In a city of majesty and brutality, of warring races and fragile alliances, a sacred mermaid has been brutally murdered. An abomination, a soulless Arukh is summoned to hunt the killer. As the world around the Arukh drifts into war and madness, her search for justice leads her on a journey to discover redemption and even beauty in the midst of chaos. "The Mermaid's Tale" is violent and brutal and haunting and beautiful. Highly recommended. Michael R. Fletcher, "Beyond Redemption, " and "88" **