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Bait
They eat us to live. We eat them to live forever. When Tomás Torres agrees to consult on an unsuccessful breeding program for a rare species, he finds his new patients are fish with oddly humanoid face and torso — merfolk. The legend that eating a mermaid will grant immortality seems to be based loosely in fact, and early trials suggest their meat is a powerful curative with incredible potential. The corporation with a successful fish farm will command nutrition and pharmaceutical markets. But many of the fish are not reproducing. Before they can even begin to evaluate the breeding program, Tomás and fellow consultant Dr. Alyssa Cooper learn staff at the facility are dying, devoured after falling into tanks they had no reason to approach. Tomás and Alyssa set out to discover the secrets of the carnivorous mermaids — but Nature will not wait for research.
- GenresFiction
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2016
36 people want to read
About the author
Laura VanArendonk Baugh
71 books153 followersLaura was born at a very early age and never looked back. She overcame her childhood deficiencies of having been born without teeth and unable to walk, and by the time she matured into a recognizable adult she had become a behavior analyst, an internationally-recognized and award-winning animal trainer, a costumer/cosplayer, a chocolate addict, and of course a writer.
Laura writes fantasy in a variety of subgenres as well as non-fiction in the art and science of behavior and training.
website | Newsletter | Patreon | Twitch | Twitter | Facebook
Laura writes fantasy in a variety of subgenres as well as non-fiction in the art and science of behavior and training.
website | Newsletter | Patreon | Twitch | Twitter | Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 13, 2018
This was a quick, thrilling read reminscent of a cross between Ex Machina and Jurassic Park--except instead of dinosaurs or soulless AI, think mermaids. I loved every minute of the three hours it took to read this. Highly recommended!
August 18, 2018
Yessss, gimme that superb monster-movie “science gone wrong” atmosphere! I loved this bite-sized story and it’s terrific visuals and pacing. I only wished it were a full-length novel... or a movie!
October 1, 2016
What an original story! Like an episode of Dr. Who mixed with The Twilight Zone, Baugh's writing is smart and competent, and this sci-fi thriller, with a touch of horror, has made me a fan. A bit violent, but nothing that goes over the top for me, it's uniqueness makes it a fascinating little read for the thriller-loving adult reader. I highly recommend!
May 24, 2019
I just purchased this ebook yesterday, and I loved it! You know how some shorter books/novellas/stories can seem...lacking? How maybe you don't care about any of the characters because you aren't invested in them enough, and then boom! It's all over and you feel like you wasted your time?
Not with this book! I was delighted to discover that I was really enjoying the book and it ended on a satisfactory note. (I'd love to find out what happens a few years down the road.) ;-)
The story was believable and well-fleshed-out. We were dropped right into the middle of things along with the protagonist, and then the twist! I didn't see that coming! I had waited awhile to read it, but I'm happy that I finally broke down and moved it to the top of my to-read list. Well worth it! Even though it wasn't lengthy, it was lean, strong, and concise, well-written without any fluff. I didn't find it lacking at all! It was perfect, everything I had hoped for.
Not with this book! I was delighted to discover that I was really enjoying the book and it ended on a satisfactory note. (I'd love to find out what happens a few years down the road.) ;-)
The story was believable and well-fleshed-out. We were dropped right into the middle of things along with the protagonist, and then the twist! I didn't see that coming! I had waited awhile to read it, but I'm happy that I finally broke down and moved it to the top of my to-read list. Well worth it! Even though it wasn't lengthy, it was lean, strong, and concise, well-written without any fluff. I didn't find it lacking at all! It was perfect, everything I had hoped for.
December 25, 2018
Jurassic Park with Mermaids.
Seriously that's all you need to know.
Great quick read.
Quick set up, which rolls right into the natural disaster which shows why you can't really control nature to make a profit. (particularly you know if you're trying to capitalize on dangerous predators and make them a commercial success. )
Also an open ending, that makes me think there could be a possibility of a sequel. But it was closed enough that I don't feel like I was left hanging.
Recommended? Yes
buy/borrow? eh, it's an ebook novella so fairly cheap, if you want to purchase.
Seriously that's all you need to know.
Great quick read.
Quick set up, which rolls right into the natural disaster which shows why you can't really control nature to make a profit. (particularly you know if you're trying to capitalize on dangerous predators and make them a commercial success. )
Also an open ending, that makes me think there could be a possibility of a sequel. But it was closed enough that I don't feel like I was left hanging.
Recommended? Yes
buy/borrow? eh, it's an ebook novella so fairly cheap, if you want to purchase.
December 16, 2018
I hope this is a prequel to another story! A fast-paced quick read full of interesting science and animal behavior tidbits, this book kept me hooked. I read it in a single sitting! I'm looking forward to hopefully reading more of the story in the future!
August 14, 2018
A really good read about mermaids that feast upon human flesh. My only knock against it is that it feels like it ended a bit abruptly. An excellent read though, and I highly recommend it.
December 27, 2020
Fantastic short story! Amazing how it captivated me from the start. And a harrowing, edge-of-your-seat ending that didn't disappoint! Highly recommended. Would make a great gift!
October 14, 2023
Excellent story! Definitely don't miss this one!
December 29, 2023
Very quick interesting read. Felt like I was reading an episode of Black Mirror
August 5, 2024
Fantastic quick read. Well thought out and fast paced. Reminiscent of Jurassic park.
May 1, 2025
Jurassic Park vibes but mermaids!
February 20, 2017
An awesome short read that combines mythology, science, mystery, and survival horror. I kind of wished it was longer, but that's technically a compliment. A very interesting premise, treating merfolk as real species and a fun manifestation of the siren mythology. And again, it's short, definitely worth your time.
September 20, 2016
For how short it is, the main character is very well developed. You walk away with a very strong sense of who he is and why he does what he does.
The plot is interesting, to say the least. I like the twist on mermaid/ningyo mythology. I very much enjoyed reading it and recommend it for anyone looking for a darker mermaid story.
At times the dialogue was a little awkward, but otherwise my only major critism is that this should have been longer. The material was there and I would have loved to have a much longer, novel length, piece to read. When I got to the last page I was disappointed. There was so much to explore, so many places to go -- I didn't want it to be over. I hope that the author revisits this and makes it novel length eventually.
The plot is interesting, to say the least. I like the twist on mermaid/ningyo mythology. I very much enjoyed reading it and recommend it for anyone looking for a darker mermaid story.
At times the dialogue was a little awkward, but otherwise my only major critism is that this should have been longer. The material was there and I would have loved to have a much longer, novel length, piece to read. When I got to the last page I was disappointed. There was so much to explore, so many places to go -- I didn't want it to be over. I hope that the author revisits this and makes it novel length eventually.
September 22, 2016
I just finished this and it certainly packed a punch! I'm still reeling a bit! While there are thematic similarities to Jurassic Park (and one little hidden reference, too, which was fun), it didn't feel remotely derivative or copied. Bait manages to be something new to me, and rather terrifying, too!
The behavior of the mermaids made scientific and behavioral sense, making them all the more realistic and horrifying. All in all, a smooth, well-written tale that reads like realistic fiction, but with scary mermaids!
The behavior of the mermaids made scientific and behavioral sense, making them all the more realistic and horrifying. All in all, a smooth, well-written tale that reads like realistic fiction, but with scary mermaids!
March 25, 2017
Meh
I'm usually the one with glowing reviews. This is a novella-- or even a short story when I was expecting a full length book. Ended so abruptly, I was shocked. More like a prequel with the way the characters and storylines were set up.. I was just settling in for what I thought was a good, long read when it ended. On the plus side, that's how good the writing is: a lot of great character building in a tiny story. Really leaves you feeling like there's a lot more to explore with these characters!
I'm usually the one with glowing reviews. This is a novella-- or even a short story when I was expecting a full length book. Ended so abruptly, I was shocked. More like a prequel with the way the characters and storylines were set up.. I was just settling in for what I thought was a good, long read when it ended. On the plus side, that's how good the writing is: a lot of great character building in a tiny story. Really leaves you feeling like there's a lot more to explore with these characters!
September 19, 2016
I read this in one sitting and loved it. It's short and quick-paced and a little bit horrifying. It takes a wonderful leap away from stereotypical, oversexualised mermaids and lands squarely in fascinating science fiction. Combined with interesting characters and some great one-liners, it makes for a perfect evening read.
May 29, 2020
This was a small little gem, i'm so glad i picked it up! The book is somewhat predictable, but at no point did i feel like that was a problem. I couldn't wait for the action to unfold, and learn more about the mermaids!
I read it all in one go, and i feel like i'll read it again with pleasure.
If you like possibly murderous mermaids, and well put together action, then go for it!
I read it all in one go, and i feel like i'll read it again with pleasure.
If you like possibly murderous mermaids, and well put together action, then go for it!
July 23, 2018
Great Story!
Horror/speculative with a cool take on some old legends! Intriguing plot, some great twists - an entertaining read! I highly recommend it.
Horror/speculative with a cool take on some old legends! Intriguing plot, some great twists - an entertaining read! I highly recommend it.
September 21, 2020
Danger beneath the waves
Thus isn't a Disney's the little mermaid tale by any means. A look into what could happen if someone really did find sea creatures of myth and legend.
Thus isn't a Disney's the little mermaid tale by any means. A look into what could happen if someone really did find sea creatures of myth and legend.
August 7, 2017
Bait by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, is not your typical mermaid story. These mermaids exist firmly in the realm of creature. Though they are smart creatures, like velocoraptor smart.
And like the home of the aforementioned reptile, this novella is about a money maker of an idea, gone horribly, horribly wrong.
The only downside to this story is that it's so short. but that's also an upside because it doesn't cost much.
I highly recommend this novella, but more to Jurassic Park fans, than too little mermaid fans.
And like the home of the aforementioned reptile, this novella is about a money maker of an idea, gone horribly, horribly wrong.
The only downside to this story is that it's so short. but that's also an upside because it doesn't cost much.
I highly recommend this novella, but more to Jurassic Park fans, than too little mermaid fans.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews