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