Promises (Syrenka Series Book 1) Review

Promises (Syrenka Series Book 1)
Amber Garr
Publishing Date: April 8, 2012
ISBN: 978-1468006797
Genre: Fantasy

 

Book Description:

 

Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love. When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé, would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined. A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life she so adamantly tried to escape. Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.

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My Thoughts:

 

‘Promises’ was the first mermaid novel I have ever read, and I have to say I was majorly impressed. I just may be hooked on them now, that is if they turn out to be as good as Amber Garr’s writing. ‘Promises’ was such a thrilling story; I read it in two days which honestly it probably would have only taken me a day if I had not had to work. Simply because I just didn’t want to put it down.

 

Eviana’s story is just so engaging and refreshing. It sucks you in from the beginning. Eviana is the eldest daughter to one of the most powerful mermaid clans. She is about to turn eighteen and here parents have arranged a marriage for her, to Kain. The son of the other most powerful clan, his father is very ill and Kain will need to take over in a matter of time. Once they are married they can rule the clans together, like intended.

 

Eviana is very upset about this entire situation not only does she not want to be in charge but she does not want to marry Kain. Sure he’s practically perfect but he’s not Brendan.

Brendan is Eviana’s true love; however he is not a mermaid, which causes major problems for everyone. He is a selkie, a shifter. Mermaids and selkies don’t belong together they have different mating rules. Her parents forbid her to see Brendan and Brendan has to hid his relationship, so the question is how far will Brendan and Eviana go to be together and what will be the cost?

 

I have to say I really sympathize for Eviana and I understand why she does everything she does to be with Brendan but however I do have to admit I have a soft spot for Kain and a big part of me wanted Eviana to just give in and marry him. Honestly part of me is still hoping she takes her place beside him :D

 

Anyways I loved the plot; it wasn’t what I call a repeat plot. Where you pretty much know what’s going to happen just with new characters and a slight difference. No this was fresh and I had no idea what was going to happen, I loved the amazing sea creatures that she brought to life, I had never even thought of that.

 

I definitely cannot wait to read more of this series and since I have the other two already downloaded, I won’t have to wait long, so check back for the reviews on those!

Amber Garr had definitely earned a spot on my favorites list, and I will be reading everything she comes out with!

 

* I recieved this book from the author, as a gift from a giveaway I won. I reviewed it in return. All opinions are my own. I did not recieve compensation for this review.