Stunning emotional crescendos, timely dramatic syncopations, and lovely romantic refrains.
Aria is a spirited mermaid princess who possesses a passion for life and unbreakable loyalty to the Creator and to her family. Her existence beneath the waters is a purposeful one, a duty-bound life that is as rich in wonder as it is devotion. She views her work, the task of helping those souls lost to the sea on their journeys, with reverence and awe. Although helping so many departed human souls by means of her death journey songs is rewarding, Aria still feels like something is missing. And that something is a personal connection with humankind. Though encounters with humans have been expressly forbidden for the safety of merkind, Aria finds it difficult to believe that all humans are dangerous, barbaric creatures. This notion is especially challenged when she saves the life of a young human caught in a sudden storm at sea. The kind-hearted soul, Reginald, has his own burdens to bear, but finds a kindred spirit in Aria. Yet the universe seems to want to keep them apart. Will a relationship threaten the fragile balance that exists between human and merkind?
A gorgeous, aqueous cover is only the beginning of the wonder to be found in Song of the Sea. There is a subtle strength in the simplicity of Meredith Leigh Burton’s writing style. Throughout the whimsical tale, the delicate prose paints a portrait of enduring elegance and goodness. With such exquisite imagery, even the brief description of an undersea confection’s taste, “Bright and vivid, resembling sunshine on a cloudless day,” will have readers clamoring for their own briny treats. Scriptural symbolism trickles naturally from the pages, making for a novel that feels comfortable and timeless, but not forced or unapproachable. Moments of connection between the characters are tender, pure and harmonious, as when Glissando admits to Aria that he thinks ballerinas are humans that can make music with their feet. Such innocent, wholesome interactions contribute to the emotional depth of the characters and the overall plotlines. But the story isn’t all smiles and sugar-coated sweetness. The plot includes just enough villainy to keep audiences glued to the page, waiting to see how things work out. And though this is a broad retelling of a classic childhood fairy tale, the author infuses originality and vigor into a familiar world and then deftly transforms things by adding in relatable characters with struggles similar to our own. Like a masterfully composed symphony, Song of the Sea features stunning emotional crescendos, timely dramatic syncopations, and lovely romantic refrains, the perfect complement to any home library.
