Emerge Blog Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the EMERGE blog tour! Today I have a guest post by the author to share with you - and don't forget to enter the giveaway! To follow the rest of the tour, click on the banner above.

Emerge (Mer Chronicles #1)

Author: Tobie Easton

Release Date: April 19, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

Description:

Lia Nautilus may be a Mermaid, but she’s never lived in the ocean. Ever since the infamous Little Mermaid unleashed a curse that stripped Mer of their immortality, war has ravaged the Seven Seas. 

  

So Lia has grown up in a secret community of land-dwelling Mer hidden among Malibu’s seaside mansions. Her biggest problems are surviving P.E. and keeping her feelings for Clay Ericson in check. Sure, he’s gorgeous in that cocky, leather jacket sort of way and makes her feel like there’s a school of fish swimming in her stomach, but getting involved with a human could put Lia's entire community at risk. So it’s for the best that he’s dating that new girl, right? 

That is, until Lia finds out she isn't the only one at school keeping a potentially deadly secret. And this new girl? Her eyes are dead set on Clay, who doesn't realize the danger he's in. If Lia hopes to save him, she’ll have to get closer to Clay than ever. Lia’s parents would totally flip if they found out she was falling for a human boy, but the more time she spends with Clay, the harder it is for Lia to deny her feelings. After making a horrible mistake, Lia will risk everything to stop Clay from falling in love with the wrong girl.

Maybe it was when I was four, playing in the bathtub and imagining I had a mermaid’s tail.

Maybe it was when I was five, reaching out my small hand to touch the beautiful illustrations in the classic fairy tale books my mom read to me.

Maybe it was when I was six, seven, eight, swimming in my cousin’s pool and telling her we were mermaids who needed to swim to the dangerous depths of the deep end without falling into the clutches of sea monsters or witches.

Maybe it was when I was ten, turning crisp pages and falling in love with the idea of secret worlds hidden within our own—inside wardrobes or between train station platforms.

Maybe it was when I was sixteen, sitting open-mouthed and wide-eyed in art history class as I gazed up at slides of John William Waterhouse’s “Hylas and the Nymphs” and “The Mermaid.” Or when I wrote a short story for class based on his painting, “The Siren.”

Maybe it was when I was 21, sneaking down to the hotel pool in the middle of the night and kissing my boyfriend under the stars.

Maybe it was a few years ago, swimming laps and remembering those childhood hours spent pretending to be a mermaid. I thought about all the books, films, and television shows featuring vampires and werewolves, and I found myself wishing for more books about mermaids. You could write one, a tiny voice whispered. Me? I can’t write a book.

Maybe it was a few days later, sitting—once again—in the bathtub, this time with a notebook in hand. There, in the water, my pen moved furiously as I wrote the first scene of Emerge, trying desperately to keep the pages dry. 

Tobie Easton was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she’s grown from a little girl who dreamed about magic to a twenty-something who writes about it. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Southern California, Tobie hosts book clubs for tweens and teens. She and her very kissable husband enjoy traveling the globe and fostering packs of rescue puppies. Learn more about Tobie and her upcoming books at www.TobieEaston.com. 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |Goodreads

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indie | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks  

• An Amazon Fire Tablet (US Only) 
• Emerge stickers and bookmarks, one set of mermaid flash tattoos, a seashell necklace, and a signed paperback of Emerge (US Only) 
• Three (3) digital copies of Emerge by Tobie Easton (INT)
  
  
  Ends April 29th

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Release Week Blitz + Giveaway: Shearwater (Ocean Depths #1)

  Hello readers! Welcome to the Release Week Blitz for

Shearwater Part One (an Ocean Depths Mermaid Romance) by Derek Murphy!

Do you love mermaids? Then this is the book for you! And don't get me started on the awesome giveaway found below.

Happy Book Birthday Derek!

Make some noise and celebrate!! Whoo hooooo!

 

Shearwater (Ocean Depths #1)

Author: Derek Murphy 

Publication Date: January 26, 2016 

Publisher: Urban Epics

Description:

"I watched the colored lights and sparkles coming off of Sebastian in the dark water, as the ocean began the process of rebuilding his tail. I longed to join him in the water, to wrap my arms around him and let him carry me under the sea; but I wasn’t ready. For him, the ocean was a home; for me it was death. Without being able to transform, the ocean depths would suffocate me, the pressure collapse my bones and flesh."

After her parent's accident, Clara is shipped off to live with a grandfather she never knew, in a town she can't pronounce. In Ireland, she soon discovers that her mother's secret past is filled with tragedy. Trying to track down the truth, she begins going through changes of her own, until she's not sure just who - or what - she is anymore.

Then she meets the mysterious Sebastian, who won't leave her alone, and Ethan, who apparently can't stand to be near her. Both of them seem to have supernatural powers, and she's not quite sure whether they want to kill her or kiss her. Just when things are getting interesting, someone attacks her, and she gets a revelation that destroys everything she thought she knew about the world, humanity, and herself.
 
Explore the magical coast of Northern Ireland, and an new interpretation of the Tuatha de Danann, the Fomorians, and mermaid mythology.

An innovative paranormal romance with a brand new magical system, and a version of mermaid biology that actually makes sense.

This is PART ONE of the first book (Shearwater), of the Ocean Depths Series.

Available for Purchase: Amazon

 

Derek Murphy is a philosophy major turned book designer finishing a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. He recently decided to stop studying and designing books, and start writing his own.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win these mermaid bookends!

 

 

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The Savage Blue Blog Tour: Review & Guest Post

The Savage Blue (The Vicious Deep #2)

Author: Zoraida Cordova
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire 

Description:

A storm is coming...

The ocean is a vicious place. Deeper and darker than Tristan could have imagined. Beneath its calm blue surface, an ancient battle is churning —and no one is safe.

In the quest for the Sea Throne, Tristan has already watched one good friend die. Now he must lead the rest on a dangerous voyage in search of the trident that will make him king. But while Tristan chases his destiny, the dark forces racing against him are getting stronger, and the sea witch of his nightmares is getting closer.

Battling sea dragons and savage creatures of the deep, Tristan needs his friends' support. But they each have their secrets, and a betrayal will force Tristan to choose between his crown and his best friend Layla — the only girl he's ever loved.

Why did you focus on the theme of betrayal?

When I was writing THE SAVAGE BLUE I didn't set out to write about betrayal. It wasn't something I set out to focus on. However, I hope that through these experiences and betrayals Tristan is able to grow stronger, both physically and mentally.

In BOOK 1, Tristan is a playboy. He opens the book explaining how he did a terrible thing--he kissed another girl while he had a girlfriend, and this girlfriend walked in on him. This act of betrayal isn't something he set out to do. He was unhappy and acting out (not to mention a bit intoxicated because merpeople can't handle human alcohol). This is not to say it's an excuse or that he should be forgiven Maddy (his ex). In fact, because he betrayed Maddy, it makes his quest that much harder. After seeing the hurt he caused, he's more careful with his interactions with girls. Especially now that he's trying to be a better guy for Layla. 

Now, in SAVAGE BLUE, Tristan continues his journey to be king. He's learning from his very human mistakes and is focusing on the supernatural aspect of his life. He's surrounded himself with friends whom he believes are on his side. They've faught side by side with him and he is putting his life in their hands. Being the good natured and trusting guy he is, he's not prepared to get stabbed in the back. It was a tough decision because as a fan of my characters, I want them all to have a cuddling session. But as the writer, well, muahahahaha. Betrayal is something we all go through, be it human of merman. And the reason it happens is because we have faith and we open our hearts to others. Sometimes, and everyone has their reasons, that person we trust breaks their promise, breaks our heart, or in Tristan's case, tries to kill him. 

The question is then how do we move on? Do we become bitter and vengeful? Or do we grow and become more wary of those we trust with the very breakable parts of ourselves? For Tristan, he has to grow stronger if he wants to meet his goal in THE VAST AND BRUTAL SEA. 

Thanks for having me, Stephanie! 

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today and sharing some insight into your writing of the series Zoraida!

The Savage Blue is the second book in a young adult fantasy series that continues to follow main character Tristan - a teenage merman - as he searches for the Sea Throne and the trident that will make him king. On top of this mission, he must lead his people in a deadly war against those that will stop at nothing to make sure he doesn't reach the throne. Then there's Layla - Tristan's best friend since childhood and the only girl he's ever truly loved. But a deep betrayal will cause Tristan to choose between Layla and his place on the Sea Throne. Will they reach the trident before it's too late? Will Tristan be forced to lose another dear friend in the fierce battle that's raging beneath the ocean's waves?

This was a great second installment in a fast paced and exciting fantasy adventure series. We see Tristan's character grow and mature more in this book, as he deals with the loss of a good friend and must lead his people on a dangerous quest to find the trident. Tristan is a great main character, with his sense of humor and sarcasm, along with his deep loyalty to his family, his friends, and his people - all of these qualities make him a realistic and enjoyable lead. Not many books, especially in this genre, have a guy as the main character, so that gives the series an edge over other books out there right now. I like Tristan's insight and his outlook on things refreshing. The plot was interesting and I loved learning more about the Sea Throne, the trident, and the history of the merfolk. The author really did a good job with the descriptions and backstory behind the plot, which I feel made it more complex and layered. The writing was well done with a great pace and effortless flow to the book. There were a great mix of genres in the novel, including action, fantasy, adventure, and romance. The romantic part of the book is a great addition, but it doesn't overshadow the main plot line of the book. I thought it does a good job at making the plot more believable and realistic - especially with the problems that Tristan encounters. It shows that even though he's a merman and trying to find the trident, he still has to deal with normal teenage problems. I found Tristan's inner dialogue and the conversations between characters to be witty and fun, and it felt natural - not forced or awkward, which made the story all the more believable for me. Overall, this was a great second book in a fun and interesting YA fantasy series. I definitely recommend it for fans of the genre or those looking for a fun series about mermaid mythology.

Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She made her way up north and now works in the glittering New York City nightlife. She likes shiny things like Christmas, merdudes, and the skyline at night. She's currently working on book #2. (Taken from Goodreads)

Author Links:

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Real Mermaids Love the Holidays Blog Tour: Guest Post

Real Mermaids Festive Treats

Hi everyone! Jade here from Real Mermaids. 


One of my favorite things about the upcoming holidays is the great treats we get to make and share. I love food so much, in fact, that I included a recipe for some of my favourite snacks in each of the Real Mermaids books.


My friend Cori and I thought we’d experiment a bit and ‘holiday-ize’ each recipe for you!


In my upcoming book, Real Mermaids Don’t Need High Heels (out Feb 1st, 2013), my cutie friend Luke came up with a genius campfire treat he called Peanut Butter Cup S’mores. Here’s a cookie version my friend Rachel shared with me, which I think would be PERFECT around a crackling fireplace (indoors!). 

Peanut Butter S’more Bites

Beat together:

- 1 cup butter

- 1 cup peanut butter

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1 tsp vanilla

- 1 egg

Then add:

- 1 1/3 cup flour

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1/4 tsp salt 

Drop into mini muffin tins and bake for 8 minutes at 350F. Remove from oven, place 3 mini marshmallows on top and return to oven for 1 minute. Cool. Drizzle with melted chocolate and try not to lick your fingers...



Happy treats and have a great holiday, everyone!


Love,


Jade 

About the Series:

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings (Real Mermaids #1)

Author: Helene Boudreau

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: December 10, 2010

Description:

First zit. First crush. First…mermaid’s tail?

If she hadn’t been so clueless, she might have seen it coming. But really, who expects to get into a relaxing bathtub after a stressful day of shopping for tankinis and come out with scales and a tail?

Most. Embarassing. Moment. Ever.

Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But this revelation raises a serious question: if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown?

Jade is determined to find out. But how does a plus-sized, aqua-phobic, mer-girl go about doing that, exactly? And how will Jade ever be able to explain her secret to her best friend Cori, and her crush, Luke?

This summer is about to get a lot more interesting…    

Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath (Real Mermaids #2)

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Description:

Jade begins her summer confused. Yes, there's that whole "will this be a leg-day or a tail-day" kind of confusion, but Jade's got even bigger problems: it's been three weeks since Mom returned to the ocean with no news of her whereabouts. Plus, it's been twenty-one days since Jade first kissed her mer-boy Luke and now-nothing.

Will Mom find the enchanted tidal pool that will allow her to become human? And why is Luke acting so weird?

The SEAquel to Helene Boudreau's critically acclaimed Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings is as energetic and fresh as a salty sea breeze. 

Real Mermaids Don't Need High Heels (Real Mermaids #3)

Release Date: February 1, 2013

Description:

  

In Real Mermaids Don’t Need High Heels, Jade is finally ready for life to return to normal—even if starting ninth grade is like being a goldfish in a shark tank and being asked to the school dance means Jade must get over her fear of awkward dancing.

But just as Jade settles into high school life, there is unrest in the ocean, and the whole mer-world is on the brink of civil war. Can Jade find a plus-sized dress that doesn’t look like a shower curtain, keep her mer-ness a secret, and finally figure out if she and Luke are officially dating? Who knew being a high school freshman is even more awkward than being a plus-sized aqua-phobic mer-girl?

    

About the Author:

Hélène Boudreau never spotted a real mermaid while growing up on an island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, but she believes mermaids are just as plausible as giant squids, flying fish, or electric eels. She now writes fiction and nonfiction for kids from her landlocked home in Ontario, Canada. Her first book of this series, Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings, was a 2011 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist. Learn more about Helene at www.heleneboudreau.com.

  

Release Day Blitz: Awaken by Kristen Day

Today is the release day of the second installment of the Daughters of the Sea series, Awaken by author Kristen Day!

Awaken (Daughters of the Sea 2)
Author: Kristen Day
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: October 2, 2012 

Buy Link: Amazon


Blurb:


The sacrifices we make have the power to shift the very fabric of who we are, and ultimately who we are meant to be…

After learning of her true destiny as the intended Leader of the Tydes, Anastasia Whitman must now embark on a perilous quest to the Underworld before the age of eighteen in order to plant the seed of immortality and complete her essence to become a true Sea Goddess. But before she can make her legendary journey, an unexpected new student transfers to Lorelei; initiating a sequence of events that will unravel Stasia’s new life, and test the boundaries of her relationship with the mysterious, dark, and sexy Finn Morrison. 

The line between the Underworld and the Living begins to blur as gruesome ghosts, morbid reveries, and pure evil haunt her waking hours as well as her sanity. Once the details of Finn’s own startling destiny are revealed, the dangerous secrets he’s been hiding will threaten the very love Stasia believed to be indestructible. As time begins to run out, she will be forced to choose between the one she loves and the destiny she cannot escape. 

Prologue

The familiar call of seagulls diving for fish amongst the crashing waves pulled him from his restless slumber. His tired, bloodshot eyes opened and gazed upon that same weathered stone ceiling looming above. As they roamed down the sloped wall where he kept count, he pushed back the agonizing hopelessness encasing his heart. Another long night behind him simply meant another long day before him. He swung his legs over the side of his cot and gently placed his worn feet on the stone floor. It was always bitterly cold in the morning. He shivered as he glanced down at his too-skinny legs and the dirt that clung to his calloused feet. His ragged, cotton shorts now hung low around his emaciated waist and his faded blue shirt had been discarded long ago; traded for a sunken-in, bare chest. He smoothed down his gray hair and thick beard; wondering if today would be the day.
Sighing, he stood and collected the conch shell he kept hidden within a crack in his counting wall. He found the last mark and bent down to add yet another. He never counted days; only nights. The darkness always brought out his worst nightmares and he was continually amazed he had made it through so many. Thousands of marks littered the wall before him; a diary of solitude and sheer will captured forever in stone.
As he did every morning, he padded over to the window and looked out over the rolling sea. The lone window of his small room faced east, allowing him one pleasure amidst the hell that had become his life. Sunrise. At first each sunrise brought only tears to his eyes while the slow ache in his chest grew, threatening to rack his body with a sadness no man should bear. What those brilliant colors dancing across the sky stood for only served as a reminder to his unending loss. Another night bereft of her loving arms. Another day without her magical presence. Over the years the pain had receded, but her memory never faded. Neither did the seed of hope she had planted so long ago. It grew every day, branching out and becoming the only thing that kept him alive. Many nights he had peered out of his window at the white sand far below. He thought of how easy it would be to end this torture and return to her. But he knew he had a bigger purpose and he would not let her down. He would endure and wait until his heart beat no more.
Once a week he was allowed to stroll along the beach and speak to the others. But it was only a brief illusion of freedom. They could feel the eyes that watched their every move. The others had become his only companions. For years there had only been seven. But a couple of months ago, a newcomer had arrived.
He could hear her anguished cries at night and her deep despair was evident in the scratches along her arms; the victims of her own fingernails. She too finally succumbed to the seclusion and hopelessness; becoming void of emotion and as hollow as the rest of them. His thoughts moved back to the present and the brilliant ball of light inching its way above the horizon. This is when he felt closest to her. He closed his eyes and called upon the memory of her ever gentle, loving eyes.
“My love, I have lived to see yet another dawn cast its light upon this retched spit of land. Thankfully, this dawn brings new hope for my weary soul. You appeared to me in my dreams once again last night, but for the first time I heard the sweet melody of your voice. You spoke to me and breathed life back into my withered heart. You told me to be patient; to remain steadfast. You assured me the hour is growing near and I know the words you speak are true. Indeed, it is almost time.”

About Kristen Day:

Kristen Day is a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. She loves all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. She’s been told she sees the world through rose-colored glasses, but she prefers to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something she can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).
She is the author of the DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA trilogy, which includes FORSAKEN, AWAKEN (Oct 2012), and CHOSEN (Winter 2012). She loves all books, but really enjoys writing young adult, paranormal romances. She’s loved to write for as long as she can remember. Her first published work was her poem RED in second grade (you guessed it - it was a poem about the color red - life altering, right?) that won her 5 gold stars and a spot in her elementary school's poetry book. That's when her addiction to the written word officially began. She was the only kid in fifth grade that actually enjoyed diagramming sentences. Go ahead and laugh - its okay.
When she’s not writing she’s making jewelry, painting, feeding her addiction to sweet tea, watching the Discovery Channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with her amazing husband. She was born in Boone, NC and graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Marketing in 2001. 

Author’s Links:

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Forsaken Tour: Review & Giveaway!

 

Forsaken (Daughters Of The Sea #1)
Author: Kristen Day
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 268 

Purchase Links:           Amazon                    Barnes and Noble

Official Blurb: 

Once you’ve been touched by darkness, it never leaves you… 

Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her. 

Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and a dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity. 

Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendents of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she. 

But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. 

Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love. 

She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesized to be a part of. The fate of all the descendents will forever depend upon it. 


Review:

Forsaken is the first book in the Daughters of the Sea series - one that brings mythological sea creatures to life. The story focuses on Hannah, who was abandoned by her parents as an infant and raised in foster homes around Georgia until she was adopted at age 14. The past couple of years, things in Hannah's life have been getting stranger. She's been experiencing nightmares, visions of murders, and hallucinations. What Hannah doesn't know is that she is very different from those around her - as she is actually a descendant of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. Now nothing in her life will ever be the same, and she must come to realize her fate and if she is willing to fulfill it.


I found this book to be fast-paced and fun with lots of fantasy, magic and adventure. I haven't read much mermaid fiction before, so I found it interesting how the author wrote about the culture and the intricate history of these mythical Sea people. I also love how she incorporated other mythological sea creatures into the narratives of all three books. I think that they brought an interesting and fresh feel to the mermaid genre in young adult fiction.

This novel was a bit predictable, but it also had great themes and twists that I didn't see coming. I easily reconnected to Hannah and identified with her early in the story. The ending was a good fit for a first book in a series - it didn't leave the ending too final and it didn't leave too many questions unanswered either. Overall, Forsaken is a great start to a wonderful and intriguing series.

About the Author:

Kristen Day is a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. She loves all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. She’s been told she sees the world through rose-colored glasses, but she prefers to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something she can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).
She is the author of the DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA trilogy, which includes FORSAKEN, AWAKEN (Oct 2012), and CHOSEN (Winter 2012). She loves all books, but really enjoys writing young adult, paranormal romances. She’s loved to write for as long as she can remember. Her first published work was her poem RED in second grade (you guessed it - it was a poem about the color red - life altering, right?) that won her 5 gold stars and a spot in her elementary school's poetry book. That's when her addiction to the written word officially began. She was the only kid in fifth grade that actually enjoyed diagramming sentences. Go ahead and laugh - its okay.
When she’s not writing she’s making jewelry, painting, feeding her addiction to sweet tea, watching the Discovery Channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with her amazing husband. She was born in Boone, NC and graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Marketing in 2001.

Author’s Links:

Goodreads

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

 

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The Syrenka Series Tour - Promises: Review & Giveaway

 

Promises (The Syrenka Series #1)

Author: Amber Garr

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Release Date: December 7, 2011

Buy Links:             Amazon                Smashwords              Barnes and Noble

Description:

Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love.

When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.

A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life that she had so adamantly tried to escape.

Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society. 

Review:

Promises is a fun and thrilling first book of the Syrenka trilogy that brings mythological sea creatures to life. It focuses on Eviana, our heroine, as well as her boyfriend Brendan and her friends. After running from her duties to her merfolk clan, Eviana is faced with serious circumstances and must figure out what is happening between the clans and how to stop the war that is threatening to erupt. What Eviana discovers will change her life forever.

I found this to be a fast-paced, fun adventure with great fantasy characters. I haven't read many mermaid fiction before, and I found it interesting how the author presented the mermaid culture and their history. I also loved how she incorporated other mythological sea creatures into the narrative - like water sprites, selkies, and naiads. They brought a unique and refreshing feel to the mermaid genre in young adult fiction.

The story was somewhat predictable but had good twists that I didn't see coming. I felt connected to Eviana and easily identified with her early in the story. The ending was a good fit for a first book in a series - it doesn't leave the ending too closed and it doesn't leave too many questions unanswered either. All in all, Promises is a great start to a fun and interesting series. Fans of paranormal YA fiction and mermaid lore will love this series.

About the Author:

Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. She writes both adult and young adult urban fantasies and when not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

Connect with Amber:

Website
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads

  

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Be sure to follow all the stops on the tour! Check out the tour schedule here.

Also - make sure to stop back on August 23rd for my review of Betrayal (Book #2) and on September 6th for my review of Arise (Book #3), along with more giveaways!