What do you think?
Rate this book
Uncharted Grounds
Alternate cover edition of ASIN: B0FGQGQ3YS
Life hasn’t been normal since a mermaid resurrected Maya Rivers.
Between supernatural side effects, the terrifying mermaid mafia who wants more than she’s prepared to give, and a shadow demon who would raze realms to keep her safe, Maya is trying to figure out who she is—and where she truly belongs.
In a world of chaotic friendship and found family, one thing’s Maya isn’t just surviving anymore.
She’s ready to stand her ground.
Life hasn’t been normal since a mermaid resurrected Maya Rivers.
Between supernatural side effects, the terrifying mermaid mafia who wants more than she’s prepared to give, and a shadow demon who would raze realms to keep her safe, Maya is trying to figure out who she is—and where she truly belongs.
In a world of chaotic friendship and found family, one thing’s Maya isn’t just surviving anymore.
She’s ready to stand her ground.
310 pages, ebook
Published July 21, 2025
88 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Lara McKenzie
5 books38 followersLara McKenzie writes quirky, heartfelt stories brewed with humour, magic, and a splash of rebellion.
With a love for sharp wit, morally grey characters, and slow-burn tension, Lara blends the cosy and the chaotic into stories that linger like your favourite cup of coffee.
When she's not writing, you’ll find her researching weird folklore, chasing plot bunnies, or perfecting her latte art (with mixed success).
With a love for sharp wit, morally grey characters, and slow-burn tension, Lara blends the cosy and the chaotic into stories that linger like your favourite cup of coffee.
When she's not writing, you’ll find her researching weird folklore, chasing plot bunnies, or perfecting her latte art (with mixed success).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 6, 2025
MAYA the Found
Another great episode in MAYA’s world. It’s been great reading about Maya’s evolution into the person she is and the relationships she’s built. This book was no less brilliant in its humor, quirky characters, and gut wrenching drama that luckily resulted in emotional growth. The stars are Nyx, Genevieve and Luna lol as side characters they are the best. I would also love to see spinoff on some of the others such as Dax, Flint, Nico, Cami, etc. overall it’s been an excellent series y
Another great episode in MAYA’s world. It’s been great reading about Maya’s evolution into the person she is and the relationships she’s built. This book was no less brilliant in its humor, quirky characters, and gut wrenching drama that luckily resulted in emotional growth. The stars are Nyx, Genevieve and Luna lol as side characters they are the best. I would also love to see spinoff on some of the others such as Dax, Flint, Nico, Cami, etc. overall it’s been an excellent series y
August 19, 2025
Read in less than a day
So funny. So cute. Maya is the live out loud person I aspire to be. 💚 Thank you Lara McKenzie! (I still want that Hope hoodie)
So funny. So cute. Maya is the live out loud person I aspire to be. 💚 Thank you Lara McKenzie! (I still want that Hope hoodie)
August 31, 2025
Maya does not disappoint! Each title in this series has been better than the previous one (this is NOT to take anything away from the previous books it's just that you can't always count on sequels maintaining the quality of the first in series).
I can't wait for the next one!
I can't wait for the next one!
October 19, 2025
Still funny
Great characters. Full of humor, truths and antics of supernatural proportions! I laughed so hard at the break down of the forest sex scenes from the book she and Scorpion were reading, I choked on my own coffee. Someone had to say this and I’m glad it was Maya and Scorpion!!! I say, wow, I know that feeling often. Those of us with ADHD and a sprinkle of OCD understand Maya. Heart warming, hysterical and emotional.
Great characters. Full of humor, truths and antics of supernatural proportions! I laughed so hard at the break down of the forest sex scenes from the book she and Scorpion were reading, I choked on my own coffee. Someone had to say this and I’m glad it was Maya and Scorpion!!! I say, wow, I know that feeling often. Those of us with ADHD and a sprinkle of OCD understand Maya. Heart warming, hysterical and emotional.
October 9, 2025
This is a deeply personal and emotional story that connects with each reader in differently.
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Uncharted Grounds, the third book in Maya’s Blog’s series is indeed uncharted territory for the characters here.
Lara McKenzie’s format of having her character, Maya, chart her growth and life events through a Blog that’s grown substantially from 5 readers to a inter species paranormal readership of millions , including ones she now includes as friends and found family, has become a stunning journey of inspiring personal growth and self discovery.
But it’s a realistic one, full of painful and awful moments of despair and even death. Those have been equally terrifying and tragic for Maya and those around her.
And this deals with the consequences of that event, the aftermath, and the unexpected repercussions that it will bring upon Maya’s relationship with her shadow demon warrior fiancée.
There are hilarious scenes, terrifying moments, utter heartbreak, and solemn moments of thoughtful reflection upon her own experiences and past history that make her look at her current situation and how she feels about going forward.
I can’t say enough about how much I love this beautifully written series about Maya and her journey through her new life , her friends and how she has grown up and dealt with each new challenge she’s faced.
While this is a fantasy/science fiction universe, the parallels to a contemporary world are very real and heartfelt. And often heartbreaking.
Keep your tissues close by.
This is a deeply personal and emotional story that connects with each reader in differently.
Highly recommended.
Love these covers with their specific topics, this one being Genevieve who had a big role here.
Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.
MAYA’S BLOGS:
Espresso Yourself #1
Brew Diligence #2
Uncharted Grounds #3
Flat White Flag #4
Little Bean #5 (coming soon)
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Uncharted Grounds, the third book in Maya’s Blog’s series is indeed uncharted territory for the characters here.
Lara McKenzie’s format of having her character, Maya, chart her growth and life events through a Blog that’s grown substantially from 5 readers to a inter species paranormal readership of millions , including ones she now includes as friends and found family, has become a stunning journey of inspiring personal growth and self discovery.
But it’s a realistic one, full of painful and awful moments of despair and even death. Those have been equally terrifying and tragic for Maya and those around her.
And this deals with the consequences of that event, the aftermath, and the unexpected repercussions that it will bring upon Maya’s relationship with her shadow demon warrior fiancée.
There are hilarious scenes, terrifying moments, utter heartbreak, and solemn moments of thoughtful reflection upon her own experiences and past history that make her look at her current situation and how she feels about going forward.
I can’t say enough about how much I love this beautifully written series about Maya and her journey through her new life , her friends and how she has grown up and dealt with each new challenge she’s faced.
While this is a fantasy/science fiction universe, the parallels to a contemporary world are very real and heartfelt. And often heartbreaking.
Keep your tissues close by.
This is a deeply personal and emotional story that connects with each reader in differently.
Highly recommended.
Love these covers with their specific topics, this one being Genevieve who had a big role here.
Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.
MAYA’S BLOGS:
Espresso Yourself #1
Brew Diligence #2
Uncharted Grounds #3
Flat White Flag #4
Little Bean #5 (coming soon)
August 11, 2025
After the devastating attack in the previous book, you'd think Maya could catch a break, wouldn't you... but, nope, our favourite blogging barista seems to be a chaos magnet of the highest order. Things seem to be looking up as Maya gets a handle on her second chance, but those pesky Shimmer Sharks come calling and are determined to bring Maya into their fishy fold.
Anyway, we - and by we I mean Maya & Co. - have a new mission this book. Deep Point. A small failing community of mermaids and human mates, that has been forgotten, abandoned... failed by the Shimmer, and has reached out in desperation to Maya for any help she can give them. So what's a girl with millions of followers to do? She sends out a SOS, blog style, and gets things rolling. This, however, does not sit well with a certain pushy mermaid, who doesn't take being blown off by Maya lightly.
Yes, things once again go pear shaped for Maya, only this time the fallout of a confrontation leaves Maya spiralling. Will she recover? Will she self-sabotage her relationships?... well, you'll have to read the book to find out the answer to those questions, but it's worth the emotional wringer I went through to find out. Honestly, this is quickly becoming a series that I know I will reread many times (big re-reader here) as I find the characters and their interactions, relationships, trials and tribulations worth the emotional investment.
Another 4.5 stars!
Anyway, we - and by we I mean Maya & Co. - have a new mission this book. Deep Point. A small failing community of mermaids and human mates, that has been forgotten, abandoned... failed by the Shimmer, and has reached out in desperation to Maya for any help she can give them. So what's a girl with millions of followers to do? She sends out a SOS, blog style, and gets things rolling. This, however, does not sit well with a certain pushy mermaid, who doesn't take being blown off by Maya lightly.
Yes, things once again go pear shaped for Maya, only this time the fallout of a confrontation leaves Maya spiralling. Will she recover? Will she self-sabotage her relationships?... well, you'll have to read the book to find out the answer to those questions, but it's worth the emotional wringer I went through to find out. Honestly, this is quickly becoming a series that I know I will reread many times (big re-reader here) as I find the characters and their interactions, relationships, trials and tribulations worth the emotional investment.
Another 4.5 stars!
August 5, 2025
I love this world. Maya and her friends are excellent but I have a few notes. Some of the quippy dialogue between characters is too similar to one another. I want each of the characters to have more distinct personalities and ways of speaking. They shouldn’t all sound like maya. Including her ghost shrimp. They can have similar attitudes for sure but how they express that should be a little more unique.
The author uses delightful turns-of-phrase but she started repeating them in a way that took me out of the story. Not every outfit needs to be described as having “bad decisions” and “chaos inducing”. I’m sure they were both things but after the 5th or 6th person, place or object described as such I wondered if she’d run out of sassy adjectives. I believe in you! You can be sassy 15 different ways. Do it!
Finally, the ending was so fun that I truly hope there will be follow up where we get more of charlotte’s story and many of the other characters. This world is ripe for exploration and more chaos and bad decisions. I’m waiting.
(3.5 stars but I have it an extra half star for the ending)
The author uses delightful turns-of-phrase but she started repeating them in a way that took me out of the story. Not every outfit needs to be described as having “bad decisions” and “chaos inducing”. I’m sure they were both things but after the 5th or 6th person, place or object described as such I wondered if she’d run out of sassy adjectives. I believe in you! You can be sassy 15 different ways. Do it!
Finally, the ending was so fun that I truly hope there will be follow up where we get more of charlotte’s story and many of the other characters. This world is ripe for exploration and more chaos and bad decisions. I’m waiting.
(3.5 stars but I have it an extra half star for the ending)
October 5, 2025
The violence grows. Again, it is completely unnecessary, gratuitous, and out of place.
These books need trigger warnings at this point.
I'm so disappointed with this series. It was refreshing to see books written with ADHD vibes. But again the author almost unalives the main character. There were a billion other ways to handle the situation. Putting a survivor of violence back in that situation is cruel.
There is also zero mention of the main character getting therapy at all. I feel like all of the "heal yourself, help others" stuff put in these books has just been performative because no one is actually doing any of that. The author is using healthy relationship buzzwords without any honor of them.
Where are the mentions of C-PTSD?? The main character has it after so much trauma yet it's never addresses.
Frankly the violence was not appropriate for books advertised as have a cozy supernatural rom-com vibes. The author needed to take her weird torture p*rn elsewhere.
Again, I cannot recommend past book one unfortunately. And I question if this author is actually a woman, because this reads like something written by a misogynistic man.
These books need trigger warnings at this point.
I'm so disappointed with this series. It was refreshing to see books written with ADHD vibes. But again the author almost unalives the main character. There were a billion other ways to handle the situation. Putting a survivor of violence back in that situation is cruel.
There is also zero mention of the main character getting therapy at all. I feel like all of the "heal yourself, help others" stuff put in these books has just been performative because no one is actually doing any of that. The author is using healthy relationship buzzwords without any honor of them.
Where are the mentions of C-PTSD?? The main character has it after so much trauma yet it's never addresses.
Frankly the violence was not appropriate for books advertised as have a cozy supernatural rom-com vibes. The author needed to take her weird torture p*rn elsewhere.
Again, I cannot recommend past book one unfortunately. And I question if this author is actually a woman, because this reads like something written by a misogynistic man.
August 24, 2025
Really Enjoying This Series
I am really enjoying this series. It is an odd format, to be sure. Admittedly, I am occasionally flummoxed by what “these young whippersnappers” [insert geezer voice here] are doing to mangle the English language, but … that is what context is for. Points off for using the tried and true “too stupid to live” trope … “I know that the last three times I’ve gone off on my own I’ve been nearing killed, but it certainly can’t happen AGAIN!” Yes. Yes, it can. But, again, plot devices … what’re you gonna’ do. A few times I had an urge to join into the comments section; that’s when you know the characters have gotten to you. Highly recommend.
I am really enjoying this series. It is an odd format, to be sure. Admittedly, I am occasionally flummoxed by what “these young whippersnappers” [insert geezer voice here] are doing to mangle the English language, but … that is what context is for. Points off for using the tried and true “too stupid to live” trope … “I know that the last three times I’ve gone off on my own I’ve been nearing killed, but it certainly can’t happen AGAIN!” Yes. Yes, it can. But, again, plot devices … what’re you gonna’ do. A few times I had an urge to join into the comments section; that’s when you know the characters have gotten to you. Highly recommend.
October 5, 2025
Bit more emotional, still perfectly crazy
I continue to be impressed with how well the blog format works for this series. It's unusual but perfect for the character and story. Speaking of story, this one maps into more deep emotions, little more darkness than the prior books, but has a really perfect arc and resolution. The characters continue to be perfection, the universe McKenzie has created is amazingly interesting and adequately detailed without being overwhelming. The sparks of humor are delightful and well timed throughout the book. The pacing, editing and hook are all well done and dragging me (enthusiastically) into the next book.
I continue to be impressed with how well the blog format works for this series. It's unusual but perfect for the character and story. Speaking of story, this one maps into more deep emotions, little more darkness than the prior books, but has a really perfect arc and resolution. The characters continue to be perfection, the universe McKenzie has created is amazingly interesting and adequately detailed without being overwhelming. The sparks of humor are delightful and well timed throughout the book. The pacing, editing and hook are all well done and dragging me (enthusiastically) into the next book.
October 23, 2025
I seem to be in the minority with this review, so I'll keep it brief. I have loved this series, and this novel was a lot of fun! After the first two books however, the constant 'quipiness' of almost every character, blog comment, and sentient object or paranormal creature gets kind of one-note. Still a fun read, but it's as if every character has the same brain, the same style of speaking, the same sense of humor, the same love of the word 'vibes', etc. Fun, easy read, just a little repetitive by book 3.
July 23, 2025
OMG!
Chapter 33 had me crying 😭😭😭😭
Not dainty sniffles, but all out nasty crying, bawling my eyes out, hiccuping, chest heaving, the works!
The writing, superb and engrossing, just how I like it. 😁😁
Shimmer sharks, the nasty ones like mean girls, finally get justice, Scorpion and Vex style.
We meet the nice Shimmer sharks, who is like to visit, probably in Nyx, please.
So much is packed in this book.
I'm greedy, I'd like MORE, pretty please with Flint on top 😉😉😁
Chapter 33 had me crying 😭😭😭😭
Not dainty sniffles, but all out nasty crying, bawling my eyes out, hiccuping, chest heaving, the works!
The writing, superb and engrossing, just how I like it. 😁😁
Shimmer sharks, the nasty ones like mean girls, finally get justice, Scorpion and Vex style.
We meet the nice Shimmer sharks, who is like to visit, probably in Nyx, please.
So much is packed in this book.
I'm greedy, I'd like MORE, pretty please with Flint on top 😉😉😁
July 26, 2025
The book series you don't know you needed. Coffee, Chaos and Glitter.
Read this one too fast and want to go read them again. Seriously! I laughed, cheered and cried on this emotional rollercoaster and loved every moment of it. When I fell into the first of the Maya Blogs series I didn't know what a gem I had found. If you like adventure and magic and the totally unglossed over unhinged truth , This is definitely the book for you.
Read this one too fast and want to go read them again. Seriously! I laughed, cheered and cried on this emotional rollercoaster and loved every moment of it. When I fell into the first of the Maya Blogs series I didn't know what a gem I had found. If you like adventure and magic and the totally unglossed over unhinged truth , This is definitely the book for you.
August 25, 2025
Best yet
Wonderfully weird. Without going into too much detail, this book goes from a shadow daddy yelling about the improbability of sexy time in romantasy books due to a lack of bathing (absolutely valid and hilarious) to examining the contradictory emotions and identity crisis following the destruction of enemies. I laughed, I cried, I got emotional whiplash and I want a ghost cat. I loved every bit of it.
Wonderfully weird. Without going into too much detail, this book goes from a shadow daddy yelling about the improbability of sexy time in romantasy books due to a lack of bathing (absolutely valid and hilarious) to examining the contradictory emotions and identity crisis following the destruction of enemies. I laughed, I cried, I got emotional whiplash and I want a ghost cat. I loved every bit of it.
October 10, 2025
This series has never slowed from the beginning and each book is just as good as the last!
It's just so real, nobody is perfect. Eeryone has insecurities, they make the wrong decisions, they make mistakes. And that's OKAY
Reading this series has been really healing, to be honest, nobody should have to make themselves smaller to fit in, you should be who you are, unapologetically. And I love that these books show us that every single time
It's just so real, nobody is perfect. Eeryone has insecurities, they make the wrong decisions, they make mistakes. And that's OKAY
Reading this series has been really healing, to be honest, nobody should have to make themselves smaller to fit in, you should be who you are, unapologetically. And I love that these books show us that every single time
November 13, 2025
I cannot get enough of this world! This was another great episode of Maya's world, and I can't wait to get to dive into the next one! You would think the poor girl could catch a break, but I don't think that is in the cards for her. This one was still fun and quirky, but a little more emotional than the others. I love seeing Maya's growth. Oh, and Nyx?? Don't we all wish we could have a car like that? This supernatural world is just the best!
December 9, 2025
As per usual for Lara McKenzie, another slam-dunk. Knocked it out of the park. Amazing.
It's the realness for me. The emotional instability, growth, resistance to change but doing it anyway because we must, the experiences and passion and trying so damn hard to just be yourself. It is what makes us human, and Lara writes it brilliantly.
There are 2 more in the series and I already know I am going to have an existential crisis of catastrophic proportions when I finish.
It's the realness for me. The emotional instability, growth, resistance to change but doing it anyway because we must, the experiences and passion and trying so damn hard to just be yourself. It is what makes us human, and Lara writes it brilliantly.
There are 2 more in the series and I already know I am going to have an existential crisis of catastrophic proportions when I finish.
December 14, 2025
I love this series of books, I like the format mainly because I write an almost daily blog. Maya does not disappoint, she has all the self depreciating charm without her becoming annoying. The chapter after the Shimmer attack by Oceanna and her mean Mermaid crew, was heartbreaking, I really thought she wasn't going to go back to Scorpion. But I will definitely be buying and reading the next two books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
Hilarious and Heartfelt
I randomly found the first book in this series and immediately raced through the second. This one was just as beautiful, chaotic and amazing. I have been in a haze reading this as soon as it was released. Absolutely read the series, it's worth every second.
I randomly found the first book in this series and immediately raced through the second. This one was just as beautiful, chaotic and amazing. I have been in a haze reading this as soon as it was released. Absolutely read the series, it's worth every second.
July 23, 2025
Love this format!!!
So I was leery of reading this stories at first because a story formatted like a blog did not sound like it could capture my interest. I am so glad I gave it a chance because the story just sucks you in and made me laugh and cry, and cheer for the main character. Definitely recommend!
So I was leery of reading this stories at first because a story formatted like a blog did not sound like it could capture my interest. I am so glad I gave it a chance because the story just sucks you in and made me laugh and cry, and cheer for the main character. Definitely recommend!
July 28, 2025
Love, love, loved this whole series!
This book made me laugh, touched my heart and made me look at my husband like the emotional support he is. I also TOTALLY agreed with Scorpion on romance novels where people do the wild thing without bathing. GROSS! Pleased someone else noticed. 😂
This book made me laugh, touched my heart and made me look at my husband like the emotional support he is. I also TOTALLY agreed with Scorpion on romance novels where people do the wild thing without bathing. GROSS! Pleased someone else noticed. 😂
August 7, 2025
The best so far
I am in love with this book series. Every word, every character. I laughed so loudly, my niece looked at me like I was having a fit. Genevieve's description of Scorpion in the bathroom nearly had me falling out of my chair. By the way, where can I find my own Shadow Demon?
I am in love with this book series. Every word, every character. I laughed so loudly, my niece looked at me like I was having a fit. Genevieve's description of Scorpion in the bathroom nearly had me falling out of my chair. By the way, where can I find my own Shadow Demon?
August 17, 2025
3rd book of the caffeine chaos
The story line keeps getting better. I love the fact that at a point in this book ther heroine takes a step back, which you feel to your bones. There’s still comedy central going on in the book, but real heart and feelings as well. Well dont and I can’t wait until the next one comes out!
The story line keeps getting better. I love the fact that at a point in this book ther heroine takes a step back, which you feel to your bones. There’s still comedy central going on in the book, but real heart and feelings as well. Well dont and I can’t wait until the next one comes out!
August 31, 2025
Beautiful hilarious emotional
Great part 3 of this series. I wish we had magic in our world. I loved how the relationship between Maya and Scorpion keeps evolving, I loved friendships that she had. What happened to her was so horrifying but how she processed it all felt very real and honest. Can't wait for more
Great part 3 of this series. I wish we had magic in our world. I loved how the relationship between Maya and Scorpion keeps evolving, I loved friendships that she had. What happened to her was so horrifying but how she processed it all felt very real and honest. Can't wait for more
October 20, 2025
So good!
I absolutely love it! Maya is the best! This one made me me cry! It upset me with what she went through and all her trauma and the feelings she had to deal with. It was was so good though. I love these books and the characters are wonderful. I enjoy every aspect of this world. Its so much fun and I can't wait for more in the next book!
I absolutely love it! Maya is the best! This one made me me cry! It upset me with what she went through and all her trauma and the feelings she had to deal with. It was was so good though. I love these books and the characters are wonderful. I enjoy every aspect of this world. Its so much fun and I can't wait for more in the next book!
October 21, 2025
Another good installment
This is a fun cozy book with insight and deep emotions paired with ridiculous chaos. Some of the wiring can get repetitive and a lot of the characters share the same way of speaking, both overall still a fun read. I loved that she realized how she needed to step up in her relationship!
This is a fun cozy book with insight and deep emotions paired with ridiculous chaos. Some of the wiring can get repetitive and a lot of the characters share the same way of speaking, both overall still a fun read. I loved that she realized how she needed to step up in her relationship!
July 22, 2025
Quirky and fun
This is the third book in the series and I love them all. The "blog" format is fun , allowing for a good story without the decent into TMI. Laughed out loud and woke my poor husband up.
This is the third book in the series and I love them all. The "blog" format is fun , allowing for a good story without the decent into TMI. Laughed out loud and woke my poor husband up.
July 24, 2025
another great read
I just finished book 3 in the series. I love the characters. The character development is strong and I am entertained by each blog post. The characters are wonderful in and of themselves. Read all three books you won regret it.
I just finished book 3 in the series. I love the characters. The character development is strong and I am entertained by each blog post. The characters are wonderful in and of themselves. Read all three books you won regret it.
July 28, 2025
Quirky, fun, unique style
I love the way these books are written, you get characters, depth, a cozy storyline but written with lots left to imagine. You get the story, the vibe, the character growth but in a more concise way. It’s refreshing and fun.
I love the way these books are written, you get characters, depth, a cozy storyline but written with lots left to imagine. You get the story, the vibe, the character growth but in a more concise way. It’s refreshing and fun.
July 29, 2025
Maya's blogs books.
From a blog perspective is awesome. Didn't know if I would like it, but it was fabulous. Hope we get to see the soul-bond ceremony and little demon/mermaid/human feral hybrid chaos children.
From a blog perspective is awesome. Didn't know if I would like it, but it was fabulous. Hope we get to see the soul-bond ceremony and little demon/mermaid/human feral hybrid chaos children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews