Ho' there fare travelers. It is the last day of our bookish weekend and I am featuring a New Release by International Bestselling Author Maria Vermisoglou. She just released "The First Tide," on the 13th of this month. It is a mermaid academy fantasy novel that you won't want to miss out on. Check out this sneak peek from inside the book and find out how to purchase your copy today. Happy reading everyone :).
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The First Tide
A Grimwood Academy Novel
A Mystical Society Series Novel
by: International Bestselling Author Maria Vermisoglou
BLURB:
In an academy where suspicion rises, she sets out to make a difference.
Can mermaids dream?
Grimwood, the first academy for species built after the war, has opened its doors to the challenge, and Sheylla is up to the task.
As an ocean mermaid, Sheylla Nymphaea has spent a restricted life among the folk of Streamstar. But when a letter arrives inviting her into an academy of diverse species, she grabs the opportunity by the tail.
Sheylla wants to change the world, but she's in for a surprise.
When her powers misbehave, she learns she's a host of the ocean spirit, destined to battle the upcoming threat.
With unknown danger lurking, and Grimwood's magic crumbling bit by bit, Sheylla and her unusual circle of friends must race against time to discover the truth.
But when another ocean child arrives, those unacceptable friendships are put to the test.
Can Sheylla defeat the enemy without losing herself?
The First Tide is the first installment of the Grimwood series, a coming-of-age tale. Teens discover their powers, a powerful enemy threatens the existence of the world, and a heroine must choose between duty and her heart.
Purchase your Copy Today!
You can also get the Paperback with the beautiful map and interior Today!
*** EXCERPT ***
“You’ve got everything you need?” Elyse fussed around Sheylla, checking the backpack set at the sand, swishing her tail when critters attempted to climb. Fish roamed around them as they headed to caves for trinkets and shiny objects. “I put some dresses in your backpack for transformation accidents and matching jewelry. Since your complexion is cerulean, I chose light tones.”
Sheylla rolled her eyes. “Cerulean? Elyse, ocean children are dark blue.”
“Cerulean is a more elegant way when we speak for a lady.” Elyse caressed the seashell necklace on her neck and stared at Sheylla. Her brow wrinkled. “Promise you’ll be careful in that place.”
Sheylla smiled. “I’ll be fine, Elyse. Don’t worry about me.”
“Remember, when you reach the beach, your tail will turn into legs. Don’t panic, it’s normal.” Elyse continued in the same motherly tone.
“I remember. You mentioned it five times yesterday.”
Mermaids spoke in loud tones heading to the town looming before them. Shops spread under corals and anemones, showcasing their products.
Elyse pulled her gaze from the town and settled on Sheylla. Her pink tail swished the critters away from the backpack again. “Are you sure you want to do this? Our life is good here.”
A group of young mermen were having an intense argument near a band of houses.
“Our people got the bad end of the bargain after the war of species,” Sheylla said when the oldest merman opened his mouth. She had memorized those arguments since they were common among youths. “Because we live underwater, they believe we don’t matter. I say we show them. Challenge them to battle. Take back what was ours.” Sheylla rolled her eyes. “You mean this life?”
When a mermaid appeared through the opening on the upper floor, Elyse knitted her eyebrows. The mermaid waved her hand to dissolve the string of bubbles entering the residence. “Enough with this babble already. You fill the house with your meaningless talk! Get some work done.”
Elyse sighed. “Every society has its challenges. People are disappointed because the agreement confined us underwater when we used to roam the land. Aside from sharks and humans, we are safe here, my dear. Why do you want to leave?”
Shiny rocks formed a path leading to the coral houses popping through the dark waters. Sheylla gestured to the mermaids meeting their boyfriends before venturing into the market. “What am I to do here, Elyse? Find someone who will restrain me to an ordinary life?” She flapped her tail and twirled in the water, chasing the parade of her imagination. “I want adventures. This school is an invitation to the children of opposing sides to prove whether we can coexist in a neutral environment. Many extraordinary species will attend, and I can make a difference. I know it!”
Elyse laughed and dropped her arms at her sides. “Ah, the ocean. It seeks challenges and can’t be restricted to simple things. But be careful, for you’ll meet someone, and he will change your entire world.” Her tail swished, bringing color into her cheeks. “Well, let’s get you ready for your adventure.”
*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR ***
Maria Vermisoglou is an International Bestselling author of fantasy and paranormal with an obsession for witches. She loves throwing her heroes into impossible situations. Maria draws inspiration from books, travel, and…the ceiling. (So blame the ceiling!)
Maria started writing when the stories she read became too boring and the voices in her mind too loud.
When she's not writing, she loves a good ride on the fantasy dragon, but a book can also be exciting, along with a cup of tea.
Nowadays, you can find her in Athens, exploring the mysteries of the ancient world.
Learn more about Maria...
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