The Merman King

Lords of the Abyss #6

by Michelle M. Pillow

NY Times and USA TODAY Bestselling Author


Lucius, King of the Mermen, and ruler of the city of Atlantes, shoulders the guilt for his people’s curse. After being trapped under the sea for two millennia, the time has come for his people to possibly surface and breathe air. He’s ready to be the first to test the theory, but things do not go as expected when a captivating beauty seemingly falls into his lap—and his ocean.

Is Olivette a present from the gods, or a warning to stay punished beneath the waves where his people belong?

Lords of the Abyss Series

Paranormal Shifter Underwater Romance

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Monster Romance, Audiobook, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Mermaids

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2018

About the author

📚 New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of All Things Romance
🌎 www.MichellePillow.com

Michelle M. Pillow is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold worldwide. Best known for her paranormal and sci-fi romance and paranormal women’s fiction, she writes captivating stories that blend heart, humor, adventure, and a touch of magic—perfect for readers who love immersive worlds and unforgettable characters.

Her bestselling series include Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var®, Warlocks MacGregor®, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal.

📖 Printable Booklist: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/42pg25jekx

A relentless explorer of both the real and the supernatural, Michelle has chased history through ancient ruins, climbed Mayan temples in Belize, and investigated haunted locations. She believes life is an adventure best fueled by curiosity, creativity, and copious amounts of coffee.

Now based in the American South, Michelle is involved in film and documentary projects with her talented husband. She is mom to a talented artist, and under the strict supervision of her furry overlords (a dog and a cat) who ensure she meets her deadlines. Most days, she can be found in her office wearing pajama pants, writing, plotting, and occasionally dancing to get the creative juices flowing.

She’s the award-winning author of the historical Maiden and the Monster and paranormal romance Love Potions. If you love dragon shifters, mischievous warlocks, and strong heroines who take charge of their destiny, her books are a perfect fit.

📬 Stay Updated! Sign up for exclusive news, sneak peeks, and giveaways:
https://michellepillow.com/newsletter...

💬 Connect with Michelle:
📖 Facebook: AuthorMichellePillow
🌎 Website: www.MichellePillow.com

Reviews

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally it's the turn of King Lucius to step into the limelight and finish in style this imaginative series. This author has taken the idea of mermaids and given it a whole new twist. Not only that but she's also jazzed up the legend of Atlantis although here it's referred to as Atlantes.
The world Lucius governs is at war with itself as sides have been taken that undermine everything he has fought for. Now there's a faint possibility that his people could perhaps rise to the surface and actually breathe air again but Lucius cannot allow others to test the theory so decides he alone should be the test subject. What he hadn't expected was to end up saving a human woman but by saving her has he only condemned Olivette to a watery grave anyway ? Surely the Gods who so long ago condemned them wouldn't be so cruel ?
I've previously only really seen the charming side of Lucius so I really enjoyed getting inside his head . Plus even though I knew how and why they all ended up within the dome thousands of years ago getting Lucius to reveal his thoughts on everything added much more depth to the overall series. It does appear that they have been forgotten by the Gods though which is why I enjoyed the end of this book so much.
I didn't really warm to Olivette unfortunately and can't quite put into words why. I'm ok with the instant attraction and I guess I just found her too self contained. This story had certain characters, including Olivette perform a really gruesome act which admittedly was part of the customs of Atlantes but really wasn't what I expected in a romance. I am glad that the author managed to bring closure to this series but at the end everything just seemed to happen very quickly. Still I am pleased that a happy ending was possible for so many.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - English Ebook

Review follows latter

[Cindi · Rating 1 out of 5]

under developed, instalove, not even erotic. wish i could rate lower. i have no idea how this has so many five star ratings.

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY POPULAR SERIES
While a lot happened in this final ? book I feel there could be a whole new series begin from that last page. Then again it is fun imagining what the different merpeople did to blend into their new reality, for instance the many hundred year old Scot sailor/historian, he would have been like Mork from the" Mork and Mindy" tv series, in total wonder at the clothes. building's ect.
Olivette really represented all of us at times, jaded from life and it's hard slog just to survive, I am glad she found her purpose in life and a worthy mate. I enjoyed the exciting story and narration and look forward to more books by Michelle. Recommended series

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impressed with the storyline of this book.
It had just the right amount going on between the
pages to hold my attention.
Can’t tell you much about the story without giving
anything away except to say I throughly enjoyed it.
The narrator has done a good job of bringing the book
alive.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. An interesting romance novella starring a mermaid king. Well written. It's book 6, but can be read as a stand alone, as I haven't read the others in the series. I intend to read the others. Love this author's imagination. Note - there are spoilers in the book re the previous 5 outcomes, but a HEA for the Merr citizins.

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four star read. Really enjoyed Michelle M. Pillow’s The Merman King – love the imaginative twist on merpeople and the City of Atlantis. I’ve been interested in King Lucius since the first book – super-hot and yummy, with a tail, can’t beat that!

Heroically, Lucius is testing to see if his people can rise back to the surface again. He doesn’t want to put any of his people at risk. During his mission, he meets Olivette.

Olivette is working as a waitress on a boat, not happy about the handsy men, and ends up falling overboard. When she and Lucius meet, there is an instant attraction, novella size books usually have an instant attraction love/lust element.

Glad that many characters from other books received their happy endings. Won’t give away the ending, but it felt a little rushed. Would highly recommend this series, it’s classic Michelle Pillow writing and lots of fun, start at the beginning for the full story. I’m assuming this is the last in the series, will be missed.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, funny and a total delight to read. Loved it..

**** Gifted copy by author ****
L.

[Amanda Bhear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. Olivette is serving cocktails on a boat in a slutty Mrs. Claus dress. Something she would never do again. A drunk Politician showing off for his friends is grabbing at her & making dirty comments all night until she has had enough. She makes a comment back & cuts him down, & walks off, leaving them laughing at him. 2 more hours & she is out of here. She is out on the dark deck & thinks she sees something is the water. A hand maybe... but there are no other boats around here, & they are to far out to be anyone swimming. She doesn't get to think on it too long. The man she just humiliated walked out & grabbed her. They scuffle, she screams but no one hears her over the loud music. She slips & hits her head on the railing. The King Lucius & 2 of his hunters Brutus & Demon are just below the surface. He wants to test a theory that one of the topside wives has. Bridget is a scientist & has an idea that if they eat a certain seaweed, they will be able to breathe topside air. It was something she had seen when she had been captured by a group of renegade mermaids, that call themselves Olympians. They have taken Mia as their queen. The hunters would rather have someone else do the test in case she is wrong & it kills him. He feels he should do it. He pushes his hand up but it doesn't get burned so he goes up to get a breath of air. It doesn't kill him! He is on his way down when he sees a woman thrown overboard. He catches her but something heavy is tied around her legs. The hunters use their arm fins to cut her loose. The King gets her down to the cave that leads into their city. He pulls her in & because of her injury it doesn't look as if she will make it. He sends one of the others ahead of him to tell the healer they are coming. He is almost there with her & is told she is in town. He sends someone to fetch her & takes Olivette to his place in the palace. He needs to get her warm. The healer gets there to check on her & tells him to go take care of himself. After Olivette is awake she learns where she is & what will happen. She & the King start to get more into each other. Later someone comes to let the King know Mia is dead. Which is almost unbelievable, they are immortal. It turns out she was murdered by Lotus wanting to take her place. They injured her so badly she was unable to heal herself in time. They bury her. The King & a group of hunters go to look around to find out what is going on. There are many tunnels under Atlantis going out into the ocean. None of them are very stable. They go out to search the outside of the dome. They see a crack in the dome. If anymore gets done it may be the end of Atlantis. Lotus & several of her mermaids try to fight them. One of them tells them to stop her, her idea is to collapse it all. Lotus kills her, right there. She tells all the sea creatures to crash into the dome. They fight driving off or killing who they can. Lotus is dead. The king tells the sea creatures to stop. They see air bubbles escaping the crack & that it has grown like tree branches. They try to figure the best thing to do. The king tells them he was able to breathe the air & they will have to evacuate. They go back to get everyone out. The King goes to Olivette to tell her what is to happen. She tells him she is ready to be with him. They get all the people out & start handing out seaweed & trying to keep people calm. The topside women know of islands that are uninhabited & they go for places there to try to keep people together. Some more adventurous go to live elsewhere. They harvest the seaweed to keep as a part of their diet so they can stay topside. Olivette had left an annonomous letter about seeing the man throw a woman overboard. Several women after that came forward about him doing things to them as well. He is on trial for several crimes. It is a great book, I love it.

[Kia B · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING –4 stars

RECOMMENDED FOR: those that like steam with a bit of fantasy romance story.

First my usual points:

- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a bit of a standalone but the final in a series, different characters in each book, but we first get a better view of the world in book 1 so best enjoyed when read in order.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was pretty new to me but I read all but one in the series and have enjoyed the overall story

BOOK:
- Contemporary fantasy romance
- 1st person with dual POV
Other characters from the series:
-- other characters from the first books make appearances with slight involvement of a supporting. nature; characters from second book are mentioned.as well
-- main characters’ story mostly concluded

Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
· Writing Quality: 4 stars
· Story ingredient: 4 stars
· Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars
· Plot strength: 4 stars the final book seems to give completion to any earlier 'holes'.
· Steam Level: 4 stars - open door graphic scenes

Notes/Opinion (personal):
This is a 6 book series that interconnects. I would highly suggest it be read in order as some details were covered in earlier books but not in great detail in later books. As with prior books, I did enjoy the story but felt more detail could have been added to strengthen the world and give the characters more depth. The overall arc of the story is definitely indicative of continuing through the other books (which I have not read at this point). I did enjoy the story overall but did feel that it could be built on a bit for stronger characters. In some ways it felt like a first draft of a book; meant to go back and build upon with more detail. In other ways, it felt like a novella, meant to leave the reader with a bit of imagination.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivette was on yet another job, on board a yacht in high heels!

Olivette was on yet another mindless job. Dressed up as Mrs. Claus in high heels, on a yacht! Most everyone was drunk or close to it. Grabby men who stunk like booze and cigars. She hated this job. Her mistake was shaming a man around his peers. Not thinking on it, he found her! He struggled with her. Tossing her overboard after she hit her head. Olivette awoke in the water! God she was going under!
King Lucius was out by the surface with Brutus and Demon trying the experimental seaweed diet they were on. Lucius himself wanted this to work. ‘I saw something.’ The king darted through the water toward the ship. He dove deeper when he didn’t see anyone kicking at the surface. ‘In the water.’ Just then, a large block passed by him, seemingly coming out of nowhere as it traveled to the bottom of the abyss. The glint of a shiny cord caught his attention, and then a leg. Out of instinct, he reached out, catching the human body before it sank past him. A female! She was attached to something heavy, sending them both down fast. Lucius quickly sealed his lips to her. Extracting water from her lungs and breathing for them both. Both Brutus and Demon were following. "Cut the rope from her" Once done, Lucius was able to correct the direction and go towards the dome. If she survived the descent, will she be ok with him saving her? Much unrest is going on in the land.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucius and Olivette's Story . . .

The Merman King is Lucius’ story and how he finds his mate while dealing with other issues for his people. Long ago, the gods exiled Lucius and his people to the bottom of the ocean where they live in a dome. Stories say they will burn if they go to the surface, so out of guilt at causing this problem initially and with concern for his people, he decides to go to the surface himself.

Olivette was serving guests on a ship. When one of the handsy drunks got angry at her embarrassing him, he threw her overboard and she hit her head. Lucius investigated and saw her sinking, so he rescued her, breathing air into her lungs as he took her to the dome. He falls for her right away; she is his mate. Will she accept what that means? Will she be content to live under the sea in Atlantes? With the dome cracking, can he save his people?

I enjoyed the conclusion of this series. The author has written so many wonderful stories. Grab your copy and see if there is a HEA to Lucius’ story. There is also some power struggle upheaval going on, so the excitement continues to the end.

[Pam Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivette was on a yacht on the ocean serving drinks and then she was ........... well she wasn't on the ship any more.
King Lucius of the Merr people has been cursed by poseidon so many centuries ago they can Hardly remember. Their curse to live at the bottom of the ocean never to see the earth or breath it's air again. To live as half man and half sea creature or merr. He had decided to be the one to test an inoculation that might let them see the surface again and breath it's air but it could just as easily kill him. While testing it he saw a women fall and had to save her.
The war with the Olympians is on and who will win?
Wow great story I loved the unexpected twist this story took at the end. Have to say I didn't see that one coming lol. I love the characters. It had awesome action, mystery, suspense, drama and more. I couldn't put it down and it's one of those stories I'll love to reread again and again. Don't miss it
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can easily be read as a stand-alone, but you will get more out of it as part of the series. Each book builds more and more of the back story of Atlantis. Book 6 is the final story of the series, the story of King Lucius and Olivette. The Mer would die if they breathe air, so they search for something to alleviate that curse. Lucius rose to the surface to test out a theory and catches Olivette as she is thrown overboard by an entitled- handsy man who would not take no for an answer. Her interesting outfit inspires , ahem, a new style. I don’t want to spoil on how their romance develops. I enjoyed the story, as I have the series overall. I am Sorry to say it is the last in the series. I will watch for more books by Michelle Pillow. They are interesting, detailed, imaginative, but still light enough of a read to enjoy at home, work, or listen to the audio while flying down the interstate. Narrator did a good job, felt the voices were distinctly different.

I received a free copy of the audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The perfect ending for a great series. I know these books are several years old, but I only recently discovered them as audiobooks, and I went through them way to fast and am sad they're over. Though I shouldn't complain, as I could listen to them back-to-back without waiting for the next to be written/recorded. Great world building and wonderful characters. At long last King Lucius finds his mate. And we finally find out if their efforts to be able to return to the surface without suffering a horrible death is answered. While personally testing their chance, he rescues Olivette, who is thrown overboard after rejecting and embarrassing a drunken man hitting on her. How will she handle the news of her new place at Atlantes and the existence of the Merr? And with the dome in danger, and the Olympians still a threat, will their people finally find their safety, happiness, and peace?

Rebecca Cook once again does a fantastic job with her narration of the different characters. She was a joy to listen to.

Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars

[Kimberly Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucius made a mistake centuries before and his people paid the price for his arrogance. As their king, he felt it his duty to rectify his mistake so he was the one that tried an experiment to see if they could breath air. While trying to the experiment, he saw a lady fall and saved her. Olivette was out of work and took any odd jobs that came her way. She ended up embarrassing a politicians aid. He attacked her and threw her in the ocean. She was saved and started falling for the king. She pushed him away because she did not think she was queen material. When the Olympians attacked the dome and they were all forced to go to the surface, Olivette was the one that came up with a plan and helped the others to safety. I love Michelle M. Pillow's books. If you have not read her series, they are awesome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JoJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Merman King is the sixth book in the Lords of the Abyss Series by Michelle M. Pillow.

I have been waiting for this book because we have seen King Lucius throughout the other books in the series. I was interested to see his side of the story.

This was a short novella. The king of Atlantes feels the weight of their curse. He is desperate to find a way to make a difference in their lives. Many of his Merr have found their soul mates, so there must be a sign that something can change.

King Lucius went towards the surface where he saw a woman drowning. He did not think twice and went to her recuse. Not only did he have a new person in his life, he still had to deal with the Olympian’s that are trying to destroy his home.

This was a quick and interesting book. I never expected it to be super sweet and cute too. With a dash of adventure and suspense. This was nice!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FD · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last in this series about the Merr men. Olivette falls into the water and is rescued by no one but King Lucius. King Lucius is having a hard time. He wants to try if he, and the other men, could breathe again on the surface, feeling guilty that his people are still living underwater, when he sees Olivette sinking. He takes her and she becomes his ward. Meanwhile, he continues to seek a solution for his people. I thought this was a fun series to read, so I wouldn;t have missed the ending, but I honestly thought this book was the least of the series. I found the relationship between Lucius and Olivette unconvincing, little chemistry. The end of this book is also the end of the series, and I found it a bit rushed,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesley Boon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that Lucius has finally got a story of his own. Being king of Atlantes and ruler of the Mermen has been hard for Lucius as he has shouldered the burden of his people’s curse. After two millennia he deems it is time for his people to return to life above the waves and is prepared personally to test whether this is possible. Then Olivette falls into his arms when she is cast overboard and he starts to have doubts. Is this a sign from the Gods that they can escape their curse or that they must continue living under the waves? This is an excellent and fitting ending to the Mermen of Atlantes saga and I shall be sorry to read no more of Atlantes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathaleen Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great end to the series

This was a fantastic way to end the Lords of the Abyss series.

Lucius has held the responsibility for his people since they were cursed by Poseidon. Now that there's a chance the curse will end he's not sure how to help his people with the future. While testing the curse's strength he saves Olivette after she was thrown overboard. Olivette doesn't know what to think not just about the sexy man who saved her life but what it means to her future if he is telling the truth.

As they learn each other and battle enemies the fate of all Atlantes is at stake. This is an exciting and adventurous end that you won't see coming.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 6, in the Lords of the Abyss series doesn’t disappoint. We finally get King Lucien’s story.
While being a test subject he finds himself rescuing Olivette. This was a fun, action packed listen. A very fast pace listen for me. We finally get to see the battle between the Olympians and it’s a good one. The mer people are forced to do the unthinkable, but I was happy with the conclusion and to see several of the previous couples. The narrator, Rebecca Cook is fabulous. I’m always surprised when it comes to her narrator skills. Easy to follow along, and distinguish the voices. Love the audiobooks!! I highly recommend them.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King has been active throughout this entire series, he's a character we've come to know very well, and I was happy for his story. We get a look at his perspective on some things that have been shared in the other's stories. Olivette is a good match to the King, and I like that she can't help herself to assist the Mers. This is a wonderful series well written with bits and pieces being revealed throughout the series and gradually falling into place for a very satisfying ending. Rebecca Cook does a wonderful job bringing this series to life. I highly recommend this series, this author and this narrator!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finalé with a flourish!

Everything has an end even immortality. The dome is fractured thanks to those psychotic Olympian zealots and King Lucius volunteers to be the first to expose skin and breath surface air, which is a success. However with his lackluster suicide attempt, Lucius gains himself a bride. Although ward is the official term but as the one to bestow the life saving kiss to Olivette, Lucius realizes what his hunters with brides feel. While claiming his mate he must save his people once again. Epic ending to a fantastic series. Love it!

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun premise for a series; mermen falling in love with human women under the sea! There’s limited access to females, so these guys have been happy to find some ladies. This is about King Lucius, who takes the opportunity to hopefully end his people’s curse by trying to leave the sea. Along the way, he finds himself a lovely lady, Olivette, but also plenty of problems. A bit more depth to the story would be good, but I enjoy the sweet, spicy moments. Plus, the whole overall idea is just a cool one. This has been an entertaining series!

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth novella in the Lords of the Abyss Series. Lucius and Olivette's story is fun, sweet, fast-paced and entertaining. Lucius is the King of the Mermen, and ruler of the city of Atlantes. He is an amazing character, handsome, protective, and caring. Olivette is beautiful, sassy, independent, and strong. They are perfect together. The supporting characters are great. I loved to see again the characters from the first books. Rebecca Cook did a fantastic job with the narration. I enjoyed it.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucius (H), King of the Mer, has grown restless with his life in the underwater kingdom of Atlantes and swims to the surface world to see if the air there will kill him. He rescues Olivette (h), a waitress thrown overboard by an attacker from the ship she's on. She's saved with Lucious's life-giving breath. As Olivette and Lucius get to know one another, their relationship deepens. Lot of action and adventure with drama from the Olympians. Plenty of hot, steamy action too. Wraps up the Lord of the Abyss series, even if it seemed a bit rushed.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and the narrator. As the last book in the series King Lucius funds his queen and Olivette funds lobe and purpose. The mer face their biggest challenge yet and big changes in their way of life. The Olympians are still a bunch of crazy mermaids and so many other things are happening that I don't want to to spoil anything. Sad to see the series end but I enjoyed every minute of it. I did feel like the dealings with the Olympians was built up but went quick. Overall very entertaining!

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucius has felt guilt for far longer than you can imagine but is determined to do what he must to save his people. As he was going to the surface, he rescued Olivette and took her home. Well, the shocks started happening then for her but maybe the biggest one of all is when the two fell in love. As they worked towards saving their people, you will find yourself falling for them all over again. Perfect ending to an amazing series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man who finally is able to make amends for the hubris experienced centuries before. Lucius's mistake caused his people to lose everything and be banished from the world. But an opportunity to set things right is undertaken at no small risk. Will he actions prove his remorse? Will his people be able to once again walk the air-breathing world? Will he finally be able to fall in love? The end of the series.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from Booksprout; this is my honest review
-Olivette is just the woman Lucius needs to reign over his people.
-I really liked that there wasn't anything complicated between the two.
-Loved the story, liked that we saw the Olympians again (but also sad about Maia).
-I was glad when Olivette found justice at last.
-Loved the ending, but just a bit too easy and fast. Good ending to a great series.