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Tails from the Deep
Tails from the Deep
Diane Vallere | 2019 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Zoe is the middle of three sisters, the daughters of Mother, the leader of the merfolk settlement Sirenia somewhere under the sea. Unlike her other sisters, Zoe loves to explore. One of her favorite places is a shipwreck beyond the edges of her merfolk village. She sneaks out there quite frequently, so when things seem off one day, she is quick to notice. When she returns the next day, she finds a human diver trapped on the bottom next to a dead body. She frees the diver, but her actions lead to questions that might impact her settlement. Can she figure out who to trust and what is really going on?

Mermaid mysteries are definitely something different, but I couldn’t resist when Diane announced she was going to write these. After all, I love the water, so the idea of living under the sea, at least for a few pages, was too irresistible. I’m glad I did because I enjoyed this story. This reads very much like a cozy murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. The end was a little abrupt, but that’s a minor issue. As we read, we also get a feel for mermaid culture, which was a delight. Many of the slight twists on our world and expectations made me smile. It was definitely well thought out. We also get to know Zoe very well over the course of the story since is many ways these stories are coming of age stories in addition to mysteries. Since it is a 100 page novella, there isn’t tons of character development for the rest of the characters, but they still come across as real. The other two stories focus on Zoe’s sisters, and I can’t wait to see how they are developed and how that fits with Zoe’s take on her sisters. If you are looking for a slight fantasy edge to your cozy, I definitely recommend this novella for something different.

NOTE: This story, along with the stories of Zoe’s sisters, are included in the Mermaid Mysteries anthology. Buy them individually or as a set, but there is no need to buy both.
  
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tonidavis (353 KP) rated Moana (2016) in Movies

Jul 20, 2017  
Moana (2016)
Moana (2016)
2016 | Adventure, Animation, Comedy
Plot (0 more)
Music isn't as catchy as normal Disney (0 more)
Demi Gods in Disney
I love Disney as a whole Little Mermaid and Beauty and beast are my favorites. I also love mythology so soon as I heard demi god I was this is going to be a much watch film. However whilst I think the plot to this Disney film was possibly one of the best and the side kick where adorable. For me the music let it down normally I leave with song stuck in my head for days the first time I watched this I came out not remembering a single song. :'(

The grandmother in this film was great I loved the line "I'm the village crazy person "
  
This was a quick novella. The writing was very well done. The images were written beautifully and I loved "seeing" how everything looked in the story. A writer is amazing when they can write their imagery and make you see it how they wanted you to see it. I love when that happens. Kate was amazing.. the last mermaid who makes amazing jewelry and falls in love with a man who is dying. This tale is told from both of their pov's and it is interesting to see what is happening from both characters. I was rooting for them from the start and I am so glad this was a hea. Very good read
  
The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock
The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock
Imogen Hermes Gowar | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This historical drama is unusual but entertaining for anyone who loves period pieces with detail and a slightly surreal flourish. It has a beautifully described backdrop of 18th century London and a cast of characters that fill the pages with their dreams, obsessions and whimsies. Jonah Hancock is shocked to discover that the Captain of his ship has sold the vessel in exchange for… a mermaid. The acquisition of such a rare find catapults Hancock into the highest circles of society and into the path of Angelica Neal, a beautiful courtesan in need of assistance. Their journey is changed by the creature, leading you to ponder the power of these mythical creatures. An enjoyable Georgian romp.
  
Like Water
Like Water
Rebecca Podos | 2017 | Young Adult (YA)
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm always interested in queer young adult books, and this one especially caught my eye with its mention of "performing mermaids." Because y'all know I love my mermaid books! So Savannah isn't a real mermaid, she just plays one at a water park. But it was enough to make me pick up the book, and it's a good book. Young adult books about discovering your identity are always needed, and this book is about Savannah realizing she's bisexual.

Much of the angst in this book comes from Savannah not knowing if she has the same disease her father does, and she's not sure if she wants to know. Altogether, in this book we have chronic illness, hispanic teens, bisexual, lesbian, and genderqueer teens, small-town angst....there's really a LOT of demographics covered in this book.

I like Savannah, but I don't like her love interest, Leigh, very much. Leigh does NOT have her shit together, and between drinking and doing drugs, all while underage, she poses a very real threat to Savannah's well-being.

I'm a little nonplussed by the ending of the book. It leaves a few questions unanswered, but not in a cliff-hanger-y way. It's more of a possibilities-left-open kind of way. Which makes sense for a "first love" romance. It's not necessarily a "true love" story. It reminds me of John Green novels in that way.

So - it's a great book for representation, but don't expect a tidy, wrapped-up ending. You won't find that here.

You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com