A Dark and Twisted Fairytale
The story follows Desharow, a human biology student, on a research expedition near Iceland with his mentor. During their travels, he captures a black-scaled merman, who is not just any ordinary creature. This is a "night evil" merfolk, possessing strange and very dangerous powers.
As a curious marine biologist, Desharow wants to study this unique creature. However, it soon becomes clear that the merman is far more sentient and intelligent than he initially thought. Before Desharow can satisfy his scientific curiosity, a deal must be struck between the two. This agreement forces them to interact on an entirely new level, blurring the lines between researcher and subject, and setting the stage for the rest of their complex and problematic relationship.
Characters of Desharow Merman
Desharow Wallace
A biology student at the Russian maritime academy.
Agares
A mysterious merman with great powers.
Rhine
Desharow’s colleague and mentor.
A Masterpiece in terms of Art
When I say this is one of the most beautiful and gorgeous manhua I've ever read, it's no exaggeration—it's truly a work of art. The artwork alone deserves a five-star rating. The lighting, shadows, and character designs are all executed with such elegance and refinement.
The use of floral imagery is a brilliant touch. When a scene is meant to be sweet or seductive, it's enhanced by beautiful flowers and petals that complement the art perfectly. Conversely, when tension or something unsettling arises, thorns appear to enhance those negative emotions without losing its overall polished aesthetic. This meticulous attention to detail and symbolic art direction is what makes the manhwa a true visual masterpiece, and it’s also one of the reasons I kept reading for so long.
Opinion About Desharow Mermaid
The story "Desharow Mermaid" explores the intense conflict between humans and merfolk through the lens of a complex and highly problematic relationship. What might sound like a fantasy romance is actually a dark tale with extremely mature and often toxic themes.
The central dynamic is between Desharow, a human biology student, and a powerful merman his team captures. The merman is not a helpless siren but a sovereign of the deep, who initially views humans as prey. His interest in Desharow doesn't make him any less ruthless; his love is more akin to an obsession, creating a twisted power dynamic where his devotion is as dangerous as it is powerful.
The narrative delves into a profound culture clash between the two. This conflict prompts readers to question human versus merfolk logic, as well as the fine line between animalistic instinct and humaneness, and between instinct and outright abuse. The turbulent backdrop of war between the two races only heightens the creepiness and complexity of their controversial relationship.
When it comes to the characters, it's hard to discuss them without giving away major spoilers. However, I can say that Agares, the merman, is by far the more interesting of the two protagonists. In contrast, I found Desharow to be an exasperating character who lacks self-awareness and self-preservation. While there’s no doubt he is a victim of his circumstances, the way he passively accepts the abuse and trauma inflicted upon him makes for a very uncomfortable reading experience.
Beyond the characters, the plot itself feels both rushed and random. It seems as if the author had a multitude of ideas and tried to cram them into the story as quickly as possible. This approach often makes the narrative feel disjointed and confusing. The explicit scenes, rather than moving the plot forward, seem to slow it down, disrupting the overall storytelling flow.
The novel has already finished with a bittersweet ending, leaving some of the wider conflicts unresolved. Because of this, I'm waiting to see if the ongoing manhua adaptation will address the original story's flaws and provide a more satisfying conclusion.
Reader Warnings
Due to the sensitive nature of its content, I urge readers to review the trigger warnings before reading "Desharow Mermaid." The story (in both novel and manhua contains significant emotional and physical abuse, which many may find distressing. Please proceed with caution.
