Mera: Tidebreaker

Paige (the Dorothy Must Die series) details the story of the water-dwelling Xebel heir Princess Mera’s initial meeting with Aquaman—Arthur Curry, the Prince of Atlantis. Tired of living under the harsh rulings and prejudices inflicted upon penal colony Xebel under Atlantean rule, Mera wants nothing more than to protect her people, and she’s convinced that she can do this best by assuming the throne. After her father seems to choose for his successor Mera’s unwanted betrothed (and ex-lover) Larken, Mera decides she will stop at nothing to get her chance at the crown. All she needs is the head of the Prince of Atlantis. But when she meets him, he isn’t the cruel Atlantean she expected. Suddenly torn about carrying out her mission, Mera is faced with the difficult decision of following her heart or her ambitions. Byrne’s detailed illustrations capture Mera’s connection to the water in shades of blues and greens. Though it would have been all too easy for Paige and Byrne to focus on the well-known Aquaman origin story, the panels concentrate directly on Mera. Paige avoids employing the distressed female protagonist, instead providing a strong warrior princess who does the rescuing. Ages 13–up. [em](Apr.) [/em]