Second Book In The Mer Tales by Brenda Pandos Is Complete!

Hi Merfolk!

The second book of Mer Tales titled, Evergreen has been reviewed!

Check it out here:

Mer Tales by Brenda Pandos

Mermaid Tales #9: A Royal Tea by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author:Debbie Dadey
Pages: 112

Summary(goodreads.com):
When Shelly meets the Queen of the Western Oceans in this Mermaid Tales adventure, she encounters a royal dilemma! 
When a royal messenger announces that Queen Edwina is coming to tea, Shelly is as jittery as a jellyfish! After all, the Queen of the Western Oceans is her great aunt. And despite being a princess, Shelly has never met a queen before. How should she act? What should she wear? 
Then Pearl tells Shelly that the queen is going to take Shelly to live in Neptune's Castle: "It's where a real princess would live," Pearl tells her. Shelly is terrified of leaving her home, friends, and beloved grandfather behind. When the royal carriage arrives, she's trembling from the top of her head to the tip of her tail. What will Queen Edwina think of Princess Shelly? And will she really take Shelly away from the home she loves?

My Review:
There seems to be an endless amount of Mermaid Tales books and I can't keep up! I loved that this book focused on Shelly, since I identify with her. She's modest, and that's very important for kids to learn at a young age. I also loved that this book focused on the theme of true friendship. Echo and Kiki are real friends. They are there for her, whether she's a princess or needs help cleaning up her small apartment. Shelly's royal aunt is also very modest, and I love the gift she gave Shelly at the end! This was definitely one of my favorites.  *****( 5 stars).
-Sirenita The Selkie 

I'M BACK!!! :)

Hello Patient Mer-Readers!

I'm so sorry that I haven't swam by in a while. This semester was crazy! I'm finally done with school, and have a couple of merbooks to share with you :)

I'm also reading the new Emily Windsnap book, which will be on this blog sometime soon.

Merry Fishmas!
Sirenita

The End Of The Summer Reading Challenge 2015!

Hello Merfolk!

Well it's that amazing time of year again; autumn! I can't wait to feel cool, cozy and cuddle up with a mermaid book :)

This summer I was very busy, so unfortunately I was only able to read 12 mermaid books :( 

Oh well. Better luck next year!

Swim by soon for more awesome mermaid books, and dont forget to check my other blog for some updates.

-Sirenita The Selkie 

Stay tuned for some evil mermaids this fall ;)

(12) Mermaid Tales: Treasure In Trident City by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):

When Rocky finds a seaweed scroll that describes an abandoned pirate ship bursting with jewels, the students are tripping over their tails with excitement. There's only one problem: the treasure is supposedly guarded by pirate ghosts! But a few silly ghosts aren't going to keep prima donna Pearl away from fame, fortune, and diamonds as big as a merman's fist.
The hunt is on! Pearl recruits fellow merkids Rocky and Wanda to help her track down the treasure by swimming all the way past Whale Mountain. But when they discover the pirate ship, they hear eerie moans and groans coming from within. What's making those sounds? Could the pirate ghosts be real? And can the merkids get the jewels before becoming someone or something's lunch?

My Review:
I was a little surprised that Debbie Dadey decided to write a book about the mean girl of the series. However, I actually enjoyed this mermaid tale! I really love how so many interesting sea creatures were mentioned, such as bootlace worms and black dragonfish. I also found the plot to be more exciting compared to the other books in the series.
I only wish that Pearl would change her bad and bratty attitude! She's very annoying, and I wish she would change. I loved that this book teaches the value of life over possessions, and teamwork.
I give this book (****) 4 stars. 

(11) Tides by Betsy Cornwell

Book Type: Novel
Author: Betsy Cornwell
Pages: 304

Summary(goodreads.com):
When high-school senior Noah Gallagher and his adopted teenage sister, Lo, go to live with their grandmother in her island cottage for the summer, they don’t expect much in the way of adventure. Noah has landed a marine biology internship, and Lo wants to draw and paint, perhaps even to vanquish her struggles with bulimia. But then things take a dramatic turn for them both when Noah mistakenly tries to save a mysterious girl from drowning. This dreamlike, suspenseful story—deftly told from multiple points of view—dives deeply into selkie folklore while examining the fluid nature of love and family.

My Review:
I'm very pleased with the summer reading challenge so far! I've managed to find a lot of selkie books! What I loved about this book was the New England-in-the-summer setting. It reminded me of summers here on Long Island. I also loved how Noah had a crush on the mystery girl, Mara. She was definitely an intriguing character. The reader slowly unravels the mystery along with Noah. There's also many contemporary issues mentioned, including body image with girls, eating disorders, the pressure of fashion magazines on young women ,gay relationships, and how science has an evil side.
I also had a few problems with the plot. I found it unrealistic that at the end of the book, the adults let the teenagers confront the bad guy all by themselves. Why didn't the adults help them out? There are also issues of child abuse and animal abuse, so anyone sensitive to these issues should not read this book. I also found the book to be very graphic, and it was difficult to get through certain parts.
I wasn't especially crazy about how the plot progressed, so I give it (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

(10) Mermaid Tales: Dream Of The Blue Turtle by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
Kiki Coral can see the future;can she save a friend from his dangerous fate?

Kiki Coral has an amazing gift: she can see the future. She doesn't have visions very often, but they are always surprising! When Kiki sees a vision of her classmate Rocky Ridge coming face-to-frightening-face with a gigantic leatherback turtle, she is frightened to the tip of her shiny purple tail. Can Kiki save Rocky from his dangerous fate? What if no one in Trident Academy believes her scary prediction?




My Review:
 This is the 7th book in the Mermaid Tales series, and I am starting to get quite bored with these books. First, I wanted to know more about when Kiki first got her visions.  How old was she? What was her first vision? I did love some of the themes and concepts in this book. I loved how it teaches children about trusting their friends, and how to work on a team, I also love that the leatherback  turtle's endangered status was mentioned.

Later on in the story, Pearl forces Kiki to work on their project using plastic bags. How would they know what this is, if they are confused about items in the people museum? The mergirls always question what human items are since they never see them every day.

This wasn't a very exciting mermaid tale, and Marvin the sea turtle, which was the most anticipated sea creature, only appeared for 2 pages!
I give this book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

(9) the Selkie Girl by Janis Mackay

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Janis Mackay
Pages: 32

Summary(goodreads.com):
Fergus lives with his father by the sea, but is lonely. He wants a friend more than anything. One day Fergus finds treasure on the beach: a beautiful fur blanket hidden in the rocks. But Fergus doesn't know that his treasure belongs to someone else - a selkie girl has lost her seal skin and can't go home to the sea without it. Will Fergus give his new friend what she needs, and risk being lonely again?

My Review:
Yay! I was so happy when I found that my local library had a new selkie children's book to explore :) After the last couple of selkie books that I've read, I was expecting another let down. However, this story was beautiful! The text is not juvenile, so adults and mer-children can enjoy it together. The illustrations were breath taking, especially of the selkie women. They really captured the alluring magic of selkies.

This book teaches young children the true value of friendship and promises, but also the lesson that if you love someone or something, set it free.
I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

(8) Water Shaper byLaura Williams McCaffrey

Book Type: Novel
Author:Laura Williams McCaffrey
Pages: 224

Summary(goodreads.com):
Margot is the daughter of a king, but she is beloved by neither his court nor his kingdom. She has “water in her blood,” a trait associated with magic and looked upon with distaste and suspicion. When she meets Orrin, a foreign king who is respectful, not scornful, of her affinity for water, she flees with him to his castle by the sea, though she soon realizes he is not as benevolent as she first thought. Intertwined with Margot’s story is that of Bird, a storyteller who must tell stories for Orrin, though he can barely stand him. When Orrin steals the Book of the Sea, a magical gift given to Margot by her mother, Margot knows she must run away once again, and the threads of the two stories begin to intertwine.


My Review:
When I first saw that this book involved selkies, I was so excited. It's sometimes hard to find good selkie books, especially in the YA genre. When I delved into the first chapter, I immediately fell in love with the medieval historical vibe.

...But that's pretty much all I enjoyed.

Half way through the book, and I was still waiting for something to happen. About three quarters of the book lacked energy, and I didn't feel any excitement while reading this. I also did not enjoy Margot, the main character. She lacks strength, and constantly feels the need to impress Orrin. Although this book says it involves selkies, it took forever to get to the selkie part!
The ending really made me say, "That's it?"
I unfortunately did not like this book at all, and I don't recommend reading it. It was confusing, boring and lacked the selkie elements that it promises. 
I give this book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Hey Merfolk!
I've found a whole bunch of selkie books I cant wait to share with you! :)
Check back this weekend for new book reviews!
-Sirenita The Selkie

Tempest Trilogy Is Finished!

Hi Merfolk!

I just finished the last book of the Tempest Series, making it the 7th book in the Mermaid Summer Reading Challenge!

Have you read the series?

What did you think? Post a reply at the bottom of this link:

Tempest Trilogy by Tracy Deebs

-Sirenita The Selkie 

(6) The Little mermaid by Robert Sabuda

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Robert Sabuda
Pages: 12

Summary(goodreads.com):
A beloved under-the-sea tale is now a pop-up masterpiece, from expert craftsman Robert Sabuda.

Come along on a magical journey under the sea in this stunning pop-up adaptation of the beloved fairy tale The Little Mermaid, expertly crafted by renowned paper engineer Robert Sabuda. Amazing three-dimensional paper structures pop off each page, bringing this classic underwater adventure to life. This visually stunning tale of adventure, true love, and sacrifice is sure to become a favorite in any story-lovers library.


My Review:
Believe it or not, this book has been sitting on my shelf, waiting to be explored for two years! I was just so busy with other mermaid books that I forgot about this gem that I bought with Christmas money :) 
I love how the author simplified the original text; it's perfect! Its easy to understand without skipping over the original beauty of Hans Christian Anderson's writing. But what really made this story come to life was the amazing pop ups!
I have never seen a more beautiful pop up book!
That being said, this isn't exactly safe in a merchild's hands. These pop ups are very delicate!!!
Adults should accompany children and be careful when you open it! Some of the pop ups got a bit annoying when I was reading the book. They got stuck when I tried to open them, and I accidentally ripped one because it didn't open right :(
I loved this book and it really is a beautiful gem in anyone's mer-library, but be careful with the pop ups, especially around children! However, this would make a perfect bedtime story :)
I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

(5) The Dolphins Of Coral Cove by K.S. Rodriguez

Book Type: Novel/Paperback
Author: K.S. Rodriguez
Pages: 80

*Sorry for the missing pic, Merfolk! I will upload a picture as soon as I can!*

Summary:
Ariel and her sisters find a pod of dolphins and decide to befriend them. When one of the dolphins is caught, how will Ariel help her new friend?

My Review:
I loved that this book didn't start off with slow events, and the reader is immediately captured into the undersea life of Ariel! The dolphins are so cute! They're friendly, playful and have characteristics that remind me of real dolphins.

But what I loved most about this book is that it dealt with the very real and contemporary issue of animals in captivity, and how it not only destroys important family bonds, but it destroys an animal emotionally. When one of the dolphins is caught in a net, my heart ached, and I almost had tears in my eyes.
This was one of my favorite The Little Mermaid paperbacks so far!
I give this book (****) 4 stars.

Hello Merfolk!

I'm sorry that I've been offline for a while.

However, I've read a few mermaid books that I'm eager to share with you!

Stay tuned tonight for some reviews!

-Sirenita The Selkie 

(4) The Little Mermaid Paperback Series: Arista's New Boyfriend by M.J. Carr

Book Type: Novel
Author: M.J. Carr
Pages: 70

Summary(goodreads.com):
The mermaid princesses can't wait to arrive at the new summer palace - all except for Arista, that is. This is to be a summer of dinners, dances, and lots of aristocratic boys! But boys or no boys, summer without her favorite sea horses to ride is not Arista's idea of fun until she discovers the brand-new stables at the summer palace - and the stablehand, Dylan. Suddenly summer takes an exciting turn for the better! Spending time with Dylan is great, but Arista worries how King Triton will react to her new boyfriend. Will she have to keep Dylan a secret from her father forever?


My Review:
I'm so excited to be reviewing another paperback in The Little Mermaid series :)
I really liked that I was instantly able to connect to Arista, especially when she misses her pets. When I have gone on vacation, I too, have a hard time parting from my Cat-fish and my little goldfish. I also really liked how genuine and cute Dylan and Arista's relationship was, and that a princess fell for a stablehand. 

I got really annoyed when Ariel and her sisters constantly talked about boys. It was a little too much and made them seem like airheads! I also found the title of this book confusing. Although Arista and Dylan seem to secretly like each other, it was never announced that they were boyfriend and girlfriend.
This book was okay, but a bit boring. It wasn't the best Little Mermaid book I've read. 
I give this book (**) 2 stars. 

(3) Waters Of Change by Amy Astorga

Book Type: YA (Young Adult novel)
Author: Amy Astorga
Pages: 172

Summary(goodreads.com):
“Life at the surface isn’t a decision that can be made. It’s something you have to be chosen to receive. What mermaids lack that humans possess, isn't legs. It’s a soul.” 
Gwendolyn Hart stands on the cusp of change. With high school’s graduation nearly approaching, and an unexpected proposal from her devoted boyfriend Ryan, she’s certain her life is about to take an exciting turn. But when her best friend Emma is suddenly reported missing, all plans for the future come to a screeching halt. Tensions quickly rise as her walls are taken down, and in the midst of grief and introspection, there appears a young man who offers an escape from it all. 
His name is Marcus, and his eyes are as comforting as they are unnerving. Gwendolyn is captivated by the mysterious stranger, who slips into her life and sweeps her off her feet. But there are things about Marcus that she can’t explain. And there are reasons he’s appeared that go beyond fate. The more she discovers the truth behind the man, the more she discovers he isn't a man at all. 
Gwendolyn’s relationship is shrouded by dark secrets that will test the very core of her morale. A decision between love and conviction can be difficult. And what decision she makes will determine the ultimate fate of her soul.

My Review:
***I would like to first announce that I was given this book by Amy Astorga herself in exchange for a fair and honest review. I plan on reviewing this honestly, fairly and most of all, respectfully.***

When I first read the summary for this book, I admit I was a bit nervous. What exactly is Marcus? Is he some sort of male siren? A Merman? As soon as I read the prologue, I was instantly intrigued. I wanted to know what the deal was with this jerk Marcus and why Gwen is so head over heels for him! The book instantly sucked me in like a strong current and I could not put this book down!

What I liked the most about this book was the characters. They are believable because they are flawed, even the supernatural ones! I really related to Gwen, especially when she had to deal with a jealous best friend, and also insecurities with herself and her relationship. I also felt that many of the characters were described and acted like high school teenagers, which shows good characterization skills.

I also loved that this book had very intense thriller/ mystery moments and themes.  There were moments where I would be talking out loud to Gwen and saying, 
"WHAT? Do you not see what is happening here, Gwen?" 
or "I'm going to kill that kid!"
 and "Oh God. Oh God no. This isn't happening!"
 I got soooo into this book that I gasped out loud, and even laughed nervously as if I was watching a horror movie!

What struck me most of all was the ending. It was totally unexpected and a bit sad. I didnt like how it ended so abruptly, but overall, this book was excellent!
I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Above World Series Is Finished!

Hi Merfolk!
I hope you are soaking up as much sand and seawater as you possibly can!
I'm very excited to announce that I have finally finished reviewing The Above World Series by Jenn Reese.
Here is the link to the review:
The Above World Series by Jenn Reese
Also, I just finished the last book, so that is book #2 for The Mermaid Summer Reading Challenge!
-Sirenita The Selkie

(1) The Little Mermaid: Ariel's New Treasure

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Mary J. Fulton and Eric Binder
Pages: 32

Summary(goodreads.com):
When a young girl loses a golden seahorse necklace in the ocean, Ariel finds a way to return it.

My Review:
I'm so excited to begin The Mermaid Reading Challenge with a The Little Mermaid book! What I loved about this book was the story. It was beautiful and sometimes sad, especially when Ariel couldn't communicate with the little girl. 
I also loved the illustrations! They were a perfect example of Disney's beauty. Also, the story is not written with simple words and sentences, so both little, and grown Mers will enjoy this :)
I really loved this book and plan on adding it to my personal Mer-Library! I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

It's Time For The Mermaid Summer Reading Challenge!!!

Finally! I'm done with school and ready for beaches, sun and mermaid books :)!

I've already started on the last book of the Above World series by Jenn Reese!

I also found a Little Mermaid book that I'm excited to share with you!

Keep on reading!

-Sirenita The Selkie

Waterlilies Series Is Complete!

Hi Merfolk!
I just finished the sequel in the Waterlilies series.
Check it out here:
Waterlilies Series by Deborah Smith

 -Sirenita The Selkie

Tara and Her Talking Kitten Meet A Mermaid by Diana Cooper

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Diana Cooper
Pages: 80

Summary(goodreads.com):
When a flood overwhelms her village, Tara enlists the help of her old friends the fairies and the Unicorn to help save a boy from drowning. Learning from this event, Tara undertakes a special mission to clean up the oceans. By organizing her school and with the help of politicians, Tara successfully builds a campaign to raise public awareness about environmental concerns. The fourth adventure in a magical series, this imaginative story creates clear discussion points allowing parents and teachers to talk to children about actions and consequences while offering ideas on ways to interact with and protect the earth.

My Review:
I loved this book! It was really creative and original. This seems to be a series, but you don't have to read the other books, since some of the background info is explained. I really like how this book introduced children to elemental magic, such as auras and light, and even archangels. Ash-ting the cat is my favorite character. He is so fickle, and reminds me of my own cat! I also like that the author went into different ways that the oceans are ruined by humans, but explained it in a way that was easy for kids to understand. The only negatives I have are that the language is a bit simplified and juvenile, so adults might not enjoy reading this. Also, the story seems to end abruptly, and I wanted more of a clearer ending. I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Little Mermaid by Ronne Randall

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Ronne Randall
Pages: 32

Summary(goodreads.com):
This Parragon fairy tale classic picture book features revised text ideal for beginning readers along with vibrant new illustrations. Children will love to follow along with their favorite characters!

My Review:
I was disappointed with the illustrations, as well as the plot of this book. I wanted more life and maturity for such a beautiful story, and made the Little Mermaid look 5 instead of 15.
The adaptation of the story was okay, but a lot of the major details from the original were left out, so it made the story boring and predictable. I don't recommend reading this adaptation. I give this book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaid Tales #6: The Secret Seahorse by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 112

Summary(amazon.com):
Of all the creatures in the ocean, sea horses are Echo Reef’s favorite. They’re sweet and gentle and they glide through the water so gracefully. When Echo discovers that Rocky Ridge, one of her Trident Academy classmates, has his own pet sea horse, she wants one right away. Not everyone agrees sea horses should be pets, however—perhaps they are happiest when swimming freely. But Echo thinks that if Rocky can make a sea horse happy, she can too! Can’t she?

My Review:
I was intrigued how the plot of this book would turn out, especially since it's about keeping wild animals as pets, something that is unfortunately very common today. Echo's obsession with seahorses is so cute. She reminds me of little girls who love ponies and horses :) 
There are two main lessons that kids will learn in this book. The first one is always be prepared and focused in school, especially when it comes to tests and quizzes. Second, the book focuses on the issue of keeping wild animals as pets, and the dangers it comes with as well. Sadly, I was disappointed with the ending, and I felt that it ruined the whole point of this lesson (which I won't give away). Overall, this Mermaid Tale was okay, but I didn't like it as much as the others. I give this book (***) 3 stars. 
-Sirenita The Selkie

Alonzo and Molly the Mermaid (Adventures of Alonzo the Chicken) by Debbie Kelly

Book Type: Children's Literature, Introduction to Chapters
Author: Debbie Kelly
Pages: 56

Summary(goodreads.com):
When Molly the Mermaid is kidnapped by the Pesky Pirates things don't look too clever. But then they hadn't reckoned on Alonzo, the world's first chicken superhero! With the help of Sid the Squid, Delores the Dolphin and the other sea creatures, our clucking hero swims in to save the day. This cracking, first book in the 'The Adventures of Alonzo the Chicken' series, Alonzo and Molly the Mermaid is a barmy, maritime adventure for early readers. Debbie Kelly has written a fun and swashbuckling book which accompanied by Monika Filipina Trzpil's delightful illustrations will delight young readers. With mermaids, pirates and a superhero chicken this is great fun for boys and girls alike.

My Review:
When I first found this book on my library's online catalog, I was a bit skeptical. A chicken? And a mermaid? I had to find out for myself! What I loved most about this book was the creativity, and how different it was from other children's books. Alonzo the chicken is definitely a character who stands out to me amongst other books I've read. I also loved the illustrations; they were so quirky and cute!
The only negative I have about this book is that it's meant for children learning how to read chapters, so adult readers might find the writing style a bit juvenile. This is also a series, so the book ends on a good cliffhanger! I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaid Tales #5: The Lost Princess by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
Not one of the merkids in Shelly Siren’s third grade class can believe the shell-shattering news: Shelly is a princess! A real princess! It’s been a deep, dark secret in Trident City, but now everyone knows—and Shelly doesn’t know how to act. Should she start wearing a glittery crown? Or move to a grand undersea palace? Will her friends have to call her Princess Shelly? She knows it’s an exciting turn of events, but Shelly’s not sure she can truly fit the royal part. Can she find a way to be a princess and stay herself?

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book! What I loved most about it was Shelly's character and how she is such a good role model. She has all the qualities of a true princess such as kindness, modesty, friendliness and helpfulness as well. This story also reminded me of the classic tale, The Prince and The Pauper. I also really liked that this was a coming-of-age story, and Shelly is learning to grow up and make her own decisions regarding her ancestry. In one instance, Shelly uses her new authority for good instead of being a bully.
Lastly, this book also teaches that real friend will love you no matter what.
This is one of my favorite Mermaid Tales in the series and I give it (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Brides Of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan

Book Type: YA Novel
Author: Margo Lanagan
Pages:305

Summary(goodreads.com):
On remote Rollrock Island, men make their living--and fetch their wives--from the sea.
The Witch Misskaella knows how to find the girl at the heart of a seal. She'll coax a beauty from the beast for any man, for a price. And what man wouldn't want a sea-wife, to and to hold, and to keep by his side forever?
But though he may tell himself that he is the master, one look in his new bride's eyes will transform him just as much as it changes her. Both will be ensnared--and the witch will look on, laughing.
In this magical, seaswept novel, Margo Lanagan tells an extraordinary tale of desire, despair, and transformation. With devastatingly beautiful prose, she reveals characters capable of unspeakable cruelty, but also of unspoken love.

My Review:
When I first started this book, I became really curious. Who is this nasty woman Misskaella? Why is she so bitter? Well, the reader learns of her entire life.

Odd Language and Difficult to Understand:
This book is written a bit strangely, and some things and events are not blatantly stated, and I felt the reader has to assume much of what was happening. I was also lost many times throughout the book, mainly because the plot jumps around to different time periods, and the reader has to put the pieces of the story together. It felt disjointed.

Very Long Plot:
I didn't really become interested in the book until about 60 pages in. This is when the witch Misskaella discovers she has magical powers, and this is when the story really picks up! That being said, I felt that some of the plot was not necessary, and the book was very slow at some points. In addition, I wasn't satisfied with the ending, and I was left wanting more. Not to mention, the book ends with quite a depressing tone. I felt that the whole book was about how Misskaella wanted to make people miserable because she was teased for being a plus-sized woman.

Overall, this book was okay, but it wasn't really a page-turner. I give this book (***)  3 stars. 
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Selkie Bride by Melanie Jackson

Book Type: Romance Novel
Author: Melanie Jackson
Pages: 290

Summary(goodreads.com):
Recently widowed, Megan Culbin has inherited more than just a quaint cottage on the Scottish coast; she has inherited the ire of an ancient monster - and the protection of a virile Selkie warrior.

My Review:
So, where do I start with this book? The awkward writing, the dullness of the plot... this book was really torturous to finish.

Pathetic Main Character:
The story starts off slow, with the reader being introduced to Megan Culbin and how she is on her way to Scotland. She's broke, just escaped an abusive relationship and tells the reader that she isn't skilled or talented. Yay? 
I mean really, this is not a person I wanted to root for. I also found the language difficult and antiquated, almost awkward to read at times as well.
I also hated the relationship between Megan and Lachlan. Megan is pathetic and willing to do anything for Lachlan, though she barely knows him. Lachlan is very rough with her, and doesn't show her much compassion until the last page in the book! 

Boring Plot:
This book did not have an engaging plot at all. After 100 pages into the book, I was still waiting for something exciting to happen, but it really flat lined with no action or events to captivate the reader. When Lachlan and Megan finally encounter the finman, an ancient and evil creature, I didn't feel nervous for them. The battle just seemed too easy to win.

Overall, I was really disappointed with this plot, and it was agonizingly boring at times. I give this book (*) 1 star.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Above World Series by Jenn Reese

Book Type: Novel
Author: Jenn Reese
Pages: Book 1 (365) Book 2 (368) Book 3 (400)

Summary(first book, goodreads.com):Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony’s survival is in doubt. The Kampii’s breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people. 
But can Aluna’s warrior spirit and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt—growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains—here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true



My Review:

Introduction:
At first glance, dystopian/futuristic society books will either intrigue people, or turn people away because of the harsh reality of the way things are now in the world, especially when it comes to the booming human population. 

Will we run out of space? Food? Air? 

This is what Jenn Reese explores in Above World, but she makes it amazingly awesome! Humans have run out of living options. Some humans fled to space, while others genetically altered themselves to adapt to different environments. Mermaids, Winged Women, Snake and Horse people; there are so many possibilities! 

Such Cool Concepts! What I Loved: 
What I loved most about this book was the originality of the concept. Reese has fused science fiction with classic mythology to give us... A Mermaid Dystopian series! :) From the start, I was immediately sucked into Aluna and Hoku's adventure and it was really hard to put down. In addition, the book is really emotional! The reader will hate and feel disgusted by some characters, but feel love and compassion for others. 

I also love how descriptive this series is. Every time I was reading, I felt as if I was right there with Hoku, Aluna, Dash and Calli.  Aluna is my favorite character in this series and she is such a positive role model for girls! She's strong, defiant and a total bad ass!



So Many Questions! What I Didn't Like: 
I have to admit, as much as I loved this series, this last book didnt impress me as much as the other first two books. It was much slower than the first two, and I was craving more action for about three quarters of the book. 
I wont spoil the ending, but all I'm going to say is that it annoyed me. There was a very anticlimactic battle that made me say, THAT'S IT? 

Also, there was a lot of unanswered questions at the end. 
I was really dissapointed with this last book in the series.

However, the first two books were really good, and it was very interesting! I couldnt put any of these books down as soon as I began to read them. I give this series (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

The Tritone Trilogy by Judi Fennell Is Finished!

Hi Merfolk!
I just finished the last book in the Tritone Trilogy!
Check it out here:
The Tritone Trilogy by Judi Fennell

-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaid Tales 4: Danger In The Deep Blue Sea by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 112

Summary(goodreads.com):
Late-breaking news from the Trident City Tide: There have been shark sightings in Trident City! No swimming alone! Pearl's father even hires a Shark Guard to escort her to school. Pearl starts stirring up lots of trouble with anything that has to do with sharks, even denouncing the skeleton Kiki has in her room. And then, to make matters worse, Pearl accuses Kiki of stealing her precious pearl necklace! And though the undersea waters are indeed filled with danger, Pearl just might discover that true friends can provide a sense of safety!

My Review:
I wasn't too thrilled that they had a book on Pearl. Pearl is the mean girl, the bully. She irritates me and seems to have it out for everyone. She reminds me of the bullies who bothered me when I was a young mergirl. I also didn't like how Dadey made it seem that sharks are killing machines. In fact, I think it would've been cool if a shark  entered the city and was friendly instead of being a monster. I really didn't like this particular book in the Mermaid Tales series. I give this book (**) 2 stars.

Real Mermaids Series by Helene Boudreau is Finished!

Hi Merfolk,

Another series is finished! 

Check out what I thought of the Real Mermaids Series by Helene Boudreau

Real Mermaids Series

The Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks is Finished!

Hi Merfolk,

I recently finished the last book in The Syrena Legacy.

Check out my thoughts here:

The Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks

-Sirenita The Selkie

Mermaid Tales #3: A Whale Of A Tale by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
The third graders at Trident Academy are traveling to the surface of the ocean for the first time ever for a exciting activity: They're going to visit a pod of humpback whales! But Kiki is less than thrilled. In fact, she's scared from the top of her head to the tip of her tail. After all, the enormous creatures could swallow her (and maybe her entire class) in one giant gulp! Kiki's pals Shelly and Echo try to help shrink her fears, and when a new friend comes along, a very big, whale-size friend Kiki's courage emerges, and the fun looms large.

My Review:
So far, this has been my favorite of the "Mermaid Tales" series. What I really liked about the main theme is that it teaches young merchildren that being scared is normal, especially being scared of your friend's reaction to your fear. I also love that this book teaches you to overcome your fears, whether it's with your friends or by yourself. Merkids will also learn that just because a creature is big, doesn't mean it will harm you; in fact, it might be friendly, like the humpback whales in this story! I really recommend reading this along with your little one if they are having a tough time overcoming their fear. I give this book (*****) 5 stars. 

Ariel's Royal Wedding by Apple Jordan

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Apple Jordan
Pages: 32

Summary:
Ariel needs help to prepare for her first wedding as a human!

My Review:
Ariel is one of my favorite princesses, and I was so excited to read about her wedding. I really love how cute this book was, and I felt bad that Ariel was nervous and stressed while planning her wedding! This girl needed some help. I also loved that this book shows that family needs to be present at big celebrations, especially when uniting a kingdom of sea and land! The illustrations, as with many Disney books, were vibrant and full of inspiration for artists! Little merchildren will love reading this before bedtime.  I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

PS: This book also comes with a story about Sleeping Beauty!

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Dolphin Adventure by Lyra Spenser

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Lyra Spenser
Pages: 32

Summary:
Prince Eric wants to help Ariel connect with her friends from the sea by creating a small grotto for her and her fishy pals to relax in! But when a baby dolphins gets trapped in the grotto, how will Eric and Ariel release him?

My Review:
I really loved this cute Little Mermaid book! It was a very short story, but it was so sweet. The artwork is so beautiful and vibrant, which is perfect to keep little merchildren entertained and focused, but also great for people who love to draw Ariel :)
I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
PS: This book also comes with a Snow White story!
-Sirenita The Selkie