Mera: Tidebreaker is the first in DC's new DC Ink line, and with Aquaman's recent release, it's not surprise this was chosen to launch the line. Tidebreaker follows Mera, the later queen of Atlantis, as a 16-year old princess warrior, ready to fight for her people. When her father and intended start making choices without her input or consideration, she decides to take matters into her own hands by going after Arthur, the Atlantis heir living on land. But when they meet, she discovers that he's not what she thought he was. He's actually kind and generous, and appears to know nothing about his gifts. She must decide if killing him is right or if they can work together to bring peace.

What I Liked:

Mera- My knowledge of Mera is limited, but I've always been interested in her. This story does a fantastic job of introducing readers to her personality and dedication to her home. She has a realistic emotional arc of figuring out how to make a stand, even when the consequences may not be in her favor.

The world-building- Though we don't learn all the intricacies of Xebel and Atlantis's history, there is just enough to make you feel familiar with the world and the general political relations. I could easily see readers grabbing as many stories set in the two kingdoms as they can after reading Mera.

What Left Me Wanting More:

The coloring- The color scheme is mostly blues and greens, with Mera's red hair being the most striking color. While this worked really well in the underwater scenes, it felt awkward in the parts Mera is on land.

Secondary characters- I love Mera taking center stage, but the secondary characters, Arthur in particular, feel very flat in comparison and lacked depth. This particularly hurts the romance, as Arthur doesn't make for an intriguing love interest.

Final Verdict:

While the secondary characters and romance left something to be desired, Mera herself ultimately makes this graphic novel a fun splash, perfect for those new to the Atlantis universe.

Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/23717-mera-tidebreaker

Shalanda Stanley's DROWNING IS INEVITABLE is one of my top underappreciated books, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of Stanley's sophomore title, NICK AND JUNE WERE HERE. Nick and June have been together for years- first as friends, then as something more. June struggles with schizophrenia, an untreated mental illness she's been trying to pretend isn't a problem. Nick and his aunt struggle with poverty, leading Nick to steal cars for cash to pay the bills. As their issues grow bigger and threaten to force them apart, they start to think the only solution is to run away...

Nick and June had my heart from the first chapter. Both are trying so hard to make everything okay, to keep their families from worrying. They put immense pressure on themselves to solve everything and feel their options are limited- if options exist at all. Anyone who has struggled with poverty will immediately connect to Nick's dilemma and understand how helpless amounting overdue bills and eviction notices can make you feel. On June's side, knowing something is wrong inside is absolutely terrifying, especially when you don't know what to do or where to go for help.

On the romance side, Stanley does what the best romance writers do: creates a situation that truly seems impossible to result in a positive ending. I was clenching my book so tightly by the last chapter, not knowing what was best for Nick or June or what would come of them. All in all, the conclusion was highly satisfying and also realistic. I may or may not have been tearing up many times throughout their journey.

Combining intense emotion, powerful love, and dramatic odds, NICK AND JUNE WERE HERE is a perfect addition to shelves alongside Katie McGarry and Emery Lord.

Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/23718-nick-and-june-were-here

THE EVERLASTING ROSE picks up where THE BELLES left off, with Camille, Edel, and Remy on the run. Sophia is determined to hunt them down and erects a special prison to keep all the Belles in called the Everlasting Rose. Camille has to figure out how to get Princess Charlotte safely on the throne, protect her sisters, decide whether or not the mysterious Iron Ladies can be trusted, and manage to live another day while on the run.

What I Loved:

Dhonielle Clayton is a master at crafting beautiful, lush descriptions in her writing. While the first book in the duology focused more on describing the beauty work Camille and her sisters did, this one describes more of the surroundings and Gris people, matching the edgier tone of the story.

With Camille on the run, the tension levels are high. You're never sure who is trustworthy, who has their own agenda, and who sincerely wants to help. There aren't as many twists in the plot this time, but the ones that we get are perfectly timed and gasp-worthy.

What Left Me Wanting More:

While we get some answers around the Belles' history, there is a lot left unanswered or unclear. If this had been a longer series, I would have expected the answers to come later, but as a conclusion, it was left to be desired. However, if there is ever a prequel or spin off exploring more of this world, I will absolutely be buying it.

In general, THE EVERLASTING ROSE felt rushed. Given it's around 100 pages less than the first book, this isn't too surprising. In particular, the end came together quite quickly and didn't leave as much room for the full emotional experience.

Overall Verdict:

While I didn't enjoy this as much as I did THE BELLES, THE EVERLASTING ROSE is an ultimately satisfying conclusion to a clever duology.

Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/23719-the-everlasting-rose-the-belles-2