ARC Review: The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate by Kay Berrisford

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate
by Kay Berrisford
Published by Less Than Three Press
Ebook (received from publisher via NetGalley, thank you!)
Adult, LGBT, fantasy, romance

Raef, a lonely merman, spends his days watching the dashing Lord Haverford from afar and dreaming of love. When Haverford is robbed by a pirate, Raef vows to reclaim the stolen goods, hoping his victory will buy him the happiness he yearns for with Haverford.

But Jon Kemp does not match what Raef knows about pirates, and the simple quest Raef anticipated turns out to be an epic journey. For while Jon might be a nobler man than Raef believed, he’s still a pirate. Love and loyalty are not on Jon’s agenda, and he certainly has no plans to love someone not entirely human.

 

Publication July 30th

Mermans? Pirates? Together? I found my love.

 

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate is exceptional story told by old fairy tale style. It's an adventure that took me to under the sea and the England's coast with full of mermans, mermaids and pirates - and there's lords and ladys, too, without forgetting cruesome villains. Berrisford is master of words and she tells stunning story about adventure, love and finding your own place in the world. From the very first page, the story took its hold on me and I couldn't anything else than read it - or think of it when I was half forced to do something else.

 

Wonderful characters made this adventure even more enjoyable. Raef is a true sweetheart and his innocence that came with not knowing much about humans and their customs was adorable. He's also brave and loyal, and Raef goes through the biggest character developement during the story. The way how he grows and stands for himself, how he doesn't just sit there and wait for someone to save him but tries to save himself. I also adored how Raef and Jon Kemp were equals and how neither of them tried to leave other outside of their dangerous adventures. Jon Kemp is a honourable pirate, Berrisford made it possible, and I loved his character almost as much as I did love Raef. And together they were quite close to perfection. Berrisford also created some intriguing supporting characters that made the story colourful and even more lively; such as Cecilia, Sarah, George and of course, the villains of the story.

For me, The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate was a lovely adventurous story that I couldn't help but love. The only thing I'd like to change is how long the book is - I'd loved to read more and just below two hundred pages wasn't enough for me. Otherwise the story had everything I hope for a book: great, multifaced characters, intriguing setting and wonderful idea behind the story, plot, talented author and emotions behind the words. Yes, feelings. My heart skipped a beat a couple of times during Raef's journey and I lived every moment with him. And this story came to stay with me for a long time.

 

Exceptional. Stunning. I'd be more than happy to read another book from this 'verse, for sure.

 

I ordered my own physical copy right after finishing the book. I warmly recommend you to do so, too.

5 of 5 stars.

 

Thank you, Less Than Three Press, for giving me a chance to review The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate!

 

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate on Goodreads.

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)