Fourteen-year-old Phoebe Quinn is surrounded by magic, but she can’t muster any of her own. Her sister is a fairy keeper. Her best friends are merfolk. And all she does is dishes and housework.
When Phoebe finds out a terrible sea creature is awakening that preys upon the peace-loving merfolk, she becomes determined to help them, even though it means going with Tristan and Mina to their home deep in the sea.
Beneath the waves, Phoebe learns she’s more like her sister than she realized. The merfolk are drawn to her, and she can sense the magic of the sea all around her. Magic is finally at her fingertips, but that’s precisely why the stirring dark power under the waters decides it wants her most of all.
Now she must not only help the peaceful merfolk escape this ancient enemy, she must master her out-of-control powers. If she fails, she will die and darkness will rise and enslave the merfolk once more. But embracing her full power could cost her the very people she loves the most.
Amy writes magical escapes for young readers and the young at heart. She is the author of the World of Aluvia series, The Secret Psychic series, and the Wish & Wander series, for ages 10-14 and up. Her latest book is The Worst Villain Ever, for ages 8-12. She is also a former reading teacher and school librarian.
As a military kid, she moved eight times before she was eighteen, so she feels especially fortunate to be married to her high school sweetheart. Together they’re raising two daughters in San Antonio. You can find her online at amybearce.com.
It was so lovely entering the world of Aluvia again, I loved this upper middle grade series which i read the first book, Fairy Keeper, but this one really took me on many an emotional journey. One thing you need to know about me is i am obsessed with Mer people. When i was younger i literally used to swim in the sea, go underwater and call out for them......... they never came, i am guessing i didn't shout load enough, right?
This story was an adventure filled with magic, friendship, underwater shenanigans and crazy scary sea beasts. A book of acceptance, family and the moral of believing in who you are. I loved it!
The first book of this series wasn’t extraordinary, but it left me wanting to know what would happen in the second book. And I’m glad I did read it, because this book was better than the first one. (...)
If you read the first book, you know that Sierra’s boyfriend, the faun Micah, can smell certain fragrances that distinguish people with magical abilities. In this book, we learn that when he met Phoebe, Micah smelled the sea in her, but it was so subtle he thought it was related with the “borrowed” magic her merfolk friends would give her to allow her to breathe underwater. Something happens and we realize that Phoebe really does have magic connected to the sea and the ocean. (...)
Phoebe, with her newly discovered magic and some other adventures, decides to help Tristan and his people, to correct the wrongs mankind had done to them and, above all, to thank Tristan and Mina for saving her from a disgusting man. But the merfolk, with good reason, don’t trust her and they’re afraid that she’ll try to enslave them again, and Phoebe almost loses her life trying to prove them wrong. It’s at this point in the book that all the major adventures happen, so I won’t develop it much more. It’s an adventure full of magic, ancient temples and dark abysses. (...)
Although in the first book I wasn’t quite pleased with the writing that seemed a bit youngish, in this one that didn’t bother me and I was always anxious about reading the next chapter. It was a story full of adventure and with a very sweet and innocent romance. I’m glad I read it.
This book is better than the first book of the series.
Phoebe Quinn, sister of the fairy keeper Sierra, and best friend to the twin Merfolk, Tristan and Mina, a girl surrounded by magic yet she has no magic at all. Until she discovered monsters preying to the peace loving Merfolk .
A story of friendship, love, respect, adventure, disobedience, bravery, promises and sacrifice. A community of peace that are trigger to fight. Believing that the magic they no longer posses will never come back. And surrender, defeat, or enslavement is the future....
Leaders are suppose to lead, but when leaders are afraid, are they going to fight or cower under the bed. Life is a never ending battle. To accept life what it is, is like a sea without fishes but if you believe that there is a way to change the life you are in, then maybe there is a future.
Phoebe maybe an ordinary girl but her will to change, disrupt a possible future, and change a community for a better future.
See you soon warrior of Aluvia... Dragon redeemer...
Phoebe's sister is the Fairy Keeper from the first book in the series, and she's ever so slightly disappointed in the world for she doesn't have any magical powers of herself (I guess you already know what is going to happen at this point). Although her sister tells her to stay away from the coast, she must takes measures when she finds a mutilated mer-folk corpse one day.
Despite there being a lot of things that were rather predictable, which I will mention hereafter, I enjoyed it quite a lot. Phoebe for one not being ordinary for one. The huge suspicion of the mer-folk against Phoebe as another thing. What happens at the end is yet another thing.
However, I was quite drawn to the story, as the mer-folk were to Phoebe. I actually liked it better than The Fairy Keeper and also in this book I preferred Phoebe's scenes over those with Sierra.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Welcome back to Aluvia! We return four years later to adventure with Phoebe as she finds her voice in the sea. Bearce presents us with another beautifully written fantasy novel, featuring adventure, action, and romance, presented appropriately for middle grade readers. Like Sierra in book 1 (Fairy Keeper), Phoebe is a strong female protagonist in a fantasy story, which is a refreshing and much needed departure from a market over-saturated with dystopian novels. Highly recommended for classroom and library collections
A huge Thank-You to Curiosity Quills for giving me a copy of Mer-Charmer by Amy Bearce, in exchange for an honest review.
Mer-Charmer is the second book in the World of Aluvia trilogy.
Prior to my actually reading Mer-Charmer, I expected that Mer-Charmer would be told in Sierra’s point of view. While I was disappointed that Mer-Charmer isn’t told in Sierra’s point of view, I was happy that Phoebe gets her own story in Mer-Charmer.
I was honestly so confused when I first started reading Mer-Charmer, because the way that the character thought wasn’t at all how Sierra’s thoughts flowed. So when I read the Mer-Charmer synopsis on Goodreads I was kind of surprised that Mer-Charmer was in Phoebe’s point of view. Phoebe is Sierra’s little sister. I’m glad though that Mer-Charmer takes place about 4-ish years after Fairy Keeper ends.
My overall thoughts of the book include that Phoebe is a great character, and an even better person (if she were to live and breath as we do). Phoebe proved time and time again that she’s capable of doing so many things. So. Many. Things. Especially when someone tells Phoebe that she isn’t capable of doing something. Phoebe’s resilience is very comforting.
I love the romance and angst between Phoebe and her love interest. Phoebe was so cute and adorable, yet she can be mature at the same time. — I’d think that would be difficult to convey when writing a character or a scene in that way, but Bearce has written Phoebe very well.
For the most part, there is nothing about Mer-Charmer that I didn’t like. In the end the bad guy got what he deserved, and ultimately the World of Aluvia is a better place for it!
Mer-Charmer is a very interesting addition to the World of Aluvia trilogy. I’m so glad that I read Phoebe’s story!
I believe that you could read each of the World of Aluvia books as stand-alones, but to get the full grasp of what is going on in the World of Aluvia, you’ve got to read Fairy Keeper first.
Thank you to Curiosity Quills for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Last year, I also read the first book in the World of Aluvia series, Fairy Keeper.
Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood, but I didn't like this one as much as the first one. I still enjoyed it, it just took me longer than it should have to finish.
What I liked:
-the plot. It has a bit of a The Little Mermaid vibe except in reverse. Phoebe, who was rescued by merfolk at the end of Fairy Keeper, spends a lot of time hanging out near the water with her mer-friends, Tristan and Mina, while her sister Sierra and their friends (Micah, Corbin, and Nell) are off doing...something. I can't actually remember what it is they do when they go off adventuring - saving other magical creatures, I think.
-Phoebe and Tristan's relationship is adorable. They evolve from friends to "more", but, since they're still quite young, it's all very sweet and innocent.
-sea monsters make great villains. They can be very creepy.
What I didn't like:
-I felt like the story moved quite slow, and I found myself skimming a lot. There was nothing wrong with the writing, but I guess it just wasn't appealing to me (which is not to say that it was bad, it just didn't work for me at the time).
Overall, Amy Bearce's novels fit in that delicate age between middle grade and young adult where the characters are almost in their teens (or are early teens) but are still pretty innocent. I'd recommend this series for kids who read slightly above their age range (11+).
I read fantasy in order to be swept up in another world. The underwater world the author has created is dangerous and beautiful. I was so involved with the story that my eyes teared up a few times from the excitement of it all. I really loved how the character transformed throughout the story and it had very touching ending. Goosebumps and tears. I loved seeing how Phoebe grew up from the child she was in Fairy Keeper, the first book in the World of Aluvia series. The bonus chapter at the end has me waiting for Nell's story!
I really love the relationship between Phoebe and Sierra. Amy Bearce does a really great job of capturing the mixture of care and frustration between the two sisters. It feels very authentic.
I also really appreciate how the romance is handled. Young teenagers can and do fall in love but most people don't find their "happily-ever-after" with their junior high sweetheart. I always find it a bit strange when YA or Middle grade books have their main characters fully sorted romantically before they are adults.
Obviously most of these are fantasy and it is certainly possible that the world an author creates might have different marriage customs than we do in 2018. But that would require a lot of work and explanation on an author's part and unless we're talking about high-fantasy for adults it is probably more trouble than it is worth.
I feel like this series finds a solid middle ground. There is certainly romance and romantic tension between Phoebe and Tristan but it is future-centric enough that there is plenty of room for the characters to grow. As the reader, you want Phoebe and Tristan to be together but the characters will still be complete if for some reason they don't.
At one point near the end of the book I thought for a second - "Phoebe might die at this part". Obviously I did not want that to happen but I realized that if she did die the story could still continue because the series was actually bigger than any one character. It seems strange to say that about a book that is very character driven - but I think it is a sign of good story.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is book 2 in the series and Phoebe's story. I loved this even better than book 1. Its been 4 years and the horrors of her time with Bentwood still haunt her and give her nightmares. The only thing that helps is her time at the sea with her merfolk friends Tristan and Mina. Her sister Sierra is always leaving to take care of her fairies and of course there are those who try and continue to make Flight when they arent supposed to. Phoebe understands this but she's still hurt that her sister is gone a lot and ignores her a little. She wants to be equals with Sierra but having no magic on her own its impossible. So, there is a little jealousy and resentment there. There is something that is preying on the merfolk and she wants to help them because they are her friends but that might get her killed. Especially going against the wishes of her sister to stay safe. Especially now that she just MIGHT have some powers of her own. Will it be enough to save them all that is if she can get control of them? I enjoyed the story very much. That ending was sooo sweet! Loved it!
I actually enjoyed this one better then the first one. It a great young adult adventure fantasy with a little romance as well. I enjoyed learning about the mermaids and seeing more of this new fantasy world of magic.
This book started out similarly to the first one, but I'm giving it an extra star because it had a cute romance between a merman and a human girl, and I'm a sucker for that sort of thing.
Received a review copy from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Mer-Charmer was a pretty good sequel to Fairy Keeper. This focuses on Phoebe Quinn 4 years after the horrific events she faced after her father gave her away to Bentwood. This was pretty cool story, it did lack some details here and there, but it was beautifully written. The world of Aluvia is absolutely fascinating to me.
Phoebe Quinn is now fourteen years old and lives with her sister and Micah. She has felt trapped ever since Sierra stopped her from traveling with her. She now escapes to the ocean to see her merfriends and feel a since of belonging. Phoebe always wanted to have some type of magic, but she never felt any of her own until she stepped into the ocean and her powers were awakened. Phoebe is absolutely phenomenal. She may be quiet and timid, but when it came to the merfolk she got brave and started to become outspoken, no longer the little girl she used to be.
Phoebe reminded me of Sierra in the way that she risked her life for her charges. She was willing to give up everything to save them. What she did eventually give up was amazing. She is so much stronger than I would have thought, but I'm so glad she got her happy ending.
Tristan was freaking hot! I enjoyed how he and Phoebe tried to hide their feelings for one another even with the pull she had on the merfolk. He was brave, loving, daring, bold and so much more. Tristan is definitely the right guy for Phoebe. Mina, Tristan's twin sister, was such a joy! She always seemed to taunt Tristan into admitting his feelings and always found a way to hint his feelings to Phoebe.
Sierra Quinn, Phoebe's older sister and fairy keeper, definitely was a bit too overprotective and absolutely smothered Phoebe. I know that the things that happened in the first book scared her, but I think she should have let her have more freedom or at least told her the truth about Bentwood's men.
Elder Odessa was just downright rude -- she made me laugh so much because even though she was nice in helping Phoebe, she always made sure to let her know she didn't like or trust her. Not to mention, she was the mother to Tristan and Mina -- that woman was hilarious. Baleros was downright evil as hell. I didn't like what he did to Liam or his father. I couldn't believe how he was. I will say, he definitely got his butt handed to him by Phoebe.
Overall, this was pretty awesome and I'm definitely interested in reading the third book in this series when it's released.
Ok I know I'm not a teen or tween, but adults enjoy fantasy/YA reads too! While I certainly didn't expect another Harry Potter, I was expecting something a bit, well, interesting. This read like a story for a six year old. It just didn't capture my imagination or interest at all...at all at all. The only thing I enjoyed was the name of the child mer-folk being called seawees...but that's it. Very typical teen angst story, young girl falls for boy she cannot have, evil entity endangers mermaids, teen discovers her "power" and saves her beloved mer-folk, yay all is well in the end. The cover of the book was beautiful though, and had a matte finish that was so lovely. Other than that, meh. I don't see where YA reads like this really empower young girls if there's always a boy they're pining after. The message is nice; find the strength within, peace, love, joy, yada yada, so why make half the dialogue so drippy with teenage love and angst. See this is why Harry Potter and in its day LOTR was so well received by ALL ages, it focused on humor, family, friendship and loyalty to yourself and others. Basically, enough with the goopy needy young female protagonists already, let's have one of substance...unless of course that's your thing, then to each her own.
I loved Fairy Keeper, the first book in the Aluvia series by Amy Bearce. And I’m thrilled to say Mer-Charmer lived up to my hopes and expectations as the second book in the series. Phoebe is a sweet girl who doesn’t feel special at all. She’s surrounded by magical creatures in a world where everyone (but Phoebe) seems to have an important mission. But when Phoebe discovers her merfolk friends, Tristan and Mia, are in danger from an awakened sea wraith, her own adventure finally begins.
Mer-Charmer is a beautiful book through and through. The cover is gorgeous. The undersea world Bearce created is a dreamscape of mystical cities, fantastic (and sometimes fierce) creatures, and legendary lore. Like a siren, it draws you into its watery depths and doesn’t let you go until the very last page.
This is a perfect book for upper middle grade. It has everything: a strong relatable protagonist, themes relating to self-worth/confidence, friendship, and family, and riveting adventure. I can’t wait for the third book!
Picking up the story of two sisters, we leave Sierra, the Fairy Keeper, to follow Phoebe, the younger of the two sisters, four years after the events which saw Sierra find her own destiny and love.
Phoebe, tired of staying home, finally gets to discover more about herself, why she has not been able to see more of her friends and a lot more about life beneath the waves.
This book has an excellent pace, a beautifully crafted story, that will have you turning pages, eager to see what exciting delights await you. Full of romance, mystery and magic, but will it have the ending Phoebe wants? What will she have to give up and will she ever recover from the events of four years ago?
This book was not for me. I got it in a Lit-cube and I assumed it was a YA novel. This book is definitely meant for pre-teens, but it's short enough that I finished it anyway. I think a pre-teen girl would probably enjoy this story, but I really can't recommend it for anyone over the age of 12 or 13.
Another fun read from Amy Bearce! I really love the world of Aluvia, and this return was really magnificent! Phoebe acts as an engaging lead, bringing us closer to the merfolk and magic that reside in Aluvia's underwater lands. Crisp writing, fun pacing, and a great villain; definitely worth the read!
I enjoyed it but was a little disappointed with the ending. I felt like it ended abruptly and I wanted a different outcome. Still enjoyed it and it is great YA. I can recommend. Gbash
It is not that the book was horribly written, it just didn't hold my interest. I found myself just wanting to finish the story to move onto a different book.
Let it be known that I received this book in a subscription box without having read the initial entry in this series so my review is completely untainted by precedents and pre-determined thoughts.
I am very picky when it comes to my fantasy-based reads. It has to WOW me on so many levels that I get lost. This book pleasantly surprised me! Aluvia is a wondrous place - a place brimming with Merfolk who maintain as much depth as the sea in which they swim. There's adventure, action, and even a little romance (but presented in such a way that isn't off-putting to those who prefer the adventure or action side of things). My only slight is that it reads a bit slower than I tend to like. The story doesn't necessarily drag but it does slump in certain areas which might entice one to skim. The writing itself shouldn't be dogged though, so that's a plus. The story evolves around Phoebe, a strong protagonist, who is tired of staying home and yearns to discover more about the sea around her (and herself, of course!). The romance isn't blatant. In fact, it's presented in a teasing manner - picture a few 10 year olds 'crushing' on each other. It's delicate, it's sweet..and it doesn't fog an otherwise interesting story. The history presented of the city of Lyr and the merfolk that inhabit it helps bring this story to life. There's even a map in the front of the book that you can look at to help guide you through this literary 'world'.
The author does a swell job of describing things in such a way that picturing them is easy. You will almost feel as if Phoebe doesn't exist - that it's YOU that's set to save the merfolk.
This is not a book meant for hardcore fantasy fans (unless you are only looking for a light read!) - though entertaining, it was written with the pre-teen/teen fantasy fans in mind. With that in mind, adventures in the sea await… so let this Mer-Charmer of a book Mer-Charm you through the world of Aluvia!
I received a copy of this book at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The second installment in the World of Aluvia takes place 4 years after "Fairy Keeper" and focuses on Phoebe Quinn, the younger sister of "Fairy Keeper's" main character, Sierra Quinn. As the story opens, Phoebe has largely recovered from the ordeal she underwent in the previous book, but not entirely, and has found a great deal of comfort hanging out under the sea with her Mer friends, Tristan and his twin sister Mina. While Sierra is off traveling, she has asked Phoebe to stay close to home and not go to the sea, but being 14 and lonely, Phoebe goes anyway. Her defiance nearly gets her into serious trouble, however, and her only escape is to go with her friends to their village under the sea - a town filled with Merfolk who aren't too fond of humans and, unbeknownst to them, about to face an ancient threat that has recently re-emerged.
Unlike "Fairy Keeper," "Mer-Charmer" doesn't involve a small group undertaking a quest to far-away lands in search of something, which gives the book a faster pace and the action seems more relevant to the actual goal than the various hazards a questing group can run into, and it made for nice contrast with the first story. Bearce has created a well-developed culture for the Merfolk as well as a history that explains why they tend to be wary of humans - even a human like Phoebe who clearly only wants to help.
I really enjoyed this book and read it pretty much in a single sitting. Bearce provides clear descriptions of the underwater world she's created and I felt like I could see the Merfolk, their village and the events taking place there. Phoebe, Tristan, and Mina are very likable characters, and the friendship they share is portrayed strongly enough to justify the risks they're willing to take for each other.
All-in-all, "Mer-Charmer" is definitely a worthwhile read.
Amy Bearce does a great job in creating such fun magical realms for her characters to explore. As you may remember from Book 1, Fairy Keeper, we were introduced to the merfolks during the climatic ending and the daring rescue performed for the girls.
But this isn't a book told from Sierra's perspective. Nope, this series continues four years after the release of the fairy's slavery and is told from Sierra's sister, Phoebe.
I will say that the author does a great job in creating a different feel to the story as the main character is the more timid version of Sierra. Even though there is a lot of strength and determination, Phoebe brings a softer tone. But, she begins to take charge of herself when she feels a tug towards protecting the sea and those who may be in danger within.
What I liked about this book is how it builds as a sequel while also feeling like a whole new realm. We are drawn into a society where Phoebe is constantly battling the merfolk for their trust. I will say that this society was beginning to get on my nerves with their insistent mistrust and repetitive nature in blowing Phoebe and her warnings off.
But through it all, the plot drives her to never give up, and along the way, we learn even more of the world building and magical features. There may be more to Phoebe than her and her friends may have once thought.
Overall, I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. I loved reading the sea-worthy version of this magical tale, but there were some points that I wished we could have explored a world beyond just the mer-society. But, the last few chapters really had a hook on me, and the mild plot twist at the end brought me to completing this book rather quickly. This is definitely a series I will be continuing on with Book 3.
Book Title: Mer-Charmer Book Author: Amy Bearce Rating: 5 stars
I didn’t know what to expect with book 2 which was part of the fun. This is about Sierra’s sister. Sierra is a fairy keeper and Phoebe feels jealous that she was dealt the card without magic. However, things change for her after she turns 14. This book is happening 4 years after the end of Sierra’s story and it was very beautifully written. I loved the scenery of the sea and the emotions that all characters have depicted.
I’m actually a little jealous because I’m working on my own ocean scenery on my head and will probably not get to that level of beauty….lol
Anyway, Phoebe is much older than 14 – emotionally because of what happened to her in the past and because of what took for her to be healed. I can also see why Phoebe is Amy’s favorite character. 😉
One question for Amy, though. What emotion can create a mer tear? I don’t think that was ever explained.
But here is a snippet and overview of what I thought:
Overall, this book was way better than the first book. The writing, the plot and the characters were just great. I love seeing where this series is going and can't wait for the next book. I think it is going to be one hell of a ride if I look at all the progress that has been made between this book and the first book. This book is for those of you who still crave to become part of the merfolk and who feel the sea tugging at their heart.
Thank you to Curiosity Quills Press for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review! I am ready for the next book!
I loved Fairy Keeper so I was thrilled to continue on the journey and read Phoebe’s story. And it was certainly as magical as I expected. What I think I loved the most about this book is the love that Phoebe holds. She has this beautiful innocent romantic love for Triston, her sisterly love for both Sienna and Mina and her overall love for the sea and her mermaid friends. Phoebe is a character of grit and perseverance. This book had plenty of action and intriguing enemies as the magic shifted to the sea.
The return to Aluvia is just as great as the beginning. Phoebe is smothered by her sister's over protective actions. Her one escape is the sea. When she is threatened by her sister's enemies she joins her mer friends under the waves to hide but finds a bigger danger. Phoebe must make a choice, her sister or her friends? Just like with the first book the world building is excellent, I could picture everything so clearly, and the danger had me on the edge of my seat. No adult content, but she does struggle with the abuse she endured at the end of book one.
This is not what I expected. And I was happy about that! Time moves four years forward. Phoebe is now fourteen years old. What will come from her friendship with Mers? This book was a great YA read that will be some kind of coming of age read that got me on a great IMAGINATIVE journey that was a great break from real life. I need MORE books like that!
Ah the dreaded second book in a trilogy! I always cringe because I just don’t have high expectations as it’s usually the book that falls flat for me.
Well… this book was a pleasant surprise!!! I almost found it more thrilling because it involved mermaids. Only downside was that it again was a young girl so found it extremely juvenile in some cases.
In this second book, it is four years after the events of the first book and it is Phoebe's turn to do what she can to aid the world of Aluvia to heal. Well written and engaging story. :)