Water: Reunion: Decent sequel

Reunion by Kara Dalkey

In the previous book, the sixteen year old mermyd Niniane (called “Nia” for short), discovered betrayal and conspiracy in her underwater home of Atlantis. With the escape of an evil mermyd named Ma’el and the Farworlder (powerful, intelligent squid-like creatures) that he is telepathically connected to, Atlantis was overthrown and Nia the last living Farworlder were thrown ashore.

Reunion picks up again from the point of view of Corwin, a young man whose master has recently been executed by the tyrannical King Vortigern and is now on the run himself. He makes his meager living as a beach-comber, and one this particular day he finds an extraordinary silvery shell but is soon chased from the shore by a terrible watery beast. He hopes that the shell will bring him some riches, but it is soon stolen by Vortigern’s men despite the intervention of Nia herself, come ashore to save the young Farworlder-prince inside.

Joining forces, Nia explains to Corwin her story, and that he himself bears the mark of the Avatar (the person chosen to be linked to the Farworlder), as does she. If they do not retrieve the shell then Atlantis will be destroyed, and furthermore their very lives will be forfeit — if they do not complete the Avatar ceremony then the toxins released into their bodies via the shell will kill them. Thus, on a time limit of five days the two set out to save the Farworlder, all the while avoiding the threat of Ma’el at their backs.

The story is told exclusively from Corwin’s point of view, which may be disappointing to those who were taken by Nia’s wonderful character in the first book, but Corwin is an equally interesting, well-rounded character, though not as innately righteous as Nia — several times his thoughts stray towards thievery! Nia herself is remarkably able-footed on land, and heads the mission to save the Farworlder with a clear head and decisive leadership — though she’s a bit too trusting toward Corwin, especially after her bad experience with Cephan.

The story races along nicely, as the teenagers attempt to control their new-found magical abilities and sort out the telepathic link between them, and although there are a few too many narrow-escapes, Reunion is a decent follow-up to the previous book. And if you felt that the name “Nia” and the sword “Eikis Calli Werr” rang a slight bell, then there are more clues in this book as to the real identities of Nia and Corwin (but don’t give it away!)

Once more, the cover art is just beautiful, though hopelessly inaccurate (Nia’s hair isn’t golden, Corwin wore a blue cloak, and at no point do either of them use a boat). Ah well.