Reunion

Water #2

by Kara Dalkey

The sea is the birthplace of legends. Corwin has spent all of his sixteen years scavenging the land for his next meal. But when he discovers a unique shell of exquisite beauty, he is convinced it will bring him the riches he's longed for. His hopes are dashed when the shell is stolen from him by evil King Vortigern's men. But the shell has left its mark. Corwin's head is filled with visions of a beautiful and mysterious girl. Soon, he comes face-to-face with the girl of his visions -- Nia, a mermyd from the ocean's depths, the lost city of Atlantis! Together, Nia and Corwin must search for the stolen shell, for it holds the key to the future of Atlantis and also to Nia's and Corwin's very survival.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mermaids, Childrens, Fiction, Mythology, Arthurian

233 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2002

About the author

Kara Mia Dalkey is an American author of young adult fiction and historical fantasy. She was born in Los Angeles and has lived in Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Colorado, and Seattle. Much of her fiction is set in the Heian period of Japan.

She was married to author John Barnes; they divorced in 2001. She is a member of the Pre-Joycean Fellowship and of the Scribblies. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing in Los Angeles.

She is also a musician and has gigged extensively on electric bass (which she plays left-handed) and harmony vocals, with such bands as Runestone, the Albany Free Traders, and Nate Bucklin and the Ensemble (in Minnesota) and Relic and Voodoo Blue (in Seattle.) At different times she has also played drums, banjo and acoustic guitar. She is a songwriter, but her total output is low, and consequently no CD or other album is presently in the works.

Reviews

[Ithlilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was in the children's section of my library, not YA, children's. Sure it's small and short with big print and plenty of space between the lines, but it packs a big punch. This book isn't all dialogue and happy fru fru fantasy, there is danger, death, thievery, and magic. If you read this to your child and they understand all the words then you have a pretty smart child. The writing style is great, the vocabulary is impressive, and the story is heartfelt. This book does not assume that children are stupid, it challenges them. As an adult I can honestly say I love these books. I can't wait to read the third one this weekend. Corwin can be a bit annoying at times, but then again so can Nia. It just makes them all the more believable and real. This world is easy to get engrossed in, and I highly recommend it for all ages.

[Kiera Beddes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: fantasy
Summary: This story continues the journey of Nia who is trying to save her hometown of Atlantis from a power-hungry, mad mermyd and his companion Farworlder. This sequel, however, is told from the viewpoint of Corwin, an urchin who lives on land. He was collecting by the seashore when he came across the shell that held Nia's Farworlder. The shell is stolen by the evil King Vortigern so Nia and Corwin must work together to save the shell and try to defeat Ma'el, the destroyer of Atlantis (he also has plans to take over the rest of the world, covered in water or not)
Response: I liked this book as much as the first one. It was ok as far as series goes, but I just can't ignore the nagging sense of sadness. I don't have the third and final book of the series with me right now, which means I have to wait to see how everything ends. BOo. The series has been pretty subtle with the hints at the Arthurian legend, but the hints are getting more and more evident. I hope everything turns out well!

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just okay. The writing left a lot to be desired, especially because this book was based on land and not in the mythical city of Atlantis. The location meant that the author didn't really have anything special or new to show the reader, so the focus on the simplistic writing was more acute. Her grammar was fine, but it was very juvenile, even for a young adult book.

I hope the next one is better.

[Imogen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book nearly as much as the first one in the series.
I suppose I really, REALLY liked Ascension, and it would've been hard to beat. But I was still hoping!
As much as I like Corwin, I would've preferred that the book was from Nia's perspective, at least for part of the book.
I don't really have anything else to add? I will definitely be reading the third book, 'Transformation' to see how the series ends, but, after the first one was so fantastic, 'Reunion' disappointed me.

[Alex Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty typical fantasy story even if it appears not to be because of the strange way that humans and Atlantians are organized. Still, it begins to make more sense as the story goes on so that the boy and girl are brought together to be one (although its uncertain how this will play out, romantically or otherwise). The first story seemed to be a strong indication that females can be validated and otherwise not validating capable females would lead to disaster. This book appears to say that a female in distress needs a male, that men and women can be for each other to find solutions to saving civilization, life and family.

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't dislike this book, but I also don't think it's on par with the other two books in the series. We see the introduction of Corwin and follow his perspective only. I think losing Nia's point of view really lowers the reader's interest in the events as they unfold. Overall, it's an okay book in an otherwise great series.

[Melissa Ramsaur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really the sequel you hope for. Ascension was so immersive in bringing Atlantis to life that this one just falls a bit flat in comparison. I also didn’t like that the point of view changed from Nia to Corwin, it made everything feel a little too separated from the first book. Still a fun read though.

[Beth Friedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a change of POV and a surprise (to me, at least) nailing down of time and place. I had pegged the story for far-future, but no, it's pre-Arthurian, late Roman Britain. We find more about the nonhumans, which is cool. Generally enjoyable, but I'm looking forward to more Atlantis in the third book.

[kelsey! · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book was hard to get into but once Corwin met up with Nia things got much more interesting. Overall, I liked how this book finished up and am excited to read the final installment! Especially since I remember how it all wraps up.

[Desarae]

Even though I saw this coming because of some hints in the first book, the switch from the futuristic sea world to medieval land escapades felt like a whole genre change. I liked the sea world better, but am curious to see how it concludes in the final book.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventure continues. I love how she writes and keeps me in the story despite the strange and different lands. I can't wait to read to last book in the trilogy!

[Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was better than the first one in the series. It introduced a new main character while also keeping the old main character, which I liked.

[Michaell Baumler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should have said whether Nia and Corbin gave the old man his sight

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying my deep dive into Arthurian legends and fiction sprung from them. Plus Atlantis!!

[Aaron G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fantastic and love the blending of scifi and Arthurian elements with mermaid lore. Looking forward to the final book in the series!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much to say other than it's a solid continuation from Ascension.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant to read this one. The beginning was very slow, as I'm not a big historical fantasy fan, and the entire first quarter of the book was the typical medieval story. But once Nia showed back up, the story got rolling and I was hooked once more. I stayed up late, knowing I had school in the morning, just to keep reading, and the next day I was still reading it every spare chance I got. While I loved the first book, Ascension, more, I loved Reunion for many different reasons.
I have to say, Nia is one of my favorite - if not already my favorite - mermaid heroines. She is brave and daring, standing up to defy even barbaric kings in a mission to save her people. I sense a budding romance between her and Corwin. I wonder where that's going to go...
All in all, it was a fantastic read, not as good as the first, but a welcome addition to the Water Trilogy. I'm definitely sinking back into the third and final book, Transformation, and I can't wait to see how all the action, twists, and turns unfold to create the book's explosive conclusion.
So definitely check out Reunion if you're a mermaid or historical fantasy fan!

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 Stars - I don't think I have ever been more disappointed in a sequel. The story felt cluttered and rushed. I knew that this story would take place on land and that it might not seem as interesting or unique as Atlantis, but still. I really did not like the direction the story went (idea wise, it didn't seem very well thought out). There also seemed to be too many inconsistencies. Nia suddenly knew things that was explicitly stated in the first book that she did NOT know (like what it is like being an Avatar, how to use magic, and how to complete the naming ceremony). I can understand that she may have a better knowledge of things now that she is joined to a Farworlder, but it still seemed over the top. The characters lacked depth. I did not like Corwin at all. Nia seemed like a completely different character, and not in the "she has been through alot and is different" kind of way. I think I might have enjoyed the book much better if it had been written from her point of view rather than Corwin's. I know that this (and the first book) are geared to a younger audience, but this book felt especially juvenile.

The only reason I gave it an extra half star, is because the epilogue was interesting and peaked my curiosity. It lessened the otherwise bad taste the book left in my mouth.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in Wales in the year 425 is hard, but for the sixteen years of his life, Corwin has managed to survive through hard work. He never knew his father, and barely remembers his mother. He was raised by Fenwyck, a traveling entertainer who on occasion turned to thievery. But now Fenwyck is dead, killed by the evil King Vortigern, and Corwin himself is a wanted man. Hiding in a cave by the shore, Corwin discovers a beautiful and unique shell. He hopes he can make a fortune selling it, but it is stolen from him by the King's men. Corwin then encounters Nia, a mysterious girl who says she is from the lost city of Atlantis. Nia is determined to get the shell back, because it is the key to her survival, and, as it turns out, Corwin's as well. Can Nia and Corwin outwit King Vortigern in time to save their own lives? I've been eager to read this book ever since I read the first in the Water trilogy, and I was not disappointed. Kara Dalkey is a wonderful author and I can't wait to read the final book in the series, Transformation.

[Fantasy Literature · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the previous book, the sixteen year old mermyd Niniane (called "Nia" for short), discovered betrayal and conspiracy in her underwater home of Atlantis. With the escape of an evil mermyd named Ma'el and the Farworlder (powerful, intelligent squid-like creatures) that he is telepathically connected to, Atlantis was overthrown and Nia the last living Farworlder were thrown ashore.

Reunion picks up again from the point of view of Corwin, a young man whose master has recently been executed by the tyrannical King Vortigern and is now on the run himself. He makes his meager living as a beach-comber, and one this particular day he finds an extraordinary silvery shell but is soon chased from the shore by a terrible watery beast. He hopes that the shell will bring him some riches, but it is soon stolen by Vortigern's men despite the intervention of Nia herself, come ashore to ... Read More:
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[Aubrey McKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book moves from Atlantis to the world of the land-dwellers in medieval Britannica. We are introduced to the story of Corwin, a boy who has unreliable visions, and his thieving mentor. Several bad disputes with a king leaves the mentor killed and Corwin on the run for his life when he finds a shell. This shell, of course, is going to change his life forever. In this part of the trilogy, Corwin, the shell and Nia are all joined together in ways that are moderately interesting to read.

This tale didn't entrance me the first way did, because I felt as if I already knew what the land-dwellers had to offer. The king was just as corrupt as Ma'el said he would be, Ma'el was a terribly constructed villain and nobody seemed to have any true motivation. In this sequel, the reader gets to go through too many pages of cliff hangers, unnecessary barricades, and eventual triumph in the last twenty pages.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this sequel; more action from the protagonist, and more of the little prince. I like the change of MC, too, and I think that would make the series overall appealing to both genders. It's also interesting to see Nia through someone else's eyes - that new POV is refreshing, and this world is fantastic! [spoiler] As for Corwin's bloodline, I kind of expecting him to be the child of a wizard, but I think a mermyd fits better hahaha. Oh and I was expecting the narrative to switch to Nia's POV or something, but it stayed consistent with the landweller's side of things. It's nice, but I kind of wanted to really experience Nia's vengeance on Cephan... I guess the whole "blackout" was for the sake of a younger audience lol [/spoiler]

[Alana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely a far cry from the last book. SOOOO much building building and building. While enjoyable for the most part, this is sad. The minor triumphs they have are played up too much and their failures are passed over. What annoyed me now that they are joined to Gobaith is the constant internal dialogue- really reminiscent of Dune. While I understand why it's there, it's just not done well. I'm one book away from finishing the series, and she was able to get me excited for it, but this is definitely this series' "Attack of the Clones".

[Tamara✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right so I read the first book in this series some years ago and even though it's probably something I would have ADORED as an 11 year old, I still kinda enjoyed the writing as an adult??? It was just a really fun and quick read that was written in such a lush way. Unfortunately this second installment wasn't as lush as the first and it was even more trope-y and obviously directed at pre-teens... It was still fun though! I'm curious to see what will happen in the third and final book since that is when they return to the sea...

https://hercommonplaceblog.wordpress....

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a mermyd, a faraworlder, and a lad-dweller all meeting each other. But they are not just meeting each other- Tthey become JOINED. One cannot survive without the other. It is hard enough to keep themselveds alive, but carrying the lives of THREE? Thus book is sure to take an exciting turn- for better or worse. Read this book, but not yet. Read the first one of thins series. THEN, read this one. :D

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't as engaging as the first book in the trilogy. (This is part of the reason it took so long to finish. The other part being distracted by Avengers fanfic...) Partly because it takes place on land, so until the plot gets going (and there's a lot of set-up), there's not much to distract you from the lack of plot. (Whereas there was so much world building in the first you hardly noticed.) The third book takes place in the water again, and therefore promises to be more interesting.

[Casey Mage · Rating 5 out of 5]

THESE TRILOGY books are SOO GOOD. kinda cheezy yes, but hey what is wrong with that. its kina a mermaid thing but it plays into a bit of camalot and that whole story. Mostly a scifi with a touch of romance. weird but SOOOO GOOD. ive read them at least three times. but whatever you do, do not read the back of the books because they sound so stupid.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I'm still liking the characters and the plot. I still think this books as some more than pg13 moments - *coughcough* that overly long kissing scene - and I really like that the Penndragons were mention as I love the Arthurian tales, but I have a feeling I won't hear any more of them.

Can't wait to get to book three.

[Valine · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didn't say in the review of the first book that this would be age appropiate as juvenile/yound adult read. I enjoyed this book too.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read. Though it was semi-disappointing that the story is being told from a different perspective. Takes the series into an unexpected place.