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bookwormbunny's review
5.0
Sea of Secrets is a dynamic collection of various stories surrounding sea monsters and other creatures of the deep. The very monsters that we humans wonder about but should be left their air of mystery, intrigue, and shrouds of mist. They aren’t meant to walk this world, because for many…they would bring it all down. But of course, curiosity will not be sated, so these 18 authors give readers a glimpse into the dark depths without taking on the risks of an untimely demise.
Eye of Hedad by A.M. Cummins is a short story but packed full of action and drama. A group of men is exploring a frigid location in their search for giant bones…as in the bones of a giant. As they explore this cold place they learn that there is something underground…a pocket, but what is inside is not dead but very much alive. In their quest for discovery…they unleash what has been locked away. This story is fascinating and had me page-turning to learn what it was they had found. I applaud the author for having the events that followed happen purely from an unintentional accident, but one of the characters learns a valuable lesson at the end of it all.
Angels of the Deep by Stephen Herczeg is dark, twisted, and I LOVED it! The author sets this story in the time of the world wars, I’m guessing World War II, but don’t quote me on that because I’m not 100% sure when the first introduction of U-boats was. But the author gives us characters trapped in an impossible situation…their U-boat is out of commission, they are too deep to call for help, and hope is dwindling. The clock is ticking in more ways than one. The main character has lost everything in this world, but still, he fights to survive. There is something in the deep, its singing is a lure…and it’s hungry. I devoured this story. I love dark and twisted and the author gives me exactly that.
Jenaro and the Crimson Sails by Antonio Gonzalez-Rodriguez is an interesting fantasy story that tells the story of Jenaro and his friend Agostin. Jenaro is the son of what is, in essence, the king of a small island. He wants to be commissioned to sail his own ship, but once again…he is denied. In his frustration and resentment towards his father and his father’s general, he and his friend take a boat. What happens next…adventure, danger, deceit and cunning. The story is engaging, but the author uses some words that aren’t defined or explained. I enjoyed the story, but I wanted some definitions/explanations concerning certain words and situations. Once the author reveals the identity of a new ship in this book, I devoured it as I was eager to see what would happen to Jenaro. This story has a nice level of excitement, and the story ends with the potential promise of more if the author so chooses. I will admit I’d love to read more of Jenaro’s adventure in the future as I am sure that he will have many.
Beware of the Kraken by Melinda Kucsera is a sea-faring story full of sea creatures, mer-type beings, and a colossal kraken. I think this story excited me the most because I am so intrigued by krakens. I like how the author wrote this story. The sea animals are sentient beings and can communicate with each other through a parley spell. The fact that they can use some magic hooked me in. They are protectors of a mystical Veil and something is attempting to breach the Veil. “Change comes in threes” is the mantra throughout this story and the story holds true to this. Humans do exist in this world, but this story will have no happy ending for those who choose to ignore the warnings. This story ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, and I do hope that the author continues this story.
Dolphins and the Ditch by Winter Lawrence take place off the coast of Puerto Rico in 1994. The daughter of an arms dealer is there with her father and her bodyguard. While out away from one of her father’s business deals, dolphins appear…one by one. Petra is excited to see them and she wants nothing more than to interact with them. But there is something strange about their behavior. When they head back to the island the dolphins follow them. What could they possibly want? Now, after the last story, I was curious to see where this author would take me. Would it be dark? Twisted? Creepy? This story is more…mysterious…and odd. I honestly don’t get where the author is going with this story. The interactions with the dolphins are not that unusual, even if they are wild until the mannerisms change. I honestly wish that the author had gotten the story to flow a bit better because I feel that there are some storyline gaps, and I just wanted more with this one. This one falls a bit flat for me.
Loreley by Sofia LaPorte is a story that surrounds a myth about a siren. I have to say that this story is the most beautiful of the ones I’ve read so far. The author weaves a story about a siren that is misunderstood by the local people. Her singing lures those who are not true in heart to those they love. I love how the author creates this story and how it all comes together. There is an air of suspense, some well blended light romance, and such an air of sadness. If you like sirens, suspense, and a moment that is truly heart touching then this is a story that you should check out. I loved it.
The Sea Witch’s Apprentice by Zoey Xolton is the story to read if you are a fan of the Little Mermaid story. The author does a fantastic job recreating this familiar story and gives it that twist that some of us have secretly wished for. Haha! A mermaid princess who goes to the sea witch with a secret desire, but she gets more than originally wanted and it’s EPIC! I had thought I’d come across my favorite story in this book, but this one seems to be the top now. I’d love to read more should the author decide to continue this story.
What Lies Below by Vonnie Winslow Crist is a fast-paced fantasy novel about a young woman who simply wants to see the town that was flooded and drowned after a new dam was installed. Amber is just going to explore, but what she finds is so much more. I enjoyed this story, the pace and the surprises that the author gives the reader. While we don’t get a lot of details about the characters themselves, I can easily say that we really don’t need them. The story flows well without them and keeps the reader engaged. I appreciate that the author doesn’t have Amber be a character that is quick to panic or make a scene about certain situations. An enjoyable short story.
Lost at Sea by Archit Joshi a story that starts with two curious teenagers on vacation and looking for a bit of adventure. They find all that and more when they discover a mysterious beer bottle floating in the surf among the rocks. What they discover, upon following the directions found in the bottle is much more than they thought that they would encounter. A world under the sea, a war between two ocean dwelling tribes, and the ever-present greed of humans. This is an interesting story that follows brother and sister. The brother just wants to relax, enjoy a vacation, and stay out of trouble, but you can tell that the sister is more about adventure. The author sets the stage and then hits with you tons of action. But brace yourself because there are a couple expected, yet unexpected moments that come.
A Stirring of Sand and Dust by Jo Seysener, a story told from the perspective of a tiny fish as she witnesses the rising up of a deep sea dweller in a time of need for the ocean and those who call it home. I enjoyed how the author gives me a character that’s different from the usual with this story. Instead of a large sea animal or mer-creature, we get a tiny fish who witnesses death, destruction, and loss. This is another story that gives the reader a giant cuttlefish/Kraken and I enjoyed it as the creature is like an avenging “angel” of the deep. My heart truly broke at the tragic loss expressed in this story.
Daughter of the Sea King by Meg Boepple to my delight is the continuation of Moira and Sean’s story from the First Love Anthology. So if you read that anthology and this story sounds familiar to you…that’s why. When I realized that these were the same characters I was more than excited to dive in and read more of their story. These two embark on a cruise as Sean is on a journey to take Moira home to meet her father and to fulfill the mission that he was sent on. Things do not go…swimmingly for the couple though. You can tell that there is awkwardness between them and communication is an issue. This story is fast-paced, engaging, and ends on a cliffhanger but I’m eager for more when the time comes!
Tears on the Water by A.R. Johnston is a story of loss, heartbreak, and hope. Young Ruelle and her father are the guardians of a lake that connects to an ocean. In these waters live merfolk, fish, and other aquatic creatures. Her father is from a long line of guardians who have taken on the role of protector, but he knows that something is coming. An ill wind blows and is threatening their existence. A sea witch. She wishes to destroy everything and take over the waters. Ruelle experiences loss yet again at the tender age of seven. Her life changes completely after that. This story has a seriously heartbreaking moment in it, but it’s not the first loss. The author gives the reader some tentative connections to piece together, and then it all comes together. I enjoyed this story, but I would have enjoyed it more if certain scenes hadn’t been omitted. I liked the touch of romance we get, but I’d have preferred if it had been more rooted and founded. An enjoyable story nonetheless.
Lost Leagues by V.P. Allasander is a story packed full of drama, adventure, and more twists than you can shake a stick at! When I started reading this story I didn’t know what to expect but what the author gave me was a world packed full of fantasy, magic, drama, mermaids, and demons. The author gives the reader a beginning of an angry king bent on revenge based on his own impatience. Characters show up and questions arise, but the author does a fantastic job answering all the questions just when you start to think “it’d be nice to know what happened.” I loved it! The author kept me in their grip all the way to the end. If you think that I’m going to say that this is one of those stories of where I need more…you’re right! I hope that the author continues with this story because I so desperately want to know what happens next!!
Rowen and Attina by Layne Calry tell us a story about a sailor (aka pirate haha) and a mermaid. The author starts the story with a vicious sea creature destroying Rowen’s ship. Rowen, of course, refuses to go quietly into the depths so he fights. The author gives us a tiny bit of backstory as to what prompts the attack from the creature but stays focused on the two characters – Rowen and Attina. I like Attina the most as she is such a kind-hearted character. She views the things that are happening to both mermaids and humans as wrong and never abuses the gifts that she has been blessed with. This is a romantic story, though you really don’t “see” the romance blooming between the characters the author lets you know that it’s essentially happening through their interactions and reactions towards each other. This is a sweet story.
Seamouth by Aditya Deshmukh is a twisted and suspenseful story full of strange things and even stranger monster that is trying to take over the world. The author weaves a strange story that, for me, takes a minute to start coming together. A young woman is struggling with her artistic talent. It seems to have left her, but then one day…she’s hit with the desire to paint and create. But she only paints one thing over and over again…a blob. There is more to it but I won’t ruin the surprise for you because the author has a fascinating way of revealing what is going on. I do find some attributes of the story to be odd though. I find her reaction in certain situations and the aftermath to be strange. It’s almost like she checks out on what has happened and in a way moves on. It’s bizarre, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless especially since the author gives the reader some background/history on the lead up to the current day in the right moment.
Birth of the Dreamers by Kathryn St. John is an engaging story about sea dwellers who after a thousand years of peace find themselves the target of destruction. Humans, land dwellers, have found a way to breach the deep without drowning and they are coming. In desperation, the sea dwellers, cousins to the humans, seek the aid of a dangerous monster that once tried to destroy them all. They wish to control it to bring death to those who threaten them. But will it submit to them? Or will it seek to destroy them as well? What can be done to save them? This story is fascinating and on a level…it honestly pulled at my heart. Mariana is viewed by the elders as just a child, but I love and applaud how brave she is when faced with the dangers that will soon threaten her people. Sacrifice is required, but how many will answer the call?
Sea of Troubles by D.S. Durden a short story about some mischievous children out looking for some adventure and end up getting more than what they bargained for. I found this story to be amusing, entertaining, and surprising. Two young friends looking for some adventure, and they wrangle a dragon shifter to help them by taking something of importance to her. This story is fast-paced so buckle up, but it is highly enjoyable. My eyes shot wide when a certain scene played out and the level of danger that they were potentially faced with. This is a fun roller coaster ride of a story with matching emotions. I’m happy to say that since this story has young children just looking for fun, that all ends well.
Docile by Galina Trefil is the final story in this epic anthology. This story…by far is the darkest and most twisted of all in the anthology so prepare yourself. A scientific discovery, new creatures brought to the surface from the Mariana Trench. They shouldn’t have survived the ascent but they did. Laura is brought on board the ship. She’s both curious and apprehensive about what she is there for and what she will discover. All is not what it seems and soon she and all on board will be in for a fight for their lives. These mysterious creatures have their agenda and they will do whatever it takes after the constant human impacts on their world. Prepare for lots of suspense, danger, and some cringe-worthy moments.
Sea of Secrets is an anthology that is chock full of everything from romance, adventure, darkness, and sinister creatures that want nothing more than destroy. Are you brave enough to chance the deep? The authors have done a fantastic job with each of these stories and some I’m hoping will give me more in the future so that I can learn what happens next. I am pleased to rate this anthology 5 out of 5 stars. If you like a dynamic mix in your stories then this is a collection to pick up and dive into.
Eye of Hedad by A.M. Cummins is a short story but packed full of action and drama. A group of men is exploring a frigid location in their search for giant bones…as in the bones of a giant. As they explore this cold place they learn that there is something underground…a pocket, but what is inside is not dead but very much alive. In their quest for discovery…they unleash what has been locked away. This story is fascinating and had me page-turning to learn what it was they had found. I applaud the author for having the events that followed happen purely from an unintentional accident, but one of the characters learns a valuable lesson at the end of it all.
Angels of the Deep by Stephen Herczeg is dark, twisted, and I LOVED it! The author sets this story in the time of the world wars, I’m guessing World War II, but don’t quote me on that because I’m not 100% sure when the first introduction of U-boats was. But the author gives us characters trapped in an impossible situation…their U-boat is out of commission, they are too deep to call for help, and hope is dwindling. The clock is ticking in more ways than one. The main character has lost everything in this world, but still, he fights to survive. There is something in the deep, its singing is a lure…and it’s hungry. I devoured this story. I love dark and twisted and the author gives me exactly that.
Jenaro and the Crimson Sails by Antonio Gonzalez-Rodriguez is an interesting fantasy story that tells the story of Jenaro and his friend Agostin. Jenaro is the son of what is, in essence, the king of a small island. He wants to be commissioned to sail his own ship, but once again…he is denied. In his frustration and resentment towards his father and his father’s general, he and his friend take a boat. What happens next…adventure, danger, deceit and cunning. The story is engaging, but the author uses some words that aren’t defined or explained. I enjoyed the story, but I wanted some definitions/explanations concerning certain words and situations. Once the author reveals the identity of a new ship in this book, I devoured it as I was eager to see what would happen to Jenaro. This story has a nice level of excitement, and the story ends with the potential promise of more if the author so chooses. I will admit I’d love to read more of Jenaro’s adventure in the future as I am sure that he will have many.
Beware of the Kraken by Melinda Kucsera is a sea-faring story full of sea creatures, mer-type beings, and a colossal kraken. I think this story excited me the most because I am so intrigued by krakens. I like how the author wrote this story. The sea animals are sentient beings and can communicate with each other through a parley spell. The fact that they can use some magic hooked me in. They are protectors of a mystical Veil and something is attempting to breach the Veil. “Change comes in threes” is the mantra throughout this story and the story holds true to this. Humans do exist in this world, but this story will have no happy ending for those who choose to ignore the warnings. This story ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, and I do hope that the author continues this story.
Dolphins and the Ditch by Winter Lawrence take place off the coast of Puerto Rico in 1994. The daughter of an arms dealer is there with her father and her bodyguard. While out away from one of her father’s business deals, dolphins appear…one by one. Petra is excited to see them and she wants nothing more than to interact with them. But there is something strange about their behavior. When they head back to the island the dolphins follow them. What could they possibly want? Now, after the last story, I was curious to see where this author would take me. Would it be dark? Twisted? Creepy? This story is more…mysterious…and odd. I honestly don’t get where the author is going with this story. The interactions with the dolphins are not that unusual, even if they are wild until the mannerisms change. I honestly wish that the author had gotten the story to flow a bit better because I feel that there are some storyline gaps, and I just wanted more with this one. This one falls a bit flat for me.
Loreley by Sofia LaPorte is a story that surrounds a myth about a siren. I have to say that this story is the most beautiful of the ones I’ve read so far. The author weaves a story about a siren that is misunderstood by the local people. Her singing lures those who are not true in heart to those they love. I love how the author creates this story and how it all comes together. There is an air of suspense, some well blended light romance, and such an air of sadness. If you like sirens, suspense, and a moment that is truly heart touching then this is a story that you should check out. I loved it.
The Sea Witch’s Apprentice by Zoey Xolton is the story to read if you are a fan of the Little Mermaid story. The author does a fantastic job recreating this familiar story and gives it that twist that some of us have secretly wished for. Haha! A mermaid princess who goes to the sea witch with a secret desire, but she gets more than originally wanted and it’s EPIC! I had thought I’d come across my favorite story in this book, but this one seems to be the top now. I’d love to read more should the author decide to continue this story.
What Lies Below by Vonnie Winslow Crist is a fast-paced fantasy novel about a young woman who simply wants to see the town that was flooded and drowned after a new dam was installed. Amber is just going to explore, but what she finds is so much more. I enjoyed this story, the pace and the surprises that the author gives the reader. While we don’t get a lot of details about the characters themselves, I can easily say that we really don’t need them. The story flows well without them and keeps the reader engaged. I appreciate that the author doesn’t have Amber be a character that is quick to panic or make a scene about certain situations. An enjoyable short story.
Lost at Sea by Archit Joshi a story that starts with two curious teenagers on vacation and looking for a bit of adventure. They find all that and more when they discover a mysterious beer bottle floating in the surf among the rocks. What they discover, upon following the directions found in the bottle is much more than they thought that they would encounter. A world under the sea, a war between two ocean dwelling tribes, and the ever-present greed of humans. This is an interesting story that follows brother and sister. The brother just wants to relax, enjoy a vacation, and stay out of trouble, but you can tell that the sister is more about adventure. The author sets the stage and then hits with you tons of action. But brace yourself because there are a couple expected, yet unexpected moments that come.
A Stirring of Sand and Dust by Jo Seysener, a story told from the perspective of a tiny fish as she witnesses the rising up of a deep sea dweller in a time of need for the ocean and those who call it home. I enjoyed how the author gives me a character that’s different from the usual with this story. Instead of a large sea animal or mer-creature, we get a tiny fish who witnesses death, destruction, and loss. This is another story that gives the reader a giant cuttlefish/Kraken and I enjoyed it as the creature is like an avenging “angel” of the deep. My heart truly broke at the tragic loss expressed in this story.
Daughter of the Sea King by Meg Boepple to my delight is the continuation of Moira and Sean’s story from the First Love Anthology. So if you read that anthology and this story sounds familiar to you…that’s why. When I realized that these were the same characters I was more than excited to dive in and read more of their story. These two embark on a cruise as Sean is on a journey to take Moira home to meet her father and to fulfill the mission that he was sent on. Things do not go…swimmingly for the couple though. You can tell that there is awkwardness between them and communication is an issue. This story is fast-paced, engaging, and ends on a cliffhanger but I’m eager for more when the time comes!
Tears on the Water by A.R. Johnston is a story of loss, heartbreak, and hope. Young Ruelle and her father are the guardians of a lake that connects to an ocean. In these waters live merfolk, fish, and other aquatic creatures. Her father is from a long line of guardians who have taken on the role of protector, but he knows that something is coming. An ill wind blows and is threatening their existence. A sea witch. She wishes to destroy everything and take over the waters. Ruelle experiences loss yet again at the tender age of seven. Her life changes completely after that. This story has a seriously heartbreaking moment in it, but it’s not the first loss. The author gives the reader some tentative connections to piece together, and then it all comes together. I enjoyed this story, but I would have enjoyed it more if certain scenes hadn’t been omitted. I liked the touch of romance we get, but I’d have preferred if it had been more rooted and founded. An enjoyable story nonetheless.
Lost Leagues by V.P. Allasander is a story packed full of drama, adventure, and more twists than you can shake a stick at! When I started reading this story I didn’t know what to expect but what the author gave me was a world packed full of fantasy, magic, drama, mermaids, and demons. The author gives the reader a beginning of an angry king bent on revenge based on his own impatience. Characters show up and questions arise, but the author does a fantastic job answering all the questions just when you start to think “it’d be nice to know what happened.” I loved it! The author kept me in their grip all the way to the end. If you think that I’m going to say that this is one of those stories of where I need more…you’re right! I hope that the author continues with this story because I so desperately want to know what happens next!!
Rowen and Attina by Layne Calry tell us a story about a sailor (aka pirate haha) and a mermaid. The author starts the story with a vicious sea creature destroying Rowen’s ship. Rowen, of course, refuses to go quietly into the depths so he fights. The author gives us a tiny bit of backstory as to what prompts the attack from the creature but stays focused on the two characters – Rowen and Attina. I like Attina the most as she is such a kind-hearted character. She views the things that are happening to both mermaids and humans as wrong and never abuses the gifts that she has been blessed with. This is a romantic story, though you really don’t “see” the romance blooming between the characters the author lets you know that it’s essentially happening through their interactions and reactions towards each other. This is a sweet story.
Seamouth by Aditya Deshmukh is a twisted and suspenseful story full of strange things and even stranger monster that is trying to take over the world. The author weaves a strange story that, for me, takes a minute to start coming together. A young woman is struggling with her artistic talent. It seems to have left her, but then one day…she’s hit with the desire to paint and create. But she only paints one thing over and over again…a blob. There is more to it but I won’t ruin the surprise for you because the author has a fascinating way of revealing what is going on. I do find some attributes of the story to be odd though. I find her reaction in certain situations and the aftermath to be strange. It’s almost like she checks out on what has happened and in a way moves on. It’s bizarre, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless especially since the author gives the reader some background/history on the lead up to the current day in the right moment.
Birth of the Dreamers by Kathryn St. John is an engaging story about sea dwellers who after a thousand years of peace find themselves the target of destruction. Humans, land dwellers, have found a way to breach the deep without drowning and they are coming. In desperation, the sea dwellers, cousins to the humans, seek the aid of a dangerous monster that once tried to destroy them all. They wish to control it to bring death to those who threaten them. But will it submit to them? Or will it seek to destroy them as well? What can be done to save them? This story is fascinating and on a level…it honestly pulled at my heart. Mariana is viewed by the elders as just a child, but I love and applaud how brave she is when faced with the dangers that will soon threaten her people. Sacrifice is required, but how many will answer the call?
Sea of Troubles by D.S. Durden a short story about some mischievous children out looking for some adventure and end up getting more than what they bargained for. I found this story to be amusing, entertaining, and surprising. Two young friends looking for some adventure, and they wrangle a dragon shifter to help them by taking something of importance to her. This story is fast-paced so buckle up, but it is highly enjoyable. My eyes shot wide when a certain scene played out and the level of danger that they were potentially faced with. This is a fun roller coaster ride of a story with matching emotions. I’m happy to say that since this story has young children just looking for fun, that all ends well.
Docile by Galina Trefil is the final story in this epic anthology. This story…by far is the darkest and most twisted of all in the anthology so prepare yourself. A scientific discovery, new creatures brought to the surface from the Mariana Trench. They shouldn’t have survived the ascent but they did. Laura is brought on board the ship. She’s both curious and apprehensive about what she is there for and what she will discover. All is not what it seems and soon she and all on board will be in for a fight for their lives. These mysterious creatures have their agenda and they will do whatever it takes after the constant human impacts on their world. Prepare for lots of suspense, danger, and some cringe-worthy moments.
Sea of Secrets is an anthology that is chock full of everything from romance, adventure, darkness, and sinister creatures that want nothing more than destroy. Are you brave enough to chance the deep? The authors have done a fantastic job with each of these stories and some I’m hoping will give me more in the future so that I can learn what happens next. I am pleased to rate this anthology 5 out of 5 stars. If you like a dynamic mix in your stories then this is a collection to pick up and dive into.
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