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The Merman #3
Caller
Gabriel Braven sees monsters, but he does not believe it.
As Gabriel struggles to cope with the three days he has left on land, a new complication arises. His grandmother’s lover, the enigmatic archaeology professor Johnson Tims seems to know more than he should about Gabriel’s transformation into a merman.
Gabriel’s lifeline is his own lover, Casillus Nerion, prince of the ocean-dwelling, immortal Mer. Life on land is becoming more and more difficult, but their loving mental connection grows with Gabriel’s trust in what he is becoming. Gabriel is even eager to get in the water if it is to be in Casillus’ strong arms.
However, Johnson is even more eager to lead Gabriel to the ancient temple his team has discovered that may have some tragic connection with the Mer. Not even Casillus can sustain him when Gabriel is plunged into visions of the terrible past between the Mer and the humans… but what Gabriel discovers about himself is even more shocking.
As Gabriel struggles to cope with the three days he has left on land, a new complication arises. His grandmother’s lover, the enigmatic archaeology professor Johnson Tims seems to know more than he should about Gabriel’s transformation into a merman.
Gabriel’s lifeline is his own lover, Casillus Nerion, prince of the ocean-dwelling, immortal Mer. Life on land is becoming more and more difficult, but their loving mental connection grows with Gabriel’s trust in what he is becoming. Gabriel is even eager to get in the water if it is to be in Casillus’ strong arms.
However, Johnson is even more eager to lead Gabriel to the ancient temple his team has discovered that may have some tragic connection with the Mer. Not even Casillus can sustain him when Gabriel is plunged into visions of the terrible past between the Mer and the humans… but what Gabriel discovers about himself is even more shocking.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2014
119 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
X. Aratare
90 books711 followersX. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 7, 2019
This was a very curious book. I liked the plot twists and surprises the author threw my way. Lovers of H.P. Lovecraft might want to take a peak... Casillus and Gabriel's feelings deepen, Gabriel struggles with his changes and doesn't know who he can trust. It's a fine balance between sweet, mildly angsty and otherwordly. I liked it!
January 9, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series so far. It's getting better as it goes along, and the worldbuilding has me excited. I was getting Lovecraftian vibes, and then the story went full Lovecraftian.
I'm liking the telepathic romance as well.
I'm liking the telepathic romance as well.
August 26, 2024
It's getting even more juicy. I like it.
Those visions he was having in the temple had my heart racing.
Those visions he was having in the temple had my heart racing.
April 30, 2023
Now, we're talking. Most interesting part of the story so far! The mystery of the deep sea is unfolding and things are starting to make sense. The flashbacks and Gabe's clairvoyance are intriguing and kept me invested in the story. 👌
August 4, 2019
Such a lovely story - it's a pretty straightforward merman, but I'm loving the little twists. And Chris Patton's voice is spectacular :)
September 15, 2024
I did not expect Cthulhu to be mentioned in this, it makes me more excited for the next volumes as a Lovecraft Fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2017
Oh Goody!!!! OH bloody hell!!!!
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January 22, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/22/2021)! 🎁
February 5, 2025
Deep Now that the time is near for Gabe an with Cass' help and love will make it through this trying day.
October 23, 2015
Listened to the audible version. Love Chris Patton narrating this addicting story.
April 27, 2019
Hot belgian waffles did this thing DRAG.
August 6, 2016
great series, still going strong
February 18, 2021
I did enjoy Book 3 a bit more than I did the previous two entries in this M/M romance series. Although the short length bothered me yet again (I still maintain that this series should've been released as two 250-page books rather than five 100-page books), at least the story picked up some steam and things started becoming more interesting.
The trip to the unearthed temple, Gabriel's visions of the past, finally some revelations about Cthulhu (the massive, tentacled creature that has been alluded to previously), Gabriel's discovery that he is a "Caller" (a merman with the ability to summon Cthulhu), Corey finally meeting Casillus were all events that gave this book a sense of excitement the prior books lacked. This book was an undeniable page turner and had me eager to find out what was going to happen next, something I hope continues with Books 4 and 5.
Although I prefer slow buildup to the kind of insta-love that occurred in this series between Gabriel and Casillus, I nevertheless found myself swooning at the utter devotion to Gabriel that Casillus has shown. After all, who wouldn't want a good-looking prince who tells you he'll never leave you and actually means it?
The trip to the unearthed temple, Gabriel's visions of the past, finally some revelations about Cthulhu (the massive, tentacled creature that has been alluded to previously), Gabriel's discovery that he is a "Caller" (a merman with the ability to summon Cthulhu), Corey finally meeting Casillus were all events that gave this book a sense of excitement the prior books lacked. This book was an undeniable page turner and had me eager to find out what was going to happen next, something I hope continues with Books 4 and 5.
Although I prefer slow buildup to the kind of insta-love that occurred in this series between Gabriel and Casillus, I nevertheless found myself swooning at the utter devotion to Gabriel that Casillus has shown. After all, who wouldn't want a good-looking prince who tells you he'll never leave you and actually means it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
Gabriel has found out what he is in this book and Professor Johnson is... he's just creepy. He's also the villain but this guy is weird. There's the whole thing at the beginning of the book were he's having a conversation with Gabriel in a robe. It covered everything, but it was just... like dude, please put on some pants or something. Weirdo.
Oh Corey is once again the MVP and the bestest of best friends.
There's also some exploring about Gabriel leaving Corey and his Grandma forever and he's trying to work through it. However... however I feel like it shouldn't be the end all be all. In the second book the prince came into his bedroom at night and was able to be okay on land by staying in the bathtub. I feel like he can get a nice pool at his Grandma's place and just visit her. Corey would have to visit, but it seems like there could be a workaround.
Edit: So apparently this was talked about before (I think?), I'm not sure when, but book four clearly states Gabriel has to stay underwater when he full becomes a merman for a long long time. My bad.
Either way, I'm really enjoying this series. It's fanatic.
Oh Corey is once again the MVP and the bestest of best friends.
There's also some exploring about Gabriel leaving Corey and his Grandma forever and he's trying to work through it. However... however I feel like it shouldn't be the end all be all. In the second book the prince came into his bedroom at night and was able to be okay on land by staying in the bathtub. I feel like he can get a nice pool at his Grandma's place and just visit her. Corey would have to visit, but it seems like there could be a workaround.
Edit: So apparently this was talked about before (I think?), I'm not sure when, but book four clearly states Gabriel has to stay underwater when he full becomes a merman for a long long time. My bad.
Either way, I'm really enjoying this series. It's fanatic.
September 26, 2018
I think this one is a 3.5. These Books are kinda hard to rate individually because for me this is one big ass story. Not 5 small ones. Still really like this story.
This was great. I adore the characters, the writing is great. One or two little things kind of annoyed me - but I am also currently reading Crown of Midnight and in comparison they are really minor^^ So I don't even really care.
Gabriel is my precious okay. I adore him.
I love how Friendship heavy this book was. All here for the bromance.
(One thing that is annoying though is that every book gives you a sort of recap of the things from earlier books - and they are really short and especially when you marathon them... it is... like... yeah I know dude I JUST read all about that.)
This was great. I adore the characters, the writing is great. One or two little things kind of annoyed me - but I am also currently reading Crown of Midnight and in comparison they are really minor^^ So I don't even really care.
Gabriel is my precious okay. I adore him.
I love how Friendship heavy this book was. All here for the bromance.
(One thing that is annoying though is that every book gives you a sort of recap of the things from earlier books - and they are really short and especially when you marathon them... it is... like... yeah I know dude I JUST read all about that.)
March 29, 2020
This series just keeps getting better as I continue on with each book. This one we see the connection between Gabriel and Casillus grow as both their mental connection and love continue to build fur each other. We also learn mor about the ancient temple and the visions of a great monster that Gabriel seems to have a connection with and it seems to be pulling him towers it. It will be interesting to continue the next book and finally see Gabriel full transition into a Mer and go into the sea with Casillus to discover more about god mysterious ability as a caller.
November 9, 2025
"Caller" received TWO stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
June 5, 2025
This series goes from strength to strength
What's not to like about this book?
Book 3 adds to Gabe's journey to becoming a Mer. The dangers grow and the revelations start. Flash backs to a horrific events long time ago, a mysterious temple that impacts on people in a bad and dangerous way and a dangerous statue. All leading to what I think / hooe is goung to be a thrilling final instalment.
What's not to like about this book?
Book 3 adds to Gabe's journey to becoming a Mer. The dangers grow and the revelations start. Flash backs to a horrific events long time ago, a mysterious temple that impacts on people in a bad and dangerous way and a dangerous statue. All leading to what I think / hooe is goung to be a thrilling final instalment.
June 22, 2019
Well can I say
The writing and the story telling brings each and ever character alive even when new characters appear they seem to be just walk up on you and join the conversation. Each book gets more interesting and explains more about the Mars their pass among men and the good and bad relationships they had.
The writing and the story telling brings each and ever character alive even when new characters appear they seem to be just walk up on you and join the conversation. Each book gets more interesting and explains more about the Mars their pass among men and the good and bad relationships they had.
March 3, 2019
I'm enjoying the story a lot and this installment focus on the enemy and plot more. We learn more about what the mysterious Johnston wants. We get to know more about Gabe's powers and what Cthulhu is. I like how this all connects with Gabe's parents deaths as well.
September 1, 2019
The paranormal mm romance continues. Gabriel is increasingly wary of his grandmother's friend.
Typos: a couple sentence fragments (incorrect starts of new sentences), wrong verb tense ("saw a female Mer entered").
Typos: a couple sentence fragments (incorrect starts of new sentences), wrong verb tense ("saw a female Mer entered").
September 15, 2019
Love !
Man I do not like Johnson dude is all kinds of iffy..
I love that Gabe has come to terms with his mer side and that his and the mer dudes bond is getting stronger..Who knew I'd get in to mermen so much..
Man I do not like Johnson dude is all kinds of iffy..
I love that Gabe has come to terms with his mer side and that his and the mer dudes bond is getting stronger..Who knew I'd get in to mermen so much..
December 8, 2019
This one was my favorite book so far in the series. The characters are so lovable and heartwarming. I'm also a huge sucker for names of endearment so when Gabriel was called my love I almost lost it. The plot thickened up nicely and had me excitedly turning to the next page
January 22, 2021
Well that took an unexpected turn. I thought it was just gonna be the love story and the self realization. But this whole new subplot driving its way in was very unexpected. Can’t wait to read the next installment.
February 10, 2021
Técnicamente esos últimos capítulos no me los espere, y realmente me gusto el giro que se dio, no esperaba descubrir algo tan oscuro y terrible en el pasado de está historia...
Corey sigue encantándome cómo personaje y también Gabe.
Corey sigue encantándome cómo personaje y también Gabe.
May 30, 2017
Not award winning but a enjoyable read... obviously since I'm still reading them.
October 12, 2017
While I’m reading these because I enjoy them and the are a quick read, they are ending too soon. Onto the next book.
January 25, 2020
The excitement is building.
The excitement is building and the thrill is accelerating. I can't wait for the continuation of this book. I recommend this series to everyone.
The excitement is building and the thrill is accelerating. I can't wait for the continuation of this book. I recommend this series to everyone.
February 19, 2020
Not my favorite in the series so far but the twists keep on coming. Looking forward for the next two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews