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Water Rites #1
Water Rites
Vardon knows why Lorelei dreams of the sea. But how do you tell the girl you like she's not human?
Water Rites is the first book in a modern-day fantasy trilogy, where there’s more to sea storms and the ocean’s depths than we mere human mortals understand. Where the legends live on, some of them hiding in plain sight, in your town and mine.Between school, swim team, gossipy friends, and cleaning cages at her dad’s veterinary clinic, Lorelei doesn’t have time to worry too much about the odd dreams that haunt her sleep most nights. She considers herself about as normal as a girl can be, in her circumstances. Her mom left when she was six, but Dad did his best to make up for it with small-town stability.
Her biggest worries are AP Calculus tests and whether her team will make the state swimming championships. Oh, and the boy who offered study help, with a certain expression in his eyes that said it wasn’t about studying at all.
Life is good.
Until she finds out what she is.
That revelation is thanks to the boy with the hungry eyes. The only one she can trust now.
And then there’s the stranger, the shadow who seems to be everywhere Lorelei is. Even in her mind and dreams.
Her identity turned upside down, Lorelei must find the will and the way to understand herself, and her world, once again. But the surprises show no sign of slowing yet…
The Complete Water Rites Series Is Available NowWater Rites ~ Book 1
Crestfallen ~ Book 2
Castle and Crown ~ Book 3
Water Rites is the first book in a modern-day fantasy trilogy, where there’s more to sea storms and the ocean’s depths than we mere human mortals understand. Where the legends live on, some of them hiding in plain sight, in your town and mine.Between school, swim team, gossipy friends, and cleaning cages at her dad’s veterinary clinic, Lorelei doesn’t have time to worry too much about the odd dreams that haunt her sleep most nights. She considers herself about as normal as a girl can be, in her circumstances. Her mom left when she was six, but Dad did his best to make up for it with small-town stability.
Her biggest worries are AP Calculus tests and whether her team will make the state swimming championships. Oh, and the boy who offered study help, with a certain expression in his eyes that said it wasn’t about studying at all.
Life is good.
Until she finds out what she is.
That revelation is thanks to the boy with the hungry eyes. The only one she can trust now.
And then there’s the stranger, the shadow who seems to be everywhere Lorelei is. Even in her mind and dreams.
Her identity turned upside down, Lorelei must find the will and the way to understand herself, and her world, once again. But the surprises show no sign of slowing yet…
The Complete Water Rites Series Is Available NowWater Rites ~ Book 1
Crestfallen ~ Book 2
Castle and Crown ~ Book 3
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2015
About the author
J.R. Pearse Nelson
64 books61 followersJ.R. Pearse Nelson is a fantasy and romance writer who has authored more than 20 novels. She hails from Oregon, USA, where she lives with her husband, two teens, and two dogs among the plentiful trees and clouds of the Pacific Northwest. J.R. weaves tales rooted in mythology, bringing legend to life in modern-day settings and fantasy realms. When not writing, you can find her making magic in the kitchen and enjoying long walks or “rambles” outdoors. J.R.’s books include the Moon Garden Mysteries paranormal cozy series, the Aeon Society fantasy romance series, and the Water Rites fantasy trilogy.
You can connect with J.R. and learn more about her fiction at her website. Visit jrpearsenelson.com.
You can connect with J.R. and learn more about her fiction at her website. Visit jrpearsenelson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 8, 2015
I received this book in an exchange for an honest review
When I first saw the cover of this book, I thought to myself its about a girl who can sing and is a mermaid, I thought it would be set in the backdrop of Atlantis (Like the Little Mermaid?) or something along the lines. I couldn't be more wrong, what a wrong a judgement that was ;D lol
This story begins with Lorelei happily swimming with her mamma and untying the skin from her body. Like what??? was my initial reaction, why would these magical creatures need some type of 'skin' that would allow them to transform? But I guess that what makes the plot more interesting, why do they need it? Can they not transform themselves like we have read and seen in many books and films?
16 years later and Lorelei is running late for Math class? Lol, I loved the normalcy of this before everything comes crashing down. Vardon is shown to have feelings for Lori and wants to make her his, well he doesn't exactly say this but is hinted towards it with his actions, feelings and how it is depicted in the book. Clay, on the other hand watches Lori from far and in his mind has already claimed her. Lori is his bride. Creepy much? Clay is Finfolk and Vardon is Selkie. Now before you go thinking what the heck those are? Let me tell you the difference because these are the same questions I asked myself
Selkie is someone who can transform into a seal, whilst a finfolk are simply shapeshifters, who closely resemble to a mermaid but they are not mermaids. The other big difference is, Finfolk are evil creatures (kind of like sorcerous)who use their magic to manipulate people for selfish reasons- kind of like what Clay does to Lori. There is war between these two species, they dislike sharing the sea with one another so stay away from one another. Comes along Lori who I assume will bridge the difference between these two in the end! I hope!
Back to the story, Clay tries to lure Lori into marrying him but she doesn't like him to begin with not that I blame her cos he is a creep and stalker. Her interest lies in Vardon. Now I have high hopes for #VardonLorie to be together, please make that work!
I loved how adaptable Lorie was to change, it wasn't to quick nor was it too slow. She was very acceptable but found the change hard at the same time and with everything else in her life, it became hard to cope. Too many expectations. Just like the problems in every teenage's life!
I honestly cannot wait for the next book, I know it will be just better than this one
I would imagine the skin would look like this but with knots?
When I first saw the cover of this book, I thought to myself its about a girl who can sing and is a mermaid, I thought it would be set in the backdrop of Atlantis (Like the Little Mermaid?) or something along the lines. I couldn't be more wrong, what a wrong a judgement that was ;D lol
This story begins with Lorelei happily swimming with her mamma and untying the skin from her body. Like what??? was my initial reaction, why would these magical creatures need some type of 'skin' that would allow them to transform? But I guess that what makes the plot more interesting, why do they need it? Can they not transform themselves like we have read and seen in many books and films?
16 years later and Lorelei is running late for Math class? Lol, I loved the normalcy of this before everything comes crashing down. Vardon is shown to have feelings for Lori and wants to make her his, well he doesn't exactly say this but is hinted towards it with his actions, feelings and how it is depicted in the book. Clay, on the other hand watches Lori from far and in his mind has already claimed her. Lori is his bride. Creepy much? Clay is Finfolk and Vardon is Selkie. Now before you go thinking what the heck those are? Let me tell you the difference because these are the same questions I asked myself
Selkie is someone who can transform into a seal, whilst a finfolk are simply shapeshifters, who closely resemble to a mermaid but they are not mermaids. The other big difference is, Finfolk are evil creatures (kind of like sorcerous)who use their magic to manipulate people for selfish reasons- kind of like what Clay does to Lori. There is war between these two species, they dislike sharing the sea with one another so stay away from one another. Comes along Lori who I assume will bridge the difference between these two in the end! I hope!
Back to the story, Clay tries to lure Lori into marrying him but she doesn't like him to begin with not that I blame her cos he is a creep and stalker. Her interest lies in Vardon. Now I have high hopes for #VardonLorie to be together, please make that work!
I loved how adaptable Lorie was to change, it wasn't to quick nor was it too slow. She was very acceptable but found the change hard at the same time and with everything else in her life, it became hard to cope. Too many expectations. Just like the problems in every teenage's life!
I honestly cannot wait for the next book, I know it will be just better than this one
I would imagine the skin would look like this but with knots?
September 7, 2015
*I RECEIVED AN E-COPY FROM XPRESSO BOOK TOURS IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW*
SO HERE IT GOES ;)
3.5 STARS!!!!
honestly speaking, i didn't expect to like this so much.i thoroughly enjoyed Water Rites
it has an original setting and it deals with a fantasy species that isn't so well known, at least in literature and that is selkies.
of course there are mermaids,sorry finfolk, involved but it is done so spectacularly that it doesn't really feel like the author tries to re-create The Little Mermaid.no people, Water Rites is a fresh book about Lorelei, a girl who is a quarter finfolk,a quarter human(yay!) and half selkie.
the book starts with Lorelei being around five years old, swimming happily with her mama in their selkie forms.for little lori all seems perfect.sure she hears her parents fighting but that doesn't seem to fuzz her since she counts and she has her hot chocco with marshmellows.nothing can be wrong in the world of a five year old as long as there is hot chocolate.
years have passed and now lorelei is sixteen soon-to-be seventeen years old.she has her dad, her unruly hair, her math and swimming.she has long forgotten her days swimming as a selkie with her mom,and ever since her mother left, lori doesn't want to remember anything about her.plain and simple she is happy with her life.it may not be perfect but it makes her happy.one day she seems to notice Vardon.sure,they were in the same class, sure she knows him since they both were children but that's it.
Vardon is kind of a social outcast, mostly because he seems to be fine on his own.he seems not to want any attention. nonetheless, Vardon has noticed Lorelei.he thinks she is cute and wants to know her.but the basis of his interest lies upon the simple fact that Vardon is also a selkie and he believes that Lorelei is also a selkie.see there,she is a YOUNG selkie.those don't come around often and especially YOUNG FEMALE selkies are kinda rare.so his interest is picked.
things start rolling between those two, until his mother Crystal butts in and everything to that point on,simply goes to hell.secrets are revealed,life-changing facts are thrown to Lorelei's face and she doesn't know what to believe anymore.WTF is she?WHO is she? is anything in her life true? why didn't they tell her ANYTHING?
Lorelei is pissed off, and rightfully so,if you ask me.not only Lorelei is half selkie from her mother's side but she is also a part Finfolkaheem, something like a mermaid from her father's side(his mom was one,his dad was human...poor guy)
so just when she starts to come in terms with the fact that she is a selkie, they tell her she is finfolk too...anything else you may want to add in there? dragons?sirens,perhaps?so Lorelei is pissed but she quickly recovers.she adjusts her reality to those facts and she is ready to move on.she has Grandma Shaye on her side,guiding her in this new life and of course Verdon.she starts falling for Vardon.they get closer.but little did our lovers know that there was another person in that unknown love triangle.
Clay...a prince of finfolk who is obsessed with Lorelei.and i mean it.i don't know what the hell is going on with that guy but he acts like a stalker.always watching Lori from afar,dreaming for the day she will notice him, fall in love with him and have their happily ever after becoming a family.i was kinda sad as far as Clay is concerned because no matter hom stalkerish he acted, he just seem to be a person in need of a loving family and since apparently his family isn't so loving,he turns his attention to his potential mate,who is no other that lori.
just kidding...
after many challenges, family dramas, and many many revelations, this book finishes with a cliffhanger.you heard me right.A FREAKING CLIFFHANGER!!!!!! which i will not reveal for obvious reasons.
so we have Lorelei which i really liked
Vardon,i needed more time of him to get to know this guy
Clay...he needs a personality transplant
Grandma Shaye,she is a cool nana
Lorelei's dad who even though he made many mistakes,still get brownie points for loving and caring for his daughter
and Vardon's mom...Crystal...who is protective of her son.
all in all i really enjoyed this book.in a way it reminded me of books that i read a long time ago, especially Secret of the Sirens, which may be a lot different but had,for me,the same vibe to it.the writing is smooth and the plot evolves in a really nice pace.
i will definately read the second book.^^
SO HERE IT GOES ;)
3.5 STARS!!!!
honestly speaking, i didn't expect to like this so much.i thoroughly enjoyed Water Rites
it has an original setting and it deals with a fantasy species that isn't so well known, at least in literature and that is selkies.
of course there are mermaids,sorry finfolk, involved but it is done so spectacularly that it doesn't really feel like the author tries to re-create The Little Mermaid.no people, Water Rites is a fresh book about Lorelei, a girl who is a quarter finfolk,a quarter human(yay!) and half selkie.
the book starts with Lorelei being around five years old, swimming happily with her mama in their selkie forms.for little lori all seems perfect.sure she hears her parents fighting but that doesn't seem to fuzz her since she counts and she has her hot chocco with marshmellows.nothing can be wrong in the world of a five year old as long as there is hot chocolate.
years have passed and now lorelei is sixteen soon-to-be seventeen years old.she has her dad, her unruly hair, her math and swimming.she has long forgotten her days swimming as a selkie with her mom,and ever since her mother left, lori doesn't want to remember anything about her.plain and simple she is happy with her life.it may not be perfect but it makes her happy.one day she seems to notice Vardon.sure,they were in the same class, sure she knows him since they both were children but that's it.
Vardon is kind of a social outcast, mostly because he seems to be fine on his own.he seems not to want any attention. nonetheless, Vardon has noticed Lorelei.he thinks she is cute and wants to know her.but the basis of his interest lies upon the simple fact that Vardon is also a selkie and he believes that Lorelei is also a selkie.see there,she is a YOUNG selkie.those don't come around often and especially YOUNG FEMALE selkies are kinda rare.so his interest is picked.
things start rolling between those two, until his mother Crystal butts in and everything to that point on,simply goes to hell.secrets are revealed,life-changing facts are thrown to Lorelei's face and she doesn't know what to believe anymore.WTF is she?WHO is she? is anything in her life true? why didn't they tell her ANYTHING?
Lorelei is pissed off, and rightfully so,if you ask me.not only Lorelei is half selkie from her mother's side but she is also a part Finfolkaheem, something like a mermaid from her father's side(his mom was one,his dad was human...poor guy)
so just when she starts to come in terms with the fact that she is a selkie, they tell her she is finfolk too...anything else you may want to add in there? dragons?sirens,perhaps?so Lorelei is pissed but she quickly recovers.she adjusts her reality to those facts and she is ready to move on.she has Grandma Shaye on her side,guiding her in this new life and of course Verdon.she starts falling for Vardon.they get closer.but little did our lovers know that there was another person in that unknown love triangle.
Clay...a prince of finfolk who is obsessed with Lorelei.and i mean it.i don't know what the hell is going on with that guy but he acts like a stalker.always watching Lori from afar,dreaming for the day she will notice him, fall in love with him and have their happily ever after becoming a family.i was kinda sad as far as Clay is concerned because no matter hom stalkerish he acted, he just seem to be a person in need of a loving family and since apparently his family isn't so loving,he turns his attention to his potential mate,who is no other that lori.
just kidding...
after many challenges, family dramas, and many many revelations, this book finishes with a cliffhanger.you heard me right.A FREAKING CLIFFHANGER!!!!!! which i will not reveal for obvious reasons.
so we have Lorelei which i really liked
Vardon,i needed more time of him to get to know this guy
Clay...he needs a personality transplant
Grandma Shaye,she is a cool nana
Lorelei's dad who even though he made many mistakes,still get brownie points for loving and caring for his daughter
and Vardon's mom...Crystal...who is protective of her son.
all in all i really enjoyed this book.in a way it reminded me of books that i read a long time ago, especially Secret of the Sirens, which may be a lot different but had,for me,the same vibe to it.the writing is smooth and the plot evolves in a really nice pace.
i will definately read the second book.^^
September 10, 2015
I really loved this book!
I requested Water Rites for review through Xpresso Book Tours .Thanks!
Mermaids, Seals! Finfolks , Selkies!
I was so excited when I started reading it because I am a huge fan of Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy Series), and this book kind of reminds me of it.
It was a pretty good read, I really enjoyed it a lot.
Lori found out by Vardon and his mom that she is half finfolk and half selkie.And guess what? The Finfolk and the Selkies are enemies, the Finfolks are believed to be evil creatures that have so many abilities that can be used against others. Or they thought so. You see in this I was a little confused because the Finfolk king wasn't bad like his grandson Clay... we'll talk about Clay later on.
Anyway since Lori was the only girl of their age ( Vardon and Clay's age) they were interested on her. Now, Vardon( a Selkie who lived on land) was a cute and very nice boy with good intentions, who helped Lori to find her Selkie side. Vardon's mom was against him dating Lori because of her Finfolk side, she thought that Lori could be evil too.
Now Clay( a mermen that lived in the deepest of the ocean)... wow he was creepy as hell! he needed to be locked up, he was an stalker. Lori needs to get a restraining order against him hahaha. The dude was crazy, he would do anything , as in it does not even matter who he would hurt to get to Lori and marry her , yeah because at the age of 17 ( Lori's age)is when Finfolks are ready to mate. And Clay wanted her just for him, only him.
I was not a huge fan of Lori's dad I think he could have been a better father. I think he should have date less and spend more time talking to his daughter about who she really was. But he called Lori's grandma to talk to her because Lori did not have a mom. I do not know why but this made me think of what he did when Lori got her period for the first time haha.
Grandma was great. I loved her.
Lori's mom left her when she was little. I really hope she does not appears in the rest of the series, because I really hate her for leaving her daughter. I did not understand the reasons, there is not excuse for a parent to leave their children.
Now that Lori felt what was like to be both, Finfolk and Selkies, she needs to make a decision. And the Finfolk King will come back for it.
I hope to see more of the Selkies. I really like them a lot. I would LOVE to see more of Vardon's friends!
Writing was good. Very entertaining story. Lori was a great character, believe she will not be those kind of crying annoying girls.
There is a lot of swimming at the beach in this book . I loved it!
The best thing about this book There is NOT love triangle. And I hope stays like that for the rest of the series!
I requested Water Rites for review through Xpresso Book Tours .Thanks!
Mermaids, Seals! Finfolks , Selkies!
I was so excited when I started reading it because I am a huge fan of Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy Series), and this book kind of reminds me of it.
It was a pretty good read, I really enjoyed it a lot.
Lori found out by Vardon and his mom that she is half finfolk and half selkie.And guess what? The Finfolk and the Selkies are enemies, the Finfolks are believed to be evil creatures that have so many abilities that can be used against others. Or they thought so. You see in this I was a little confused because the Finfolk king wasn't bad like his grandson Clay... we'll talk about Clay later on.
Anyway since Lori was the only girl of their age ( Vardon and Clay's age) they were interested on her. Now, Vardon( a Selkie who lived on land) was a cute and very nice boy with good intentions, who helped Lori to find her Selkie side. Vardon's mom was against him dating Lori because of her Finfolk side, she thought that Lori could be evil too.
Now Clay( a mermen that lived in the deepest of the ocean)... wow he was creepy as hell! he needed to be locked up, he was an stalker. Lori needs to get a restraining order against him hahaha. The dude was crazy, he would do anything , as in it does not even matter who he would hurt to get to Lori and marry her , yeah because at the age of 17 ( Lori's age)is when Finfolks are ready to mate. And Clay wanted her just for him, only him.
I was not a huge fan of Lori's dad I think he could have been a better father. I think he should have date less and spend more time talking to his daughter about who she really was. But he called Lori's grandma to talk to her because Lori did not have a mom. I do not know why but this made me think of what he did when Lori got her period for the first time haha.
Grandma was great. I loved her.
Lori's mom left her when she was little. I really hope she does not appears in the rest of the series, because I really hate her for leaving her daughter. I did not understand the reasons, there is not excuse for a parent to leave their children.
Now that Lori felt what was like to be both, Finfolk and Selkies, she needs to make a decision. And the Finfolk King will come back for it.
I hope to see more of the Selkies. I really like them a lot. I would LOVE to see more of Vardon's friends!
Writing was good. Very entertaining story. Lori was a great character, believe she will not be those kind of crying annoying girls.
There is a lot of swimming at the beach in this book . I loved it!
The best thing about this book There is NOT love triangle. And I hope stays like that for the rest of the series!
April 5, 2021
Uniquely different!
A unique story that blends three species into one person and creates a new set of challenges for are heroes. This will keep your interest all the way through.
A unique story that blends three species into one person and creates a new set of challenges for are heroes. This will keep your interest all the way through.
May 28, 2023
A quick, interesting read. Good for a mermaid book. Probably wouldn’t recommend to anyone else as it’s a realistic 3 star read but I was happy and am very interested in reading book 2! I’m a sucker for all the mermaid books and this one was a pleasant surprise.
Pros:
- interesting lore and magic
- selkies AND finfolk (mermaids) are in the book
- decent writing style
- Vardon had a QUICK and MAJOR personality transplant for the better at the beginning of the book
Cons:
- her dad needs to communicate a LOT more
- a lot of the characters feel kinda 2D
- Vardon had a QUICK and MAJOR personality transplant for the better at the beginning of the book
Pros:
- interesting lore and magic
- selkies AND finfolk (mermaids) are in the book
- decent writing style
- Vardon had a QUICK and MAJOR personality transplant for the better at the beginning of the book
Cons:
- her dad needs to communicate a LOT more
- a lot of the characters feel kinda 2D
- Vardon had a QUICK and MAJOR personality transplant for the better at the beginning of the book
August 31, 2022
A young woman stuck between worlds - that she didn't even know existed. The author puts together a world of fantasy based in Anacortes and the San Juan islands. The story is inserted into the fantasy genre of a young woman growing up and suddenly having her entire world change. There is plenty going when you are a math whiz and the teams best swimmer in high school. This just pushes the the angst far beyond that point.
It was an enjoyable read as the author lays out the conflicts which will consume her world. You feel sorry for
It was an enjoyable read as the author lays out the conflicts which will consume her world. You feel sorry for
June 3, 2026
A tale of two peoples.
This is a fantasy story set near the ocean, where a girl, Lorelei, who loves to swim, discovers she is not human. Worse, there are two factions fighting over her.
This is a young adult book, but definitely interesting to read as a not-so-young adult.
This is an unfinished story. It is necessary to get the other books to finish the tale.
This is a fantasy story set near the ocean, where a girl, Lorelei, who loves to swim, discovers she is not human. Worse, there are two factions fighting over her.
This is a young adult book, but definitely interesting to read as a not-so-young adult.
This is an unfinished story. It is necessary to get the other books to finish the tale.
November 1, 2021
Fantasy is not my normal read
When I began reading Water Rites I didn't think I would enjoy it. Fantasy about mythical Water creatures is not my normal choice. The story has me hooked. I need to complete the series to discover what happens to the characters.
When I began reading Water Rites I didn't think I would enjoy it. Fantasy about mythical Water creatures is not my normal choice. The story has me hooked. I need to complete the series to discover what happens to the characters.
March 12, 2020
I have always loved mermaid fiction so when I read the synopsis for this book I had to read it. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next one and see where it goes.
May 19, 2020
I think this book is a really good book.
January 30, 2022
Its a wonderful book, kept me on the edge of my seat.
May 29, 2022
I loved this book! Wish I had the sequel right away. I've always loved silkies since childhood, and it was interesting to hear of another kind of being I didn't know about.
July 23, 2015
Lorelei is a typical teenager. She goes to school, eats pizza, and spends time with her dad, who is raising her alone. No big deal right? Wrong! As it turns out, her mother was a selkie, and her father is half merman (finfolk). Finding this out really throws a wrench in Lorelei's plans. She can't go back to being a normal teen.
I did like Lorelei, and I found most of her actions to be believable for someone her age. One sticking point was that she is so angry at Amy, her father's girlfriend, and she tries her best not to like her, but she isn't angry at her own mother, who ran out on her when she was six. Why be angry at the replacement when your mother hasn't bothered to visit you in eleven years? I feel like Lorelei would have some issues there, but she seems fine with it and accepts her mother's reason for going away. Teens are resilient, but that's making a seventeen year old far more noble than she needs to be. She has every right to be angry with her mother.
There is a vague attempt at a love triangle throughout this story. I say vague because Clay, the super jerk, isn't on Lorelei's radar, and she doesn't even know he's after her until very late in the book. Lorelei's friend Vardon has the hormonal hots for her, and he's only interested because both of them are selkies. At first, Lorelei is like "ew, gross, Vardon", but then she has her tongue down his throat. I get it, teenage hormones. I didn't sense that they had any real feelings for each other. Basically, they have to get together because they are both selkies, and Clay wants her because she is also finfolk. It never comes to a true mermaid romance, so if that's the book you're looking for, you're out of luck. Luckily, I wasn't looking for that. The romance part, for me, was just a distraction.
The finfolk and selkies don't get along. That's probably because the finfolk use magic and manipulation and are generally not very nice. That's about the extent of the world building. The rest of the story takes place in our own world and revolves around Lorelei's time at school and home. She learns to use her shapeshifting powers, which is really cool, but the process to me was strange. In order to become selkie, she has to tie on a seal skin. I don't know if a seal had to die to make it, but that would be strange considering she turns into a seal. The idea of tying on a costume seems ridiculous, even for a fantasy story. She can will herself back to human, so she should be able to will herself to a selkie.
There's a nice surprise at the end, and I enjoyed that. It gives Lorelei more options for her future. I'd be interested to see what she finally chooses. All in all this is an easy read that goes by quickly. It is missing some descriptions, though. "Moonlight spilled onto the crashing waves." That's a beautiful line! I want a lot more of that. I want to feel like I'm swimming along with her. I want to feel her heart yearn for the sea. I didn't get that feeling, but I got a lot of events. This story could be quite magical with some added descriptions. I want to be a part of the story, not just sitting and watching. Pull me into the waters and let me swim too. Let me feel the moonlight on my skin. This book fell short on that, but it is still an interesting read, and I hope to see more of Lorelei's adventures.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I did like Lorelei, and I found most of her actions to be believable for someone her age. One sticking point was that she is so angry at Amy, her father's girlfriend, and she tries her best not to like her, but she isn't angry at her own mother, who ran out on her when she was six. Why be angry at the replacement when your mother hasn't bothered to visit you in eleven years? I feel like Lorelei would have some issues there, but she seems fine with it and accepts her mother's reason for going away. Teens are resilient, but that's making a seventeen year old far more noble than she needs to be. She has every right to be angry with her mother.
There is a vague attempt at a love triangle throughout this story. I say vague because Clay, the super jerk, isn't on Lorelei's radar, and she doesn't even know he's after her until very late in the book. Lorelei's friend Vardon has the hormonal hots for her, and he's only interested because both of them are selkies. At first, Lorelei is like "ew, gross, Vardon", but then she has her tongue down his throat. I get it, teenage hormones. I didn't sense that they had any real feelings for each other. Basically, they have to get together because they are both selkies, and Clay wants her because she is also finfolk. It never comes to a true mermaid romance, so if that's the book you're looking for, you're out of luck. Luckily, I wasn't looking for that. The romance part, for me, was just a distraction.
The finfolk and selkies don't get along. That's probably because the finfolk use magic and manipulation and are generally not very nice. That's about the extent of the world building. The rest of the story takes place in our own world and revolves around Lorelei's time at school and home. She learns to use her shapeshifting powers, which is really cool, but the process to me was strange. In order to become selkie, she has to tie on a seal skin. I don't know if a seal had to die to make it, but that would be strange considering she turns into a seal. The idea of tying on a costume seems ridiculous, even for a fantasy story. She can will herself back to human, so she should be able to will herself to a selkie.
There's a nice surprise at the end, and I enjoyed that. It gives Lorelei more options for her future. I'd be interested to see what she finally chooses. All in all this is an easy read that goes by quickly. It is missing some descriptions, though. "Moonlight spilled onto the crashing waves." That's a beautiful line! I want a lot more of that. I want to feel like I'm swimming along with her. I want to feel her heart yearn for the sea. I didn't get that feeling, but I got a lot of events. This story could be quite magical with some added descriptions. I want to be a part of the story, not just sitting and watching. Pull me into the waters and let me swim too. Let me feel the moonlight on my skin. This book fell short on that, but it is still an interesting read, and I hope to see more of Lorelei's adventures.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2015
Well, the first thing I wanna say is-- please hurry with book two. Seriously, some crazy went down at the end, and though there's no cliff hanger, it leaves some WIDE OPEN crazy left to finish, and I seriously can't wait to see what will happen. But I am getting ahead of myself. I happen to love mermaid stories, even mermaids are the bad guys, and they are, kinda, in here. Selkies are the nicer folks. :) But again, hold up. This is Lorelei's story, where her mom left her, her dad is kinda lost but a great dad, her grandma is hilarious, and the boy who she thought was weird, is not only like her, but is awesome! Oh and never judge a book by it's cover. The cover is beautiful, but it made me think things, predict things, before I started reading and I was so wrong, which made it even more fun to be so surprised.
Lorelei is a high school girl who loves to swim. She's the best on her team at school. She studies hard. She doesn't cause trouble. Her mother left when she was little and she struggles to remember her. But she has dreams of her and her mother swimming and something about skin and danger and transformations. Well I can't spoil everything, but things aren't always so easy or predictable. Lorelei is something different than the rest. But we won't find that out til later. Here's the problem with Lorelei, there's one boy who goes to school with her, Vardon. He always seems cold and weird, but one day offers to help her in class. And a lovely friendship blooms, maybe into something more. The other problem is another boy, Clay, Lorelei doesn't know him, but he knows her. And he's going to make some major issues for Lor and Vardon. This is how things unravel. It started with normalcy, so much it could be real life. becoming friends with someone at school, learning about life. But when some things happen and Lor really starts to find out about who her parents are, and who them makes her, she kinda goes into a spiral of crazy.
The characters are well done, and I loved the story. It's plot was quite unique as was the versions of selkie and finfolk. Now don't confuse these for the disney versions, they are hard core and finfolk are not exactly mermaids, there's some differences and some major not so nice minutes. I loved this. I loved the big guy, the king, at the end. I will not spoil anything but I seriously look forward to seeing how his little gift to Lor is going to turn around, maybe bite someone in the derierre. I also really liked the writing. I want Lor and Vardon to work out, but I don't see Clay giving up so easy, and now with both worlds knowing about Lorelei, things are no longer going to be so easy for her. People are always out for themselves, and Lor is loyal and self sacrificing. She wants to protect those around her. I seriously cannot wait to see where the author is going to go in book two. I really really wanna read it! So should you! :) 5 PAWS!!!
Lorelei is a high school girl who loves to swim. She's the best on her team at school. She studies hard. She doesn't cause trouble. Her mother left when she was little and she struggles to remember her. But she has dreams of her and her mother swimming and something about skin and danger and transformations. Well I can't spoil everything, but things aren't always so easy or predictable. Lorelei is something different than the rest. But we won't find that out til later. Here's the problem with Lorelei, there's one boy who goes to school with her, Vardon. He always seems cold and weird, but one day offers to help her in class. And a lovely friendship blooms, maybe into something more. The other problem is another boy, Clay, Lorelei doesn't know him, but he knows her. And he's going to make some major issues for Lor and Vardon. This is how things unravel. It started with normalcy, so much it could be real life. becoming friends with someone at school, learning about life. But when some things happen and Lor really starts to find out about who her parents are, and who them makes her, she kinda goes into a spiral of crazy.
The characters are well done, and I loved the story. It's plot was quite unique as was the versions of selkie and finfolk. Now don't confuse these for the disney versions, they are hard core and finfolk are not exactly mermaids, there's some differences and some major not so nice minutes. I loved this. I loved the big guy, the king, at the end. I will not spoil anything but I seriously look forward to seeing how his little gift to Lor is going to turn around, maybe bite someone in the derierre. I also really liked the writing. I want Lor and Vardon to work out, but I don't see Clay giving up so easy, and now with both worlds knowing about Lorelei, things are no longer going to be so easy for her. People are always out for themselves, and Lor is loyal and self sacrificing. She wants to protect those around her. I seriously cannot wait to see where the author is going to go in book two. I really really wanna read it! So should you! :) 5 PAWS!!!
December 14, 2015
... That was actually really, really sad.
I was really into the book, completely enjoying the romance between Lorelei and Vardon. I was loving the whole selkie, finfolk thing and reading about how Lorelei was adapting.
I really, really, really wasn’t expecting to feel like crying or like my stomach was dropping, or heavy hearted after having finished reading it.
I loved, loved, LOVED Vardon and Lorelei and Grandma Shaye. And at first, I thought Clay was just an awkward dude. And that his fumbles were kind of adorable.... Now I pretty much hate him and think he's a deplorable SOB.
A part of me needs to know what will happen next and yet another part of me wants to forget I ever dived into this world.
The Great (Pros):
Under the Sea. Excuse me while I blast said song and wiggle around and sing annoyingly loud. Honestly, this was the best part of the book. I loved that it was about the 'water world' and its inhabitants.
Romance. As I said above, I loved Vardon. The relationship that builds between him and Lorelei is really cute and sweet. You can get swept up in it.
The Not So Great (Cons):
It’s sad. Like really effing sad! I'm not a huge fan of unhappy endings. Life has enough of that already... I like to read about things working out. I'm hoping that it will and that I'll get the courage to read book 2 but this is a pretty big con for me. I've read series that don’t have happy endings in a book or 2 but never in book 1 and its really throwing off my game.
Animosity. My feelings towards Clay aside, I wasn't digging how everyone treated Lorelei based off her heritage. She didn't choose to be a quarter of evil water dung. And maybe, had you pulled your heads out of your asses (is that a correct term for a selkie's rear end) and gave her a chance and educated her... This may have turned out differently.
The writing itself is good and the story is really interesting but there is some visual imagery that’s missing. I didn't feel the love for the sea that Lorelei does, or should. Her pull to it felt basically nonexistent, which I know isn’t the case since she basically says otherwise but at times the wording felt dry.
Sure I love the ocean but some descriptive phrases that wash you away would do the trick.
If I can muster up the strength to dive back into this series, I will add this to the must review list. Keep posted. And if you can handle a bit of sad then this is an epic tale of land and sea with romance, heartbreak and an age old grudge between the inhabitants of the sea.
“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
I was really into the book, completely enjoying the romance between Lorelei and Vardon. I was loving the whole selkie, finfolk thing and reading about how Lorelei was adapting.
I really, really, really wasn’t expecting to feel like crying or like my stomach was dropping, or heavy hearted after having finished reading it.
I loved, loved, LOVED Vardon and Lorelei and Grandma Shaye. And at first, I thought Clay was just an awkward dude. And that his fumbles were kind of adorable.... Now I pretty much hate him and think he's a deplorable SOB.
A part of me needs to know what will happen next and yet another part of me wants to forget I ever dived into this world.
The Great (Pros):
Under the Sea. Excuse me while I blast said song and wiggle around and sing annoyingly loud. Honestly, this was the best part of the book. I loved that it was about the 'water world' and its inhabitants.
Romance. As I said above, I loved Vardon. The relationship that builds between him and Lorelei is really cute and sweet. You can get swept up in it.
The Not So Great (Cons):
It’s sad. Like really effing sad! I'm not a huge fan of unhappy endings. Life has enough of that already... I like to read about things working out. I'm hoping that it will and that I'll get the courage to read book 2 but this is a pretty big con for me. I've read series that don’t have happy endings in a book or 2 but never in book 1 and its really throwing off my game.
Animosity. My feelings towards Clay aside, I wasn't digging how everyone treated Lorelei based off her heritage. She didn't choose to be a quarter of evil water dung. And maybe, had you pulled your heads out of your asses (is that a correct term for a selkie's rear end) and gave her a chance and educated her... This may have turned out differently.
The writing itself is good and the story is really interesting but there is some visual imagery that’s missing. I didn't feel the love for the sea that Lorelei does, or should. Her pull to it felt basically nonexistent, which I know isn’t the case since she basically says otherwise but at times the wording felt dry.
Sure I love the ocean but some descriptive phrases that wash you away would do the trick.
If I can muster up the strength to dive back into this series, I will add this to the must review list. Keep posted. And if you can handle a bit of sad then this is an epic tale of land and sea with romance, heartbreak and an age old grudge between the inhabitants of the sea.
“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
January 8, 2016
This contemporary fantasy/paranormal story gets a solid four stars from me.
I enjoyed learning more about selkies and "finfolk."
The main character was well-rounded and well-drawn. It was easy to connect with her. This is the first book in a series and there are still plenty of secrets to keep readers hungry for the next installment.
For me, I felt somewhat let down at the end of this book. It seemed like Loralei had the carpet ripped out from underneath her instead of actually choosing which of her "natures" she wanted to embrace.
The climax confused me slightly. Also, the mid-chapter narrator shifts were distracting since they weren't marked with any sort of separator.
I would recommend this author. I will read more books from her.
I enjoyed learning more about selkies and "finfolk."
The main character was well-rounded and well-drawn. It was easy to connect with her. This is the first book in a series and there are still plenty of secrets to keep readers hungry for the next installment.
For me, I felt somewhat let down at the end of this book. It seemed like Loralei had the carpet ripped out from underneath her instead of actually choosing which of her "natures" she wanted to embrace.
The climax confused me slightly. Also, the mid-chapter narrator shifts were distracting since they weren't marked with any sort of separator.
I would recommend this author. I will read more books from her.
April 14, 2015
I'm a big fan of J.R. Pearse Nelson and have read all her books, but I think Water Rites may be my favorite so far. I love this new world she's created. It's very easy to love the characters, and now I'm wondering what role a certain one will be playing in the next book. I hope the author doesn't make us wait too long for the next one!
September 9, 2015
Fantastic bit of selkie lore! I was a bit afraid that it would fall into the typical YA love triangle trap, but it did not! Beautifully written (there were times I swear I could smell the Pacific Ocean), enjoyable, and exactly the kind of entertaining read I was looking for.
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