Rising by [a:Holly Kelly|7202492|Holly Kelly|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1375799864p2/7202492.jpg] is a story about preventing war between Dagonians and humans and finding love in the unlikeliest of places. Xanthus Dimitriou is a Dagonian warrior fascinated with the human world. After thousands of Dagonians are killed from the careless dumping of toxins into the ocean, Xanthus petitions King Triton to allow him to find the culprits and figure out a way to keep the humans from polluting their home. What he doesn't plan on is finding a half-breed (human/Dagonian) on his mission. He also doesn't plan on falling in love with her. Sara Taylor has lived her life in a wheelchair, secluded from all except her best friend and deathly afraid of water. She was born with a deformity that keeps her from showing her true self to anyone. That is until her new landlord shows up and quite literally takes her breath away. But how will she overcome her insecurities and will he stick around once he sees her legs?

This was my first book that I've ever read about mermaids and I loved it! The POV alternated between Sara and Xanthus but it was easy to keep track of. Xanthus is my new book love, though Kryos (more from him in book two of this series) is a big rival. Xanthus is called the Nightmare of the Deep by those who know him. A fierce warrior with a soft spot for humans, Xanthus is loyal to a fault and very much a gentleman. I also loved Sara. Despite being born with a fin instead of legs, she is quite resilient. She speaks her mind, has her own business, and is independent from her mother. She's a testament to what people can achieve when they don't let their defects cripple them.

The plot of this story was simple. Dagonians hate humans, humans don't know they exist. Xanthus's job is to find those responsible for polluting the ocean and killing thousands of his people. He sends the culprits back to King Triton. That part of the story was quick and just a side to what the main story revolved around...the love growing between Xanthus and Sara. I loved the sweetness of their relationship. Xanthus is old-fashioned, Sara is innocent, but that's not all. She's an abomination according to Dagonian law and Xanthus must find away around this.

Overall, I loved every page of this book! In fact I liked it so much that I sat down and read it in one sitting. Then I went and bought book two and read it the next night! Mrs. Kelly knows how to write a good, easy to follow fantasy that keeps your attention. There's just enough action balanced with the romance that I think both genders could enjoy it, though it is more geared towards the women. And even though I know this is probably written for young adults, I enjoyed it immensely! So if you like fantasy, romance, and suspense or you're just looking for an easy read to take you to a new world, I highly recommend you check this book out.