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Mermaid's Return #1-3
Mermaid's Return: The Complete Series
Returning
It's time to leave the ocean. Mira has been at sea for... well, she doesn't know how many years. It's hard to keep track of time when you live in the vast depths of the ocean. But after countless years, the relentless call of the salt water triggers the desire to procreate, and her time is up.
For weeks, Mira has been tirelessly swimming north, her heart set on finding a mate. Finding a partner is the most important thing to her right now, and to fulfill her deepest longing, she must return to the place where she was last human—the coastal city of Saltford.
Equipped with everything she needs to lure her perfect mate and produce a strong siren child, Mira emerges from the depths with determination coursing through her veins. Dive into an enchanting tale where an extraordinary mermaid ventures into uncharted waters of the heart, risking everything for a chance at true love.
Falling
Revealing herself means losing her true love, so how far will she go to protect her identity?
Things are progressing with Mira and Nathan's relationship, although not nearly as quickly as Mira would like. If it were up to her, they'd be well on their way to making a family by now. But Nathan's traditional ways means Mira has to hold herself back. Not an easy ask for a siren.
Just as Mira's life seems to be heading in the right direction, her estranged father makes an unexpected appearance. When past events that should have been erased from his memory begin to surface, driving him mad, everything Mira believed about the powers of a siren's voice is thrown into doubt.
How will she cope when a member of her own family becomes the enemy?
Surfacing
I am a creature of the deep, a mermaid, trapped on land because my daughter has yet to have her salt-birth and claim her siren heritage. The only mermaid to have known all five stages of grief. I am a single mother, without a job, who needs to support my human child. And ignore the ever-increasing call of the ocean’s Salt.
Surfacing tells the story of the final phase of Mira’s return to Saltford, as she strives to navigate human society, and finds a career for which she is uniquely qualified. But, not only is she a woman in a man’s world, she is a siren who creates reactions in human males just by being who—what—she is. Can she overcome prejudice, other supernaturals, and the Salt to finance her daughter’s upbringing?
It's time to leave the ocean. Mira has been at sea for... well, she doesn't know how many years. It's hard to keep track of time when you live in the vast depths of the ocean. But after countless years, the relentless call of the salt water triggers the desire to procreate, and her time is up.
For weeks, Mira has been tirelessly swimming north, her heart set on finding a mate. Finding a partner is the most important thing to her right now, and to fulfill her deepest longing, she must return to the place where she was last human—the coastal city of Saltford.
Equipped with everything she needs to lure her perfect mate and produce a strong siren child, Mira emerges from the depths with determination coursing through her veins. Dive into an enchanting tale where an extraordinary mermaid ventures into uncharted waters of the heart, risking everything for a chance at true love.
Falling
Revealing herself means losing her true love, so how far will she go to protect her identity?
Things are progressing with Mira and Nathan's relationship, although not nearly as quickly as Mira would like. If it were up to her, they'd be well on their way to making a family by now. But Nathan's traditional ways means Mira has to hold herself back. Not an easy ask for a siren.
Just as Mira's life seems to be heading in the right direction, her estranged father makes an unexpected appearance. When past events that should have been erased from his memory begin to surface, driving him mad, everything Mira believed about the powers of a siren's voice is thrown into doubt.
How will she cope when a member of her own family becomes the enemy?
Surfacing
I am a creature of the deep, a mermaid, trapped on land because my daughter has yet to have her salt-birth and claim her siren heritage. The only mermaid to have known all five stages of grief. I am a single mother, without a job, who needs to support my human child. And ignore the ever-increasing call of the ocean’s Salt.
Surfacing tells the story of the final phase of Mira’s return to Saltford, as she strives to navigate human society, and finds a career for which she is uniquely qualified. But, not only is she a woman in a man’s world, she is a siren who creates reactions in human males just by being who—what—she is. Can she overcome prejudice, other supernaturals, and the Salt to finance her daughter’s upbringing?
- GenresFantasy
414 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2018
About the author
A.L. Knorr
88 books742 followersA.L. Knorr is a USA Today Bestselling Author and award-winning Canadian conjurer of clean fantasy for teens and the young at heart. Her stories blend elemental magic, epic adventure, fierce female leads, and just enough romance to make your heart flutter (without needing to hide the book from your grandma).
Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.
No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.
And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.
Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
www(dot)alknorrbooks(dot)com
Find her on IG @alknorrbooks
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01NBAUVKO
Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/alknorrbooks
Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.
No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.
And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.
Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
www(dot)alknorrbooks(dot)com
Find her on IG @alknorrbooks
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01NBAUVKO
Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/alknorrbooks
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 10, 2024
I wanted to read the prequel series before ever starting the next set. I did greatly enjoy this story, even without reading the elemental series first. I didn't get too good of a grasp on who Mira was, but her life was hard. I can't believe all the loss she has suffered. Having to keep the secrets she does makes anything she does harder. I hate how she's had to hide, but after what Chad did in the first part of the book, I understand having to hide even more. It's not fair what Mira has lost and had to endure. Every bit of her grief is palatable. I wonder what is going on with her daughter. I just hope Targa doesn't lose her mother the way Mira did.
September 26, 2019
Returning (#1) 5⭐️
I loved this book. I actually started my adventure with Born to Water. It’s Mira’s daughter’s story. Coming back to the beginning has been wonderful. I really like Mira. She’s a strong, intelligent and very adaptable individual. I’ve gained more insight into Mira’s personality. For as much we are lead to believe that sirens don’t have a lot of human emotions and feelings I felt that Mira had quite a bit. More than Mira allows herself to believe she has.
My heart went out to her while she experienced the flash backs from years ago.
The start of Mira’s adventure has some good twists and surprises in it.
Falling (#2) 5⭐️
This was a charming and heartwarming sequel. Mira has a bitter sweet reunion with her father. She learns some things she didn’t know before and ends up having to make some tuff decisions.
I love how Mira and Nate’s relationship develops grows. They are a great couple. The ending holds a couple of surprises for the two.
Surfacing (#3) 4⭐️
It was heartbreaking when Mira and Targa lost Nate. To see both of them struggling to come to terms with that loss. Although the oceans call is strong Mira’s love for her daughter is stronger. Surfacing is well written and does a great job transitioning Mira’s story to Targa’s story.
Now that I’m all caught up I can’t wait to start Born of Aether.
I loved this book. I actually started my adventure with Born to Water. It’s Mira’s daughter’s story. Coming back to the beginning has been wonderful. I really like Mira. She’s a strong, intelligent and very adaptable individual. I’ve gained more insight into Mira’s personality. For as much we are lead to believe that sirens don’t have a lot of human emotions and feelings I felt that Mira had quite a bit. More than Mira allows herself to believe she has.
My heart went out to her while she experienced the flash backs from years ago.
The start of Mira’s adventure has some good twists and surprises in it.
Falling (#2) 5⭐️
This was a charming and heartwarming sequel. Mira has a bitter sweet reunion with her father. She learns some things she didn’t know before and ends up having to make some tuff decisions.
I love how Mira and Nate’s relationship develops grows. They are a great couple. The ending holds a couple of surprises for the two.
Surfacing (#3) 4⭐️
It was heartbreaking when Mira and Targa lost Nate. To see both of them struggling to come to terms with that loss. Although the oceans call is strong Mira’s love for her daughter is stronger. Surfacing is well written and does a great job transitioning Mira’s story to Targa’s story.
Now that I’m all caught up I can’t wait to start Born of Aether.
September 9, 2019
This review was initially posted on Audible.com, for the audio book version.
I have been a huge fan of A.L. Knorr for over a year now, particularly of her Elementals series. This story is a prequel to the main series and follows the mother of one of the Elemental girls - Mira, who is a mermaid (although in the book they use the word "siren"). This story spans about 12ish years (rough mental calculation) and shows us Mira's more significant moments: how she pauses her life at sea and tries to adapt back to living between humans in the hope of finding her love and having a child. We get to join her through some amusing, cringing, happy and sad moments as she rediscovers her human half.
The story itself is beautifully written. While I've usually been reticent with stories written in the 1st person, this time I felt able to connect quickly to the characters and the plot. Mira herself is a well-rounded character, especially thanks to her starting oddness (after living in the sea for 8 years, how quickly would anyone adapt to social subtleties?). I've also loved her quirky (and totally opposite) friend Crystal and her daughter Targa (who is the main character of the book "Born of Water"). The story has some very nice plot twists which I found quite unexpected - the man she falls for ("imprints on") is taken!... or is he, really? You have to listen to the story to find out!
Audio-wise, I have to say that Gabra Zackman was a wonderful choice! She has a deeper, more sultry voice and the more I listened, the more I felt that it suited the character perfectly. Aside from this, she changes her tone nicely during dialogue, and both male and female characters sound good. The pace was also perfect for me. Another aspect I really loved was that I felt Mira's character in the tone of voice: she is usually indifferent to people and that indifference can be felt in the voice, but when it comes to people who she cares about, you can feel the emotion. Also, when Mira uses her "siren voice", which can influence/control people, the change of tone also works great.
I really recommend this book to people who like fantasy stories placed in a modern setting or who love sirens/mermaids. It has a dash of everything: a reaching-maturity side, a romance side, an adventure side etc. I also found out quite a bit about what pro diving and water salvaging entails!
There is one aspect I dislike, but it has more to do with the presentation of the book than the book itself. While on my Android app, I didn't see anywhere the mention that this was initially written as 3 different novellas. While listening, it mentions the titles as "Book 1 - Returning", "Book 2 - Falling", and "Book 3 - Surfacing", but I would have loved to see them in the chapter titles, so as to know in advance where a section ends and another begins. As it is, we get a list of 71 chapters which make up the whole series.
I have been a huge fan of A.L. Knorr for over a year now, particularly of her Elementals series. This story is a prequel to the main series and follows the mother of one of the Elemental girls - Mira, who is a mermaid (although in the book they use the word "siren"). This story spans about 12ish years (rough mental calculation) and shows us Mira's more significant moments: how she pauses her life at sea and tries to adapt back to living between humans in the hope of finding her love and having a child. We get to join her through some amusing, cringing, happy and sad moments as she rediscovers her human half.
The story itself is beautifully written. While I've usually been reticent with stories written in the 1st person, this time I felt able to connect quickly to the characters and the plot. Mira herself is a well-rounded character, especially thanks to her starting oddness (after living in the sea for 8 years, how quickly would anyone adapt to social subtleties?). I've also loved her quirky (and totally opposite) friend Crystal and her daughter Targa (who is the main character of the book "Born of Water"). The story has some very nice plot twists which I found quite unexpected - the man she falls for ("imprints on") is taken!... or is he, really? You have to listen to the story to find out!
Audio-wise, I have to say that Gabra Zackman was a wonderful choice! She has a deeper, more sultry voice and the more I listened, the more I felt that it suited the character perfectly. Aside from this, she changes her tone nicely during dialogue, and both male and female characters sound good. The pace was also perfect for me. Another aspect I really loved was that I felt Mira's character in the tone of voice: she is usually indifferent to people and that indifference can be felt in the voice, but when it comes to people who she cares about, you can feel the emotion. Also, when Mira uses her "siren voice", which can influence/control people, the change of tone also works great.
I really recommend this book to people who like fantasy stories placed in a modern setting or who love sirens/mermaids. It has a dash of everything: a reaching-maturity side, a romance side, an adventure side etc. I also found out quite a bit about what pro diving and water salvaging entails!
There is one aspect I dislike, but it has more to do with the presentation of the book than the book itself. While on my Android app, I didn't see anywhere the mention that this was initially written as 3 different novellas. While listening, it mentions the titles as "Book 1 - Returning", "Book 2 - Falling", and "Book 3 - Surfacing", but I would have loved to see them in the chapter titles, so as to know in advance where a section ends and another begins. As it is, we get a list of 71 chapters which make up the whole series.
December 14, 2019
Returning: A Water Novella. After reading Born of Water: An Elemental Origins Novel, I welcomed the chance to read Mira’s story. WOW, another incredible read, perhaps even better than Born of Water.
Falling: Previously titled Returning, Episode II (Mira's Return Book 2). WOW, another incredible read, perhaps even better than Born of Water.
Surfacing: A Water Novel (Returning Book 3), my seventeenth read from author A.L. Knorr. I’ve been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment. Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story. I’ll be reading more from this author! Another must-read book! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Falling: Previously titled Returning, Episode II (Mira's Return Book 2). WOW, another incredible read, perhaps even better than Born of Water.
Surfacing: A Water Novel (Returning Book 3), my seventeenth read from author A.L. Knorr. I’ve been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment. Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story. I’ll be reading more from this author! Another must-read book! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 8, 2019
I had bought the box set of Elemental Origins Series but hadn't started it as yet so was stoked when I was able to read this first in order to get the background to the main series. I just loved Mira with how unfiltered she was when speaking to people due to her personality as well as the fact as much as she wants a mate she doesn't want to use her siren voice to get him. Her past is a sad one and then seeing all she goes through firstly with Chad, then her farther and lastly with Nathan you are left going through an emotional roller coaster ride and as much as you would love to give Mira a hug you know she ain't that kinda girl lol I can not wait to dive into the Elemental Origins Series now knowing how it all began!
September 3, 2026
This was an interesting take on the mermaid urban fantasy genre. "Returning" and "Falling" are romances between Mira and Nathan, while "Surfacing" is focused on Mira as a mother. They are fairly short books, so having them all in the box set was nice.
I didn't realize before reading them that these are a prequel to another book, but they're meant to be read after that book. These three work fine as a stand-alone, but something that happened between books 2 and 3 caught me off-guard. It was a little jarring, and I would have expected it if reading it after Born of Water instead of before.
I didn't realize before reading them that these are a prequel to another book, but they're meant to be read after that book. These three work fine as a stand-alone, but something that happened between books 2 and 3 caught me off-guard. It was a little jarring, and I would have expected it if reading it after Born of Water instead of before.
November 3, 2020
I loved this book. Born of Water was the first AL Knorr book that I read and I recall emailing the author after reading it begging for more. To my surprise I received a reply letting me know that there was more. This is a prequel to Targa’s elemental story, and I loved it. It had humour, adventure, mystery and magic, and heartache that you can feel. I won’t give any spoilers away but it slides nicely onto Born of Water. As I read the book I could see the story as if it were a movie playing out in my head and I hope one day to actually see it as a movie (swiftly followed by the elementals stories).
January 30, 2020
This is a collection of three stories of Mira. It starts off with Mira leaving the sea after her first salt cycle looking for a mate. It is a sweet love story and we get to find out Mira’s history. The second book follows Nate and Mira as they start their wedded bliss and conceive of a child. The third story is about Targa’s young life and how Mira starts as a diver. I listened to the elemental series first before this series so it was fun to get the background on Targa’s young life and find out about Nate, Mira’s love. Great story. I’m ready for more.
January 1, 2019
THE MERMAID THAT STAYS.💥💥💥💥💥
Heartwarming tale of instincts, attraction, love, tragedy and struggling to provide as a mother. I just love these elemental paranormal books by this author, they just tug at your heart strings and reel you into another world that will have you smiling, sometimes tearing up and unwilling to stop reading until you've soaked up each small detail. Recommended
Heartwarming tale of instincts, attraction, love, tragedy and struggling to provide as a mother. I just love these elemental paranormal books by this author, they just tug at your heart strings and reel you into another world that will have you smiling, sometimes tearing up and unwilling to stop reading until you've soaked up each small detail. Recommended
November 30, 2019
My review is based on the audiobook This is such a fantastic fantasy story. I couldn't help but become invested in Mira's journey early on. I love how the author puts a mermaid into modern day human situations. The narrator was excellent in bringing the characters and story to life. I look forward to more from this author
December 24, 2018
More background
It’s fascinating reading about things from Mira’s perspective, and seeing Targa as a young child. More of their history is filled in, which helps to give a better understanding for Slat & Stone. Definitely worth reading.
It’s fascinating reading about things from Mira’s perspective, and seeing Targa as a young child. More of their history is filled in, which helps to give a better understanding for Slat & Stone. Definitely worth reading.
January 30, 2019
What a mermaid story. Mira's story starts good and goes to fantastic! What a easy reading storytelling series. Loved the daily life of mom, Mira and daughter, Targa. This series is the top of the chart and one I would read again and again. Great writing!
February 10, 2019
A nice compilation of Mira's story! I wish there was another story between #2 and #3, but they are so good and tie in so well to Targa's story in other books! Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
August 21, 2019
Short & sweet
I really liked the bits and pieces which made up Mira's life, and that of Nathan; the father of Targa. It answered yet again some questions in all the books in this series, and in the Siren's Curse.
I really liked the bits and pieces which made up Mira's life, and that of Nathan; the father of Targa. It answered yet again some questions in all the books in this series, and in the Siren's Curse.
December 11, 2023
love these feel good stories
An interesting background to Targa’s early years. The beautiful description and soothing tone we expect of A L Knorr. The type of book perfect for a rainy day or the beach.
An interesting background to Targa’s early years. The beautiful description and soothing tone we expect of A L Knorr. The type of book perfect for a rainy day or the beach.
April 23, 2024
when is the next series????
A.L.Knorr is a great writer not only for young adults but seniors who love the thrill of the fantasy world. These stories are exciting, and I am ready for more.
A.L.Knorr is a great writer not only for young adults but seniors who love the thrill of the fantasy world. These stories are exciting, and I am ready for more.
December 5, 2025
Nice Prequels
I didn't know about this prequel until after I had read the complete series. It is an excellent and entertaining read. I love A L Knorr's writing style and imagination. I highly recommend.
I didn't know about this prequel until after I had read the complete series. It is an excellent and entertaining read. I love A L Knorr's writing style and imagination. I highly recommend.
April 15, 2019
Midas return
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a must read! Can't wait for more from this Author.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a must read! Can't wait for more from this Author.
May 30, 2021
Great series for those looking for that mermaid/merman story.
October 10, 2021
Well Written Mermaid Fantasy
Clean, well written, great story. I wish more good authors would write Mermaid Fantasy. Knorr takes you under the sea with beautiful imagery.
Clean, well written, great story. I wish more good authors would write Mermaid Fantasy. Knorr takes you under the sea with beautiful imagery.
November 21, 2021
Wonderful!
I burned through these three books like fire! I’m not so sure I’ve read her series in order but regardless I’ve enjoyed every single one of her books!
I burned through these three books like fire! I’m not so sure I’ve read her series in order but regardless I’ve enjoyed every single one of her books!
March 9, 2022
So interesting and hard to put down.
This book set is so fascinating and hard to put down . I started reading the book set last night
This book set is so fascinating and hard to put down . I started reading the book set last night
May 27, 2022
A good read,!
Enjoyed the series. Will recommend to other people. Have read 6 of her books and will read more when I can.
Enjoyed the series. Will recommend to other people. Have read 6 of her books and will read more when I can.
March 11, 2023
It made me cry.
January 24, 2024
Je l'ai trouvé sympa. Bien pour passer le temps mais sans plus.
January 25, 2024
Mermaid
Enjoyed reading this fantasy book. Editors need to correct some words and placement of them. Recommend if you like fantasy and strong female characters.
Enjoyed reading this fantasy book. Editors need to correct some words and placement of them. Recommend if you like fantasy and strong female characters.
March 9, 2025
captivating
This is a series well written it really only makes sense if you are reading the other sets of books but nicely done
This is a series well written it really only makes sense if you are reading the other sets of books but nicely done
December 2, 2025
really enjoyed this read about mermaids and their life cycles done as a story
July 21, 2023
Honestly I didn't finish it. I couldn't.
The love story was way too rushed and I felt unsatisfied with it. Honestly, I wish it wasn't so rushed.
It could've done very well.
The love story was way too rushed and I felt unsatisfied with it. Honestly, I wish it wasn't so rushed.
It could've done very well.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews