain that has to be thwarted.
I very much enjoyed reading this, while it might not be for everyone, it’s worth recommending :)
I liked the pace of this book! It is a quick read, (at heart for me because I naturally read fast)
it was a really nice palette cleanser but I really like the story and the fact it’s all underwater and with merpeople.
Mermaids have always interested me, so to read a story with all kinds of merpeople is fun!
I liked the dialogue and the characters, so I’m excited to see where the rest of this series goes! That’s another thing I like, there’s a true evil villain that has to be thwarted.
I very much enjoyed reading this, while it might not be for everyone, it’s worth recommending :)
July 10, 2024
ARC READ:
I typically don’t read books in this genre, but I am so glad I gave this one a chance! The characters are so lovable. The pace is just right. It gripped me from the start.
I enjoy how the mermaids/mermen have magical capabilities and aren’t fully stuck with the “human realm” and are able to be in both places. It does suck that the humans did turn against them being able to live on both land and sea peacefully and that they were forced back into the deep depths of the ocean for so long that it started to severely affect them.
It is a faster paced book (I tend to read fast anyway so it didn’t bother me and kept me more focused!)
I definitely can’t wait to see where this series takes us in the journey next! I already can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you so much for the ARC! 🫶🏼
I typically don’t read books in this genre, but I am so glad I gave this one a chance! The characters are so lovable. The pace is just right. It gripped me from the start.
I enjoy how the mermaids/mermen have magical capabilities and aren’t fully stuck with the “human realm” and are able to be in both places. It does suck that the humans did turn against them being able to live on both land and sea peacefully and that they were forced back into the deep depths of the ocean for so long that it started to severely affect them.
It is a faster paced book (I tend to read fast anyway so it didn’t bother me and kept me more focused!)
I definitely can’t wait to see where this series takes us in the journey next! I already can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you so much for the ARC! 🫶🏼
September 8, 2024
I really like the concept of this book. I was a little confused at times and think there should have been much more world building to really understand the nuances of the Mer People and where they come from, and the worlds themselves as well for more back story. I think with the world building and more character development the story would have flowed much better and not felt so chaotic. Overall I did enjoy the read. I can see what the author is trying to accomplish and I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 14, 2024
I loved reading this book! Great grammar and spelling.
This is fantasy story of the magical undersea world combined with the development of the main characters, a bit of romance and sexual tension, action and twists I didn't see coming.
I hope the female main character will force her counterpart to work hard, very hard to make up for his arrogance. Can’t wait to read the sequel ❤️
Thank you for writing this and putting it out there!
This is fantasy story of the magical undersea world combined with the development of the main characters, a bit of romance and sexual tension, action and twists I didn't see coming.
I hope the female main character will force her counterpart to work hard, very hard to make up for his arrogance. Can’t wait to read the sequel ❤️
Thank you for writing this and putting it out there!
September 16, 2025
The Mer King sounds like a magical and romantic twist on the classic Little Mermaid tale. The idea of waking up alone in a strange, dangerous world and meeting a breathtaking Mer King immediately feels captivating. The stakes restoring magic, saving an entire realm, and uncovering the hidden price of power, promise intrigue and emotional depth. With its blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense, this retelling seems perfect for readers who love fairytale adventures with a fresh, enchanting spin.
July 17, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I enjoyed the book for the most part. There were a few scenes that felt rushed and I struggled to know what was happening. As quick paced as this book is we don’t get to really learn as many details about our characters as I would like but they are still easy to fall in love with. If you love fast paced action packed books I would recommend this bokk.
I enjoyed the book for the most part. There were a few scenes that felt rushed and I struggled to know what was happening. As quick paced as this book is we don’t get to really learn as many details about our characters as I would like but they are still easy to fall in love with. If you love fast paced action packed books I would recommend this bokk.
September 15, 2024
This was an action packed quick read. I enjoyed the underwater world that was created. Our fmc was fiesty. There was magic, a great villain, found family. I cannot wait for book 2 so I can continue the story. The was a really enjoyable read for me.
Thank you Cecily for sending me an eARC on this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Cecily for sending me an eARC on this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2024
I loved this book! It was an easy read and a nice adventure under the sea. I liked the growth of the MFL by the end of the book. I wish the book had more 🌶🌶🌶, but I am sure the next one in the series will. The story is yet to be continued.
💖💗💞
💖💗💞
July 25, 2024
I received this as an ARC
I’m not gonna lie it did take me a while to get into this book. I love a good little mermaid retelling but this just was a lot of information dump on you. The story was good tho!
I’m not gonna lie it did take me a while to get into this book. I love a good little mermaid retelling but this just was a lot of information dump on you. The story was good tho!
August 3, 2024
The premise of this book was interesting. It was fast-paced and full of adventure and action. Torn from her home world and betrothed, Zoe is forced to adapt to a world she has no idea even existed. I wish there was a bit more explaining throughout the book, but overall I enjoyed it.
August 12, 2024
I love mermaids and was wildly excited to jump into a world of the sea and fish tails. The world building and imagery of the met people under the sea was beautifully written-I found it very easy to imagine myself under the sea along side the main characters.
I found the character development slightly juvenile, and had a hard time connecting with quite a few characters. As the author finds her voice and story telling style, I think it has great potential to be a great series
I found the character development slightly juvenile, and had a hard time connecting with quite a few characters. As the author finds her voice and story telling style, I think it has great potential to be a great series
August 25, 2024
For me the book started off a little slow and confusing, but I’m glad I kept reading. The story soon picked up and there was lots of action. The story started unfolding pretty quickly and really kind of sucks you in. I’m really looking forward to what happens in the next book!
September 23, 2024
This book was rich in fantasy, yet the world-building made it somewhat challenging to follow. The idea of a crafted mermaid was intriguing, but I felt the plot unfolded a bit too quickly for my liking.
July 9, 2024
Really good story just needs more development which I assume will come in book 2. I would like to know more about Zoes parentage and all the secrets still left.
August 6, 2024
The Mer King is a great first book in Cecily Anne Winters’ Overlay World Series. Centering around the Mermaid world who, because they are on the brink of extinction, kidnap and transform an unwilling human female to try to fix their world starts this series off to a fast paced, full of action running through different worlds, sexual tensions with good and evil characters—keeping one’s attention throughout. I highly recommend this book and can not wait until book 2 is released!
September 11, 2024
That was not what I had expected 😍 Very good read! Can't wait to read the next one!
April 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This book definitely has potential! I felt like it was a bit all over the place but overall, it was interesting enough.
This book definitely has potential! I felt like it was a bit all over the place but overall, it was interesting enough.
April 23, 2026
I liked it, I liked it a lot. It was a nice different mermaid story that I enjoyed!
It was fast paced and sometimes the fast paced made few scenes a but confusing
But overall it was good story about mermaids
It was fast paced and sometimes the fast paced made few scenes a but confusing
But overall it was good story about mermaids
May 20, 2026
The Mer King by Cecily Anne Winters pulled me into a brutal, magic-filled underwater world where nothing is what it seems and trust is a luxury.
Zoe is thrown into chaos, bound to a morally gray king I wanted to hate (and kind of did at first 😅), but he grew on me.
✔️ Reverse Little Mermaid
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Morally gray king
✔️ Political intrigue & dark magic
Also… Malik 👀 (I need more of him).
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
Zoe is thrown into chaos, bound to a morally gray king I wanted to hate (and kind of did at first 😅), but he grew on me.
✔️ Reverse Little Mermaid
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Morally gray king
✔️ Political intrigue & dark magic
Also… Malik 👀 (I need more of him).
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
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