This book is a beautifully designed hardback.I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I loved that the story was about mermaids because i havent really read any books about mermaid.I loved the main six mermaids and their different personalities. I love the merman Blu i just wish he was in it more. Hopefully he will be in the next one.Im really sad now that it has finished because i have to waiy until next year for the second one to come out :( i want to read it now.I really recommend this to read as it was really really good. :) That cover.Initially I wanted to read this book because of a) that cover and b) mermaids. But when I read the blurb, I felt it was juvenile. However, after many months I come back to this again because of Bea Miller. I loved the song she sang for this book. It really showed how empowered a person can be. After watching an interview of the author as she talks about Deepblue, the behind the scenes images of the realms of the Mer. I was sold. First, The language of the various kingdoms was hard to follow. As well as the language of the Iele. It is great that there is a glossary at the back of the book as I was guessing what this and that meant at first. There are tense scenes that chill the reader, there are heartwarming scenes that make the reader smile. Some scenes are rather graphic and violent though. The book has a large range of emotions. I loved that the ruler of Miromara is a female. Girl power much? The Dokimi ceremony reminds me of a manga I read about an orca princess, she needed to go through a test as well to be accepted as a potential ruler. Seraphina has big shoes to fill for her Dokimi and she did it well. About as perfect as could be. I like that she is honest about disliking court politics.I have to say the world building is something else. It is so rich in culture and you can see how each Mer kingdom is part of an actual country. I liked that the Mer had different countries like Matali (India, Africa, Middle East), Qin (Asia), Ondalina (Europe, North Pole), Minomara (Italy and Europe) and Atlantica(America) as it adds depth and more room to explore. Those are my guesses anyway. I was happy to finally come across a book that focuses on friendship, its bonds and the growth of the main characters. I did not want a book thar focuses entirely on romance. Argh. Don't we have enough of those already? While this one has hints of it, I like that the romance was not the main plot driver.I could relate to Seraphina on her struggles with accepting her role as a leader. Being a leader is no easy stuff. Her thoughts and insecurities felt very similar to mine. Having so much pressure at such a young age is tough and eye opening. The interaction with characters goes nicely. I like that the six mermaids had to come together to defeat evil. It is a classic plot. I liked that each girl had their own personalities too. If the book had six girls with the same personalities, the reader would be bored. But at times, the dialogue was juvenile. Which is to be expected because this book is aimed at the tween-teen crowd. Even though that annoyed me the solid world building won out.I am excited for the next book.
What do You think about Bajo El Azul (2014)?
it was better than I though it was going to be but still good. can't wait to read the next one.
—melissa
It was kinda predictable, but at the same time, total page turner
—LuFlores
