Merletta’s reality has been overturned…but nothing in her world has changed
Merletta’s enemies may think they’ve bested her, but she’s always been a survivor. Now she has a choice to make—protect herself, or expose the Center’s lies? The question only becomes more complex when she learns she’s not the only one to have paid the price for her flight to Vazula.
Meanwhile, Heath finally has the chance to bring the two factions of his family together. Except he can’t seem to care about anything after losing Merletta. Then, just as his stirring magic ignites hope he hadn’t dared to hold, a trip to Kyona threatens to overset Valoria’s fragile peace.
Heath and Merletta’s reunion is bittersweet—so much has changed, but so much remains out of reach. As she faces her deadly second year test, Merletta’s future has never been less certain. And Heath is increasingly torn between loyalties, with the lives of those dearest to him on the line. It will take every bit of determination and magic they can muster to find a way to tomorrow.
Deborah Grace White was more or less born reading. She grew up on a wide range of books, from classic literature to light-hearted romps. Her love of fantasy was inevitable from the time her father read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to her and her siblings when she was four years old.
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Again I really enjoyed both of the stories taking place. But by the end of the book the thing that had been a tiny note of discontent became larger.
I liked Merletta's story.
I liked Heath's story.
I did not like THEIR story.
Merletta and Heath both had super interesting things going on in their world with a rich cast of characters. But together we were on one island doing nothing but talking. And not fun dialogue. No, they spent most of the time catching each other up. "This is what I've been doing." Which as the reader I already KNEW this stuff. So while it made sense they were catching each other up for the reader it's like an unneeded recap of the most important things from each story.
It. Was. So. Boring.
I actually started skimming their sections because it gave no new information and wasn't fun to read. Even the non-recap stuff was like, "It's so hard right now. I don't know what to do. It's so nice just being here relaxing."
Other than that this was another great book. It was fun seeing how Merletta persevered and I felt heavily invested in how things would turn out for her people and the powered people of Heath's country.
After Merletta's startling discovery on Vazula, she spends some time away from the Three Kingdoms as she decides what to do with her new knowledge about the depths of the Center's lies to the people. If she goes back, should she speak up, trust someone else with what she has learned and risk her very life? Or should she hold her silence, stay away, and give up her dreams to become a record holder? As for Heath, his physical wounds are nothing compared to the wounds appearing between the Valorians and the Valorian power-wielders. No matter what he does, he can't seem to find the way to heal the cracks forming between the crown and his power-wielding relatives, not even as his power is steadily growing. If he can't even mend his friendship with Reka, how can he hope to heal a more and more divided kingdom? I wish I hadn't read this to fluff out the final 2022 Kindle Challenge days - it meant over 6 hours of reading across about a month, which was too long to draw out this book when so much is going on. Heath and Merletta see very little of each other, and when they do, they have very little they can do to help the other through their respective trials other than offer words of support, encouragement, and advice. Two of the strengths of this book are the steadily worsening divisions between the power wielders and the Valorian crown (so many real-world echoes!) and the dangers of deciding whether to speak out about lies and false fears in the very fabric of a whole society. Each Heath and Merletta had very intriguing stories of their own, with their own sets of troubles and triumphs. (Well, maybe much less on the latter for Heath....) Once again Ms. White continues to deepen and enrich the worlds of Valoria and the Triple Kingdoms, giving us nearly as many teasers as revelations. I am quite interested to find out where this is going: how will Merletta fare with revealing the secrets of the Center, how will Heath fare with his choice to develop his magic further, how will the Triple Kingdoms and Valoria deal not only with their internal struggles, but - sure as Heath and Merletta met - also with potentially meeting each other? If Valorians struggle to accept power-wielders, and most of the Triple Kingdoms struggle to recognize Tilssted, what will it take to help them get along? (I can't see them never meeting, though there's not much to support it now other than Heath, Merletta, and Reka's interactions.)
A quote: [Merletta] knew she'd be more convincing if she could keep her emotions out of it. - location 4749/6343 - I mean there were probably more memorable lines, but this stuck out at me because the stigma still exists that women are too emotional. In order to be taken seriously, women need to show no emotion or at least as little as possible when in the public sphere, otherwise our emotions will be taken as weakness, as a reason to not take us seriously, as a reason to doubt our experiences/knowledge, as a reason to dismiss us and our work. And that's not fair to anyone, least of all us women.
This continuation of the Little Mermaid retelling was great! Definitely had more emotions caused by this book in my opinion, partially due to where book 1 ended and therefore where book 2 picked up. I loved watching Heath grow more in this story as he realizes what he wants and what actually matters to him, especially once he's actually willing to work for it. Merletta is maturing and finding allies in some unlikely places, it's interesting to say the least. I loved them finally getting their first kiss, so swoony and too short! But I'm glad they both kept reliving it, it's so fun to be in love for the first time and since I can't have that again, I love reading it and re-experiencing it through characters I'm reading. I'm loving learning more about Rayka's backstory after having read White's Kingdom Tales already and some of the comments Rayka makes in those books make so much more sense as I watch this story unfold. Can't wait to see what happens next.
4.5 Stars. I like this series! This installment was a bit slow, but I was invested in both characters' stories--more so in Heath's. Percival. Is. So. Stupid. I just love the magic and the dragons in this world!
The short version is: Don’t wait to read this series! It is delightful and left me wanting more.
I have greatly enjoyed the Vazula Chronicles so far. This series is perfect for those who appreciate fantasy with a hint of romance and plenty of intrigue, action, and dragons! Author Deborah Grace White writes with subtle humor and a style that quickly immerses me in the world of her stories and leaves me reluctant to set them down until I’ve read every word.
The creativity of the worlds she has created is fun and entertaining. While not intentionally a critical reader, inconsistencies do tend to jump out at me. Yet I don’t remember ever having that annoying sense of stumbling upon parts of her stories that don’t make sense. It is especially delightful that she has drawn all the worlds of her various series together while still allowing each one to stand on its own.
Having mentioned my appreciation of the characters in a review of A Kingdom Submerged, I won’t repeat that here. Instead, I will say how delighted I was with Merletta’s trials as she learned how to navigate the world with legs! Her difficulties with drying out and her solution made me smile, especially when the “real” cause was revealed.
Entangled in a conspiracy to hide the truth, Merletta didn’t know who she could trust. She ended up finding allies in unexpected places. The tests she endured to advance in her training were startling, and though there was violence, it simply added to the suspense and was not overdone.
The Vazula Chronicles‘ stories build on each other, so be sure to read them in order. A Kingdom Threatened (August 26, 2022) and A Kingdom Restored (October 7, 2022) are available for pre-order now. Readers who enjoy clean fantasy will not want to miss them.
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Is it good? Despite falling into traditional new author traps such as pacing issues, White's thrilling storyline, unique characters, and phenomenal world building make this series astounding. It far surpasses typical YA stories. It is just as enjoyable for teens as adults.
Is it appropriate for your children? There is no swearing, and despite boasting a sweet romance, the 'Vazula' series only (mildly) sexual content are chaste kisses and a few references to the hero's shock at the mermaid's 'shells' and the difference in winter human attire to summer mermaid attire. There is some violence. The heroine trains as a guard and has a few real fights. This is appropriate for the adventure genre and no more detailed than the next tale. The tension is possibly the most mature thing in this series. It increases as the series progresses, and there is at least one assassin attempt in each novel, though these are usually off page or non violent. The last book culminates in a battle. 10-12+.
My ratings of books depend on how they make me feel in a specific moment of time. For me, I think it was the perfect time to start reading this series. Everything about the writing seems simple, straightforward and clear, which may not be your cup of tea if you’re after a complex, intensely epic high fantasy world. It’s unpretentious and is what it is, which is a fantasy world that involves mermaids and dragons, court dealings and romance, adventures and danger. Nothing is new here, but the style doesn’t feel burdensome or tropey. Instead, it’s light, easy to follow, and again a really pleasant read. Overall, a great recommendation if you just want to escape from your dreary reality and dip your toes in a lovely sea fantasy.
I requested & received this Audiobook for free from the Publisher. My opinions are my own.
Real Rating 3.5* (rounded up since I plan to continue the series)
This is an occasion when I mostly feel like saying, "just read my review of the first book." What I liked in the first book, I still like here. And what I didn't like, I still don't like. Here are some notes on the differences.
THE BAD - The King & Perceival have progressed from tiresome to irritating.
THE GOOD - I am glad that Merletta appears to be gaining a few more allies (we'll see if they are actual friends or not).
THE NARRATION - Continues to be good, though a bit slow. I find it very soothing & relaxing, without it being sophorific.
This was a great continuation of Merletta & Heath's story. There were a few new characters introduced, side characters from the previous book were developed more, and tensions in both kingdoms grew tighter. I liked that Merletta started letting a few people in on her secrets, although I am worried about how that might affect things. I feel bad for Heath because he's got a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, and it's not going well at all. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the story plays out in the next book. I listened to the audiobook version of this and really enjoyed the narration. (Would not recommend reading this one before book 1. This book very much builds on the previous book in the series.)
Sometimes the kingdom we discover is inside us. That proves true for both Merletta the mermaid and Heath, the human son of a duke. As their friendship pushes into something deeper, their individual worlds that they are seeking to unify in kindness and truth are breaking apart, and both find their lives threatened. They are both burdened by it.
However, Merletta advises, “Heath, you’re not responsible for their choices. And you can’t be responsible for mine. Whatever comes of them.”
The character arcs and plot twists in this second book of the series are more engaging and credible than the first book. I have grown to really care about the primary characters and the challenges they face.
If you love books about dragons, merfolk and medieval-type humans, you’ll like this one!
This book was great! The ending was amazing, and although there were a lot of loose ends that I'll have to wait for the third book to explain, I'm content for now after reading that last couple pages. The main characters both had very interesting stories, and as their POVs switched back and forth I had a hard time deciding whose I most wanted to get to. I like to read series like the three that Deborah Grace White wrote, ones that connect back to each other while having unique plot lines. I can't wait until the next book comes out!
I’m loving this series so far!! 😍 There’s so many mysteries and secrets that I’m dying to uncover. Both Merletta and Heath have their own separate stories going on, with tensions rising on both sides that keep you turning the page. I like that we get a few reprieves throughout the book when they meet up on the island. All in all a fascinating story with relatable characters and amazing world building! 😆
The second book in this series has remained in line with the first, and is very well done! It’s fun to see where things lead with Heath’s kingdom issues escalating, as well as Malleta’s. The ending for Heaths storyline does make me apprehensive, so I’m interested to see how things turn out in the third book. Not necessarily a romance, but the few instances of flirtation are just so mild and tender, and the slow movement of it is refreshing. Definitely recommending this one to friends!
A solidly compelling sequel. Actions have consequences, for better or worse, and characters grow over the course of a year. There's enough pain to make sure that growth happens, but enough joy and discovery to keep the book's overall tone more optimistic than not. I'm excited to dive into the next one!
Book 2, A Kingdom Discovered, delivers again! This book had me hooked and kept me drawn into the story with all of the intrigue that Heath and Merletta have to navigate. I am off to buy book three so I can continue the journey, I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Summary: It’s year two at mermaid academy! But our heroes have been separated and injured/extremely sidetracked by the events of the last novel, and it takes them a good, solid minute to get back to the status quo of meeting each other secretly behind everyone’s back.
That just means we have MORE secrets for fish girl to uncover at her semi-hostile magic school.
MORE feuding family members for human boy to wag his finger at.
And MORE random dragons doing mysterious dragon-y things.
Yay!
Pros: This book starts basically where the last book stopped and is a great continuation. I really enjoyed how the story continued to develop and the new friends/magics/enemies we discovered along the way.
Cons: The only “complaint” I have for this one (that I didn’t already mention in the first one) is that sometimes it was harder for me to keep all the branches of the royal family straight, but I think a lot of those same characters are from an earlier series that I haven’t read and would be fun cameos for those who have.
Conclusion: I’m still reading! Straight on to the next one!
The two main characters are very good friends. Towards the end of the second book they realize they kind of like each other and they briefly kiss. I love though that they both are fighting for their own cause in their own kingdoms. She’s not just the supporting role in his story, and vice versa.
This second installment keeps following Heath and Merletta in their ever-growing problems. Tensions keep rising and so do the stakes, but it’s still encouraging to see how the characters are forced to persist and endure and find ways to grow through their circumstances. The romance is sweetly developing, and I can’t wait to see more of it!
Working my way through this series by White. I’ve read that she values writing clean books, and I do appreciate that as a parent! So far this series hasn’t had tons of romance. The 2 MCs don’t see each other very often. The plots they’re experiencing in their own worlds is very interesting too! So I would definitely recommend these so far.
3.5 ⭐️ This story kept me interested after the cliff hanger ending of the first. Its clean and agenda free, but there is some discussion of “a lot of skin showing” since merletta is a mermaid and how heath notices. They also shared a passionate kiss and it gets described. Again, not inappropriate per se, but I wouldn’t give to anyone younger than 13/14.
I rated this 4.5 stars. I am enjoying this series and following the two stories of Heath and Merletta. Heath is anger and missing important events happening around him. Merletta is finding more corruption in the Centers heart. She is trying to decide what to do. Heath is finding his magic is stronger than first suspected.
Contains: kisses and some mild fighting. This one is full of political problems as tensions build between the power-wielders and the crown on land and Merletta seeks answers and the truth in the sea.
Ok so I know that there is going to ultimately be a happy ending, but there were moments there when I wasn't sure how it would happen... Things are heating up in the two kingdoms. I just hope everyone makes it out safely!
A Kingdom Discovered continues to develop conspiracies and relationships, secrets and discoveries, and purposes and powers. There was danger and suspense as well as humor and tender moments. The book leaves one excited for what comes next.
This book fell a bit flat, there was barely anything advanced in the plot or the storyline. I was waiting for some more of the plot to reveal itself but it didn’t happen. I like the characters but the same old with them got boring. I wanted more action and something new.
I stopped and came back to finish it. This book is bogged down in details. It’s slow as the plot thickens! The deception in the storyline and character development was fun to read, but still too slow. I’m glad that the dragon made it in again, it was boring without him.
This book was so good! I couldn't put it down. I love where the story is going, all the mysteries yet to be solved, and the blossoming love between Merletta and Heath.