Book Type: Novel Author: Anne Greenwood Brown Pages: Book 1) 303 Summary of first book (goodreads.com): Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans and absorb their positive energy. Usually, they select their victims at random, but this time around, the underwater clan chooses its target for a reason: revenge. They want to kill Jason Hancock, the man they blame for their mother's death. It's going to take a concerted effort to lure the aquaphobic Hancock onto the water. Calder's job is to gain Hancock's trust by getting close to his family. Relying on his irresistible good looks and charm, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter Lily. Easy enough, but Calder screws everything up by falling in love - just as Lily starts to suspect there's more to the monster-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined, and just as the mermaids threaten to take matters into their own hands, forcing Calder to choose between them and the girl he loves. One thing's for sure: whatever Calder decides, the outcome won't be pretty. My Review (Book 1): What do you get when you put jealous, vengeful mermaids, a forbidden romance, and a gorgeous killer merman? An awesome mermaid book! :) What I loved about this book was the originality of a killer merman. Here on this blog, I've presented sirens and evil mermaids with powers, but I don't recall reading about a male siren. Calder has classic siren powers, such as the ability to will his victims into doing things and has the allure and charm of a typical siren. I also loved the main female character, Lily. I can really relate to her, especially her love of poetry and her Gothic style. She isn't the typical girl to fall head over fins for a pretty face, and this romance takes its time, making it beautiful and genuine. The book is also amazingly descriptive, and you will feel as if your swimming with Calder in the cold waters of Lake Superior. Although most of the main action in the plot is prolonged, it's needed. It reminds the reader that these killer mermaids are hunting their prey slowly and precisely. This first book was amazing! I'm hoping to get book two for you guys soon! I give this book (*****) 5 stars. -Sirenita The Selkie
Book 2: Deep Betrayal
After the way the first book ended, I was so excited to continue reading! Sadly, I was disappointed in this next installment. The perspective this time focuses on Lily, but she becomes very annoying after the first chapter. Her life seems to revolve around the question: where's Calder? I hate him for not calling me! Then as soon as he shows up one day, she forgives him. This is a negative image to give young women.
I hate to say this, but Calder is a jerk. He came off so loving and gentle in the first book, but in Deep Betrayal he is very condescending towards Lily, and treats her like she is a two-year-old. These guys need to see a relationship counselor!
We also learn that one of Lily's family members has siren blood, but they accepted this reality way too easily! There wasn't any shock or grief in the character's reaction. The rest of the book progresses slowly, with little conflict or action.
I give this next book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie
Book 3: Promise Bound
This is the last book in the Lies Beneath Series. I will first review the last book, then give my final thoughts on the series.
Anne Greenwood Brown decides to switch up perspectives between Lily and Calder, which is refreshing and allows the reader to get a sense what each of the main characters is thinking. Brown also answers some questions the reader may have about the origination of sirens by creating a rich and interesting history.
But I also didn't like the characterization choices. Lily and Calder momentarily break up so he can find out what happened to his true parents. What is the point in this? If you love each other, why break up? It added nothing to the plot except unnecessary drama. Another character also joins up with the sirens despite knowing their intentions are nothing but evil. Why??
The rest of the plot progressed at a very slow pace that left me bored, but the ending was quickly rushed and completed.
I give this last book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie
Final Thoughts:
While this series started with a fantastic beginning, the characters and plot choices were disappointing as the series progressed. I give this series (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie