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+

Cate of the Lost Colony Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win a copy of Cate of the Lost Colony. The winner, as chosen by Random.org is:

Jessy!

I've sent you an email, and you have 48 hours to reply so I can get your email to the publisher!

Waiting on Wednesday (October 13)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This weekly meme shares the upcoming books that I'm most excited about.

Contagion by Joanne Dahme

n her fourth novel Joanne Dahme creates another page-turning tale in which a youngwoman named Rose strives to rid Philadelphia’s water of the deadly typhoid bacteria. Set in the late 19th century, Rose Dugan is a young wife who is actively involved in her community. But when her best friend is killed while working at Philadelphia’s Water Works' gardens, the mystery around her death pulls Rose in. Will she save the city from a deadly typhoid outbreak that is threatening the city’s water system? Will Rose unravel the mystery behind her best friend’s murder—a fate that was actually meant for her? (From Goodreads)

Published by Running Press
Release Date: October 5, 2010

So, technically this has already been released, but I just got a copy and am super excited about it.

Teaser Tuesday (October 12)

What is Teaser Tuesday?
It's a meme hosted by Should Be Reading and here are the rules:
Grab your current read...
Open to a random page
Share two teaser sentences from somewhere on the page
Don't include spoilers.

"I look over my shoulder--at the truck with two guys in the back readying another net. Bikes bounce over the ground, their angry motors revving as they come at me."

-Firelight, Page 14, by Sophie Jordan

In My Mailbox (October 10)

Happy 10/10/10!

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi of The Story Siren, who was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Here are the books I got this week:

Bought:

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret. (From Goodreads)



Won:
Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

Now a fully trained unicorn hunter, Astrid Llewelyn is learning that she can’t solve all her problems with a bow and arrow. Her boyfriend has left R...more Now a fully trained unicorn hunter, Astrid Llewelyn is learning that she can’t solve all her problems with a bow and arrow. Her boyfriend has left Rome, the Cloisters is in dire financial straits, her best friend’s powers are mysteriously disintegrating, and her hope of becoming a scientist seems to be nothing but an impossible dream.

So when she’s given the opportunity to leave the Cloisters and use her skills as part of a scientific quest to discover the Remedy, Astrid leaps at the chance. Finally, she can have exactly what she wants—or can she? At Gordian headquarters deep in France, Astrid begins to question everything she had believed: her love for Giovanni, her loyalty to the Cloisters, and—most of all—her duty as a hunter. Should Astrid be saving the world from killer unicorns or saving unicorns from the world? (From Goodreads)