Maya, a woman who recently lost her father, is taking a trans-oceanic journey in his memory. Her extensive knowledge of her boat and sailing show her to be an intelligent woman capable of such a long trip. While sailing, she decides to explore under the water and enjoys her day diving and seeing what the ocean has to offer. Unbeknownst to Maya, another woman watches her, and ends up saving her when Maya’s oxygen runs out! After regaining consciousness Maya realizes the woman who saved her is not a woman at all but a mermaid. Neshelle, the mermaid, explains to Maya that she is from the future where body-modifications are possible to a degree where humans can be turned into mermaid-like creatures by choice. Fascinated, Maya follows Neshelle back to her dwelling under the ocean where she lives with her family. While learning all there is to know about these people, Maya and Neshelle begin to sense a growing attraction towards one another. All this is soon threatened, however, by treasure hunters who believe they have discovered a sunken secret. One treasure hunter in particular will stop at nothing to find out what secrets lie at the bottom of the ocean, and it is up to Maya and Neshelle, with help from her family, to stop him from discovering who they really are.
This is a unique book full to the brim with interesting characters, endless details, and a plotline that will have you wanting to turn pages to see what happens. The storyline is thought out, sometimes too thought out when there is a myriad of intricate small details that serve no other purpose than just being details – especially when it comes to sailing terms and descriptions. Still, the story is compelling enough for the reader to want to find out more about the people living under the ocean. The love story between Maya and Neshelle is the most interesting part of the book. Watching their relationship develop leaves readers with excitement and sense of anticipation as the characters fall in love and deepen their feelings for one another. The climax of the story is also noteworthy and will have readers anxiously waiting for the outcome.
For all its allure and uncommonness, this book lacks grip and momentum. The characters, with the exception of Maya and maybe Neshelle, are somewhatflat and un-relatable. The way the characters speak is simple and unimaginative as Danel and Brista, Neshelle’s parents, show in this passage: “‘This is great news, husband,’ Brista tells him. ‘Have the other children been notified?’ ‘They are aware, excluding Neshelle and Maya. I am to tell them today.’ ‘They will be happy to hear of this.’ ‘Yes,’ agrees Danel”. Everything also comes too easy for the protagonists; their love, the way Maya so easily fits into daily life underwater with Neshelle, and protecting their family from being discovered. Without any hardships the characters do not grow and the story lacks interest along with the feeling of needing to root for the underdog. Ironically the “villain” ends up being the most sympathetic character because the author writes his range of emotions the best, which comes off the most human. The occasional grammar mistakes also detract from the story.
SIREN’S RUNE is an unusual and unique story, filled with characters from other worlds and one brave woman who takes the plunge and decides to follow her heart above all else.