Arise was a book full of surprises. I honestly wasn't expecting half of the things that happened in this book. I liked that. A lot.

Eviana and her friends go through a lot of things into this last part of the trilogy. It seems as though their struggle to end Lucian's scheming and plans aren't going to end too soon. The best part of Arise is that we get to actually understand why Eviana was chosen as leader. She's much more mature than in Promises, much more focused on what she has to do for her clan and for all the creatures in the sea and humans as well. When given the chance, she chooses to face the danger, rather than flee from it. I liked that she was that strong. I also loved Kain.

Arise has everything I had hoped for: great action, suspense, thriller, some heart-breaking scenes, happy endings and tragedy. I was completely sucked in by the book. I was actually half afraid to take a break from reading, not wanting to waste time or lose focus. For me, this was one of those books that keep you so focused on the things that happen, you just can't stop reading.

Trust me when I tell you that this is a trilogy you don't want to miss. The only thing I regret is that the series ended. I truly loved Eviana, Brendan, Kain and all the other characters, as well as the world in this trilogy. ( )

What a great, albeit heart-wrenching, conclusion to this series. I didn't expect so many deaths, that was hard. I was happy with the way Eviana finally stood up for herself and took back control of her life. Everything came to a powerful climax and the story was resolved in a good way. It wasn't "happily ever after" as much as "this is how it's meant to be" and I liked that about this book. It wasn't all fairy tales and we kill the bad guy and ride off into the sunset. There were real loses and real life changing events. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves a good paranormal story, as well as anyone who loves a dramatic adventure! ( )

From head to tail, The Syrenka Series has 1) captivated me by the inviting swells of enchanting whimsical creatures 2) pulled me under with unseen currents of paniful love 3) sucked me into whirlpools of despairing chaos 4) knocked me down with tidal waves of tragedy and 5) has picked me up to float on the peaceful waves of happiness. Poetic much? That may be but its true and even more so in this conclusion of the series, Arise. Allow me to expound:



1) Throughout the trilogy, we are introduced to mermaids, selkies, and various water sprites along with a dash of humans...literally. The characters that Garr has created are wonderful and imaginative; beautifully dipicted to add color and life to the plot (Abhainn and Isabel, each with their scottish and french accents, bring timely and much appreciated comic relief). Arise will have you awe struck as you imagine the x-men-like-but-refreshingly-unique powers these creatures posess (among them being mind control and water manipulation) that will cause you to spurt in laughter or quake in fear.


“Very funny, Abhainn.” He moved into the sprite’s personal space. “I think I saw a water bottle over there. Maybe you’d like to spend some time thinking about how you don’t have to be so rude?”

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 1391-1393). Amber Garr.


I noticed the teeth first. Sharp, white fangs larger than a ratchet’s rose up from the depths at an incredible speed. Her face contorted into a horrific form, snarling and wrinkled and deadly.

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 3414-3416). Amber Garr.



2) From the beginning, our feisty protagonist, Eviana, has been involved in a love triangle between Brendan and Kain. Betrayal throws in Graham to mix things up. While I didn't really get too wrapped up in Graham, I definitely felt betrayed by the end of the book and wanted to kick some selkie and mer butt alike; my thoughts being "SERIOUSLY?! Oh he did not just do that! I can't believe this! I am sooooo done with him." Does Arise bring relief and settle things once and for all? After finishing the book hours ago, I am still screaming!*EDIT: It's been months now...and yeah, still screaming* We are treated to the POV's of both Eviana and Kain, allowing us to be them and experience this emotional rollercoaster with more intensity. I'm not a fan of rollercoasters but this is one I wouldn't mind getting back on...I just need to stop screaming first!


As she ran toward me with outstretched arms, I knew that I would never let her go again. This time she would stay with me forever.

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 2244-2245). Amber Garr.


“I’m not going to sit back and watch you take her from me, fish. I may not be able to have a life with her anymore, but neither will you.”

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 2483-2484). Amber Garr.


“I’d prefer it if you disappeared since I am very much looking forward to spending my nights alone with her. She is a feisty tart. It will certainly make for an interesting marriage.”

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 3022-3023). Amber Garr.


Without giving it a second thought, I reached up and grabbed his face. Pulling it toward mine, I kissed him. Hard.

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 2256-2257). Amber Garr.



3) Which brings me to all the action and drama that threw me for so many loops that for a while, I couldn't tell which way was up! Maybe I'm just gullible, or easily influenced, but I found myself in the same boat as Eviana; who do you trust? We learn of Eviana's lineage and bloodlines, which seems to be a factor in the decisions she makes and has made. Several battles take place, each giving hints and answering questions of "who?". As to why Lucian is doing all that he is: he's crazy. The man has lost his marbles straight up. Ok yeah, there is a bit more to it but...just read it and you'll know what I mean.


Fists flew, compulsion wars began, and I stood there. Frozen. It probably wasn’t for very long, but time seemed to stand still.

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 3958-3959). Amber Garr.


His mouth was so close to my face that I could feel his hot, angry breath. For the first time since all of this began, I was really, truly afraid of this man.

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 2937-2938). Amber Garr.


His long blond hair wafted in the breeze as well as the white silk shirt that hung open at his chest. The man really loved to show off his body. It was gross.

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 3829-3830). Amber Garr.




4) I thought nothing more tragic could possibly happen after Promises but I was wrong. *sob* While there are a few who lose their lives along the way *still sobbing*, nothing was as heartbreaking, shocking, chinese-film-level, crying-so-hard-your-contacts-fall-out, heroic death of this character*full on wailing now*. I cannot bring myself to say who for I am in denial. Actually, I'm still so stunned that tears have not come yet but they will... where's the tissue?! *EDIT: The tears came =.=*


The bodies on the beach were removed and dumped at sea.

Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 4293-4294). Amber Garr.



5) We may get knocked down but we get up again (♪you're never going to keep me down♪~random, sorry). Garr beautifully wraps up this thrilling series by leaving you in peace. Things might not have gone as I thought they would but I am more than satisfied; thank goodness for an epilogue! *EDIT: And more! Amber has created a new site dedicated to bonus material of this series! Check it out!*



This whole series is amazing but Arise is truly epic and brings it home. This fast paced, chemistry-filled, and heart-jerker of a mer-tale will have you reading to the finish and then starting it again. Enjoy!


This copy was provided by the author in exchange of an honest review
( )

What a captivating conclusion to this wonder paranormal romantic trilogy! Arise is another book that you can’t put down until you have finished it.

Now if you haven’t read the first two in the Syrenka Series, I recommend you do. I think you will be totally lost if read Arise without having read the first two books.

In Arise we see Eviana dealing with betrayals and being kidnapped. Surprising secrets come out and heartbreaking tragedies happen. This is another action pack and emotional story that will stay with you for some time.

So if you want to read a YA romance involving mermaids, selkies and other water sprites; then I highly recommend you read the Syrenka Series. ( )