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Nautilus Legends #1
Free Dive
Marine biologist Corrie Duval saw something as a child, something she could never forget. To her colleagues at the university, she is a research scientist collecting ocean data. But Corrie’s experience as a young girl led her to a secret online life consumed with finding evidence of mythical sea creatures.
Forgiveness is something Zeballos Artino can’t grant his recently deceased father. George Artino withheld crucial information about Zeb’s heritage, information that may explain Zeb’s extraordinary abilities. Now, Zeb must search for answers while concealing his hidden talents.
Together, they navigate dangerous waters, dodge ruthless fishermen, and dive into uncharted knowledge. They may find the answers they desire, but what other questions will emerge from the depths of the ocean?
Forgiveness is something Zeballos Artino can’t grant his recently deceased father. George Artino withheld crucial information about Zeb’s heritage, information that may explain Zeb’s extraordinary abilities. Now, Zeb must search for answers while concealing his hidden talents.
Together, they navigate dangerous waters, dodge ruthless fishermen, and dive into uncharted knowledge. They may find the answers they desire, but what other questions will emerge from the depths of the ocean?
245 pages, ebook
First published January 6, 2019
81 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Emma Shelford
47 books184 followersEmma Shelford feels that life is only complete with healthy doses of magic, history, and science. Since these aren't often found in the same place, she created her own worlds where they happily coexist. If you catch her in person, she will eagerly discuss Lord of the Rings ad nauseam, why the ancient Sumerians are so cool, and the important role of phytoplankton in the ocean.
Emma is the author of the Nautilus Legends (a marine biologist discovers that mythical sea creatures are real), the Musings of Merlin Series (Merlin is immortal, forever young, and living in the modern day), and the Breenan Series (a young woman follows a mysterious stranger into an enchanting Otherworld).
Emma is the author of the Nautilus Legends (a marine biologist discovers that mythical sea creatures are real), the Musings of Merlin Series (Merlin is immortal, forever young, and living in the modern day), and the Breenan Series (a young woman follows a mysterious stranger into an enchanting Otherworld).
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 12, 2020
Enjoyable and Refreshing Read!
This story is movie worthy. It wasn’t just an ordinary fantasy story of mythical beings. This was a story of where the imaginary myths of fantasies become realistic in possible truths.
The author did a great job keeping me hooked to the pages with the mystery behind the possibilities behind the discovery of a new species and if Zeb would find out his true heritage through Corries DNA findings.
I really look forward to the next installment in finding out more about Zeb and his true being. Will he reveal his true self to Corrie? Will Corrie and Zeb discover more about the unicorn fish Spiky and the sea monster Sucker? Will Corrie and Zeb become a couple? Will Corries University boss get behind these new discoveries? So many questions unanswered I have to have answers to. LOL
EXCELLENT ADDICTIVE READ!
This story is movie worthy. It wasn’t just an ordinary fantasy story of mythical beings. This was a story of where the imaginary myths of fantasies become realistic in possible truths.
The author did a great job keeping me hooked to the pages with the mystery behind the possibilities behind the discovery of a new species and if Zeb would find out his true heritage through Corries DNA findings.
I really look forward to the next installment in finding out more about Zeb and his true being. Will he reveal his true self to Corrie? Will Corrie and Zeb discover more about the unicorn fish Spiky and the sea monster Sucker? Will Corrie and Zeb become a couple? Will Corries University boss get behind these new discoveries? So many questions unanswered I have to have answers to. LOL
EXCELLENT ADDICTIVE READ!
not-for-me
October 27, 2025This book seemed right up my alley. Unfortunately, I've tried to start it a few times and just can't get into it. Moving on to something else.
April 26, 2022
This was fine. But I have to admit my disappointment that it turns out to be YA (maybe NA). I thought being a marine biologist/research scientist with colleagues would mean Corrie is an adult. But she’s a STUDENT marine biologist and the book’s plot reflects her age. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being YA/NA, other than not being what I expected or prefer.
All in all, I thought the characters were interesting and the possible world below the waves intriguing. But I also spent an awful lot of the book bored, waiting for something significant to happen. And it just doesn’t until pretty late in the game. What’s more, the book ends with very little concluded. It’s obviously only the start to a longer series.
If I came across the sequel as a freebie or at the library, I’d probably read it. But I’m not running out to buy it.
All in all, I thought the characters were interesting and the possible world below the waves intriguing. But I also spent an awful lot of the book bored, waiting for something significant to happen. And it just doesn’t until pretty late in the game. What’s more, the book ends with very little concluded. It’s obviously only the start to a longer series.
If I came across the sequel as a freebie or at the library, I’d probably read it. But I’m not running out to buy it.
May 29, 2020
I am a scuba diver and I scarf up pretty much anything in action-adventure novels with a scuba or sea life/creature theme. I started reading Free Dive and was beginning to enjoy it when I noticed the ending was getting closer with no closure in view. I looked for additional books only to discover that this is a serial series - meaning it had the dreaded Cliffhanger ending! Which I don’t do. I checked, and I’m not sure closure even happens at the end of bk#3, so I am rather disappointed, but I stopped reading and won’t be buying any more books in this series, or probably from this author. Which is too bad. I thought the concept held promise.
IMO, authors who choose to write serial novels should very clearly label them as such. Please do NOT call the book a “series” which to me has an entirely different meaning. I rarely - can’t even recall the last time - I quit on a story. :( But I’m not purchasing 3(+)? books to see what happens.
IMO, authors who choose to write serial novels should very clearly label them as such. Please do NOT call the book a “series” which to me has an entirely different meaning. I rarely - can’t even recall the last time - I quit on a story. :( But I’m not purchasing 3(+)? books to see what happens.
January 20, 2020
Fast-paced and entertaining - plus lots of local flavour for readers from British Columbia!
May 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I bought the trilogy because I kind of just felt the vibe that o was going to love it. So this book takes a very cool angle into mystical sea creatures, mermaids, and myths. Instead of drowning a story like this in fairy tale jargon and take the path wayyyyy too often travelled, the book came at these things with SCIENCE. And we all know I love a science fiction/super natural suspense novel more than anything on this planet. We have a marine biologist student who craves discovery, we have a brother and sister who just lost their seafaring father, and their misfit friend somehow this rag tag group of people keep us as readers on the edge of our seats. There’s also something about one of the siblings that seems to be a little different. I really don’t like to leave spoilers in my reviews, so you’ll just have to read Free Dive to find out. Guys run don’t walk, this one is absolute winner.
February 1, 2026
In Vancouver, Biology major Corrie Duval has finally decided on her master's project: studying a bacterial strain found in Pacific Ocean sea anemones that produces an anti-cancer compound. She also has a personal project: an anonymous blog on mythical sea creatures.
When Jules Elliot inherits his father’s fishing boat, he wants to use it to answer a question from his childhood, but how? Then his friend, Zeballos Artino, discovers Corrie’s blog, and they devise a plan to secretly ‘award’ her an ocean research trip.
Nice story, and someone else may love it, but this one didn’t hold my attention. I like stories about the ocean and fantasy animals, but this felt off. I finished this book, but not continuing the series.
Fave scenes: Corrie getting the ocean water from the pier, the first cave discovery, and the brigar’s arrival at the fight.
When Jules Elliot inherits his father’s fishing boat, he wants to use it to answer a question from his childhood, but how? Then his friend, Zeballos Artino, discovers Corrie’s blog, and they devise a plan to secretly ‘award’ her an ocean research trip.
Nice story, and someone else may love it, but this one didn’t hold my attention. I like stories about the ocean and fantasy animals, but this felt off. I finished this book, but not continuing the series.
Fave scenes: Corrie getting the ocean water from the pier, the first cave discovery, and the brigar’s arrival at the fight.
February 14, 2020
Well, well, well...the water world is not what it seems...creatures of myth actually are genuinely real in this creatively written novel. Our two main characters initially have different journeys, but they collide and become intertwined. Corrie has known since girlhood that the sea contains beings usually found only in stories and fairytales. As a marine scientist today, she is seeking answers. On the other hand, an adult Zeb is now discovering that his family has harbored secrets throughout his childhood and he himself is not quite human. Both are lured to the sea, with danger on the surface and in the deep below.
August 31, 2024
page turning thrill
Corrie and Jeb team up for a scientific excursion, Jeb is looking to find evidence of truth from his past and Corrie is looking to further her graduate research. What they discover could change both their lives or end them. Will they live to find out the truth or will a drug dealer kill them for getting in the way?
Corrie and Jeb team up for a scientific excursion, Jeb is looking to find evidence of truth from his past and Corrie is looking to further her graduate research. What they discover could change both their lives or end them. Will they live to find out the truth or will a drug dealer kill them for getting in the way?
June 8, 2019
I have enjoyed reading Emma’s other series and I am not disappointed in her new series. I am an Island girl. It certainly made me wonder what is out there. I can’t wait to read her next book.
June 23, 2019
Imaginative
Entertaining , might read the next book to find some answers about main characters lineage. It would be interesting if Got rid did a DNA study on Zeb.
Entertaining , might read the next book to find some answers about main characters lineage. It would be interesting if Got rid did a DNA study on Zeb.
December 4, 2022
Fun read
With a slow start the book really keeps upping the ante with every chapter! You won't regret picking this one up!
With a slow start the book really keeps upping the ante with every chapter! You won't regret picking this one up!
January 8, 2023
I think my IQ dropped a bit from reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews