(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

(28) Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

Book Type: Novel
Author: Elizabeth Fama
Pages: 295

Summary(goodreads.com):
Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.

Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago.

My Review:
When I first picked this book up, I was pretty excited to read it! I was interested in how the historical fiction and the mermaid themes would intertwine. The artwork on the cover also enticed me to read. There were some elements that I liked about the book, but other elements... I just didn't expect it. Let's take a look at some of the plot elements of Monstrous Beauty.

Breathtaking, Gorgeous, Aching Love! What I Loved:
When I started the prologue of the book, I loved the vivid imagery Fama was able to create. I felt the pain of Syrenka's first love, and I instantly felt a connection to her. I also loved the longing-for-true-love vibe; I have felt this woman's pain before! Syrenka the mermaid is described as having very fish-like qualities. She has sharp teeth, and very sharp, spiny fins with scutes instead of scales and a dolphin's fluke. Cool!

These are scutes on a sturgeon,
 which is what Syrenka's tail looks like!

Later on in the setting, Hester starts to discover her family's dark secret. As she continues to unravel her family genealogy, it starts to become a thriller. I loved how the book jumped back and forth from historical fiction to thriller that excites the reader! I also loved the romance; it was beautiful and sweet.

I must warn you, mer-readers, the book is very graphic at times.

Tormenting and Painful To Read! What I Hated:
I would just like to warn some readers that this book contains many graphic scenes that made me wince.  The first scene that surprised me involved a very graphic rape, followed by a very graphic death scene. But that's not the end of it. This book involves a lot of death scenes that are described and at times were very painful to read, especially when it involved children. I just felt that it wasn't necessary. The ending was a bit weird, and not to spoil the book, but the ending was depressing and left me saying, "That's it?" It just left me wanting more for Hester!

Overall, this book was pretty good, but I found the graphic scenes a bit unnecessary, especially the way they were described. I give this book (***) 3 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie