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A review by writingcaia
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Pirates, Magic, and Mermaids! Also, queer, non-binary and gender fluid characters, it had everything to work but it really didn’t, I didn’t even like the finale, it felt forced and unrealistic even in that fantasy world.
The Mermaids and the Sea and its Pirate Supreme (non-binary) were without a doubt the most interesting part of the story and I just wish the book was more focused on that.
We do have two interesting morally gray characters, especially our Pirate Flora/Florian. It’s an instalove kind of romance but not badly done.
The Witch, seriously why was she even there? She barely makes a show and the magic system and knowledge that eventually she passes on is so little explored as to be easily removed from the story, which is a shame as it could have been an interesting part if only it hadn’t been so blandly and little exposed.
A lot of non-binary peeps are mentioned, although how just by looking at them the characters knew I don’t get. There’s definitely a lot queer representation but it felt somewhat too much or maybe not well explained enough to feel natural, and I don’t mean the relationships.
It was entertaining and not badly written, I can’t say it was a waste of time, but it did disappoint a little.
The Mermaids and the Sea and its Pirate Supreme (non-binary) were without a doubt the most interesting part of the story and I just wish the book was more focused on that.
We do have two interesting morally gray characters, especially our Pirate Flora/Florian. It’s an instalove kind of romance but not badly done.
The Witch, seriously why was she even there? She barely makes a show and the magic system and knowledge that eventually she passes on is so little explored as to be easily removed from the story, which is a shame as it could have been an interesting part if only it hadn’t been so blandly and little exposed.
A lot of non-binary peeps are mentioned, although how just by looking at them the characters knew I don’t get. There’s definitely a lot queer representation but it felt somewhat too much or maybe not well explained enough to feel natural, and I don’t mean the relationships.
It was entertaining and not badly written, I can’t say it was a waste of time, but it did disappoint a little.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Rape