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Priddy's Tale
What doesn’t kill you sometimes makes you wish it had...
Priddy’s a lost soul in a part of Cornwall the tourists don’t get to see. He’s young, sweet-natured and gorgeous, but that’s not enough to achieve escape velocity from his deadbeat village and rotten family life.
He’s a drifter and a dreamer, and self-preservation isn’t his strong suit. An accidental overdose of a nightclub high leaves him fractured, hallucinating, too many vital circuits fried to function in a tough world. When a friend offers him winter work in a lighthouse – nothing to do but press the occasional button and keep the windows clean – he gratefully accepts.
His plans to live quietly and stay out of trouble don’t last very long. A ferocious Atlantic storm washes a stranger to Priddy’s lonely shore. For a shipwrecked sailor, the new arrival seems very composed. He’s also handsome as hell, debonair, and completely unconcerned by Priddy’s dreadful past.
Priddy has almost given up on the prospect of any kind of friendship, and a new boyfriend – let alone a six-foot beauty with eerily good swimming skills – out of the question entirely. But Merou seems to see undreamed-of promise in Priddy, and when they hit the water together, Priddy has to adapt to Merou’s potentials too, and fast. His lover from the sea might be a mere mortal from the waist up, but south of that line...
Far-flung west Cornwall has a hundred mermaid tales. Priddy’s loved the stories all his life. Now he has to face up to a wildly impossible truth. Merou’s life depends upon his courage and strength, and if Priddy can only find his way in the extraordinary world opening up all around him, all the ocean and a human lifetime needn’t be enough to contain the love between merman and mortal.
Priddy’s a lost soul in a part of Cornwall the tourists don’t get to see. He’s young, sweet-natured and gorgeous, but that’s not enough to achieve escape velocity from his deadbeat village and rotten family life.
He’s a drifter and a dreamer, and self-preservation isn’t his strong suit. An accidental overdose of a nightclub high leaves him fractured, hallucinating, too many vital circuits fried to function in a tough world. When a friend offers him winter work in a lighthouse – nothing to do but press the occasional button and keep the windows clean – he gratefully accepts.
His plans to live quietly and stay out of trouble don’t last very long. A ferocious Atlantic storm washes a stranger to Priddy’s lonely shore. For a shipwrecked sailor, the new arrival seems very composed. He’s also handsome as hell, debonair, and completely unconcerned by Priddy’s dreadful past.
Priddy has almost given up on the prospect of any kind of friendship, and a new boyfriend – let alone a six-foot beauty with eerily good swimming skills – out of the question entirely. But Merou seems to see undreamed-of promise in Priddy, and when they hit the water together, Priddy has to adapt to Merou’s potentials too, and fast. His lover from the sea might be a mere mortal from the waist up, but south of that line...
Far-flung west Cornwall has a hundred mermaid tales. Priddy’s loved the stories all his life. Now he has to face up to a wildly impossible truth. Merou’s life depends upon his courage and strength, and if Priddy can only find his way in the extraordinary world opening up all around him, all the ocean and a human lifetime needn’t be enough to contain the love between merman and mortal.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2016
33 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
About the author
Harper Fox
58 books1,177 followersHarper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
July 9, 2020
Audiobook - 5 stars
Story - 4.35 stars
I went into this one blind. I honestly expected it to be a mystery, shock on me. 🤯 Priddy's Tale is a merman 🧜♂️ story. 😁 A very beautiful one and i freaking loved it.
Like all Harper's stories, this was well written, lyrical and flowed beautifully. The characters are well developed. Priddy and Merou had some amazing chemistry. I loved the side characters too.
Overall, It was a different experience and enjoyable.
Story - 4.35 stars
I went into this one blind. I honestly expected it to be a mystery, shock on me. 🤯 Priddy's Tale is a merman 🧜♂️ story. 😁 A very beautiful one and i freaking loved it.
Like all Harper's stories, this was well written, lyrical and flowed beautifully. The characters are well developed. Priddy and Merou had some amazing chemistry. I loved the side characters too.
Overall, It was a different experience and enjoyable.
August 16, 2016
This one was a fun 'damaged young man meets and falls for a mysterious merman, who falls right back' tale. Tail? Whatever. ;- )
The first half of the book was funnier and I enjoyed it a bit more than the second half, which was slightly more predictable, but still a very worthwhile and entertaining read.
Fairly sexy, too, considering the novella length.
3.75 stars.
August 16, 2016
They don’t seem to thrive away from the sea, and if they do leave, they always return.
This is a classic Mer tale.
The hubris of youth that infallible superhero feeling that you can surpass anything until you can't.
Priddy is left behind as his best mate goes to university, still suffering consequences from misjudged youth. That's Priddy's fate. His backstory is sad and unfortunately not uncommon.
Merou is the half-drowned man Priddy pulls from the sea when disaster strikes the rough-hewn cliffs of Cornwall in the rugged West Country. From that moment, time is being rewritten as Priddy's life changes.
Fox's descriptives are a key draw for me, and they don't disappoint. While I am usually keen on the palpable renderings of the setting that was not the focus. Sure the waters are lovingly drawn, but the spotlight is on Merouac, of Mer anatomy itself. He reads like a heroic nude from antiquity, quite beautifully done.
Merouac chuckled. “If you like. Pretty and merry— won’t we make a pair?” Closing his eyes, he pulled the bedclothes up to his chest, and Priddy must have imagined the webs between his fingers— there was nothing there now but a glimmer, like fine-ground fish-scale dust.
But it is not all smooth waters and lilting songs on the air, for a nemesis lurks threatening everything. I love the ocean, I could read pages of nothing but sea spray, wind shifts, wave and current patterns and be happy, add in Fox's writing style and this was a big win.
This isn't a grand romance. It's loving and thoughtful and sexy, but more finding that puzzle piece that's been missing than a overwhelming courtship.
Overall, love and the sea, and how both are catalysts of change.
November 29, 2020
3 Stars
This is probably my 3rd mermaid tale, and I’m thinking the set up and premise is just not for me for no particular reason that I can easily grasp. Perhaps it’s just too fantastical or implausible? Why is it that these mermen have so many damn rules?? I should love this as much as I enjoy shifters, mages, elves, dragons galore, but I don’t! Heh. To each their own I guess.
However, if you like disabilities, hurt comfort, and magic with a seaworthy twist set in a staunch contemporary romantic setting, the wonders and discoveries that Priddy goes through just might entice. Priddy has been dealt an awful ticket in life, but he finally gets his well deserved happy ending and it couldn’t come to a better person. Cheers.
This is probably my 3rd mermaid tale, and I’m thinking the set up and premise is just not for me for no particular reason that I can easily grasp. Perhaps it’s just too fantastical or implausible? Why is it that these mermen have so many damn rules?? I should love this as much as I enjoy shifters, mages, elves, dragons galore, but I don’t! Heh. To each their own I guess.
However, if you like disabilities, hurt comfort, and magic with a seaworthy twist set in a staunch contemporary romantic setting, the wonders and discoveries that Priddy goes through just might entice. Priddy has been dealt an awful ticket in life, but he finally gets his well deserved happy ending and it couldn’t come to a better person. Cheers.
May 26, 2021
This book was weird. 🤣🤣 I feel like there is two parts of the story. One before Merou does his mermaid magic and the second one after he does.
The first part was a little bit funny and a lot confusing, Priddy had a head problem caused by an overdose and that made him see things, not be totally present and he didn't care about a lot of stuff happening. So we are introduced to this world in his point of view and it felt like the guy was high all the time so I dunno if half that happened was real, Priddy didn't know either.
Then the story clears a bit when Merou gives him the breath of life and cures him, he becomes coherent again, his head stops being a problem and his relationship with the mermaid takes the front of the story. With a little bit of action and a little bit of missteps they get their happiness at the end.
I liked this world, I think the author did a really good job describing Merou's abilities, magic and personality, he was fun as hell and unique in a way that all "mythical" creatures are often described. I also liked Priddy he was a fun lead man and also very brave and loyal. I had a problem with the first part, it was not easy to read sometimes and the second one was wrapped too nicely in some places. But overall it was entertaining, charming and short. 🤭🥰❤
The first part was a little bit funny and a lot confusing, Priddy had a head problem caused by an overdose and that made him see things, not be totally present and he didn't care about a lot of stuff happening. So we are introduced to this world in his point of view and it felt like the guy was high all the time so I dunno if half that happened was real, Priddy didn't know either.
Then the story clears a bit when Merou gives him the breath of life and cures him, he becomes coherent again, his head stops being a problem and his relationship with the mermaid takes the front of the story. With a little bit of action and a little bit of missteps they get their happiness at the end.
I liked this world, I think the author did a really good job describing Merou's abilities, magic and personality, he was fun as hell and unique in a way that all "mythical" creatures are often described. I also liked Priddy he was a fun lead man and also very brave and loyal. I had a problem with the first part, it was not easy to read sometimes and the second one was wrapped too nicely in some places. But overall it was entertaining, charming and short. 🤭🥰❤
November 16, 2018
surprising depth
I didn't quite know what to expect from this story and it started off kind of dour.
Priddy got into some bad drugs at a party and he's never been the same since. That he's an addict is mentioned but I can't say that I bought into that; however, that is neither here nor there since it is not, nor should it be, the focus of the book.
This is Priddy's tale of finding love in the most unlikeliest of places: the sea.
It's a magical tale and one that snuck up on me, truth be told. I wasn't truly invested until over the halfway mark and I didn't much care for Priddy initially either. But Priddy and Merou won me over.
Merou is a larger than life personality: gregarious, charming, devastatingly handsome and keeps odd hours. Read: he has a tendency to vanish periodically.
Priddy, on the other hand, is introverted, shy and has a low opinion of himself. Though it's not ever specifically addressed I think his upbringing was less than ideal.
Their journey towards happily ever after is fraught with obstacles and turns into a bit of an adventure which kept my interest, but the ending was perfect. I loved the afterword so hard.
This was my first Harper Fox and won't be my last. I like the way this story was constructed and both of these characters came to life though the prose as well as Chris Clog's narration which was on point.
Recommend to paranormal romance fans.
Also, kudos to the author for using my word (thundercunt) which I have never heard or read in a written work before. I was kinda tickled, I don't mind telling you. I *may* have rewound it a couple times.
I didn't quite know what to expect from this story and it started off kind of dour.
Priddy got into some bad drugs at a party and he's never been the same since. That he's an addict is mentioned but I can't say that I bought into that; however, that is neither here nor there since it is not, nor should it be, the focus of the book.
This is Priddy's tale of finding love in the most unlikeliest of places: the sea.
It's a magical tale and one that snuck up on me, truth be told. I wasn't truly invested until over the halfway mark and I didn't much care for Priddy initially either. But Priddy and Merou won me over.
Merou is a larger than life personality: gregarious, charming, devastatingly handsome and keeps odd hours. Read: he has a tendency to vanish periodically.
Priddy, on the other hand, is introverted, shy and has a low opinion of himself. Though it's not ever specifically addressed I think his upbringing was less than ideal.
Their journey towards happily ever after is fraught with obstacles and turns into a bit of an adventure which kept my interest, but the ending was perfect. I loved the afterword so hard.
This was my first Harper Fox and won't be my last. I like the way this story was constructed and both of these characters came to life though the prose as well as Chris Clog's narration which was on point.
Recommend to paranormal romance fans.
Also, kudos to the author for using my word (thundercunt) which I have never heard or read in a written work before. I was kinda tickled, I don't mind telling you. I *may* have rewound it a couple times.
July 10, 2016
This is a lovely, fairly realistic-paranormal, and well written story about a young man, and the merman he beguiles at first sight. Priddy was always able to see more than most, including the occasional mermaid, but he laughed it off as stories and fantasy, growing up with his best friend Kit. They played and partied and studied, and decided they were not meant to be boyfriends, as they reached adulthood. Then one night at a club, Kit offered Priddy a hit of a new party drug... one which landed Priddy in hospital with permanent damage.
Now he's drifting, dreaming, doing odd jobs and trying to stay sane, while Kit goes off to college without him. A job at a lighthouse gives him a chance at a little cash, in a controlled simple environment where he can perhaps begin to cope better with his life. Until he rescues Merou, wrecked in the middle of a storm, and discovers there is more mystery and confusion and possibility in his life than he believed. I enjoyed seeing Merou make Priddy believe in himself again.
All of Harper Fox's books are worth reading, and this is no exception. The writing is good, the characters interesting. I didn't quite get a deep feel for the romance in this story - it was a bit fated and fast, and the decision to be together wasn't one of time and understanding. In many ways, I was more interested in Priddy's relationship with his friend Kit, which seemed harder and more complex. But I enjoyed the tale of modern mer-people, including many little touches to the world building, and some lovely phrasing and language.
Now he's drifting, dreaming, doing odd jobs and trying to stay sane, while Kit goes off to college without him. A job at a lighthouse gives him a chance at a little cash, in a controlled simple environment where he can perhaps begin to cope better with his life. Until he rescues Merou, wrecked in the middle of a storm, and discovers there is more mystery and confusion and possibility in his life than he believed. I enjoyed seeing Merou make Priddy believe in himself again.
All of Harper Fox's books are worth reading, and this is no exception. The writing is good, the characters interesting. I didn't quite get a deep feel for the romance in this story - it was a bit fated and fast, and the decision to be together wasn't one of time and understanding. In many ways, I was more interested in Priddy's relationship with his friend Kit, which seemed harder and more complex. But I enjoyed the tale of modern mer-people, including many little touches to the world building, and some lovely phrasing and language.
November 14, 2021
This is my first book by Harper Fox and before starting it I had no idea this was going to be a kinda strange fairy tale love story between an odd guy, Priddy and a Merman.
Priddy had a tough and neglected childhood. Later after an overdose, he became a bit strange. Most of the time we are not sure if he is hallucinating or the things are happening for real. The story is set in a small place in Cornwell, it has a sad, haunting quality but after the arrival of Meru the Merman, it comes alive.
The writing is lyrical and the audiobook narration by Chris Clog enhances its beauty.
Priddy had a tough and neglected childhood. Later after an overdose, he became a bit strange. Most of the time we are not sure if he is hallucinating or the things are happening for real. The story is set in a small place in Cornwell, it has a sad, haunting quality but after the arrival of Meru the Merman, it comes alive.
The writing is lyrical and the audiobook narration by Chris Clog enhances its beauty.
March 21, 2017
I am totally in love with this book! Something about the lighthouses and the seaside and the merfolk appeals to me immensely.
My only complaint is that I couldn't get quite close to Merou, read more about his side of the story; there is still plenty of info to piece it together, just ...lacking somehow.
As for mansel in distress, oh well. There are boys in trouble out there, and I am sure lots of them can use some help. Being a man doesn't mean you can plow through life with a stoic face, unfazed by troubles. This particular setting in this particular book didn't bother me at all.
5 stars.
PS I might re-read it one day :)
My only complaint is that I couldn't get quite close to Merou, read more about his side of the story; there is still plenty of info to piece it together, just ...lacking somehow.
As for mansel in distress, oh well. There are boys in trouble out there, and I am sure lots of them can use some help. Being a man doesn't mean you can plow through life with a stoic face, unfazed by troubles. This particular setting in this particular book didn't bother me at all.
5 stars.
PS I might re-read it one day :)
March 6, 2019
Absolutely LOVED this! 4.5 Stars.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this book. I was entranced from the very beginning of what is basically a fairy tale complete with a villain, a hero, and a prince. And, of course, an HEA.
Priddy was such an intriguing character--never knowing when he hallucinated or not. I liked his strange view of the world. This outlook served him in meeting Merou, the merman. Although not quite as deeply drawn as Priddy, Merou was still captivating (I think the merman thing really helped out here).
For a novella, the world-building was particularly fine. I would have loved a full length novel in which we spend more time with Priddy and Merou pre-love. I also want to further explore the undersea world of merfolk and their ability to catch Time currents.
I felt so good reading this tale. It really did feel like an old fairy tale; it felt like a warm embrace.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this book. I was entranced from the very beginning of what is basically a fairy tale complete with a villain, a hero, and a prince. And, of course, an HEA.
Priddy was such an intriguing character--never knowing when he hallucinated or not. I liked his strange view of the world. This outlook served him in meeting Merou, the merman. Although not quite as deeply drawn as Priddy, Merou was still captivating (I think the merman thing really helped out here).
For a novella, the world-building was particularly fine. I would have loved a full length novel in which we spend more time with Priddy and Merou pre-love. I also want to further explore the undersea world of merfolk and their ability to catch Time currents.
I felt so good reading this tale. It really did feel like an old fairy tale; it felt like a warm embrace.
July 13, 2017
Oh Wow! This one truly blew me away - 100% insanely perfect. This is the third book I've read (listened to) by Harper Fox and the poetry of her writing just hits me harder every time. The descriptions of everything are just amazing... the angst and joy and bitter resentment. Gah, just one of the best books I've ever experienced.
Also, the narrator - Chris Clog - was absolutely wonderful.
Also, the narrator - Chris Clog - was absolutely wonderful.
March 5, 2017
This book was a bit weird. And so good.
I might be wrong, but I think this was my first merman read. That angle took a bit getting used to, especially the different anatomy. Plus, I'm not a fan of fish.
The story was exactly what I'd expect from Harper Fox. It started off sad and melancholy, but then there's a glimmer of hope.
I wanted to wrap Priddy up in a hug from the beginning. He was lonely and lost, and made my heart hurt.
But then Priddy saves a strange man from drowning. Merou is an odd-ball. And there's something about him that's just not right. The clues are there, but Priddy refuses to connect the dots because that might mean that he'd really gone off the deep end.
Merou won me over just by showing how much he cared for Priddy. He coaxes Priddy out of his shell, and convinces him that he's worth loving.
Merou brings sunshine and laughter back into Priddy's live. He gives Priddy afternoon car rides through the countryside, horse rides across clifftops, and picnics with Priddy's favourite foods.
So Priddy begins to dream. And he realizes that if he wants Merou and a happy future, no one other than himself can make the necessary life-altering decisions and changes.
The title, 'Priddy's Tale', is very apt. There's a strong romance here, but this book is first and foremost the story of Priddy's renewal. There are some sad moments, but at other points I was genuinely laughing at Merou and Priddy's antics.
The happy ever after was perfect in every way.
If you're looking for a MM merman read that will make your heart ache at times but leave you feeling light and happy, I'd definitely recommend 'Priddy's Tale'.
I might be wrong, but I think this was my first merman read. That angle took a bit getting used to, especially the different anatomy. Plus, I'm not a fan of fish.
The story was exactly what I'd expect from Harper Fox. It started off sad and melancholy, but then there's a glimmer of hope.
I wanted to wrap Priddy up in a hug from the beginning. He was lonely and lost, and made my heart hurt.
But then Priddy saves a strange man from drowning. Merou is an odd-ball. And there's something about him that's just not right. The clues are there, but Priddy refuses to connect the dots because that might mean that he'd really gone off the deep end.
Merou won me over just by showing how much he cared for Priddy. He coaxes Priddy out of his shell, and convinces him that he's worth loving.
Merou brings sunshine and laughter back into Priddy's live. He gives Priddy afternoon car rides through the countryside, horse rides across clifftops, and picnics with Priddy's favourite foods.
So Priddy begins to dream. And he realizes that if he wants Merou and a happy future, no one other than himself can make the necessary life-altering decisions and changes.
The title, 'Priddy's Tale', is very apt. There's a strong romance here, but this book is first and foremost the story of Priddy's renewal. There are some sad moments, but at other points I was genuinely laughing at Merou and Priddy's antics.
The happy ever after was perfect in every way.
If you're looking for a MM merman read that will make your heart ache at times but leave you feeling light and happy, I'd definitely recommend 'Priddy's Tale'.
July 9, 2018
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I like Harper Fox.
This story felt dreamlike to me. Very much “not-in-the-present” if I can put it that way?
I wasn’t in the mood for this book at all but I didn’t have something else to read so I dove in and finished it. A while ago actually. I just still don’t really know what to say about it.
I enjoyed it. I just think maybe I should read it again sometime in the future. I think I'll have even more fun then.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I like Harper Fox.
This story felt dreamlike to me. Very much “not-in-the-present” if I can put it that way?
I wasn’t in the mood for this book at all but I didn’t have something else to read so I dove in and finished it. A while ago actually. I just still don’t really know what to say about it.
I enjoyed it. I just think maybe I should read it again sometime in the future. I think I'll have even more fun then.
July 21, 2021
really enjoyed this interesting - and original - take on mermen.
June 22, 2016
Jem Priddy has not had an easy life, neither by accident of birth nor by his own decisions. He lives in a lighthouse, trying desperately to shield himself from Bad Things and reeling as he recovers from a mind-altering string of events. When Merou arrives, poor Priddy can't be sure whether he is a figment of his fractured mind or a flash of good that's been all too absent from his life. I wasn't sure either.
"The only person who could sweep Priddy up out of the dirt was Priddy himself. He’d known this for some time. Whether he was ready for the effort didn’t really matter. Whether he was sane was of little significance, too. He saw visions and heard mermaids. That had been true long before he’d poisoned himself in a basement club in Penzance. He closed his eyes for a moment in sheer lonely pain, then gritted his teeth and let go of the rail."
This story has all of the beauty of Harper Fox's prose but not as much of the gripping painfully beautiful romance that exists in some of her other books. I think maybe that was the point, though. That Priddy needed to come into his own, to save and accept himself, and not just be washed along by the tides of his life.
This is not to say that there was no romance - Merou and Priddy were kind, loving and in ways, devoted to each other. Due to the way the story developed, there was less of an active decision to be together which I missed a little bit. I think my expectations are incredibly high for this author's books, so that might be why I felt like I wanted *more* from the romance. (This is not a euphemism for sex. I mean the achingly beautiful connection in Life After Joe or Brothers of the Wild North Sea or Scrap Metal).
"There was no pain in this realisation, just a sense of acceptance. Friendship had limits. Priddy’s lonely, hungry soul blossomed out and expanded in this knowledge: people were limited. It wasn’t just him."
Kit and Priddy's friendship was a high point of this story. Too often, friendships in books are constant hijinks or dramatic lovefests or obvious frenemy situations - maybe easier to write because of the characterizations but not altogether resembling real life. Kit and Priddy were childhood friends who were human, flawed but close and cared so much for each other. Their flaws were so relatable (which is a funny thing to say about a merman story).
In sum, I definitely recommend this book.
"The only person who could sweep Priddy up out of the dirt was Priddy himself. He’d known this for some time. Whether he was ready for the effort didn’t really matter. Whether he was sane was of little significance, too. He saw visions and heard mermaids. That had been true long before he’d poisoned himself in a basement club in Penzance. He closed his eyes for a moment in sheer lonely pain, then gritted his teeth and let go of the rail."
This story has all of the beauty of Harper Fox's prose but not as much of the gripping painfully beautiful romance that exists in some of her other books. I think maybe that was the point, though. That Priddy needed to come into his own, to save and accept himself, and not just be washed along by the tides of his life.
This is not to say that there was no romance - Merou and Priddy were kind, loving and in ways, devoted to each other. Due to the way the story developed, there was less of an active decision to be together which I missed a little bit. I think my expectations are incredibly high for this author's books, so that might be why I felt like I wanted *more* from the romance. (This is not a euphemism for sex. I mean the achingly beautiful connection in Life After Joe or Brothers of the Wild North Sea or Scrap Metal).
"There was no pain in this realisation, just a sense of acceptance. Friendship had limits. Priddy’s lonely, hungry soul blossomed out and expanded in this knowledge: people were limited. It wasn’t just him."
Kit and Priddy's friendship was a high point of this story. Too often, friendships in books are constant hijinks or dramatic lovefests or obvious frenemy situations - maybe easier to write because of the characterizations but not altogether resembling real life. Kit and Priddy were childhood friends who were human, flawed but close and cared so much for each other. Their flaws were so relatable (which is a funny thing to say about a merman story).
In sum, I definitely recommend this book.
July 30, 2022
Fox makes magic here.
Friendships, prose, the sea, legends,
and hot, sweet mer love.
Friendships, prose, the sea, legends,
and hot, sweet mer love.
May 17, 2018
4.2 Stars
When I pick a Harper Fox book to read (or listen to) I know that it's going to be so much more than the summary suggests, and that's half the excitement. And that summary just doesn't do justice to Priddy's state of mind, his character, the things he's experienced and suffered. The overdose and it's after-effects are definitely important, but we also learn how very detached, disaffected and dreamy he was before that even happened; dare I even say that his personality lent itself to accidentally going overboard (ha!) on the drugs? To being more susceptible to accepting the weird, inexplicable happenings around his beach and lighthouse?
And what weird and wonderful happenings they are! I love this almost Fairy Tale like story...bits of it reminded me of The Little Mermaid - I almost expected Priddy to start combing his hair with a fork there at the end!
I have to mention, once again, that Harper Fox manages to make Cornwall, the Atlantic & that village come alive in her prose. The whole setting feels like an additional side character, of equal importance to his BFF Kit IMHO...
When I pick a Harper Fox book to read (or listen to) I know that it's going to be so much more than the summary suggests, and that's half the excitement. And that summary just doesn't do justice to Priddy's state of mind, his character, the things he's experienced and suffered. The overdose and it's after-effects are definitely important, but we also learn how very detached, disaffected and dreamy he was before that even happened; dare I even say that his personality lent itself to accidentally going overboard (ha!) on the drugs? To being more susceptible to accepting the weird, inexplicable happenings around his beach and lighthouse?
And what weird and wonderful happenings they are! I love this almost Fairy Tale like story...bits of it reminded me of The Little Mermaid - I almost expected Priddy to start combing his hair with a fork there at the end!
I have to mention, once again, that Harper Fox manages to make Cornwall, the Atlantic & that village come alive in her prose. The whole setting feels like an additional side character, of equal importance to his BFF Kit IMHO...
November 19, 2016
Harper Fox writes so beautifully^^ Evocative sweeping prose that brings the Cornish coast to life.
Not as emotional as some of Harper Fox's stories. A lovely read.
Not as emotional as some of Harper Fox's stories. A lovely read.
April 5, 2017
My first Merman/Mermaid fantasy read [at least I think so, I've read so many books ;)]. Harper Fox's writing was spot on as usual, and I loved the narrator's Cornish accent too. Up until Jem met Meru and started pulling his big boy pants up, I kept wanting to give him a real good shake cos life was passing him [and Kit, his best friend] by, and they just seemed to drift along with the tide, but once Meru appeared [and yes, the clues were there that he was a Merman but Jem remained clueless], Jem finally found someone who 'got' him. 4 stars from me for this whimsical tale...or should that be tail [or fluke]??.
August 1, 2016
4.5 Stars
Reading Priddy's tale reminded me how much I love Harper Fox's words. Her brand of prose worked perfectly for this modern fairy tale. This take on the merman and his human didn't take the expected path and I liked it all the more for it. The HEA for Priddy and Merou was an ideal fit for their place in life and I absolutely loved the ending.
Reading Priddy's tale reminded me how much I love Harper Fox's words. Her brand of prose worked perfectly for this modern fairy tale. This take on the merman and his human didn't take the expected path and I liked it all the more for it. The HEA for Priddy and Merou was an ideal fit for their place in life and I absolutely loved the ending.
July 19, 2016
so fcuking goooood! I CANT EVEN you guys....
HARPER FOX!
November 27, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
A tough one to rate. Wavering between 2* and 3*. Fox is a great author and spins worlds. In honesty I didn't get the intended feels from this though. Rating up for the writing.
The Merfolk are interesting, a complex race. Thought has gone into the details. They seem real.
But Merfolk aren't my first choice to read which is perhaps where I stumble
With the Cornish setting I was thrown by the French and Cousteau name play. Had to Google the seemingly well known name. Maybe those familiar with the reference will be more engaged but it caused distance for me. Stopped me warming to Merou.
Priddy is endearing. Lost and struggling. He's sweet and brave. Dealt a rough hand and dismissed by all. He'd give his life for the chance to save a stranger and consider it a fair deal. I wanted good things for him. Not a rescuer, he has his own strength, but someone to value and adore him.
That's my issue with this.
Merou. Merou admires and cares, but plays mean games to test Priddy. He proves Priddy's resolve, but I couldn't warm to him. He comes across fey, cold. I never sensed any depth of feeling from him and just thought Priddy deserved more.
Some aspects worked, others didn't. The writing could be poetic, creating a rich and different world. Felt surprisingly real for a fable. Yet I wasn't convinced by the feels. Friend Kit was more relatable. Merou I could have thrown back.
A tough one to rate. Wavering between 2* and 3*. Fox is a great author and spins worlds. In honesty I didn't get the intended feels from this though. Rating up for the writing.
The Merfolk are interesting, a complex race. Thought has gone into the details. They seem real.
But Merfolk aren't my first choice to read which is perhaps where I stumble
With the Cornish setting I was thrown by the French and Cousteau name play. Had to Google the seemingly well known name. Maybe those familiar with the reference will be more engaged but it caused distance for me. Stopped me warming to Merou.
Priddy is endearing. Lost and struggling. He's sweet and brave. Dealt a rough hand and dismissed by all. He'd give his life for the chance to save a stranger and consider it a fair deal. I wanted good things for him. Not a rescuer, he has his own strength, but someone to value and adore him.
That's my issue with this.
Merou. Merou admires and cares, but plays mean games to test Priddy. He proves Priddy's resolve, but I couldn't warm to him. He comes across fey, cold. I never sensed any depth of feeling from him and just thought Priddy deserved more.
Some aspects worked, others didn't. The writing could be poetic, creating a rich and different world. Felt surprisingly real for a fable. Yet I wasn't convinced by the feels. Friend Kit was more relatable. Merou I could have thrown back.
August 16, 2016
A story like a wave; rolling over the deep through a prolog setting the mood of things to come; diving into the trough of Piddy's past as an addicted guy nearly destroying his life with the help of his best friend Kit; wearing white crest near the beach when Merou steps into Piddy's life with his mystery and bad humor; crashing forcefully onto the sand during the tempest with Kit's asshole BF and finally rolling back into the deep while the epilog concludes the promise of the beginning - only not alone anymore, never alone again.
Terrible handling of metaphors but I couldn't help it :)
I wasn't so sure in the first half if Priddy was more than a temporaty boy-toy for Merou and if I wouldn't have preferred a story about the relationship of Kit and Priddy. That changed in the 2nd half and the epilog made it a proper 4 star ... even while my inner nerd is still struggleing with the aquatic reproduction concept.
Terrible handling of metaphors but I couldn't help it :)
I wasn't so sure in the first half if Priddy was more than a temporaty boy-toy for Merou and if I wouldn't have preferred a story about the relationship of Kit and Priddy. That changed in the 2nd half and the epilog made it a proper 4 star ... even while my inner nerd is still struggleing with the aquatic reproduction concept.
November 8, 2020
3.5 Stars
Review:
I enjoyed this, even though I can't say it was super memorable. Priddy was a recovering drug addict, still struggling with the effects of an overdose months after the incident, and the author did a good job of making me feel for him and understand his situation. He made a mistake by taking those drugs, but his life growing up wasn't so great, and he was a good person. Merou, however, was kind of a dick. So that made it hard for me to understand why Priddy would fall so madly, I'd-die-for-you, together-forever in love with him, especially in such a short period of time. And that was a problem for me, considering this was a romance. This author's take on merfolk was unique though, since they could not only swim through water but also through time. It gave them a lot of different abilities. The audiobook narration by Chris Clog was great; it sounded natural, and I could easily differentiate characters. Overall, this was an enjoyable and sweet story.
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
I enjoyed this, even though I can't say it was super memorable. Priddy was a recovering drug addict, still struggling with the effects of an overdose months after the incident, and the author did a good job of making me feel for him and understand his situation. He made a mistake by taking those drugs, but his life growing up wasn't so great, and he was a good person. Merou, however, was kind of a dick. So that made it hard for me to understand why Priddy would fall so madly, I'd-die-for-you, together-forever in love with him, especially in such a short period of time. And that was a problem for me, considering this was a romance. This author's take on merfolk was unique though, since they could not only swim through water but also through time. It gave them a lot of different abilities. The audiobook narration by Chris Clog was great; it sounded natural, and I could easily differentiate characters. Overall, this was an enjoyable and sweet story.
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
April 7, 2021
I really get along with Harper Fox's writing. This is definitely not her best piece of work, but it is strangely sad and joyful. Heavily romantic of course, because why not in a queer merman tale?
Here's where I make my appeal for more merperson romance. 3.6 rounded up because... You guessed it🧜♂️
Here's where I make my appeal for more merperson romance. 3.6 rounded up because... You guessed it🧜♂️
September 11, 2017
What a lovely story. I haven't read any merman tales before, but this was charming. The interactions between Jem and Merou felt natural despite Merou's fantastical nature. Kit was a very sweet character, too. I might have wished for more dramatic comeuppances for the two villains, but I suppose that would have left a darker taste than Fox wanted for actual ending. I teared up a bit at the epilogue.
August 14, 2021
Well, I read this last year but apparently forgot to review it. And even though I can't remember enough specifics to really give my views, I remember it being good. Since I haven't been disappointed by a Harper Fox book yet, I would still definitely recommend it.
August 10, 2016
Proper job! I loves me a good ol’ Cornish yarn about mermaids or mermen, myths and legends me ‘ansome!
There is no other author in my opinion who can conjure up all the brooding and mysterious atmosphere of my home county better than Harper Fox. And for this tale of a merman and all its mystery this is exactly what is needed. As a child I remember the folklore and stories surrounding The Mermaid of Zennor and its church with the mermaid pew giving rise to the story. This is only one of many. Cornwall being a seafaring county is abound with such stories and I was very interested to see where Harper was going to go with this tale.
I don’t usually read m/m stories of a fantasy / paranormal nature, I usually end up doing too much eye-rolling, but if I’m going to trust one author to take me by the hand an introduce me to something new then it’s going to be Harper Fox. I must say the whole surmise of mermen in m/m romance would normally get me to just move on to the next book when browsing, but a story based in Cornwall, the land of legend and myth, the ideal setting for such a story then I acquiesced, opened the first page and was back home standing on the rugged granite cliffs, hearing the seagull cries, the broiling sea below with the smell of brine in my nostrils. Yes, due to Harper’s wonderful descriptive narrative it feels like I’m there even though I’m sat in my living room in Germany.
We meet Jem Priddy and the story of his life to date could fit so many from this area. Just going from one part-time job to the next to make ends meet. Living in an area, that although beautiful for the tourists, offers very little in the way of a future or prospects for young people. Many of them hapless, just drifting on a day to day basis and in the worst case turning to drugs or other misdemeanours just to survive or fight the boredom. This is Jem, feeling left behind when his best friend goes off to Uni and he takes up his winter job of living in a lighthouse, keeping it maintained during the months where the seas batter the coast with gale force winds. My heart went out to Jem, not a bad boy at all but one who has just been dealt a shitty hand in life and now paying the price.
Then on one stormy night while trying to rescue a family from a boat dashed on rocks in fierce seas his life changes forever. He meets Merouac. I loved the way that Harper introduces us to this character. At first it’s not obvious what he is but due to the strange things he says and the way he behaves we know that either he is a nutcase or he doesn't appear to be all that he makes out to be. I loved the way Harper built up the mystery, suspense and secretiveness surrounding this character. Revealing his true identity gradually until it seems the most normal thing in the world to accept that he is a merman. So much better than just finding a merman stranded on a beach, that would have been just far too cliché. The romance made my heart soar, seeing that Merouac is exactly what Jem needs and they complement each other totally. But when Jem finds out the full truth about Merouac then hard decisions have to made as to whether there will be a chance of a future for them. But then what does Jem have to lose? It’s not as though he’s going to have a bright future in Cornwall. So when the time comes I’m egging and cajoling him all the way to just go for it. Do it and be happy!
As for the merman sex? Well, this would be the part that normally would be in danger of getting me groaning and rolling my eyes with cheesiness but I suspended believability and let Harper work her magic on me and I was not disappointed! Yes, it worked very well, keeping it within the bounds of credibility and not going totally overboard with the too fantastical. So I could read the whole book without a groan or eye roll in sight. There is also a subplot which brings in an added mystery aspect and is only revealed right at the very making the whole story a delight and kept my interest from beginning to end.
If you want a read that combines the mystical with a mystery, a good portion of legend and beautiful characters then you will not be disappointed with this story at all. I can thoroughly recommend it, entertaining, empathetic and with lots of soul. A story that even this die hard sceptic of the fantastical fell in love with and enjoyed every bit of it.
I don’t usually read m/m stories of a fantasy / paranormal nature, I usually end up doing too much eye-rolling, but if I’m going to trust one author to take me by the hand an introduce me to something new then it’s going to be Harper Fox. I must say the whole surmise of mermen in m/m romance would normally get me to just move on to the next book when browsing, but a story based in Cornwall, the land of legend and myth, the ideal setting for such a story then I acquiesced, opened the first page and was back home standing on the rugged granite cliffs, hearing the seagull cries, the broiling sea below with the smell of brine in my nostrils. Yes, due to Harper’s wonderful descriptive narrative it feels like I’m there even though I’m sat in my living room in Germany.
We meet Jem Priddy and the story of his life to date could fit so many from this area. Just going from one part-time job to the next to make ends meet. Living in an area, that although beautiful for the tourists, offers very little in the way of a future or prospects for young people. Many of them hapless, just drifting on a day to day basis and in the worst case turning to drugs or other misdemeanours just to survive or fight the boredom. This is Jem, feeling left behind when his best friend goes off to Uni and he takes up his winter job of living in a lighthouse, keeping it maintained during the months where the seas batter the coast with gale force winds. My heart went out to Jem, not a bad boy at all but one who has just been dealt a shitty hand in life and now paying the price.
Then on one stormy night while trying to rescue a family from a boat dashed on rocks in fierce seas his life changes forever. He meets Merouac. I loved the way that Harper introduces us to this character. At first it’s not obvious what he is but due to the strange things he says and the way he behaves we know that either he is a nutcase or he doesn't appear to be all that he makes out to be. I loved the way Harper built up the mystery, suspense and secretiveness surrounding this character. Revealing his true identity gradually until it seems the most normal thing in the world to accept that he is a merman. So much better than just finding a merman stranded on a beach, that would have been just far too cliché. The romance made my heart soar, seeing that Merouac is exactly what Jem needs and they complement each other totally. But when Jem finds out the full truth about Merouac then hard decisions have to made as to whether there will be a chance of a future for them. But then what does Jem have to lose? It’s not as though he’s going to have a bright future in Cornwall. So when the time comes I’m egging and cajoling him all the way to just go for it. Do it and be happy!
As for the merman sex? Well, this would be the part that normally would be in danger of getting me groaning and rolling my eyes with cheesiness but I suspended believability and let Harper work her magic on me and I was not disappointed! Yes, it worked very well, keeping it within the bounds of credibility and not going totally overboard with the too fantastical. So I could read the whole book without a groan or eye roll in sight. There is also a subplot which brings in an added mystery aspect and is only revealed right at the very making the whole story a delight and kept my interest from beginning to end.
If you want a read that combines the mystical with a mystery, a good portion of legend and beautiful characters then you will not be disappointed with this story at all. I can thoroughly recommend it, entertaining, empathetic and with lots of soul. A story that even this die hard sceptic of the fantastical fell in love with and enjoyed every bit of it.
June 29, 2016
3.5 stars
I loved the fairy tale feel of this story but, at the same time, this is what made me feel somewhat removed from the main characters and that is why I was stingy with the stars. I wanted more feels, more emotion and character growth but this wasn't that sort of book.
Cornwall and its beautiful landscapes is vividly drawn and, as with many of Harper Fox's previous stories, myth and legend of that county (the place of my ancestors) are weaved seamlessly into the story, creating a wonderfully rich and vivid world.
I really love that about her writing.
I loved the fairy tale feel of this story but, at the same time, this is what made me feel somewhat removed from the main characters and that is why I was stingy with the stars. I wanted more feels, more emotion and character growth but this wasn't that sort of book.
Cornwall and its beautiful landscapes is vividly drawn and, as with many of Harper Fox's previous stories, myth and legend of that county (the place of my ancestors) are weaved seamlessly into the story, creating a wonderfully rich and vivid world.
I really love that about her writing.
November 3, 2016
A very poetically written story based on Cornish legends of merpeople. Jem Priddy is damaged after a bad trip from drugs he took, unable to find a job his friend Kit arranges for him to look after the light house in the off season and their he meets Merou.. who washes up on the shore with the wreck of a craft
What follows is a magical sort of tale of their evolution as a destined couple and Priddy's ultimate change
The legend is one I've read before- though in that version it was turned into a full on fantasy story- but this was a nice read
What follows is a magical sort of tale of their evolution as a destined couple and Priddy's ultimate change
The legend is one I've read before- though in that version it was turned into a full on fantasy story- but this was a nice read
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