It’s probably too close to Christmas for book gifting, but here are a couple rec’s for an Indie I really enjoyed. I’d say early era cozy fantasy. Technically there are armies and world-significant events, but the bulk of the story and plot is in small actions.
The Failock Sea is becoming more treacherous by the day, rocked by unnatural storms that tear a brutal swath through merchant shipping lanes and the wildlife below the surface. Isaura, a human woman, just wants to go home to start over after her divorce. Leonel, the mer son of the sea god, wants to find out what is causing this havoc in his sea and put a stop to it.
This story features found family, deals with barrenness and divorce, and includes hilarious cross cultural moments. The love story is believable and sweet. The writing itself is quite good.
This is a good one to pick up when you’re in the mood for a standalone with a bit of humor, mystery and romance.1
Here is the Goodreads blurb:
After a violent storm destroys her ship, Isaura Johansdottir knows better than to hope she’ll be rescued from Eisland’s vast Failock Sea. Adrift and alone, her plans to start over lost, it’s a tragic conclusion after the disastrous end of her marriage—until she’s saved by Leonel, one of the merfolk, a creature long believed extinct. In repayment for her life, Leonel enlists her help to investigate the Failock’s mysterious and deadly plague of squalls. But when Isaura discovers Eisland’s ruthless new Lord commands the storms, her life will be in more danger on land than it ever was at sea.
As guardian of the Fathoms, Leonel must find the cause of unnatural storms ravaging the tidal currents and destroying the sea life. There are rumors of dark magic stirring in the Orom Abyss, the resting place of old, vanquished gods who tried to submerge the land millennia ago. Yet without proof, no one in King Ægir’s court will listen to him. And if it’s discovered he broke the Blue Laws to save a shipwrecked landweller, he might not survive the consequences.
As storms spread, Leonel and Isaura uncover secrets as forbidden as the bond that grows between them. Betrayal lurks in the restless sea, and when ancient powers lay siege to Eisland’s coast, the truth may be drowned along with everything else.
The author’s background as a Hawaiian, and an expat, really shines in this novel. You can *feel* the salt sea and its rythmns, you can appreciate the language barrier and cultural differences…it’s cute, funny, and sweet.
It’s also just a good story.
I don’t know if book 2 will ever come out, but this series is—at least at the moment—loosely grouped standalones. Leonel and Isaura’s story is satisfactorily concluded.
The other of Deen’s stories that I’ve read is In The Jaded Grove.
I remember less about this one—which means it’s time for a reread. There are faeries. An unexpected pregnancy (toward the beginning, and not with the hero, so not the usual romance trope), something about fey politics…
Yes, definitely time for a revisit.
I remember laughing, and liking the hero and heroine. I also appreciate Deen taking another heroine in unusual romance heroine life circumstances and sending her on an adventure and finding real love.
Anyway, if you’re interested in likable characters, swoony but believable romance, and interesting fantasy worlds, check out Anela Deen!
Spice 3-4, but if I remember right there is only one explicit scene and it’s very wholesome.
Nice to see some lit with an Icelandic feel!