{Review} Antara by Marilena Mexi

ANTARA by Marilena Mexi - link to website
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Available on Lulu & Soon to be on Amazon

Peace and tranquility on the island of Aster, home to both humans and 'merfolk', has long been broken by a devastating phenomenon, recurring every five years. A storm including gusting winds and huge waves mysteriously appeared and eradicated much of the population. The misunderstandings, suspicion and hate born of this disaster have torn the two races apart, and the peace loving merfolk are now in a never-ending struggle to prove their innocence and restore peace to the island. On the human side, things are even worse; under the tyranny of cruel king Orestis, the people suffer and all their king cares for is vengeance against the “fish”, as he spitefully calls them, executing merfolk after merfolk for just being near his lands. Secrets, intense emotions and strange phenomena will upset their lives forever.

QUICK THOUGHTS:

Set during the Middle Ages where two kingdoms resided next to each other. One of humans that lived on a large island surrounded by a beautiful forest and the Merfolk that live in the ocean in the “White Palace”. After a terrible disaster struck the island killing many humans the two kingdoms friendship turned to hate, leaving the Merfolk saddened and the King an Queen disappeared not long after. Now the children of both kingdoms rule that lands, the young Merfolk Queen will do anything to convince the Human King to stop the war between them and help each other before another disaster hits.

REVIEW:

Asteria is the young Queen of the “White Palace” she and her people have gone through many years staying away from the humans on the Island, too many death have accrued because of the hate. She is chosen to go ashore and try to make piece with the angry King whose mother was killed in the disaster and whose people have to suffer every 5 years the same incident.

Everything takes place once Asteria goes to the Kingdom and meets King Orestis, she pretends to be a servant to try and get to know the king. Over time she discovers the king does have a good side to him and is just being manipulated by people around him. Both have to deal with many challenges and heartache to protect their kingdoms and the ones they love.

Antara is a short story but with beautiful imagery. Being a Graphic Designer I have a love for art and Marilena Mexi’s illustrations give the face and beauty to the world and characters she has created.

The storyline is very original and the details of each land are written beautifully. The writing is very youthful and is defiantly for young readers. I did feel like the sentence structure needed to be rephrased in some areas. I also felt that Asteria and Orestis should of taken a bit more time to get to know each other, it was too sudden and rushed. This is my personal opinion only and I ask that everyone must judge for himself or herself. All I can offer is an honest review.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is a Young Adult novel with a bit of violence and sexual situation that are suitable for younger readers. I would highly recommend fans of Amanda Marrone and Aprilynne Pike.