The Vast and Brutal Sea by Zoraida Córdova Review

Name: The Vast and Brutal Sea (The Vicious Deep #3)
Author: Zoraida Córdova
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: July 1st, 2014
Format: E-Book ARC
336 pages

Thank you so much Sourcebooks Fire for sending me a copy of this book to review!

Summary:
This epic clash of sand and sea will pit brother against brother-and there can only be one winner.

In two days, the race for the Sea Court throne will be over-but all the rules have changed. The sea witch, Nieve, has kidnapped Layla and is raising an army of mutant sea creatures to overthrow the crown. Kurt, the one person Tristan could depend on in the battle for the Sea King's throne, has betrayed him. 

Now Kurt wants the throne for himself. Tristan has the Scepter of the Earth, but it's not enough. He'll have to travel to the mysterious, lost Isle of Tears and unleash the magic that first created the king's powerful scepter. It's a brutal race to the finish, and there can only be one winner.

Goodreads

My Review:
What a fantastic ending to a phenomenal series! From the start, I have been a huge fan of both books in The Vicious Deep series and The Vast and Brutal Sea is a really great way to end this fun ride!

What I really liked about The Vast and Brutal Sea was the plot! It definitely was fast paced and it was nice seeing all of my favorite characters back together again. I also liked how Zoraida made everything so detailed and we got to meet new characters and see different places which was great as well. I also really (still) like that the book is from Tristian's perspective! I thought over time I would not like the book being voiced by a male character but I really liked it and I loved reading Tristian's funny banter.

What I also really loved about the The Vast and Brutal Sea was that it was action packed, but the novel also was able to tie up loose ends, and add some romance in too. I also liked seeing Tristian really step into the role of a leader. In the first two books, Tristian was more watching from the sidelines but in this one we really got to see him step up to the plate.

Overall, I really liked The Vast Brutal Sea and I'm sad to see the series end! Definitely a solid ending to a solid series. I'm hoping that there will be some sort of e-book novella in the future so I can read more about Tristian's adventures.

My Rating:

Savage Blue (The Vicious Deep # 2) by Zoraida Córdova Review

Name: Savage Blue (The Vicious Deep # 2)
Author: Zoraida Córdova
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
 Release Date: May 7th, 2013
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon
416 pages

Summary: A storm is coming...

The ocean is a vicious place. Deeper and darker than Tristan could have imagined. Beneath its calm blue surface, an ancient battle is churning —and no one is safe.

In the quest for the Sea Throne, Tristan has already watched one good friend die. Now he must lead the rest on a dangerous voyage in search of the trident that will make him king. But while Tristan chases his destiny, the dark forces racing against him are getting stronger, and the sea witch of his nightmares is getting closer.

Battling sea dragons and savage creatures of the deep, Tristan needs his friends' support. But they each have their secrets, and a betrayal will force Tristan to choose between his crown and his best friend Layla — the only girl he's ever loved.

Goodreads

My Review:
After the ending of The Vicious Deep, I had to get my hands on the second book! Unfortunately we had to wait a whole year for this book to come out, so I was a little rusty on what happened in the first book when I picked this one up. Luckily I was only a little bit confused at the beginning, and overall I really enjoyed this book.

What I really liked about Savage Blue was the plot! It definitely was fast paced and it was nice seeing all of my favorite characters back together again. I also liked how Zoraida made everything so detailed, I could really imagine the different places that Tristan was going to, which made this book more enjoyable. 

One thing that I didn't love about this book was the ending. It wasn't that big of a cliffhanger but I finished this book feeling unhappy. I wish that there was some more action or romance at the end instead of what we were left with.

Overall, I really enjoyed Savage Blue! I thought it was a nice sequel to an awesome series and I can't wait for the next book and to see where Tristan and his friends end up. 

My Rating:

Waterfell by Amalie Howard Review and Giveaway!

Name: Waterfell

Author: Amalie Howard

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: October 29th, 2013

Format: E-Book ARC
Buy the book on Amazon

Summary:

The Girl Who Would Be Queen

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age. 

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

Goodreads

My Review:
Overall, I really enjoyed Waterfell by Amalie Howard! It was a great new take on the genre of mermaids and science fiction (mixed with realism of course!).

At first, I thought this was going to be the typical mermaid story, but I was so mistaken once I continued reading this book! I really loved how the author was able to make a spin on the "classic mermaid tale" making the story unique and different. I thought the plot of this book really was fantastic..it was fast paced and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. I also really liked how descriptive Amalie Howard was with her characters. I really could imagine the characters while I read the book and that definitely was a great aspect.

I thought that the characters developed really well throughout the novel. Nerissa was a really great character and I thought she was a very relatable character. She is going through problems that regular teenagers face (school, falling in love) but also has to deal with the fact that she is an exiled mermaid princess!

Overall, I really enjoyed Waterfell! It definitely was a refreshing take on a genre that I love, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

My Rating:

Of Triton (Of Poseidon # 2) by Anna Banks Review

Name: Of Triton

Author: Anna Banks

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Release Date: May 28th, 2013

Format: Library Book
Buy the book on Amazon

246 pages

Summary:
In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Goodreads

My Review:
As everyone knows, I really love reading YA mermaid novels...there is something about them that just intrigues me so much! Anyways, Of Triton definitely was a great followup novel to Of Poseidon! While it did lack some of the magic that was present in the first novel, I still really enjoyed this one!

One of my favorite parts about this series definitely is the relationship that Emma has with Galen! I did wish they had more interactions in this book..but it was still fun seeing them together! I really think they are a great couple and I can't wait for them to progress more in the next book. The plot of this book was really great as well..it definitely wasn't too fast paced and I liked seeing more of the underworld kingdom and how the Syrena's live.

The only thing that kind of bothered me in this book was Emma's mom. She just became a totally different person in this book and it annoyed me. She just completely forgot about her husband..just saying that their relationship was an "agreement" and nothing else. I don't think that was okay for her to tell that to Emma...it just made things even more confusing. I mean, who wants their parents to tell them that their relationship is just an agreement? She just became more annoying in this book and I was sad to see her change so much from the first book.

Overall, I really enjoyed Of Triton! I definitely can't wait to read the next book in the series and to see what is in store for all of our favorite characters: especially Emma and Galen!

My Rating:

Flukes by Nichole Chase Review

Name: Flukes
Author: Nichole Chase 
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: October 6th, 2012 
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon
162 pages

Summary:
THIS IS A NEW ADULT NOVEL AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH. SOME CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUNG READERS.

Meena has a secret guarded closely by her family—a secret as dangerous as the sea, and buried just as deep. When court appointed community service workers are assigned to Flukes, the family-owned animal sanctuary, everyone is on high alert. It doesn’t help that Meena finds herself attracted to sexy-as-sin Blake Weathering, one of the new workers. If he wasn’t so distracting, she might be able to land Flukes a much-needed cruise line contract.

Blake Weathering, the first in his family to attend public school, has developed a tough image. Unfortunately it lands him in trouble. Now banned from his high school graduation ceremony, getting his diploma is dependent upon a community service gig cleaning fish crap. No diploma, no trust fund fortune—and no way to escape his overbearing father. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a mysterious girl with teal eyes who pulls at his heart strings.

When Blake discovers Meena’s secret, they are both thrown into a desperate search for information about her past. Two worlds pull them in opposite directions, and they will have to fight to hold onto all that really matters.

Goodreads

My Review:
I haven't really read any self published books in awhile..not because I haven't wanted too but I just haven't seen any ones that sparked my interest. I happened across Flukes on Amazon a couple of weeks ago and I decided to give it a shot. Overall, I was surprised on how much I enjoyed Flukes.

While the beginning of Flukes was a little bit rocky, I have to say eventually the book got progressively better and I think that this series really has the potential to be something great. What definitely worked for me in this book was how great the main character, Meena was. She is a very strong and independent character which I really liked. At first, I didn't think I was going to like Meena but I'm glad she turned out to be a really great character! Plot wise-this book was really short which was both good and bad. It was good because the plot moved along quickly and it was fun short read. I did think, however, the author could have expanded more on the plot and dragged out a few scenes that seemed kind of rushed.

The only thing that kind of bothered me about this book was the romance. It definitely was sort of "insta-love" which I didn't really like. I wish Meena and Blake had more development into their relationship instead of falling in love right away.

Overall, Flukes definitely has the potential to be a great series. With a little bit more plot development I can really see this series becoming something great. If your interested in reading any sort of mermaid type book check this book out!

My Rating:

Just for Fins (Fins # 3) by Tera Lynn Childs Review

Name: Just for Fins (Fins # 3)
Author: Tera Lynn Childs  

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books  
Release Date: July 3rd, 2012
Format: Library Book
Buy the book on Amazon 
272 pages

Summary:

When Lily Sanderson decided to remain Crown Princess Waterlily of the mermaid kingdom Thalassinia, she knew she couldn’t just coast along in the current. But since she’s spent the last couple of years on land—with gorgeous human Quince by her side—Lily’s not sure she has the fins to lead a kingdom. Even her maddeningly pretentious cousin Dosinia seems to know more about ruling than she does.

But Lily has to dive in deep to keep her promise to Tellin, her mer bond in name only, whose kingdom is suffering in the changing ocean climate. Lily knows this is a seven seas–sized problem: from sea animals dying to oil spills and threats to humans. They’ll need to create some serious waves to make the mer community aware and get it to join together to make things right. Even if that means facing one of the iciest queens in the mer kingdoms.

Just when Lily thinks her double life on land and sea can’t get any more complicated, an ancient mer law might separate Lily and Quince after all. It feels as if the pair is up against a solid tsunami wave!

In this third installment in the series that began with Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever, Lily will have to find a way to balance safety and justice for the mer people as well as for the humans she loves.

Goodreads

My Review:
I have really enjoyed all of Tera Lynn Childs' books, so when I heard about this series about a year ago I was SO excited to read it. Three books later, I'm still loving the captivating tale that the author spins with such fantastic characters!

What I really liked about this book (when compared to the other two), is that we really get to see Lily get involved with what's happening in her kingdom! While the author two books really focused on romance, I'm glad that we got to see a different side to Lily! Not saying that their isn't romance in this book..which I will get to later in this review! Anyways, I liked seeing Lily's progression throughout the book. At the beginning, she is unsure about her role as a leader, but as the book goes on, she still starts to get the hang of things and we start to see her figure herself, and how she wants to help her kingdom. I also loved seeing her relationship with her cousin, Doe grow! During the second book, the two kinda butt heads a lot, but in this book, you can see that they both really care for each other! Doe really is a great cousin and I liked seeing her character progression throughout the novel.

Lily's not only dealing with the impossible challenge of getting all of the kingdoms to work together, but she is also dealing with Quince having to take a test to prove his love to her so either she won't be banned from land and he the sea. While this aspect to the story was interesting, and seeing how much Quince was devoted to Lily, I did think that it was a little unnecessary, especially since I had a feeling we would know the end result! Other then that, I always have liked Lily's relationship with Quince..it's adorable!

Overall, Just for Fins is another great novel to an awesome mermaid series! Definitely try to pick this series up this summer..it's the perfect beach read!

My Rating:

Wake (Watersong # 1) by Amanda Hocking Review

Name: Wake (Watersong # 1)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: August 7th, 2012
Format: ARC Copy
Pre-Order the book on Amazon
307 pages
Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for sending me a copy of this book to review!

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group. Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different. Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.-Goodreads

My Review:
I've been on a mermaid kick since the beginning of last week..they are great books to read at the beach! Wake definitely was a really great beach read..it has action, romance, suspense and mystery!

What I really loved about this book was the relationship between Gemma and her sister Harper. You can really see how strong their bond is throughout the novel-even when Gemma starts to become distant. Harper really cares about her sister and will do anything to protect her. While they both are complete opposites-Harper being a rule follower and very protective of her sister-and Gemma being more carefree and daring-they really do compliment each other and I loved seeing their relationship throughout this book! The romance in this book definitely was cute! Nothing too serious..but it was still nice to read about! I liked seeing how Gemma and Alex's relationship grew throughout the novel! Harper's relationship with Daniel was really sweet! It doesn't really progress to anything more in this book but I am hoping to see them together more in the next book!

The plot of this book was kind of predictable in my opinion..while it definitely had my favorite elements of a paranormal romance book, I was kind of disappointed when I felt like I knew what was going to happen next. Some parts where really predictable and I wish that there was a little bit more suspense to Wake! The siren mythology in this book definitely was interesting and I am hoping we can learn more about it in the next book! I also kinda wanted to learn a little bit more about Penn, Lexi, and Thea..we do get to see a glimpse in their past but I am also hoping for more in the next book!

Overall, I enjoyed reading Wake! It's the perfect Siren book to read at the beach this summer..make sure to check it out!!

My Rating: Three out of Five Stars

Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown Review

Name: Lies Beneath
Author: Anne Greenwood Brown
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: June 12th, 2012
Format: E-Book ARC
Buy the book on Amazon
303 pages

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistable good looks and charm on ususpecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.-Goodreads

My Review:
I really really wanted to like this book but it just wasn't working for me. Too much was going on and I just couldn't get into this book. No matter how hard I tried, I just wasn't invested in the plot or characters.

After reading some fantastic mermaid books recently, I decided to dive (lol) into Lies Beneath. When I first heard about this book, I was very excited that the main character was a male and it would be told from his point of view! I rarely read books with male leads, so I couldn't wait to see things from Calder's perspective. Unfortunately for me, I just couldn't get myself to really like Calder. I didn't dislike him, I just couldn't get myself to really enjoy reading his story. Another thing that I really bothered me about this book is that the mythology really wasn't explained! Some parts were SO vague and I found myself having trouble keeping up. I wish that we learned more about Calder's past and how being a mermaid/merman works in this book. I'm the type of person that needs a little bit of background knowledge in a book to be able to enjoy it and unfortunately this book just didn't have enough that made sense.

It wasn't that this book was written badly at all (in fact it was written beautifully!), the problem was that I just didn't find anything "special" to this book. Nothing really stood out to me, and I felt that this was kind of similar to other mermaid books that I have read. I knew that this book wasn't working when I found myself not thinking about what was going to happen next in the story, or staying up super late to finish Lies Beneath. This book just didn't have that spark.

This book had so much potential, but in the end it just didn't work for me. However, if you are looking for a mermaid book with a male perspective you might want to give this one a chance!

My Rating: Two out of Five Stars

Evergreen (Mer Tales #2) by Brenda Pandos Review

Name: Evergreen
Author: Brenda Pandos
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Release Date: June 29th, 2012
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon

A kingdom on the brink of war. A king on the fringes of insanity. A family running for their lives. Ash and Fin’s only desire is to be together and dive into their happily ever after, though their conflicting worlds work to pull them apart. Neither is ready to convert to the other’s life: become a human or a mer. Little do they know that somewhere in Natatoria a secret holds the fine fabric of everyone’s lives together. If the truth is discovered, Ash and Fin will no longer have the luxury of waiting. They’ll be forced to choose. But will it be for loyalty or love? Or will someone else make the choice for them if they can’t decide? Enter the watery world of treachery, greed, and the binding mer kiss as the story continues with Evergreen, book two of Mer Tales.-Goodreads

My Review:
After the cliffhanger ending of Everblue (the first book in this series)..I couldn't wait to read Evergreen! This book definitely didn't disappoint and it made me like this series even more.

The romance between Ash and Fin is SO sweet! I was rooting for them to be together all throughout this book. Even though they were apart, you could just tell my by their phone conversations that they both truly love each other and would do anything to be together. They hit some bumps along the way..but in the end things work out and you can see how devoted they are to each other!

What I really loved about this book (and the series as a whole) is how Brenda Pandos is able to take mermaid mythology and make it her own. I loved learning more about the whole concept of "being promised" and what happens when someone becomes a mermaid. I really liked how she expanded a lot more on all of the details of the mermaid world! I was also surprised by the different curve balls that Brenda threw at us! There were many scenes that I really weren't expecting that really made this book stand out. I was definitely surprised by a couple things but they fit well in the plot and worked. I was a little sad to not see Ash's sister, Tatchi, who was in the first book. I'm hoping that she will be featured more in the next book in this series!


Overall, another great book to a fabulous series! I highly recommend reading this book this summer..and if you haven't read the first book you really should. Mermaid books are the best to read at the beach :D


My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks Review

Name: Of Poseidon 
Author: Anna Banks
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: May 22nd, 2012
Format: ARC Copy
Pre-Order the book on Amazon

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom 
. . . Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.-Goodreads

My Review:
This year definitely is a great year for awesome mermaid books and Of Poseidon is one of these books!

One of my favorite parts about Of Poseidon was the characters! I really thought Anna Banks did a great job of alternating chapters between Emma and Galen's POV so the reader could really understand what was going through both of their minds. I actually really like reading books from a males perspective especially Galen! He is such a swoon-worthy character! He has his sweet moments..but he also is a prince of Syrena so he can be a little bit stuffy at times. Since, Emma is such a feisty, and strong willed character, she and Galen really balance each other out! The cast of supporting characters as well really add to the story and make this book a fun read!

The plot of Of Poseidon really captivated me when I started reading. At first, I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book because sometimes some mermaid books really end up being very similar, but Anna Banks does a fabulous job of keeping the mythology really different! I liked learning about the Syrena mythology and also learning about what is "Of Poseidon." I will say that moments of this book are depressing, and there were definitely a few scenes that I didn't see coming. I guess the best type of story is one that you never expect!

Overall, I really enjoyed Of Poseidon..and I especially liked how Anna Banks creates a whole new type of mermaid mythology for us readers! I can't wait to read the second book in the series (of course the novel ends with a cliffhanger). I recommend checking this book out this summer..it really is the perfect beach read :)

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova Review

Name: The Vicious Deep  
Author: Zoraida Cordova  
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire  
Release Date: May 1st, 2012  
Format: E-Book ARC
Pre-Order the Book on Amazon
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sending me a copy of the Vicious Deep for review!!

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave. 

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth. 

 His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he’s heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he’s suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods. 
Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea…and now it wants him back.-Goodreads

My Review:
What a really great read!! The Vicious Deep definitely is one of my all time favorite mermaid reads and is a really great beach read (I read this one during spring break on the beach..so it got me in the perfect mood to read this book)!!

One of my favorite parts about this book was that the book is told from a male point of view. Not many YA books, especially mermaid books, are told from a male perspective so it was really interesting to see a male's take on things. Zoraida Cordova does a fantastic job of making the reader feel like they are going through want Tristan is going through and she makes him really relatable as well. Tristan, probably is my new book crush, can be hysterical at times, but has his moments where he is raw with emotion and is so sincere and I really loved seeing him progress throughout the novel.

Another one of my favorite parts about this book was the plot. At first, I didn't really know what to expect about The Vicious Deep. I wasn't sure if this book was about sirens, or mermaids. Once I started, however, I was immediately sucked in and could not put this book down!! I found myself staying up extra late to see what would happen to Tristan next. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will say that Zoraida Cordova does a really great job of keeping the reader on the edge of his/her seat and making the novel extra suspenseful.

Overall, I really really enjoyed The Vicious Deep and I think this has to be my new favorite mermaid book! I loved seeing things from a guys perspective and I really loved the main character Tristan. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. If you want a great summer paranormal read then you have to check this book out!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore Review

Name: Between the Sea and Sky
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Release Date: October 25th, 2011
240 pages


For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air.-Goodreads

My Review:
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! One of the first things that caught my eye about this book was the cover! It is so pretty!

One of the best parts about this book was the plot, it was really different then other mermaid books that I have read which I enjoyed! I also enjoyed seeing Esmerine on both land and sea!

I liked seeing the relationship between Esmerine and Alandare change throughout the novel. It was cool to see it progress and change during this book.

One of the only things I did not like about Between the Sea and Sky was that the end felt really rushed. I wished that the author could have made it a little bit longer and added in more details!

If you like mermaid books and are looking for a quick, fun read, check this book out!

My Rating: Four of Five Stars

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard Review

Name: Ripple
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Release Date: July 21st, 2011
272 pages


Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. Each day she goes to school like a normal teenager, and each night she must swim, or the pain will be unbearable. She is a siren - a deadly mermaid destined to lure men to their watery deaths. After a terrible tragedy, Lexi shut herself off from the world, vowing to protect the ones she loves. But she soon finds herself caught between a new boy at school who may have the power to melt her icy exterior, and a handsome water spirit who says he can break Lexi's curse if she gives up everything else. Lexi is faced with the hardest decision she's ever had to make: the life she's always longed for - or the love she can't live without?-Goodreads

My Review:

After reading Mandy Hubbard's novel, Prom and Prejudice, this year, I found myself looking for myself searching for more of her novels and soon I found myself with Ripple!

This summer I have read a lot of books about sirens, none of them quite like the other. I really enjoyed this one! The mythology in Ripple was really interesting and different compared to other books about sirens.

I also liked the romance in this novel! It was nice to see that Lexi had someone who cared for her!

Overall, I recommend this novel to anyone who wants a summer read and who wants to read about sirens!

My Rating:
Four out of Five Stars

Everblue (Mer Tales # 1) by Brenda Pandos Review

Name: Everblue
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Release Date: July 30th, 2011


Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever.-Goodreads

My Review:
Who doesn't love the cover of this book??! It's gorgeous! That was one of the first things that caught my eye when I first heard about this book.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a great summer beach read! I really liked plot of this story, even though it kind of reminded me of other mermaid books, it was still really different and I enjoyed it!

I also liked the romance between Ash and Fin throughout the novel! I don't want to give anything away but it was nice to see their relationship progress throughout the novel!

The only thing that bothered me was the end. It felt really rushed which I did not love. But nevertheless, I am really excited for the next book in the series!

If you like mermaids and are looking for a summer beach read, check this book out!

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Undercurrent (Siren # 2) by Tricia Rayburn Review

Name: Undercurrent

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Release Date: July 12th, 2011

352 pages

The sirens are back, but Vanessa may be the biggest threat of all. . . .

Nothing has been normal since Vanessa Sands learned that her sister was murdered by sirens—femme fatales of the watery depths—and that everything she believed about her family was a lie.

Her boyfriend Simon’s been the only person Vanessa feels she can really trust. But now there are some secrets she can’t tell even him. And when Vanessa finds herself in the sights of Parker, Hawthorne Prep’s resident charmer, she needs someone to confide in more than ever. Doubting her relationship with Simon, unsure of Parker’s intentions—and of her own—and terrified by what she’s learned about herself, Vanessa has never felt so alone.

But personal problems must be put aside, because the Winter Harbor sirens are back for revenge. Now, Vanessa must face her past and accept that she is just like her enemies—every bit as alluring, every bit as dangerous.

The eagerly anticipated second novel of the Siren trilogy, Undercurrent is a seductive paranormal romance that will leave you breathless.-Goodreads

My Review:

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was super excited when I got this book from my library last week!

When I first started this book, I was really into it and was loving everything that was happening. But soon,I felt that it getting a little bit confusing and their were too many subplots going on.

However, I really liked seeing Vanessa grow as a character throughout this novel (and throughout the last one as well). And I really like Simon!!! Every time he is in a scene I get really excited!

Overall, I really liked this book, but not as much as the first one. But I will still be checking out the next book in the series!

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs Review

Name: Tempest Rising
Publisher: Walker Books for young readers
Release date: May 10th, 2011
352 pages


Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her—and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.- Goodreads

My Review:
This was an AWESOME read!!! I have read lots of books about mermaids, and this book is definitely one of the best books that I have read!!

I really liked how the main character, Tempest, knew that she was already a mermaid and seeing her struggle with the choice to become a mermaid or stay human was very interesting.

I also loved the relationships in this novel!! It was fun to see different relationships progress throughout the book.

Overall this was a great summer read and you all should check it out!

My rating: Five out of Five Stars

Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs Review

Title: Fins are Forever
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: July 1st, 2011
272 pages

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

Tera Lynn Childs’s sequel to Forgive My Fins offers another tail-flicking romance with plenty of fun, sun, and underwater adventure.- Goodreads

My Review:

What a fun summer read! This book was a great book to read while sitting at the beach this past week!
Fins are Forever is the sequel to, Forgive my Fins, which was published last year. This book was a quick read, but it was an upbeat and fun novel!

I really liked seeing my favorite characters again especially Quince! I really like the relationship that he and Lily has and I liked seeing their relationship grow throughout both novels.

Highly recommend reading this book! But if you haven't read the first book in the series you should all check it out!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Lure by Stephanie Jenkins (Siren's Call # 1)

Name: Lure by Stephanie Jenkins
Published: March 31st, 2011


Charlotte Brewer is sure she's crazy when she hears singing drifting from the ocean-normal people don't have arias playing on repeat in their head. When she gets wasted at a party and investigates the ethereal tune, she almost drowns. Charlotte comes to with an overwhelming thirst for salt water, a new desire to eat fish, and a heartbeat of only seven beats a minute. She wakes up by the sea almost every day and dead men wash up hours later.

But then Charlotte meets Lorelei, a siren. Lorelei reveals she saved her from drowning with the "Siren's Kiss"-a curse that made Charlotte a soulless immortal. Her role as a siren is simple: guide the souls of the dead at sea. Too bad taking care of the dead means being stuck in the middle of a war between a fertility goddess and the sirens . . . and losing her soul. If Charlotte wants to regain her mortality, she must find love with a mortal. And if she fails to secure it, she risks becoming a puppet to the gods- Goodreads

My Review:

I actually stumbled upon this book a few days ago on my kindle and decided to check it out. I am so glad that I did!!
I am really into the whole siren, mermaid book trend right now and this book is definitely one to check out!

The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the cover. The colors, the girl on the rock, whats not to love about it?

One of the coolest parts of this book was that it blended different myths together. It had the siren myth in it but it also incorporated Greek mythology which was really interesting to see.

I also really liked the relationship between the main character Charlotte and Wyatt. Charlotte is a really feisty character and is really strong willed and I loved seeing her react with Wyatt who was totally different then Charlotte.

Overall, this is a great summer read and everyone should check it out. I can't wait to see what the sequel has in store for us! I know this book is available on Ebook readers such as the kindle and the nook, but if you don't own one of these devices it still available online to read!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars