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Isla Emerged #1.5
Secrets Submerged
Pain. Deception. Family.
Eleven months ago, Isla became the matriarch of her merfolk kingdom. Unfortunately, transitioning from being an exiled princess to being a queen is tougher than she anticipated. Isla is haunted by the trauma her mistakes have left behind, the sacrifice her father made, and the glimpse Anita gave her at a secret that had been buried for nearly thirty years.
Only Anita and the secret she holds close to her heart can give Isla any measure of closure and make the road ahead clearer for Isla to grow as Queen. But, much like the young mermaid, Anita is wracked by guilt because of her past complacency, the lies she believed, and the damage that was done.
Do they dare risk their friendship—and Isla’s fragile sanity—by exposing a truth that could change everything?
This novella bridges the gap between the series' first book, Isla Emerged, and the full length sequel, Currents Converged.
Eleven months ago, Isla became the matriarch of her merfolk kingdom. Unfortunately, transitioning from being an exiled princess to being a queen is tougher than she anticipated. Isla is haunted by the trauma her mistakes have left behind, the sacrifice her father made, and the glimpse Anita gave her at a secret that had been buried for nearly thirty years.
Only Anita and the secret she holds close to her heart can give Isla any measure of closure and make the road ahead clearer for Isla to grow as Queen. But, much like the young mermaid, Anita is wracked by guilt because of her past complacency, the lies she believed, and the damage that was done.
Do they dare risk their friendship—and Isla’s fragile sanity—by exposing a truth that could change everything?
This novella bridges the gap between the series' first book, Isla Emerged, and the full length sequel, Currents Converged.
140 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2021
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 24, 2022
I am really enjoying my re-read of the Isla Emerged Series, even more so since I am listening to them. I can't say enough how wonderful this narrator is. I seriously love when a favorite series is even better the next time around.
Throwback Review (6/12/2020): Anita played a huge part in the take down of The Order. Who is she though and why was she willing to help Isla, a mermaid? How is it that she knew Eira, Isla's mother? It's time for her story.
This is why I love Novellas. Insight into other characters is something I crave when the main story captivates me. Learning who Anita was and became was heartbreaking at times and inspiring at others. She befriends her "enemy" and learns that everything she knew about merfolk was a lie. For her to see the wrong in what The Order does and realize she needed to change is inspiring. Change from within is powerful.
For Isla..she gets to know a little of her mother's story and finds the peace she craves which only strengthens her resolve to be a good ruler. She is more her mother's child than she believed.
Throwback Review (6/12/2020): Anita played a huge part in the take down of The Order. Who is she though and why was she willing to help Isla, a mermaid? How is it that she knew Eira, Isla's mother? It's time for her story.
This is why I love Novellas. Insight into other characters is something I crave when the main story captivates me. Learning who Anita was and became was heartbreaking at times and inspiring at others. She befriends her "enemy" and learns that everything she knew about merfolk was a lie. For her to see the wrong in what The Order does and realize she needed to change is inspiring. Change from within is powerful.
For Isla..she gets to know a little of her mother's story and finds the peace she craves which only strengthens her resolve to be a good ruler. She is more her mother's child than she believed.
July 17, 2022
Fantastic Continuation w/ Backstory!
This is in the novella category (being a shorter read) but it in no way is it less enjoyable than the first book. I love that this picks up pretty quickly where the first book left off. We get to see a new side of Isla and then we get to explore some of her family's past. It really was a great story and I am truly looking forward to the next book.
Parents- PG13 good for middle grade readers to adults
Language- not a lot, much less then Harry Potter and no f-bombs
Violence- normal to genre, violent murders but nothing too graphic
Sexual Content- it's really pretty clean other then a few alluded to discussions.
The narrator did a fantastic job with the differentiation and acting skills. I did like it better at 1.2x speed but I do tend to listen to many books a bit faster.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is in the novella category (being a shorter read) but it in no way is it less enjoyable than the first book. I love that this picks up pretty quickly where the first book left off. We get to see a new side of Isla and then we get to explore some of her family's past. It really was a great story and I am truly looking forward to the next book.
Parents- PG13 good for middle grade readers to adults
Language- not a lot, much less then Harry Potter and no f-bombs
Violence- normal to genre, violent murders but nothing too graphic
Sexual Content- it's really pretty clean other then a few alluded to discussions.
The narrator did a fantastic job with the differentiation and acting skills. I did like it better at 1.2x speed but I do tend to listen to many books a bit faster.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 12, 2020
Anita played a huge part in the take down of The Order. Who is she though and why was she willing to help Isla, a mermaid? How is it that she knew Eira, Isla's mother? It's time for her story.
This is why I love Novellas. Insight into other characters is something I crave when the main story captivates me. Learning who Anita was and became was heartbreaking at times and inspiring at others. She befriends her "enemy" and learns that everything she knew about merfolk was a lie. For her to see the wrong in what The Order does and realize she needed to change is inspiring. Change from within is powerful.
For Isla..she gets to know a little of her mother's story and finds the peace she craves which only strengthens her resolve to be a good ruler. She is more her mother's child than she believed.
I received this ARC in return for my honest review. All views are mine, and mine alone. I appreciate the opportunity to review this wonderful book. 🖤🖤🖤
This is why I love Novellas. Insight into other characters is something I crave when the main story captivates me. Learning who Anita was and became was heartbreaking at times and inspiring at others. She befriends her "enemy" and learns that everything she knew about merfolk was a lie. For her to see the wrong in what The Order does and realize she needed to change is inspiring. Change from within is powerful.
For Isla..she gets to know a little of her mother's story and finds the peace she craves which only strengthens her resolve to be a good ruler. She is more her mother's child than she believed.
I received this ARC in return for my honest review. All views are mine, and mine alone. I appreciate the opportunity to review this wonderful book. 🖤🖤🖤
June 29, 2020
This storyline affords us the opportunity to Anita's back story which is utterly intriguing. Once again, the author weaves a beautiful tale of friendship and heartache which you will quickly find captivating and did I mention how much I love the book cover?! I can't wait to see what tantalizing tale comes next!!
June 12, 2020
Wonderful novella bringing attention to Anita's history.
Full review here:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog...
Full review here:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog...
June 28, 2020
Anita and Kaya were huge parts of Isla Emerged and it was wonderful getting their backstory along with more information about Isla's mother. It was an emotional tale which kept the pages turning. Looking forward to Currents Converged!
May 18, 2023
After reading the first book, I was hoping to find out more about Anita and how she decided to help take down The Order. This novella is short, but is complete, with plenty of character development and world building for the series.
The story focuses on the past and depicts Anita's life. She certainly didn't have it easy, and each time she rebelled, I wanted to cheer. Her sister, though...ugh. Seeing Anita's thoughts and way of life change as she befriends a supposed dangerous monster and makes hard choices was a great story.
Talon David returns to narrate this book, and does another excellent job of bringing the story and characters to life.
The story focuses on the past and depicts Anita's life. She certainly didn't have it easy, and each time she rebelled, I wanted to cheer. Her sister, though...ugh. Seeing Anita's thoughts and way of life change as she befriends a supposed dangerous monster and makes hard choices was a great story.
Talon David returns to narrate this book, and does another excellent job of bringing the story and characters to life.
February 20, 2024
A novella that bridges the gap between the 1st book Isla Emerged and the 3rd book Currents Converged. This provided a back story of Anita, Kaya's Aunt. I actually really liked this more so better than the 1st book of the series Isla Emerged. I liked learning who Anita had been and how she got to where she was in the 1st book and the reason why she helped Isla. I could read a whole series about Anita, she is a very strong and likeable character. Now I'm curious to see where the story is headed in the final book in this series.
July 12, 2020
After the struggles of taking over as Queen, the death of her father.....and the sadness she felt
Ilsa meets Anita and learns that she knew Eira, Ilsa’s mom - this book takes you through a whimsical friendship made after Anita left The Hunters and organization trained to hunt and kill 🧜🏼♀️. It’s a great continuation of the first book.
Ilsa meets Anita and learns that she knew Eira, Ilsa’s mom - this book takes you through a whimsical friendship made after Anita left The Hunters and organization trained to hunt and kill 🧜🏼♀️. It’s a great continuation of the first book.
November 11, 2022
This short Novel continues where book 1 left off in Isla's books. I love getting the background story about Anita and her time with Kaya. There was so much love and respect between the two woman human and Mermaid. Once again the Narrator did a splendid job with Characters voices and the Storyline. looking forward to the next Audible book.
July 7, 2020
Almost a year has passed since Isla became Queen. She's not sure how to handle being Queen after her past mistakes. Her human friend, Anita, has secrets that could ruin their friendship and possibly make stuff harder for Isla. Sometimes you have to do what's right no matter what.
December 19, 2020
We continue to follow Isla on her journey as she learns about the friendship between Anita and her mother. Isla learns that her strength and bravery are inherited. I can't wait for the last book in the series!
July 2, 2020
This suspenseful novella offered a look into the past and told Anita’s story. I enjoyed the tale and loved the glimpse of the past to add more depth to the overall world and story.
July 11, 2020
As the story continues I am falling more and more in love. The story is enthralling and engaging. The characters are amazing. I can't wait to read another book from this wonderful author.
Want to read
November 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/30/2020)! 🎁
August 13, 2022
This one is mainly about Islas mum in the past
3 star listen
Really short
Good to listen to the story that builds on the story.
3 star listen
Really short
Good to listen to the story that builds on the story.
December 16, 2022
A great story. The 3 characters were interesting, and flowed well. It was an intriguing plot, and moving. I will look for some more by this author, and this series.
June 20, 2024
Good story a little slow at times. Author does a nice job portraying characters and bringing this world to life. Narration is done pretty well.
June 30, 2020
Let me just say that I enjoyed this novella soooo much! It was instantly captivating form page 1. I loved learning more about Anita and her past and getting insight on Isla’a mom! The book had a lot of unexpected twists that I didn’t foresee, but that just made it more enthralling! The writing and details, were so descriptive and brought me right back into the story, regardless of how long it’s been since I’ve read about these characters. I also loved how we got to see more of their culture and lives. I enjoyed the expanding of the world building, as that is something I wanted explored, and I was very pleased by that. Overall, I’m so glad we got this glimpse of the past, as it just made me love Anita more. In conclusion, this novella just made me even more excited for what’s to come in the future for the whole squad!
July 13, 2020
What a wonderfully written story!
What a great novella! I enjoyed this story immensely and I got to learn about my favorite character, Anita! The characters are so relatable in this story that I found myself in tears by the end. I felt what Isla and Anita were feeling and I didn’t want the story to end. I can’t wait for more!
What a great novella! I enjoyed this story immensely and I got to learn about my favorite character, Anita! The characters are so relatable in this story that I found myself in tears by the end. I felt what Isla and Anita were feeling and I didn’t want the story to end. I can’t wait for more!
May 19, 2021
This is the perfect refresher and set up for the next book of the series. After reading book 1 I knew it was going to be good and I’m glad I wasn’t disappointed. The author has given you a refresher, some history and made you excited for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews