In today’s Magic Monday book review, I’m sharing Shallows by Denver Evans, a fantasy novel with a dash of romance, plenty of mystery…and mermaids!
Here’s the cover and blurb:
The sea isn’t safe. Only the bravest and strongest become sailors. Luminescent mermaids roam the depths and the shallows, mouthing words no one can hear, never surfacing.
Raised all his life in an island fishing village, bookish Emerson Kadwell has always been warned away from the shore. But an infant memory of a song and the lapping of waves continually draw him.
When Emerson finds a mermaid stranded in an isolated part of the shoreline, the truth about his past and hers will change his world forever.
The cover intrigued me, and that blurb! A bookish inventor and mysterious mermaids? Sign me up!
I dove into the story, which quickly turned my expectations upside down. Where I thought I would find a budding romance between Emerson and the mermaid he rescues, the truth of the matter is far darker (and a spoiler, so I can’t say more than that here!)
There is romance, just a hint, and not only is it realistic in its portrayal, it makes me want to give Emerson a good shake a few times at his obliviousness (the guy’s book-smart but not exactly people-smart).
As Emerson seeks justice for the mermaids, he hits obstacle after obstacle. Denver Evans doesn’t pull her punches–her characters have to fight for what’s right every step of the way.
My favorite character is Lilyse. In spite of her circumstances, Lilyse is a strong person (and a lot smarter regarding people than Emerson!)
I recommend this to readers who enjoy mermaid tales with a dash of romance and plenty of heart. You can find it on Amazon.
