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Mermaids and Merliens #1
Mercadia Calling
A Jersey Shore lifeguard. An immortal mermaid. An apocalypse churning beneath the waves.
Jonah Whitmore has a lot going for him. He's smart, has a great girlfriend, and is the star of his High School swim team. When he stumbles upon the Atlantic Ocean's deepest secret, Jonah transforms into something he never would have dreamed: a legendary sea creature.
Mezzy, a rebellious mermaid, seeks adventure in or out of the water. Drawn to the land, and to Jonah, Mezzy is about to discover that there is a certain danger in associating with humans.
When they come together, Jonah and Mezzy open a portal that leads to her dying home—Mercadia. There, they find themselves caught in the middle of a budding apocalypse. Can Jonah survive the dark mythology on the other side? Or will his feelings for Mezzy be his ultimate undoing?
Jonah Whitmore has a lot going for him. He's smart, has a great girlfriend, and is the star of his High School swim team. When he stumbles upon the Atlantic Ocean's deepest secret, Jonah transforms into something he never would have dreamed: a legendary sea creature.
Mezzy, a rebellious mermaid, seeks adventure in or out of the water. Drawn to the land, and to Jonah, Mezzy is about to discover that there is a certain danger in associating with humans.
When they come together, Jonah and Mezzy open a portal that leads to her dying home—Mercadia. There, they find themselves caught in the middle of a budding apocalypse. Can Jonah survive the dark mythology on the other side? Or will his feelings for Mezzy be his ultimate undoing?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2020
18 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Shaka Bry
23 books13 followersShaka Bry is a fantasy's worst nightmare. He is a fiction. A ruse. A conjuring of an overly dramatic mind.
Yet he does try.
Shaka Bry's stories, influenced by the phantasmagorical, do often steer off-course, alighting on the wings of the fantastical.
His books don't always fit the norm.
When not writing by proverbial candlelight in the wee strange hours of morning, he is a devoted father of three and loving husband of one. He summers, winters, springs, and falls with his family along the sunny beaches of the Jersey Shore.
Visit Shaka Bry's handler at: www.bryoncahill.com
There, fiction is always stranger than truth.
Yet he does try.
Shaka Bry's stories, influenced by the phantasmagorical, do often steer off-course, alighting on the wings of the fantastical.
His books don't always fit the norm.
When not writing by proverbial candlelight in the wee strange hours of morning, he is a devoted father of three and loving husband of one. He summers, winters, springs, and falls with his family along the sunny beaches of the Jersey Shore.
Visit Shaka Bry's handler at: www.bryoncahill.com
There, fiction is always stranger than truth.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 13, 2020
Thank you to the author for submitting this book for review!
This is a prime example of "smaller" authors not getting the attention their books deserve and I'm glad that I was asked to give this one a chance because I found it an exciting, fantastical read with just enough of a sinister edge. Mercadia Calling is full of intrigue and adventure as the familiar human world collides with that of mermaids and merliens one hot summer day and it is all told in a voice that is easy to be lulled into the story with, rather like a siren song holding you captive to read just one page more. We get to view the world from the different character viewpoints of Jonah (teen lifeguard) and Mezzy (mermaid), which I think added to the storytelling. I don't think I've ever tried a tale of mermaids before so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but this creative take was fascinating and quite fun to read (bonus points for Jonah's humor). I'd definitely recommend this one to any reader of YA fiction looking to dive into something a little new with a grand adventure akin to the Percy Jackson series.
This is a prime example of "smaller" authors not getting the attention their books deserve and I'm glad that I was asked to give this one a chance because I found it an exciting, fantastical read with just enough of a sinister edge. Mercadia Calling is full of intrigue and adventure as the familiar human world collides with that of mermaids and merliens one hot summer day and it is all told in a voice that is easy to be lulled into the story with, rather like a siren song holding you captive to read just one page more. We get to view the world from the different character viewpoints of Jonah (teen lifeguard) and Mezzy (mermaid), which I think added to the storytelling. I don't think I've ever tried a tale of mermaids before so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but this creative take was fascinating and quite fun to read (bonus points for Jonah's humor). I'd definitely recommend this one to any reader of YA fiction looking to dive into something a little new with a grand adventure akin to the Percy Jackson series.
March 22, 2021
In the realm of world-building, this story adds a fresh perspective on under-the-sea adventure! And this one has portals to provide movement into other strange places! So there is plenty of latitude to move the reader around in this world and keep the story line fresh and intriguing!
Jonah Whitmore is a teenaged lifeguard who rescues an older man and his life changes from that point forward. In saving the man’s life, a transfer of the ability to transform into a Merlien to Jonah occurs and he becomes a sea creature! He will meet Mezzy, who is a mermaid, and the two of them will open a portal to her homeworld of Mercadia. What they find may lead to their own destruction. Or were they meant to save this world?
The author’s tongue-in-cheek writing style keeps this story line fresh, invigorating, and drawing the reader into the depths of the adventure. It’s different and quite enjoyable, and gives us a different perspective on the merfolk. Grab your copy and enjoy something uniquely different!
Jonah Whitmore is a teenaged lifeguard who rescues an older man and his life changes from that point forward. In saving the man’s life, a transfer of the ability to transform into a Merlien to Jonah occurs and he becomes a sea creature! He will meet Mezzy, who is a mermaid, and the two of them will open a portal to her homeworld of Mercadia. What they find may lead to their own destruction. Or were they meant to save this world?
The author’s tongue-in-cheek writing style keeps this story line fresh, invigorating, and drawing the reader into the depths of the adventure. It’s different and quite enjoyable, and gives us a different perspective on the merfolk. Grab your copy and enjoy something uniquely different!
September 15, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Mercadia Calling by Shaka Bry is another version of the merfolk that we hear myths about while growing up. Yet, it has a new and slightly sinister spin.
Do mermaids actually exist?
Jonah
Jonah is our human character, and he is unabashedly entered into this world of mermaids and merliens when he rescues this older man named James George. He is only seventeen, and lots of things happen to him that never entered his realm of possibility. Jonah is an interesting kid. He deals with the unknown by bringing in his sarcasm and witty remarks that don't go off very well at specific points. There isn't much about this character that I really like or dislike.
Mezzy
Mezzy is our mermaid character and is very different than what we know about mermaids. All Mezzy wants is to return to her world where they came from not that long ago. The problem is no one knows how to work the portal to return home, and worse of all, they aren't doing what they were sent over to do. Mezzy, Mezermalda, is quite different from the others in that she does things that they are scared to do. She is an interesting character, but once again, I don't really have any likes or dislikes about her.
Mermaids and Merliens are very different, but I can't say with why, as that is a significant plot point.
Four Stars
Mercadia Calling by Shaka Bry is a different approach to the whole mermaids' culture that we think is a myth. Mr. Bry has a nice approach to making it different while creating this entirely new world for them. It's fascinating. I am giving it four stars and recommending it to readers that like mermaids.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Mercadia Calling by Shaka Bry.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Do mermaids actually exist?
Jonah
Jonah is our human character, and he is unabashedly entered into this world of mermaids and merliens when he rescues this older man named James George. He is only seventeen, and lots of things happen to him that never entered his realm of possibility. Jonah is an interesting kid. He deals with the unknown by bringing in his sarcasm and witty remarks that don't go off very well at specific points. There isn't much about this character that I really like or dislike.
Mezzy
Mezzy is our mermaid character and is very different than what we know about mermaids. All Mezzy wants is to return to her world where they came from not that long ago. The problem is no one knows how to work the portal to return home, and worse of all, they aren't doing what they were sent over to do. Mezzy, Mezermalda, is quite different from the others in that she does things that they are scared to do. She is an interesting character, but once again, I don't really have any likes or dislikes about her.Mermaids and Merliens are very different, but I can't say with why, as that is a significant plot point.
Four Stars
Mercadia Calling by Shaka Bry is a different approach to the whole mermaids' culture that we think is a myth. Mr. Bry has a nice approach to making it different while creating this entirely new world for them. It's fascinating. I am giving it four stars and recommending it to readers that like mermaids.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Mercadia Calling by Shaka Bry.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
March 31, 2022
*A Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this, this is my honest and unbiased review*
So I don't read a lot of books with Mermaids in them, I am not sure why since I don't mind Mermaids, so when I got the chance to read this I was excited. Mercadia Calling is a very unique take on Mermaids, while yes there is an underwater city we get to see the very real feeling politics in which you don't see in other books like this. These politics were very interesting to me, and while this is a Urban fantasy it almost felt like a thriller at some points.
I also really liked Jonah and Mezzy, they were so likable and I really liked them separately as well as together. I also really liked the queen, She was a very strong female presence that you knew cared about her people. The one drawback I had was sometimes the story was a bit hard to follow, so I had to reread some chapters at times to make sure I didn't miss anything, which is why it took me a bit longer to read than I would have liked, it was also hard to keep track of the characters because there were so many of them. This is most likely due to it being a first book, so it needed to set up for later books. I really liked the ending which set up for the next book really well.
Overall, a good first book, with an intriguing set up to the next book.
So I don't read a lot of books with Mermaids in them, I am not sure why since I don't mind Mermaids, so when I got the chance to read this I was excited. Mercadia Calling is a very unique take on Mermaids, while yes there is an underwater city we get to see the very real feeling politics in which you don't see in other books like this. These politics were very interesting to me, and while this is a Urban fantasy it almost felt like a thriller at some points.
I also really liked Jonah and Mezzy, they were so likable and I really liked them separately as well as together. I also really liked the queen, She was a very strong female presence that you knew cared about her people. The one drawback I had was sometimes the story was a bit hard to follow, so I had to reread some chapters at times to make sure I didn't miss anything, which is why it took me a bit longer to read than I would have liked, it was also hard to keep track of the characters because there were so many of them. This is most likely due to it being a first book, so it needed to set up for later books. I really liked the ending which set up for the next book really well.
Overall, a good first book, with an intriguing set up to the next book.
December 19, 2020
Mercadia is gradually being destroyed by the Void which devours more and more of the land each day.
Mers were sent through the Cosmos pool and arrived on Earth in the Atlantic Ocean. Some few ventured onto dry land to attempt to smooth the way while the rest stayed safe beneath the water. Mezzy is the only one to respond when she hears a Merlien calling for help but is unable to find the one in trouble. Jonah, a lifeguard, says the life of an elderly man who drowns, only to find out that night that the old man has transferred his ability to transform into a Merlien to Jonah.
Join Jonah and Mezzy as they manage to reopen the gateway between Mercadia and Earth, travelling back to Mercadia to report to the Queen Mother who starts working towards a mass evacuation of Mercadia.
Anyone who loves the mythology of mermaids should read this for a unique take on Mermaids, one that has them doing other than swanning about below the waves and collecting treasures of the sea.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC, gifted to me by the author.
Mers were sent through the Cosmos pool and arrived on Earth in the Atlantic Ocean. Some few ventured onto dry land to attempt to smooth the way while the rest stayed safe beneath the water. Mezzy is the only one to respond when she hears a Merlien calling for help but is unable to find the one in trouble. Jonah, a lifeguard, says the life of an elderly man who drowns, only to find out that night that the old man has transferred his ability to transform into a Merlien to Jonah.
Join Jonah and Mezzy as they manage to reopen the gateway between Mercadia and Earth, travelling back to Mercadia to report to the Queen Mother who starts working towards a mass evacuation of Mercadia.
Anyone who loves the mythology of mermaids should read this for a unique take on Mermaids, one that has them doing other than swanning about below the waves and collecting treasures of the sea.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC, gifted to me by the author.
September 22, 2020
Mermaid and Merliens, Oh My!!!
How cool is it to read about Mermaids? How cool is it to read about a lifeguard working at the Jersey Shore, when you are a Jersey Girl? It's awesome.
ShakaBry creates a world that just pulls you in immediately. We have Jonah, who is just a normal teen working at the shore. One day he saves an old fella, but little did he know that just doing his job that day would change his life forever. Enter Mezzy and her beautiful underwater world.
The writing is creative, we learn of the history and concerns of our beloved merfolk of Mercadia. There is also humor in the writing which made me enjoy reading this book even more. I was able to picture everything as I read and have a chuckle too.
These characters have personalities, they are far from boring and one dimensional.
I look forward to book 2 and continuing this journey.
If you're tired of the same old Mermaid fairy tales, give this book a try.
How cool is it to read about Mermaids? How cool is it to read about a lifeguard working at the Jersey Shore, when you are a Jersey Girl? It's awesome.
ShakaBry creates a world that just pulls you in immediately. We have Jonah, who is just a normal teen working at the shore. One day he saves an old fella, but little did he know that just doing his job that day would change his life forever. Enter Mezzy and her beautiful underwater world.
The writing is creative, we learn of the history and concerns of our beloved merfolk of Mercadia. There is also humor in the writing which made me enjoy reading this book even more. I was able to picture everything as I read and have a chuckle too.
These characters have personalities, they are far from boring and one dimensional.
I look forward to book 2 and continuing this journey.
If you're tired of the same old Mermaid fairy tales, give this book a try.
March 12, 2021
This book has a ton of potential but it comes off a bit disjointed. The first few chapters are confusing and don't endear you to the main characters. I had a hard time getting into the story for at least a third of the book.
After that I do appreciate the unique mythology woven into the story-line and the world could be fascinating. I feel with a little more in-depth character development at the beginning and stronger world-building (that is more vividly described or details to draw you into the overall plot) would definitely engage readers. The series could be quite good.
I hope to see more background and world-building moving forward this is an author to keep an eye on. The idea is unique and has potential to make a splash pun intended bring a mermaid book and all :).
I was requesting by the author to give an honest review.
After that I do appreciate the unique mythology woven into the story-line and the world could be fascinating. I feel with a little more in-depth character development at the beginning and stronger world-building (that is more vividly described or details to draw you into the overall plot) would definitely engage readers. The series could be quite good.
I hope to see more background and world-building moving forward this is an author to keep an eye on. The idea is unique and has potential to make a splash pun intended bring a mermaid book and all :).
I was requesting by the author to give an honest review.
March 29, 2021
3.5 STARS
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Mercadia Calling by Shaka Bry is the introduction to his Mermaids and Merliens series. I gave this book three and a half stars. I liked the premise and found the writing, in total, to be compelling. My issue was that for the first three(ish) chapters I felt no connection to the characters or the story line. Since I am one of those readers that once I begin a book, I see it through to the last page, I was pleased that I held on. The story does get more interesting though I felt the characters needed more growth. I did like the world building and felt it was a perfect escape. I would read book 2.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Mercadia Calling by Shaka Bry is the introduction to his Mermaids and Merliens series. I gave this book three and a half stars. I liked the premise and found the writing, in total, to be compelling. My issue was that for the first three(ish) chapters I felt no connection to the characters or the story line. Since I am one of those readers that once I begin a book, I see it through to the last page, I was pleased that I held on. The story does get more interesting though I felt the characters needed more growth. I did like the world building and felt it was a perfect escape. I would read book 2.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
July 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that it never took itself too seriously. I have a problem with laws of physics being broken so I was a little bothered when the Merliens were talking under water. I was really happy when Jonah’s inner monologue addressed this. I didn’t even need it explained beyond saying it was magic, I was just happy to have it acknowledged. Overall really well written. The story moved at a good pace and left me wanting more. I try to only give 5 stars to books that blow me away so I give this a 4.5. I received an ARC copy of book four so now I have to go burn through two and three.
September 20, 2020
I enjoyed reading Mercadia Calling. It took me to another world. One where a hero can be a teenage lifeguard.
Jonah, our main character, helps James George in more ways than one. Jonah was my favorite character.
The world building is fun and enchanting! I loved the flying unicorns!!! The story was a perfect summer escape! So, even though I’m not a young adult reader, I’m still young at heart! Thanks Shaka Bry for letting me be an advanced reader!
Jonah, our main character, helps James George in more ways than one. Jonah was my favorite character.
The world building is fun and enchanting! I loved the flying unicorns!!! The story was a perfect summer escape! So, even though I’m not a young adult reader, I’m still young at heart! Thanks Shaka Bry for letting me be an advanced reader!
September 29, 2020
This was a very silly read. Like one of the silliest I have read in a while. It was highly entertaining. Jonah's mental voice is a riot. I really appreciate when an author can bring something new to such a heavily established myth as mermaids. Mr. Bry does very well with this. It's one of the more original takes on merfolk I have read.
January 21, 2021
Mercadia Calling is a very interesting story revolving around a young teenage man named Jonah and his adventures after saving an elderly man from drowning. In giving cpr he’s given a mermaid’s kiss so to speak as the man passes what’s left of his powers over to Jonah. From there the adventures ensue. I did enjoy the story.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2020
This PG contemporary, paranormal, multi-world quest takes a FULL day and kept me up until midnight to finish. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
December 4, 2020
This is a great beginning to the series. I enjoyed reading this story. The story was a great escape from the current pandemic. I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews