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Sacred Breath #4
Abyssal Zone
Aazuria Vellamo has returned to the undersea kingdom of Adlivun only to find that the place she called home for over five hundred years has changed drastically. Once the beloved rightful queen, she is now an outcast hiding among the commoners. She observes the political situation from a distance, trying to maneuver her daughter into the safest place possible-- but Aazuria quickly discovers that no part of the expanding nation is safe any longer.
Mingling with the lower class workers who have been forced to labor on building a transpacific bridge across the Bering Strait, Aazuria watches her people suffer disgrace and abuse at the hands of their American overseers. Before she realizes it, she finds herself mixed up in riots and rebellions. Aazuria goes about in disguise to learn more, and discovers that in Adlivun's desperate underbelly a religious cult has formed, led by Mother Melusina. Her own dear friend, General Visola Ramaris, has been training a small group of elite warriors in her own private army, which is all that remains of Adlivun's fine military.
Visola's husband, Vachlan Suchos, learns that he has missed important information coded in the words which he only considered an emotional farewell from his dying daughter. This intelligence will inevitably lead to the awakening of the vicious man's inner beast, and inspire his lust for war. But with Adlivun completely reliant on protection from the United States-- is it a good idea to burn bridges?
Mingling with the lower class workers who have been forced to labor on building a transpacific bridge across the Bering Strait, Aazuria watches her people suffer disgrace and abuse at the hands of their American overseers. Before she realizes it, she finds herself mixed up in riots and rebellions. Aazuria goes about in disguise to learn more, and discovers that in Adlivun's desperate underbelly a religious cult has formed, led by Mother Melusina. Her own dear friend, General Visola Ramaris, has been training a small group of elite warriors in her own private army, which is all that remains of Adlivun's fine military.
Visola's husband, Vachlan Suchos, learns that he has missed important information coded in the words which he only considered an emotional farewell from his dying daughter. This intelligence will inevitably lead to the awakening of the vicious man's inner beast, and inspire his lust for war. But with Adlivun completely reliant on protection from the United States-- is it a good idea to burn bridges?
324 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2012
About the author
Nadia Scrieva
16 books241 followersNadia Scrieva lives in Toronto, Canada with no husband, no kids, and no pets. She does own a very attractive houseplant which she occasionally remembers to water between her all-consuming writing marathons.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 14, 2012
This is the 4th book in the series and I think the best one yet. Aazuria has grown into her role as a strong leader, even as we watch her struggle with decision such as should she send Varia to live in the castle, should she let people know that she is alive ( I was jumping for joy when everyone found out she was alive), fighting her feeling for Trevain and the mixed emotions she has for Trevain and Elandria. She already knows that she will bring war against the Clan Zalcan, and she will throw the Americans out and renegotiate to bring better conditions to her people.
Then there is Vachlan and Visola. Their love and devotion just shines through and the banter with each other seems so real, it makes me smile. Visola's faith in Vachlan was tested once again and once again he proved that he loves only her. My least favorites were Elandria and Trevain. As King and Queen they seemed like they were ony interested in themselves and turned their backs on their people. Elandria seemed shallow, weak and selfish to me. As soon as they found out Aazuria was alive then she started with the self pity and stopped talking, especially to the people who love her almost like a punishment to them. But when something bad happens to Aazuria then she starts talking again. Trevain called her on it and said it was like she wanted Aazuria gone. Even the people of Adlivun didn't like her to the point where there was talk of assassinating her. It was Aazuria that led the people to war while Elandria stayed safe with the children. But I see that they needed to be this way for the story to progress.
The battle with the Clan Zalcan was exciting as always and had me on the edge of my seat and the ending was fantastic. I think the best part of the book is that all the characters are once again all together. But I don't want it to end. I want more. I want to know more about Varia and Glais, I want to read about Visola giving birth and how the babies melt the heart of the Destroyer. There is so much more about Adlivun and her people.
That is the wonder of Nadia Scrieva's undersea world of Adlivun and it's people. It is magical and enchanting and you can't help but fall in love with it. I highly recommend the whole series, you won't be sorry.
Then there is Vachlan and Visola. Their love and devotion just shines through and the banter with each other seems so real, it makes me smile. Visola's faith in Vachlan was tested once again and once again he proved that he loves only her. My least favorites were Elandria and Trevain. As King and Queen they seemed like they were ony interested in themselves and turned their backs on their people. Elandria seemed shallow, weak and selfish to me. As soon as they found out Aazuria was alive then she started with the self pity and stopped talking, especially to the people who love her almost like a punishment to them. But when something bad happens to Aazuria then she starts talking again. Trevain called her on it and said it was like she wanted Aazuria gone. Even the people of Adlivun didn't like her to the point where there was talk of assassinating her. It was Aazuria that led the people to war while Elandria stayed safe with the children. But I see that they needed to be this way for the story to progress.
The battle with the Clan Zalcan was exciting as always and had me on the edge of my seat and the ending was fantastic. I think the best part of the book is that all the characters are once again all together. But I don't want it to end. I want more. I want to know more about Varia and Glais, I want to read about Visola giving birth and how the babies melt the heart of the Destroyer. There is so much more about Adlivun and her people.
That is the wonder of Nadia Scrieva's undersea world of Adlivun and it's people. It is magical and enchanting and you can't help but fall in love with it. I highly recommend the whole series, you won't be sorry.
March 9, 2013
Well I managed to finish Abyssal Zone in less than a day. I liked it much better than Boundless Sea, and I think that has a lot to do with what the author mentioned in her Author's Note at the end. She stated that while she personally felt a better connection between Trevain and Elandria, her fans were not too happy with that and she therefore tried to fix the issues between Trevain and Aazurdia.
I have to say I agree with the rest of her fans. I was not happy with the weird love triangle that emerged as a result of Aazurdia being kidnapped, and I was happy that she came back. However, that does bring me to something that I have a bit of a complaint about. There was such a tremendous amount of focus on the plight of her subjects, and how Aazurdia would conquer all adversaries as the Sapphire, but then it's never really mentioned again. Yes, it is all resolved, but I would have liked a little view into what her actions did. The last we really hear about the people as a whole is when a group tried to kill Elandria. Once America left, were the people happy? I assume so, but again, I would have like proof of that.
I have the same issue with the Marshall, whom I suspected all along. I was fairly certain about what he was doing, and I was right (yay me!). Anyway, I wanted to know what kind of damage Vachlan and Visola had done to him. Certainly after everything he had done that would have been gratifying. But maybe that's just my bloodlust coming out.
Regardless of these small matters though I really enjoyed this. I had hoped for a little more to happen with Aazurdia's daughter and her friend Glais, because I enjoyed their characters. And of course I want to see Visola's twins. This doesn't really seem like an end to me, and I appreciate that only because I feel like there is more to be told. Elandria's training as a siren. Aazurdia and Trevain. All of it. Normally I don't like series that just go on and on and on, but in this case, if the author can maintain the steam, I might make an exception.
I have to say I agree with the rest of her fans. I was not happy with the weird love triangle that emerged as a result of Aazurdia being kidnapped, and I was happy that she came back. However, that does bring me to something that I have a bit of a complaint about. There was such a tremendous amount of focus on the plight of her subjects, and how Aazurdia would conquer all adversaries as the Sapphire, but then it's never really mentioned again. Yes, it is all resolved, but I would have liked a little view into what her actions did. The last we really hear about the people as a whole is when a group tried to kill Elandria. Once America left, were the people happy? I assume so, but again, I would have like proof of that.
I have the same issue with the Marshall, whom I suspected all along. I was fairly certain about what he was doing, and I was right (yay me!). Anyway, I wanted to know what kind of damage Vachlan and Visola had done to him. Certainly after everything he had done that would have been gratifying. But maybe that's just my bloodlust coming out.
Regardless of these small matters though I really enjoyed this. I had hoped for a little more to happen with Aazurdia's daughter and her friend Glais, because I enjoyed their characters. And of course I want to see Visola's twins. This doesn't really seem like an end to me, and I appreciate that only because I feel like there is more to be told. Elandria's training as a siren. Aazurdia and Trevain. All of it. Normally I don't like series that just go on and on and on, but in this case, if the author can maintain the steam, I might make an exception.
February 4, 2013
May contain spoilers
Finished well this book ended better for my piece of mind then the last one. I'm totally want to read future books you write about Adlivun I would love to read and experience Varia and Glais growing up and maybe getting married like she said. I'm conflicted about the Trevain Elandria relationship I understand where your coming from that they seemed more suited for each other and they needed to lean on each other when they thought Zuri was dead after she was kidnapped, but I have to agre with Trevain that Elandria was only happy when her sister was gone I mean to abandon your husband once Zuri was revealed to alive and then want him again when she was dead in the glass coffin. I mean yes she felt like Zuri had a claim to him since she married him first but the circumstances changed and Zuri wanted them to be happy together that why she could not reveal herself at first. I think if Bain would not have died he would of been a good match for Zuri I could see her somewhat happy with him. I totally love Visola and Vachlan relationship dynamic I will enjoy seeing how they handle parenthood together. I knew there was not a feasible way for Trevain to keep both his wives like he joked about in the book, but his heart and soul in my mind an apparently a lot of other readers was to Zuri. I am totally invested in these characters I get connected to them even though it does not take me very long to read each book as I'm sure it took to write.
I totally never enjoy when one of the book series I got involved in ends I always want more glad you want to give more.
Finished well this book ended better for my piece of mind then the last one. I'm totally want to read future books you write about Adlivun I would love to read and experience Varia and Glais growing up and maybe getting married like she said. I'm conflicted about the Trevain Elandria relationship I understand where your coming from that they seemed more suited for each other and they needed to lean on each other when they thought Zuri was dead after she was kidnapped, but I have to agre with Trevain that Elandria was only happy when her sister was gone I mean to abandon your husband once Zuri was revealed to alive and then want him again when she was dead in the glass coffin. I mean yes she felt like Zuri had a claim to him since she married him first but the circumstances changed and Zuri wanted them to be happy together that why she could not reveal herself at first. I think if Bain would not have died he would of been a good match for Zuri I could see her somewhat happy with him. I totally love Visola and Vachlan relationship dynamic I will enjoy seeing how they handle parenthood together. I knew there was not a feasible way for Trevain to keep both his wives like he joked about in the book, but his heart and soul in my mind an apparently a lot of other readers was to Zuri. I am totally invested in these characters I get connected to them even though it does not take me very long to read each book as I'm sure it took to write.
I totally never enjoy when one of the book series I got involved in ends I always want more glad you want to give more.
September 6, 2016
It was awesome seeing Aazuria become a fierce warrior queen, but throughout the whole thing I couldn't help but wish that Elandria had never exposed their kind to the rest of the world. Of course, without that, there wouldn't be nearly as much excitement and plot potential as there is. Yet I just don't trust that the land-dweller countries, especially America, will let them live peacefully (and I'm from the US!). I just see more and more problems coming up, beyond the ones in this book. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about what's been done. Not unless Sionna can create the memory eraser device from M.I.B. (I'm counting on you, Sio!).
I still found myself incredibly annoyed with Elan and Trevain, but my annoyance was sufficiently distracted while reading about Zuri and Viso (and Vachlan, of course). These two (Elan and Trevain) are better off together. I am not Team Trezuria.
The battle scenes were excellent as always and I was cheering for Zuri and Viso the whole time.
I still found myself incredibly annoyed with Elan and Trevain, but my annoyance was sufficiently distracted while reading about Zuri and Viso (and Vachlan, of course). These two (Elan and Trevain) are better off together. I am not Team Trezuria.
The battle scenes were excellent as always and I was cheering for Zuri and Viso the whole time.
December 15, 2013
I have so much love for this author and her Sacred Breath series. There is so much love and hate in this beautiful series that it is hard to put a book down. With all the impossibilities happening you are given a sense of hope with each new tragedy. I have recommended this series to so many people and will continue to do so. This book has made me laugh cry and worry. The story is absolutely thrilling.
October 26, 2012
All I can say is WHEN IS THE NEXT STORY COMING OUT???
October 9, 2017
Truly inspiring how Aazuria and Varia "go home", and face the complicated, delicate issues in their return. Aazuria shows herself to be a much stronger woman than she started the series as, and the reconnection to her old life are difficult and heartbreaking in many ways, the strength of love among the characters is inspiring! The choices that everyone has to make throughout the book are complicated, and hard, and even ultimately devastating, but everyone knows that every choice is complicated and sometimes seemingly unendurable, but everyone faces their choices and do their best. Incredibly well written to showcase the heights and depths of human nature! I love this series! 💜
April 11, 2024
In my opinion, this book is the best one of the series thus far. I think the heavy side of this world is finally being balanced by some wins for Adlivun, and the lack of cliffhanger makes it feel like it could have ended here. Visola and Vachlan's relationship is a little unhinged and sometimes unbelievable, but I'm here for it. On the other hand, the way the world is written is mostly believable. Science and politics, the colonizing and taking advantage of opportunities for capitalistic gain... That is very well written and heartbreaking in its believability.
December 3, 2012
The fourth book in the Sacred Breath series delivers with a thunderous boom and it just seems to keep on booming. I very thoroughly enjoyed this book and honestly wish there was more of it. I feel like there are so many small and interesting stories that can be told in the world Ms. Scrieva has created and I want to learn about all of them. I wanted to get to know Bain more, learn more about the city of Damahaar, learn more about the pirate mermaids, and so many other things.
The book starts off fast like Boundless Seas, and again I must make a minor complaint about the pacing. There is just so much going on in the beginning that it is difficult to process. I would even say that it feels like you've been dumped headfirst into a freezing lake; however, once you get over the initial shock you open your eyes and quickly begin to swim along with the current. The story just seems to take hold and carry you along through each passing moment.
I really need to compliment Ms. Scrieva's battles. She has greatly progressed with each book and now the fights are starting to feel alive and powerful. You can start to feel the dance, rhythm, and music of battle as the characters battle to defend their home and loved ones. The threat of danger to the heroes and enemies alike is real and ever present. I think she can still improve in some areas here, but now I am eager to read about the fights and wars. It is just a lot of fun to read.
There is so much character development here and so many interesting twists and turns that is difficult to describe them without ruining the work that Ms. Scrieva has done. I finally got to see Trevian evolve into the man I had been waiting for him to become. I saw Elandria perhaps find a new strength and resolve to take on the world. I saw Varia grow into her role as a princess with a grace that could only belong to the daughter of Aazuria. Glais and the other children are all interesting in their own ways with lots of potential to expand upon. Visola and Vachlan continue to make me grin and laugh with every exchange. Aazuria really gets to shine in this book and show off why we have been waiting four books for her to take command. She is forced to confront her flaws and fears, make difficult decisions, and lead her people to salvation. I still prefer Visola very slightly as my favorite of the female characters (this may apply to all books honestly), but Aazuria earns fully her place as the hero of Adlivun.
One of the more interesting aspects of this book is that in some ways it felt very different from the others in the series. While the others touched on the spirituality and mysticism aspect of the mermaids, here it is in full force and a major part of the plot. Much more of the mermaid religion is shown off and I really wish there was more time spent developing and explaining aspects of it. There are many prophecies fulfilled and even maybe just a little bit of magic sprinkled around. These are not bad things and are quite fun to explore, but they do feel quite different from before.
This is a great book to end a series and I really do hope that Ms. Scrieva explores the universe of Adlivun further in either new books or an entire new series. I fully encourage everyone to buy this book.
The book starts off fast like Boundless Seas, and again I must make a minor complaint about the pacing. There is just so much going on in the beginning that it is difficult to process. I would even say that it feels like you've been dumped headfirst into a freezing lake; however, once you get over the initial shock you open your eyes and quickly begin to swim along with the current. The story just seems to take hold and carry you along through each passing moment.
I really need to compliment Ms. Scrieva's battles. She has greatly progressed with each book and now the fights are starting to feel alive and powerful. You can start to feel the dance, rhythm, and music of battle as the characters battle to defend their home and loved ones. The threat of danger to the heroes and enemies alike is real and ever present. I think she can still improve in some areas here, but now I am eager to read about the fights and wars. It is just a lot of fun to read.
There is so much character development here and so many interesting twists and turns that is difficult to describe them without ruining the work that Ms. Scrieva has done. I finally got to see Trevian evolve into the man I had been waiting for him to become. I saw Elandria perhaps find a new strength and resolve to take on the world. I saw Varia grow into her role as a princess with a grace that could only belong to the daughter of Aazuria. Glais and the other children are all interesting in their own ways with lots of potential to expand upon. Visola and Vachlan continue to make me grin and laugh with every exchange. Aazuria really gets to shine in this book and show off why we have been waiting four books for her to take command. She is forced to confront her flaws and fears, make difficult decisions, and lead her people to salvation. I still prefer Visola very slightly as my favorite of the female characters (this may apply to all books honestly), but Aazuria earns fully her place as the hero of Adlivun.
One of the more interesting aspects of this book is that in some ways it felt very different from the others in the series. While the others touched on the spirituality and mysticism aspect of the mermaids, here it is in full force and a major part of the plot. Much more of the mermaid religion is shown off and I really wish there was more time spent developing and explaining aspects of it. There are many prophecies fulfilled and even maybe just a little bit of magic sprinkled around. These are not bad things and are quite fun to explore, but they do feel quite different from before.
This is a great book to end a series and I really do hope that Ms. Scrieva explores the universe of Adlivun further in either new books or an entire new series. I fully encourage everyone to buy this book.
August 11, 2016
SPOILERS AHEAD:
This series just tears at my heart, I swear. I'm glad things finally got resolved and that Adlivun was put under the rightful queen. I'm upset though with how Elandria is portrayed. I love her meek character and I'm starting to accept her and Travain together, but I can't stand how weak she comes off and the way she talks down about herself. Also, great twist at the end of the book with Aazuria. I was freaking out. I love Visola so much. Her character makes me so happy. I also love how we got to see more out of Sionna in this book.
This series just tears at my heart, I swear. I'm glad things finally got resolved and that Adlivun was put under the rightful queen. I'm upset though with how Elandria is portrayed. I love her meek character and I'm starting to accept her and Travain together, but I can't stand how weak she comes off and the way she talks down about herself. Also, great twist at the end of the book with Aazuria. I was freaking out. I love Visola so much. Her character makes me so happy. I also love how we got to see more out of Sionna in this book.
August 9, 2014
Excellent read but how many books are in this series ?
Excellent read but how many books are in this series ?
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO WANTS A GOOD READ. IT MADE ME WANT MORE AND MORE, SHE'S A GOOD WRITER AND IT WAS JUST TOO GOOD TO PUT DOWN. I GIVE IT 5 Stars.
Excellent read but how many books are in this series ?
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO WANTS A GOOD READ. IT MADE ME WANT MORE AND MORE, SHE'S A GOOD WRITER AND IT WAS JUST TOO GOOD TO PUT DOWN. I GIVE IT 5 Stars.
July 20, 2013
My heart was broken for Zuri in most parts of this book but she becomes much stronger than I possibly could have imagined. She is so noble, how can anyone keep going after she was robbed of everything!!!!Another great book to revel in!!!!!!
February 10, 2014
Loved this book!!!!
Read
March 14, 2015As I said on the 3rd one, Im cheering for Azuria,Vachlan and especially with Visola, truly love them, and hating Trevain and Elandra forever.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews