Book Review: Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned. (From Goodreads)

I've come to expect, and love, certain things from books written by Tera Lynn Childs. I expect fun, a great story, and a dreamy male character. I also know that I'm going to have a great time reading it. While I prefer her Oh. My. Gods. series, Forgive My Fins didn't disappoint me.

My knowledge of mermaid mythology only went as far as The Little Mermaid until recently. In my defense, at least it was the Hans Christian Andersen version of the story. So, I was happy to see a new mermaid plot. I knew at the start of the book that my favorite character was going to be Quince. He teased Lily, and while it was obvious to the reader that he liked her, Lily was oblivious to his crush. She complains about his behavior numerous times in the book, but never considers that he might be tormenting her as a way of showing affection. I was rooting for him, especially once I realized that Lily's crush Brody was like a Disney "prince charming" (all looks, no personality). I also thought that Childs did a good job setting up the story for the sequel. The book felt complete, but there's still so much more I want to know.

At times, I struggled with my feelings for Lily. She seemed a bit helpless at times, and I really wanted her to grow as a character. If she had developed more, I don't think I would have had a problem connecting with her. Another issue that I had involved Lily revealing that she's a mermaid. I won't say who she revealed herself to, but I will say that I wanted more tension. If someone told me that they were a mermaid, I think that I'd be a bit surprised.

I'm also going to take a minute to say how excited I am for her new series, Medusa Girls. The first book doesn't have a cover yet, but I'm already excited.

Forgive My Fins
By Tera Lynn Childs
Published by Katherine Tegen Books
293 Pages
Rating:C+