Review: review
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 13, 2014
5 of 5 stars~ Review by BeverleyFor original review see The Prism Book Alliance Blog onlineThis, the second in the Mermen of Ea series, is even better than the first. The first novel Stealing the Wind introduces us to Taren and Ian, the complex, flawed but intriguing main characters of this series. It provides the starting points for the backstory of the world of the Ea and begins some wonderful world building. The main characters and the secondary ones are all highly likeable and interesting.This novel increases our knowledge of the Ea world and introduces us to more of the characters within it. Taren is still plagued by visions of the past and his previous incarnation as Treande. Likewise he is still tortured by the terrible pain Treande felt at Owyn’s (Ian’s previous incarnation) death, and allows it to bleed into his feelings towards Ian in the present. Ian also worries for Taren’s safety and is becoming overprotective, which confuses and angers Taren.If this sounds complicated it’s because it is to explain, but Shira Anthony divides the new information and revelations perfectly between novels, and writes with clarity, elegance and an ease that makes reading a pleasure. I was totally immersed in the world of the Mermen, as even the important totally human characters are interesting and three dimensional, and I loved the relationship between Bastion and Rider in the previous book.This is high fantasy at its best and I was so wrapped up in it whilst reading, I forgot to highlight quotes to use in this review with the exception of the ones which explain the title,I can’t see the way forward without him. It would be like sailing into the wind. I’d go nowhere. I’d be lost.As a sailor Taren uses the metaphor of sailing into the wind and losing control of a ship to express his fears. He is told however, using the same metaphorYou must still find your way. You must learn to sail into the wind.This sequel is exciting, there are battles, betrayals and losses. It is emotional and sexy and heartbreaking. There is a complex plot, which is not resolved at the end of this novel, but do not feel let down the ending will have you gasping and begging for the next installment.