My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

My Review:

I've been anticipating this book since I first heard about it, and let me tell you it was just as amazing as I'd imagined. Retellings are one of my favourite genres, and The Little Mermaid has been a favourite of mine since I was younger-naturally this book was a match made in heaven. Christo's writing style is one that made for a quick read. It flows, it has wit, it has characters are both lovable and memorable, it has amazing world building... the list goes on.

A big part of the rating this book got from me stemmed from the world building. Though it is a relatively small fantasy novel, I was able to easily visualize and follow with the world as the characters traveled through it. From the golden kingdom of Midas, to the wintery Págos, and the depths of Diávalos, this was a world I'd like to revisit again. We learn so much in such a short time: histories, laws, geography, legends. To be a good fantasy novel, for me, a lush world is necessary and this one takes the cake. My one gripe with it is that there isn't a map! I am a firm believer that those add to the story, and I wish there was one for this amazing place.

The characters in this story were the other reason for my high rating. Though a cast of misfits, they blended together to create a fun to read atmosphere, and one that lead to some amazing character development. Lira and Elian's point of views were equally enjoyable, which is rare to find with love interest dual POVs. They flowed well from one to the other. The story felt complete, especially regarding the language barriers between sirens and humans. What couldn't be answered in Elian's chapter was easily resolved in Lira's. The side characters -Kahlia, Torik, Madrid, Kye- were also well developed through the novel. Their depths gave depths to the MCs and when you can create dynamic characters the way Christo has, I think it's amazing.

Though as is the case with retellings, it becomes a bit predictable to what will happen in the end, but the way it comes about is what makes this story so great. You think you know what's going to happen, then it happens in a way that was the complete opposite of what you thought. It is a little mermaid retelling, but don't be fooled to thinking its an overly fluffy one. It is a story with a lot of bite-literally. The action is non-stop and the fight scenes are well written and as easily followed as the rest of the novel.

Overall, this was an incredible debut novel, and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for the future. She has the potential to become one of my favourite authors and I am quite excited to see what projects she has planned for the future. Elian and Lira's story will be one I remember clearly for a long while.

“You are a little heartless today, aren't you?"
"Never," I say. "There are seventeen under my bed.”