"An absolute pleasure to read...beautiful, sensual, and uplifting"
Jonah, Prime Legion Commander of the angels has fought the
Dark Ones for a millennium. Fierce and powerful, the
bringer of justice -- Jonah protects The Lady and all of
earth's inhabitants. But on one fateful day an unfortunate
blow from one of his enemies severs his wing and sends him
falling helplessly into the ocean. Gripped in the pain of
his wound and his faith all but destroyed, Jonah welcomes
the embrace of death and the blessed silence that will
follow. Anna is a mermaid alone in the world. Orphaned as a baby
she has spent her short life on the fringe of Neptune's
domain. Scorned by her own kind, she has taken her
solitary life in stride by keeping company with aquatic
creatures of the sea. When she discovers the severed wing
of an angel drifting down into the ocean's abyss, she makes
an impulsive decision and rushes to aid the fallen angel.
Her selfless act would alter her life forever. Through sheer will and courage, Anna rescues Jonah and
manages to bring him to safety and shelter. Despite his
dismissal, Anna returns with Mina the seawitch to assess
the damage. Sensing Jonah's wound ran deeper than his
physical injury, Mina sends them on a journey governed by
fate to seek a human shaman. The spiritual healer can help
restore Jonah's faith in his purpose. Jonah distrusts the
seawitch, but reluctantly agrees to go along with Anna.
Perhaps this human can help him find peace, though he has
no desire to return to his divine station. As Anna and Jonah embark on their spiritual quest, danger
is an ever present threat. Along the way they encounter
many examples of the joys and pains in life that leave
indelible marks upon the soul. Anna brings love and wonder
to Jonah even as contempt and despair lie crouching in the
corners of his spirit. When Jonah finds himself at the
Desert Crossroads, he succumbs to darkness and the final
battle draws near. Anna refuses to give up on Jonah and
is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for her beloved
angel who claimed her as his own. When all hope is lost
and doom is poised to claim victory, an innocent mermaid
stands in defiance to demonstrate that love freely given
can defeat the worst of enemies - And it is truly the most
powerful weapon of all. A MERMAID'S KISS is that rare experience that reminds us of
why we read. This story spoke to me on so many levels that
I found myself completely drawn into Anna and Jonah's world
hoping to find answers of my own along the way. Readers
will connect with Jonah's struggle to cope with the
weariness of his spirit while Anna reminds us of the
enduring strength and renewal of hope that comes from
love. Joey W. Hill has written a beautifully sensual novel
that compels us to consider the story beyond the last page
of the book. Her talent and strength as a writer is
evident as she weaves imagery and symbolism into the story
with ease. At turns humorous and at times heart-wrenching,
this novel flows with depth and emotion -- an absolute
pleasure to read. I am in awe of this book. I have read lots of books, and many are enjoyable. Some
make an impression while some blend in with all the
others. A MERMAID's KISS remains with me and I imagine it
will for a long time to come.
Reviewed by Sonya Harrison
Posted October 18, 2008
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