Under the Sea

Drowning Mermaids (Sacred Breath #1) by Nadia Scrieva

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. 

Summary: Deep under Arctic waters lies an ice kingdom carved into a glacier. Those who dwell within it possess magnificent biological secrets. Due to the dangers of impending war, the Princess of Adlivun is forced to flee her undersea utopia and regroup with her sisters in Alaska.

Captain Trevain Murphy is a successful king crab fisherman who has spent his life building his empire above the sea, and knows nothing of the empire beneath it. When he meets a mysterious dancer whose father has recently died, he extends kindness towards her, unaware of her unique genetics and royal lineage.

Trevain's attraction to the enigmatic Aazuria Vellamo will involve him in dangerous designs that will forever change his life, and his perspective on himself and his world. He embarks on perilous journeys in which he will need to release all of his insecurities and inhibitions in order to survive.

Review: A tale of a mermaid war with unique cultures that falls flat with instalove and sometimes unbelievable characters.

While it was unusual to have mermaids without tales, there have been other creatures of the sea that have been done without fins such as sirens. It may have been possible for humans to develop with the ability to breathe under water although I would have expected a bit of difference in their anatomy, both on the surface and under the skin. I did like the logical limitations they faced on land. Their bodies would suffer since they were not built for it. Their culture seemed interesting and the war was certainly dramatic.

My enjoyment was spoiled by Aazuria. She was hundreds of years old, but would act like a teenager at times and at other times would act high and mighty. I didn’t like how she assumed things about Brynne just because she wasn’t as feminine as Aazuria. While Trevain seems like a decent guy (except a few incidents that I hated), they fall in love much too quickly. It’s unbelievable. I can understand falling for an older man (yes I get that Aazuria is hundreds of years old, but she looks like an 18 year old), but if this was written by a man, I would call it wish fulfillment.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that are looking for an unusual mermaid story.