Review Detail

“Life is not fussy about where it grows, but it is set on doing so.”

Writing this review won’t be easy, because this is not an easy book to describe. When I first started really getting into this book (about a chapter in), I started feeling… awake. Something about the way this story is told, and the story being told, just provokes a strong reaction from you.

This story and it’s ending are completely unpredictable, at least in my opinion. When I first started the book I went in with the idea that this would be about mermaids, and a coming-of-age story. This book is listed as a Young Adult novel, and the description also seemed to go along with that. However, it will be very clear almost immediately that this does not feel like a Young Adult novel, or any YA because of the poetic writing.

Every time I began reading this book, it was hard to stop. There are many questions you will have as the reader, and continuing is the only option in finding those answers. Add in an intense, beautiful writing style and you’ve lost a whole night to this book. Following Neen’s journey throughout this book was so easy because of all this.

Neen, the main character, is looking for answers. She has grown up in the care of her aunt, Ushag, on the island of Carrick surrounded by rumors of what may or may not have happened to her mother. She knows in her gut that she can find the answers, and sets out to do so in order to finally have that peace. However, those answers may be more complicated than she thinks.

Neen was a very relatable character, despite having a rather different life from my own. Her thoughts, actions, and the way that she carried herself felt so real. She was definitely a strong female character that will stay with me for a long time. Also, not to mention Ushag! She was such an intriguing character and I would love to read a book about her life.

Final thoughts?

This book was like a fairytale. Beautifully told with memorable characters, and definitely original. It was a slower type of book, which may turn some people off, but in this case it worked perfectly. Every moment could be savored. Not all the answers were there, and to be honest, I still don’t know if mermaids were in the book or not. But I think that is also what sets this book apart from others. Overall, a solid read that will appeal to readers who love books with this writing style.