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foggy_rosamund's review against another edition
3.0
what makes this book work is the author's imaginative evocation of life under the sea. she never makes the under sea life overly pretty -- the sea is a raw, painful place full of strange animals, but also one of wonder. the way Tea sustains her description of an undersea journey throughout the book is impressive, and makes the novel enjoyable. however, as a continuation from "Mermaid in Chelsea Creek", it's adisappointing because it doesn't contain the same wealth of different characters and neither does it do much to advance the plot. Sophie's character develops over the course of the story, but otherwise we are in pretty much the same place as we were at the end of "Chelsea Creek", and i would have liked some more drama and plot tension.
punkystarshine's review against another edition
4.0
This is VERY different from the first book, and not a ton actually happened, but after we got through the first bit, the rest was pretty interesting. Some of the metaphors and descriptions are breathtaking.
pwbalto's review against another edition
4.0
Ok this is a second book. For about the first hundred pages I didn't know that, and I was kind of confused, but then kind of impressed that an author would so confidently start a story in media res and just let her readers catch on and catch up... which, I have to say, totally happened. Bold move. Kind of meta. But not a thing that she did, as it turns out.
So it's interesting - now I've read the reviews of the first book in this series, and they praise the author's language and imagination but ding her for an inconsistent voice and, apparently, numerous grammatical errors. Neither of those flaws appear in this book, which makes me think that this may be one of the rare series (grr we really need an actual plural for 'series' in this business - I propose serieux) about which I would recommend skipping the first act.
So it's interesting - now I've read the reviews of the first book in this series, and they praise the author's language and imagination but ding her for an inconsistent voice and, apparently, numerous grammatical errors. Neither of those flaws appear in this book, which makes me think that this may be one of the rare series (grr we really need an actual plural for 'series' in this business - I propose serieux) about which I would recommend skipping the first act.
josb's review against another edition
Cute sequel to The Mermaid in Chelsea Creek.
renatasnacks's review against another edition
4.0
This follows really closely on [b:Mermaid in Chelsea Creek|16129217|Mermaid in Chelsea Creek (Chelsea, #1)|Michelle Tea|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358992756s/16129217.jpg|21954157], which I LOVED but which I read over a year ago. I probably would have been well-served to re-read it before jumping into the sequel. That said, info started trickling back to me as I read it and I followed it well enough. I love Sophie, and I loved the way her relationship with Syrena grew as she learned more about herself and her magic. This reminded me a little of Inside Out, in that it's a beautiful story about understanding that it's good and important to feel sad sometimes!
Minus one star for Sophie having a BABY OCTOPUS LIVE ON HER HEAD, I CANNOT.
Minus one star for Sophie having a BABY OCTOPUS LIVE ON HER HEAD, I CANNOT.
bibliobrujx's review against another edition
5.0
This book was just as exciting as Mermaid in Chelsea Creek. My imagination was overjoyed. I absolutely loved that Sophie Swankowski continues to be headstrong and confused about her fate. The scenes are fantastic and the magical beings are incredible! I especially love the larger than life twin sister ogres. This is a must read no matter what, but especially if you love the ocean, and magic.
cindywho's review against another edition
4.0
I was worried about not remembering the details of the first book, but this dive into a fantastical ocean full of creatures and dangers and beauty worked on its own.
hauntedlibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Picks up right where Mermaid in Chelsea Creek left off to chronicle Sophie Swankowski's journey into the Atlantic Ocean under the guidance of the fierce, benevolent mermaid Syrena. The story of Sophie's present journey weaves into the story of Syrena's long and difficult past, and both are peppered with gorgeous descriptions of otherworldly undersea creatures. This was a surprisingly emotional read, as Sophie continues to explore her powers and their empathetic nature. Like the first book, it challenged me to be more compassionate. This sequel has a colorful host of new characters and a chance to look in on some old ones. A poetic continuation of this sweet fantasy trilogy!
neurodivengeance's review
5.0
I love this series so much, it opens my heart and speaks to it and helps it feel more purposeful, less alone. I have loved going under the sea. I did struggle with the octopus bits, omg. But I was able to get through them, it wasn't a question of not, because this book gives me so much. I can't wait for April <3