Review: Fantasy fun
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 9, 2014
Beached is the second book in Ros Baxter's Aegira Chronicles, a fantasy trilogy with a creative twist on Norse legend. The first, Fish Out of Water, introduced Rania Aqualina, deputy sheriff of small town Dirtwater, and half mermaid. Her investigation into the discovery of a dead blonde with a fish tattoo on Main Street leads Rania to uncover a plot which could mean the end of her underwater home, Aegira, and her own life, at the hands of a crazed sorcerer, Manos.In Beached, the focus of the story shifts to Rania's sister, Princess Lecanora whom the Queen has sent to Land to find support for the battle against the Sorcerer from none other than the Presidential candidate. Lecanora, while struggling to adjust to the ways of the Land, joins her sister, mother and their allies to gain the candidates favour while dodging over zealous bodyguards, Manos's army and saving two worlds.The action is fast paced, as Manos launches his attack, determined to take Lecanora as his bride so he can rule over Aegira, and destroy any chance of the prophecy of 'the Three' thwarting him by killing Rania. The fight moves between land and sea, finally culminating in an epic battle in Aegira.As in Fish Out of Water, there is a strong romantic element within the story and it's Rania's ex, Doug, who leaves Lecanora breathless. Peace loving Lecanora is baffled by her attraction to the gun toting, ex special forces, bad ass and the strange feelings he evokes. It's insta-love of a sort, but not too badly done.I enjoyed the humour which came from Rania's snark, and Lecanora's naveté. Baxter writes well, with snappy dialogue and descriptive prose. I'd recommend reading Fish Out of Water before Beached though it's not strictly necessary, Baxter provides enough back story to orient a reader new to the trilogy.Beached, like Fish Out of Water, is a fun book, combining action, fantasy, humour and romance, which I really enjoyed. I'm looking forward to reading the final adventure in the Aegira Chronicles.