Dark Waters: Book 1 (Celtic Legacy Series)

This is a story of integrity, determination, sisterly bonds, and courage laced with fear. The characters are multi-layered, and they come to life in Mayer's skillful hands. Quinn, the heroine, is especially appealing.

Right from the start, Quinn's hopes and fears captivated me, and I soon began to wonder how she could ever succeed. She faces no small task as she grapples with the dark mysteries that spring from her Celtic heritage.

The story includes two attractive men, with subplots to match, but my favorite character beside Quinn is the lustrous snake, Corchen. She has a personality with delightful quirks and she plays a pivotal role in Quinn's mission.

I like the way Mayer weaves in the necessary and extensive Celtic backstory without piling it all into the early chapters; gradually, and with growing anxiety, we come to understand the desperate situation in which Quinn finds herself.

Quinn's inner turmoil is believable, and her fear of water, which shows up early in the story, effectively foreshadows her agonized conflict during the tension-filled climax.

The story's end is bittersweet but hopeful, and it draws me toward the next book and Quinn's continued adventures.

Uck, I read Mayer's Rylee Adamson series and enjoyed every book, I do suggest reading those. However, Dark Waters seems like an a amateur attempt at something new. The setting and characters were lacking, everything was unclear and slow. Do not waste your time and money. I've read a lot of crappy books but I normally finish them. I made an exception and quit 60% through. One eyed humanoid sea creatures snatching people off their surf boards and hoarding them in an under water prison and talking snakes.... not imaginative and not good. Save your money.

I really like her Rylee and Alex series, but this one I could not get into and just skimmed. There were no great characters to latch on to and follow. I'll try reading the second book hopefully it is better. This one I would not recommend.

Having read other books from Shannon Mayor I expected more. I am not going to finish this story. It is too simplistic, no real feel for the persons and their reactions are weird and underexplained. Reads like a wannabe author, not the real deal

What an amazing beginning to what promises to be an equally amazing series. Dark Waters is a refreshingly new take on the Fae - an action-filled urban fantasy with wonderful characters, a back-story with lots of mystery and the promise of even more exciting action to come. Quinn is a strong character battling her own fears and all the more believable and likeable for those fears. Excellently written, you will not go wrong with Dark Waters. I'm looking forward to the sequel and I've already bought one of Shannon Mayer's other books.

No gossamer and glitter fairies, here! Dark Waters is a quick, action-packed urban fantasy offering a refreshing twist on the use of Celtic myth in a modern setting. From the beginning, this novel offers interesting characters and creatures in more interesting settings. (I particularly enjoyed Quinn and Ashley's visit with their grandfather.) A couple of things kept me from giving this novel five stars. First, the characters felt younger to me than I think is intended, so the more adult love interests came as a surprise and felt awkward. And second, the book was short and ended in an odd place. (It's the first in a series.) I would prefer to pay more and get the full story in one volume. On the other hand, I guess that meant I wanted to keep reading!

The story begins in a mental hospital and hooked me from the first page. Quinn and Ashling are sisters with a strong bond because Quinn had to take over the mothering role early in their broken family. The author was wonderful at building the dynamics of the siblings but what I loved most was the intensity of the world they were thrown into. Legends and prophecy make this book the perfect blend of paranormal fiction with a great but not perfect heroine.

And then there are the men. I'm not sure who I choose. One moment Bres has my vote and then the arrogance of Luke. I can't say enough about the interaction between Quinn and these two males, loved it! I'm impatiently waiting for the next installment and I just purchased the first book of her zombie series. I'm now a Shannon Mayer fan!

Dark Waters (Celtic Legacy Book 1) It's been many years since I've read a fantasy book that I have enjoyed, but Dark Waters has rekindled my interest in these books. This truly was one of those "you can't put it down" books for me. It held my interest all the way through and left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

An interesting take on Celtic mythology. I went in knowing very little about what to expect, other than it was based of Irish Lore. The story moved along nicely and kept me turning the pages. I always need a little romance to keep the story interesting... so I was glad for the steam! I have a feeling I'll have more to say after the next book!

Of the myriad fantasies I have read this summer, this one stands out among the best. Shannon Mayer brings some very old magic into the modern world, and the result is a wild ride through West Coast forest, the shining Pacific and beyond. She creates characters we can care about in a setting we can see, feel and smell. I cannot wait for the promised conclusion of this series.

Quinn and her sister from the beginning are pulled into an action packed vacation that never lets up. Was a good read, plots within plots and strong characters. I seemed to read it rather quickly, I guess I couldn't put it down! Looking forward to the next in series.