MEDIA MERMAIDS AND MERMAID BOOKS HAS MOVED TO WIX!

Hi Merfolk!

To make it easier on everyone, I've transferred every single post, picture, and review to wix to create...

Sirenita's New Website! 

Please note, that any further posts will be created on wix!

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I hope you all enjoy the new changes :)

-Sirenita The Selkie

The Siren By Kiera Cass

Book Type: YA Novel
Author: Kiera Cass
Pages: 327

Summary(goodreads.com):
Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can’t resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again. 

Kahlen is resigned to finishing her sentence in solitude…until she meets Akinli. Handsome, caring, and kind, Akinli is everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. And though she can’t talk to him, they soon forge a connection neither of them can deny…and Kahlen doesn’t want to.

Falling in love with a human breaks all the Ocean’s rules, and if the Ocean discovers Kahlen’s feelings, she’ll be forced to leave Akinli for good. But for the first time in a lifetime of following the rules, Kahlen is determined to follow her heart.

My Review:
A lifelong curse, a cute blond boy, and a girl who only wants love... after a mer-friend told me about this book, I wanted to check it out! Sadly, this book did not meet my expectations.

What I Loved:
The beginning of this book is fantastic! The story starts right away and we see how Kahlen became a siren.  I also loved the siren sisterhood. These girls stick together no matter what and help each other overcome horrible past memories. I also loved how Cass was creative with the ocean. The actual Ocean is a character in this book. Part Goddess, part mother, and part keeper of souls, the character fluctuates in moods in behaviors just like the sea.

What I Didn't Like:
By halfway through the book nothing was  happening! I kept waiting for the story to progress but a majority of it was Kahlen complaining about her circumstances. While the other siren sisters did what they could to enjoy their lives, Kahlen chose to sleep all day and languish in her misery!

Kahlen doesn't have a life. The second half of the book was her complaining about her siren life or pining for Akinli.

The concept of love is shallow.
The first time Kahlen meets Akinli and then goes on ONE date, she believes she is in love with him all of a sudden. Perhaps she is infatuated, or maybe flattered with his looks, but love takes time to develop and blossom and does not happen appear after one date. 

This book was unfortunately very boring and depressing. I give this book (**) 2 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Siren Series By Tricia Rayburn

Book Type: Novel/Series
Author: Tricia Rayburn
Pages: Book 1) 344

Summary of first book(goodreads.com):
Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything--the dark, heights, the ocean--but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge.  That is until Justine goes cliff diving one night near the family's vacation house in Winter Harbor, Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day. 

Vanessa's parents want to work through the tragedy by returning to their everyday lives back in Boston, but Vanessa can't help feeling that her sister's death was more than an accident.  After discovering that Justine never applied to colleges, and that she was secretly in a relationship with longtime family friend Caleb Carmichael, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor to seek some answers.

But when Vanessa learns that Caleb has been missing since Justine's death, she and Caleb's older brother, Simon, join forces to try to find him, and in the process, their childhood friendship blossoms into something more.  
Soon it's not just Vanessa who is afraid.  All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes home to a string of fatal, water-related accidents . . . in which all the victims are found grinning from ear to ear.  

As Vanessa and Simon probe further into the connections between Justine's death and the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance, and that will change her life forever.

My Review:
This book had a lot of potential, but sadly, it missed the mark for me. The first problem I had with this book is the way events are written. At the beginning of the book, I had to keep re-reading sections because I didnt understand what was happening. For example, Justine's death was written strangely, and she isn't pronounced dead right away. It's too wordy.

There also isn't a clear description of Vanessa. Beside the fact that she has blonde hair and major anxiety issues, I'm not sure what else there is to say. Is she tall or short? What about her eyes? Is her smile pretty? Is she petite or curvy? 

Vanessa also has problems sorting out her feelings. While it's clear that she feels something for Simon, she also leads him on. I hope the next two books in the series are better and full of more siren details!

I give this book (**) 2 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

The Third Wish (Fairy Realm #3) by Emily Rodda

Book Type: Novel
Author: Emily Rodda
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
Jessie's helped the magical people of the Realm to escape danger twice now -- she's a real hero to her friends there. But now her own world is in danger. Forest fires threaten her beloved home, Blue Moon. And only the magic of the realm can help her...


My Review:
A book immediately becomes interesting when a girl has the ability to travel to another world, especially when mermaids are involved!

I was happy that although this book is part of a series, you don't need to read the first two books to understand what's going on; everything is recapped. 

I was not a fan of Jessie. She can be bratty and whiny when she doesn't get her way, even in the fairy realm! However, the book has other good points. The pictures are amazingly gorgeous and Rodda's writing is beautifully descriptive, allowing the reader to travel along with Jessie. If I could change one thing, I would include more mermaid details. This was a cute and short book with a good plot.

I give this book (***) 3 stars. 

-Sirenita The Selkie 

Mer Tales Series Is Finished!

Hello Merfolk!

The last book of the Mer Tales Series by Brenda Pandos is finished and reviewed!

Check out my review of the entire series here!

Mer Tales Series

The Neptune Project Series by Polly Holyoke

Book Type: Novel
Author: Polly Holyoke
Pages: 340


Summary(goodreads.com):
With her weak eyes and useless lungs that often leave her gasping for air, Nere feels more at home swimming with the dolphins her mother studies than she does hanging out with her classmates. Nere has never understood why she is so much more comfortable and confident in the water than on land until the day she learns the shocking truth—she is one of a group of kids who have been genetically altered to survive in the ocean. These products of the "Neptune Project" are supposed to build a better future under the waves, safe from the terrible famines and wars and that rock the surface world.

But there are some big challenges ahead of her: no one ever asked Nere if she wanted to be part of a science experiment; the other Neptune kids aren't exactly the friendliest bunch, and in order to reach the safe haven of the new Neptune colony, Nere and her fellow mutates must swim across hundreds of miles of dangerous ocean, relying on their wits, their loyal dolphins and one another to evade terrifying undersea creatures and a government that will stop at nothing to capture the Neptune kids ... dead or alive.

Fierce battle and daring escapes abound as Nere and her friend race to safety in this action-packed marine adventure. 


My Review:

What will the future be like? Are genetically engineered humans a real possibility? Polly Holyoke explores all possibilities for the future of mankind in her latest novel. I cant express how much I loved this book!!! Although this book technically doesn't have mermaids, I really believe mer-readers will love The Neptune Project just like other mermaid books. 

The Neptune Project immediately dives into action when Nere has to help her friend and some smugglers escape some government officials. And you know what the coolest part about Nere is? 

SHE CAN TELEPATHICALLY COMMUNICATE WITH DOLPHINS! So cool!!!

As the book progressed under the waves and away from society, I fell in love with Holyoke's rich descriptive words. I felt like I was underwater, exploring parts of the ocean I never thought possible. I also loved that although the ocean is portrayed as beautiful, the reader also sees how dangerous it is. Nere has to battle sharks, giant squid, and the Marine Guard, a sector of the government that patrols the water. 

Like all teenagers, Nere is also dealing with love. Dai is a bad boy that all girls will fall for. Although he hides a lot about himself from people, the way he flirts with Nere is so cute. 

The ending had such an amazing mystery twist that I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series. I give this first book (*****) 5 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie

Mairi's Mermaid by Michael Morpurgo

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Pages: 48

Summary(goodreads.com):
Robbie says swimming is easy. You just have to pretend you’re a mermaid. But that doesn’t help Mairi. She isn’t even sure that mermaids are real!



My Review: 
Learning how to swim is a milestone in every little merchild's life that requires patience...and sometimes a little help from merpeople! I loved the main concept of the book; every creature needs help now matter how big or small. By helping each other, Mairi and the mermaid solved their problems. The book also teaches patience and perseverance.

I loved the small details in the book. On every page, a fish makes a comment about what's going on. I also loved the cute illustrations and how tiny the merpeople were! I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Dora Saves Mermaid Kingdom by Michael Teitelbaum

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Michael Teitelbaum
Pages: 24




Summary(goodreads.com):
A mean octopus has dumped garbage all over Mermaid Kingdom The only way to save the mermaids is to find the magic crown Come along with everyone's favorite explorer, Dora, as she crosses the Seashell Bridge, goes through Pirate Island, and then goes to the Silly Sea. Will Dora be able to save her ocean friends?





My Review:
Technology is ever-evolving in this fast paced world, and our oceans are now threatened because of it. It's important to teach mer-children about protecting the sea and all who inhabit it. That's what this Dora book shows us!

What I loved about this book was the brightly-colored illustrations. They really take you to the wonder of the Silly Sea! If you want your mer-child to learn a new language, but at a pace they can keep up with, this is the perfect starter book. The easy-to-read Spanish words adorn the pages just as if you were watching the show. The mermaid, named Marina, is especially gorgeous. Check out that tail! :)

I loved this book most of all because it shows the importance of keeping the beach clean, and shows how garbage can affect marine life.

I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Lies Beneath Series by Anne Greenwood Brown

Book Type: Novel
Author: Anne Greenwood Brown
Pages: Book 1) 303

Summary of first book (goodreads.com):
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 and absorb their positive energy. Usually, they select their victims at random, but this time around, the underwater clan chooses its target for a reason: revenge. They want to kill Jason Hancock, the man they blame for their mother's death.

It's going to take a concerted effort to lure the aquaphobic Hancock onto the water. Calder's job is to gain Hancock's trust by getting close to his family. Relying on his irresistible good looks and charm, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter Lily. Easy enough, but Calder screws everything up by falling in love - just as Lily starts to suspect there's more to the monster-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined, and just as the mermaids threaten to take matters into their own hands, forcing Calder to choose between them and the girl he loves.
One thing's for sure: whatever Calder decides, the outcome won't be pretty.

My Review:
What do you get when you put jealous, vengeful mermaids, a forbidden romance, and a gorgeous killer merman? An awesome mermaid book! :)

What I loved about this book was the originality of a killer merman. Here on this blog, I've presented sirens and evil mermaids with powers, but I don't recall reading about a male siren. Calder has classic siren powers, such as the ability to will his victims into doing things and has the allure and charm of a typical siren. 
I also loved the main female character, Lily. I can really relate to her, especially her love of poetry and her Gothic style. She isn't the typical girl to fall head over fins for a pretty face, and this romance takes its time, making it beautiful and genuine. The book is also amazingly descriptive, and you will feel as if your swimming with Calder in the cold waters of Lake Superior. 

Although most of the main action in the plot is prolonged, it's needed. It reminds the reader that these killer mermaids are hunting their prey slowly and precisely. 

This first book was amazing! I'm hoping to get book two for you guys soon!
I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Mermaid Tales #12 Wish Upon A Starfish by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
Pearl is excited to make a splash on stage—but she’s in for some drama in this Mermaid Tales adventure.
Pearl has always dreamed of being famous: the star-studded stage, the sea flowers, the applause! So when she finds out that her third grade class is performing The Little Human, she just knows she’ll get the leading role. Especially since world-renowned merstar Angelfish Molie is judging the tryouts!
But in a shocking turn of events, Pearl’s best friend, Wanda, gets cast as the little human instead…and Pearl is stuck playing the stinky sea witch. Pearl can’t believe her best friend would steal her dream role from her.
After Pearl tries—and fails—to get Wanda to trade parts, she decides to quit the play. Are Pearl’s dreams of being a sea star doomed? And can she and Wanda patch up their friendship before it goes up in bubbles? 

My Review: 
I'm really surprised by how much I've been liking each story. They're getting better! Although I don't love that this book focuses on Pearl, the mean popular girl, the reader sees her in a different light. I loved the creativity of this Mermaid Tale, and thought The Little Human joke was so cute! We also see how Pearl is finally NICE! I hope we see more of this in future novels. 
 Little mers will learn the importance of supporting roles, and that there is more than just being the star. I give this book (****) 4 stars.

-Sirenita The Selkie 

Mermaid Tales #11: The Polar Bear Express by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
A lost baby polar bear shares the spotlight with a popular boy band in this Mermaid Tales adventure.
Kiki Coral is thrilled beyond words when she meets a brand-new friend: a baby polar bear! The problem is, the little bear, whose name is Nestor, has floated away from home on a patch of ice and now he’s lost, hungry, and all alone!
Kiki, Shelly, and Echo want to send Nestor back to his home on the Manta Ray Express, but a one-way ticket costs a whopping four jewels! That’s a fortune! Not to mention, all anyone at school can talk about is the Rays, who are performing a concert in Poseidon. Kiki loves the cute boy band as much as the next mergirl, but what about Nestor? Isn’t saving him more important than a concert?
Can Kiki and her friends find a fun way to send their new furry friend home—and hang out with the Rays in the process? 


My Review:
I was really happy when Dadey decided to focus on major environmental issues in this latest mermaid tale, specifically focusing on polar bears, melting ice, and global warming. Not only does this book teach young children about the value of the environment, but how they can help! One way Kiki and her friends raise money is by creating a fundraiser event. 

The only character who always annoys me is Pearl. Would it kill her to not be a spoiled brat for once?? The ending of this book was so sweet that I almost cried :,)!
I loved this mermaid tale! (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Mermaid Tales #10: A Tale of Two Sisters by Debbie Dadey

Book Type: Novel
Author: Debbie Dadey
Pages: 128

Summary(goodreads.com):
Echo is thrilled to find a human object in this Mermaid Tales adventure, but will sibling rivalry keep her from appreciating her prize?
Echo is dogfish tired of having to share everything with her bossy big sister, Crystal. So she’s extra excited when she stumbles upon a shiny human object near her shell. Finally, something of her very own!
Echo is obsessed with people, so she’s very curious as to what her fin-tastic human find might be. Could it be something totally wavy, like a music-making machine? What if it’s something that could allow her to actually talk to humans?
Before she can find out, Crystal swipes the object, claiming she found it first! Echo is steaming mad. After the mergirls duke it out in a messy tug of war, their mother takes the object away. “You’ll get this back when you can learn to get along,” she tells them. But that’s easier said than done. How far is Echo willing to go to get her precious human object back?

My Review:
One of the most common issues children learn to deal with is sibling rivalry, and I'm happy that Dadey decided to highlight this in one of her books. One of my favorite characters in this series is Echo. She reminds me so much of Ariel and how she loves all things human!

I also loved that this book teaches about sacrifices for family and the value of promises. Most importantly, it teaches sharing. I really enjoyed this sweet sister story! I give this book (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Book 3 Of The Mer Tales Is Finished!

Hi Merfolk!

The third book of the Mer Tales series is reviewed!

Mer Tales Series

Only one more book to go!

-Sirenita The Selkie 

The Little Mermaid by Francesca Rossi

Book Type: Children's Literature
Author: Francesca Rossi
Pages: 64

Summary(goodreads.com):
When she falls in love with the prince she rescues during a storm, the Little Mermaid sells her voice to a witch for the chance to become human. But if her prince doesn't love her back, she could lose it all . . .

My Review:
The Little Mermaid  is a timeless classic mermaid story. While some authors use amazing illustrations and words with their rendition, others fall a little flat. I would say this book falls into the mix of good and bad. 

While the mermaids in this book are beautiful, the background colors fall a little flat. The ocean is full of life and color, and the illustrations do not portray this. Although the text is somewhat like the original Anderson version, the ending is vastly altered.

So is this the original The Little Mermaid? You be the judge!
I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie 

Dora and Friends Mermaid Treasure Hunt by Mary Tillworth

Book Type: Children's Book
Author: Mary Tillworth
Pages: 24

Summary(goodreads.com):
Dora and her friends team up with Mariana the mermaid to hunt for missing golden treasure! Based on Nickelodeon's hit show "Dora and Friends," this full-color storybook is perfect for girls ages 3 to 7.

My Review:
Dora has exciting adventures and now she's exploring the ocean as a mermaid! Although Dora was never one of my favorites as a mer-girl, it's cool to see her with a beautiful tail :) I loved the illustrations in this book. The merfolk are gorgeous, and their tails are bright and colorful, reminding me of tropical fish. The book begins with Dora and her friends cleaning up the beach while simultaneously doing a fun activity, showing the importance of teamwork, while also highlighting an important environmental issue. This book also teaches that being on a team is better than being greedy and alone. On a side note, it was a little weird that Dora now has a Map App instead of a traditional map!

This book was okay, not really the most exciting for older mer-readers. However, if you have a little one who loves Dora and mermaids, they will love this book!

I give this book (***) 3 stars. 
-Sirenita The Selkie

Emily Windsnap And The Ship Of Lost Souls (Book #6 In Series) by Liz Kessler

Book Type: YA
Author: Liz Kessler
Pages: 288

Summary(goodreads.com):
A field trip to a mysterious island quickly turns into an adventure when Emily Windsnap and Aaron discover a secret lookout point from which they spot a ghostly ship that no one else seems to be able to see. The ship appears and disappears only at certain times of day—growing fainter each time. Searching for answers only leads to more questions until Emily and her friends confront the island’s keeper, uncovering the incredible story of a ship caught between land and sea, day and night . . . life and death. Only Emily, with her ability to transform from mermaid to human, can enter Atlantis to try to bring the ship’s passengers back before the portal is closed forever. Emily knows that if she fails, not only will the passengers never see their loved ones again, but Emily won’t be able to return either. Will she be able to resist the allure of Atlantis and return home before it’s too late? 

My Review:
I was really excited that Kessler decided to write another book for the Emily Windsnap series! It's been a favorite since I was a young mer-girl. It's sad to say that I was disappointed with this latest addition to the series. The beginning and middle of the plot fell flat for me; it was a little boring. However, Kessler's descriptive language made me feel as if I was with Emily exploring the mysterious island along with her.

Without giving too much away, I also loved how Kessler incorporated Atlantis, but at times it became very complicated and I had to keep flipping back and forth throughout the book to re-read the details. This Emily Windsnap book was okay, but I don't feel it was the most exciting book in the series. For more info on the series, visit my full review: Emily Windsnap Series Full Series Review

I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie