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San Andreas Shifters #0.5
Marine Biology
an alternate cover edition can be found here
A short tale of seduction, selkies, and sushi.
Alex is a werewolf with problems – he’s unexpectedly alive, he’s quite definitely gay, and he’s been ordered into a partnership with one very flirty merman.
In this LBGTQ sweet short love story, New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings her comedic voice to contemporary fiction and m/m romance. Explicit language warning but little erotic content. (11,000 words ~ 43 pages) First published in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (2010).
WARNING
Contains confused lovelorn werewolves and very pretty ex-Goth mermen who are exclusively interested in each other. May also contain fish, Irish mafia, and a shocking lack of tea.
A short tale of seduction, selkies, and sushi.
Alex is a werewolf with problems – he’s unexpectedly alive, he’s quite definitely gay, and he’s been ordered into a partnership with one very flirty merman.
In this LBGTQ sweet short love story, New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings her comedic voice to contemporary fiction and m/m romance. Explicit language warning but little erotic content. (11,000 words ~ 43 pages) First published in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (2010).
WARNING
Contains confused lovelorn werewolves and very pretty ex-Goth mermen who are exclusively interested in each other. May also contain fish, Irish mafia, and a shocking lack of tea.
43 pages, ebook
First published August 26, 2010
130 people are currently reading
1546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
September 12, 2019
My God, is this book funny! Really, I laughed out loud several times. 😂 Alec and Marvin were just too precious. 💜 I can’t wait to start reading “The Sumage Solution” ASAP. This book is sooooo highlight worthy! 😁🥰 Loved it to the moon and back.
4.5 I know I love fish that much for a reason stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.5 I know I love fish that much for a reason stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 23, 2025
First of all: you don't need to read the prequel, you can start right away with book 1.
And then: I'm so glad I read this story after I was thoroughly satisfied with books 1 and 2, because otherwise I would never have read this series.
My goodness, what a boring story. And the puns only make sense if you already know the characters from later on. And the whole thing about splitting from the pack and starting their own, and the coming out—oh my, was that all bad and dull.
The only good thing, and the reason I read it, were Marvin and Alec. I wanted to find out more about them. But the few crumbs you get here weren't really worth subscribing to the author's newsletter.
Marvin cocked his golden head thoughtfully. “So, how deep in the closet are you?”
Alec gave him an expressive look. “Honey, I shit mothballs.” 😂
And then: I'm so glad I read this story after I was thoroughly satisfied with books 1 and 2, because otherwise I would never have read this series.
My goodness, what a boring story. And the puns only make sense if you already know the characters from later on. And the whole thing about splitting from the pack and starting their own, and the coming out—oh my, was that all bad and dull.
The only good thing, and the reason I read it, were Marvin and Alec. I wanted to find out more about them. But the few crumbs you get here weren't really worth subscribing to the author's newsletter.
Marvin cocked his golden head thoughtfully. “So, how deep in the closet are you?”
Alec gave him an expressive look. “Honey, I shit mothballs.” 😂
December 27, 2020
Marine Biology by G L Carriger
Prequel to the San Andreas shifters series.
Paranormal M-M novella.
Funny and sarcastic. A werewolf pack, mermen, a selkie and ghost. Quite a cast of characters.
I had no knowledge of the series so to me this was a short shifter story setting up some world building. Easy to follow and laugh at the intended humor throughout.
I listened to an amusing audio version which was done by a variety of performers with sound effects.
Prequel to the San Andreas shifters series.
Paranormal M-M novella.
Funny and sarcastic. A werewolf pack, mermen, a selkie and ghost. Quite a cast of characters.
I had no knowledge of the series so to me this was a short shifter story setting up some world building. Easy to follow and laugh at the intended humor throughout.
I listened to an amusing audio version which was done by a variety of performers with sound effects.
October 22, 2018
2.5 Stars
Well that was... odd.
This short prequel felt weirdly hectic and way too brief for me to even begin to get a good grasp of the characters or the particular shifter world being explored here.
Honestly, I wouldn’t say no to reading more from the series - I figure with more page time some of these themes and characters could really blossom - but I’d probably take some convincing.
I will say I very much liked the idea of the werewolf/merman pairing, I just wish it was substantially more developed.
Well that was... odd.
This short prequel felt weirdly hectic and way too brief for me to even begin to get a good grasp of the characters or the particular shifter world being explored here.
Honestly, I wouldn’t say no to reading more from the series - I figure with more page time some of these themes and characters could really blossom - but I’d probably take some convincing.
I will say I very much liked the idea of the werewolf/merman pairing, I just wish it was substantially more developed.
October 22, 2018
3.5 Stars
Basically a pretty tasty appetizer to what I hope will be a great series!
Basically a pretty tasty appetizer to what I hope will be a great series!
May 25, 2017
Cute little shorty
This was cute for what we got of it. Too short to be fully fleshed but the characters were likable and the dialogue was snappy. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This was cute for what we got of it. Too short to be fully fleshed but the characters were likable and the dialogue was snappy. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 24, 2017
I was skeptical because I’m so used to the Parasol Protectorate world. However, even with the slightly darker tone, this world seems to be just as fun and as amusing. I’m in love with the ongoing bantering among the characters. Also, I am interested to see how might this magical world develop with its many species. So far, it has been intriguing.
Also, yay for LGBTQ representation. I like it. I ship it. It is a short love story, but I’m happy with it. Alex is adorable and reserved, and Marvin is more outgoing but also adorable. No complaints here.
I can’t wait to dive into the actual full-length books in this series. I’m giving Marine Biology 4 stars for great potential and amusing dialogue and cuteness for so few pages. I just love Gail Carriger’s style of writing.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
What age level would be appropriate?
Also, yay for LGBTQ representation. I like it. I ship it. It is a short love story, but I’m happy with it. Alex is adorable and reserved, and Marvin is more outgoing but also adorable. No complaints here.
I can’t wait to dive into the actual full-length books in this series. I’m giving Marine Biology 4 stars for great potential and amusing dialogue and cuteness for so few pages. I just love Gail Carriger’s style of writing.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
What age level would be appropriate?
August 13, 2012
At first, I'm REALLY annoyed with the use of italics on this one. Almost all of the internal thoughts are in italics and it's grating on my nerves. However, I'm powering it through, since it's a short story (only around 11,000 based on Smashwords info). And in the end, I'm pretty entertained.
It's quite a fun idea; Alec is a werewolf + marine biologist ("I specialize in microorganisms ... not fish!"). He is asked by his Alpha to work with a couple of merfolks ("We are NOT fish!") to follow a white collar crime: a couple of selkies (a.k.a. Irish mafia) seems to be doing some money laundering.
I enjoy the interaction between Alec and Marvin, the merman. Alec is pretty deep in the closet (so deep, he shits mothballs *lol*) because the werewolf pack (including his Dad) is pretty much a butch society. Since Alec is not, he seems surprised to see Marvin flirting outrageously with him and that Marvin thinks he's beautiful. It makes them quite a couple. Oh, and Alec has another secret that makes him determined not to out himself to the rest of the pack.
It is a nice comedy story ... although I have to wonder (
It's quite a fun idea; Alec is a werewolf + marine biologist ("I specialize in microorganisms ... not fish!"). He is asked by his Alpha to work with a couple of merfolks ("We are NOT fish!") to follow a white collar crime: a couple of selkies (a.k.a. Irish mafia) seems to be doing some money laundering.
I enjoy the interaction between Alec and Marvin, the merman. Alec is pretty deep in the closet (so deep, he shits mothballs *lol*) because the werewolf pack (including his Dad) is pretty much a butch society. Since Alec is not, he seems surprised to see Marvin flirting outrageously with him and that Marvin thinks he's beautiful. It makes them quite a couple. Oh, and Alec has another secret that makes him determined not to out himself to the rest of the pack.
It is a nice comedy story ... although I have to wonder (
July 20, 2017
Okay, too short for a 4-star rating, BUT it was freaking hilarious AND made me buy the next one immediately, and any book that can make me do that, is a hit!
Also no smexy times, but was promised lots of it in the next one, and boy oh boy does that one deliver.
Also no smexy times, but was promised lots of it in the next one, and boy oh boy does that one deliver.
June 11, 2016
What a delightful new set of characters and scenery. I really hope we get to hear more of Alec and Marvin, or others in this world.
January 28, 2025
Delicate Sensibilities? This story contains confused, lovelorn werewolves and very pretty ex-Goth mermen who are exclusively interested in each other. Also contains fish, Irish mafia, and an utterly shocking lack of tea.
I don't know if the author really meant it to be, when she wrote this story, but in spite of it being short, it's also rather amusing. The author, Gail Carriger, does an excellent job of developing the characters, the story, and the plot...and she does it in only 78 pages.
Our main character, Alec, is a werewolf with some...shall we say, "problems". They may not seem to be "big" problems, but when we meet the rest of his family, we understand. You see, Alec is a mild-mannered marine biologist who loves reading literature. So, what's the problem you may ask? In a nutshell...it's the rest of his family! His father and his brothers are all beer guzzling, rowdy, very manly, and very hairy...werewolves. Alec wants... and he tries his darndest, to fit in, but it's not easy...actually, in spite of his efforts...it's impossible. You see, Alec is gay... and he's in the deepest, darkest closet he could find. His "peculiarity"... (the author's word, not mine), doesn't go unnoticed, and when a pack meeting is held about another problem other than him for a change...they see a way to not only make him "absent" but maybe solve a few more of their pack problems. Since Alec, is a marine biologist, he is teamed up with a mermaid and merman to investigate an Irish Mafia scheme involving some devilish, pesky little selkies. Alec thinks Marvin, the merman, is handsome, a "man's man" and the greatest thing to come along since "sliced bread" and Marvin is totally, 100%...in agreement...so they are drawn to each other. WAIT! STOP! Hold the horses...Can't go there!! Alec quickly remembers that he's still in that proverbial deep, dark closet, and his family...and the ghost who haunts the family home...almost forgot about him...seem to be everywhere.
It's cute and it's funny, and it's very short...so don't expect everything to be resolved. This author has bigger fish to haul out later.
I don't know if the author really meant it to be, when she wrote this story, but in spite of it being short, it's also rather amusing. The author, Gail Carriger, does an excellent job of developing the characters, the story, and the plot...and she does it in only 78 pages.
Our main character, Alec, is a werewolf with some...shall we say, "problems". They may not seem to be "big" problems, but when we meet the rest of his family, we understand. You see, Alec is a mild-mannered marine biologist who loves reading literature. So, what's the problem you may ask? In a nutshell...it's the rest of his family! His father and his brothers are all beer guzzling, rowdy, very manly, and very hairy...werewolves. Alec wants... and he tries his darndest, to fit in, but it's not easy...actually, in spite of his efforts...it's impossible. You see, Alec is gay... and he's in the deepest, darkest closet he could find. His "peculiarity"... (the author's word, not mine), doesn't go unnoticed, and when a pack meeting is held about another problem other than him for a change...they see a way to not only make him "absent" but maybe solve a few more of their pack problems. Since Alec, is a marine biologist, he is teamed up with a mermaid and merman to investigate an Irish Mafia scheme involving some devilish, pesky little selkies. Alec thinks Marvin, the merman, is handsome, a "man's man" and the greatest thing to come along since "sliced bread" and Marvin is totally, 100%...in agreement...so they are drawn to each other. WAIT! STOP! Hold the horses...Can't go there!! Alec quickly remembers that he's still in that proverbial deep, dark closet, and his family...and the ghost who haunts the family home...almost forgot about him...seem to be everywhere.
It's cute and it's funny, and it's very short...so don't expect everything to be resolved. This author has bigger fish to haul out later.
June 4, 2017
Oh Ms. G.L. Carriger you make me chuckle all the while, what a charming little tale with just a wee bit of naughty.
October 29, 2017
Because I'm smart I totally waited a couple months after reading The Sumage Solution to read the prequel. Because why would you read books in order?
Anyways, it was cute and quick. A nice introduction to some of the characters and world building that leads up into Sumage Solution, but still a good story on its own.
Don't know what else to say about it. I enjoyed it.
(Though if anyone has an explanation as to why the kindle book was written in blue ink, I'd love to know. Because, wtf?)
Anyways, it was cute and quick. A nice introduction to some of the characters and world building that leads up into Sumage Solution, but still a good story on its own.
Don't know what else to say about it. I enjoyed it.
(Though if anyone has an explanation as to why the kindle book was written in blue ink, I'd love to know. Because, wtf?)
August 2, 2017
I love to pieces the first book in this series and was really excited to learn that there was a pre equal with the brother's romance.
Meh. The world is built just a little and it is funny in place but the romance doesn't feel deep and the sexy times are off page which is out of tone with what happens in the next book.
I am glad I read it but if I read this first I would have no idea of how amazing the next book is. And it is amazing.
Meh. The world is built just a little and it is funny in place but the romance doesn't feel deep and the sexy times are off page which is out of tone with what happens in the next book.
I am glad I read it but if I read this first I would have no idea of how amazing the next book is. And it is amazing.
June 23, 2017
Das hat Spaß gemacht zu lesen! Es ist eine ganz andere Art von Werwolfsgeschichte als aus den Parasol Protectorate Bänden gewohnt, aber trotzdem erkennt man den Witz und Charme von Gail Carriger. Ich bin gespannt auf Band 1 der Reihe!
July 18, 2017
review to come.
March 3, 2022
Funny and fishy short story
I've never read this author before but this one was on sale and it's the introduction to a new series which has been getting great ARC reviews.
As I had no expectations, I really enjoyed the light hearted edge of the book and the introduction did actually make me laugh out loud.
There's a few puns, a bit of excitement but no steamy stuff and a fair bit of moody werewolves and a ghost who should know better. Looking forward to more.
I've never read this author before but this one was on sale and it's the introduction to a new series which has been getting great ARC reviews.
As I had no expectations, I really enjoyed the light hearted edge of the book and the introduction did actually make me laugh out loud.
There's a few puns, a bit of excitement but no steamy stuff and a fair bit of moody werewolves and a ghost who should know better. Looking forward to more.
June 10, 2017
Fairly silly little story. More of an intro piece or a teaser to a series than a serious attempt at a short story. Cliches abound. Found the monkey business a little off-putting. Might pick up another books in this series, if it came cheaply.
July 21, 2017
3.5 Stars!
September 29, 2018
A "blink and you'll miss it" short story about a werewolf and a merman. It's light and fluffy g-rated LGBT romance.
May 18, 2019
3.4 Stars
That was...weird. Very busy story here with a lot going on and while I really, really thought I would love the multiple voice actors used to narrate this tale...well, surprise! I actually did not like it much at all.
Kinda glad I listened to the first full installment before I listened to this one or else I'm not sure I'd have even bothered continuing. But still, I am looking forward to Book 2 - once it's out on audio. (I really really hope it comes out on audio; I did like Kirt Graves' performance on The Sumage Solution. Crossing my fingers he's tapped for the sequel.)
That was...weird. Very busy story here with a lot going on and while I really, really thought I would love the multiple voice actors used to narrate this tale...well, surprise! I actually did not like it much at all.
Kinda glad I listened to the first full installment before I listened to this one or else I'm not sure I'd have even bothered continuing. But still, I am looking forward to Book 2 - once it's out on audio. (I really really hope it comes out on audio; I did like Kirt Graves' performance on The Sumage Solution. Crossing my fingers he's tapped for the sequel.)
October 17, 2016
Urban Fantasy - Werewolves, Mermaids/Mermen, Selkies - M/M romance
Delightful comic short story. Gail Carriger's recent re-releases of earlier short stories are such treats! She does an excellent job developing the characters, story and plotlines in this format.
Alec is a werewolf with problems. He's a mild-mannered marine biologist who enjoys reading literature. His father and brothers are beer guzzling, rowdy, manly werewolves. Alec tries to fit in as best he can, but it's not easy. And he's gay and in the closet.
A pack meeting is held, and Alec, as a marine biologist, is matched up with a mermaid and merman to investigate an Irish Mafia scheme involving selkies. Alec and Marvin, the merman, are drawn to each other -- but Alec is in the closet, and his family (and the ghost who haunts the family home) seems to be everywhere.
How much did I like this short story and Fairy Debt (another 5 star Gail Carriger short story)? Enough to REALLY want a full length book, or better yet, a series. In the case of Marine Biology, Gail's fans are getting their wish.
From Gail's blog, this will be a spin off of this intriguing short story!
Secret Project SAS ~ Novella? Novel? Who knows.
Status: Rough draft.
Something utterly new and different for Gail. Hella raunchy. Super dirty. Very very fun. Spin off of Marine Biology.
Delightful comic short story. Gail Carriger's recent re-releases of earlier short stories are such treats! She does an excellent job developing the characters, story and plotlines in this format.
Alec is a werewolf with problems. He's a mild-mannered marine biologist who enjoys reading literature. His father and brothers are beer guzzling, rowdy, manly werewolves. Alec tries to fit in as best he can, but it's not easy. And he's gay and in the closet.
A pack meeting is held, and Alec, as a marine biologist, is matched up with a mermaid and merman to investigate an Irish Mafia scheme involving selkies. Alec and Marvin, the merman, are drawn to each other -- but Alec is in the closet, and his family (and the ghost who haunts the family home) seems to be everywhere.
How much did I like this short story and Fairy Debt (another 5 star Gail Carriger short story)? Enough to REALLY want a full length book, or better yet, a series. In the case of Marine Biology, Gail's fans are getting their wish.
From Gail's blog, this will be a spin off of this intriguing short story!
Secret Project SAS ~ Novella? Novel? Who knows.
Status: Rough draft.
Something utterly new and different for Gail. Hella raunchy. Super dirty. Very very fun. Spin off of Marine Biology.
October 11, 2017
"Marine Biology" was originally published in a paranormal romance collection, and has just been released as an ebook single. This is the first story of Gail Carriger's that I've read that's set in the modern world, rather than the Victorian era. It's also - shocker! - set in the US. Not a single cup of tea throughout!
"Marine Biology" is a cute, light love story involving a reluctant werewolf hiding his sexuality and a few other key points from his he-man pack. When he and a gorgeous merman are thrown together to investigate some stolen money, sparks fly -- and precipate a few important moments of truth.
The mystery is rather beside the point. The fun is in meeting and appreciating the main characters, reading about pack dynamics (and barbeque social mores), and encountering a few interesting marine animals along the way.
Gail Carriger's humor and way with words shine through, as usual. Of course, if you really want to have fun, I'd highly recommend her Parasol Protectorate series. "Marine Biology" is a quick, diverting read, and would make a great dessert after a night of "serious" reading.
"Marine Biology" is a cute, light love story involving a reluctant werewolf hiding his sexuality and a few other key points from his he-man pack. When he and a gorgeous merman are thrown together to investigate some stolen money, sparks fly -- and precipate a few important moments of truth.
The mystery is rather beside the point. The fun is in meeting and appreciating the main characters, reading about pack dynamics (and barbeque social mores), and encountering a few interesting marine animals along the way.
Gail Carriger's humor and way with words shine through, as usual. Of course, if you really want to have fun, I'd highly recommend her Parasol Protectorate series. "Marine Biology" is a quick, diverting read, and would make a great dessert after a night of "serious" reading.
December 30, 2017
I like this Gail Carriger short story series. Always appreciate a little diversity in my romance and this fit the bill!
Read
September 8, 2020This one is pretty lightweight, and being a short story, doesn't have the depth or character development of the novels in the series. It might, if read first, give some clues to the world-building and an early meet with some of the characters, but the pleasure of the interesting character interactions is best encountered in the novels. I actually recommend reading this after you've enjoyed the full immersion experience of at least one novel.
June 15, 2020
A free short story from the author and the prequel to the series. It was very funny, nicely written and included some delightful characters as you would expect from a Gail Carriger book.
I read this in my lunch break and laughed a lot! I will have to follow up the series just as soon as I can.
I read this in my lunch break and laughed a lot! I will have to follow up the series just as soon as I can.
July 18, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
This is a cute, humorous short story that is a prequel to the San Andreas Shifters series. It appears to have been originally written back in 2010 under the name Gail Carriger and now re-released and recovered with the publication of the first book in the series. The story features Bryan/Biff’s brother, Alec, and explains how he came to be the alpha and why the pack moved to California. Although it is not necessary to read before the series, it does provide some cute background.
This one is light fun and a bit silly. We do get some general background on Alec and basic development of the werewolf world. However, we learn next to nothing about Marvin in specific or the merfolk in general, and as the non-POV character, Marvin feels mostly like the flirty foil to Alec’s character. There is really no relationship development here as the story takes place in about a day and the guys share some kisses and conversation, but nothing that made me believe they were suddenly ready for the commitment they take on. The fact that Alec not only is ready to move his pack to California to be with Marvin, but also says he is in love, seems unrealistic to the extreme. However, the story is entertaining and humorous and an easy read. I am not sure it would warrant reading as a standalone, but it was an enjoyable way to get me ready for the first book in the series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
This is a cute, humorous short story that is a prequel to the San Andreas Shifters series. It appears to have been originally written back in 2010 under the name Gail Carriger and now re-released and recovered with the publication of the first book in the series. The story features Bryan/Biff’s brother, Alec, and explains how he came to be the alpha and why the pack moved to California. Although it is not necessary to read before the series, it does provide some cute background.
This one is light fun and a bit silly. We do get some general background on Alec and basic development of the werewolf world. However, we learn next to nothing about Marvin in specific or the merfolk in general, and as the non-POV character, Marvin feels mostly like the flirty foil to Alec’s character. There is really no relationship development here as the story takes place in about a day and the guys share some kisses and conversation, but nothing that made me believe they were suddenly ready for the commitment they take on. The fact that Alec not only is ready to move his pack to California to be with Marvin, but also says he is in love, seems unrealistic to the extreme. However, the story is entertaining and humorous and an easy read. I am not sure it would warrant reading as a standalone, but it was an enjoyable way to get me ready for the first book in the series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 17, 2017
Marine biologist Alex is a werewolf with secrets and the fact that he's gay is the least of them. He just doesn't fit in with the other werewolves in his pack and that makes life extremely difficult for him. They don't understand his love of fish over steak and he's never going to enjoy drinking and partying the way they all do. When the wolves are approached by some merfolk who need help investigating the illegal activities of the selkie mafia Alex is given the job of liaison. His family are hoping he'll fall for the beautiful mermaid Giselle but Alex is much more interested in her brother Marvin.
This was a really fun short story full of Gail Carriger's trademark witty banter and plenty of humorous flirting between Alex and Marvin. As a short story this didn't have much time to flesh out the characters but I thought they made a really cute couple even if I did want to spend more time getting to know them. Marine Biology works well as an introduction to the main characters but I'm glad that future books will be longer because I think this just needed a bit more page time to really give the characters a chance to shine.
This was a really fun short story full of Gail Carriger's trademark witty banter and plenty of humorous flirting between Alex and Marvin. As a short story this didn't have much time to flesh out the characters but I thought they made a really cute couple even if I did want to spend more time getting to know them. Marine Biology works well as an introduction to the main characters but I'm glad that future books will be longer because I think this just needed a bit more page time to really give the characters a chance to shine.
January 2, 2019
Always a fun read
July 18, 2017
Kind of cheesy. Not really my type of humor.
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