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Underneath: A Merfolk Tale
A gravely injured merman has been found washed up on a beach in Maine, leaving his new doctors struggling between saving his life and keeping him safe from the military's eager hands.
One reporter is hot on the trail of what she believes is an elaborate hoax—or the story of a lifetime. A story that has her tracking elusive clues into an ever-growing house of secrets surrounding one of the richest families in New York City.
For merfolk have been hiding in plain sight for centuries, and are now torn between sacrificing one of their own — or telling humanity the truth.
Underneath - A Merfolk Tale is an exceptionally different take on mermaid stories, one that combines the fear of the unknown with the need to protect those we love the most.
One reporter is hot on the trail of what she believes is an elaborate hoax—or the story of a lifetime. A story that has her tracking elusive clues into an ever-growing house of secrets surrounding one of the richest families in New York City.
For merfolk have been hiding in plain sight for centuries, and are now torn between sacrificing one of their own — or telling humanity the truth.
Underneath - A Merfolk Tale is an exceptionally different take on mermaid stories, one that combines the fear of the unknown with the need to protect those we love the most.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2016
217 people are currently reading
3196 people want to read
About the author
M.N. Arzu
7 books250 followersThe first series that captivated my imagination was The Chronicles of Narnia. The idea of having a secret world —imaginary or otherwise—was so appealing I had to create my own as soon as possible.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I have gone through the dark realms of Stephen King, to the lighthearted girl power of Sailor Moon. I've fought monsters on Zelda, and become a die-hard Roswell fan. I've lost my memories with Jason Bourne, and I've lived a thousand lives alongside vampires, immortals, fairies and goddesses.
Magic and science blend into the tales I bring to life, and I am constantly striving to capture the essence of the great storytellers from my past.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I have gone through the dark realms of Stephen King, to the lighthearted girl power of Sailor Moon. I've fought monsters on Zelda, and become a die-hard Roswell fan. I've lost my memories with Jason Bourne, and I've lived a thousand lives alongside vampires, immortals, fairies and goddesses.
Magic and science blend into the tales I bring to life, and I am constantly striving to capture the essence of the great storytellers from my past.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 6, 2017
I received this book from Goodreads.
I found it!
The best mermaid book ever
I have found the most spectacular, divine, enchanting, astonishing, delightful, daunting, exquisite, outstanding, delicious, thrilling, suspenseful, funny, rapturous Merpeople book I will probably ever read.
Underneath is no cheesy 'Mermaid goes to high school' teenybopper book. No- this is for real a hardcore, well written, urban fantasy that you can be proud to put on your bookshelf.
This.Book.Is.The.Best. It's Perfect. With a capital P. And a E, R, F, E, C, T. The whole word is capitalized. PERFECT.
I think I may be hyperventilating, but I don't care.
Let me just mention a few things about the book that made it perfect for me: Accurate medical proceedings. The author had the Doctors and medical staff react to the strange nonhuman merman just as I imagined it. My Mom's a nurse. I literally grew up in nursing homes and hospitals so my imagination is usually spot on.
Media response. Again, exactly as I imagined it. No, I don't know anything about it, but it looked good in the book.
Government/military response. Again, I can't claim to be an expert but- damn. Intense.
Lovable characters. I was so invested in the characters of this book that I felt everything they felt. The relief, family unity and brotherly love at the end almost killed me. I think my heart grew three sizes that day.
Realistic. Everything was so spot on. Almost hard to believe that Miss Arzu made it all up.
And the protesting? Yeah, I'd be one of those nuts out there protesting humane treatment of merfolk in a Save The Mermaid T-shirt.
I'm gonna stop now. If I don't, I'll never stop.
I Demand A Sequel!
I found it!
The best mermaid book ever
I have found the most spectacular, divine, enchanting, astonishing, delightful, daunting, exquisite, outstanding, delicious, thrilling, suspenseful, funny, rapturous Merpeople book I will probably ever read.
Underneath is no cheesy 'Mermaid goes to high school' teenybopper book. No- this is for real a hardcore, well written, urban fantasy that you can be proud to put on your bookshelf.
This.Book.Is.The.Best. It's Perfect. With a capital P. And a E, R, F, E, C, T. The whole word is capitalized. PERFECT.
I think I may be hyperventilating, but I don't care.
Let me just mention a few things about the book that made it perfect for me: Accurate medical proceedings. The author had the Doctors and medical staff react to the strange nonhuman merman just as I imagined it. My Mom's a nurse. I literally grew up in nursing homes and hospitals so my imagination is usually spot on.
Media response. Again, exactly as I imagined it. No, I don't know anything about it, but it looked good in the book.
Government/military response. Again, I can't claim to be an expert but- damn. Intense.
Lovable characters. I was so invested in the characters of this book that I felt everything they felt. The relief, family unity and brotherly love at the end almost killed me. I think my heart grew three sizes that day.
Realistic. Everything was so spot on. Almost hard to believe that Miss Arzu made it all up.
And the protesting? Yeah, I'd be one of those nuts out there protesting humane treatment of merfolk in a Save The Mermaid T-shirt.
I'm gonna stop now. If I don't, I'll never stop.
I Demand A Sequel!
March 17, 2017
This was a lovely take on merfolk, almost like written by Robin Cook (which is high praise!), quite unputdownable, with enchanting characters and a bracingly straightforward storyline. The single reason this doesn't get 5* is that I'm so dead tired of billionaires, that I currently don't react well to them even in my SciFi. But I can see why, without the billions that book would have turned into a doorstopper.
September 28, 2017
This book reminds me of the movie Alien. I watched it for the first time this year (I know, been living under a rock apparently) and was told "Remember, nobody acts stupidly". This, right now, is my highest praise for a story.
The story starts with a merman washed up on the beach. A passerby discovers him, calls an ambulance and, afraid that nobody will believe him, posts a video online. The video goes viral and, as soon as, the doctors find out he IS real and not in a fancy disguise, the UN takes over. Everybody has a stake in it: doctors want to help him heal; the UN want to make sure he is safe so as not to mess up first contact with another species; the Pentagon wants to take him prisoner and study him for military purpose; the media want to know his story and if he is even real; his family (also merfolk) want him back; the merfolk in general don't know if they should reveal themselves in order to save one of their own.
My small complaint is that there might be too many characters and the story jumps threads too much. But all of them are good at what they do and have believable motivations and actions. The difference in the personalities also shine through - and well, they have personalities, which allow for humor, friendships, and trust.
It has been a very, very, very long time since I came across a novel where all the pieces of the story and characters fit so well. This book is not perfect, but it manages to make me root for at least half a dozen characters. And well, nobody acts stupidly.
The story starts with a merman washed up on the beach. A passerby discovers him, calls an ambulance and, afraid that nobody will believe him, posts a video online. The video goes viral and, as soon as, the doctors find out he IS real and not in a fancy disguise, the UN takes over. Everybody has a stake in it: doctors want to help him heal; the UN want to make sure he is safe so as not to mess up first contact with another species; the Pentagon wants to take him prisoner and study him for military purpose; the media want to know his story and if he is even real; his family (also merfolk) want him back; the merfolk in general don't know if they should reveal themselves in order to save one of their own.
My small complaint is that there might be too many characters and the story jumps threads too much. But all of them are good at what they do and have believable motivations and actions. The difference in the personalities also shine through - and well, they have personalities, which allow for humor, friendships, and trust.
It has been a very, very, very long time since I came across a novel where all the pieces of the story and characters fit so well. This book is not perfect, but it manages to make me root for at least half a dozen characters. And well, nobody acts stupidly.
August 20, 2018
4 Stars
Review:
To put it simply, this was a great book. It was unlike any merfolk book I've read, not because the merfolk themselves were so unique, but because of the premise: What would happen if an injured man were brought to a hospital and it was discovered he was an actual merman?
I loved this realistic take on merfolk being discovered by humans and felt like the author did a great job at considering the way different parts of society would react (the doctors and scientists were interested for one reason, the military was interested for another reason, the reporters thought it a hoax and were trying to figure out the real story). The way the humans all had theories, the things they speculated on, the incorrect things they assumed, that added a lot to the realism. Even the way the merfolk reacted was believable, how they had to consider the risks of rescuing him.
The touching family relationships were my other favorite thing about this book. At the core of this story was a father and his three adopted sons, one of whom was the captured merman, Chris. They may have been adopted, but that didn't make their love any less strong. Julian was in a hard position, trying to figure out what was best, but I could very much feel his emotions and how much he cared for all of his kids.It was also really sweet how Matt would sit in his car near the place where Chris was being kept just to chat and even play music for Chris to listen to through their telepathic connection. And since poor Alex couldn't do the long-range telepathy, he sat on his computer nearly 24/7 to watch video feeds of Chris that he hacked into. There was such a strong, loving family dynamic.
There were some surprisingly emotional moments. Not just touching ones about family who loved each other, but also moments that made me feel angry at the doctors and military personnel and sympathy for the merfolk they'd captured.
Another great thing was that all the characters were three-dimensional and believable and felt like real people. And let me tell you, there were a lot of characters. I especially liked all the Brooks family members, but I think my favorite was Chris (the captured merman). The way he was portrayed through the other characters' eyes, the way his family felt about him, made him seem like a really amazing, kind, compassionate, understanding guy who brought light into everyone's life.
The one and only issue I had with this book was that it had too many POVs. Having so many POVs and so many characters made things harder to keep track of and slowed the story way down. I understand the reasoning behind the decision---the author wanted to show a variety of perspectives that included doctors, the military, the UN, and Chris's family---but I think the book could've had more of an emotional punch had it focused on fewer. That being said, it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. I still managed to connect with the characters and sink into the story, which is usually the issue I have with too many POVs.
Overall, I really liked these characters, their touching family dynamic, this take on merfolk, the premise, and the whole story, and I would definitely like to continue this series and spend more time with the Brooks family!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes merfolk, realistic characters, adorable family, and a different kind of mer story.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Initial Thoughts:
I loved this realistic take on merfolk being discovered by humans! And I loved the adorable, sweet family dynamic! Full review soon.
Review:
To put it simply, this was a great book. It was unlike any merfolk book I've read, not because the merfolk themselves were so unique, but because of the premise: What would happen if an injured man were brought to a hospital and it was discovered he was an actual merman?
I loved this realistic take on merfolk being discovered by humans and felt like the author did a great job at considering the way different parts of society would react (the doctors and scientists were interested for one reason, the military was interested for another reason, the reporters thought it a hoax and were trying to figure out the real story). The way the humans all had theories, the things they speculated on, the incorrect things they assumed, that added a lot to the realism. Even the way the merfolk reacted was believable, how they had to consider the risks of rescuing him.
The touching family relationships were my other favorite thing about this book. At the core of this story was a father and his three adopted sons, one of whom was the captured merman, Chris. They may have been adopted, but that didn't make their love any less strong. Julian was in a hard position, trying to figure out what was best, but I could very much feel his emotions and how much he cared for all of his kids.It was also really sweet how Matt would sit in his car near the place where Chris was being kept just to chat and even play music for Chris to listen to through their telepathic connection. And since poor Alex couldn't do the long-range telepathy, he sat on his computer nearly 24/7 to watch video feeds of Chris that he hacked into. There was such a strong, loving family dynamic.
There were some surprisingly emotional moments. Not just touching ones about family who loved each other, but also moments that made me feel angry at the doctors and military personnel and sympathy for the merfolk they'd captured.
Another great thing was that all the characters were three-dimensional and believable and felt like real people. And let me tell you, there were a lot of characters. I especially liked all the Brooks family members, but I think my favorite was Chris (the captured merman). The way he was portrayed through the other characters' eyes, the way his family felt about him, made him seem like a really amazing, kind, compassionate, understanding guy who brought light into everyone's life.
The one and only issue I had with this book was that it had too many POVs. Having so many POVs and so many characters made things harder to keep track of and slowed the story way down. I understand the reasoning behind the decision---the author wanted to show a variety of perspectives that included doctors, the military, the UN, and Chris's family---but I think the book could've had more of an emotional punch had it focused on fewer. That being said, it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. I still managed to connect with the characters and sink into the story, which is usually the issue I have with too many POVs.
Overall, I really liked these characters, their touching family dynamic, this take on merfolk, the premise, and the whole story, and I would definitely like to continue this series and spend more time with the Brooks family!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes merfolk, realistic characters, adorable family, and a different kind of mer story.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Initial Thoughts:
I loved this realistic take on merfolk being discovered by humans! And I loved the adorable, sweet family dynamic! Full review soon.
Read
December 6, 20173.5 (This is smack in the middle of a 3 and a 4 for me and I can't decide whether to rate it up or down, so I've left it unrated for the moment.)
[Edit: finally decided to rate it but it remains one of those hard-to-rate books for me.]
I had really enjoyed M.N. Arzu’s novella ‘The Librarian’ despite its slightly rough-around-the-edges feel, and this novel started the same way for me. I’m not giving anything away (because it’s clear from the title) by saying that it’s about people who are actually merfolk, but it has an unusual angle on this concept. The storyline is an intriguing one. A man is found near death on a beach – but he has a tail, a huge fish tail that has been brutally cut, and he needs urgent medical help. He winds up in a hospital under the auspices of the UN; the military also gets involved and the story goes from there. We are introduced to a family, to communities, of merfolk – I hope that isn’t too much of a spoiler – which I found the most interesting part of the novel. I found the manoeuverings of the UN, the military and the media mildly interesting and also quite funny, but the heart of the novel for me was always in the central premise. The book hooked me from the beginning and kept me reading, until about the half-way mark or even a bit before that, when my interest started to flag, only to be reignited in the last part of the book.
I think the issue here is one of pacing. It’s not exactly that ‘nothing was happening’ – I’m often OK with that in a book – instead you could almost say that too much was happening in too many directions. It’s almost as if this began as a novella and the author padded it out as a novel. It didn’t feel tight enough, either on the sentence-level prose level or structurally. This unevenness and lack of tightness didn’t do justice to the characters, either. They felt vivid one moment, only to fade out a bit the next. For me, too large a part of the novel was taken up with all the details of the to-ing-and fro-ing, in which the individuality and impact of the characters got a bit lost until the last quarter and the satisfying resolution towards the end.
But the interesting thing is that the story grabbed me despite this, and also despite its many small prose awkwardnesses, which included too many grammatical/vocabulary errors - again there’s an unevenness here, because on the whole the writing flows pleasantly and is easy to read. I think the story is let down by aspects of its execution, but at the end of the day, I find I’m very invested – much more than I thought I’d be in the middle of the book - in the storyline and in the characters.
A warning of sorts: this novel is part of a new series and not precisely a standalone. Although the immediate storyline is resolved, the overall story arc is left open and is obviously to be continued. The author has done something interesting in this regard: the novel ends with a series of very short scenes called ‘Moments’, which are snippets about the characters; these link to more snippets of the same kind on the author’s website. I find myself looking forward to the next instalment and very much hoping that it’s edited with the thoroughness that the story deserves.
[Edit: finally decided to rate it but it remains one of those hard-to-rate books for me.]
I had really enjoyed M.N. Arzu’s novella ‘The Librarian’ despite its slightly rough-around-the-edges feel, and this novel started the same way for me. I’m not giving anything away (because it’s clear from the title) by saying that it’s about people who are actually merfolk, but it has an unusual angle on this concept. The storyline is an intriguing one. A man is found near death on a beach – but he has a tail, a huge fish tail that has been brutally cut, and he needs urgent medical help. He winds up in a hospital under the auspices of the UN; the military also gets involved and the story goes from there. We are introduced to a family, to communities, of merfolk – I hope that isn’t too much of a spoiler – which I found the most interesting part of the novel. I found the manoeuverings of the UN, the military and the media mildly interesting and also quite funny, but the heart of the novel for me was always in the central premise. The book hooked me from the beginning and kept me reading, until about the half-way mark or even a bit before that, when my interest started to flag, only to be reignited in the last part of the book.
I think the issue here is one of pacing. It’s not exactly that ‘nothing was happening’ – I’m often OK with that in a book – instead you could almost say that too much was happening in too many directions. It’s almost as if this began as a novella and the author padded it out as a novel. It didn’t feel tight enough, either on the sentence-level prose level or structurally. This unevenness and lack of tightness didn’t do justice to the characters, either. They felt vivid one moment, only to fade out a bit the next. For me, too large a part of the novel was taken up with all the details of the to-ing-and fro-ing, in which the individuality and impact of the characters got a bit lost until the last quarter and the satisfying resolution towards the end.
But the interesting thing is that the story grabbed me despite this, and also despite its many small prose awkwardnesses, which included too many grammatical/vocabulary errors - again there’s an unevenness here, because on the whole the writing flows pleasantly and is easy to read. I think the story is let down by aspects of its execution, but at the end of the day, I find I’m very invested – much more than I thought I’d be in the middle of the book - in the storyline and in the characters.
A warning of sorts: this novel is part of a new series and not precisely a standalone. Although the immediate storyline is resolved, the overall story arc is left open and is obviously to be continued. The author has done something interesting in this regard: the novel ends with a series of very short scenes called ‘Moments’, which are snippets about the characters; these link to more snippets of the same kind on the author’s website. I find myself looking forward to the next instalment and very much hoping that it’s edited with the thoroughness that the story deserves.
October 11, 2016
MN Arzu has managed to take a genre of books I would normally never read and turn it into something brilliant and engaging. I'm not normally a fan of mermaids, but this manages to be enlightening and fun to read. The characters are interesting, and at the center of it all this is a family just trying to survive in the world hidden away from everything around them.
I loved the way the different storylines converged and was impressed with how easily she juggled disparate storylines. From the very opening scene on the beach until the rousing conclusion I was hooked and now I can't wait until the next book comes out.
If you like mermaids, check this out. If you don't like mermaids, check it out anyway because it isn't at all what you are expecting. Highly recommended.
I loved the way the different storylines converged and was impressed with how easily she juggled disparate storylines. From the very opening scene on the beach until the rousing conclusion I was hooked and now I can't wait until the next book comes out.
If you like mermaids, check this out. If you don't like mermaids, check it out anyway because it isn't at all what you are expecting. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2018
'Underneath' was a pretty good read! I really like the author's vision of merfolk and their society.
It featured the trials of a wealthy (mer) family, in connection with a runaway, doctors, the UN, the Pentagon, a pushy journalist, etc. With the assortment of characters and groups present in the book, it could have been confusing to read, but it wasn't, thanks to the author's great writing.
There was enough action and intrigue to keep me turning the pages, and I'm looking forward to reading book 2 - 'Undercurrent' - immediately.
It featured the trials of a wealthy (mer) family, in connection with a runaway, doctors, the UN, the Pentagon, a pushy journalist, etc. With the assortment of characters and groups present in the book, it could have been confusing to read, but it wasn't, thanks to the author's great writing.
There was enough action and intrigue to keep me turning the pages, and I'm looking forward to reading book 2 - 'Undercurrent' - immediately.
June 4, 2018
I brought my Kindle on vacation with me, and this was the story I read--very happy I did!
Underneath imagines what might happen if a near-death merman washed up on the coast of Maine. How would the person who found him react? How about the people at the hospital he's brought to? When and how would the authorities sweep in, and who would those authorities be? What would happen next?
And what about the merman's own people? How would they react?
Really the story would work equally well if the found creature were some other type of fantastical human-type being--a werewolf or a fairy or an alien, say. In fact, like werewolves, the merfolk in this story have the ability to shift to a land-based, completely human form, and with the exception of brief moments in pools and tanks, the whole story unfolds out of water, not in it.
That's all right, though: it's not the marine aspect that makes the story compelling; it's how a first-contact situation would unfold. (Interestingly, the author has written another first-contact story; I'm curious to see what that's like.)
There are a panoply of characters and angles of interest (the doctor who first treats the injured merman, the merman's brothers and father, the press, and representatives of the US military and--an unusual and somehow endearing choice--the UN). My favorites were the family of the merman (let me give him his name: Christopher). I really liked Christopher's father and two brothers, and how committed they all were to Christopher and each other, despite tensions and differences.
The book really shines in its portrayals of interpersonal relationships, especially ones that have to do with trust building, as when a physical therapist is brought in to help Christopher deal with the wounds that nearly killed him. (I also enjoyed learning the history of merfolk on land, how they came to be here, what powers they have, etc., but that was secondary.)
To accommodate all the different viewpoints, the story moves at a leisurely pace, but that's not at all a bad thing, if you're enjoying it.
I'm not sure which I'd like to read next from this author, more in this series or her other first-contact work. I like how she treats her characters and her general outlook (at least as it appears in this book), so I feel like I'll enjoy whichever I choose.
Underneath imagines what might happen if a near-death merman washed up on the coast of Maine. How would the person who found him react? How about the people at the hospital he's brought to? When and how would the authorities sweep in, and who would those authorities be? What would happen next?
And what about the merman's own people? How would they react?
Really the story would work equally well if the found creature were some other type of fantastical human-type being--a werewolf or a fairy or an alien, say. In fact, like werewolves, the merfolk in this story have the ability to shift to a land-based, completely human form, and with the exception of brief moments in pools and tanks, the whole story unfolds out of water, not in it.
That's all right, though: it's not the marine aspect that makes the story compelling; it's how a first-contact situation would unfold. (Interestingly, the author has written another first-contact story; I'm curious to see what that's like.)
There are a panoply of characters and angles of interest (the doctor who first treats the injured merman, the merman's brothers and father, the press, and representatives of the US military and--an unusual and somehow endearing choice--the UN). My favorites were the family of the merman (let me give him his name: Christopher). I really liked Christopher's father and two brothers, and how committed they all were to Christopher and each other, despite tensions and differences.
The book really shines in its portrayals of interpersonal relationships, especially ones that have to do with trust building, as when a physical therapist is brought in to help Christopher deal with the wounds that nearly killed him. (I also enjoyed learning the history of merfolk on land, how they came to be here, what powers they have, etc., but that was secondary.)
To accommodate all the different viewpoints, the story moves at a leisurely pace, but that's not at all a bad thing, if you're enjoying it.
I'm not sure which I'd like to read next from this author, more in this series or her other first-contact work. I like how she treats her characters and her general outlook (at least as it appears in this book), so I feel like I'll enjoy whichever I choose.
October 11, 2016
Michelle let me read this draft right after finishing writing it. She'd been working on ideas for this book for several months, and for me to read the result of work is not only thrilling but inspiring. Within these pages you'll find the marriage of captivating storytelling and attractive characters, with whom sometimes I found myself arguing with them more than I do with Michelle. In this book, my personal favorite is a secondary character named Andrew, with which I think I have a slight crush on; but I digress. Michelle explores an old type of being from a new angle, the story differs from your average merpeople story and it opens a new world of possibilities. I invite you to submerge into this new world with her, you never know what you might find.
Want to read
January 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/26/2020)! 🎁
January 30, 2020
Loved it! I really enjoyed the realism in the story!
November 7, 2016
I just finished reading this book and must say I was pleasantly surprised, sci-fi isn't really my genre; however, the way this story is written merges sci-fi and fantasy in a very compelling way. The plot isn't like anything I've read before, I loved its take on the merfolk, and how each character is depicted, it made me wish the situation were real so I could meet them... well, maybe not Kate... hehe Can't wait to read more!!!
March 22, 2017
One of the most imaginative, entertaining and gripping science fiction-fantasies I’ve had the pleasure to read this year is “Underneath” a merfolk tale that begins in Maine after a merman is found on the beach beaten and his tail cut open. After a short hospital stay Ray (as the medical staff refer to him) is taken to the Oceanic Research Conservatory & Atmospheric Society (ORCAS) under UN authorization and minimal military supervision to recover from his life -threatening injuries. What they don’t know because of Ray's silence and attempts to ignore them is that he's Christopher Brooks the son of billionaire Julian Brooks who was presumed lost at sea.
When the sensational news of the discovery of a merman takes hold of the populace, reporter Kate Bates begins investigating clues to what she believes is nothing more than an elaborate hoax at first, slowly unlocking clues to a secret hidden for thousands of years in the depths of the ocean that’s linked to the billionaire’s family.
In a well-written story that progresses quickly and smoothly a secret is slowly revealed that could shatter mankind’s conception of the world they know. Intensity and suspense quickly escalate as the Council decides not to rescue Chris’s body if he doesn’t survive, only to have plans change with his steady recovery and the military’s kidnapping of a young orphan runaway suspected of being a merman. Underlying the main plot which flows effortlessly to an exciting ending with more unanswered questions is the mystery of Chris’s attackers, the history of the domed city and the mer- people as well as the military’s plans for thirteen-year -old Scott Hunter. With every twist the tension heightens as the reader is drawn into Chris’s struggle to reveal nothing about his heritage or ability to change and Scott’s anxiety and pain with the changes in his body, as well as the conflict between Council and the underwater City as to whether their presence should be made public. This is an emotionally-charged story with its family dynamics and the empathetic persistence of the medical staff in countering military intervention that you can’t put down until finished.
The characters are engaging, natural, complex and unforgettable infusing the unfolding events with depth, realism and high emotion. Christopher Brooks the amiable, kind, family-oriented, enthusiastic merman lying incapacitated in ORCAS wakes up in fear, confusion and pain, calmed only by his father’s telepathic reassurance. Julian Brooks the intelligent, calm CEO of Brooks Inc. is astute and patient until faced with the possible loss of his adopted son Chris. Unlike private, bad tempered seventeen-year-old Matthew Brooks a popular and friendly teen at school, Julian fears the worst and is prepared to leave Chris’s dead body in the hospital. But stubborn and determined Matthew heads to ORCAS to stay close to Chris although his telepathic ability is limited. Fifteen-year-old Alexander Brooks the family's brilliant computer hacker is sensible and logical, helping his father track Chris’s whereabouts and progress. Add to these four strong main characters; smart, caring middle-aged surgeon Dr. Gwen Gaston; the perceptive and persuasive physiotherapist Andrew Summers; angry, cocky, and mouthy Scott Hunter; as well as the persistent, manipulative and skeptical reporter Kate Banes.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Underneath” by little know author M.N. Arzu and intend to watch for the next book in this fascinating and thrilling science fiction- fantasy series.
When the sensational news of the discovery of a merman takes hold of the populace, reporter Kate Bates begins investigating clues to what she believes is nothing more than an elaborate hoax at first, slowly unlocking clues to a secret hidden for thousands of years in the depths of the ocean that’s linked to the billionaire’s family.
In a well-written story that progresses quickly and smoothly a secret is slowly revealed that could shatter mankind’s conception of the world they know. Intensity and suspense quickly escalate as the Council decides not to rescue Chris’s body if he doesn’t survive, only to have plans change with his steady recovery and the military’s kidnapping of a young orphan runaway suspected of being a merman. Underlying the main plot which flows effortlessly to an exciting ending with more unanswered questions is the mystery of Chris’s attackers, the history of the domed city and the mer- people as well as the military’s plans for thirteen-year -old Scott Hunter. With every twist the tension heightens as the reader is drawn into Chris’s struggle to reveal nothing about his heritage or ability to change and Scott’s anxiety and pain with the changes in his body, as well as the conflict between Council and the underwater City as to whether their presence should be made public. This is an emotionally-charged story with its family dynamics and the empathetic persistence of the medical staff in countering military intervention that you can’t put down until finished.
The characters are engaging, natural, complex and unforgettable infusing the unfolding events with depth, realism and high emotion. Christopher Brooks the amiable, kind, family-oriented, enthusiastic merman lying incapacitated in ORCAS wakes up in fear, confusion and pain, calmed only by his father’s telepathic reassurance. Julian Brooks the intelligent, calm CEO of Brooks Inc. is astute and patient until faced with the possible loss of his adopted son Chris. Unlike private, bad tempered seventeen-year-old Matthew Brooks a popular and friendly teen at school, Julian fears the worst and is prepared to leave Chris’s dead body in the hospital. But stubborn and determined Matthew heads to ORCAS to stay close to Chris although his telepathic ability is limited. Fifteen-year-old Alexander Brooks the family's brilliant computer hacker is sensible and logical, helping his father track Chris’s whereabouts and progress. Add to these four strong main characters; smart, caring middle-aged surgeon Dr. Gwen Gaston; the perceptive and persuasive physiotherapist Andrew Summers; angry, cocky, and mouthy Scott Hunter; as well as the persistent, manipulative and skeptical reporter Kate Banes.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Underneath” by little know author M.N. Arzu and intend to watch for the next book in this fascinating and thrilling science fiction- fantasy series.
January 18, 2018
M.N. Arzu is a writer to watch. So far I have read two of her works, ‘The Librarian’ and ‘Underneath.’ Both are first contact stories about encountering an alien passing as human in the world around us. ‘Underneath’ is also a merman story since the aliens have the ability to shift between legs and a fishtail and breathe underwater. Arzu carries this premise off with convincing detail and an interesting plot. It all begins with a young merman who has been viciously attacked washing up on a shore in Maine. What happens next is how the humans, including media, medical experts, and military, react when they find out this is not a hoax. Recommended for those who enjoy takes on the alien encounter theme, especially when it occurs on earth in a contemporary setting. This is also the first of a series, so there’s more to look forward to.
March 16, 2017
Kindle Unlimited
This was a rollicking good read - a combination of fantasy, sci-fi and shape-shifter (which I usually avoid like the plague). I could nit-pick about the pace of the story and the way too many characters and scenarios are introduced at times, but I loved the idea and the way it progressed.
There were a couple of places where I had to re-read in order to understand a sentence, but I really enjoyed the writer’s ‘voice’. The main characters were engaging and realistic, and the conflict and tension sufficient to make me read this in one go.
And I particularly liked the way the story was wrapped up - a great ending!
Five stars, because this is one I am definitely going to re-read.
This was a rollicking good read - a combination of fantasy, sci-fi and shape-shifter (which I usually avoid like the plague). I could nit-pick about the pace of the story and the way too many characters and scenarios are introduced at times, but I loved the idea and the way it progressed.
There were a couple of places where I had to re-read in order to understand a sentence, but I really enjoyed the writer’s ‘voice’. The main characters were engaging and realistic, and the conflict and tension sufficient to make me read this in one go.
And I particularly liked the way the story was wrapped up - a great ending!
Five stars, because this is one I am definitely going to re-read.
May 22, 2018
I liked this book about a young merman found on the shore, and then all the government cover-up that follows. Of course there are the good guys, like Dr. Gwen Gaston and Andrew Summers, and then there are the evil cloak and dagger of Sargeant White and the Pentagon. Overall a fun read.
March 17, 2017
Wanting more
Love the story, the first book is a serious teaser, so much information and starts to stories without ever the whole story. Hopefully more answers are on the way in another book. For instance, what happens to parents to create all the orphans, on one set seems still alive. Who attacked Christopher, why doesn't he remember more. They know the military can find Norfolk by temperature, what are they doing to disguise it?
Love the story, the first book is a serious teaser, so much information and starts to stories without ever the whole story. Hopefully more answers are on the way in another book. For instance, what happens to parents to create all the orphans, on one set seems still alive. Who attacked Christopher, why doesn't he remember more. They know the military can find Norfolk by temperature, what are they doing to disguise it?
March 14, 2017
Absolutely one of the best books I've read! A great Sci-fi. This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go until I finished the last sentence! Would make a great movie! It's about a merman (I know, I never thought a merman/maid story would be any good! How wrong I was!!) who has been in an 'accident' and washes to the beach in Maine. Unconscious, seriously hurt, when he is found he is dressed in a merman costume they think.... Anyhow, this story felt quite plausible in the way that what could happen if we found a merman or mermaid. I highly recommend this story. Eagerly awaiting more !
March 17, 2017
You will not be disappointed ...
This book is not the typical mer-story. The author went into a whole different direction from what is typically written. I was engrossed from the first chapter to the last. This is a job well done!!!
This book is not the typical mer-story. The author went into a whole different direction from what is typically written. I was engrossed from the first chapter to the last. This is a job well done!!!
June 3, 2018
3.4/5 Goodreads; 3.8/5 Amazon, despite the poor proofreading. Original plot, believable characters
This is a very plausible scenario for what would actually happen if a severely injured merperson washed up on a U.S. beach. Ordinary people react in very human ways, from the discoverer determined not to be called a liar; to medical professionals at a loss for what their patient needs; to reporters eager for a great story, whether it be an amazing hoax or a scientific marvel; to rival military and diplomatic officials torn between eagerness to investigate and exploit this new people and fears of their possible numbers and plans.
Meanwhile Chris's adoptive family (a powerful businessman father and two young brothers) as well as other merfolk "on the surface" (i.e., living incognito among humans), debate what they can and should do -- including whether or not to wait for, and obey, the directives from the restrictive regime of the City under the sea. Once Chris awakens from his coma, things take a new turn among those in the know, despite the wary silence he maintains from his hospital bed, determined to avoid accidentally giving away any more secrets than his mere physical presence in scientists' hands, trapped in a cryptic combination of scaled tail and human-like lungs, reveals on its own. Telepathic communication with his own kind provides a vital connection with hope, but also at times frustration.
I was gripped from the beginning, eager to see how it all came out. Overall, I was pleased, though a few plot-threads have not yet been resolved, the most important being the identity of whoever initially attacked Chris at sea -- in other words, someone ill-intentioned is still at large, and in possession of their secret. Other elements are revealed gradually, such as the boys' pasts and the philosophical divisions among the merfolk, as well as the origins of their race and the goals of their City. Almost all the characters are depicted realistically, rather than as black-and-white saints and devils, from impatient teens to ambitious officers. The book ends with a suggestion that a larger-scale "coming out" is inevitable within, at most, decades. I will be watching for future releases, and checking out Undercurrent on the author's website. (ETA: Oh, I misunderstood: Undercurrent — A Merfolk Myth has not yet been completed.)
Regarding extras, there is what's called a "bonus chapter", titled "Moments", but it's just a handful of very brief flashbacks. To me, they're TOO brief, affording nothing more than tantalizing, but rarely satisfying, glimpses. N.b., they're posted online, too, along with several more.
Now, as for the editing, I didn't catch any internal inconsistencies, but there are too many paragraphs with awkward or downright wrong syntax and/or word-choice, plus a couple missing words, and should-be-apostrophes that are facing the wrong way at the beginning of a few words. All but one, as far as I recall ("upmost" is not a word!), are the sort of errors that spell-check can't catch, which is why authors need grammar-knowledgeable beta readers. I made at least a couple dozen notes which, if/when I get ambitious enough, I'll transfer into a document and pass on to Ms. Arzú. I still enjoyed the well-told story, so it is worth the bother. I wonder to what degree the idiomatic errors stem from the author being from Guatemala.
This is a very plausible scenario for what would actually happen if a severely injured merperson washed up on a U.S. beach. Ordinary people react in very human ways, from the discoverer determined not to be called a liar; to medical professionals at a loss for what their patient needs; to reporters eager for a great story, whether it be an amazing hoax or a scientific marvel; to rival military and diplomatic officials torn between eagerness to investigate and exploit this new people and fears of their possible numbers and plans.
Meanwhile Chris's adoptive family (a powerful businessman father and two young brothers) as well as other merfolk "on the surface" (i.e., living incognito among humans), debate what they can and should do -- including whether or not to wait for, and obey, the directives from the restrictive regime of the City under the sea. Once Chris awakens from his coma, things take a new turn among those in the know, despite the wary silence he maintains from his hospital bed, determined to avoid accidentally giving away any more secrets than his mere physical presence in scientists' hands, trapped in a cryptic combination of scaled tail and human-like lungs, reveals on its own. Telepathic communication with his own kind provides a vital connection with hope, but also at times frustration.
I was gripped from the beginning, eager to see how it all came out. Overall, I was pleased, though a few plot-threads have not yet been resolved, the most important being the identity of whoever initially attacked Chris at sea -- in other words, someone ill-intentioned is still at large, and in possession of their secret. Other elements are revealed gradually, such as the boys' pasts and the philosophical divisions among the merfolk, as well as the origins of their race and the goals of their City. Almost all the characters are depicted realistically, rather than as black-and-white saints and devils, from impatient teens to ambitious officers. The book ends with a suggestion that a larger-scale "coming out" is inevitable within, at most, decades. I will be watching for future releases, and checking out Undercurrent on the author's website. (ETA: Oh, I misunderstood: Undercurrent — A Merfolk Myth has not yet been completed.)
Regarding extras, there is what's called a "bonus chapter", titled "Moments", but it's just a handful of very brief flashbacks. To me, they're TOO brief, affording nothing more than tantalizing, but rarely satisfying, glimpses. N.b., they're posted online, too, along with several more.
Now, as for the editing, I didn't catch any internal inconsistencies, but there are too many paragraphs with awkward or downright wrong syntax and/or word-choice, plus a couple missing words, and should-be-apostrophes that are facing the wrong way at the beginning of a few words. All but one, as far as I recall ("upmost" is not a word!), are the sort of errors that spell-check can't catch, which is why authors need grammar-knowledgeable beta readers. I made at least a couple dozen notes which, if/when I get ambitious enough, I'll transfer into a document and pass on to Ms. Arzú. I still enjoyed the well-told story, so it is worth the bother. I wonder to what degree the idiomatic errors stem from the author being from Guatemala.
October 21, 2016
I am so excited and happy that this book is out! I first read it when it was a NaNoWriMo draft, and even in its first-draft state, it was a captivating story. Now that it's been properly edited, it's even better!
Underneath is going to appeal to people who like mermaids (sorry, merfolk) but don't really want to read romance. Or is that just me? I hope not. Anyway, Underneath starts when a mermaid is found on the beach. Obviously, this leads to all sorts of craziness because it's the social media age and no one knew that merfolk lived among us.
Caring for the merman (dubbed 'Ray') is Dr. Gwen and her colleagues. I liked them enough. And trying to get the merman (real name: Chris) back is his family - Dad (Julian) and brothers (Matthew and Alex). I adore the family, because of their strong bonds and because the dynamics are just adorable!
Trying to make a big mess - er, get to the truth - is Kate, a news reporter. Her, I didn't like but that is because she's interfering with the rescue attempts and putting all the merfolk in danger!
What I really liked about this book were the characters. I either loved or hated all the characters (there are some baddies that I haven't mentioned). There were no "meh" characters - I was fully engaged in the story, and that helped to make the stakes feel even higher to me.
The ending resolves the problem of Ray/Chris in captivity but it raises a lot more questions. Questions that I really hope will be answered in a future book. Oh, and there's a sort of bonus section where M.N. shares drabbles set in the world of Underneath. Totally worth reading (and totally worth signing up to her mailing list to get more)
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
Underneath is going to appeal to people who like mermaids (sorry, merfolk) but don't really want to read romance. Or is that just me? I hope not. Anyway, Underneath starts when a mermaid is found on the beach. Obviously, this leads to all sorts of craziness because it's the social media age and no one knew that merfolk lived among us.
Caring for the merman (dubbed 'Ray') is Dr. Gwen and her colleagues. I liked them enough. And trying to get the merman (real name: Chris) back is his family - Dad (Julian) and brothers (Matthew and Alex). I adore the family, because of their strong bonds and because the dynamics are just adorable!
Trying to make a big mess - er, get to the truth - is Kate, a news reporter. Her, I didn't like but that is because she's interfering with the rescue attempts and putting all the merfolk in danger!
What I really liked about this book were the characters. I either loved or hated all the characters (there are some baddies that I haven't mentioned). There were no "meh" characters - I was fully engaged in the story, and that helped to make the stakes feel even higher to me.
The ending resolves the problem of Ray/Chris in captivity but it raises a lot more questions. Questions that I really hope will be answered in a future book. Oh, and there's a sort of bonus section where M.N. shares drabbles set in the world of Underneath. Totally worth reading (and totally worth signing up to her mailing list to get more)
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
October 8, 2023
THIS SHOULD BE THE NEXT BIG TV/MOVIE SERIES!
Book 1 of a sci-fi/ fantasy/thriller with wonderful family and community undertones.
This is so well crafted and so marvelously visual that as I was reading, I felt as though I were right there, the whole time. The book got me hooked at the very start, kept me involved, and guessing until the very end, which is my number 1 "must have" in a story of any kind. Michelle Arzú brings a unique perspective to stories that you think you know but are really incredibly fresh. There are lots of well "fleshed out" characters that would be perfect for a TV series or a movie franchise. It would probably be for mature tweens, teens, and adults to see together.
Even the book covers, which she designs, are a perfect template for what covers should be, going forward. She understands that we typically see these covers in miniature on our cellphones, and that most of the graphics are blurred and lost at that scale.
My first encounter with her books was "The Librarian". I loved it so much that I contacted her and begged to added to her beta readers list. So, yes, this is an ARC review copy, books that are given to a few people with the caveat that they will give a candid review.
But I reviewed "The Librarian" before I knew anything about her, and I would buy this series in a minute! I can't wait to read the rest of this series, and I'm already excited to read her next books that are tumbling out of her wonderfully creative mind, right now.
Warning! You won't want to put this book down , so don't start it during a coffee break!
Book 1 of a sci-fi/ fantasy/thriller with wonderful family and community undertones.
This is so well crafted and so marvelously visual that as I was reading, I felt as though I were right there, the whole time. The book got me hooked at the very start, kept me involved, and guessing until the very end, which is my number 1 "must have" in a story of any kind. Michelle Arzú brings a unique perspective to stories that you think you know but are really incredibly fresh. There are lots of well "fleshed out" characters that would be perfect for a TV series or a movie franchise. It would probably be for mature tweens, teens, and adults to see together.
Even the book covers, which she designs, are a perfect template for what covers should be, going forward. She understands that we typically see these covers in miniature on our cellphones, and that most of the graphics are blurred and lost at that scale.
My first encounter with her books was "The Librarian". I loved it so much that I contacted her and begged to added to her beta readers list. So, yes, this is an ARC review copy, books that are given to a few people with the caveat that they will give a candid review.
But I reviewed "The Librarian" before I knew anything about her, and I would buy this series in a minute! I can't wait to read the rest of this series, and I'm already excited to read her next books that are tumbling out of her wonderfully creative mind, right now.
Warning! You won't want to put this book down , so don't start it during a coffee break!
June 17, 2018
I really liked this book. It kept me reading into the night. I would rate it as hard to put down. The story concept was unique and intriguing. Just say merman and I am there! Fortunately the contents sere engaging and questions were answered as you went. You never hear of merman, do you? Almost like they are discriminated against. Its always mermaids. And are they really maids once they are married? Oops didnt mean that as a joke. Lol I think this book would be great in a thriller/adventure movie. I also would like to read more. There is a young teen antagonist and it would be fun to see him grow up and become a family merman. Actually all of the younger mermen would be interesting for future development. What about the mermaids from this civilization? How do their lives develop in our human world? I still have lots of questions. Of course if you continue to think about thd book, after youve read it, must be a good book, right?
February 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book, but did not love it. It is the first in a series, so perhaps it seemed like more of a set up for the subsequent books in the series. I liked the merfolk angle of the novel. I thought the way in which the author handled this subject was different than I had originally thought. I really didn't like that there were so many different characters introduced to the readers in the beginning of the book. The way that the author introduced them and then only infrequently have them as a part of the book made it obvious that this book was introducing characters that would be part of the ongoing series. This book was just not at the level of a 4 star read for me. I liked the characters and thought the plot was kind of unique, but I didn't like the way that the author is setting up this "government and media vs merfolk and their human friends" plot. So I'm not sure that I'll be reading any of the other books in the series.
November 17, 2018
DNF - quit at 38%
Gosh, this story was so boring! Starting off, first- way too many points of views, I felt like I was watching a tennis match, bouncing from one POV to another. Second, I like romance stories, this showed no indication of a romance being possible between human & Merfolk at the 38% point. Not even sure between the Merfolk themselves, they don't seem to be interested in that direction). Third, the errors in this book are atrocious, it definitely took away from the story. Fourth, there were a lot of contradictions going on (example- the doc put a catheter in the caught Merman, then later the guy in charge of the whole shit show, says that he has no reproductive parts other than 2 bumps...what the heck!) Just no, no I won't be reading anymore from this author either.
Gosh, this story was so boring! Starting off, first- way too many points of views, I felt like I was watching a tennis match, bouncing from one POV to another. Second, I like romance stories, this showed no indication of a romance being possible between human & Merfolk at the 38% point. Not even sure between the Merfolk themselves, they don't seem to be interested in that direction). Third, the errors in this book are atrocious, it definitely took away from the story. Fourth, there were a lot of contradictions going on (example- the doc put a catheter in the caught Merman, then later the guy in charge of the whole shit show, says that he has no reproductive parts other than 2 bumps...what the heck!) Just no, no I won't be reading anymore from this author either.
December 15, 2017
"Underneath" is an interesting new take on merfolk. In brief, a merman washes up on shore, injured, and is taken to a hospital where they realize he is not your typical human. We then follow the merfolk community and a reporter as they follow the story. The merfolk community is hidden and doesn't want to be exposed, so this presents some problems. Overall, it was an intriguing story and a good plot. I found the pacing to be slow at times and fast at others, so it would sometimes lose me. I think it has a lot of promise, despite some scattered grammatical errors and some small pacing issues. Please note that I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2018
A novel take on mermaid lore!
I received this book as part of a Goodreads contest, and very much enjoyed it. I won’t give too much away, suffice it to say that Underneath tells the story of a young man who, after a diving accident, washes up on a beach in his merman form. It tells the tale of what would happen if the government became involved, and the people-from businessmen, to doctors, to physiotherapists, and even UN negotiators-who rise up to become his champions. It is a good read, and depicts a novel view on the mermaid folklore. I am very much looking forward to reading the sequel!
I received this book as part of a Goodreads contest, and very much enjoyed it. I won’t give too much away, suffice it to say that Underneath tells the story of a young man who, after a diving accident, washes up on a beach in his merman form. It tells the tale of what would happen if the government became involved, and the people-from businessmen, to doctors, to physiotherapists, and even UN negotiators-who rise up to become his champions. It is a good read, and depicts a novel view on the mermaid folklore. I am very much looking forward to reading the sequel!
February 29, 2020
This book is not your typical merfolk tale, which is what makes it unique. It upends what you know (or think you know) about merfolk that you've read or seen in movies. I also like that this story focuses on the merMEN, instead of the merMAID. I would've liked however to get a little more background story about the merfolk but there weren't that many details regarding that as the author focused more on the current crisis which is at the heart of the book.
I'd definitely keep an eye on this author and will be looking out for the sequels of this merfolk tale.
I'd definitely keep an eye on this author and will be looking out for the sequels of this merfolk tale.
August 13, 2019
A unique approach on the merfolk myth
Take an injured and unconscious merman, surround with baffled doctors and stir in a dash of unexpected DNA. Season with military paranoia and a culture determined to remain hidden. Bring to the boil over the anxieties of a family unable to act. The result is an excellent story filled with well-developed characters and tense situations. Something to relish.
Take an injured and unconscious merman, surround with baffled doctors and stir in a dash of unexpected DNA. Season with military paranoia and a culture determined to remain hidden. Bring to the boil over the anxieties of a family unable to act. The result is an excellent story filled with well-developed characters and tense situations. Something to relish.
May 10, 2020
Underneath is a unique story about merfolk that doesn't rely on any of the usual tropes, making it feel really fresh. I really enjoyed the relationships between the family members, and the relatable, understandable reactions of the humans to the new discovery. For such an out-of-this-world encounter, I felt like the way it progressed felt true to what might actually happen, and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. I'll be reading the next two!
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