Forced Migration | Horror Book Review | AstraDaemon

THE BREEDING SEASON by Kody Boye is the third book in the Dagana series. In the first installment, THE LAST MERMAID, Jessica's parents are both found dead, their bodies savagely mutilated by some unidentifiable creature. Jessica and her friends realize they are dealing with a blood-thirsty mermaid. The three teens decide to battle the deadly creature. In the sequel, THE SECOND SPAWN, Jessica and her friends learn a wealthy man with misguided "good" intentions has undone everything the the three friends accomplished, making their shorelines a hunting ground once again.

This book centers on betrayal. Despite all the evidence, there are still attempts to cover up the deadly threat the creatures pose to the residents of Mermaid Cove. Someone close to Jessica takes credit for the discovery of the mermaids, and lies about the events leading up to big reveal. As if the situation couldn't be more out of control, an enemy from the past threatens to kill Jessica and anyone who tries to protect her.

This installment is definitely a rollercoaster compared to the previous two books. The ending left me wondering if there might be another book. Highly recommend this series.

As always,

AstraDaemon

No Fairytale Ending | AstraDaemon

DAGANA: THE SECOND SPAWN by Kody Boye is the second installment in his cryptid-thriller series for YA and new adult fiction readers. In the first book, Jessica's parents are brutally killed by what others assume is a shark. After more deaths, and an up-close encounter, Jessica and her friends realize they are dealing with a blood-thirsty mermaid. The three teens decide to battle the deadly creature.

In the second book, they discover Dagana was not the last of her kind. They also learn a wealthy man with misguided "good" intentions has undone everything the the three friends accomplished, making their shorelines a hunting ground once again. Jessica is no longer the only one on a revenge mission, but Samantha and Chase are refusing to risk their lives to rid the cove of the new predator.

I thought I knew what to expect from this sequel, but Boye speared me in the gut more than once. The action is intense, and the ending unleashes a horrifying realization for Jessica and her loved ones. I'm looking forward to the final story in this trilogy.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Revenge vs. Justice

DAGANA: THE LAST MERMAID by Kody Boye is a cryptid-thriller for YA or new adult fiction readers. During Christmas break, Jessica's parents are both found dead, their bodies savagely mutilated by some unidentifiable creature. Unfortunately, the beach is not closed and more people die.

The transition from teen to adult is difficult enough, but with the murders and the nightmares overwhelming Jessica, she begins having panic attacks. In addition to the multiple deaths, she is also dealing with a new relationship, as well as some violent mean girls tormenting her at school. After having her fear confirmed by two others who have witnessed the sea creature, Jessica feels she is the only one who can make the waters safe again.

While I did find Jessica's thoughts and feelings well-developed, I think Boye missed a great opportunity to create a more complicated and unpredictable storyline. The author could have revealed the source of Dagana's fury through her own POV, forcing readers to decide for themselves who is or isn't a victim. If anyone could pull off such opposing viewpoints from two characters, it is Boye.

If you're looking for a different coming-of-age story, this novel will definitely pull you into the darkness.

As always,
AstraDaemon