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Mermen of Ea #1
Stealing the Wind
Taren Laxley has never known anything but life as a slave. When a lusty pirate kidnaps him and holds him prisoner on his ship, Taren embraces the chance to realize his dream of a seagoing life. Not only does the pirate captain offer him freedom in exchange for three years of labor and sexual servitude, but the pleasures Taren finds when he joins the captain and first mate in bed far surpass his greatest fantasies.
Then, during a storm, Taren dives overboard to save another sailor and is lost at sea. He’s rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the enigmatic and seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom, and Taren feels an overwhelming attraction to Ian that Ian appears to share. Soon Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever: Ian and his people are Ea, shape-shifting merfolk… and Taren is one of them too. Bound to each other by a fierce passion neither can explain or deny, Taren and Ian are soon embroiled in a war and forced to fight for a future—not only for themselves but for all their kind.
Then, during a storm, Taren dives overboard to save another sailor and is lost at sea. He’s rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the enigmatic and seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom, and Taren feels an overwhelming attraction to Ian that Ian appears to share. Soon Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever: Ian and his people are Ea, shape-shifting merfolk… and Taren is one of them too. Bound to each other by a fierce passion neither can explain or deny, Taren and Ian are soon embroiled in a war and forced to fight for a future—not only for themselves but for all their kind.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2013
80 people are currently reading
2710 people want to read
About the author
Shira Anthony
41 books427 followersShira Anthony is a complete sucker for a happily-ever-after, and rarely reads or writes a story without one. Never a fan of instalove, Shira likes to write stories about real men with real issues making real relationships work.
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 5, 2020
”What Ian asked of him – whatever it was – Taren feared it. He feared a future with choices and uncertainty.”
So this was not what I expected, but it was still kinda good? O_o I never thought I'd enjoy a mermen book that much but aside from the rather weird start (all I'm saying is "butter"?!) this actually turned out to be an interesting read. *lol*
To read this felt like to witness the author’s journey. I think at first she might have wanted to go for smut but the longer she wrote the more her story became fleshed out. Hence the rather smutty and weird beginning that turned into an unexpectedly good story line. Of course we’re not talking Shakespeare here, but it definitely was good enough to make me want to read her second book. ;-P
”The fates will find you, Taren. They always will.”
And how they found him. Poor boy knew nothing but slavery and servitude, but despite everything he still managed to stay positive and that instantly caused me to like him. Plus I loved him with Rider and Bastian! If the book would have continued to be merely smut I definitely still would have been hooked by it. The Rider/Taren/Bastian love triangle was just too amazing and in all honesty I would have been content just to go on with those three. XD
”I know you too well. I can sense the turmoil in your heart. You want him, and yet you hesitate. Why?”
“I’m not sure.” Taren shook his head.
I LOVED Bastian’s character and how he always knew how Taren felt and what was on his mind. Those two would have been so cute together but since Shira Anthony obviously had other plans Taren got lost at sea and met Ian instead. I was okay with that ship though so I can’t really complain. *lol* After all Ian was a very strong-willed and caring character and I loved that he always kept an eye on Taren. <3
”Aye, I will come with you. Not to make certain you do not harm him – you are too kindhearted to do him harm, even if he has brought it upon himself – but to give you my support, should you need it.” Ian kissed the top of his head.
After the ending I can’t help but be curious about book two and I’m sure sooner or later I’ll eventually get to it. For now all I can say is: I really enjoyed this and I want to read more about those amazing mermenand their hanky-panky! *LOL* (Sorry, couldn’t resist. ;-P)
Trigger warnings: slavery, torture, abuse
____________________________
Ahh damn!
Am I going to read an m/m mermen book right before the old year ends?
Yep, yes I am! *nods*
Don't judge me! XD
A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. *lol*
So this was not what I expected, but it was still kinda good? O_o I never thought I'd enjoy a mermen book that much but aside from the rather weird start (all I'm saying is "butter"?!) this actually turned out to be an interesting read. *lol*
To read this felt like to witness the author’s journey. I think at first she might have wanted to go for smut but the longer she wrote the more her story became fleshed out. Hence the rather smutty and weird beginning that turned into an unexpectedly good story line. Of course we’re not talking Shakespeare here, but it definitely was good enough to make me want to read her second book. ;-P
”The fates will find you, Taren. They always will.”
And how they found him. Poor boy knew nothing but slavery and servitude, but despite everything he still managed to stay positive and that instantly caused me to like him. Plus I loved him with Rider and Bastian! If the book would have continued to be merely smut I definitely still would have been hooked by it. The Rider/Taren/Bastian love triangle was just too amazing and in all honesty I would have been content just to go on with those three. XD
”I know you too well. I can sense the turmoil in your heart. You want him, and yet you hesitate. Why?”
“I’m not sure.” Taren shook his head.
I LOVED Bastian’s character and how he always knew how Taren felt and what was on his mind. Those two would have been so cute together but since Shira Anthony obviously had other plans Taren got lost at sea and met Ian instead. I was okay with that ship though so I can’t really complain. *lol* After all Ian was a very strong-willed and caring character and I loved that he always kept an eye on Taren. <3
”Aye, I will come with you. Not to make certain you do not harm him – you are too kindhearted to do him harm, even if he has brought it upon himself – but to give you my support, should you need it.” Ian kissed the top of his head.
After the ending I can’t help but be curious about book two and I’m sure sooner or later I’ll eventually get to it. For now all I can say is: I really enjoyed this and I want to read more about those amazing mermen
Trigger warnings: slavery, torture, abuse
____________________________
Ahh damn!
Am I going to read an m/m mermen book right before the old year ends?
Yep, yes I am! *nods*
Don't judge me! XD
A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. *lol*
November 11, 2013
No. Not a smutty merman slave fic. Not. Nuh uh.
I completely loved the first 14%. LOVED it.
"The leader leered at him. “Yer a right pretty one, boy.”
Oh, no, poor slaveboy being groped by debt collectors, tavern carousers, and one big strong pirate captain, armed with butter (butter?! what the hell, whatever works for that spontaneous fingering at the communal dining table, right?)
Woot!
Then, BAM! Why, at the opening of chapter three was I suddenly transported into a completely different book, one set "Two Years Later" filled with
Between you and me Ian was a grave disappointment. Why did he stop trying to win Taren's submission with lusty, seductive, tender hand-feeding? Don't give up, Ian! You can do it! Salted fish has never been so decadent!
From 27% I realized this was not going to be the delightfully smexy mer fic I had hoped for (and that the first 14% led me to believe it would be). I grew slowly more and more bored. I started lightly skimming just after half way. It never improved, and my patience for the doofus MCs decreased exponentially with every following per cent.
At 69% I hoped the evil guys caught them all and tortured them to death so I could be released from the endless lack of communication.
At least I finished it. And I never have to read it again.
It wasn't that terrible, it's just it wasn't what I expected, and the beginning was all fun and yummy and good that I don't understand why the rest had to be so . . . not good.
June 9, 2025
4 Stars
Taren Laxley is an orphaned slave whose whole life changes when he gets kidnapped by pirates. Captain Rider is enticing as all get-out, so when he offers Taren his freedom in exchange for three years of servitude upon the Sea Witch, Taren is quick to accept, even knowing his new service includes sharing a bed with the captain and his lover, Bastian.
For two years Taren lives well and good, thriving aboard the Sea Witch. He works hard by day, becoming a skilled sailor in his own right, while sharing his nights finding pleasure in the arms of Rider and Bastian. Although still in servitude, life for Taren is far better than it has ever been and he’s content with his lot in life, caring deeply about Rider and Bastian, and the crew of the Sea Witch.
When a storm results in Taren going overboard while rescuing a younger crewmate, Taren becomes lost at sea. When he next wakes, he finds himself on a new ship, the Phantom, captained by the enigmatic and beguiling Ian Dunaidh. Although Taren now finds himself being held prisoner in the lavish confines of the Captain’s quarters, he can’t help but feel deep in his bones that something is vastly different and all at once familiar about Ian and his shipmates.
Taren soon discovers two life altering truths. Firstly, mermen shifters exist and he’s now surrounded by a ship full of them. And secondly, and most surprisingly, he’s one of them.
With Ian’s guidance, Taren learns all about his true nature and his people, the Ea, discovering an entire world of magic and rivalries that he suddenly finds himself thrust into the centre of.
This story has such a great fusion of genres. It is historical in nature, with an old world feel to the places and the people described within, while also featuring some fairly unique fantasy elements, such as mer-shifters, who are a hidden race within the human world. Even the romance elements were grandiose, with themes such as reincarnation and the idea that there are soulbound couples in this world, like Taren and Ian, who are destined to find one another and share an epic love in every life they live. It was a deliciously romantic notion and I can’t wait to read more about their new love, as well as the loves they shared in past lives, that seem so intrinsically linked to the events transpiring around them in the present.
I was fascinated by the history of the Ea people, but I was also incensed by the members of the grand council, with their seemingly barbaric and unforgiving attitudes, which were extremely anti-human and unaccepting of outsiders, such as Taren. I’m sure much more will be revealed about why the Ea hold the rigid beliefs they do, but until then, most of them are on my shit-list for the brutal treatment of Taren during this story.
Although this story featured ménage elements at the beginning, romance traditionalists should rest assured that once Taren met Ian, there was no longer any hanky-panky with his original lovers. I know this aspect of the story has turned other readers off, if the reviews are anything to go by, but I wasn’t affected by this at all. I’m not generally a fan of ménage in my romance reads, but I found myself liking and caring a good deal about Rider and Bastian, much like Taren did, so I wasn’t offended by their relationship while it was happening. The fact Taren was only ever with Ian after meeting him, goes a hell of a long way towards me accepting the threesome stuff that came earlier.
Ian and Taren were very sweet and undeniably hot together. I will admit though, there was this one sex scene that occurred while both men were in their mermen forms which I had trouble processing. I know it was meant to be hot and sexy, and what I understood of it was definitely that, but I generally couldn’t wrap my head around the logistics of what was happening, which left me feeling awkward and confused.
Baffling mer-sex aside, Stealing the Wind was a very fantastical, exciting, and definitely romantic read. I enjoyed this story a great deal and I look forward to devouring the rest of the series in record time.
Taren Laxley is an orphaned slave whose whole life changes when he gets kidnapped by pirates. Captain Rider is enticing as all get-out, so when he offers Taren his freedom in exchange for three years of servitude upon the Sea Witch, Taren is quick to accept, even knowing his new service includes sharing a bed with the captain and his lover, Bastian.
For two years Taren lives well and good, thriving aboard the Sea Witch. He works hard by day, becoming a skilled sailor in his own right, while sharing his nights finding pleasure in the arms of Rider and Bastian. Although still in servitude, life for Taren is far better than it has ever been and he’s content with his lot in life, caring deeply about Rider and Bastian, and the crew of the Sea Witch.
When a storm results in Taren going overboard while rescuing a younger crewmate, Taren becomes lost at sea. When he next wakes, he finds himself on a new ship, the Phantom, captained by the enigmatic and beguiling Ian Dunaidh. Although Taren now finds himself being held prisoner in the lavish confines of the Captain’s quarters, he can’t help but feel deep in his bones that something is vastly different and all at once familiar about Ian and his shipmates.
Taren soon discovers two life altering truths. Firstly, mermen shifters exist and he’s now surrounded by a ship full of them. And secondly, and most surprisingly, he’s one of them.
With Ian’s guidance, Taren learns all about his true nature and his people, the Ea, discovering an entire world of magic and rivalries that he suddenly finds himself thrust into the centre of.
This story has such a great fusion of genres. It is historical in nature, with an old world feel to the places and the people described within, while also featuring some fairly unique fantasy elements, such as mer-shifters, who are a hidden race within the human world. Even the romance elements were grandiose, with themes such as reincarnation and the idea that there are soulbound couples in this world, like Taren and Ian, who are destined to find one another and share an epic love in every life they live. It was a deliciously romantic notion and I can’t wait to read more about their new love, as well as the loves they shared in past lives, that seem so intrinsically linked to the events transpiring around them in the present.
I was fascinated by the history of the Ea people, but I was also incensed by the members of the grand council, with their seemingly barbaric and unforgiving attitudes, which were extremely anti-human and unaccepting of outsiders, such as Taren. I’m sure much more will be revealed about why the Ea hold the rigid beliefs they do, but until then, most of them are on my shit-list for the brutal treatment of Taren during this story.
Although this story featured ménage elements at the beginning, romance traditionalists should rest assured that once Taren met Ian, there was no longer any hanky-panky with his original lovers. I know this aspect of the story has turned other readers off, if the reviews are anything to go by, but I wasn’t affected by this at all. I’m not generally a fan of ménage in my romance reads, but I found myself liking and caring a good deal about Rider and Bastian, much like Taren did, so I wasn’t offended by their relationship while it was happening. The fact Taren was only ever with Ian after meeting him, goes a hell of a long way towards me accepting the threesome stuff that came earlier.
Ian and Taren were very sweet and undeniably hot together. I will admit though, there was this one sex scene that occurred while both men were in their mermen forms which I had trouble processing. I know it was meant to be hot and sexy, and what I understood of it was definitely that, but I generally couldn’t wrap my head around the logistics of what was happening, which left me feeling awkward and confused.
Baffling mer-sex aside, Stealing the Wind was a very fantastical, exciting, and definitely romantic read. I enjoyed this story a great deal and I look forward to devouring the rest of the series in record time.
Want to read
August 11, 2015I didn't read the blurb...it's fucking mermen! Hello!
I'm fucking there!
I'm fucking there!
November 15, 2018
Guys. Julie and I read this on a whim after coming across it while doing research for the smutty book club, and omg. In terms of a smutty/erotic novel, this actually had a relatively decent plot. This was glorious. Most surprising read of 2017 for sure 😂
June 25, 2016
Written May 10, 2014
4 1/2 Stars - A delightful romantic adventure story - heartwarming and interesting all the way
Lapping waves and bubbles - I want to be there. Gina LOVED it (Gina's 5 star "OMG"-review) and then I had to read it as well. ~ Thank you for that surprising mail, lovely!
I want my own Merman to be able to swim along with around a beautiful coral reef. This was a wonderful story and I have to find time for book # 2 as soon as possible.
***********************************************
Taren Laxley is a young slave living in Raice Harbour. When he is kidnapped to a pirate ship, the Sea Witch by Captain Rider's men is he in shock. The captain turns out to be a quite okay somewhat older, but good looking, man and when Rider offer Taren freedom in exchange for three years of labor and sexual servitude, Taren can't but agree. The pleasures are great and two years proceeds rapidly. Taren really enjoy his new life on the pirate-ship and kind of love the nights with the tender captain (and Bastian of course ..).
But the "destiny road" changes during a stormy night. Taren with his big heart is trying to save a young ship's boy from the huge waves, and he succeed, but rinse himself away in the angry sea. A few days later, he wakes up on an unknown ship.
Teran had been rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the tough, slightly harsh and domineering but also seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom. The attraction between these two men is strange, unsolicited and immediate. ~ Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever.
...And the lovely fairy tale begin.
***********************************************
Taren is a cutie and I liked him instantly. He is so gentle, willing but very inquisitive and knows what he wants. His encounter with an alpha, such as Ian, of course, not conflict. The heat and tension between these two men are there all the time.
Ian anticipates a big secret and something that must be tried, and Taren is, to say the least, quite suprised by what happens.
Steam & Smut warning? - This started as a quite erotic mermam shifter story. Hot, smexy, yummy sweet and a lot of fun and a bit kinky (threesome) moments in the first part of the book. But later it turned to be a captivating and tender, romantic adventure tale as I really enjoyed. So do you think it starts too erotic, don't give up, the story-plot will soon be there.
***********************************************
Stealing the Wind is a kind odlish fairy tale in a historical fantasy (merman-shifter) world. - A romance genre I love - We meet a fantastic, colorful and portrayed world filled with old legends, old wrongs and disputes, villians, pirates, large sailing vessels, dirty harbors, beautiful coastal villages, abuse of power, fear and also some hard cruelties (torture). The suspense part was really good.
...And of course a lot of LOVE, emotions, tender kisses, hot kisses and sexy encounters (above and below the water surface). ~ Taren's life wasn't easy but he fought and won the top payout. Oh yeah, he really did.
***********************************************
In summary; surprisingly good, well thought out, very emotional and adventurous exciting. This was so much more than a wet gay dream about sexy mermen. ~ The next part of this series, Into the Wind (my review), feels absolutely necessary to acquire soon.
I LIKE - I've a new passion - sexy men with a long ''fish tail"
~~~~~~~
# "Mermen of Ea" series:
and maybe a third part?
# Want to find more "Mermen" romances?
'Listopia' ~ M/M see Gay Mermen and m/f see Good Mermen books.
4 1/2 Stars - A delightful romantic adventure story - heartwarming and interesting all the way
Lapping waves and bubbles - I want to be there. Gina LOVED it (Gina's 5 star "OMG"-review) and then I had to read it as well. ~ Thank you for that surprising mail, lovely!
I want my own Merman to be able to swim along with around a beautiful coral reef. This was a wonderful story and I have to find time for book # 2 as soon as possible.
***********************************************
Taren Laxley is a young slave living in Raice Harbour. When he is kidnapped to a pirate ship, the Sea Witch by Captain Rider's men is he in shock. The captain turns out to be a quite okay somewhat older, but good looking, man and when Rider offer Taren freedom in exchange for three years of labor and sexual servitude, Taren can't but agree. The pleasures are great and two years proceeds rapidly. Taren really enjoy his new life on the pirate-ship and kind of love the nights with the tender captain (and Bastian of course ..).
But the "destiny road" changes during a stormy night. Taren with his big heart is trying to save a young ship's boy from the huge waves, and he succeed, but rinse himself away in the angry sea. A few days later, he wakes up on an unknown ship.
Teran had been rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the tough, slightly harsh and domineering but also seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom. The attraction between these two men is strange, unsolicited and immediate. ~ Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever.
...And the lovely fairy tale begin.
“We call ourselves Ea. Neither man nor beast. The humans call us mermen.”
***********************************************
Taren is a cutie and I liked him instantly. He is so gentle, willing but very inquisitive and knows what he wants. His encounter with an alpha, such as Ian, of course, not conflict. The heat and tension between these two men are there all the time.
Ian anticipates a big secret and something that must be tried, and Taren is, to say the least, quite suprised by what happens.
‘He wasn't sure what he'd expected of the kiss.
He'd never kissed anyone under the water. Ian's mouth felt hotter than before. The saltwater caused Taren's mouth to vibrate with sensation, as if Taren could taste Ian's desire.’
Steam & Smut warning? - This started as a quite erotic mermam shifter story. Hot, smexy, yummy sweet and a lot of fun and a bit kinky (threesome) moments in the first part of the book. But later it turned to be a captivating and tender, romantic adventure tale as I really enjoyed. So do you think it starts too erotic, don't give up, the story-plot will soon be there.
***********************************************
Stealing the Wind is a kind odlish fairy tale in a historical fantasy (merman-shifter) world. - A romance genre I love - We meet a fantastic, colorful and portrayed world filled with old legends, old wrongs and disputes, villians, pirates, large sailing vessels, dirty harbors, beautiful coastal villages, abuse of power, fear and also some hard cruelties (torture). The suspense part was really good.
...And of course a lot of LOVE, emotions, tender kisses, hot kisses and sexy encounters (above and below the water surface). ~ Taren's life wasn't easy but he fought and won the top payout. Oh yeah, he really did.
***********************************************
In summary; surprisingly good, well thought out, very emotional and adventurous exciting. This was so much more than a wet gay dream about sexy mermen. ~ The next part of this series, Into the Wind (my review), feels absolutely necessary to acquire soon.
I LIKE - I've a new passion - sexy men with a long ''fish tail"
~~~~~~~
# "Mermen of Ea" series:
and maybe a third part?# Want to find more "Mermen" romances?
'Listopia' ~ M/M see Gay Mermen and m/f see Good Mermen books.
November 19, 2017
I’m sorry if this review sounds offensive but you know a book is not for you and meh when you are like ”Is it going to finish soon? Why is it taking too long to finish?” and checking page count and how many percent left to finish reading it. Literally, from 75% to 100% .. it took me 3 Days. 😂 So .. yeah .. you get the picture.
I don’t even know how to describe the characters because there are too many unknown factors. Until 75-80% of the story, both MCs were not able to figure out their feelings. And everything is vague, sooooo vague and uncertain. I feel like this is an introduction of a promising novel and while this intro could be achieved attractively and effectively in 4-5 chapters, it was dragged along for 26 chapters. Literally, about 10 chapters were imprisonment of Taren during his stay on Phantom and on Ea’nu island without any relationship aspect or romance. Long and winded and boring conversations and unsorted feelings. I only truly loved this book until 13% of the book and I was really hooked until then. After that, eh .. you know the story. 😁
I’m really unhappy that this was my mischievous buddy, Lorraine’s first buddy read with me and it was such an unfulfilling read. 😭 I know lots of people love this book and I really wanted to love this book too but I just can’t. So much potential and yet, failed to deliver a good story.
2.5 I want more stars
⭐️⭐️💫
I don’t even know how to describe the characters because there are too many unknown factors. Until 75-80% of the story, both MCs were not able to figure out their feelings. And everything is vague, sooooo vague and uncertain. I feel like this is an introduction of a promising novel and while this intro could be achieved attractively and effectively in 4-5 chapters, it was dragged along for 26 chapters. Literally, about 10 chapters were imprisonment of Taren during his stay on Phantom and on Ea’nu island without any relationship aspect or romance. Long and winded and boring conversations and unsorted feelings. I only truly loved this book until 13% of the book and I was really hooked until then. After that, eh .. you know the story. 😁
I’m really unhappy that this was my mischievous buddy, Lorraine’s first buddy read with me and it was such an unfulfilling read. 😭 I know lots of people love this book and I really wanted to love this book too but I just can’t. So much potential and yet, failed to deliver a good story.
2.5 I want more stars
⭐️⭐️💫
July 12, 2017
You know how sometimes you find a book that just works...one that has things in it that would normally have you hitting your head against a brick wall and throwing something like your iPad maybe? Well this was that book for me. Despite it all, I could not stop reading. It kept me engaged and enthralled the entire time. From page one I was hooked. The writing was amazing. The setting and characters, all of it interesting and beautiful.
This is the story of Taren and Ian. Both of the same species. Both raised differently. One with parents, one without. One a slave, one free. Two souls meant to be together denying space and time.
I'm not normally one who likes to see one of the mc's with other people. It messes with my head. But I gotta tell you, Taren with Rider and Bastian...H.O.T. At first I was really wanting them to all be together. But when Ian appeared, I just knew he was who Taren was meant to be with.
And who knew merman sex underwater was so hot!
Such an interesting world this author has created. On to book two!
This is the story of Taren and Ian. Both of the same species. Both raised differently. One with parents, one without. One a slave, one free. Two souls meant to be together denying space and time.
"His entire life he’d been taught to please others, but that had all been in preparation for this. What a strange thought—that he’d waited for this man. And yet he believed it as surely as he believed that his fate was inextricably intertwined with Ian’s."~Taren
I'm not normally one who likes to see one of the mc's with other people. It messes with my head. But I gotta tell you, Taren with Rider and Bastian...H.O.T. At first I was really wanting them to all be together. But when Ian appeared, I just knew he was who Taren was meant to be with.
"Mine. Not a possession, like a slave, but master of his heart."~Ian
And who knew merman sex underwater was so hot!
Such an interesting world this author has created. On to book two!
August 23, 2015
I absolutely loved Taren and Bastian. Ian came across as a little too insecure most of the time where Taren was concerned, but whatever.
What I really like about this book was that it did *not* completely dilute the storyline with gratuitous sex scenes as page fillers. The last book that I read was about 90% "God, they're doing it AGAIN". Not to authors: That gets really old.
It was very cool how the book starts out with you kind of thinking that the bad guys are the power-hungry Vurin and his evil mainland Ea, then realize just how off base those thoughts were.
The whole 'feelings' part between Taren and Ian was slow in coming, but the plot kept me dying to see what was going to happen next. It's going to be tough holding out until MAY when the sequel comes out and they go to war. *tingles*
4.5 very solid stars.
What I really like about this book was that it did *not* completely dilute the storyline with gratuitous sex scenes as page fillers. The last book that I read was about 90% "God, they're doing it AGAIN". Not to authors: That gets really old.
It was very cool how the book starts out with you kind of thinking that the bad guys are the power-hungry Vurin and his evil mainland Ea, then realize just how off base those thoughts were.
The whole 'feelings' part between Taren and Ian was slow in coming, but the plot kept me dying to see what was going to happen next. It's going to be tough holding out until MAY when the sequel comes out and they go to war. *tingles*
4.5 very solid stars.
Read
May 26, 2015The first installment in my Mermen of Ea Series. The series focuses on the Taren/Ian pairing and continues over the books (3 planned):
1) Stealing the Wind
2) Into the Wind, and
3) Running with the Wind (tentative publication Spring, 2015)
The second book in the series was released on May 5, 2014, and takes up Ian and Taren's adventure where book one leaves off. You'll meet a new character in book two, Into the Wind, who will play a major role in the story and will have his own pairing.
The mermen of Ea are not frilly, fishlike mermen. They are powerful, sexual beings who can possess certain magical gifts. Although there is a MMM menage scene at the beginning of the first book, the pairing of Ian and Taren is strictly MM.
Books in this series should be read in order.
1) Stealing the Wind
2) Into the Wind, and
3) Running with the Wind (tentative publication Spring, 2015)
The second book in the series was released on May 5, 2014, and takes up Ian and Taren's adventure where book one leaves off. You'll meet a new character in book two, Into the Wind, who will play a major role in the story and will have his own pairing.
The mermen of Ea are not frilly, fishlike mermen. They are powerful, sexual beings who can possess certain magical gifts. Although there is a MMM menage scene at the beginning of the first book, the pairing of Ian and Taren is strictly MM.
Books in this series should be read in order.
November 16, 2017
3.5 Stars.
At first, I wasn’t sure how well I would enjoy this mermance (is that even a word? It should be). At first, it felt like an old school bodice ripper with OTT language, but soon the language settled down (or I got used to it). It was then that I was able to pay more attention to the story rather than the mechanics of the book.
I liked it. I dug the human sex and the underwater mersex. There was a fantastic cherry popping scene early on in the book that was, frankly, spectacular and truly urged me to carry forth with the rest of the book.
This is the typical fantasy trope of where an ordinary, orphaned youth finds out he’s actually pretty dang special. Tragedy brings out his merself. He’s also a very randy special person.
BR’d this one with some special ladies :)
Warnings: cliffhangerish, torture, ménage, enslavement.
At first, I wasn’t sure how well I would enjoy this mermance (is that even a word? It should be). At first, it felt like an old school bodice ripper with OTT language, but soon the language settled down (or I got used to it). It was then that I was able to pay more attention to the story rather than the mechanics of the book.
I liked it. I dug the human sex and the underwater mersex. There was a fantastic cherry popping scene early on in the book that was, frankly, spectacular and truly urged me to carry forth with the rest of the book.
This is the typical fantasy trope of where an ordinary, orphaned youth finds out he’s actually pretty dang special. Tragedy brings out his merself. He’s also a very randy special person.
BR’d this one with some special ladies :)
Warnings: cliffhangerish, torture, ménage, enslavement.
October 4, 2013
Believe it or not I'm not real big on shifters for the most part. I read them - but I don't necessarily seek them out. Not sure what caught my eye on this - but most likely the fact Taren was a slave (you know I canna' resist a good slave story!) and boy is this book so much more than you think. I didn't find it confusing at all - I thought the development was just right. There is really no hero here - just men or, er, part men anyway. Men who do good things, honorable things. Men who do not. No ambiguity - just men making decisions in times that call for sacrifice. The gradual reveal really had me invested and the writing and prose is haunting - at times lyrical - flowing like the ocean which was so appropriate. It's not ornate or flowery but it carried tones of formalness and history at times. Not sure how else to describe it.
If you like to have everything laid out for you in short order this is not your book. If you are unwilling to read a book that clearly must be continued in another - this is not your book. This is definitely part 1 of a multi part story. It didn't feel serial to me as in the little 50 pagers coming out now - it did feel like the first in a series where I am going to get the next step in the journey in Book 2. Highly recommended.
If you like to have everything laid out for you in short order this is not your book. If you are unwilling to read a book that clearly must be continued in another - this is not your book. This is definitely part 1 of a multi part story. It didn't feel serial to me as in the little 50 pagers coming out now - it did feel like the first in a series where I am going to get the next step in the journey in Book 2. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2013
Summary
Stealing the Wind by Shira Anthony is the story of a slave boy's journey to manhood and the discovery of his hidden heritage. There are lots of allusions to great destiny, history, and sinister intentions, but the build up is shallow and incomplete. The plot has a lot of random elements which are strung together choppily. The romance isn't satisfying, and neither are the mermen shifters. Their world just doesn't come across the page well enough to make me feel like I'm swimming along the reef with them, nor do I end up really caring what happens to the main characters. It's not nearly enough fun to justify the $6-7 ebook cover price.
Fantasy World
The mermen are given two hidden villages and some ruined temples, but not a lot of other cultural depth. There seems little difference between the mermen and regular humans except for regular swim outings for the mermen. It feels like the author is saving too much for the next two books planned for the series instead of providing a solid foundation in this book.
Tingle Factor
Stealing the Wind contains explicit male/male sexual practices and a menage scene. There are some hot scenes, but unfortunately not really between the main characters. The sex in their shifted form was rather bland and not very inspiring.
Romance
The dream sequences are much more romantic than the actions when the main characters are awake. I was also rooting for Taren to go back and try to hook up with the pirates again. He deserves better than Ian's fumbling, belated attempts at a relationship.
Drama
There is an evil ruling council and one of their henchmen is usually on hand to provide conflict. In addition, Taren's fate is always in doubt as things beyond his control keep happening to him. Since the story is written from his point of view, the uncertainty provides a fair amount of tension.
Hero #1
Taren has been a slave his whole life and is grateful just for warmth, clothing, and food. He thinks he has found a home on a pirate ship and even has hopes of gaining his freedom. Taren is a simple man, and the crazy politics which swirl around him seem crazy. I sympathized with Taren because none of it made sense to me either.
Hero #2
Ian isn't very likeable and his choices don't make sense. The way he's written makes me want to kick his ass more than kiss it. He appears to be written as more of an anti-hero, but he's not enjoyable as either a good guy or a bad guy.
Stealing the Wind by Shira Anthony is the story of a slave boy's journey to manhood and the discovery of his hidden heritage. There are lots of allusions to great destiny, history, and sinister intentions, but the build up is shallow and incomplete. The plot has a lot of random elements which are strung together choppily. The romance isn't satisfying, and neither are the mermen shifters. Their world just doesn't come across the page well enough to make me feel like I'm swimming along the reef with them, nor do I end up really caring what happens to the main characters. It's not nearly enough fun to justify the $6-7 ebook cover price.
Fantasy World
The mermen are given two hidden villages and some ruined temples, but not a lot of other cultural depth. There seems little difference between the mermen and regular humans except for regular swim outings for the mermen. It feels like the author is saving too much for the next two books planned for the series instead of providing a solid foundation in this book.
Tingle Factor
Stealing the Wind contains explicit male/male sexual practices and a menage scene. There are some hot scenes, but unfortunately not really between the main characters. The sex in their shifted form was rather bland and not very inspiring.
Romance
The dream sequences are much more romantic than the actions when the main characters are awake. I was also rooting for Taren to go back and try to hook up with the pirates again. He deserves better than Ian's fumbling, belated attempts at a relationship.
Drama
There is an evil ruling council and one of their henchmen is usually on hand to provide conflict. In addition, Taren's fate is always in doubt as things beyond his control keep happening to him. Since the story is written from his point of view, the uncertainty provides a fair amount of tension.
Hero #1
Taren has been a slave his whole life and is grateful just for warmth, clothing, and food. He thinks he has found a home on a pirate ship and even has hopes of gaining his freedom. Taren is a simple man, and the crazy politics which swirl around him seem crazy. I sympathized with Taren because none of it made sense to me either.
Hero #2
Ian isn't very likeable and his choices don't make sense. The way he's written makes me want to kick his ass more than kiss it. He appears to be written as more of an anti-hero, but he's not enjoyable as either a good guy or a bad guy.
May 11, 2014
If you are looking for an adventure on the high seas but with an extra kick then this could well be the book for you.
This story is far more complex than it at first seems.
Taren is a plain simple young boy that hides a deep mystery. Watching him grow and seeing glimpses of things to come kept me intrigued.
I admit I wasn't a fan of the start with Rider and Bastian, but after getting past that I grew to love both men and in a way was even sorry when I realised their relationship with Taren would not be the same.
Ian annoyed me at first. So many times I wanted to shake him to speak up. His hints and secrecy caused problems unnecessary in my mind.
The main mystery of the Ea was a little complicated for me to follow, (I tend to get easily lost,) but I started to understand more as the story in this chapter concluded.
The last chapter had me reaching for the tissues, learning about Owyn was pretty heart wrenching.
Overall and despite the beginning and certain times when sex seems to be at the fore, in thought if not in deed, this is a much bigger story than most I have read in any shifter theme.
The author did a wonderful job in the way she took me below the sea or on board a ship.
My biggest complaint is I now have to wait to read the next part. But I certainly look forward to the next instalment. While the romance side of this book is complete, there is far more story to tell.
ETA
Second time reading as exhilarating as the first. So glad I can now jump straight into book 2
This story is far more complex than it at first seems.
Taren is a plain simple young boy that hides a deep mystery. Watching him grow and seeing glimpses of things to come kept me intrigued.
I admit I wasn't a fan of the start with Rider and Bastian, but after getting past that I grew to love both men and in a way was even sorry when I realised their relationship with Taren would not be the same.
Ian annoyed me at first. So many times I wanted to shake him to speak up. His hints and secrecy caused problems unnecessary in my mind.
The main mystery of the Ea was a little complicated for me to follow, (I tend to get easily lost,) but I started to understand more as the story in this chapter concluded.
The last chapter had me reaching for the tissues, learning about Owyn was pretty heart wrenching.
Overall and despite the beginning and certain times when sex seems to be at the fore, in thought if not in deed, this is a much bigger story than most I have read in any shifter theme.
The author did a wonderful job in the way she took me below the sea or on board a ship.
My biggest complaint is I now have to wait to read the next part. But I certainly look forward to the next instalment. While the romance side of this book is complete, there is far more story to tell.
ETA
Second time reading as exhilarating as the first. So glad I can now jump straight into book 2
March 23, 2016
I can see why people like this book, it just wasn’t for me.
Taren is sold to a tavern when he is around 18. He is not happy there, but is ‘rescued’ (read: kidnapped) by Rider, the captain of the Sea Witch. Rider has taken him to join him and his lover, Bastian, in their bed. Of course Taren is fine with that (I would so have a problem with this after being kidnapped, but okay).
When Taren gets lost at sea after a heavy storm, he gets rescued by Ian, Captain of the Phantom. It is there that Taren learns what he is, a shape-shifting merman.
This confused me somewhat. I was expecting more MINE in this shifter book. More possessiveness. But I felt as if Ian was constantly ‘giving’ Taren away.
I mean, he let him sleep with Rider and Bastian (sleep, not have sex, although Ian didn’t know that). And he was willing to give him up right at the end. Come on, Ian, claim your man!
What bothered me most about this book was the relationship between Taren, Rider and Bastian. I was so not okay with them educating Taren at the beginning of this book. It just felt wrong. It is made clear that Rider and Bastian are in love with each other and that Taren is just an extra. I can do a ménage in a book, but not like this.
My main issue with this book was that I wanted more focus on the romance. There were so many other things going on that I got confused a lot.
I don’t think this series is for me.
Taren is sold to a tavern when he is around 18. He is not happy there, but is ‘rescued’ (read: kidnapped) by Rider, the captain of the Sea Witch. Rider has taken him to join him and his lover, Bastian, in their bed. Of course Taren is fine with that (I would so have a problem with this after being kidnapped, but okay).
When Taren gets lost at sea after a heavy storm, he gets rescued by Ian, Captain of the Phantom. It is there that Taren learns what he is, a shape-shifting merman.
This confused me somewhat. I was expecting more MINE in this shifter book. More possessiveness. But I felt as if Ian was constantly ‘giving’ Taren away.
I mean, he let him sleep with Rider and Bastian (sleep, not have sex, although Ian didn’t know that). And he was willing to give him up right at the end. Come on, Ian, claim your man!
What bothered me most about this book was the relationship between Taren, Rider and Bastian. I was so not okay with them educating Taren at the beginning of this book. It just felt wrong. It is made clear that Rider and Bastian are in love with each other and that Taren is just an extra. I can do a ménage in a book, but not like this.
My main issue with this book was that I wanted more focus on the romance. There were so many other things going on that I got confused a lot.
I don’t think this series is for me.
August 14, 2013
This is such an enjoyable book! The world-building is wonderful. I loved the characters--not just Taren and Ian, but the secondary characters as well. Plus, pirates, mermen, magic... what's not to love about that? I was sorry when this story ended and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
January 15, 2016
This was my first mermen book! Actually I think this was my first mermaid/mermen book (I don't count Ariel in this)!!!! Maybe I forgot about reading one but then how could I forget mermen having sex or mermaids having sex.
I so enjoyed reading this story!!!! I loved the world that was created! I loved the writing style! I loved all the characters except the ones I wanted to torture and inflict so much pain that they die (talking about Seria here)!!!!!!
Taren (Oh god how I love you),
raised like a slave, gets kidnapped by pirate Rider. I loved that pirate from the beginning when he showed up!!!!! I loved how he met Taren and how he behaved. He was so devilish!!!!! Me likey a lot!!!! Even though it was a bit ridiculous I still had a stupid grin on my face!
So he gives him an offer he can't refuse. While being on Rider's ship, Taren finds happines with him and Bastian. They show him how to accept how he feels toward men and they show him how it is to feel loved.
During one storm, Taren gets lost. And here enteres Ian!!!
Ian (Oh god how I love you, but not so much as Taren),
captain of a rival ship feels connected to Taren since he sees him! He wants to claim him and while having him in captivity it only makes him push him more from himself.
Their love was so beautiful!!! At first, they both didn't know how to behave toward each other, but Taren was more open to having feelings for Ian. Ian knew he had to give him to council and he prayed they will be good to him, but somebody opens his eyes for him and all he wants to do is to protect Taren from everybody and accept what he is running from.
When I read mermen having sex... well it was weridly beautiful, kinda funny the whole thing, but strangely beautiful.
Taren doesn't know that Ian knows secrets about him and when they reveal will their love be strong enough.... will their interwined fates survive the war that is coming?
I so enjoyed reading this story!!!! I loved the world that was created! I loved the writing style! I loved all the characters except the ones I wanted to torture and inflict so much pain that they die (talking about Seria here)!!!!!!
Taren (Oh god how I love you),
raised like a slave, gets kidnapped by pirate Rider. I loved that pirate from the beginning when he showed up!!!!! I loved how he met Taren and how he behaved. He was so devilish!!!!! Me likey a lot!!!! Even though it was a bit ridiculous I still had a stupid grin on my face!
So he gives him an offer he can't refuse. While being on Rider's ship, Taren finds happines with him and Bastian. They show him how to accept how he feels toward men and they show him how it is to feel loved.
“I will submit to you. I won’t fight you.”
At this, Rider laughed and shook his head. “I told you, boy, I’ll treat you well. But I’ll not have your submission without your soul. Tell me what you want. If you wish me to touch you, you must say it."
.....................
"Bastian is not a slave, Taren.”
“He’s not? But—”
“He was once my slave, but he is now master of my heart and my body.” Rider glanced at Bastian with a look of pure lust and obvious affection. “
During one storm, Taren gets lost. And here enteres Ian!!!
Ian (Oh god how I love you, but not so much as Taren),
captain of a rival ship feels connected to Taren since he sees him! He wants to claim him and while having him in captivity it only makes him push him more from himself.
"Thinking about Taren, Ian remembered the stories of souls whose fates were inextricably bound together and whom death could not part. His people had a word for it, although he’d rarely heard it used: soulbound. More than just the primal call of lust, such a pairing awakened both man and beast. He was drawn to Taren much like he was drawn to the sea. Was this the hunger of souls? "
Their love was so beautiful!!! At first, they both didn't know how to behave toward each other, but Taren was more open to having feelings for Ian. Ian knew he had to give him to council and he prayed they will be good to him, but somebody opens his eyes for him and all he wants to do is to protect Taren from everybody and accept what he is running from.
"He was possessed of one thought alone. “Mine,” he growled in a voice that sounded nothing like his own. “Only mine.”
“Yours alone.” Taren gasped the words, clinging to him with nearly the same intensity.
“I must have you.” Mark you as my own. Take your body. Own your soul."
.................
"Mine. Not a possession, like a slave, but master of his heart"
When I read mermen having sex... well it was weridly beautiful, kinda funny the whole thing, but strangely beautiful.
"Taren reached out and pulled Ian’s face to his own, then roughly claimed his lips. “Tell me you don’t want this.” Again Taren kissed him, a bruising kiss that aroused his primal hunger."
Taren doesn't know that Ian knows secrets about him and when they reveal will their love be strong enough.... will their interwined fates survive the war that is coming?
August 11, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
3.75 stars
Believe it or not (and I can't), this is the first book I've read by Shira Anthony. I have several and there are many of her books that I've really wanted to read, but somehow never found the time to. So when I saw this on the Dreamspinner Coming Soon page I made sure that I made room for it in my schedule. It wouldn't only be a chance to try out this author, but also a book about mermen! Just like unicorns, I'm really an 8 year old little girl who loves the cute and cuddly fantastical creatures. Except, you know, when they have gay sex and aren't as cuddly anymore, except maybe in a post-coital fashion.
I'm glad that I made room for this book, it was quite fun to read. The whole book takes place over a somewhat short amount of time -- about 8 weeks -- but the book starts with Taren at a young age and the first few chapters traverse his teenaged years as he's sold and stolen as a slave and passed through several masters' hands. The journey that Taren takes in this first book of the series is pretty big. He learns quite a bit about his life and goes through many transitions of change before the end.
Taren doesn't know anything about his parents, save that his master told him they gave him away. He longs for the open sea and though he's just a rigger for his master's shipyard, he hopes that one day he'll be able to travel the seas and be a proper sailor. When he's sold to pay off his master's debts, Taren becomes a slave to a man who runs an inn. He's not sure how old he is, though he thinks around 18 or 19. He's been mostly sheltered in his life, so when a handsome captain introduces him to his sexuality in a room full of watching sailors at the inn, he finds himself excited rather than scared and violated. He's submissive and clings to the safety he feels in a man like the captain, whom he later knows as Rider, because of the man's kind, yet firm dominance.
Stolen by the sailors of the ship that night, he wakes to find himself the captain's prisoner and introduced to indentured slavery of the sexual kind. But, for a young man like Taren who has always been a slave, sexual slavery aboard a ship on the open ocean is a kind of freedom that he's never known. Taren revels in it, especially when he comes to be a loving presence in Rider and his lover's bed and allowed to put his knowledge of sailing to use aboard the ship.
But there is so much that Taren doesn't know or understand -- why he has such vivid dreams and the extra-sensory feelings that he has in reading the water and weather at sea. When he's knocked unconscious and lost at sea, he washes up to their rival vessel, captained by Ian Dunaidh. Ian is enamored of Taren immediately and their connection, once he wakes, pushes and pulls between them as they sail to Ian's home island where a shadowy presence called The Council awaits to judge Taren as a spy in their war against a resistance group of their own people who live on the mainland. Living through the hell of their torture, the betrayal between Taren and Ian and the possibility that he might never be free takes everything in him. All he knows to get him through is that he is destined for a higher purpose than this, if it is true that any higher power is guiding them.
I went pretty far in summarizing the story for you, but that is because there is such a long and twisting plot in this story. Taren goes through so many changes, homes, and relationships with other people for only 70k words. It makes me curious how many books this author has planned for this series because I didn't feel as if I started to understand the larger picture until the very end of the book. I have no doubt that that was intended for the reader, that we should pull the pieces together at the very end, but it also meant that I had to wait through the whole book to really understand what was happening. Which, ultimately, meant that I really had to enjoy the story for the present, for what was happening to Taren in the moment without understanding where the story was headed to really enjoy the book. Sometimes I felt as if I was right there with him and Ian and I was really sucked into the present of the story. But, sometimes I wasn't and I felt as if the story lulled, perhaps because the relationship between Taren and Ian is so freaking complicated. For much of the book they're separated, though not for any very long pieces of time. It takes the whole book for them to really reach the same page, relationship-wise, because they each needed this book to progress themselves. Taren is searching for his destiny, a shadowy purpose that we and he knows is there, somewhere, for him to understand one day, and for him to understand his race and his history. Ian is battling his own demons -- regret and guilt -- that stand in the way of his happiness.
So once again I say that while I really enjoyed this book, it's as a first book of a series. I still feel as if I don't know much about where this series is headed. In a way, I like that because it means that this author is doing a fine job of withholding information until the correct (and perhaps most artful) time to release it. On the other hand, I fear not knowing enough to keep me interested in the big picture, and that it makes my reading experience different. So, I'm excited to read the next book and hoping that the ending of this one -- seeing the formation of a more solid relationship between Taren and Ian -- will carry forward through the rest of the series.
**There is a pretty big imbalance in the heat level and sex frequency in this book, as far as trying to rate it goes. The first several chapters are hot and heavy, with m/m/m scenes (spitroasting, exhibitionism) that really raise the heat, and frequent sex in those chapters. The rest of the novel has little to almost no sex at all and what intimacy there is is very romantic and tame (the underwater mermen sex).
3.75 stars
Believe it or not (and I can't), this is the first book I've read by Shira Anthony. I have several and there are many of her books that I've really wanted to read, but somehow never found the time to. So when I saw this on the Dreamspinner Coming Soon page I made sure that I made room for it in my schedule. It wouldn't only be a chance to try out this author, but also a book about mermen! Just like unicorns, I'm really an 8 year old little girl who loves the cute and cuddly fantastical creatures. Except, you know, when they have gay sex and aren't as cuddly anymore, except maybe in a post-coital fashion.
I'm glad that I made room for this book, it was quite fun to read. The whole book takes place over a somewhat short amount of time -- about 8 weeks -- but the book starts with Taren at a young age and the first few chapters traverse his teenaged years as he's sold and stolen as a slave and passed through several masters' hands. The journey that Taren takes in this first book of the series is pretty big. He learns quite a bit about his life and goes through many transitions of change before the end.
Taren doesn't know anything about his parents, save that his master told him they gave him away. He longs for the open sea and though he's just a rigger for his master's shipyard, he hopes that one day he'll be able to travel the seas and be a proper sailor. When he's sold to pay off his master's debts, Taren becomes a slave to a man who runs an inn. He's not sure how old he is, though he thinks around 18 or 19. He's been mostly sheltered in his life, so when a handsome captain introduces him to his sexuality in a room full of watching sailors at the inn, he finds himself excited rather than scared and violated. He's submissive and clings to the safety he feels in a man like the captain, whom he later knows as Rider, because of the man's kind, yet firm dominance.
Stolen by the sailors of the ship that night, he wakes to find himself the captain's prisoner and introduced to indentured slavery of the sexual kind. But, for a young man like Taren who has always been a slave, sexual slavery aboard a ship on the open ocean is a kind of freedom that he's never known. Taren revels in it, especially when he comes to be a loving presence in Rider and his lover's bed and allowed to put his knowledge of sailing to use aboard the ship.
But there is so much that Taren doesn't know or understand -- why he has such vivid dreams and the extra-sensory feelings that he has in reading the water and weather at sea. When he's knocked unconscious and lost at sea, he washes up to their rival vessel, captained by Ian Dunaidh. Ian is enamored of Taren immediately and their connection, once he wakes, pushes and pulls between them as they sail to Ian's home island where a shadowy presence called The Council awaits to judge Taren as a spy in their war against a resistance group of their own people who live on the mainland. Living through the hell of their torture, the betrayal between Taren and Ian and the possibility that he might never be free takes everything in him. All he knows to get him through is that he is destined for a higher purpose than this, if it is true that any higher power is guiding them.
I went pretty far in summarizing the story for you, but that is because there is such a long and twisting plot in this story. Taren goes through so many changes, homes, and relationships with other people for only 70k words. It makes me curious how many books this author has planned for this series because I didn't feel as if I started to understand the larger picture until the very end of the book. I have no doubt that that was intended for the reader, that we should pull the pieces together at the very end, but it also meant that I had to wait through the whole book to really understand what was happening. Which, ultimately, meant that I really had to enjoy the story for the present, for what was happening to Taren in the moment without understanding where the story was headed to really enjoy the book. Sometimes I felt as if I was right there with him and Ian and I was really sucked into the present of the story. But, sometimes I wasn't and I felt as if the story lulled, perhaps because the relationship between Taren and Ian is so freaking complicated. For much of the book they're separated, though not for any very long pieces of time. It takes the whole book for them to really reach the same page, relationship-wise, because they each needed this book to progress themselves. Taren is searching for his destiny, a shadowy purpose that we and he knows is there, somewhere, for him to understand one day, and for him to understand his race and his history. Ian is battling his own demons -- regret and guilt -- that stand in the way of his happiness.
So once again I say that while I really enjoyed this book, it's as a first book of a series. I still feel as if I don't know much about where this series is headed. In a way, I like that because it means that this author is doing a fine job of withholding information until the correct (and perhaps most artful) time to release it. On the other hand, I fear not knowing enough to keep me interested in the big picture, and that it makes my reading experience different. So, I'm excited to read the next book and hoping that the ending of this one -- seeing the formation of a more solid relationship between Taren and Ian -- will carry forward through the rest of the series.
**There is a pretty big imbalance in the heat level and sex frequency in this book, as far as trying to rate it goes. The first several chapters are hot and heavy, with m/m/m scenes (spitroasting, exhibitionism) that really raise the heat, and frequent sex in those chapters. The rest of the novel has little to almost no sex at all and what intimacy there is is very romantic and tame (the underwater mermen sex).
January 18, 2014
I must tell you I never read menage, not if it can be helped, and quite frankly the triple M that often accompanies the description of this novel put me off taking it on for review for quite some time. I am ever so glad I gave in and ignored my own misgivings because Stealing the WInd by Shira Anthony is a superb read and the scenes between the three men in the first 15 percent of the book are extremely well done. Really, it was just lovely to read!
The plot to this novel is very, very intricate but as I tracked this story I found it to be both understandable and fascinating. It will do the reader well to remember that this is the first of three planned books in this series so along with establishing a world from the past, it was also a venue to lay the foundation for future installments. I found that aspect of the novel to be very well done. So often, a first book is heavy laden with multiple characters and several different settings that I find them overwhelming. Not this time. While it helped that the majority of the action took place on sailing vessels, the islands that were established were well drawn and fixed in the story's plot line long enough for the reader to get their bearings. Also, while there were several characters involved between the two ships and the islands, the names of those who were island bound were bandied about repeatedly by onboard sailors. Hence, I felt as though I already knew the leader of the revolt, Vurin, and had a good handle on the narrow-minded fear-mongerers that made up the council of Ea'nu.
At a young age Taren is supposedly sold to the island rigger, Borstan Laxley. Almost a father to Taren, it is a shock when Borston hands Taren over to the local innkeeper as a way to pay off his gambling debts. Now, living on little but scraps from the inn's table, Taren seeks to survive his ongoing slavery as an indentured servant. When the Sea Witch pulls into harbor bring Captain Rider to the inn, Taren's fortune changes. He exchanges one type of servitude for another, now bound to the captain for three years as his servant. Here, Taren meets the captains lover Bastian and shares a bed with both men who take care of him and love him as best they can. But Taren is very aware that he is the third in this tryst and that the love the three share is not the same as the deep and lasting love that Bastian and Ryder have for each other.
While attempting to rescue a cabin boy who has pitched overboard one stormy evening, Taren is swept under away from the ship and miraculously survives. He is rescued by none other than Ryder's enemy and former lover, Captain Ian Dunaidh. When Ian realizes that Taren's true nature has been hidden from both him and the world by he use of magic at an early age, he sets out to help him make his first transformation into a merman.
However, Taren is not safe with Ian. Ian is bound by his oath of loyalty to take Taren before the council to be questioned for potentially being a spy--one sent by Vurin whom the council fears wants to take over the island of Ea'nu and slaughter the rest of the merfolk. Once imprisoned Taren is tortured and beaten, and Ian must now decide if he is going to rescue the man who has somehow pierced his heart and taken root there or leave him to die.
Believe me when I tell you that this is just the tip of all that surrounds Taren and Ian. As this story unfolds, the long forgotten past reveals its influence over both men and secrets that Ian has long held near and dear are revealed. I found the unfolding drama and mystical past to be really fascinating. I must admit I am chomping at the bit for the next installment of this series.
So, why did this story work so well? I have already remarked about the way in which the world and multiple characters were introduced made them easy to understand and interesting to read about. I must also say that I was delighted at how the menage scenes were done in a way that they focused on the relationship and care these men had for each other. Yes, there was hot sex, but it went beyond that. So often I find menage to be about the mechanics--who did what and how to whom rather than dwell on the growing love between the participants. Thankfully it was this aspect, the loving care, that author Shira Anthony chose to dwell on which, in turn, made her sex scenes both palatable and more vividly real.
Perhaps the trickiest element in this novel was the way in which Ian and Taren would come to terms with their ever floundering love for each other. To say that obstacles were thrown in the path of that love over and over is an understatement. But the tenacity with which Ian held that Taren must be free to choose his own path and, by default whom he chose to love, was what fed the passion that we read on the page. So conflicted and torn, Ian still held to allowing Taren to leave him if he so chose to do so and we were kept uncertain of how that would play out until the very last pages of the novel. This was no quick fall in love relationship. Instead it was one that very realistically was filled with doubt and second-guessing that led to miscommunication and its own small heartaches. Author Shira Anthony did a brilliant job in allowing her men to make mistakes and learn from them and so we got to watch a love develop that had strong roots and a lasting resonance.
Stealing the Wind is my first novel by author Shira Anthony but it certainly will not be my last. A tale of love and adventure, fraught with danger and snares unseen, Stealing the Wind is an intelligently written paranormal fantasy that leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend it to you.
The plot to this novel is very, very intricate but as I tracked this story I found it to be both understandable and fascinating. It will do the reader well to remember that this is the first of three planned books in this series so along with establishing a world from the past, it was also a venue to lay the foundation for future installments. I found that aspect of the novel to be very well done. So often, a first book is heavy laden with multiple characters and several different settings that I find them overwhelming. Not this time. While it helped that the majority of the action took place on sailing vessels, the islands that were established were well drawn and fixed in the story's plot line long enough for the reader to get their bearings. Also, while there were several characters involved between the two ships and the islands, the names of those who were island bound were bandied about repeatedly by onboard sailors. Hence, I felt as though I already knew the leader of the revolt, Vurin, and had a good handle on the narrow-minded fear-mongerers that made up the council of Ea'nu.
At a young age Taren is supposedly sold to the island rigger, Borstan Laxley. Almost a father to Taren, it is a shock when Borston hands Taren over to the local innkeeper as a way to pay off his gambling debts. Now, living on little but scraps from the inn's table, Taren seeks to survive his ongoing slavery as an indentured servant. When the Sea Witch pulls into harbor bring Captain Rider to the inn, Taren's fortune changes. He exchanges one type of servitude for another, now bound to the captain for three years as his servant. Here, Taren meets the captains lover Bastian and shares a bed with both men who take care of him and love him as best they can. But Taren is very aware that he is the third in this tryst and that the love the three share is not the same as the deep and lasting love that Bastian and Ryder have for each other.
While attempting to rescue a cabin boy who has pitched overboard one stormy evening, Taren is swept under away from the ship and miraculously survives. He is rescued by none other than Ryder's enemy and former lover, Captain Ian Dunaidh. When Ian realizes that Taren's true nature has been hidden from both him and the world by he use of magic at an early age, he sets out to help him make his first transformation into a merman.
However, Taren is not safe with Ian. Ian is bound by his oath of loyalty to take Taren before the council to be questioned for potentially being a spy--one sent by Vurin whom the council fears wants to take over the island of Ea'nu and slaughter the rest of the merfolk. Once imprisoned Taren is tortured and beaten, and Ian must now decide if he is going to rescue the man who has somehow pierced his heart and taken root there or leave him to die.
Believe me when I tell you that this is just the tip of all that surrounds Taren and Ian. As this story unfolds, the long forgotten past reveals its influence over both men and secrets that Ian has long held near and dear are revealed. I found the unfolding drama and mystical past to be really fascinating. I must admit I am chomping at the bit for the next installment of this series.
So, why did this story work so well? I have already remarked about the way in which the world and multiple characters were introduced made them easy to understand and interesting to read about. I must also say that I was delighted at how the menage scenes were done in a way that they focused on the relationship and care these men had for each other. Yes, there was hot sex, but it went beyond that. So often I find menage to be about the mechanics--who did what and how to whom rather than dwell on the growing love between the participants. Thankfully it was this aspect, the loving care, that author Shira Anthony chose to dwell on which, in turn, made her sex scenes both palatable and more vividly real.
Perhaps the trickiest element in this novel was the way in which Ian and Taren would come to terms with their ever floundering love for each other. To say that obstacles were thrown in the path of that love over and over is an understatement. But the tenacity with which Ian held that Taren must be free to choose his own path and, by default whom he chose to love, was what fed the passion that we read on the page. So conflicted and torn, Ian still held to allowing Taren to leave him if he so chose to do so and we were kept uncertain of how that would play out until the very last pages of the novel. This was no quick fall in love relationship. Instead it was one that very realistically was filled with doubt and second-guessing that led to miscommunication and its own small heartaches. Author Shira Anthony did a brilliant job in allowing her men to make mistakes and learn from them and so we got to watch a love develop that had strong roots and a lasting resonance.
Stealing the Wind is my first novel by author Shira Anthony but it certainly will not be my last. A tale of love and adventure, fraught with danger and snares unseen, Stealing the Wind is an intelligently written paranormal fantasy that leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend it to you.
May 5, 2014
OMG OMG OMG!!!! This book has plastered a smile on my face that has lasted all day long! I am here to tell you my fellow fantasy loving readers you gotta READ THIS BOOK!!!
First thing though is a confession, I have had this book sitting on my Kindle forever….why was I so stupid!! I read this book in a day, I simply started in the morning and skipped breakfast, I ignored email alerts, tweets and my dog! Fantasy books should take you away, they should grab you and plunge you headfirst into their world. I will admit as much as I love paranormal, fantasy reads there are times the language the author creates for their world is difficult for me. I find them hard to follow at times and I lose some of my enthusiasm, or the world is so complicated for me I get lost (what’s happening again). Not the case with this gem of a story. As soon as I started reading I was in another place, and falling in love with new characters.
I don’t want to give away any of the story, because part of what I loved about reading this was finding out for myself. And I will confess again that when I started this book I didn’t even read the blurb, I had read it when I bought the book of course, but I honestly forgot what it said. I am so glad I didn’t read it, I loved finding out for myself what was going on. But to write a decent review I guess I have to talk about some of this story. So here goes!
This book had adventure, pirates, a little menage on the side, mermen shifters, MC’s I fell in love with, chemistry, heat, love scenes that had me swooning!! And one scene in particular I couldn't help but swoon all over the place telling my BFF Macky girl! I also loved the secondary characters as well and it had bad guys I so so hated!!! Speaking of bad guys, there is a part in this book that Taren goes through that absolutely broke my heart, it was painful to read and I just wanted to reach in and save him! OMG!
I loved the flow of this book, it never had a dull moment, I think Shira Anthony is a talented writer and storyteller and I am officially now a huge fan!!
If you love shifters, fantasy, pirates, adventures on the high seas, lovable and swoon-worthy charters then this is the book for you! I know I am gushing all over the place, but I don’t care, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Shira please write faster!!!
First thing though is a confession, I have had this book sitting on my Kindle forever….why was I so stupid!! I read this book in a day, I simply started in the morning and skipped breakfast, I ignored email alerts, tweets and my dog! Fantasy books should take you away, they should grab you and plunge you headfirst into their world. I will admit as much as I love paranormal, fantasy reads there are times the language the author creates for their world is difficult for me. I find them hard to follow at times and I lose some of my enthusiasm, or the world is so complicated for me I get lost (what’s happening again). Not the case with this gem of a story. As soon as I started reading I was in another place, and falling in love with new characters.
I don’t want to give away any of the story, because part of what I loved about reading this was finding out for myself. And I will confess again that when I started this book I didn’t even read the blurb, I had read it when I bought the book of course, but I honestly forgot what it said. I am so glad I didn’t read it, I loved finding out for myself what was going on. But to write a decent review I guess I have to talk about some of this story. So here goes!
This book had adventure, pirates, a little menage on the side, mermen shifters, MC’s I fell in love with, chemistry, heat, love scenes that had me swooning!! And one scene in particular I couldn't help but swoon all over the place telling my BFF Macky girl! I also loved the secondary characters as well and it had bad guys I so so hated!!! Speaking of bad guys, there is a part in this book that Taren goes through that absolutely broke my heart, it was painful to read and I just wanted to reach in and save him! OMG!
I loved the flow of this book, it never had a dull moment, I think Shira Anthony is a talented writer and storyteller and I am officially now a huge fan!!
If you love shifters, fantasy, pirates, adventures on the high seas, lovable and swoon-worthy charters then this is the book for you! I know I am gushing all over the place, but I don’t care, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Shira please write faster!!!
December 3, 2013
Ummm... Let me see...!
1.Hot Mermen?
Check
2. Hot Pirates?
Hell, yeah. Check
3. Lots of M/M sex??
Yes, Yes, Yesssss!!!!
4. Action,Adventure...... Love???
Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen!!
This book has it all. It was enjoyable, languid at times, stressful at times. Most of all, it ended with a big, ol' cliffhanger!!!
My brother barges in when i'm in a really hot scene. I throw my nook down, flushing and shouting,
My brother leaves, shaking his head at me :D
That, dear friends, says it all!!
Waiting for the next in line!!
January 18, 2015
Tritons de Ea: Livre Un
Taren Laxley n'a jamais vécu sa vie autrement que comme un esclave. Quand un pirate vigoureux l'enlève et le retient prisonnier sur son bateau, il profite de la chance de vivre son rêve d'une vie en pleine mer. Non seulement le capitaine pirate lui offre la liberté en échange de trois ans de travail et de servitude sexuelle, mais les plaisirs qu'il trouve quand il rejoint le capitaine et le premier lieutenant au lit surpassent de loin ses plus grands fantasmes.
Puis, lors d'une tempête, Taren saute par-dessus bord pour sauver un autre marin et se perd en mer. Il est sauvé par Ian Dunaidh, le capitaine énigmatique et sans âge d'un navire rival, le Phantom, et Taren sent une attraction irrésistible vers Ian qui semble la partager. Bientôt Taren apprend un secret qui changera sa vie à jamais : Ian et son peuple sont de Ea, et font partie intégrante du foklore martiime... et Taren est l'un d'entre eux aussi. Liés les uns aux autres par une passion féroce qu'ils ne peuvent ni expliquer ni nier, Taren et Ian sont bientôt entraînés dans une guerre et forcés de se battre pour un avenir, non seulement pour eux mais pour tous ceux de leur genre.
Voilà un livre à part entière, comme je n'en avais plus lu depuis longtemps. Non seulement, il est servi par toute une intrigue complexe, mais par des personnages profonds - aussi bien les héros, que ceux qui gravitent autour d'eux - et par les double, voire triple histoires qui sont imbriquées les unes dans les autres.
Il y a d'abord l'histoire propre à Taren et à Ian, puis l'histoire des Ea et des humains, et pour finir celle d'Owin et de Treandre. Mais on est loin d'être perdus, bien que ce premier tome dresse forcément les bases de l'histoire. Tout démarre très vite, sans temps mort, et les héros doivent faire face à leur destin, les croyances de ceux de leur peule divisé et la magie de leur monde, sans oublier celle qui leur est personnelle.
Tout est caché, secret jusqu'au moment où, par la force des choses, petit à petit tout commence à se dévoiler et on comprend alors l'ampleur et les responsabilités qui reposent sur les épaules de nos deux héros.
Ce livre est le premier d'une série de trois et le deuxième tome devrait sortir au tout début de l'année prochaine. Cela va être difficile de résister jusque là !
Je n'ai qu'une hâte, c'est de le voir traduit...
Je le recommande vivement à tous ceux et celles qui aiment la mer, les sirènes (ou tritons), les évènements tragiques mais néanmoins glorieux, sans oublier une certaine part de sensualité et une bonne dose d'amour éternel.
Taren Laxley n'a jamais vécu sa vie autrement que comme un esclave. Quand un pirate vigoureux l'enlève et le retient prisonnier sur son bateau, il profite de la chance de vivre son rêve d'une vie en pleine mer. Non seulement le capitaine pirate lui offre la liberté en échange de trois ans de travail et de servitude sexuelle, mais les plaisirs qu'il trouve quand il rejoint le capitaine et le premier lieutenant au lit surpassent de loin ses plus grands fantasmes.
Puis, lors d'une tempête, Taren saute par-dessus bord pour sauver un autre marin et se perd en mer. Il est sauvé par Ian Dunaidh, le capitaine énigmatique et sans âge d'un navire rival, le Phantom, et Taren sent une attraction irrésistible vers Ian qui semble la partager. Bientôt Taren apprend un secret qui changera sa vie à jamais : Ian et son peuple sont de Ea, et font partie intégrante du foklore martiime... et Taren est l'un d'entre eux aussi. Liés les uns aux autres par une passion féroce qu'ils ne peuvent ni expliquer ni nier, Taren et Ian sont bientôt entraînés dans une guerre et forcés de se battre pour un avenir, non seulement pour eux mais pour tous ceux de leur genre.
Voilà un livre à part entière, comme je n'en avais plus lu depuis longtemps. Non seulement, il est servi par toute une intrigue complexe, mais par des personnages profonds - aussi bien les héros, que ceux qui gravitent autour d'eux - et par les double, voire triple histoires qui sont imbriquées les unes dans les autres.
Il y a d'abord l'histoire propre à Taren et à Ian, puis l'histoire des Ea et des humains, et pour finir celle d'Owin et de Treandre. Mais on est loin d'être perdus, bien que ce premier tome dresse forcément les bases de l'histoire. Tout démarre très vite, sans temps mort, et les héros doivent faire face à leur destin, les croyances de ceux de leur peule divisé et la magie de leur monde, sans oublier celle qui leur est personnelle.
Tout est caché, secret jusqu'au moment où, par la force des choses, petit à petit tout commence à se dévoiler et on comprend alors l'ampleur et les responsabilités qui reposent sur les épaules de nos deux héros.
Ce livre est le premier d'une série de trois et le deuxième tome devrait sortir au tout début de l'année prochaine. Cela va être difficile de résister jusque là !
Je n'ai qu'une hâte, c'est de le voir traduit...
Je le recommande vivement à tous ceux et celles qui aiment la mer, les sirènes (ou tritons), les évènements tragiques mais néanmoins glorieux, sans oublier une certaine part de sensualité et une bonne dose d'amour éternel.
September 11, 2015
I haven't read any mer-shifter books previously, so I was excited to try this one. I really liked the first half or so, and while I didn't dislike the second half, it fizzled out a little bit for me.
The first half consists of us meeting Taren briefly as young slave boy, then as young slave man, then as the companion and lover to Pirate captain Ryder and Ryder's boyfriend Bastian. I don't usually read menage books, but I was perfectly fine with this. Both the reader and the characters understood that this was temporary and while they cared for each other, there weren't deeper feelings involved.
Things got a little murky, however, when the "true" love interest was introduced. All of a sudden we're thrust into a political war between two factions of mer-people, and are left just as unaware and ignorant as Taren. Ian constantly talks about the pull he feels towards Taren, and they have moments together, but then he keeps pushing him away in favor of his "duties" and I'm not particularly enamored towards him. I don't dislike Ian, I just don't feel the connection between them besides them both saying that they feel an inexplicable connection.
Another component that was a little odd was Ian's mention of his "animal" as a seperate entity and the strong focus early on regarding his need to "dominate" Taren. This made it seem as if D/s was a strong component of all mer relationships and ingrained in who they are as a people, but then it kinda got dropped. If this wasn't going to be a D/s book, then I don't see why it needed to be mentioned at all.
This is a series, and therefor there is a strong overarching plot that carries over between books. For that reason I won't call this a cliffhanger. Our heroes are safe and together, but there are hoards of unanswered questions both from us and from Taren. I think "I'll tell you later" was one of Ian's favorite sentences, and very infrequently did he ever deliver. We ended with more questions than when we began with.
All that being said, I enjoyed this, I simply think the second half could have delivered a little better. With regards to the audio version, it was fine. I have no complaints whatsoever, but I also don't have anything standout to say. If you like audiobooks and you're interested in reading this, then that's a good option. I'll continue on with the series, but we better get a lot of explaining in book 2!
Received audio from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
The first half consists of us meeting Taren briefly as young slave boy, then as young slave man, then as the companion and lover to Pirate captain Ryder and Ryder's boyfriend Bastian. I don't usually read menage books, but I was perfectly fine with this. Both the reader and the characters understood that this was temporary and while they cared for each other, there weren't deeper feelings involved.
Things got a little murky, however, when the "true" love interest was introduced. All of a sudden we're thrust into a political war between two factions of mer-people, and are left just as unaware and ignorant as Taren. Ian constantly talks about the pull he feels towards Taren, and they have moments together, but then he keeps pushing him away in favor of his "duties" and I'm not particularly enamored towards him. I don't dislike Ian, I just don't feel the connection between them besides them both saying that they feel an inexplicable connection.
Another component that was a little odd was Ian's mention of his "animal" as a seperate entity and the strong focus early on regarding his need to "dominate" Taren. This made it seem as if D/s was a strong component of all mer relationships and ingrained in who they are as a people, but then it kinda got dropped. If this wasn't going to be a D/s book, then I don't see why it needed to be mentioned at all.
This is a series, and therefor there is a strong overarching plot that carries over between books. For that reason I won't call this a cliffhanger. Our heroes are safe and together, but there are hoards of unanswered questions both from us and from Taren. I think "I'll tell you later" was one of Ian's favorite sentences, and very infrequently did he ever deliver. We ended with more questions than when we began with.
All that being said, I enjoyed this, I simply think the second half could have delivered a little better. With regards to the audio version, it was fine. I have no complaints whatsoever, but I also don't have anything standout to say. If you like audiobooks and you're interested in reading this, then that's a good option. I'll continue on with the series, but we better get a lot of explaining in book 2!
Received audio from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
October 20, 2013
3.5 Stars
I am a HUGE Shira Anthony fan. She is an auto-buy for me. I love her writing and adore her stories. I was, however, a little skeptical about this book. Mermen? I dunno.....
Well, Mermen are hot. The world SA created was interesting and the people likeable. So why not more stars? Ian. I had a hard time connecting with him. He seemed cold and aloof. I couldn't (still haven't) forgiven him for . To that end, I felt that Taren too easily forgave Ian and the whole thing was swept under the rug.
On the plus side, I am anxious to read the next two books to discover the rest of the story!
Bottom line: Mermen are hot but Ian was less than ideal. Nevertheless, I'm hooked on this series.
I am a HUGE Shira Anthony fan. She is an auto-buy for me. I love her writing and adore her stories. I was, however, a little skeptical about this book. Mermen? I dunno.....
Well, Mermen are hot. The world SA created was interesting and the people likeable. So why not more stars? Ian. I had a hard time connecting with him. He seemed cold and aloof. I couldn't (still haven't) forgiven him for . To that end, I felt that Taren too easily forgave Ian and the whole thing was swept under the rug.
On the plus side, I am anxious to read the next two books to discover the rest of the story!
Bottom line: Mermen are hot but Ian was less than ideal. Nevertheless, I'm hooked on this series.
June 12, 2015
Two words people: MERMAN SEX.
This was awesome. It's one of those that you can't stop. I was pulled in almost immediately and I couldn't put it down. The sex is crazy hot but that is only one aspect of the story. I felt the author did a great job in balancing hot scenes with the action and plot.
If you are looking for something that stands out in the m/m genre, I highly recommend this one. Shape shifting mermen AND sexy pirates?
This was awesome. It's one of those that you can't stop. I was pulled in almost immediately and I couldn't put it down. The sex is crazy hot but that is only one aspect of the story. I felt the author did a great job in balancing hot scenes with the action and plot.
If you are looking for something that stands out in the m/m genre, I highly recommend this one. Shape shifting mermen AND sexy pirates?
September 27, 2015
“It's always ourselves we find in the sea.” ~ E.E. Cummings
Taren Laxley believed for years that his parents sold him into slavery. Little did he know that he wasn't cast aside at all; he's not an ordinary boy either, but a member of a magnificent race humans call merfolk. When he finally discovers the truth, he scrambles to accept his genuine self and learn as much about his people as he can so he can take his rightful place with them.
Taren is charming, responsible, kind, and loyal. He goes through his early life not knowing how special he is, believing that he's ordinary, a slave; but he still maintains a dignity which screams that he's so much more. He's a survivor, weathering each storm as it comes, trying to find a reasonable solution to every problem whether it's being sold to pay his original owner's gambling debts, being kidnapped by pirates, or discovering that he's a merman; Taren meets each challenge with courage and strength. Even though things are rocky between him and Ian, there's a pull which draws him to Ian, one that won't be denied. Taren does nothing half way; once he's bonded with him, there's no doubt that Ian is his one and only merman.
Ian is more complicated than Taren. He's older and has had experiences which would have destroyed another man, but, Ian is also a survivor. When he meets Taren, he recognizes who he is immediately and there's an almost overwhelming feeling of oneness with him. Ian is torn, though, between attraction and duty. The politics of his people put Ian in an impossible no-win position which threatens to destroy the difficult and hard won position he's achieved. Even though he wants to help Taren, his hands are effectively tied. He redeems himself later when he rescues Taren who is fortunately very forgiving and begins his education into the mere world both intellectually and physically. His rescue puts them both in a precarious position and drags Taren into the governmental upheaval which threatens to destroy his people.
In this novel, Shira has created a fascinating alternate world, rich in culture, political turmoil, and intrigue. There are many threads in this story which will continue to weave through the plot, each revealing their mysteries as necessary, carrying us along with them, waiting, hoping, feeling, thinking, and, all the while, cheering our heroes on as they unravel the secrets of the past and forge onward re-building their culture and restoring it to what it once was. This epic adventure is quite an undertaking. It's very different from the other books I've read by Shira and I applaud her versatility. It's high fantasy at its best, combined with a blazing hot romance between two unusual men who have the best of both worlds passion-wise, depending upon which form they happen to choose to couple in.
I recommend this tale to everyone who likes fantasy, magic, the ocean, pirates, ships, mermen, intrigue, danger, and one of the hottest ménage à trois I've ever read. Thank you, Shira, for the thrilling adventure which has set my heart and imagination on fire. I can't wait for the next installment.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 7, 2014
4.5 stars
I loved this book! And here is why...
It was a crazy, kick ass ride into a strange world of mermen and pirates and all sorts of weird shit. The story is not quick - there is a lot of stuff that happens and it makes your head swim a bit. Then more stuff happens that makes you go huh? And then more stuff happens that makes you go WTF? And finally, more stuff happens that is pretty cool.
So, it's probably not for everyone...
There is shifter sex, three way sex, torture, mean guys, hot sea captains, sleazy tavern owners, soul-mates, past lives, magic shit and all kinds of other crazy stuff. I did not love the torture scene because I am waaaaaay to wimpy, but I got through it okay.
I give it 4+ stars because I think it has a lot of creativity and imagination (and it's really hot too)
I can't wait to read the next one!
I loved this book! And here is why...
It was a crazy, kick ass ride into a strange world of mermen and pirates and all sorts of weird shit. The story is not quick - there is a lot of stuff that happens and it makes your head swim a bit. Then more stuff happens that makes you go huh? And then more stuff happens that makes you go WTF? And finally, more stuff happens that is pretty cool.
So, it's probably not for everyone...
There is shifter sex, three way sex, torture, mean guys, hot sea captains, sleazy tavern owners, soul-mates, past lives, magic shit and all kinds of other crazy stuff. I did not love the torture scene because I am waaaaaay to wimpy, but I got through it okay.
I give it 4+ stars because I think it has a lot of creativity and imagination (and it's really hot too)
I can't wait to read the next one!
August 22, 2013
It's no secret that I love to read fantasy and Shira Anthony's new Mermen of Ea series is right up my... er, alley. Nothing short of imagination candy, Shira Anthony weaves a rich, multi-layered, sexy tale of fancy, mystery, and legend on the high seas that will steal your breath away! Wonderful and full of intrigue, Stealing the Wind tells the poignant tale of a young man’s capture and self-discovery in the mysteries of himself and the deep blue sea. Even if you're not into fantasy, this story is a fantastic read! I can't recommend it highly enough!
October 14, 2023
I seem to have a habit lately of picking books that are "to be continued" and the next isn't released yet damnit, so frustrating.
Love this story and know I'm gonna have to read it again when the second is released just because it was so flippin' fantastic.
I was so easily engrossed, I love Shira's writing, she pulls me in and makes me feel for the characters. I tend to end up crying too, but that's always a good sign to me, proves I've fallen fully into the story.
Just beautiful.
Love this story and know I'm gonna have to read it again when the second is released just because it was so flippin' fantastic.
I was so easily engrossed, I love Shira's writing, she pulls me in and makes me feel for the characters. I tend to end up crying too, but that's always a good sign to me, proves I've fallen fully into the story.
Just beautiful.
October 23, 2013
I really love this book. I'm waiting on the next one now. Fun adventure, sexy pirates, and mermen, well the mermen rock. I loved finding out about Tarin and his past and I can't wait to find out more about him. Ian too.
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