This is a fantastically disturbing twist on the typical fairy tale mythology of ‘mermaids’
Would I have picked it up if I had known how short this ‘book’ was?
Probably not but..
I’m actually pretty glad I did.
Whether writing as ‘Mira Grant’ or ‘Seanan McGuire,’ this author just doesn’t disappoint. Her consistently breathtaking writing and brilliantly fascinating stories are enough to keep you coming back for more, and she’s done it again!
If you’re looking for a regurgitated Disney fairy tale? You are in the wrong place.
For a beautifully reimagined look at a darker kind of mermaid? Sit back and enjoy the ride.. because these creatures aren’t looking for a happy ending.
(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made through my links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant
Book 0.5
Takes place seven years before ‘Into the Drowning Deep’
Imagine has never been above falsifying their results in pursuit of a good story, and we, the viewing public, encouraged them. What we do know is that none of the scientists, crewmen, or actors who set sail with the Atargatis were aboard when the ship was found, adrift, some six weeks later, and none of them have resurfaced since.
If this was a hoax, it was one of the largest in living memory.
—from Modern Ghost Ships: The Atargatis, originally aired on the Imagine Network, December 2017.
A documentary team climb aboard the ocean vessel Atargatis as it begins to make preparations for a voyage to search out the unknown. Their journey on the ship will have them spending six weeks filming a piece on the myth surrounding mermaids: Real or Imagined? No one really believes, or is even interested, in the BS this involves but.. since everyone’s being paid handsomely? There are few complaints.
Along for the ride are a handful of Hollywood types, film crew, scientists, civilian performers, and researchers. But when the boat is later discovered.. there are signs of a violent struggle. Discovering the truth of what happened comes down to the footage captured during their time at sea..
What they find should be impossible.
No survivors are found and the reality of what really happened to the Atargatis remains a mystery.
Four and Half Stars!
A haunting tale of discovery and death as man once again finds itself face to face with some of nature’s closest kept secrets.
About the Book:
It’s not the fall that gets you.. It’s the sudden stop at the end.
These aren’t your average Disney mermaids. Creepy, disturbing, shudder inducing sea creatures with terrible faces and deadly intentions. These monsters from below prove many of the old tales as true before leaving a crew of fearful new believers in their wake.
Though this book is short (and not so sweet) it will reel you into the depths of this page turning expedition towards certain doom.
The writing is done in the typically captivating style of Seanan McGuire, even with the horror her stories tend to evoke, it flows so beautifully.. I’ve come to rely on her word’s ability to consume me and have yet to be disappointed.
Overall:
I did not realize before picking this one up that it was such a quick read.. and by ‘quick read’ I mean that this book has less than 100 pages. (I mean, seriously?) Do you call something that short a book? I found it more comparable to an episode.. which was a little puzzling.
Knowing what the author is capable of makes the question of why this book felt so rushed and unfinished all the more frustrating. And with it’s fascinating synopsis, believable characters, and a general sense of unease.. One has to wonder why the potential for greatness here was cut off almost prematurely.
We see multiple POV’s here and, having no lead protagonist, we’re given a wider view of those aboard the Atargatis throughout their journey. It makes for an interesting experience as the characters differing perspectives lend to a much more believably unsettling atmosphere.
The characters are intelligent and interesting but, with how short the book is, we never really get a chance to become invested in them.
I liked this book quite a bit and am looking forward to reading ‘Into the Drowning Deep,‘ where seven years have passed since the tragedy of the Atargatis, as the sister to one of the ‘missing’ searches for answers. With a promise of 500+ pages.. it will surely be enough to sink your teeth into.
I hope you’re enjoying your September and staying safe! Thanks so much for reading my review!
Have you read this or any of Mira Grant’s other works?
Follow Read Betwixt Words on WordPress.com
Lovely review Sheri! Glad you enjoyed this one.😃
Thanks, Carrie, it was just a wonderful surprise that the author managed to create such a great read in such a short book!
Have you read it?
No I haven’t but it sounds good!!
She’s one of my favorite authors! I’m almost convinced that she could write the information on the back of a granola bar and I would be a fan. 😆
Kind of like when I say a singer/band could sing the phone book.🤣
Exactly! Or Sean Connery.. He could make the ingredients to glue sound amazing. 😂🤭
This sounds fascinating! It is hard to develop characters and plot within such a small space but glad to here there’s a much larger book coming. Intriguing review, Sheri!
It really was a good read and quite a shock that it was so short! Yet another reason to adore this author’s work, I guess. 😍😋
Thank you for saying so, Tessa, and for stopping by! Have a beautiful weekend and be sure to stay safe!
Nice review.
Thank you! It was an interesting book!
I’ve never read any of Grant’s work but this does sound interesting. Great review!
I definitely recommend her as an author! This is a pen name so you may have read her other work? Seanan McGuire?
Thanks so much for stopping in and commenting! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Great Review Sheri!
Thanks so much! They’re always more fun to do when it’s a book you enjoyed!
Can’t agree more!
Thanks! Stay safe and happy reading! 😋
You too! ❣️
Thank you! 💕
Wow less than a hundreds pages. However I’m intrigued because you said they weren’t your average Disney mermaids.
Thank you for the review
The length was a bit shocking! And yes, I don’t really like pretty mermaids, I want them dark and dangerous. These were uniquely written, I’ll give the author that!
Thank you for reading and commenting!
You’re welcome!
😊🌷
great review! i’m glad you enjoyed this one! i adore the cover
Thank so much! And I’m still surprised there was enough there to enjoy but.. This author is something else!
And the cover is rather entrancing! I’ve found myself staring at it a few times. 😅
I’m tracking this one down immediately – great review!
I’m so glad (I love this author!), and that’s such a wonderful compliment, thank you!