In 2098 human survival depends on genetic research to develop aquatic capabilities. It has never been more dangerous for the elusive sirens to be discovered. Until now they've remained eclipsed from human eyes, inhabiting a secret island. But when their youth rebel, the sirens decide to test the waters of open society by striking a deal with megacorp DiviniGen Inc. And they risk everything to do it. Will the risk be worth it or will the sirens be forced to face the darkness of eternal isolation?
T.L. spent several years in the corporate world working with global “megacorps” before moving on to her most important job, raising her two children. During naptime, she created a world to escape to in SIRENS. She enjoys using science to create fantastical fiction, packing sophisticated, sometimes controversial, themes into stories of adventure, and twisting ordinary legends. Book 1 Rising Tide will be followed by Lost World. She lives with her family and some tropical fish in Washington, DC. This is her first novel.
"Lost World" the second mesmerizing novel in the unique and imaginative "Sirens" series begins when Lorel Phoenix eludes her research team to help the isolated Siren population on the island of Rodinia. Like Mello Seaford who bears the scars of genetic experimentation at DiviniGen labs before his return home, Lorel knows that Francis Gatton is closing in with a plan to harvest blood, tissue and organs from the islanders to develop a superior human/siren species to colonize the ocean floor, increasing the megacorp's empire.
T.L. Zalecki sets the stage for an ingenious tale that blends science-fiction and legend with a dose of romance in 2098 on Rodinia, an island hidden for centuries and protected by the Beacon, an ancient organization determined to keep the siren culture and their natural resources far from human eyes. But megacorp DiviniGen Inc. under the leadership of Francis Gatton, determined to develop a species that can colonize the ocean is closing in on the remote island.
Well-written and thrilling from the first page to the last the plot heats up when the Siren Queen and her Council are swept up in plans to divert Gatton from his sinister scheme only to learn that the greedy, megalomaniac is one step ahead of them. As the action escalates threads of the story follow not only the Sirens struggle to thwart Gatton's sinister objective; Lorel's unraveling of secrets in her past; but also Jake Ryder's scheme to save the woman he loves. Fast-paced as events unfold the plot rushes towards a fiery conclusion and startling disclosure.
Even the romance takes a twist as Mello helps Lorel explore her Siren abilities only to fall in love with her. As they draw closer, Jake who won't believe she's dead is given a shocking revelation that has him risking his life to find the remote island in the Indian Ocean. Torn between two worlds Lorel, attracted to the proud yet humble Mello still can't forget her love for Jake and has to make a decision about their future only to have tragedy strike and make it for her.
The characters in "Lost World" are fascinating and unforgettable with all their flaws and faults. Lorel Phoenix a marine biologist is strong-willed and determined in her loyal dedication to the island and its population. Haunted by the abandonment of her mother secrets will be revealed about her past that will bring clarity and purpose to her mission. Mello Seaford troubled by the loss of his daughter and guilty because of his unintentional role in helping Gatton is kind, smart and open, his self-sacrifice saving his people from destruction. Jake Ryder a skilled Navy Seal and Lorel's boyfriend is passionate, impatient and fearful of losing the woman he wants to commit his life to.
Of the other characters that add to the tension, power and drama to the adventure Lalique Queen of the Sirens appears stoic, poised and cold but is brave, has razor-sharp instincts and a loving heart. Francis Gatton the CEO of DiviniGen is ruthless, sinister and cruel, letting power and money drive his plans while Dr. Benjamin Reshing is a real surprise, his condescending heartlessness masking a caring and generous nature.
I loved "Lost World" with its surprising twists and revelations. I rate it highly and can't wait to see what T.L. Zalecki has in- store for her fans next.
Wow! It is so rare that I find a fairly unknown book that completely blows me out of the water ;) I love this series so much! It felt like something that could be real. So smart, exciting and emotional! I honestly can't say enough good things about this series!! Rodinia seems like such a magical and beautiful place that the author described so well! I really loved all of the characters(except the bad guys, of course) and I wanted to see a happy ending for all of them. I devoured these 2 books, and now I'm so sad it's over. I'm really, really hoping we get more of the sirens or at least some kind of spinoff!! I cried more than once near the end. I never thought thought the word "father" could make me burst into tears! It's amazing that they were tears of joy and sadness at the same time!! This is what I want from a fantasy novel! The only bad part is that I have no more to read :( Please, please write more! This series deserves so much recognition.. how do people not know about this gem!? I highly recommend and I will recommend to my friends and family, and I'm definitely sharing about it on social media. Thank you to the author for such an enjoyable reading experience, and you can be sure i'll be following and looking forward to whatever you come up with me next!!
The sequel was as good as the first book. In some ways, I enjoyed this more because it described the life and homeland of the sirens. There are some lovely poetic descriptions of Rodinia that make you want to discover the islands to see the beautiful place. The first part of the story moves along slower as it delves into the ways of the sirens. The second half is more action-filled. I enjoyed both. Although the story being told has ended, it feels like it could also continue with a third book.
Excellent conclusion. Lots of surprises, twists and turns. Maybe the world will be ready in 2098, but the way the story played out, greed and evil existed and probably always will to exploit others and what we don't readily comprehend. I thoroughly enjoyed both books. Mello redeemed himself because I was not feeling him at all at the end of book 1. Love Lorelei and Jake. Look forward to reading more books from this author.
Couldn't put it down once I started to read it. Heart breaking, yet full of life and tribulations. Surprising with the way it ended. Hope that there will be more. The characters deserve at least one more book.
I really appreciated how this flowed so seemlessly from the first book. Everything went together perfectly. I do wish there was more at the end to kind of guide your thoughts as to what happened with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book through Kindle Scout.
I thought the idea of this short series was well thought out. I liked that the story was kept clean, despite the horrific things that were done to people in the name of science. There were some big themes; religion, creationism, evolution, global warming, conspiracy theories, humanism, moral compasses, etc. I liked Lorel's character in contrast to the people in her society who have allowed others to think for them. I liked the use of different POVs to show perspective and awareness, or the lack thereof. I still did not like the way the time was portrayed (it's just my preference). I thought the writing was easy enough to read and the story flowed well.
I began skimming several parts of the story after a while. I felt bogged down with some of the details that were emphasized over and over. I also thought there were a few places that could have used more info, like how did the mysterious girl from the beach in book 1 get there. I am not a fan of love triangles and cringed at certain parts, but the author took care of it in a most unfortunate way. I would recommend this book, with a warning about the strong stance the book voices. This is probably not a reread for me. 3 stars.
Any editor who cares about a book would not leave so many errors in the final proof. A predictable story, but probably a good read for young teens. I love the ocean, so the sirens caught me, as sirens are known to do,