Review Detail

Twists on classic fairy tales are very popular right now. Look at the success of the TV series ONCE UPON A TIME and GRIMM. One YA author who's been retelling some classic tales is Jackson Pearce. I loved her previous stories: SISTERS RED and SWEETLY. I was excited to be able to read her latest, FATHOMLESS.

Jackson Pearce has to be the Queen of taking classic fairytales and spinning her own unique twist to them. FATHOMLESS is the retelling of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Unlike the Disney movie, this story has a sharp edge to it, which I love. We meet Celia, who's a triplet. Unlike her other sisters, she feels different as she isn't bound to them by their shared special abilities. Then one day she sees a handsome boy named Jude fall off the pier and into the ocean. A mysterious girl, Lo, helps her save him. Something isn't quite right with Lo. Only later does Celia find out why.

Another huge plus with Jackson's stories is how she's able to put a modern touch to these old time fairy tales. In this case we read the dual point of views of both Celia and Lo. Both girls have secrets. Both feel out of place. But here's where Jackson weaves in her own magic by giving us a haunting yet chilling story. You care for all the characters. Celia isn't one to sit by and just let Jude win her over with what her sister's call the Nightingale symptom but rather she goes and wants to find out more about Lo.

Lo is a complex character. Her 'human' name resurfaces and she battles between the memories that were swept away by the ocean and her longing to be human again. You're not sure if she's the monster she fears or is trapped by the voice inside her head.

The mermaids in this story are almost like the sirens in Greek mythology only not so obvious. Their bite is more subtle. This makes this tale more frightening and dark. I loved it!

I really love these characters. All have faults and also hidden strengths that help them toward the twist at the climax of the story. The revelation is almost more frightening then the myth the mermaids turn to foam if they don't steal a human soul. Also Celia learns that she must rely on not only herself but her sisters in the end.

Haunting with a sharp bite, FATHOMLESS will satisfy readers. I can't wait for the next Jackson Pearce novel!