Fathom - Book II of the Fins Trilogy

Ashley L. Knight

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Folklore has it that the goddess Atargatis loved a mortal shepherd and unintentionally killed him. Embarrassed, she dove into a lake to take the form of a fish, but the waters could not conceal her beauty, and thereafter, she took the form of a mermaid: This fascination has continued in so many forms over the ages since then, so it' Mermaids have been objects of fascination to mankind since the first legends appeared in Assyria about three thousand years ago.

This fascination has continued in so many forms over the ages since then, so it's no wonder that author Ashley Knight's debut novel, Fins , is gaining some attention among readers. This fast-paced book for young adults is about Morgan, a young woman in her late teens who goes to spend the summer with her mother in Central Florida's Treasure Coast. We shortly find out that her mother is actually a mermaid, as is her new husband.

And as things like this go, Morgan begins her own biological transformation into a mermaid as well, but one with some very unique qualities. As she evolves into her newly found status as quite a unique mermaid, she revels in each new discovery of herself, along with a budding then growing love affair with a young merman named Thayde. But all is not finny frivolity, as Morgan shortly finds herself in the midst of a frequently aquatic family feud that has been going on since before her birth.

And it looks like it's up to Morgan to find a solution to this aquatic vendetta before it has some very dire results. Knight's book is fast paced and obviously written for young adult female fantasy readers, so it was a new experience for this reviewer. Recommended by a friend who knew that I had enjoyed the parts that both mythology and folklore had played throughout history, I mentally raised an eyebrow at first, but trying to be open minded I bought the Kindle edition.

Early into it, I quickly found that here was an author who could captivate with some well crafter words, as can be seen here: It had been a long flight. Almost four hours from Denver and before that, one from Boise. Two things came to mind when I thought of Florida: Mickey Mouse and the Orlando Magic. And that it was hot. I wasn't a huge fan of the heat, but imagining lying on a white beach with a nice blue ocean for two weeks seemed ok. Knight has a way of wording her sentences that for the most part keep the reader moving right along from one page to another, without sidetracking too much into frivolous detail.

At times the book had some fairly weak parts where this reader began to think that sections of the overall plot was being stretched a bit thin, but as can often be found in classical folklore and mythology, there can be some surprising twists and turns that kick the interest level back into high gear again. There were paragraphs with descriptions that made this reader smile, both from the author's subtle sense of humor and the way that she has of creating visual images, such as this: His long, gray hair matched his scraggly beard.

Wringing the water out of it, he smiled and the lines about his face wrinkled even more. He reminded me of a character from one of the old movies my dad had collected. Chong from Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke. I instantly liked this old man. Her character descriptions are not flat or vapid, and though there are some dips and valleys occasionally in the plot, the author manages to pull it all together in an interesting fashion.

For those who look the topic of mermaids as being just parts of mythology, ancient folklore, or half-nude paintings in museums, the Animal planet television channel is currently showing ' Mermaids: The Body Found ,' an admitted science docufiction built on a few strands of fact and made to look like an actual documentary. This just adds to the mermaids-are-real hypothesis that has appeared in abundance in cultural references over the centuries, and makes Ms. Knight's novel an even more interesting read. Some have compared this fantasy to the Twilight Saga, but since I've not read that one, this reviewer cannot comment on a qualified basis.

I would prefer to look at Fins as a standalone novel, and as such would rate it as a 3-star read. But considering that this is the author's debut book, this often picky reviewer will call it a solid 4-star read, which is better than some of the current bestsellers on the market today, especially those that deal with various shades of grey and such. And this one is good enough that this reader has already purchased Fathom , Ashley Knight's sequel, the next one in this trilogy.

Though this story is not my normal genre of choice, I must admit to being fascinated with where she's taking this story. View all 4 comments. Feb 28, Garrett rated it it was amazing. FINS was a magical story filled with mermaids, magic, and romance. The main character, Morgan, was a refreshing read because unlike other heroines of YA paranormal romance Bella Swan comes to mind , she doesn't sit around and let her true love save her.

She goes to whatever risk she must take to save those she cares about. The descriptions in this book were lush and vivid, so much that I wanted to visit Tammer's house in Florida and not just visit, but I wanted to live there! The descriptions of FINS was a magical story filled with mermaids, magic, and romance. The descriptions of the mermaids are beautiful, too.

Fins Trilogy by Ashley L. Knight

This book had a lot of twists I never even saw coming. It was definitely unpredictable, I'll say that. A lot of people might read the book and think Morgan and Thayde fell in love too fast, but it wasn't overtly sappy or mushy. And Morgan didn't all of a sudden become a damsel in distress. In fact, she insisted on fighting back against the villains and helping her friends and family.

I definitely found FINS a quick, cozy read, one you want to curl up inside and live within its pages. It's a beautiful book, and Ashley Knight really knows how to keep you on your toes with all the twists and turns. Oh, and on a side note, I loved the names. Thayde, Naira, Tiesa, Ezen View all 10 comments. I hope that readers who love the ocean and mermaids will read FINS as I wrote it purely out of my love for both. All the best to you and yours - Ashley Knight.

Jun 26, Jessica rated it it was ok.

He placed his other arm on the small of my back and pulled me in close to him. My heart racing, I held onto his arms, feeling the strength in them. Intense energy and power radiated from him, enveloping me. He held me close and time seemed to stop. Unfortunately, it didn't quite meet my expectations.

Fathom Audiobook | Ashley Knight | www.farmersmarketmusic.com

The description for this book sounded really interesting and is one of the reasons why I gave this book a shot. She finds out that mermaids are real and that she is one of them. Her visit turns into a more permanent situation than she originally plans. She also continues to have dreams about a boy and discovers that she has a greater purpose in life than a normal teenage girl.

Probably one of my favorite parts of this book was that each mermaid had a unique set of powers or abilities. Some could control the weather, swim incredibly fast, or heal people. The section where she learned that she was a mermaid and that she could breathe under water was also a favorite of mine. The part that I did not enjoy was the family drama.

I was very confused to as why the author felt the need to add this random act of violence into the book. Insta-love books… Also commonly referred to as, the books where the author was too lazy to develop the romance. Whenever I see them I think: In case it was not already obvious, I do not like insta-love. I have not read a great book in a while, and these mediocre books are just killing me. Morgan has been dreaming about her love since she was little. She first meets him after being sexually attacked by Akin.

That was how physically attracted I was to him. It was kind of cute that Thayde weird name by the way wanted to protect Morgan and risked his life for her, but the insta- love kind of ruined it for me. At the beginning of the book they are meeting for the first time and by the end of the book he is asking her to marry him. I'd say that's pretty fast considering the book was about the width of my pinkie finger. In the end I did manage to finish this book. For such a short book it took me a while to read it. Parts of this book were just boring or weird, which caused me to put the book down and do something else.

There were some nice parts, such as the final fight scene. There was action, intensity, and Morgan figured out her powers. The problem with this book is the bad out weighed the good. I wanted to like this book.

Publisher's Summary

I really did, but this book just wasn't for me. Aug 08, Lily rated it really liked it. Fins is a fast-paced, fun, easy read about a year-old girl named Morgan who goes to spend the summer with her mother.

Turns out though, her mother is a mermaid and so is she. However, Fins is tighter, has less gag-y romance and a strong female lead. The story could be fleshed out a bit more, as seen in moments of exposition. A little more breathing room would solve this.

In fact I think this is a great book for reluctant readers. My mother read the book before I did and she gives it two thumbs up. Quotes from my mother: May 09, L. This book was absolutely wonderful!!! Better than what I had expected! Young romance at its best!!! Fantasy of Mermaids and mermen with special powers, under water cities and true loves!!

Almost like Romeo and Juliet!! Amazing, I couldn't put it down! In its first few pages, Fins seems like your archetypal YA holiday romance story. Mom sounds like your typical hippie mother — more interested in travelling around having a good time than worrying about her daughter. Soon, Morgan learns the life-changing and seemingly incredible fact that she comes from a line of mermaids. And just as this impossible news starts to freak Morgan out, guess what? Her body begins its own transformation, forcing her to face some of the toughest moments of her life.

Fins is a wonderful coming-of-age story, a tale of developing relationships. Morgan will have to do much more than embrace her heritage in order to protect them. Highly recommended YA fantasy. Apr 28, Raquel rated it did not like it Shelves: Although this book was a gift as a first-reads book, I couldn't even finish it. I know this isn't fair, but I simply couldn't invest any more time into it.

The characters are dull. I couldn't sympathize with the protagonist at all. She isn't compelling at all, and neither are any of the other characters. Everyone was too perfect. Knight described every character I encountered as very beautiful or handsome. Furthermore, I found the tone too immature and the writing too simple.

I wasn't expecting a Although this book was a gift as a first-reads book, I couldn't even finish it. I wasn't expecting any extraordinary prose, but I feel the narrator's point of view was too "dumbed-down". Well, what I endured of it. The hints that the protagonist was a mermaid were too obvious; almost every hint seemed forced and uninspired. Events that I'm sure were important in the book were described plainly. I guess the reason I was so upset was because I had high expectations for this book. I really wanted to like it- I wanted to read more books about mermaids.

I admonish any mermaid fans to look elsewhere. View all 3 comments. Feb 26, Adriana B rated it really liked it Shelves: Fins is one of the many mermaid books out, and even though I've only read a few this one is high up on my list. There are many things going for this book: All of them were really great with their own purposes and uniqueness for the story. I loved the main character Morgan, you could feel what she was going through and see her flaws and mistakes and how she deals with them, she also doesn't hold back which I like in a protagonist.

I love Florida so this book was great Fins is one of the many mermaid books out, and even though I've only read a few this one is high up on my list. I love Florida so this book was great for me, with Vero Beach and the ocean. I think one of my favorite parts in the book was when Morgan goes to Jamaica; it just really captured the beach feel. I loved how Morgan found out she was a mermaid and how she dealt with it.

It was also a nice surprise to see how the story unfolded and she slowly realized more about her world. I love how the mermaids each have their own unique powers, and how they phase, really magical! Overall this book is a light easy read, my only complaint is that it's way too short! So I'm really excited to read the sequel Fathom. May 06, Dani Moore rated it it was amazing. Morgandy was on her way to visit her Mother. It should be quite a change from her Idaho ranch home with her dad to sunny Florida!

She knew nothing about Vero Beach except the warning the senile old lady on the plane gave her to watch out for the "Merpeople" there. Her Mom meets her at the airport and the surprises start immediately.. The surprises keep coming when they arrive at her mom's home. They are RICH, really rich! Huge house, on the water, huge pool Morgandy was on her way to visit her Mother.

Huge house, on the water, huge pool, amazing amenities. Then she finds our she is a "halfling" half merperson herself! She meets a man she has been dreaming of for years and is plunged into a world of danger and unknown power. Little does she know, what lies in sore for her and the merpeople she is just beginning to know. Prejudice and Politics will bring her to a place she could have never imagined!

I won't spoil the story, but suffice it to say this is a richly detailed world you will not want to leave! I can't wait to read the other books in the trilogy. In doing this, Fathom addresses many issues that young adults face; heartbreak, self-doubt, despair, love, loyalty, and the quest for a higher power to guide their lives. Knight addresses these issues with grace and compassion through the eyes of her main character.

Fathom, the second book of the Fins series, is a must read for the young adult who loves well-developed characters who find a way to triumph, even in the most desperate situations. This rollercoaster ride carries the reader into the dark mysterious world Morgan must conquer if she is to save a nation that depends on her existence, the man she loves, and even herself. Knight has, once again, taken mermaids to places no one could ever imagine! The Masquerade Crew http: Jul 01, Dana rated it really liked it Shelves: While it's been a while since I'd read Fins , I didn't find myself feeling too lost with book two.

Like with book one, I really enjoyed this, only wished it were longer! I was happy to see quite a bit of Naira, and loved her interactions with Morgan. Morgan and Thayde progressed nicely as a couple, and though I was surprised at what happened before he left, I was happy that in the end, they did it again with everyone around. It was interesting to see what happened between Morgan and Thayde with t While it's been a while since I'd read Fins , I didn't find myself feeling too lost with book two. It was interesting to see what happened between Morgan and Thayde with the cording, and I felt for both of them with what they went through.

I'm really curious to see what comes next, especially with Herra. Apr 29, Lindsey Fleck rated it it was amazing. Olivia 11 just adored this whole series, they are her favorite books of all time thus far Sep 24, Misty Rayburn rated it it was amazing. For those of you waiting anxiously, the wait is over. Once again we get to revisit the world of Morgan and Thayde. In Fathom, Morgan attempts to continue to live a normal life by moving to New York with Thayde to begin college. As overpowering dark thoughts begin to take control of her and a horrible disease called The Shadow threatens the love of her life, all thoughts of normality are brought to a screeching halt.

Will Morgan master her powers and overcome these overwhelming odds or will she f For those of you waiting anxiously, the wait is over. Will Morgan master her powers and overcome these overwhelming odds or will she fail due to her own insecurities? Ashley Knight has once again struck gold with Fathom.

As the darkness of the story unfolded around the characters, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. I felt like I was a part of the story because I felt the same things the characters did at times and I could totally identify with Morgan. You just have to believe. When the story ended, I had to reflect on everything that had happened in both books.

Fathom is an amazing continuation and I look forward to the next time I get to visit the world Ashley Knight has created. She is truly one of the masters of her craft. It in no way influenced my review. Sep 19, Stacy Sabala rated it really liked it Shelves: Book Review- Fathom by Ashley L. Knight Morgan is having horrible nightmares since the Blessing. She keeps seeing Thayde dying. Yet she is feeling strange. Her anger is taking over. She is overwhelmed with being the Link. She feels like two people are inhabiting her body. After almost losing Thayde her body shuts down.

She is being sent someone that will help her learn her powers. Tammer and Thayde have a mission of their own. They have to find Limus. The shadow that Limus infected Thayde with is taking over. Morgan will have to confront Limus again. She is also having doubts about herself. She needs to get stronger and trust herself. Her loved ones are going to be counting on her to fulfill her destiny. I love this series. I like how the author shows how much Morgan is struggling. The responsibilities she now has is crushing. Her fear and doubts are understandable and tangible. She is a great character.

She is trying her hardest to do what is right but like the rest of us would love to crawl into bed and hide from the world.

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She is very relatable. This story really dealt with her internal battle. Her relationship with Thayde is sweet. I love how it progressed in this story. I loved the ending. I give this book a 4 out of 5. Jul 03, Brizzielady rated it liked it. Well, the first half of the book was a solid 4 to me What started off well, sort of became all discombobulated and uneven. If I'm to be completely honest, I was also slightly disturbed by a very weird, out of context, heavily religious slant that covered about 2.

It's not that I'm anti-religion.. Don't get me wrong, this isn Well, the first half of the book was a solid 4 to me Don't get me wrong, this isn't the only reason I started feeling alienated as a reader.. As an adult reader of YA fiction I think that this series was a little too much on the Young end for me.

If it goes in the direction it finished in, perhaps it would be better marketed toward the Christian Young Adult market.. Either way, I left feeling frustrated that such a fantastic premise wasn't used to it's full advantage. So much more color and life could have been added to this wonderfully imaginative story.

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Jun 20, Estefany rated it it was ok. Apr 13, Seagirls rated it it was ok. Not as good as the first. She also stole a famous line from The Hunger Games. Jan 02, Mandi rated it liked it. Jan 02, Carrie Donohue rated it it was amazing Shelves: Jun 08, Jaimie O'Dell rated it really liked it Shelves: Michelle Gregory rated it really liked it Jun 07, Aubrey rated it liked it Mar 13, Delaniz Manner rated it it was amazing Sep 15, Michelle Alexander rated it liked it Feb 27, Haley rated it really liked it Dec 26, Chloe rated it liked it Oct 30, Tessa rated it liked it Jan 09, Rachel rated it really liked it Jun 25, Carter rated it it was amazing Aug 31, Martin rated it it was amazing Sep 27, Rachael Evans rated it really liked it Jan 03, Nijaie rated it really liked it Aug 16, Ella rated it it was ok May 04, Beeeeee rated it it was ok Jul 08,

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