Review: A fantastic final book!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 29, 2012
This is an enchanting series full of breathtaking images, heartfelt emotions and a new world to emerce yourself in. The Syrenka Series brought me back to my childhood when my sister and I used to pretend we were mermaids swimming in our pool. I loved the idea of a fresh take on the mermaid mythos. The mermaids in the Syrenka series were not bound to the ocean, but lived on land and transformed when they swam. The way the author Amber Garr described the experience of being in the water and the exhilaration that the main character Eviana felt when she was in her element was inspiring.The series revolves around Eviana (named after the water?) and she is to be in an arranged marriage to unite important families. However, Eviana is in love with someone else - and not a merman. Brendan is a Selkie and changes into a seal and their love is forbidden. Add teenage love, lust, and stubbornness and you can guess what happens next. Eviana runs from her family responsibilities, but by doing so has ignited a series of events that she couldn't even fathom.What I really liked about the series was the idea that actions have consequences, even if you think you are doing them for the right reasons. Eviana is made to look at her choices and realizes that some things she should have done differently. Eviana eventually grows up and takes responsibility for herself and finds strength and courage to fight a war.I really love Kain. He loves unconditionally and is always there for Eviana, even when she doesn't deserve it. There is more than just Kain and Brendan though, Graham is introduced in the second book and throws a wrench in the triangle. Romance is a very big element in the series, but more importantly the ideas of friendship and loyalty reign. There are so many twists and turns and each book will leave you gasping. I had a hard time dealing with certain events - no I'm not telling you what they are - and I cried, screamed, and wanted to chuck my Kindle across the room. People are never who you think they are and betrayals abound. The deaths of characters along the way is heartbreaking, but no death is in vain.The Syrenka series/trilogy is a fantastic ride. I was hooked after the first few pages of Promised and could not think of anything else until I finished Arise. Each book ends with a cliffhanger so be ready with the next book on hand! I loved that water creatures from all different myths and legends were combined to make up the Syrenka world. I especially like the water sprites, namely Abhainn for his wit and terrifying form. The characters Ms. Garr created were well rounded and fully fleshed out and the flow of the story never waivers. The prose is beautiful and written well.FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of these books from the author for an honest review. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.