The Waterboy

Rise of the Grigori #0

by Talena Winters

One mistake could seal his fate…

Zale Teague grew up thinking he was an ordinary boy—until the day he called lightning from the skies and caused an explosion with horrific results. Now, at only eleven, he's fleeing his terrifying new merman powers and the mistake he'll never forget.

When a Romani clan takes him in, he thinks he's found a way to protect his loved ones from disaster… until his past catches up to him. Will Zale ever find redemption, or must he keep running forever?

The Waterboy novella is the standalone origin story of Zale, the first undine male (merman) born in over three thousand years, introduced in Book 1 of the young adult epic fantasy Rise of the Grigori series, The Undine's Tear. It takes place five years before the main series.

In this rich, breathtaking series, join merfolk, sphinxes, dragons, and humans in a search for redemption that will determine the fate of the world . . . they just don't all know it yet.

Read now to start your adventure into the mind-blowing series today!

“Destiny is a tricky thing, boy. No one knows where a Traveller's road may lead.”

Genres: Ebooks, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Fiction

92 pages, ebook

Published October 1, 2020

About the author

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talenawinters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talenawinter...

Talena Winters writes page-turning fantasy, romance, and adventure stories of sacrifice, redemption, and hope against all odds. She’s an editor, copywriter, and award-winning songwriter, and she also designs knitting patterns under her label My Secret Wish. She currently resides on an acreage in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, with her husband, three surviving boys, two Husky dogs, and two neurotic orange cats. Her writing is fueled by an insatiable love of stories, dark chocolate, and the desire to make the world a better place. And she would really like to know why the tea is always gone.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Waterboy by Talena Winters is a novella that tells Zale’s story. It is not necessary to read this before The Undines Tear, but if you are going to read the series, I would recommend adding this to your reading list. The Undines Tear covers the basics, but The Waterboy adds a lot of the details of his life and how he came to be with the gypsys.

[Talena Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zale is one of my favourite characters. I loved writing this story. I hope you love reading it.

[Jessica Renwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, quick read that gives you some insight into Zale's back story (from The Undine's Tear). I loved reading more about his past and getting more insight about him. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Sarah Kirwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m usually not a fan of prequels, I think they are rather bland and way to short to warrant reading, but this is an exception. ‘The Waterboy’ shows a small snippet into the life of Zale and how he ended up in a tank, before he embarks on a journey to find his mother and sister.

[Nonresistant C. Really · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book! I love stories about Gypsies.

[MGB · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pleasant and interesting read. The author introduces us to Zale as he slowly determines who he is, if only in a limited way. We get to meet his new family that turns out to be more than that. We also discover why he is a boy on the run. There are a lot of unanswered questions when the story wraps. Presumably addressed in follow-on stories. Based on this story alone, definitely unfinished.

[Laurel Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. I wish it was longer but that's ok. Zale is an interesting character and it was fun watching him develop. Abuela is also interesting and I resonate with her compassion and desires to be the best person she can be, and very good at her chosen vocation. You'll have to read the book to find out what that is. 😉 No spoilers here!

[Larisa Freiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this thrilling Prequel in the "Rise of the Griogri" series, we meet Zale (11 yrs old). In this rich, breathtaking series, join merfolk, sphinxes, dragons, and humans in a search for redemption that will determine the fate of the world . . . they just don't all know it yet.

I devoured this book! EXCITED TO START THE NEXT CHAPTER

[Clint/Kamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable read and I agree with other reviewers that it could be longer. I liked this backstory about Zale and the direction his life took as he discovered his merman characteristics. Talena has yet to disappoint.

[Jessica Goeken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun & Easy

A fun, easy read. This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I found it easy to follow with interesting characters and plenty of tidbits I’m sure will show up later in the series.

[Barb Hilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Read this in one evening. Only thing wrong with it was, it was not long enough.

[Sherri Gussman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Waterboy. Really enjoyed it! Can’t wait till my copy of the next book arrives.

[Lisa Pederson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tale.

[Molly Harrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale where magic meets reality and good prevails. Zale is a captivating character and makes for a page-turning read!

[Allan Gillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that is finished too quickly, with likeable characters and plot that draws you in to wanting to know the next events. Look forward to reading the series.

[T.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this novella a while back and found it highly entertaining. The false sense of security surrounding this one plus its cliffhanger ending enticed me to explore this series further.

[Shari Stevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all of The Waterboy in one sitting. It is interesting and i.am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I will look for more from Talena Winters!