This novel is FREE on audiobook and e-book.
(Links are below)

Kelsea Jones is like a lot of girls at the University of Northern Minnesota. She has a boyfriend, she works at a coffee shop, and she’s on the swim team. But she’s not a girl. She’s a mermaid.

Trouble brews when star hockey player Chad Andersen takes an interest in her. She tries to avoid him, but he won’t leave her alone. A son of wealth and privilege, he takes what he wants, and he gets away with it. He wants Kelsea, she says no, and so he rapes her. Kelsea stands on a tail and two fins to fight the most painful trial of her life. Despite her trauma and a crisis of faith, she speaks the truth of what Chad did, but will she be believed?

A note from me:
1 out of 4 college girls experiences rape or sexual assault. That breaks my heart. It’s a crime that has affected people I love, and it has to stop. This novel is my way of raising awareness and showing survivors that someone hears them.

Believed is a product of my friendship with a survivor who is an author and advocate. She opened my eyes to a world of trauma and PTSD that had been largely invisible to me before I met her, and it was life-changing. I needed to share that with others. The burden on my heart was too great to not say something, and fiction is the method I know best to convey the thoughts, truths, pains, and struggles that I see.

Sexual assault is not my story. I haven’t experienced it, I don’t live with the resulting trauma, and I do not wish to profit from the pain of survivors. This is a book for them. It’s a book for those who love them. It’s a book to encourage readers to think and to empathize and to consider the realities of so many whose lives have been affected by this crime. If you purchase a copy, know that the prices are the minimum allowed. I make no royalty on print sales. The audiobook and e-book are available for free from many distributors, and you can download the book here as a PDF, EPUB, MOBI, or MP3 audio file. Links are below.

(EPUB and MOBI are e-book formats which will open in Kindle and Apple Books etc.)

If you find value in this work, please consider donating to an organization that fights against sexual violence or offers support to survivors. Tell your family and friends about the book. Review it online. Let the survivors in your life know that you care, that you believe them, and that you are there for them.

Interview with Dear Katie podcast

I had the opportunity to be a guest on the Dear Katie podcast. We covered a lot, and I hope you’ll listen. Thank you to Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan for a wonderful conversation.

See Season 5, episode 5: Mermaids Walking on Their Toes

https://katiekoestner.com/podcast/

From Katie’s website:
Katie Koestner is the first person in history to speak out nationally as the victim of “date” rape. She appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine at age 18. The Dear Katie Podcast features survivors of sexual assault, rape, and abuse; supporters; authors; celebrities; and agents of change about their survivorship and support.

“There have been a LOT of tears while reading this book. The content is complex and human and relatable. Even though the subject isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows, it brings a certain amount of joy and peace, because more than anything it makes me feel seen, and heard, and it reminds me that I’m not in this alone. Being able to use words and stories to give another human being that feeling is truly a gift, and it’s executed beautifully with Believed.”

— Unnamed Survivor of sexual assault

“This book was amazing!!! I couldn’t put it down. As a survivor and advocate who works full time with survivors, the authenticity of this book, the way the author writes with sensitivity and details and covers an array of emotions is wonderful. Thank you for tackling such an important and tough topic with such excellence. I have to share this!!”

— Lisa Alexander, Founder & Executive Director,
Stand Up Survivor Inc.

“Heartbreaking, but beautifully written, Believed serves as a living, breathing testimony for all who have suffered—and survived, sexual assault. This book is incredibly unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read, makes you think, makes you feel, and inspires you to make a change in the world in any way you can.”

— T.R. Prouty, author

“As someone who has worked with victims of abuse this book shared so many of the thoughts I have encountered when working with them. Tears flow as I think of those out there who fear to tell their story due to the worry of not being believed and being made to believe that it never happened the way they told it.”

— Bonnie P, Everand review

“I heard of Believed through the Author, who shared a link to his website where the e-version and audio book are available for free. Although not a book that I would generally be drawn to, I decided to give it a shot, and I am so glad I did!

The story follows a young Mermaid, Kelsea, and her traumatic experience with s/a, and the unfortunate aftermath when her story is called into question. I don't want to give too much away, but I can absolutely guarantee that this book will tug at your heart and fill you with rage. The author has written this book in a way that makes it approachable and safe for the reader, while also drawing you into the life of Kelsea and how her trauma is compounded when she is blamed as the aggressor, rather than seen as the victim, deserving of empathy and love. This story also highlights the shame and fear that survivors feel, which often leads them to stay quiet.

I think many women might look at a story of this nature written by a man and immediately put up defenses; however Michael approaches this sensitive topic with gentleness and love, the way I hope any man would with any woman who has a similar experience.”

— J Hieb, author

“Wow. This book will smack you in the gut and tear down your walls. Michael you are an inspiration to many. Please read, absorb, and listen because money does buy power but reality exists and the little guy can be heard if they are willing to shout and never give up. Love, love ,love this. The author had a great role model.”

— Anne S, Rakuten Kobo review

“I was a little skeptical at first because the main character was a mermaid. But all I have to say is: Wow, just wow…… Definitely a great book, I’m without words!”

— Frainny24, Apple Books review

“Think you won’t get emotional over a fictional story about a mermaid? Think again. Emberger brilliantly captures the pain, heartache, trauma, and hard truths of sexual assault in this novel. Believed is going to raise awareness and give a voice to victims who have had to be silent. A compelling, unforgettable read.”

— Kathryn M. Inman, author

“Believed by Michael Emberger is a fantasy novel that addresses sexual assault in a way that’s both sensitive and empowering to survivors. He weaves faith with the desire to overcome PTSD and trauma. Emberger gives a well thought out and sensitive approach to surviving trauma and abuse.”

— Allison Wells, author

“A wonderfully feminist tale of trial and tribulation. Experience the power to conquer the patriarchy while making a splash across the nation.”

— Amber Lilyquist, avid reader

“Through very relatable characters I quickly began to challenge my own views on the topic and question how I have responded to victims of abuse until now. I am thankful for this story and would certainly recommend it to those who have NOT dealt with this issue as it will open your eyes and your heart.”

— Rachel E, Amazon review

“I was interested in this book because of the subject matter, but it far exceeded my expectations. The weaving of fantasy together with real-world, relatable content is brilliant. I will definitely gift and recommend this book to both survivors of abuse and those who want to love and understand the survivors in their lives a little better.”

— Jen, Amazon review

“The raw truth in this story with the overlap of the mermaids is done so perfectly! I would love to see this in a movie! Not only was the truth shown in the impact of the assault but also in the impact that church members can have on an already hurting soul. The weaving of the church and faith in this story are done on an amazingly real level! I am a survivor - I was raised in church and left for nearly 30 years due to similar circumstances. Very well written!!!”

— wqtuojcsy, Apple Books review

When the Story Paints the Picture.
”The frame doesn’t matter. I listened to this book in one sitting. I could not break free. There were moments where I thought, “I can’t listen while I…” fill in some chore, but that moment would be followed immediately with sentences that encompassed the very question that I asked or the exact attitude I had to navigate. The storyline was such a gentle and eloquent way of describing the internal struggle that grips every subsequent decision. You masterfully addressed stereotypes, social norms, and inherent bias. Your fictional writing was warm and inviting to realities that are ugly and hidden; for a moment it was ok -it was good - to open the shed door and look at all that lay tattered bathed in sunlight shining bright with (self)acceptance and (self)forgiveness,. Thank you.”

— 1JayneDoe, Apple Books review