Cover Designer: Quirky-Bird
Of Ocean…
Cast into the sea at birth, human-born Ia found her adoptive family among the merfolk. While her underwater upbringing was peaceful, Ia’s blood-heritage and the strict societal rules of the merpeople lead her to wonder of the world above the waves.
And Ash…
When a storm lands Ia ashore, she discovers her body has transformed into the human she would have been. Taken in as property by a callous plantation owner, Ia works alongside the slaves until she can make her way back to the water. There is nothing Ia wants more than to go home, that is, until she meets a handsome, troubled man named Matthias, who has a touch that can be as kind as his tongue is harsh.
Torn between two very different lives, Ia must choose – stay in his world and risk her life for a love untested, or return to the familiar arms of the underwater world that raised her and risk losing what may be the greatest love she will ever know.
Will Ia’s choice lead to happiness or her destruction?
I love the cover for Of Ocean and Ash by A R Draeger. It told me what I would find inside, a mermaid able to live on land and sea, and I think that is important.
The mermaid fantasy is lived out in the 1700s, during the time of slavery on a Caribbean island, an original and unique slant to a familiar storyline.
Ia’s life started out ugly, most would say, but she didn’t see it that way. She never would have found Mother, otherwise. Even through all the pain, doubt and abuse, Ia stayed pure in heart. She had found him and knew that was where she was supposed to be.
Politics, savagery, slavery, abuse and rape occur in the mer world, just as they do in the human world.
This 136 paperback of Of Ocean and Ash by A R Draegar does not disappoint. I have not read a mer book like this and loved that A R Draegar gave us a new twist on an old story, which is difficult to do. Most stories have been told many times, just the details are changed.
Of Ocean and Ash holds a lot in a small package, a romance that surpasses all boundaries and ends with a happy ever after. Isn’t that what we all want, a HEA, though the journey to get there was sometimes ugly. Some of the peripheral characters shown through in their ability to give, even when the only thing they had to give of was themselves.
My only complaint is I wanted Of Ocean and Ash by A R Draeger to be longer, more detailed and developed. I think A R Draeger could have brought me to my knees, but, alas, there was that something special missing. Needless to say, read this book if you love fantasy. I believe it will leave you wanting more, just like me.
I received a copy of Of Ocean and Ash by A R Draeger in return for an honest and unbiased review.
4 Stars
A.R. (Amber) Draeger resides in rural Texas with her husband, Josh, and son, Logan. When not writing or reading, she is watching reality TV shows or tromping through the nearby woods.
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Thanks for visiting fundinmental!
I like stories with mermaids or other sea creatures since they’re so mysterious! The book’s cover is amazing.
Me too, Mai. Good luck and thanks for dropping in.
What an intriguing plot. I read many books that I wish were longer. In many ways, it’s a compliment to the author. That means their book was really good and we were so invested, we wanted more!
The plot was a twist on the usual mer novels and I was very happy with that. I too love it when an author leaves me wanting more and I am looking forward to her next novel. I will be keeping an eye on her. 🙂
Sounds like a good read Sherry. Too bad it felt a bit short. Great review!
Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
I like a lot of depth and detail, I don’t care if it makes the book longer. 🙂 I know a lot of people like a lighter, faster read, but I don’t mind spending time with great characters.
The cover is gorgeous. I struggle with mer books, but this is adult and not YA so maybe I would enjoy it more.
This is not your typical “fun” mermaid story and I liked it even more for that reason.
That cover is amazing! Happy it was good as it looks.
Me too. I’ll take some more of that. 🙂
I know what you mean about wanting more. I hope there will be:)
I love when I am left feeling that way. I didn’t want the story to end. 🙂
Thank you for hosting and reviewing Ocean & Ash -Book Partners In Crime Promotions
It is my pleasure.
Thanks for the giveaway! I love mermaid books; they are all a must read. 🙂
I feel the same way, Calie. It doesn’t matter to me if they are fluff or serious, I want to read them all. 🙂 Good luck.