NOTE: The author provided me with a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this read for the most part. It was a quick and easy read, which I like on busy days when I don’t have time for a long, involved novel but want to feed the reading hunger.
I found the story to be cute enough, but the whole insta-love thing was not for me. While Ian and Estella were cute together, they fell in love too fast. Sure, they could be smitten with each other, but I didn’t fall for the love thing. Then again, if I were an 11 or 12-year old reading this story, I’d totally love the puppy love thing, so I guess it’s all relative to the age group reading it.
I felt the language was a bit young for the characters. They sounded more 14ish than 17ish. And while I appreciated the science talk and how our oceans are in danger due to human littering, and global warming, I felt much of the storyline was info dump. I would have appreciated it more if there were pictures laying around Ian’s room of garbage hauls on a science vessel deck or something that could spark the conversations. I felt the story moved too fast as if the author was trying to shove as much content into 5000 words or less. I think there were some aspects that could have
I felt the story moved too fast as if the author was trying to shove as much content into 5000 words or less. I think there were some aspects that could have used a bit more flushing out and extended. Life doesn’t fall into place so quick and easy. I would have liked to have seen a bit more turmoil. I loved the scene with Estella, Ian, his brother, and their parents in the dining room. THAT was realistic. That was teen angst that I felt was well done. I also loved the innocence of the story, that the author didn’t have to resort to foul language or sex to tell the story. I found this endearing and I miss it so much in middle-grade and YA contemporary reads lately.
As an adult, I thought the story to be on the cheesy side, but, on the same note, I also felt it would be a perfect short story for a middle-grade girl looking for an adorable story about mermaids. Overall, I’d give this story 3 fins. I look forward to more writings by this author.
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