I had an idea of doing a Guest Post during the month of October
so I asked a few of my friends from COYER what their favorite Monster is (some aren’t really scary)
and what book they read that they loved that associated with the Monster they picked.
The answers are great and the recommendation are even better! Enjoy!
The Monster
Why the mermaid/ siren is one of my favourite monsters!
If asked what my favourite monster is I would probably say the shapeshifter or werewolf, but the mermaid or siren is a close second. Ever since I was a kid I liked mermaids, the Disney movie The Little Mermaid was one of my favourite Disney movies. There was also another mermaid movie I used to watch a lot as a kid, but I don’t remember the name.
I think what I like most about mermaids is the combination of half fish and half human that appeals to me. There aren’t fully human or fish, but a bit of both. And that half human body with a big tail, looks awesome. Then they have the freedom to go where they want in the water, but at the same time they are fish enough that they can’t walk on land, unless they can get transformed into a human. I also like how they can look pretty, but how tales of mermaids often have a darker side as well and how they are known to lure fisherman to their death with their song. How they can be good, but also evil. I think mermaids are fascinating. And while in real life I wouldn’t dream of going deep underwater, I like exploring living underwater through books.
I haven’t read many books about mermaids so far, after stumbling upon a few mermaid books that didn’t quite do it for me, I didn’t read any of them for a long time. Most mermaid books that popped up over the last few years sounded good until the review started streaming in and none of them really caught my attention enough to give them a try. Then recently I read two very good mermaid stories and my interest for this creature/ monsters grew again. I bought the box set where the two stories I read are part of and now I have 12 more mermaid stories waiting to be read!
The Book
Okay let me tell you a bit more about the two mermaid books I recently read and why I enjoyed them.
The first is How to Be a Mermaid by Erin Hayes. It’s about a girl named Tara who dreams to be a mermaid. She has a job as professional mermaid, where she performs in aquaria dressed as a mermaid, which is basically as close to her dream as she can get. And then slowly she begins to change into a real mermaid. What I enjoyed about this book was the original concept, I never heard about professional mermaids before and it was so fun to see her perform as a mermaid. And then when she slowly changes into a real mermaid and she get’s wants, it becomes obvious she might not want to be a mermaid. I thought the plot was done well and there’s a cast of great characters and a bit of romance thrown in as well. The world building surrounding the mermaids and what Tara is was very interesting.
The second mermaid book I read recently is Immersed (Immersed #1) by Katie Hayoz. Immersed is an awesome book that shows the darker side of mermaids/ sirens. Beside that it’s this awesome book that combines steampunk, paranormal, romance and historical elements and it was amazing how the author interwove all those genres. Set in a muddy Chicago the setting was described well, then there are all sort of monsters roaming around and characters like the main character, Melusine who hunts them. There is more to Melusine than you know at first and slowly you learn more about her and what happened years ago and why she keeps pushing away her rival, the charismatic Levi, while she actually does like him.
Both books are part of the Falling in Deep collection which is a whole collection dedicated to mermaids and other creatures of the deep.
You can see all the stories that are part of the collection here: https://www.goodreads.com/series/157658
or you can buy the box set here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01516T1KW/
About the Guest
Lola is a Blogger at Lola’s reviews
Reader, book reviewer, book blogger and owner of @lolasblogtours
http://lolasreviews.com
Twitter: @LolasReviews
Facebook: http://facebook.com/LolasReviews
Lola’s Blog Tours: http://lolasblogtours.net/
Check out Lola’s reviews and Lola’s Kitchen is one of my favorite posts she features some really delicious looking recipes. I also enjoy her Lola’s Ramblings. Lola’s Reviews Blog has such a great mix there is always something for everyone. Stop by and check her out.
Thanks for stopping by to check out A Monster and A Book!
Have a fantastic day!
I have not read many mermaid books. The only one I can think of is Awakening by Kitty Thomas. It isn’t that I don’t like them, I just don’t see many of them. I’ll have to check out some of your suggestions Lola. Thanks. 🙂
I don’t see as mnay mermaid books either, it’s feel like there are less mermaid books than other paranormal creatures, you really have to go and look for them. I was pretty happy when I stumbled upon that box set.
I’ve had some trouble with mermaid books in the past… however, I have read some recently that were very good! And I’m so happy you enjoyed Immersed.
Great post, Lola 🙂
I also have read a few that I had troubles with, I once read an adult mermaid romance which was fun, but the sex scenes got really weird. So I am glad I found some good mermaid books recently. I am currently reading the sequel to Immersed 🙂
I’ve always loved mermaids but I haven’t read any books about them yet. All 3 books sound really good!!
I hope you get the chance to check these out. Both Immersed and How to be a Mermaid are part of the box set as well. I have read 4 stories form the box set so far and really enjoyed 3 of those. I really like mermaids, it’s a shame there aren’t as many books about them as some other paranormal creatures.
I like mermaids and sirens too, although it’s hard to find some that aren’t all romancey sometimes LOL. Great post Lola! I think an anthology of mer stories would be very cool.
A good book about sirens is Siren by Tricia Rayburn, from a few years ago. It’s a little creepy about men who wash ashore with smiles on their faces, and sirens who are nasty. It’s a trilogy but I’ve only read the first. It’s set in Maine and has atmosphere. Also Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac has mermaids in it, but they’re not the central focus. there is a cool battle though about halfway through between the emrmaids and some immortals.
The anthology is pretty fun so far, although I have read only 4 of the stories so far, There are some who don’t focus too much on the romance, although so far the ones I read all contain some romance.
That siren book you mentioned sounds pretty creepy, not sure if it would be for me, although I also like the more darked siren stories. Immersed has a bit of a creepy siren myth too, with how they eat the tongue’s of their prey.
I read a really great siren book last month. The review for it will be out in InD’tale’s November issue. 🙂 Other than that, I can’t remember reading any mermaid books. I’m sadly lacking in that aspect of the paranormal/supernatural, something I really should correct.
What’s the title of that Siren book you read? Now I am curious :). I feel like there aren’t as many mermaid books compared to other supernatural creatures.
Lorelei’s Lyric by D.B. Sieders. I believe she has more planned.
Thanks, will check it out!
I’ve read several mermaid books recently but they didn’t wow me. I do have another waiting for me. I do like mermaid and siren myths though I dislike when they’re conflated.
I have run into quite some mermaid books that didn’t wow me as well and only recently ran into some good ones. I like the mermaid and siren myths and it’s interesting to see author’s their take on the topic.
Thanks for having me over at your blog Michelle! It was a lot of fun to write this post and thanks for the nice things you said about me and my blog. I am so glad you enjoy my Lola’s Kitchen feature! I am still thankfull for you giving me the push I needed to start that feature!
Mermaids are not really my favorite thing but some times I find a book with them featured that I like. 🙂
It’s great when you find a good book about a creature or topic you don’t read a lot about. For me the creature I don’t read as much about are angels and demonds, but I have read a few great books with them in it as well.
Mermaids are so much fun! I wish I read more mermaid books. 🙂 I have to say I am LOVING these graphics, Michelle!
I have only read one mermaid book and I actually enjoyed it but the main character was human so I didn’t really get to read it in the Mermaids POV.
Thank you, they were so fun to make!
Same here, I always feel like there aren’t enough good mermaid books, so I was really happy when I found out about this box set. I have read 4 stories so far and really enjoyed 3 of them.
I love the graphics Michelle made for this event as well. The main banner is great and I also like how each individual post has it’s own monster themed banner as well.
Hi Lola and Michelle, it’s fun to see you both here ! Immersed sounds very good, and that cover is splendid 🙂
I have only read one mermaid book but these books look like something I might enjoy! Thanks for stopping by!
Immersed was so good and I really have to grab the sequel soon. The mix of different genres was very well done and I liked her take on mermaids. The is great and hints at things in the book.