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The Merman #5
Landfall
The Merman is a 5-book gay paranormal romance series from Raythe Reign. This series contains psychic powers, a mostly-naked merman lover, an evil scientist, and true love beneath the waves.
Johnson Tims has captured Mer Prince Casillus Nerion and Gabriel’s friends!
Twisted by exposure to the magical statue of the dread creature Cthulhu, Johnson intends to start a war with the Mers. He wants Gabriel to use his power as a Caller to bring Cthulhu itself to land, something that Gabriel has sworn never to do for if he does, everyone on the East Coast will die.
Gabriel must find a way to rescue the ones he loves while not destroying the human world.
Raythe Reign produces escapist, romantic M/M shifter, fantasy, scifi, adventure, and urban fantasy books and graphic novels.
NOTE: THIS NOVELLA SERIES HAS CLIFFHANGERS! EVERY BOOK WILL END ON ONE. THAT'S MY NATURAL WRITING STYLE. THE SERIES IS FINISHED.. THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!
Johnson Tims has captured Mer Prince Casillus Nerion and Gabriel’s friends!
Twisted by exposure to the magical statue of the dread creature Cthulhu, Johnson intends to start a war with the Mers. He wants Gabriel to use his power as a Caller to bring Cthulhu itself to land, something that Gabriel has sworn never to do for if he does, everyone on the East Coast will die.
Gabriel must find a way to rescue the ones he loves while not destroying the human world.
Raythe Reign produces escapist, romantic M/M shifter, fantasy, scifi, adventure, and urban fantasy books and graphic novels.
NOTE: THIS NOVELLA SERIES HAS CLIFFHANGERS! EVERY BOOK WILL END ON ONE. THAT'S MY NATURAL WRITING STYLE. THE SERIES IS FINISHED.. THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2015
88 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
X. Aratare
92 books713 followersX. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 9, 2019
This was a well-written conclusion to the series that was a bit more fast-paced and a lot steamier than the rest of the books in the series. As Gabriel is finishing his transitioning into merman, together with his friends and Casillus they acknowledge that something must be done about Johnson Tims and the evil Cthulhu statue that drives people to madness. But like all plans, everything goes awry, and it's up to Gabriel to save his friends and the merman he loves.
There was magic, ancient beasts, fighting and death. There was joy, sadness and happy tears. New opportunities opened up, and things that are better stay hidden will go back to being hidden again. The ending was light-hearted and a bit bittersweet but still ended on a happy note. I enjoyed this series a lot except for the small fact that mermen didn't have tails. *it can't be perfect every time*
There was magic, ancient beasts, fighting and death. There was joy, sadness and happy tears. New opportunities opened up, and things that are better stay hidden will go back to being hidden again. The ending was light-hearted and a bit bittersweet but still ended on a happy note. I enjoyed this series a lot except for the small fact that mermen didn't have tails. *it can't be perfect every time*
October 1, 2019
Absolutely lovely series. Great mystery, wonderful characters, and terrific chemistry between the MCs.
Fans of Chris Patton, I know I don't have to say it, but he's truly amazing. I just wish some of the new narrators of today would listen to him and learn how to do what he does. The inflection he adds, the understanding of what's being conveyed, his emotion - simply wow.
Fans of Chris Patton, I know I don't have to say it, but he's truly amazing. I just wish some of the new narrators of today would listen to him and learn how to do what he does. The inflection he adds, the understanding of what's being conveyed, his emotion - simply wow.
July 5, 2020
So. I'm kinda disappointed with how this thing turned out. It started out as some fun merman stuff, but with some original neat ideas thrown in there. And then it turned into an HP Lovecraft fanfic.
And.
I'm gonna say it.
HP Lovecraft is shit.
I've read some of his stuff, and I just personally am not a fan. I find him a xenophobic, homophobic (which is ironic considering this is a m/m romance), misogynistic asshole with a disturbing fascination of squids and slimy things. My only wish is that he had survived long enough to witness tentacle porn.
And his writing sucks balls.
THERE! I SAID IT! STRIKE ME DOWN CTHULHU! HIT ME WITH YOUR AMBIGUOUS SCARINESS!
I could sit here and rant about it, but this review should focus on the book instead. In short, the weaknesses that are present in HP Lovecraft's stuff have transferred over to this.
1. Telling me something is scary, doesn't actually scare me. "this thing is scary! and evil! and dark!" Cool story bro. How though? And don't tell me because it's evil, it's ugly, it lives in the dark and it exists. Those aren't good reasons, because all those things can literally apply to anyone, including me.
2. There is no common sense. At all. Nada.
3. It is woefully incomplete with little explanation to shit brought up but never extrapolated on.
I give this 2 tentacles out of 5 because at the very least the covers are gorgeous and I did appreciate the unique ideas before it turned into a fanfic.
And.
I'm gonna say it.
HP Lovecraft is shit.
I've read some of his stuff, and I just personally am not a fan. I find him a xenophobic, homophobic (which is ironic considering this is a m/m romance), misogynistic asshole with a disturbing fascination of squids and slimy things. My only wish is that he had survived long enough to witness tentacle porn.
And his writing sucks balls.
THERE! I SAID IT! STRIKE ME DOWN CTHULHU! HIT ME WITH YOUR AMBIGUOUS SCARINESS!
I could sit here and rant about it, but this review should focus on the book instead. In short, the weaknesses that are present in HP Lovecraft's stuff have transferred over to this.
1. Telling me something is scary, doesn't actually scare me. "this thing is scary! and evil! and dark!" Cool story bro. How though? And don't tell me because it's evil, it's ugly, it lives in the dark and it exists. Those aren't good reasons, because all those things can literally apply to anyone, including me.
2. There is no common sense. At all. Nada.
3. It is woefully incomplete with little explanation to shit brought up but never extrapolated on.
I give this 2 tentacles out of 5 because at the very least the covers are gorgeous and I did appreciate the unique ideas before it turned into a fanfic.
August 7, 2016
The three stars is my rating for the whole series. Entertaining but the monster was a terrible idea. The monster had no concept of good and evil and didn't care about good and evil. Everyone knows fairytales are based on handsome heroes fighting for good to conquer evil. So the book fell apart because the author ignored the basic good and evil precept. Also the conflict with the former military man read like a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys mystery.
The story should have been presented as one novel not serialized in tiny bits that made the cost of five short stories way too much for the reader. Of course it put money in the author's pockets so who can blame her for being greedy? I can! I just did!
The story should have been presented as one novel not serialized in tiny bits that made the cost of five short stories way too much for the reader. Of course it put money in the author's pockets so who can blame her for being greedy? I can! I just did!
January 10, 2024
This was a great conclusion to an addicting novella series! The tension in this one had me glued to my tablet. The worldbuilding opened up a lot with the introduction of the Next Society, and I'm curious to see where the author took the story in the sequel serials.
Gabriel and Casillus had such an interesting romance. It was a very fast-paced romance but at the same time their telepathic connection and all their bonding moments made it compelling.
The way the author handled telepathy was some of my favorite I've seen. It felt very organic and comforting.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series.
Gabriel and Casillus had such an interesting romance. It was a very fast-paced romance but at the same time their telepathic connection and all their bonding moments made it compelling.
The way the author handled telepathy was some of my favorite I've seen. It felt very organic and comforting.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series.
August 27, 2024
"I knew you would change your mind, my Caller" 🤭
What a great, STRESSFUL ending. I still don't know if we're friends with Cthulhu or not... esp with that ending. Wtf!!
I was stressed for 80% of the book. That part on the boat with batshit Johnson was intense.
The ending was mushy and made me teary. I felt so bad for Granny G.
I loved this. Just wish there was a lil epilogue of Gabriel doing fishy shit.
What a great, STRESSFUL ending. I still don't know if we're friends with Cthulhu or not... esp with that ending. Wtf!!
I was stressed for 80% of the book. That part on the boat with batshit Johnson was intense.
The ending was mushy and made me teary. I felt so bad for Granny G.
I loved this. Just wish there was a lil epilogue of Gabriel doing fishy shit.
August 7, 2016
SERIES 4.5 STARS
Great mermen series made with novella's, it's YA/UF and quite fun. I don't think that this is the end somehow, I have a feeling that there will be an entire series sequel or this one will continue. I'm not a huge YA fan but I really like X. Aratare writing style. If you feel like a good sappy romance along these lines then don't hesitate. It does have it's serious side but it's more like an adventure.
Great mermen series made with novella's, it's YA/UF and quite fun. I don't think that this is the end somehow, I have a feeling that there will be an entire series sequel or this one will continue. I'm not a huge YA fan but I really like X. Aratare writing style. If you feel like a good sappy romance along these lines then don't hesitate. It does have it's serious side but it's more like an adventure.
May 30, 2022
You know, overall I enjoyed this series, but unfortunately this author is in love with the cliffhanger. I was under the impression that this was the last book in the series. It is not! But this series is from 2015, and it’s now 2022, and there’s no book 6 insight! I sincerely hope that the author is alright because I really, really need the rest of this story!
X. Aratare is a new to me author and I enjoy their world building. I definitely recommend this series!
Happy reading xoxo
X. Aratare is a new to me author and I enjoy their world building. I definitely recommend this series!
Happy reading xoxo
December 24, 2021
Enjoyable conclusion to this series serial! The concept with this one merging Mers and Cthulhu was a unique take, and while I felt the Johnson storyline was a bit heavy-handed, overall I quite enjoyed. I've been liking this author for a bit of mindless, sexy, supernatural fun. The ending also was clearly open for future works in this 'verse, and it looks like the author continued this in another series/serial, though I think that's just available to patrons or something. Will keep an eye out for if it ever releases in published book form!
January 5, 2023
Review:
MC1: Gabriel Braven: caller
MC2: Prince Casillus Nerion: Prince of the Mer’s
This I is the final book in The Merman series. This was my first ever Mer story and it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting (these mer don’t have tails). However like all of the books I’ve read by X. Aratare once I started I was hooked. Great plot, amazing world building, awesome characters and best of all a happily ever after.
MC1: Gabriel Braven: caller
MC2: Prince Casillus Nerion: Prince of the Mer’s
This I is the final book in The Merman series. This was my first ever Mer story and it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting (these mer don’t have tails). However like all of the books I’ve read by X. Aratare once I started I was hooked. Great plot, amazing world building, awesome characters and best of all a happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2017
Interesting spin and plot. I really liked this one
December 13, 2017
This last installment was by far the best. I luved that ALL the loose ends were wrapped up and most of the questions answered in this one installment.
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March 23, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/22/2023)! 🎁
May 2, 2023
Okay, that ending made up for everything. 👌
June 17, 2015
The concluding instalment of X.Aratare's merman saga is a reasonable ending to this excellent m/m merman/lovecraft epic. I was however a little underwhelmed particularly with the ambiguity of Cthulhu - Normally Cthulhu is evil and what I liked about this story was that the guy who wants to destroy Cthulhu is the villain so this turns normal preconceptions on their head - We're looking at him from the mer perspective as a protector and I liked that. But then there's this plot twist in which Henry makes off with the statue at Cthulhu's request and we see that he was just playing along and wants to work future mischief - and so is evil after-all? I don't know this ambiguity didn't quite work for me.
Otherwise thoroughly enjoyable. Excellent story, likeable characters, decent romance and reasonably written.
Otherwise thoroughly enjoyable. Excellent story, likeable characters, decent romance and reasonably written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2020
Great ending to the series or is it? I like how Gabriel comes into his own in this story. The only reason I give it four stars instead of five is for the lack of explanation of the connection between Gabriel and the monster. The monster was calling to him from the very first book and saved him when his parents drowned. So?? We know he is a Caller, but what does that really mean and why? Other callers have perished or moved away to be alone. Why? And Gabriel seems to feel differently about the monster than his fellow Mer do. Why? Would like to have seen a bit more about this. Otherwise, a fun read. I cried when he had to tell Granny G. I could feel the emotion, like I was there.
July 18, 2020
The paranormal mm romance merman series wraps up, but unfinished business points to a continuation. I've gotten tired of the story. My favorite parts were when the men were in the ocean, not confronting armed maniacs. I skimmed a lot, but still detected quite a bit of sloppiness: several lay/lie and its/it's mix-ups, the latter used both correctly and incorrectly within the same paragraph. End-quote punctuation error, run on sentence, peaked used for piqued, missing comma, and sentence fragments.
August 7, 2018
Good but meh
I kind of rushed the reading, she used almost a whole chapter to explain the previous books, something they have done in all books and it's terribly annoying. You don't need to explain EVERYTHING. Another thing is the transition to sexually encounters and emotions, they feel forced and bleek. The story is interesting and exiting but the reading is boring and somehow annoying. I hope you grows out of that and also away from the bad conversation style.
I kind of rushed the reading, she used almost a whole chapter to explain the previous books, something they have done in all books and it's terribly annoying. You don't need to explain EVERYTHING. Another thing is the transition to sexually encounters and emotions, they feel forced and bleek. The story is interesting and exiting but the reading is boring and somehow annoying. I hope you grows out of that and also away from the bad conversation style.
May 11, 2015
Nice conclusion to a tale that reminded me of what it's like to feel the ocean on my face, it's waters rushing through my hair. I think I like this version better than the original serial, The Sea, as it expanded on elements otherwise left too vague prior. Perhaps there's a sequel in the works with that ending... >)
July 15, 2015
Excellent Series!!!
The bond between Casillus and Gabriel is beyond unbreakable. I loved this series and all the characters in it! .all work together to make a beautiful series. Hopefully there is more to come.
The bond between Casillus and Gabriel is beyond unbreakable. I loved this series and all the characters in it! .all work together to make a beautiful series. Hopefully there is more to come.
June 16, 2016
As I have wrote before, I loved this series. It may not be written to some else's standards, but the story line and the characters were fun, and the danger and action great. It's an inexpensive read and worth it.
October 8, 2017
4.5 stars!!
October 10, 2016
4,5 star for the entire series.
October 27, 2017
This series is my debut merman series. And I kind of really really ached for water just like Gabriel did when he developed a new set of gills. Me, on the other hand, I just sprinkled my dry eyes with water so that I can read more of it. The struggle is real. What fantasy do to my real life. Anyways, every book in the series ended with a cliffhanger and the last one (not really the last one) was the same. I do not know when another one will come because the story is far from completed. I love this author and I have read many of raythe's books and I'm a huge fan of her writing. This series though does not really compare to her other works. Because they were extra ordinary and my favorites.
This series could have used more words. My concern was length and really having one major conflict highlighted around which all the books in the series revolved. The other things like romance, adventure, fears etc etc they were there but they felt short lived. Many times when the conversation between Corey, Gabriel, Casillus and Grandma took place or the other students, those were very irritating and I wanted to slap those two kids for even coming into the picture. The author could've absolutely done better knowing her other works. But still a lovely very incomplete series. I was wishing from the beginning to see the sea and the city and the other Mers but you didn't give me that and that is why I give this series 3 golden but sea blue stars.
This series could have used more words. My concern was length and really having one major conflict highlighted around which all the books in the series revolved. The other things like romance, adventure, fears etc etc they were there but they felt short lived. Many times when the conversation between Corey, Gabriel, Casillus and Grandma took place or the other students, those were very irritating and I wanted to slap those two kids for even coming into the picture. The author could've absolutely done better knowing her other works. But still a lovely very incomplete series. I was wishing from the beginning to see the sea and the city and the other Mers but you didn't give me that and that is why I give this series 3 golden but sea blue stars.
April 20, 2020
Wow, this series brought me back to the good old days when I’d read some good romantic gay FanFiction before we had good representation in the world of books, games, and movies.
This series was incredible from Starr to finish, and the last book honestly did a wonderful job bring the story to a close (but also possible leaving it open for a spin off series in the future, which I would totally be down for) and best of all, the last book brought about its own surprises and twists and turns to the tale that made it more intense to finish.
I’m trying to avoid spoilers in this review, since I kept going on and on in my other reviews of the previous four books in this series. Overall, if you like fantasy, adventure, and gay romance, you need to read this series. While each book is only about 100 pages, this one being the longest at 149 pages, the journey of Gabriel and his transition from land and living in isolation and fear of the sea that killed his parents as a child to learning to open up and love Casillus and truly open up to love of not only intimacy but reclaiming his love of the sea was and amazingly down here, character development was a strong then here and done well despite the series being shorter in length than other fantasy book series. Great read and I would gladly read any extensions made to these stories in the future. 🧜🏼♂️
This series was incredible from Starr to finish, and the last book honestly did a wonderful job bring the story to a close (but also possible leaving it open for a spin off series in the future, which I would totally be down for) and best of all, the last book brought about its own surprises and twists and turns to the tale that made it more intense to finish.
I’m trying to avoid spoilers in this review, since I kept going on and on in my other reviews of the previous four books in this series. Overall, if you like fantasy, adventure, and gay romance, you need to read this series. While each book is only about 100 pages, this one being the longest at 149 pages, the journey of Gabriel and his transition from land and living in isolation and fear of the sea that killed his parents as a child to learning to open up and love Casillus and truly open up to love of not only intimacy but reclaiming his love of the sea was and amazingly down here, character development was a strong then here and done well despite the series being shorter in length than other fantasy book series. Great read and I would gladly read any extensions made to these stories in the future. 🧜🏼♂️
December 27, 2021
Review for book 1 to 5.
Gabriel Braven was only 9 when he and his parents was on summer vacation in a beach and had a tragic accident. This caused him to have traumas, therefore, he was not near beaches ever since.
The present, 21 years old Gabriel and his best friend Corey had a summer vacation on his grandmother's house, near the beach where the accident took place. Traumatized and bitter, Gabriel believes that love isn't for him... but not until he met Casillus Nerion, a Mer Prince of the mers.
Beguiled to the Prince, this unexpected meeting unfolds things and events to Gabriel no one would've thought of.
———
This is my first ever book about mermaids. Although I've watched quite a lot of films about mermaids, this one is quite unpredictable (at least for me).
The narrative and writing is so good, not at least once I got bored! The way the author intensify the story of the book to another and suspensively ends them is thrilling, you'll anticipate to read the whole series! The smut is also good. Sex deep in the ocean? I think so.
The cover! I'm obsessed!
If you want to read something light, exciting and fun, I highly recommend this series. I'll be eyeing this author and surely read her other works. 🤩
Gabriel Braven was only 9 when he and his parents was on summer vacation in a beach and had a tragic accident. This caused him to have traumas, therefore, he was not near beaches ever since.
The present, 21 years old Gabriel and his best friend Corey had a summer vacation on his grandmother's house, near the beach where the accident took place. Traumatized and bitter, Gabriel believes that love isn't for him... but not until he met Casillus Nerion, a Mer Prince of the mers.
Beguiled to the Prince, this unexpected meeting unfolds things and events to Gabriel no one would've thought of.
———
This is my first ever book about mermaids. Although I've watched quite a lot of films about mermaids, this one is quite unpredictable (at least for me).
The narrative and writing is so good, not at least once I got bored! The way the author intensify the story of the book to another and suspensively ends them is thrilling, you'll anticipate to read the whole series! The smut is also good. Sex deep in the ocean? I think so.
The cover! I'm obsessed!
If you want to read something light, exciting and fun, I highly recommend this series. I'll be eyeing this author and surely read her other works. 🤩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2019
I enjoyed this series so much, it's got an interesting plot and amazing character building along with an original concept. The mers here or almost too different from the common mermaids/merman although it actually grew on me.
Still not sure how I feel about the Cthulu aspect as it seemed up and down with me, similar to Gabriel's own feelings about the creature so I somewhat came to accept it. I enjoyed the conflict mentally with humanity and mers, the madness and choices was amazingly done.
The ending had me teary and happy at the same time, its left slightly open and there is actually another book by the looks of it although with new characters so I'm definitely have a look at that. Especially as Aemrys seems to be a MC and I adored his scenes in this one.
Still not sure how I feel about the Cthulu aspect as it seemed up and down with me, similar to Gabriel's own feelings about the creature so I somewhat came to accept it. I enjoyed the conflict mentally with humanity and mers, the madness and choices was amazingly done.
The ending had me teary and happy at the same time, its left slightly open and there is actually another book by the looks of it although with new characters so I'm definitely have a look at that. Especially as Aemrys seems to be a MC and I adored his scenes in this one.
February 15, 2024
Well Johnson is a creep confirmed. I also really really liked this concluding book way more then the last one. It really made me emotional at the end and I loved how everything worked out. Even the group that Johnson worked for ended nicely.
However, the author really likes cliffhangers (I know it was stated at the end of the blurb in every book) and it ended on a cliffhanger as well for the next part of the series. I'll go check it out if it's finished. Honestly I can just ignore the last couple of pages.
Oh I also really liked the end of the story . I think that's my favorite part in the whole story. I would definitely recommend this series.
However, the author really likes cliffhangers (I know it was stated at the end of the blurb in every book) and it ended on a cliffhanger as well for the next part of the series. I'll go check it out if it's finished. Honestly I can just ignore the last couple of pages.
Oh I also really liked the end of the story . I think that's my favorite part in the whole story. I would definitely recommend this series.
September 20, 2020
Amei a série! Meu Deus! A medida que fui lendo, eu ficava tão impressionada que meu coração batia mais rápido com o quanto eu gostava da história. O casal é precioso demais! A história se passa. No máximo uma semana, acredito, e foi tão rica que eu senti que poderiam ter sido anos nesses poucos dias! Foi incrível ler uma fantasia sobre Sereias que fosse diferente e inovadora! Com certeza é uma das minhas séries preferidas!!!
A única coisa que me decepcionou foi o final. Queria saber mais sobre o que vai acontecer com Casillus e Gabriel. Infelizmente os próximos livros da autora nesse universo são no ponto de vista de outros casais e isso me desanima bastante...
A única coisa que me decepcionou foi o final. Queria saber mais sobre o que vai acontecer com Casillus e Gabriel. Infelizmente os próximos livros da autora nesse universo são no ponto de vista de outros casais e isso me desanima bastante...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews