Review: Can we say mermaids? Yes please!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 8, 2011
Take one dash Twilight (for the romance), add a tablespoon of "under the sea" magic (for the not often tackled mythical creature choice of mermaids), and shake violently still you achieve a color of serene sea blue (for the action and pitfalls that befall our cast of characters). That's what this book brings to readers.  Fantastic start to a promising trilogy.Marina really came to life on the page and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know her character. She's not your typical teenage girl getting all swept up in popularity contests, "who's the fairest of them all" concerns and lavish things (though she does have those things thanks to Aunt Evie ...who's not really her aunt, but that's a story for another day). She has heart and a desire to follow it. She takes the path less traveled and does what she deems as right not because it's what everyone is doing but because that's how things should be. She treats those around her with respect and courtesy unless of course they need a good dose of reality of which she'll happily oblige. Even before we discover shades of blue in her past, it's easy to see why she becomes fast friends with Megan (quiet and artistically gifted), understands her Cousin Cruz (a fashion designer in the making), and snags the attention of one surfing Adonis named Ethan (~insert wolf whistle here~ ...seriously, there is more than looks to this guy as we soon find out). She's true to herself (once she gets past the splash from her past) and exudes confidence despite her many examples of klutziness executed in perfect form (yeah, been there, tripped over that...) which spells true beauty both inside and out.The cast of characters surrounding her are varied in their likes and dislikes and might I say that the stereotypical mold is no where to be found when it comes to their true colors, a fact I found refreshing. The descriptions of both land and sea take you places you may never have been but will vividly see right before your eyes. Travel the coastal road and gaze down at the beach (and surfers...hehe) below. Stand on the beach and watch the wave's crash on the shore. Cut through the water at astounding speeds and surface in the great blue beyond with only the stars to light the sky above. It's a verbal picture waiting to be painted on the canvas of your mind....so what are you waiting for? Grab a "paintbrush" and get to work!In summary, if you couldn't tell...I really enjoyed this book and am eagerly anticipating the nest two books in the series. Recommended reading for Young Adult fans of all ages. Any "questionable" scenes are demure enough while still packing an emotional punch...and the language is kept clean.(Full review can be seen on my blog site as listed in my profile. Book was received in exchange for an honest review.)