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A review by xangemthelibrarian
The Sea in You by Jessi Sheron
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
I think I've officially found my favorite retelling of The Little Mermaid!
I love everything about this story. The ASL representation, the positive body diversity, obviously the lovely LGBTQIAP+ romance plot, and our main girl Corinth finally realizing Seth is an abusive a-hole. There is so much here that makes for a rich story, and it is all so well-done with care, respect, and attention.
I love the character designs too. I lived vicariously through Corinth and her dreamy emo/goth girl aesthetic. Skylla is a beautiful mermaid. And I have to say, I'm glad the artist chose not to put breasts on the mermaids, since they are fish and not mammals. First time seeing that kind of design choice, since mermaids and sirens are always sexualized, and I'm living for the anatomically-correct(er) fantasy creatures!
Probably the one and only hang-up I have with this story is that the characters feel and look more like college-age kids or young adults than high schoolers to me. Seth literally looks like a full-grown adult towering over Corinth. I kept forgetting I was reading a story about teens rather than someone more my age. Also, because of the abusive relationship, it is harder for me to see this as a teen story, but I think that's because I don't see abusive relationships portrayed like this in YA literature very often. And you know what? I'm here for it! Teens are just as susceptible to falling into abusive relationships as adults are and they need to be able to see what a bad relationship looks like too so they can find help and escape the situation.
Overall, a very good graphic novel. I love the potential for the story to continue, and definitely look forward to seeing how Corinth and Skylla develop as people and as a couple.
I love everything about this story. The ASL representation, the positive body diversity, obviously the lovely LGBTQIAP+ romance plot, and our main girl Corinth finally realizing Seth is an abusive a-hole. There is so much here that makes for a rich story, and it is all so well-done with care, respect, and attention.
I love the character designs too. I lived vicariously through Corinth and her dreamy emo/goth girl aesthetic. Skylla is a beautiful mermaid. And I have to say, I'm glad the artist chose not to put breasts on the mermaids, since they are fish and not mammals. First time seeing that kind of design choice, since mermaids and sirens are always sexualized, and I'm living for the anatomically-correct(er) fantasy creatures!
Probably the one and only hang-up I have with this story is that the characters feel and look more like college-age kids or young adults than high schoolers to me. Seth literally looks like a full-grown adult towering over Corinth. I kept forgetting I was reading a story about teens rather than someone more my age. Also, because of the abusive relationship, it is harder for me to see this as a teen story, but I think that's because I don't see abusive relationships portrayed like this in YA literature very often. And you know what? I'm here for it! Teens are just as susceptible to falling into abusive relationships as adults are and they need to be able to see what a bad relationship looks like too so they can find help and escape the situation.
Overall, a very good graphic novel. I love the potential for the story to continue, and definitely look forward to seeing how Corinth and Skylla develop as people and as a couple.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship