Updrift (The Mer Chronicles, Book One)

Errin Stevens,
Narrator: Sean Posvistak
Genre: 
Audiobooks

PARANORMAL/SUSPENSE/THRILLER:  Kate Sweeting's life changes when she and her widowed mother move to a small coastal town in North Carolina and meet Gabriel Blake and his family. Gabe and Kate grow up together, but there are many secrets surrounding the Blake family. Gabe goes away for high school and Kate throws herself into her studies, attending college and establishing herself as a food writer. But Gabe calls her back home and in declaring his love, also reveals the truth of his Siren roots. As Gabe and Kate start their married life together, Kate becomes the target of a twisted individual intent on having his own happily ever after unless Gabe can stop him before it's too late.

"Updrift" offers an enticing glimpse into the world of Sirens. The Mer community and its rituals draw the reader in as does the action-packed story in part 3. However, there are a number of issues with pacing, which, at times, seems slow and at other times rushed, as well as with the numerous point of view changes. Although Kate is likable, she comes across as a passive heroine. While "Updraft" is beautifully written in many ways, the heavy emphasis on telling the story through narrative versus showing the story through dialogue and action limits the story's potential.

Sean Posvistak offers a high quality professional narration that brings the story to life. The narrative at the start seems rushed in delivery and in later parts rather slow. However, Mr. Posvistak narrates the climax scene with emotion and suspense keeping the listener on edge until the very end.

Tricia Hill