Forbidden Sea

Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson

published by scholastics

$17.99 (hardcover)

Genre: YA

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the full understanding I'd provide an honest review for no compensation

What it's about:
When, one stormy night, a mermaid comes to take Adrianne Keynnman's sister, Cecily, down into the depths of the sea, Adrianne knows she must fight with every ounce of her strength to protect her little sister. On land, Adrianne toils away, trying to eke out a living for her mother, sister, and aunt, after a tragic accident stole her father. Now, life takes a strange and frightening turn as Adrianne's dreams are filled with the mermaid's singing.
When it becomes clear that it isn't Cecily the mermaid wants, Adrianne wonders how she can protect her family from their superstitious island community as the mermaid attempts to lure her into the sea, night and day.

In this powerful tale of heartache and redemption, a girl born on land must choose between the promise of an underwater paradise and her loyalty to those she loves.


My thoughts:
I don't know what I was really expecting with this book, but it wasn't what I thought. The book takes place in...well we don't know. The date is never given, but it was set in a time when cars aren't around, or electricity. I actually really like historical type books so this was not a bad thing. The other thing I wasn't expecting is there is very little time spent in the book when Adrianne is actually with the mermaids. Most of the book is spent avoiding the mermaids and complaining about the horrible, good for nothing aunt. Oh man that character got me so worked up and angry during most of the book. I just wanted to slap her, but that was the point of her character.
This was a really well written book, with great descriptions and lovely characters, and it caught my attention, but it wasn't fantastic. It wasn't actually really about mermaids, but about being happy with who you are.

My rating: 7/10