Into the Wind

Mermen of Ea, Book 2

By: Shira Anthony

Narrated by: Michael Stellman

Sequel to Stealing the Wind.

Since learning of his merman shifter heritage, Taren has begun building a life with Ian Dunaidh among the mainland Ea. But memories of his past life still haunt him, and as the threat of war with the hostile island merfolk looms ever closer, Taren fears he will lose Ian the same way he lost his beloved centuries before. Together they sail to the Gateway Islands in search of the fabled rune stone - a weapon of great power the Ea believe will protect them - and Odhrán, the pirate rumored to possess it.

After humans attack the Phantom, Taren finds himself washed up on an island, faced with a mysterious boy, named Brynn, who promises to lead him to Odhrán. But Taren isn't sure if he can trust Brynn, and Odhrán is rumored to enslave Ea to protect his stronghold. Taren will have to put his life on the line to find his way back to Ian and attempt to recover the stone. Even if he does find it, his troubles are far from over: he and Ian are being stalked by an enemy who wants them dead at all costs.

©2014 Shira Anthony (P)2015 Dreamspinner Press LLC

Beuatiful and Breathtaking

This is the second book of the series and you do need to read them in order as each picks up where the other left off. High fantasy isn’t one of my favorite genres though I love a good well-written one from time to time especially if the subject is myths. This an absolutely amazing take on merfolk.
This story picks up with Taren and Ian exploring their newfound love and Ian teaching Taren the ways of being a Merman. Taren is also learning to use and embrace his powers by the leader of the Mainland people that is a powerful mage. Taren realizes he will have to go find the Rune stone to save his people.
This book Taren spends a lot of time meeting Odhran and a little more about Treande, the soul he shares. We learn some secrets and backstory about the merpeople. There isn’t as much excitement at first in this book as in the last, but I found it intriguing and interesting.
I will warn you Odhran’s story is sad. I again love how Shira works the title into the story. Where this book was a bit steadier paced throughout towards the end it picks up speed and goes out with an epic bang. You will need a tissue.
I think this was my favorite of the three though I liked all three, there was just something about the love between Ian and Taren, the friendship with Odhran and the epic ending here that won my heart.
If you like high-fantasy, soulmates, deep friendships, twists and turns, a bit of a tearjerker and some sweet, sensual and smoking hot man-sex this is for you.

Audio Review. Michael Stellman does a great job bringing each character to life. He has great pacing and a soothing voice. I loved listening to this book.

Story

I Liked this series so far, hope there is a lot more in the series!!!

More amazing mermen

This is no book for the un-initiated! Though I feel you could read it as a standalone, I think you’d be confused and missing a lot!

Shira Anthony puts SO MUCH detail and description into these stories. Her most powerful weapon is her world-building. It is complete, full and gorgeous.

She is not afraid to give our guys their love story and then yank it from their feet a few times before letting them be happy, either.
From book one we know that Teran and Ian have a history far beyond this life-span. This story explores that history.

There are several new characters, Odhran being one – another pirate captain who shows Teran more about his past.

There is an epic – I mean EPIC – battle, some sadness and then some wonder.

If you are a fan of the series you won’t want to miss this installment and follow our Teran and Ian through their adventures.

Audio
Michael Stellman narrated book one and does another excellent job with book 2.