Review: Okay Read
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 9, 2013
Marina is a girl at high school age that has never been to a "regular" school in her entire life because she was always home-schooled by her traveling Father.  She also has never been away from her Father.  That is all about to change, when Marina's Father is sent to Afghanistan to do his job he tells Marina she is to go live with her Aunt Abby and Cousin Cruz while he is away for the year.  She also is to go to the "regular" school so she isn't behind.  To say she is not thrilled is an understatement.  She is used to being with her Dad only and wither her fancy neighbor Evie, who lavishes Marina in gifts of designer fashion.  Since her Dad has left her with her Aunt and cousin, she has almost drowned, has had an encounter of a supernatural kind with a real life mermaid, and has developed a huge crush on the most popular boy in school.  Marina feels a connection with the Mermaid and wants to learn more about her.  Problem is that every time she interacts with the mystic mermaid she almost drowns.  She doesn't think the mermaid is trying to harm her, but she knows it is looking bad.  Why would a mermaid seek Marina out?  How is it that Marina can talk to this mermaid when no one else can?  Will Marina survive long enough to answer these questions?This was a nice young adult read, but I didn't find it as intriguing as others I have read.  I really thought the concept of the mermaid was great though, and did enjoy that part of it.  I found the characters to be quite interesting too for me to watch develop.  Marina comes off a bit snobbish to me at first because of her previous way of living with so much luxury that she doesn't even seem to think anything of.  I enjoyed Evie and her lavish personality and fashion and the way she dotted on Marina.  Cruz was an interesting character too, that I enjoyed.  The magic of the mermaid was great!  The flow of the book seemed to be a bit slow.  That is what I didn't like about the book.  I felt like I was reading on and on and just waiting for the "something" to happen.  It took a long time to get moving I thought.  It was a nice book for what it was and is a sweet read for a fantasy reading young adult, but for me...it just didn't do it for me.  I don't think I will read on in this series, but I had fun reading this book.  Like I said the mermaid concept was enough to keep my attention, as was the great characters.3/5 Stars