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Lasera
I should've died in that pool. A merman saved me.
Seventeen year old Valerie used to want the ripped lifeguards to rescue her, but her perceptions explode after a freak diving accident at the local pool when she’s rescued by a shy, intelligent merman named Wyn. A year before, a drunk driver killed her parents and the only thing that keeps her going is her training—she’s a champion diver—and she still spends every waking moment in the pool. Initially Valerie thinks she's going crazy and hallucinating. But she learns that her mind isn't making him up; it's because Wyn saved her that she can now see him and others can't.
Wyn’s ability to see her clearly, touches her heart. What confuses both of them is why have Wyn's captors trapped him in a public pool surrounded by humans? Valerie finds out the captors are moving Wyn to a more secure scientific facility in just three days. How can she save him?
Seventeen year old Valerie used to want the ripped lifeguards to rescue her, but her perceptions explode after a freak diving accident at the local pool when she’s rescued by a shy, intelligent merman named Wyn. A year before, a drunk driver killed her parents and the only thing that keeps her going is her training—she’s a champion diver—and she still spends every waking moment in the pool. Initially Valerie thinks she's going crazy and hallucinating. But she learns that her mind isn't making him up; it's because Wyn saved her that she can now see him and others can't.
Wyn’s ability to see her clearly, touches her heart. What confuses both of them is why have Wyn's captors trapped him in a public pool surrounded by humans? Valerie finds out the captors are moving Wyn to a more secure scientific facility in just three days. How can she save him?
243 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2015
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Mathieson Pederson
1 book8 followersConnect with her on facebook: Danielle's Author Page
Connect with her on twitter: Follow Danielle
Danielle Mathieson Pederson is the oldest of five children in her family and a part-time working mom of two children. She’s been married to her sweetheart Tim for nine years and they live in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. She loves discovering a new book, and keeping up with all things geek. You’ll typically find her reading a novel, wearing gorgeous earrings and a geeky cartoon T-shirt. She thrives on writing, and in addition to the current Mer Archives series she is working on, she has three different blogs, does book reviews and writes screenplays, short stories and the occasional poem. She has had several poems and short stories published. Find out more and read the latest from the world of Lasera at her website.
Connect with her on twitter: Follow Danielle
Danielle Mathieson Pederson is the oldest of five children in her family and a part-time working mom of two children. She’s been married to her sweetheart Tim for nine years and they live in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. She loves discovering a new book, and keeping up with all things geek. You’ll typically find her reading a novel, wearing gorgeous earrings and a geeky cartoon T-shirt. She thrives on writing, and in addition to the current Mer Archives series she is working on, she has three different blogs, does book reviews and writes screenplays, short stories and the occasional poem. She has had several poems and short stories published. Find out more and read the latest from the world of Lasera at her website.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 6, 2015
Firstly, I'm going to admit that I don't read a lot of fantasy, but the few that I've read had the same cliches and predictable plots. Lasera was a treat because reading it was a completely different experience. I'm not saying that the regular fantasy or paranormal romance books are bad, they just don't interest me that much. This story is refreshing. But its only achievement is not the fact that it's a little against the grain. Everything about it is near perfect. The characters are extremely loveable. Tragic moments and exhilarating feelings blend very nicely. The novel is simply adorable. I really enjoyed the style of writing. It's lucid, yet at the same time, quite expressive. What I liked the most is the way emotions come alive in the book. It feels very real and endearing.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who likes good fiction. This book's readership should not be limited to lovers of fantasy alone. Pederson is certainly a talented author and I'd definitely like to read more of her writing. I'll be on the lookout for the next book in the series.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who likes good fiction. This book's readership should not be limited to lovers of fantasy alone. Pederson is certainly a talented author and I'd definitely like to read more of her writing. I'll be on the lookout for the next book in the series.
May 16, 2020
This was very different from the fantasy I normally read, but was really enjoyable! Maybe I'm a bit biased, because the main character's best friend is Zack. Either way, this was a quick read and a fun story about friendship, family, and a girl's discovery of a new world. Throughout the story, the author's writing made it easy to visualize setting and what was happening. The main character's voice was fun to read, which is important because the story is written in first person.
The only thing I didn't like was
Overall, it's an easy, fun read and worth checking out if you like mermaids and a little romance!
The only thing I didn't like was
Overall, it's an easy, fun read and worth checking out if you like mermaids and a little romance!
October 9, 2020
A wonderful story
This is a beautiful story. Valerie has suffered incredible loss in her life but finds hope and healing when she meets Wyn, a real merman. A very fun read that you will enjoy. Full of wonder.
This is a beautiful story. Valerie has suffered incredible loss in her life but finds hope and healing when she meets Wyn, a real merman. A very fun read that you will enjoy. Full of wonder.
September 24, 2019
i hated this book. she litterly gave up everything in her life to be with a MERMAN!!!
I DNFed this book because of her actions and the instant love
I DNFed this book because of her actions and the instant love
July 26, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free mobi copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lasera is the first book of a series. While the ending isn't a cliff hanger, it is open ended, and you will need to read the next book for a resolution. This is a YA Fantasy Fiction read suitable for both old and young.
For seventeen-year-old Valerie, diving is both her life and her lifeline. After a devastating tragedy left her numb and hiding from her thoughts and memories, she literally dove into her Olympic goals as a high-diver. Then a freak diving accident rendered her unable to dive. Not only that, but what she encountered beneath the water left her questioning her sanity. A merman? Really? Surely she must be losing her mind?
I felt connected to the main character, although the bad guys did read as somewhat stereotypical much of the time. Perhaps, in later books, the overall character development may grow in complexity? This is a good clean read suitable for a range of ages. A few hiccups affect the overall flow, but on the whole, it is a well-presented book. Despite the passive writing and overuse of filter words and other minor points, I loved the way the author dealt with Valerie hiding from her flashbacks and trauma, and the slow unfolding of just what had happened.
The book cover also gets a thumbs-up from me. It's eye-catching and shows something of the tale told within.
Lasera gets a soft 4 stars from me.
Lasera is the first book of a series. While the ending isn't a cliff hanger, it is open ended, and you will need to read the next book for a resolution. This is a YA Fantasy Fiction read suitable for both old and young.
For seventeen-year-old Valerie, diving is both her life and her lifeline. After a devastating tragedy left her numb and hiding from her thoughts and memories, she literally dove into her Olympic goals as a high-diver. Then a freak diving accident rendered her unable to dive. Not only that, but what she encountered beneath the water left her questioning her sanity. A merman? Really? Surely she must be losing her mind?
I felt connected to the main character, although the bad guys did read as somewhat stereotypical much of the time. Perhaps, in later books, the overall character development may grow in complexity? This is a good clean read suitable for a range of ages. A few hiccups affect the overall flow, but on the whole, it is a well-presented book. Despite the passive writing and overuse of filter words and other minor points, I loved the way the author dealt with Valerie hiding from her flashbacks and trauma, and the slow unfolding of just what had happened.
The book cover also gets a thumbs-up from me. It's eye-catching and shows something of the tale told within.
Lasera gets a soft 4 stars from me.
February 5, 2017
I've read of pirates and princes and dragons and Viking warriors why not a mermaid tale... Or in this particular case - Merman.
Lasera proved to be a delightful and wholesome story from page 1. I could hardly put it down as I kept reading to find out what happened next.
The characters are intriguing and relateable. The relationship bond formed between Valerie and Wyn is sweet and feels natural, a far cry from your typical cliche ya Romance. As to the author, I love the imagery she weaves throughout the story. Her descriptions encompassing the finite details that others often overlook bring you into the character's world and hold you there completely spellbound.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy read and I am eagerly awaiting the second.
Lasera proved to be a delightful and wholesome story from page 1. I could hardly put it down as I kept reading to find out what happened next.
The characters are intriguing and relateable. The relationship bond formed between Valerie and Wyn is sweet and feels natural, a far cry from your typical cliche ya Romance. As to the author, I love the imagery she weaves throughout the story. Her descriptions encompassing the finite details that others often overlook bring you into the character's world and hold you there completely spellbound.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy read and I am eagerly awaiting the second.
July 9, 2020
Overall rating = 2.5 stars
Lasera was a bit of an odd read for me. It focuses on a teenager (Valerie) whose life gets saved by a Merman and she literally can’t believe it. This book was a bit of a mix of urban fantasy and SF and unfortunately didn’t quite strike a precise balance with me. The writing was clear and concise and the plot moved along pretty fast. However the romance aspect of the story really didn’t capture my attention as it was instantaneous and didn’t make much sense to me at least. Overall this book would work better for readers of PNR or YA urban fantasy, unfortunately I wasn’t the best audience for it.
January 28, 2016
Good Story! Writing is good and its nicely paced.
August 27, 2023
I did not like this book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews