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Till Human Voices Wake Us #0.5
Across the Floors of Silent Seas
Do mermaids believe in humans?
While working on a deep-sea diving assignment at the University of California, oceanography student Jay Bishop is dragged into a volcanic tube towards the earth's core and certain death.
But much to his surprise, Jay not only survives the fall, he finds himself taken prisoner by a community of mermaids and kept alive as a science experiment. Confused and disoriented, Jay's only hope to escape back to the surface is found in Paga, an elder of the community who believes Jay's unexpected arrival marks the fulfillment of a terrifying prophecy.
With the community rising against them, Jay and Paga face dangerous choices -- and their consequences -- if Jay is ever to see home again. Will Jay make it back to the world on the surface? And even if he does, how can his life be the same ever again?
FROM THE BOOK:
“Are the others boring you to death, that you’re listening so intently to my remarks, darling?” Jay asked, teasing even though he welcomed her churlish chatter.
“People confuse boredom for stability, and stability for sanity,” she muttered.
Jay laughed. “Well, I’m sure some people would never assume we had a solid grip on sanity before we decided to become oceanographers. With several metric tons of water pressure surrounding us at these depths, I’m sure someone would be quick to question our mental facilities and their working order.”
“True enough, brother mine.” Noelani paused, and Jay knew she was likely rolling her pretty eyes. “And yours especially, since your sanity was barely there to begin with.”
FROM THE AUTHOR:
Enjoy this short story adventure tale set before Till Human Voices Wake Us, a science fantasy novel with an unlikable protagonist, sadistic mermaids, and the trip of a lifetime.
WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:
"Very exciting prequel!! Lots of mystery and suspense. Can't wait to read the next one!" ~ Dee Bookworm Book Reviews
"This is a very entertaining read, very action filled opening followed by a philosophical middle, with a thrill ride of an ending." ~ Author C. O. Bonham
104 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2018
About the author
C.S. Johnson
114 books634 followersC. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, and more. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find out more at http://www.csjohnson.me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 21, 2022
An oceanography student gets sucked into a volcanic tube while diving. He wakes up and finds himself a prisoner of mermaids.
The concept is reminiscent to Planet of the Apes, with the human being introduced to an alien world on earth. It also reminds me a bit of The Shape of Water, but reversed. And without the romantic touch to it. It’s all seen from the eyes of the human, to make it more relatable for us, the audience. It’s cool to see the human being treated as an alien life form the same way humans would treat a mermaid. I especially love the mermaids talking to each other about the protagonist, saying things like “humans only exist in fairy tales.” It’s very recognizable and undeniably made me chuckle. Much like humans unfortunately, they’re also a bit stubborn and quick to experiment on the life form they consider alien.
The protagonist is well fleshed out. The information we learn about his personal life is rather heavy and maybe even a bit too much, considering this is such a short story. But it definitely works like a charm. The only thing that bothers me a little about the human protagonist is that at one point in the story he considers himself so beautiful. Both his skin and his body. One thing I know for sure is that when the average human being looks at their own body through a mirror for example, they’ll probably be looking at their own imperfections. Not admiring their own perfection.
It’s a short, solid and charming little story that tries to do something cool with mermaids.
The concept is reminiscent to Planet of the Apes, with the human being introduced to an alien world on earth. It also reminds me a bit of The Shape of Water, but reversed. And without the romantic touch to it. It’s all seen from the eyes of the human, to make it more relatable for us, the audience. It’s cool to see the human being treated as an alien life form the same way humans would treat a mermaid. I especially love the mermaids talking to each other about the protagonist, saying things like “humans only exist in fairy tales.” It’s very recognizable and undeniably made me chuckle. Much like humans unfortunately, they’re also a bit stubborn and quick to experiment on the life form they consider alien.
The protagonist is well fleshed out. The information we learn about his personal life is rather heavy and maybe even a bit too much, considering this is such a short story. But it definitely works like a charm. The only thing that bothers me a little about the human protagonist is that at one point in the story he considers himself so beautiful. Both his skin and his body. One thing I know for sure is that when the average human being looks at their own body through a mirror for example, they’ll probably be looking at their own imperfections. Not admiring their own perfection.
It’s a short, solid and charming little story that tries to do something cool with mermaids.
January 27, 2020
Across The Floors of Silent Seas by C S Jonson is another story I read while traveling. It looks like I was on a water reading binge. LOL How could I resist the cover and I have read some of her other work and loved it, so I felt this would be a good one too….and it was.
It’s hard to give a short story prequel four thumbs up, but C S Johnson has hooked me with this wonderful look into Paga, Jay’s world, and I want to see where they go next…and the crew?, oh yeah, I wantta know more.
See more at fundinmental
It’s hard to give a short story prequel four thumbs up, but C S Johnson has hooked me with this wonderful look into Paga, Jay’s world, and I want to see where they go next…and the crew?, oh yeah, I wantta know more.
See more at fundinmental
September 23, 2019
Definitely a short but intriguing story. Jay is n oceanographer student. When he has an accident he’s saved by mermaids to keep as an experiment. An intriguing book.
May 3, 2018
Wow, what a great prequel! Jay and Noelani have such great banter as he's working in the ocean, made me love them both immediately. Also loved that Orca whale that helps Jay. Mermaids exist, but they believe humans are legend? What a twist! Go Paga for all his help and faith in this short story :)
I kept thinking as Jay makes his escape, GRAB some proof from Paga before going home! However, it's the perfect setup for Book 1, which I'm greatly looking forward to reading. Read this in one sitting, it's REALLY good!
I kept thinking as Jay makes his escape, GRAB some proof from Paga before going home! However, it's the perfect setup for Book 1, which I'm greatly looking forward to reading. Read this in one sitting, it's REALLY good!
August 1, 2019
Very exciting prequel!! Lots of mystery and suspense. Can't wait to read the next one!
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
July 10, 2019
Across the Floors of Silent Seas: A Short Story (Till Human Voices Wake Us Book 1) by C. S. Johnson was a amazing story I could not put down. This is book number one in this amazing start of a series I could not put down. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about mermaides.
I was given a copy of this book and this is my honest review
I was given a copy of this book and this is my honest review
November 2, 2019
Across the Floors of Silent Seas
by C.S. Johnson
Across the Floors of Silent Seas is an amazing story, the start to a new series. An intriguing premise; which hints at a conflict, and is filled with action, mystery, suspense and fantasy, a thrilling ride to the end. A quite thought-provoking story voiced from the observation of research lab subject and another intellectual species; which neither believe that the other exists.
I adored the chemistry between the characters, the easy repartee they shared. It will be interesting to see how the story develops between them. Wow, what a great prequel, entertaining and beautiful; which will grab the readers interest. I could not put down, read this in one sitting; even read it a second time. I am eager for the first book in this series.
I love Ms. Johnson's writing skill; she thinks in many different realms and each of her stories are different, I cannot get enough of her writing. I encourage people to read this book. It is CERTAINLY a good and worthwhile read. Well-done, I love it! 💖I was honored to receive copy from the author, and it is my pleasure to write an honest review of Ms. C. S. Johnson’s newest creation Across the Floors of Silent Seas. Giving both 5-stars.
by C.S. Johnson
Across the Floors of Silent Seas is an amazing story, the start to a new series. An intriguing premise; which hints at a conflict, and is filled with action, mystery, suspense and fantasy, a thrilling ride to the end. A quite thought-provoking story voiced from the observation of research lab subject and another intellectual species; which neither believe that the other exists.
I adored the chemistry between the characters, the easy repartee they shared. It will be interesting to see how the story develops between them. Wow, what a great prequel, entertaining and beautiful; which will grab the readers interest. I could not put down, read this in one sitting; even read it a second time. I am eager for the first book in this series.
I love Ms. Johnson's writing skill; she thinks in many different realms and each of her stories are different, I cannot get enough of her writing. I encourage people to read this book. It is CERTAINLY a good and worthwhile read. Well-done, I love it! 💖I was honored to receive copy from the author, and it is my pleasure to write an honest review of Ms. C. S. Johnson’s newest creation Across the Floors of Silent Seas. Giving both 5-stars.
March 20, 2024
My second book with the Rusalka and This one is giving me Atlantean feels with a hint of horror. Oof, What a closed off underwater society hellbent on sticking their heads in the sand.
Plot/Storyline/Themes:
I'll believe it when I see it - Thats2how the Rusalki approach the myth of humans and then ... when confronted with evidence of human existence in the flesh - they jump through hoops to designate Jay Bishop anything but human.
Two Sentences, A Scene or less - Characters:
Pago is such a kind soul. That's his real magic. A comforting, kind soul.
The fact that Jay was still insanely attracted to Sira knowing she just wanted to vivisect him is hilarious. But at least he had his wits about him and something to live for.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:
✔️The orca saving his life and the same orca escorting him up.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “It was the most horrifyingly beautiful face he had ever seen.” (Jay on Sira, little did he know ...)
🖤 “Paga, please. We all know that there are no such things as humans.” (Sira with a human literally 5 feet away)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts:
■ Rusalka city
■ Ocean-Sky
■ Juan de Fuca
■Scripps
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Fantasy Books by 2025
Plot/Storyline/Themes:
I'll believe it when I see it - Thats2how the Rusalki approach the myth of humans and then ... when confronted with evidence of human existence in the flesh - they jump through hoops to designate Jay Bishop anything but human.
Two Sentences, A Scene or less - Characters:
Pago is such a kind soul. That's his real magic. A comforting, kind soul.
The fact that Jay was still insanely attracted to Sira knowing she just wanted to vivisect him is hilarious. But at least he had his wits about him and something to live for.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:
✔️The orca saving his life and the same orca escorting him up.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “It was the most horrifyingly beautiful face he had ever seen.” (Jay on Sira, little did he know ...)
🖤 “Paga, please. We all know that there are no such things as humans.” (Sira with a human literally 5 feet away)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts:
■ Rusalka city
■ Ocean-Sky
■ Juan de Fuca
■Scripps
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Fantasy Books by 2025
December 2, 2019
Jay Bishop is an oceanographer that is studying the sea floor when he is sucked into a volcanic tube to the center of the earth. There he is rescued by mermaids to keep him to runs tests on him. To them humans are myths and legends. Jay just wants to go home but it looks like his fate is sealed except for an elder called Paga.
Paga believes that Jay is the fulfillment of a prophecy. Jay is trying to get Paga to help him but then again he is afraid of what awaits him on the surface. Are humans really going to believe his story? That is if he can escape the mermaids in the first place.
I love SC Johnson’s stories and jumped at the chance to read Till Human Voices Wake Us. I was also giving the chance to read Across the Floors of Silent Seas. I am so glad that I did. Jay has a great banter with his sister with just breathes life into them. I was instantly sucked into the story along with Jay in the volcanic tube.
I could not put this book down and ended up reading it in one sitting. I’m so glad that I have the next book in the series because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Paga believes that Jay is the fulfillment of a prophecy. Jay is trying to get Paga to help him but then again he is afraid of what awaits him on the surface. Are humans really going to believe his story? That is if he can escape the mermaids in the first place.
I love SC Johnson’s stories and jumped at the chance to read Till Human Voices Wake Us. I was also giving the chance to read Across the Floors of Silent Seas. I am so glad that I did. Jay has a great banter with his sister with just breathes life into them. I was instantly sucked into the story along with Jay in the volcanic tube.
I could not put this book down and ended up reading it in one sitting. I’m so glad that I have the next book in the series because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
March 17, 2018
Across the Floor of Silent Seas by C.S. Johnson is a short novella that posits a very interesting question: do Mermaids believe in humans? And if they don't, what would happen if they found one?
This is a very entertaining read, very action filled opening followed by a philosophical middle, with a thrill ride of an ending. An hour well spent.
Even though this novella stands well on its own I am very excited to see that it is actually a prequel to a forthcoming novel titled, Till Human Voices Wake Us.
This is a very entertaining read, very action filled opening followed by a philosophical middle, with a thrill ride of an ending. An hour well spent.
Even though this novella stands well on its own I am very excited to see that it is actually a prequel to a forthcoming novel titled, Till Human Voices Wake Us.
October 2, 2019
As far as my experience goes for prequels, this one was a really entertaining and beautiful one. It describes how deep the relation between Lani and Jay is. Not only that, but it actually raises a question for the fact that there might be some other intelligent species other than humans which believe that we don't exist (well, discovering something like that would be really exciting if nothing else). I really liked the whole concept on which the storyline is based and I'm eager to read the first book in the series!
June 19, 2019
I find this idea of mermaids that don't believe humans interesting. I love Ms Johnson's writing skills. She thinks in so many different realms & every story is different. I can't get enough of her writing. I encourage you to read this book. I'm anxious for the next book in this series.
December 6, 2019
WOW. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! This is an absolutely brilliant story and mermaids are nothing like what I've read in the past. Love it!
June 11, 2020
I’m hooked and can’t wait to find out what happens next in Til Human Voices Awake Us!
July 26, 2019
Are mermaids real
Enjoyed this beginning of the Till Humans Voices Wake Us series. Jay finds himself in a new kingdom deep in the ocean where the mermaids and mermen live who do not believe in humans. They want to use him as a test subject. Will he escape and make it home or not? Read this delightful story to find out.
Enjoyed this beginning of the Till Humans Voices Wake Us series. Jay finds himself in a new kingdom deep in the ocean where the mermaids and mermen live who do not believe in humans. They want to use him as a test subject. Will he escape and make it home or not? Read this delightful story to find out.
November 28, 2019
Jay is exploring under the sea and communicating with his sister when the unthinkable happens. He falls to a world where he is just a myth, an experiment. Across The Floors Of Silent Seas is an excellent short story that intrigued me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2018
Mermaids are real, but believe humans are a myth? What an absolutely intriguing premise that turned out to be quite the thought-provoking read. I loved it! If you're looking for a quick read, pick this one up. It won't disappoint.
March 22, 2019
Intriguing story. A human accidentally invades a place of merfolk. Like the stories of extraterrestrials coming to Earth, some of the merfolk treat him as a science experiment. But one extends hope. Worthwhile reading. I hope that you enjoy it also.
Borrowed via Kindle Unlimited on 22 March 2019. This is my honest review.
Borrowed via Kindle Unlimited on 22 March 2019. This is my honest review.
July 24, 2019
I love itttttttttttt! 💖 It's amazing! I fall in love with them immediately! Can't wait to read the next book!
July 12, 2019
A thought-provoking short story told from the perspective of research lab subject who is human and being analyzed by merpeople who do not believe in the existence of humans.
It was my pleasure to receive this free ebook from the author and give my honest review.
It was my pleasure to receive this free ebook from the author and give my honest review.
July 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and I’m waiting to see if there might be another one as it was too short. I really looked forward to reading more about the mermaid’s in this story but it just didn’t happen. But in all it was a really good book
August 10, 2019
I enjoyed this first taste of this novella and can't wait to read the next story.
I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters, especially Jay and his sister Noelani and the easy banter they share. It will be interesting to see how the story develops between the mermaids and the humans, and it was good for a change having the question Are humans real?
Well done for a great novella, you have grabbed my interest
I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters, especially Jay and his sister Noelani and the easy banter they share. It will be interesting to see how the story develops between the mermaids and the humans, and it was good for a change having the question Are humans real?
Well done for a great novella, you have grabbed my interest
May 24, 2018
Across the Floors of Silent Seas is a unique story about mermaids who don't believe that humans exist. Jay is a human who, after a diving accident, ends up being rescued by mermaids. Even though they keep him for observation and run many tests, they don't believe his claims of coming from the world above. None of them do, except for one council member named Paga. This novella has an element of thriller/horror and it's also an allegory.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
January 9, 2019
This was a very fast listen at only an hour and a half. The Author sucked you in, left you wanting more. Which is the whole job of a prequel short story. To tease you, to give you a taste to see if you would enjoy the main series. Paga’s sister, geez, that lady got issues. Or should I say mermaid?
The sound effects were a nice touch.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
The sound effects were a nice touch.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
December 16, 2019
Underwater adventure where science collides with fantasy. What if mermaids were real and living hidden in ocean. That us exactly what Jay Bishop faces in this underwater adventure.
September 4, 2018
Sped thru this book, as it kept me reading from beginning to end! A very entertaining book that kept me enthralled, questioning, and spellbound. If you haven't read any of the other CS Johnson books, you have been missing out - never fails to keep me reading to the end! Love all the books and love sharing them with others too.
May 30, 2018
I found it to be the beginning of a beautiful story! liked the characters,plot line..It just left me wanting more,and If I know this author,It's coming!!
September 15, 2018
Not for the littlest ones, but this is a family-friendly, deep undersea adventure that can be read in several hours or stretched over several evenings.
October 21, 2018
What a great short story
Her descriptions are beautifully done and the sense of awe, fear, and a coming of faith are well done. Always a wonderful author to read.
Her descriptions are beautifully done and the sense of awe, fear, and a coming of faith are well done. Always a wonderful author to read.
November 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended. Look forward for next book from you soon. No spoilers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews