Rating: Good
Source: Library
Description: Mermaid Annika is from the sea, and it is there she must return after her quest to find the stars. New to this world, her purity and beauty are nothing less than breathtaking, along with her graceful athleticism, as her five new friends discovered when they retrieved the fire star.
Now, through space and time, traveler Sawyer King has brought the guardians to the island of Capri, where the water star is hidden. And as he watches Annika in her element, he finds himself drawn to her joyful spirit. But Sawyer knows that if he allows her into his heart, no compass could ever guide him back to solid ground...
And in the darkness, their enemy broods. She lost one star to the guardians, but there is still time for blood to be spilled—the mermaid’s in the water and the traveler’s on the land. For she has forged a dangerous new weapon. Something deadly and unpredictable. Something human.
Genre: Romantic Suspense - Paranormal
Why I Picked This Book:
My Impression: While I really liked Annika in the first book I wasn't sure that I would like having her as the main character. She's so upbeat and innocent and her joy at the unfamiliar world seemed like they could be a bit much. Plus, with all that innocence would a romance with her and a human feel sketchy?
While Annika did retain her unicorns and rainbows personality we did get a little more depth to her personality and I really enjoyed learning more about the rules and customs of the mer-people. She's tougher than she seems but doesn't let that toughness cause her to become cynical. The romance was what I was most worried about but Roberts did a good job of making it feel like Annika had full agency and was emotionally aware and ready for a physical relationship. Annika really takes the lead and there are a number of conversations that show that she isn't a child, she's just more open and less complicated about relationships than humans tend to be.
The quest plotline is developing but no real conclusions are reached in this book though progress is made. This book is a little darker and a little more violent than the previous book though Roberts doesn't get overly graphic. I really enjoy seeing the 6 work together as a team using all the gifts. They're not always in agreement but they really do listen to each other. As well I like the relationships between the men and women who aren't in a romantic relationship. They feel like real friends and like partners. I'm glad I waited to read this one until the 3rd book because this book ends just as they're beginning the third part of the quest and I can't wait to dive in!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author: Absolutely! Roberts is a go to read for me and while I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first one I'm looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you like romantic suspense with a paranormal edge then this is a great trilogy but read the first book before this one or you'll be totally lost!
I liked Annika for all the reasons you mention. And I enjoyed the trilogy, now they are off to Ireland. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm really curious about this series. I'm so glad that Annika didn't feel like a child, and that she had agency.
ReplyDeleteI've only read one other mermaid book, and it was by Joey Hill. Definitely different characterization though. I usually stay away from series that have to be read in order, because I'll get lost, or the books end up on the pile like forever. Your review is great! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteOh, it also surprises me that Nora Roberts is the author. Very different.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Nora Roberts wrote books with paranormal elements or mer- people for that matter until recently. Interesting! Glad this was good and that the friendship relationships were done well.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Greg in that I had no idea Nora Roberts wrote romance with paranormal elements. I have seen these books around, I think I need to check them out. I have never read a book with a mermaid in it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteSounds nicely done! The overly unicorn and rainbows can be a bit too much for me so good to hear had other things happening, too.
ReplyDeleteI'd give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that I have ever read a book with mermaids. I need to pick up Nora Roberts more often because this sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one too. I think you are spot-on with your analysis of Annika's character. I had similar concerns going into this one, because she does come off a little childlike in the first book, but it's so clear in this one (as you point out) that it's more her approach to the world, a choice to embrace joy and wonder, rather than any lack of maturity or understanding. She does have moments of not understanding things, but they're cultural, not related to age/maturity. And she definitely takes the lead with Sawyer. A good and thoughtful review, Katherine - well done!
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