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0deya's review against another edition
4.5
I thought this was excellent. I loved the competitive swimming world (the smell of chlorine wafts off every page), and the cold sometimes far-removed inner monologue of the protagonist. My only drawback was that this whole book seemed to be a prologue for the final chapter, however still found it to be an incredibly thought provoking, fierce debut novel.
vatodd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This is a genre I have not read before. It is intense. I like horror movies so I thought I would handle it well but there is an element of separation in movies that I didn't get in this. Horror movies with bad acting or cheap sets or amateur effects keep you rooted in "this is fake". The story being written as if REN is talking to you and the visual description makes it all very real in your head. That was too much for me. I couldn't enjoy the experience for there was no fantasy elements like I thought there would be just real, raw horror.
hsbean's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
educk's review
4.0
This is one of the most fucked up books I've ever read. And I mean that with love and respect.
orizenda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I think I love this book for multiple reasons. 1. mermaids 2. I think it can be interpreted in different ways, it’s not just fed to you. I don’t know if the characters’ actions always make sense with who they are, but they’re teenagers and that in itself makes sense. 3. it’s sapphic 4. mermaids
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Pedophilia, Rape, and Body horror
onism1999's review
4.0
really a 3.5 but rounded up for a really solid debut novel and to spite the people reviewing this book saying it’s “too dramatic” or whatever. never shy away from intensity and passion, guys!!! it’s fun!! this was a lot of fun!!
bee_03's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
i enjoyed the premise and themes within the story, but ultimately i couldn't connect to the story as much as i wanted to due to the writing style. i thought the anticipation was done well though; while i went into the story suspecting what the climax would be, it was the anticipation for it that kept me reading. overall, a unique story, and i'm interested to see what the author comes up with in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Self harm
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, and Eating disorder
Minor: Pedophilia
rachaelwinterling's review
3.0
This book is wrought with yearning and obsession. I think these elements are especially highlighted when juxtaposed with Cathy’s POV, as we watch her write letters to Ren from a more passive perspective. That’s not to say, though, that Ren’s perception doesn’t rub off on her at times.
I think what I really took away from this story is Ren’s innate understanding that she was born in the wrong body. She was never meant to be human. Ren spends her time ruminating on her all-consuming need to prepare her body and mind to join the mermaid community. She fixates on this desire so intently that she repeatedly puts herself at risk - in increasingly destructive and gruesome ways.
I think there is a lot of valuable social commentary here, and I loved that the author didn’t shy away from the dark places the mind can go. There’s something about body horror metaphors that just get me. The idea that the body can reflect what’s happening in the mind is so satisfying because mental health often can’t be conveyed visually. This is a great read for Summernif you enjoy horror!
I think what I really took away from this story is Ren’s innate understanding that she was born in the wrong body. She was never meant to be human. Ren spends her time ruminating on her all-consuming need to prepare her body and mind to join the mermaid community. She fixates on this desire so intently that she repeatedly puts herself at risk - in increasingly destructive and gruesome ways.
I think there is a lot of valuable social commentary here, and I loved that the author didn’t shy away from the dark places the mind can go. There’s something about body horror metaphors that just get me. The idea that the body can reflect what’s happening in the mind is so satisfying because mental health often can’t be conveyed visually. This is a great read for Summernif you enjoy horror!
charlesalexander's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual assault, Gore, Mental illness, Child abuse, Blood, Physical abuse, and Eating disorder