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justinekorson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I want to call this Filipino Little Mermaid but it is SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. The only real similarity between this story and the Little Mermaid is that the FMC goes to see a sea witch and loses her voice in a contract. everything else about the story is different and incredible.
This story fully embodies the Filipino-American perspective and as a Filipino-American myself I really, really appreciate it. I haven't read many books that make me feel seen but this for sure struck a chord with me. Malaya's disconnect with her parents and siblings was something that I could understand, as was her longing for a new life.
This story felt like it would be a contemporary teen drama at first but then quickly flipped after Malaya met the sea witch. Once she was transplanted into her new life, this story turned into a thrilling supernatural story with so many familiar creatures from Filipino stories. Though I knew many of the creatures that were discussed in the novel, I also felt they were explained well enough that anybody would be able to get an idea of what Malaya, Salvador and her family were facing.
Without giving too much away, the revelations in this story, the betrayals, and Malaya's character growth were impeccable. I was damn near bawling by the end of the book as I tried to focus enough to finish it. I was so happy for Malaya that she was able to fight for what was best for her and her family instead of what she thought she wanted. The final chapters felt very bittersweet, considering everything Malaya lost, but she gained so much in the process.
I will eagerly look for more novels from this author.
This story fully embodies the Filipino-American perspective and as a Filipino-American myself I really, really appreciate it. I haven't read many books that make me feel seen but this for sure struck a chord with me. Malaya's disconnect with her parents and siblings was something that I could understand, as was her longing for a new life.
This story felt like it would be a contemporary teen drama at first but then quickly flipped after Malaya met the sea witch. Once she was transplanted into her new life, this story turned into a thrilling supernatural story with so many familiar creatures from Filipino stories. Though I knew many of the creatures that were discussed in the novel, I also felt they were explained well enough that anybody would be able to get an idea of what Malaya, Salvador and her family were facing.
Without giving too much away, the revelations in this story, the betrayals, and Malaya's character growth were impeccable. I was damn near bawling by the end of the book as I tried to focus enough to finish it. I was so happy for Malaya that she was able to fight for what was best for her and her family instead of what she thought she wanted. The final chapters felt very bittersweet, considering everything Malaya lost, but she gained so much in the process.
I will eagerly look for more novels from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Blood, Physical abuse, Death, Infidelity, and Gaslighting
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