Florence

Florence Waverley #1

by Ciye Cho

Seventeen-year-old Florence Waverley is out of her depth. Literally. Kidnapped and taken below the waves to the mer world of Niemela, she is the ultimate gift for merman Prince Kiren: a human familiar tied to his side. But nothing is what it seems amid the beauty and danger of a dark ocean.

Every Niemelan has a role to play, from the mermaids who weave towers out of kelp to the warriors who fight sea monsters. But in trying to survive, Florence will end up in the middle of a war between the mer and the Darkness. A conflict that will push her between two brothers: Kiren, the charmer inexplicably drawn to both her and the monsters; and Rolan, the loner who has been pushing her away since the day they met. But in order to take a stand--and find out where she belongs--Florence will have to risk it all: her life, her heart... and her very soul.

Genres: Young Adult, Mermaids, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Fiction, Mythology

336 pages, ebook

First published June 28, 2012

About the author

Ciye Cho lives in Australia and works as a graphic designer. He writes YA novels in his free time--and his head is often lost in the clouds or some place far from reality...

Reviews

[Cassi Haggard · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars

As far as paranormal romances go, Florence is unobtrusive and unoffensive. But it feels just like same-old-same old to me.

Florence is your typical misunderstood loner. For years she's been "new girl" and nobody really knows or cares about her. She' invisible to her classmates. However, everything changes on a school field trip when she's kidnapped by mermaids.

The mermaids take her to be Prince Kiren's familiar, something that is not really explained, but never mind she's deemed inappropriate. So I guess the whole reason for her abduction doesn't need a real explanation (except I'd really like one). After a short discussion about disposing of her, the young Princess Yolee begs to keep her as a friend. With only nominal objections, Florence is allowed to stay in Niemela.

Florence is a special human (haven't we all seen that before?). She can understand the merpeople's language and commune with animals. This is never explained or explored in the book. It's noted as an oddity. I kept expecting there to be some kind of big reveal but it never materialized. Florence just knows the language because otherwise the book couldn't exist.

This book is very slow to get to any kind of plot. The first half of the book is spent introducing us to the undersea world--the brightly colored mermaids, the Oceanarium where everything lives in harmony (which makes me wonder how the carnivore creatures survive) and everything is just sparkly, pretty and idealized.

When the book finally starts getting to the plot, rather than surprise you with twists the book switches point of views and blatantly shows you what's happening in the background. If the author had saved the twist, choosing to reveal it at a more dramatic moment it could've been interesting. But it was underwhelming.

The writing is actually not troubling. There were a few mistakes, and a few thesaurus-happy moments but overall it was pretty readable in that regard. The problem was the story itself, which was predictable and never really made me care.

Did I mention that this book all takes place in 6 days? Florence somehow becomes key to the undersea world, is accepted and eventually falls in love with a merman? For me that's hard to believe. However I feel like people who like most paranormals (despite their flaws) will enjoy this book well enough. The book reads quite young so I think the younger fans of paranormal will probably enjoy it.

I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes.

For reviews and more visit my blog Galavanting Girl Books

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Source: I was given a digital copy of this book for free, by the author, on a read-to-review basis.)
17-year-old Florence has lived on Hamilton Island for 4 years since her mother abandoned her, but to her classmates who have lived there all their lives she will be forever ‘the new girl’.
Kidnapped by a merman on a school excursion, Florence is taken beneath water, given a polyp attached to her neck to allow her to breath water rather than air, and presented to Prince Kiren as his new familiar.
The king is livid – no human being belongs in Niemela, and he orders that Florence be detained in the dungeons indefinitely. Fortunately for Florence, the princess Yolee bargains with the king to keep Florence as a pet, and she is saved from the dungeons.
At her first chance of escape, Florence runs (if that’s possible underwater), and finds herself rescued from an underwater volcano by another merman, and then wakes to find herself in a small dome talking to another mermaid who identifies herself as Serillico, and dresses in live water snakes!
Fortunately Yolee comes to Florences rescue once more, although Florence doesn’t think it much of a rescue seeing as Yolee tells her that she won’t have such a bad life in Niemela, and offers to show her around. To all intents and purposes it seems like Florence will not be going home!

Yolee shows her the oceanarium where animals live in harmony with one another and don’t eat each other! Then there is an emergency as a Borgamont (a large starfish) comes out of the darkness and begins to attack the mermen because it can smell something different (Florence). Thankfully the mermen manage to beat the Borgamont, and Yolee then begins to tell Florence about the volcano’s that she encountered earlier, and how dangerous they are.

Things are so different for Florence in Niemela, and she is confused as to whether Niemela might be where she belongs. When Prince Kiren tells her that once he is king he will take her back to the surface, she doesn’t understand his aims. Especially when he tells her that he would prefer she stay with him in Niemela forever… But what are Kiren’s feelings for her? And can a human ever find a purpose in Niemela?

This is an interesting tale. Poor Florence is a bit of a loner in her human world, abandoned by a mother that didn’t want her, and sent to live on a small island with ’uncle’ Jeremiah, where everyone views her as an outsider.
The trip to Niemela is a shock for Florence, and adjusting to life in Niemela is difficult. She finds it difficult to understand the people there, and once again feels that she doesn’t belong, that is until the two princes seem to show an interest in her.

I found that most of this story is devoted to explorations of Niemela, with beautiful descriptions of magical underwater caverns, corals, and sea life. I loved that the mermaids and mermen were all such different colours, and how beautiful they were, and it was obvious that the author knew quite a bit about sea-life too.
I found the ideas of the merfolk quite fairy-tale-ish, the whole business of everyone living in harmony, with even the animals not eating one another was very difficult to swallow, purely because it is so unrealistic, and ultimately unnatural! I personally could never have lived in Niemela, the whole thing about people only being given clothes and personal space if they needed it? Terrible! I could never live that way! I think everyone needs a little privacy at some point!

I was quite wary of the mer-people and their intentions. As the king wanted to immediately sentence Florence to death just for being there immediately made me wary, and even when the princes were being nice to her I questioned their intentions. I was quite surprised by the way the story ended though!

Overall; a tale about a human girl in a beautiful mermaid world.
7 out of 10.

[Aeicha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

THREE WORDS: Enchanting, Lush, Mesmerizing

MY REVIEW: A few weeks ago I reviewed another mermaid book that was unfortunately a miss, so I was very happy to discover a mermaid story that is a great big hit! Ciye Cho’s Florence is a refreshing and captivating mermaid tale that had me enthralled from beginning to end.

After the death of her father, seventeen year old Florence Waverly doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere: not at school or even in her mother’s posh world. During a class field trip to the beach, Florence is kidnapped and taken to the mer world of Niemela. She’s meant to be a gift to the young Prince Kiren on the eve of his coronation. But Florence soon finds herself caught up in a fierce struggle between the Niemelans and the Darnkess, a dangerous enemy. She also finds herself caught between two brothers: the charming Kiren and his older, mysterious brother Rolan. Florence must summon the strength and courage she never knew she possessed in order to save this new world she’s come to love.

Diving into the world of Florence was a completely enchanting and fantastical experience! Cho has created a wonderfully refreshing and imaginative new take on mermaids and filled his underwater world with delightful characters and electric romance.

One of the things I love most about this book is how lush and vivid the underwater world is. Cho’s world-building is phenomenal! The ocean world of Niemela shimmers and shines on every page. I could image every color, texture, smell, sound or taste easily in my mind. There’s something absolutely exquisite and breathtaking about the world of Niemela, yet, at times, it’s equally chilling and forbidding.

And I love that the merpeople in this world are not your usual Disney-esque mers. The Niemelans are beautiful in appearance with their multi-colored hues, and have an essence that is both mesmerizing and dangerous. These beings and this world are as lovely as they are layered. Cho has crafted a dimensional and believable political/social/cultural mer world as well.


Florence is a really likable and relatable heroine. I loved her natural curiosity, cleverness and determination. She’s definitely the type of heroine that is easy to root for and whose journey readers will be fully invested in. Yolee, the young Niemelan princess and Florence’s “hostess”, is such a gem. She’s endearing, sweet and funny. I loved the close friendship (an almost sisterhood) that develops between these two girls.


Prince Kiren and Prince Rolan make for two very different, yet equally enticing, love interests and heroes. Kiren is very charming and fun, while Rolan is more serious and thoughtful. I’m not a huge fan of love triangles, but this one never felt contrived or in my face. I ended up really liking both of these guys and appreciated Florence’s believable feelings for both Princes. There’s a definite spark between our heroine and each fella.

Cho has created an awesome and sinister villain with the Darkness. This is an entity that is as captivating as it is eerie and frightening.

There’s resolution in the conclusion, but it is also open ended and leaves plenty of room for a sequel…and I’ve been told by the author that there will be a sequel! *squee*

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: There are quite a few new mermaid books popping up on the YA scene and Ciye Cho’s Florence definitely stands out with its originality, dazzling underwater world, engaging characters and intriguing villain. This is one mermaid book not to be missed!

[Lauren (Sugar & Snark) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly let me tell you that I have never read a Mermaid book that I have actually liked. And I’ve always thought it was strange because when I was 5 I wanted (desperately) to grow up to be one. So obviously I have nothing against the species. But every book I have read has either been juvenile, unbelievable or lacked any imagination. This book might not have converted me to Team Mermaid. But it has certainly made me a fan.

Florence is a lonely introvert who spends her life on the sidelines looking in. She has nobody who truly cares for her and is invisible to the other students at her high school. Then she is abducted. And deep beneath the ocean, hidden in the coral, a kingdom of merpeople is revealed to her.

Florence is thrust into a strange world, populated by strange creature. These mermaids/mermen are not the one’s Disney was writing about. She is unsure of her roll in their society. Is she a pet, is she a pawn of some kind or could she be a love interest for the prince? One thing is certain. She is not invisible anymore.

Ciye Cho creates an entire underwater universe. And seeing it all for the first time through Florence’s eyes was perfection. She is observant and curious and her descriptions were so vivid and textured that the seascape came alive in my mind.

Ciye cleverly overcomes the obvious breathing underwater issue without having to resort to the abracadabra “it’s magic” routine which is always a worry for me when I read a book of this nature. Sure I still have a few questions. e.g. Why doesn’t her fingers go all “pruney” from being in the water so long? And what about dehydration? But once I had let those questions slide, I found a truly intriguing plot filled with unusual and often misunderstood characters.

The author has done a wonderful job of describing a beautiful paradise under the sea. Then just when you are thinking how pretty it all is, a dark undercurrent of doubt and fear is let loose. For a YA novel this book is surprisingly mature and I love the way Florence’s character grows and matures throughout the book as well.

I only have one real complaint (or more of an observation.) Every relationship has a deal breaker right? Kiren the supposedly super hot Merman Prince is described, like all other merpeople as being brightly coloured. But when does the deal breaker come into play here: 1) He is not the same species – I’m not sure where the law comes down on beastiality in international waters, 2) He has a tail instead of man parts –that could be a serious hindrance when getting “romantic” and 3) He is a yellowish green colour- yes like phlegm! Need I say more?

But inter-species relations aside I really enjoyed this book and I thought the cover was beautiful, like a close up of Botticelli’s Venus which is why I am giving it 4 Bottles of Snark (7/10).

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I haven't been accepting many self-published books for review recently. Not because I don't want to, but because I have so many things piling up on me. Not only do I have books to read and review that I've already accepted or requested, along with books I've bought or been given, but I also have work and friends to keep up with, plus I'll be starting back at school soon. But when I got an email from Ciye Cho asking me to review his book, Florence, my fancy was caught.

Florence follows Florence Waverley, a very average, unnoticed teenager, as she is taken into the world of the Niemelans, mermaids who live in secret on the bottom of the ocean, hiding from human eyes and from the dangers of the world around them. She is seen as an outsider in her world, as well as theirs, but slowly she finds a place for herself as she becomes involved in the Niemelans battle against the Darkness, the forces that would destroy them, and involved with the two princes of the people.

I was enchanted by the idea of a human brought into the world of mermaids, rather than a mermaid in the world of the humans like we normally get. And the world created by Cho for our mermaids to live in is fascinating and beautiful. Every person has a role and nothing goes to waste for their people. They work to protect themselves from the mystery and danger of the Darkness, something else I was intrigued by. Normally, mermaids are at one with their surroundings, generally working with the creatures, rather than against them. To see the Niemelans battle against giant undersea creatures was quite a treat, and an aspect I loved.

At first I thought Florence was a rather boring protagonist, average in her world, average in the Niemelans, but she grew into so much more. Somehow, in a place where she should have felt most at odds, she seemed to find a home and a place, and blossomed into a new person; a person with a purpose and with drive, and a pleasure to read. I also deeply enjoyed the progression of her relationships with Kiren and Rolan, two very different princes and two very different relationships. It seems like it'd be a love triangle, but it wasn't really, and that was something I appreciated. Both princes are much more than they seem, but one is better than one could imagine and the other is deeply troubled with a heartbreaking story.

There were times where I felt like dialogue was a little stilted and the story got slow, and I thought the beginning had a bit of a slow start. But once we got into the world of the Niemelans it picked up for the most part and I really couldn't put Florence down.

You can find this review and much more fun on my blog: Paper Cuts.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wasn't sure what I'd make of this book; I'd thought for a while it would be cool to read about mermaids, but it could all go so wrong and turn into a Disney's Little Mermaid rip off. Happily, that didn't happen with Florence, and I was sucked into an exciting new world.

Florence is an outsider at school, and in life generally. Her father died when she was young, leaving her a burden to those who would sooner she wasn't there. She has virtually no friends and all in all, it isn't too much of a shame to her when she is kidnapped from a field trip to the beach by a merman. He takes her to Niemala; an underwater kingdom where mermaids and mermen of all different colors commune with nature and live a peaceable life. Florence is to become a familiar for the crown prince Kiren, much to the initial disgust of his brother, Rolan.

From the start I felt that Rolan was the more interesting of the brothers. His disdain was more intriguing than Kiren's flirtatious overtures to Florence. Both are described as being superior in looks and physique. Florence is captivated by Kiren though, and for some time she fails to notice his ulterior motives. All the while, she finds out more of Rolan in tiny snippets which frustrate her. Why is he so against her? Why does he save her from danger? Why did he reject the succession rights to the crown? At the same time, she makes friends with the sister of both Kiren and Rolan, Yolee. She is a delightful character - very innocent and trusting - and she helps Florence settle into life in Niemala. Florence discovers more about herself and her abilities under the sea while she tries to find a place to belong, and I did really enjoy reading those developments, at the same time as trying to figure out Kiren and Rolan.

The underwater kingdom was described in loving detail, and I feel sure that the author must be a keen diver as the descriptions were really outstanding... I could vividly picture the places and creatures. However, I needed a little more focus and direction from the plot in the first half to keep me keen... but as Kiren's motivations became clearer, the pace picked up and I found myself turning the pages with increasing speed. I thought the last quarter of the book was really gripping. I think there is definitely room for a follow up to the story, and I would be pleased to read that in the future. This is a mermaid tale which has legs!!

[Nea Barabea · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, I've never read a book about mermaids. Dunno why, but they somehow didn't appeal to me. And then I got this book for review, and I was like "Seriously? Mermaids?" I thought about it and then decided to accept it.

And let me tell you, Oh my god! This book is awesome. The world that Ciye created is stunning. Bright colours, amazing characters and an intrigue, unique story. It's quite fast paced and the story flew by like a blur.

The story is told in the first person, and the narrator is a girl named Florence. Sometimes there were chapters in the third person, so the reader can actually see also the things that doesn't happen directly to Florence. It gives the reader a better understanding.

Florence in the beginning of the book was a really quiet girl. Noone noticed her. Noone talked to her. She went with the school to a trip on the beach. She went swimming by herself and diving in the water got her face to face with a merman. He kiddnaped her. She woke up in Neimela, a bright coloured world underwater. Stunningly beautiful. Somehow she was allowed to stay in Neimela. She became best friend with the Princess Yolee. Yolee is cheerful, nice young girl and she really likes Florence. She introduced Florence into the underwater world. Florence finally found a place where she belonged.

The boys. Prince Kiren. Prince Rolan. WOW. They were both quite interesting. Kiren was a charming prince with nice maners. Rolan on the other hand seemed cold and distant. BUT, like he said: Nothing is truly what it seems on the outside. And really, it's not ;)

This book was a fast pacing through story which will left you crave for more. I really enjoyed reading it. So, if you like mermaids, action, and with romance filled story, this book is perfect for you!

[The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read FULL Review At: The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger

Florence is a book by author Ciye Cho that was released just a few days ago on July 1, 2012. When I was first approached by the author to review Florence, I was immediately hooked by just reading the synopsis. The unique storyline and intriguing male leads made me absolutely anxious to start reading- I finished it in about a day!

I love it when I see a character experience growth throughout the course of a novel- Florence is a perfect example of this. Once she is in Niemla, not only can she understand the mermaids' strange language, but she also discovers how unique she actually is. By the end of the book, I really felt that she had gained a lot of confidence that she lacked at the begging of the story. It was a wonderful change to see!

For all you lovers of love out there, you won't be disappointed with what Ciye Cho brings forth. There is an intriguing romance that builds between one of the Princes- which one? I'll never tell ;) But I will say I was a bit surprised, and at first upset when I found out where the story was heading. But by the end of the novel, I was pretty satisfied with where things left off. Although, I am curious as to whether or not a possible love triangle will brew in the second book....

[Flora Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun read. It had a bit of a slow start but once I got into it I couldn't put it down.

Florence Waverly is a plain girl who tries to stay in the shadows. She really doesn't fit in anywhere. She still grieves for her dad and is unwanted by her mother. On a school trip to the beach she finds herself abducted by a mermaid and thrust into their world. And what a world it is. Deep beneath the ocean, breathing with the aid of a creature on her neck, she finds an entire world of mer-people, Niemela.
There are definite influences from stories like the Little Mermaid with a young mermaid completely obsessed with humans. There is also an intriguing love triangle with Florence and the two princes.

This story is full of life, adventure, and wonderful creatures both from the world of light and darkness. There is also a bit of mystery and intrigue as we try to figure out what is behind certain actions. Florence is a wonderful character that we see change and grow throughout the story. She begins very meek but towards the end certainly finds a place for herself.

Overall, I really enjoyed this different twist on the traditional mermaid story. I will definitely be continuing this series. I can hardly wait to see how things turn out for Florence.

[Jill Swanson-Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have an interview with the author and my full review up on my blog!
http://littlehyuts.blogspot.com
Please stop by to check it out!

Florence has received four shining stars from me!
Ciye Cho is a promising new young adult author and I am so pleased I have gotten the chance to review his debut novel.
I never thought I would like a plot line involving mermaids. I suppose it seemed slightly childish. But, Florence is in no way childish! It is a wonderfully written story full of enchantment and adventure as well as a little danger and romance.
Ciye has crafted a mesmerizing underwater world, from the people and their society to the animals that share it. Niemela's structure is detailed and well thought out. It is such a stunning place and Ciye has quite a way with imagery. He didn't miss a thing with Florence! I was pulled into the waves of this story from the very beginning.

I would gladly recommend this book to anyone, young or old, that loves fantastical worlds full of mystery and adventure.

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing and wonderful are two words that come to mind when you think about Florence by Ciye Cho. It has been several days since I finished this wonderful book and I am still thinking about it. Mr. Cho did a beautiful job creating and describing a world that is so unlike our own. From the very beginning this descriptive story takes a hold of you and doesn’t let go.

Florence is a unique story about a girl, named Florence, who is kidnapped and taken to live among the merpeople in Niemela. Before she was kidnapped she was very insecure and a bit sad sounding. In Niemela, she grows and develops into a wonderful character who you would like to be friends with.

Florence is a Parnormal YA adventure that I recommend to everyone. It is a truly an enjoyable story that both teens and adults will fall in love with.

[Kennedy Hogan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Florence froze and realized things all throughout this book, which are two YA cliches that I can't stand. Instead of "realizing" that the doors have been shut when the characters turn around, why can't the author just describe the doors when the characters turn around? It completely breaks immersion for me every time a character "realizes" something the author could have just shown us. Florence also freezes a lot. Like, a whole lot. It honestly got quite annoying after a while. Who goes completely motionless that often?

I was going to give this book two stars but a whole star got knocked off when I read about a whale being used as furniture. I know this is extremely nitpicky and trivial but that literally ruined the whole book for me. What was the reason? Why couldn't the table have been on the ground? Or on a stone pedestal? I know all the animals in Niemela are hypnotized or something but oh my god that really got me riled up. And the fact that none of the characters seemed to be bothered by it? wtf

The cover art for this book series is stunning, though. Absolutely beautiful.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following review is based on a copy I was given by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
It can also be found on my blog here.

Review:
This was my first mermaid book, and after enjoying it as much as I did I’m now resolved to read more in the genre! The world Ciye Cho created was captivating and renewed my interest in what lies beneath the ocean. After a somewhat bumpy start, Florence and I got on well and I found myself rooting for her throughout the novel!

Florence is a very shy 17-year-old girl who had a somewhat unusual, lonely upbringing and thus finds it hard to connect to people. Everyone at her school still thinks of her as the new girl, even though it’s been four years now. Florence prefers hiding behind her camera to experience the world and tries not to stand out. On a school excursion to the beach, Florence dives too deep and is captured by a merman to be a present for Prince Kiren at his coronation ceremony. She is the only human in Niemela, a mer kingdom so deep down in the sea that it has not been detected by humans. Florence can breathe by means of a polyp that attached itself to her on her neck and must now try to navigate a culture she knows nothing about and where she stands out simply because she is human, and no humans should ever be brought to Niemela.

Beneath the harmonious surface of Niemela, where everyone seems to have their place, lies a web of political intrigue and envy as well as the ever-present threat of the creatures lurking in the Darkness that surrounds the Niemelan realm. If she wants to survive and maybe return to the surface, Florence has to grow into her full potential, stand up for herself, and make a choice: she can support Kiren, who has shown an interest in her but has questionable motives, or she can back his older brother Rolan, who has declined to rule and is a loner she nevertheless feels a connection to. Either choice will have great repercussions for both herself and the whole kingdom.

As I’ve already mentioned, I didn’t immediately like Florence or connect to her. Back in her own world, she was so awkward that I sometimes found it hard to believe and was a little frustrated. However, as soon as she arrives in Niemela, she begins to actually grow a spine and becomes a much more confident and courageous person. In this respect, I have to mention the short prologue of the book, which was a bit of a double-edged sword. It offers the reader a glimpse of the confident person Florence will become and thus motivated me to keep reading because I knew Florence would eventually change. However, it also shows her with Rolan, which immediately caused me to prefer him over Kiren when they were introduced and made me suspicious of him despite his seemingly perfect exterior. The prologue-situation is vague enough not to give away any of Florence’s reasons or the actual problem though, so I didn’t mind.

What made this book really stand out to me is the amazing world building! Even though Niemela is very foreign, I could imagine it very well thanks to the beautifully written descriptions of this extraordinary place! I can’t compare it to other mer-books because as I said I don’t know any but it was very imaginative to me and all the details formed a coherent whole of a functioning (though not perfect) society. Cho made me long to see this luminous, colorful place for myself! There were also explanations for how the Niemelans survive, how the dolphins and whales can breathe underwater despite being mammals (they also have polyps) and how the society is organized, as well as its history. All of this was managed without being info-dumpy because the reader learns alongside Florence.

The characters are well fleshed out, not just Florence but also the other main characters like Kiren and Rolan as well as their sister Yolee, as well as most of the more minor figures. I really enjoyed the close friendship developing between Yolee and Florence! It was good for both of them. The reader also gets some flashbacks when Florence thinks of her childhood and that way we learn about her parents and how she came to live with an employee of her mother’s whom she calls her uncle. There are still some open questions for me about these glimpses, and I hope they will be addressed in the sequel. Florence adapts well to Niemela, but she doesn’t fully belong and is unable to do many things that are normal to Niemelans. Then again, she never fit in that well on the surface either. One of the main conflicts in the book is thus whether or not Florence will fight to return to the surface and how much she is prepared to do for that in return when it is offered to her under certain conditions.

I can’t really say more about the plot here because it would be very spoilery. Let’s just say that there were some things that I figured out before the characters do, but also a lot of twists and surprises I didn’t see coming at all, among them the ending itself! The romantic elements are there but they do not take overhand. The story starts out a bit slow but once Niemela blossoms to life I found myself captivated and eager to keep reading, especially when the actual showdown happens.

I think this novel will appeal to readers who are new to books about mer creatures as well as those who already know and love them. It is a well-crafted coming of age story set in a place of both wondrous beauty and dangerous hidden motives. I am very curious to see what will happen with Florence after the ending and definitely want to read Luminaire, the next book in the series.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I just found this book by complete accident. One of the best romances I’ve read, like, ever. The chemistry between the leads was crazy and I’m just sitting here swooning. Can’t wait to read the next books in the series!

[דניאל ש"ץ · Rating 4 out of 5]

lilili

[Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

From http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....

At a Glance
Let's put it this way, I planned on reading this book in a month or so but once I read the first few chapters to decide whether or not to accept the review request, I couldn't put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I then proceeded to read the whole book in a day and a half.

The Good
Under the Sea...
Florence tries her best to stay unnoticed. It's better that way, easier. Then the merpeople had to screw that all up. Captured and taken far under the ocean, Florence finds that breathing under water is possible, that for some reason she understands the merpeople's language, and that being the only human amongst a sea of merpeople is as scary as it sounds. Now the focus of attention, Florence must learn to live in a new world of beauty and terror. For the Darkness lurks in this underwater world and it has horrible plans for the people of the sea, the Niemelan. Now the question is whether Florence should trust Kiren, the soon to be crowned King, or his brother Rolan, the merman who has treated her ruthlessly from the beginning but has inner torment Florence can't help but want to fix.

This was my first mermaid book, and I was not disappointed. It had everything: beautiful descriptions that made it feel like I was deep within the ocean right along with Florence, an evil force out to destroy the merpeople, and a kind of love triangle that wasn't as clear cut as one might think. Cho has a way of weaving a tale that makes you jump with glee and wallow in heartache all at the same time.

Florence...
Florence was an interesting character. She wasn't larger than life or especially amazing one way or the other. She was an average girl who preferred anonymity over the spotlight. And when thrust into a world where she is the outsider, she does her best to find her place. Though the majority of the Niemelan hate her, she has a few friends that make being stuck underwater bearable. As the story went on, Florence's determination and bravery grew as she had to choose sides in an upcoming conflict. She doesn't take the easy road. She carves her own path and finds that she actually likes her new home and her new friends.

Merpeople...
I thought the side characters were pretty interesting, too. Kiren, with his smooth talking and undeniable charm. Rolan, the strong, silent type who's motives and intentions no one can guess. Their sister Yolee, free spirited and loving. They all brought out good and bad parts of Florence. They drew her further into their world until she no longer wanted to leave.

The Darkness...
I also enjoyed the baddies in this book. We are never quite sure who to trust or what the Darkness wants from the Niemelan. There was a lot going on behind the scenes and little was revealed until near the end of the book, which helped amp up the suspense and mystery. The horrendous creatures that continued to attack the Nienmelan gave me the creeps. Cho does not hold back when it comes to detailed descriptions. I could imagine every inch of the creatures to the point of giving myself nightmares.

Till the End...
The story flowed very well. There was a good balance of action, world building, and romance. I was sad to turn the last page because I didn't want to leave the characters and world I had become so attached to in Florence. This is the kind of book that will hold your attention the whole way through.

The Bad
The only thing that bothered me was how many questions I was left with by the end. I wish there was a little more to leave me satisfied. I hope Cho is planning on a second book because if not then I would be disappointed that it ended like it did.

The Snuggly
The romance is very YA-ish. Kissing is as far as this book goes, so it's suitable for most ages. I liked how Florence built a slow relationship with one of the brothers even when a romance seemed so unlikely. The couple only get together near the end so I would say the focus is not romance. But I didn't mind that at all.

Overall
If you've never read a mermaid book before, I think Florence is a great way to start. And if you have read many mermaid books, I don't see how you could leave this one out of your reading list. I was sucked into the story straight away and I never wanted to be spit back out. :) Highly recommended.

Excerpt
He turned to look at me and added, "I'm aware of how wrong it is to have a human here."

"It's more than wrong--it's dangerous," said Rolan. He paused to stare at me. "We have to get rid of it."

My eyes widened. Did they know I could understand them?

Kiren looked at me and his smile faded. "It's a she..." he whispered, more to himself than to his brother. "But yes, it is far too dangerous." He let out another sigh, then bit down on his lower lip for a moment. "Such a shame..."

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/06/arc-indie-review-book-trailer-florence.html

I was given the opportunity to review this book by the author himself. I love the idea of a YA paranormal mermaid story because it is very new to me. And now after reading this, I want to find more like it. Everything about this book is just stunning, from the cover to the imagery inside. I am in love. This was an absolute joy.

Our main character Florence is a shy girl who keeps to herself. Everyone seems to forget about her or overlook her from her peers ro her nonexistent mother (who obviously needs a reality check). One day while on a field trip to the beach to study the ocean life, Florence runs into something that is very much impossible. A merman. And that merman has kidnapped her and carried her to a different world deep in the ocean named Niemela. Florence soon realizes that she isn't having a nightmare. She is in a new and colorful world full of merpeople who all believe that she has no right being amongst them. Florence is slowly learning about the world except for who she should trust and that is the most devastating thing of all.

What a perfect summer read this was. I ate this book up very quickly. It is quite the page-turner. The world Cho created was just beautiful. So bright, colorful and larger than life. I couldn't help but think about Finding Nemo. This isn't a children's story really, but all those colors and amazing creatures were amazing. My brain had lots of fun imagining this world. Definitely something that will stick with me. Incredible worldbuilding.

I love all the various characters in the book. Florence is a great lead. I love that after learning that she isn't dreaming and can't escape, she really tries learning about the world and the situation she is in. I love the mermaid Yolee, well Princess Yolee. If not for her, I am not sure what would have happened to Florence. She takes Florence under her wing even though Florence is older (and with permission from the king). I love how they click and how much they learn from each other. They were alike in many ways. They both want to belong somewhere and they look out for each other. The whole problem with Florence in Niemela is that she doesn't seem to fit in their just like she didn't fit on land. And without Yolee, I think they both would have been quite lost.

Yolee's brothers, however, were the main thing about this book. You have Kiren, who is the younger prince and is set to be king. Florence was kidnapped for his coronation as a human familiar (which is unheard of). And him and Florence immediately hit it off. Then you have the older brother Rolan who pushes Florence away and doesn't seem to want Florence in Niemela. But you soon realize that both brothers aren't what they seem. But the romance isn't the main story. This is a Young Adult book and it is more about discovery more than anything. Florence is confused about her feelings about the brothers, but it isn't a love triangle (thank God) and again, there is more than what meets the eye.

I absolutely adored this story. I love the idea of the Darkness. Niemela's greatest enemies come from the Darkness. A place below Niemela that is home to the biggest and dangerous creatures in the ocean. And they seem to be making an appearance a little too often. I love the monsters Cho used. This book is full of adventure and amazing monsters. I was really on the edge of my seat throughout this book. It all starts with Kiren and him wanting a human familiar. I love how the plot develops as to why he wants to actually bring a human into his world and it adds a whole other layer to this incredible story. Now there are secrets and lies about but I can't say because it is a spoiler. Just know they pile up high in the book and really add to the mystery of this book. Truly didn't see any of that coming. Now the ending does leave you asking a few questions, but that only makes me anxious for more. There is a lot more to this story and I want to know what it is now. Cho, you are killing me!

Cho goes into a lot of detail about the world of Niemela and I liked it a lot. It made it easy to imagine and like I said, very beautiful. This will look very nice in my favorites list for sure. It is a fantasy I was very glad to be lost in. I am so enchanted and in love. And again, merpeople is a first for me. So I hope to find other works like this and hope they will be just as spellbinding as this book. I love how this ended and I love that there will be more. Just thinking about it has me jittery. Highly recommended. Don't miss this book! Thank you so much Ciye Cho!

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author asked me a while back to read and review his novel. I accepted but didn't get around to it until recently. The novel sounds very interesting, a young girl taken hostage to be the familiar to a merman. How awesomely creepy does that sound? I'm pretty sure most of you know that mermaids in some peoples views can be evil nasty creatures and I was very interested in seeing how Ciye created them. Although this was a good novel it had some problems which I shall explain in a moment.

We join Florence as she's on a school trip, it's here she's taken down into the depths of the ocean by a merman. She's taken and hidden away but soon one of the princes realises the mistake his soldiers made. When he asked for a familiar for his brother he didn't want a human. Angry he tries to get rid of her but his father the king of Niemela finds out about her and is just as angry as his son. The mermaid princess Yolee saves Florence and takes her on as a personal assistant With the help of a polyp a little creature attached to her neck she can swim and breath underwater just like any mermaid. Florence's presence sends a stir through the world of Nimela and she soon sees that their underwater world is threatened by the Darkness. Trying to make sense of this new world, she has to choose between the two princes and deciding whether to go back to the surface or live in Niemela forever.

At first Florence's character really had some spark. You could easily relate to her as she didn't fit in her school and she was always trying to hide amongst others. She didn't want people paying any attention to her. We've all been there some time in our life and we can relate to that easily. We then see her passion for photography shine through when she goes to take underwater photos. When she's behind the camera she lets everything go, she has confidence. Then she's pulled under to Niemela and her whole world is turned upside down. The thing is she wasn't that shocked about it. There seemed to be a lull in character and plot during the next third of the book where, I think the author focused more on the setting than anything else. Florence is really let go here and we don't really get much from her, she's just a bland girl whose lost all spark and that was worrying. Where had the quirky girl we met at the start gone? Just over half way through she comes back with a vengeance and I loved it. She soon stood up for all the things she believed in even if this meant defying all rules of Niemela.

We then have the two brothers who were battling for the right to rule Niemela. Kiren the prince who was about to take over the thrown and he draws Florence towards him. I honestly did not like him at all even from the start he was too smug and we soon got to know the real him. Rolan on the other hand was the sensible brother who was very drawn back and not very sociable. I loved him from the start, how he was very moody and mysterious. Even though he wasn't very warm towards Florence at the start, he was the only one who saved her and came to her side in times of need. The coin really did flip from Kiren being the nice brother to becoming the freaking worst and then Rolan being very dark and moody to becoming, well, lovely. I will let you discover more when you read the novel.

The description in this novel was incredibly beautiful. The world was so detailed and in depth, everything was described so well. I just wanted to float down in the ocean and watch the world of Niemela pass by. Oh and the Darkness was so creepy it really gave me chills. The monsters were horrible and made you flinch, but then the lovely animals inside Niemela were so cute. Ciye Cho was a master at creating an uniquely beautiful world that will leave the reader in awe.

This is where there were problems. About a quarter of the way into the book, once Florence was in Niemela the author seemed to be so focused on the description and setting that the character and plot fell flat. And this goes on until just over halfway through the book. The novel loses it steam and really drags on the reader, there were times I wanted to put the novel down and just stop as things got so boring for me. I'm glad I didn't though as things did pick up again in the end and I'm glad I stuck with it.

The world of Niemela is magical and so enchanting you'll be dreaming of the vivid world, Ciye Cho has created. This is an charming read about mermaids and mermen, and all the Darkness that surrounds Niemela. If your looking for an enchanting new world to fall into this book will be great for you. Yes there are some drawbacks but the book soon comes flipping back to the surface and leaves you gasping for breath.

[Sherlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Mermaid With A Book.

I have a feeling that this series might soon be one of my favourites.

The premise seems simple enough – loner girl goes on school trip to beach, swims in ocean, gets kidnapped by a merman and taken to a mer-kingdom. No, she doesn't get turned into a mermaid, nor does she have any trace of mer swimming around in her veins. I mean, it's become sort of the norm for protagonists in mermaid novels nowadays to sprout a pair of fins themselves, or maybe find out that their great-great-great-great grandmother was a mermaid queen or something. Not in the case of Florence. The only mermaid novel I've read that doesn't adhere to this is The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson, and now Florence has successfully broken the cliché as well — a fin-tastic change, if you ask me!

Cho has created a kaleidoscopic, whimsical world filled with danger and brilliance in the undersea kingdom of Niemela. I was constantly amazed at how lush and magical a setting could seem in my head. The Oceanarium, especially, was gloriously and vividly described; it felt so Pixar-like. If this book ever got turned into an animated film, I would totally watch it!

... The glow from the corals didn’t just reflect off the animals—it washed over them in bright, honeyed splashes. I held out my hands and opal watercolor pooled in my palms.

The Niemelans also have funky skin colours like purple, orange, yellow-green and blue. I found it hard to picture at first, but eventually got used to it. They also have familiars, and can give sea creatures 'thought commands'.

The undersea world is also populated with deep sea monsters. The Borgamont is pretty creepy, resembling a giant, greenish-black hand trawling across the seabed. Vessels and Riders seem like winged skeletal centaur-narwhals straight out of a fantasy RPG game, and then there are the lampreys. Don't get me started on the lampreys. *shudders*

Florence, our main character, isn't a makeup or perfume kind of girl. She gets ignored by the rest of her peers and can't fit in. She's an observer who loves to be left in her own world and doesn't have much confidence. While this was relatable at first, her character stayed rather stagnant until she started questioning herself – which is strange, seeing how the novel is set in her POV. There's eventually a gradual shift in her personality, but still not as much as I would have liked.

Then there's Rolan and Kiren, the two mer-princes. One seems like your typical moody, brooding, almost-bad (mer)boy, and the other is charismatic and outgoing (and very much attracted to Florence). Truly, two very contrasting personalities. Florence soon finds herself embroiled in an inevitable clash of mer-politics between the two brothers, and as she spends time with each mer-prince, she discovers that things are never what they seem.

(Florence:) “I think you like order more than anything else. And that’s why you keep pushing me away—because having me in your world creates more chaos than you can handle.”

Rolan was silent, perfectly still, and I braced myself for an eruption...

“Is that what you really think?” he asked calmly.

A guarded expression passed over him, throwing my observations off-balance... a current pushed in our direction and I started to tumble backward. Rolan reached out and grabbed my hand. Warmth pulsed through me. “Nothing is truly what it seems on the outside,” he whispered before he let me go.

Ooh. Food for thought.

Florence doesn't boast an extensive cast of secondary characters, though I would have liked to know more about characters like King Iriego, Serillico and Lenaya. I particularly love bubbly Yolee (and how her name sounds like)!

While it didn't grab my attention right from the start, Florence slowly wormed its way into my heart. This novel is driven by the theme of fitting in and finding a place in this world – something which Florence struggles with. In Niemela, she soon finds out that she's not the only one trying to find her identity and a place to belong to. I think that Cho has done a wonderful job of showing that even though some of us may have felt this way at times, we're actually not alone on this journey towards self-discovery and most importantly, that there is always hope.

[Merin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars.

When I was contacted by Mr. Cho to possibly review Florence, the magic word that caught my attention was "mermaid". I am a huge sucker for mermaid books, but have yet to read one that I really enjoyed. Normally there are so many problematic elements in the story that my general feeling upon finishing is "meh". But that was not the case with Florence; while it took me a bit of time to get invested in the story, once that happened I was happily engrossed in the world of Niemala and the on-going relationships between the characters. And the ending of this book just left me with one thought: "I can't wait to see what happens next!"

Florence is your typical shy loner girl. She doesn't have any friends, she hangs by herself, and prefers to observe others through the lens of her camera. When she's kidnapped by a merman and taken to the underwater world of Niemala, she finds herself instantly immersed in a world completely different from the one she's used to. Aside from the obvious differences - the world is populated by mermaids and merman, and is obviously underwater - she suddenly finds herself as a focus of others, and has to deal with being thrust into the spotlight. Much of the first part of the book - and the reason it took some time to really grab me - is that the author includes a lot of description and information to help with the world-building. This information, while necessary to help the reader become immersed in the world, really slowed down the development of the plot, which really didn't appear until about 45% into the story. However, I enjoyed all of the descriptions and details; while it slowed things down, it also really helped me see the world the author had created.

Things I didn't like as well included: some of the author's choice of words (I felt like they were too complex or unique for the rest of the narrative; it's fine to throw in different words so things don't sound the same, but words that might make people reach for dictionaries - particularly if they're not so good at using context clues - can really throw people out of the book), and the way the book switched from Florence's first-person point of view (which is the main point of view) to an omniscient third-person point of view. This allowed the reader to be privy to things that Florence herself was not, and that tends to annoy me, because I like to be on the same page as the narrator. The switching between points of view didn't necessarily happen as seamlessly as they could have, either, and while these chapters did help progress the plot along, I kind of felt like there could have been some other way to maintain the one single point of view.

I was concerned that we were heading toward a love triangle, and as anyone who has followed my reviews to any degree knows, I am so over love triangles. But this wasn't your typical one, at least not for me, because one brother was all flash and beauty while the other was more intricate and intriguing; I pretty much had my preferred ship from the get-go, so enjoyed watching Florence figure things out. I also adored Yolee, the princes' younger sister. Her personality was pretty awesome and I loved what her gift was, and the reason why she loved what she did. And watching Florence and Yolee's friendship blossom was also fun to read. And I also loved watching the growing relationship between her and Rolan as well. Talk about a guy with some hidden depths!

This book pretty clearly sets itself up for a sequel, at least in my opinion, because there's no clear wrap-up of the dangers facing the world, and there's a definite unanswered issue at the end as well. This is okay, though, because I definitely wouldn't mind diving back into the world of Niemala (yes, the pun was intended; sorry about that). While there were times when the plot was a bit slow, anyone who loves world-building and fun twists on mermaid lore will probably find something to enjoy about this book. You can probably also appreciate the journey of a young woman searching for her place in the world and finally realizing that she can do more than what she thought she could. I know that, for me at least, that was one of the definite plusses!

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted at The Overstuffed Bookcase.

A Great Welcome into the World of Mermaid Books...

I loved The Little Mermaid as a kid. I mean, LOVED it. It remains my favorite Disney movie to this day. I could go into a story about me and my neighbor as children but I'll refrain. So the point is, I really love mermaids. And for some reason, I had never read a mermaid book until reading Florence. I have plenty on my TBR list, but I just never got around to reading any. So I was really excited when Ciye Cho emailed me and asked me to read and review Florence. I jumped at the chance, and I'm so glad I did, because this was a wonderful book to read as an introduction to the mermaid genre.

Action, Complexity, and Intrigue, Oh My!...

Right from the preface, Cho had me excited and interested in the story and the main character, Florence. I love it when authors start off with a really suspenseful or active scene so that I can just completely become hooked right off the bat.

Plus, another one of my favorite aspects in books - complex characters - was in abundance in Florence. I loved how some of the characters seemed one way at first, and then as the story went on you realized more about them and they did a complete 180! And Cho really went into detail about the backstories of these characters so that you understood why they were that way, rather than just having a character be bad simply to have an antagonist, or having a character who was brooding for no reason.

I also really liked a lot of the characters. I liked Florence for the most part, although I did cringe a bit when she became a typical girl and wondered why a guy could possibly like her. But it kind of worked in this situation because Florence was a human and her love interest was a merman, and the mermaids look very different than humans. And I loved Yolee! She was so cute and funny, and I could completely see her dragging Florence around, showing her all of Niemela!

Worldbuilding and Writing Skills...

I think Florence was really well-written, especially the descriptions of the underwater world of Niemela. One of my favorite descriptions was of a whale with a basket underneath it, with mermaids inside the basket: "The whale and its basket reminded me of a blimp. It traveled at a gentle pace, and I wondered if its commuters were ever late for work. (Sorry boss, the 9:30 whale just would not stop grazing!)" This made me laugh, and I love the idea of the whale being like a blimp that mermaids commute in!

Here are a couple more of my favorite quotes:

"Below the shallow waters lay bruises of indigo: coral reefs that pulsed in the morning light."

"Back then, early in the morning when everyone was still asleep, I used to comb the seashore for bits of sea-smoothed glass, daydreaming that they were coins from an underwater kingdom. I used to wonder how much currency you'd need to start a life below the sea."

Bonus Points...

Cho gets some of my famous (not-so-famous, really) bonus points for the following reasons:
* Florence is set in Australia. I am currently loving Australia after watching and obsessing over the show Dance Academy. The author lives in Australia, so I guess it makes sense that the novel is set there, but still, 50,000 bonus points.
* I finally found a book trailer that I like! I normally really do not like book trailers at all. They either ruin the book for me (since I'm such a weirdo about spoilers), or they're just very cheesy and weird. But Cho's trailer for Florence is really pretty great! (Go here to check out the trailer: http://florence-books.com/.) 1 million bonus points!

My rating for Florence by Ciye Cho: 4 big stars. I think the writing was great, I loved the complexity of the characters, and I just loved the whole underwater world that Ciye Cho pulled me into! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way for this review.

[Howard Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florence is invisible . . . or nearly so, at least. Her full name is Florence Waverly and she lives with her mother's property manager on Australia's Hamilton Island. She is one of those people in high school who is barely noticed . . . by anyone . . . and when she is, Florence is marked down as an oddity, a "new girl" and then quickly forgotten. On this day of days, Florence sits alone at the back of a school bus, on a biology field trip to a smaller island - named Mermaid's Reach - that, like Florence, is invisible most of the time because of the tides. The roll was never called at start of the trip and if something should happen to her, the disappearance would go unnoticed . . . which is exactly what takes place.

While snorkeling in the shallows, Florence is kidnapped by a merman and taken far below the surface to a kingdom named Niemela, not for her plain beauty but rather, to serve as an exotic pet at the upcoming coronation of Prince Kiren. There, she learns from Prince Kiren's brother, Rolan, that her abductor has far exceeded his remit to find an exotic animal and there is now some question as what to do with her. King Iriego is disposed towards tossing Florence in the Nemilian prison as a permanent resident but Prince Kiren's younger sister, Yolee, begs permission to keep her out of the way as a sort of guest under house arrest.

Florence begins to learn about her new environment and discovers that she serves no purpose in Nemilia and therefore does not fit in. At first, she simply wants to quit Nemilia and return to the surface but over the following 6 days, her feelings about leaving become ambivalent. Florence does not really fit in to the world on land either and there is not as much to go home to as she thought. As for remaining in Nemilia, there is her friendship with Yolee to begin with and Prince Kiren does seem to have his eye on her. Prince Rolan, however, is another matter.

Ciye Cho has created a wonderful undersea world of both beauty and danger in this charming fantasy. As the story progresses, Florence seems to fit in a bit more than she did at first and comes to play a crucial role in the future of Nemilia. Things aren't always what they seem and enemies may just turn out to be friends in this charming story for young adults. Although Florence has two princes who are interested in her - for very different reasons - it is Florence's friendship with Princess Yolee that really steals the show. Indeed, if there is anything at all that could be construed as a disappointment in this novel, it would be that Yolee's character fades out in the latter part of the story.

Mr. Cho's novel is an extremely clean read which gives this reviewer hope that proof reading is not the lost art that he has come to believe it is. This fantasy is very YA friendly with enough danger and horror to give the story some action but certainly not enough to cause nightmares. This reviewer, however, is now looking at lampreys in a whole new light. Florence is a very hard book to put down and this reviewer read it almost non-stop until he was at the final scene. The reader could almost say that it was addicting in its own way. Cho's novel is more than suitable for younger YA's, older ones who want a fantasy interlude and adults who simply need an escape.

Although Florence appears to be a one-off because of its story arc, Ciye Cho may wish to seriously consider writing a sequel. There is enough beauty, mystery and adventure in the world he has created to warrant at least one more novel. This reviewer suggests Florence of Nemilia as a title and, if nothing else, we would get to see more of Princess Yolee's character.

This reviewer is always on the look-out for teachable moments in Young Adult Fiction and Florence certainly has a number of them. However, rather than pontificate on what these moments are and the lesson to be learned or reinforced, he strongly suggests that you read Florence and find & enjoy them for yourself. Florence will not disappoint you.

Ciye Cho's website is at http://www.florence-books.com/. The website for Florence is at http://www.florence-books.com/

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

* 3.5 stars*

*I was sent a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Ah, now this was a good book. This book filled in the mermaid cravings I've been having. I never grew out of my love for mermaids that I developed very strongly as a child. Heck, I believe mermaids are real. There's a possibility that they exist and if not from this planet than maybe another! Anyways let's get back to the story. I liked this book a lot. I thought that the world was very clever and developed along with the characters. This was a very fun book and I think this would make a very nice beach read. Florence tells the tale of mermaids and a single human as their lives are intertwined in a battle against darkness. With great diction and absolutely stunning setting, Florence will take you back to your love of all things under the sea.

The one thing that really impressed me about the book was definitely the setting. The underground city of Niemela which is located somewhere around The Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean. This is like the ultimate city here. The architecture is well developed with absolutely beautiful buildings and everyone living in peace and tranquility. Man, why can't we have one of those? The people in this city bond with the sea life, including sharks. It is so cute and a complete underworld utopia. Who wouldn't want to live there? It's places like this that really enhance my love for stories. They expose you to worlds you can't even think about dreaming. I really liked the plot in this story as well. It was a very well developed and clever story line. The problem is presented and the solution is very dramatic and well thought out in the end. I really liked it. The author clearly knew what she was doing story wise.

Now let's talk about the characters, because I have got some to say here. The main character in this story just pissed me off. She was so shy, scared, and very annoying throughout the story. That made me so mad. This girl literally just got pulled into the ocean and got kidnapped from here world. She freaks out for like an hour and then for the rest of the book everything is fine and dandy in Niemela. Why? Just why? Also, here's where it gets absolutely annoying. This girl hasn't even been here a week and she gets involved with the royals like its nobody's business. You have barely been here a week and you are acting like you are the freaking princess. Really? Come on Florence. Here's where it gets over the top annoying. Mer-people are mean to her, she doesn't say anything to defend herself, and then ponders on why they hate her later. Girl! Stand up for yourself. We want a strong lead, not a weak link. She was the only character I had a problem with though, I thought the rest were very well made, especially Rolan. Ahh Rolan, probably the sexiest prince under the sea. This guy makes me want to go to a plastic surgery doctor and ask them if It's possible to shape my eyes into red hearts. Yes, this guy is that great. He's one of the bad boys with the dark past. Aren't those just the best though? Yes they are! Admit it they totally are! Hot bad boys just make everything a lot better. He even made Florence less annoying.

Something I really had a problem with in this story has got to be the descriptive details. There weren't enough descriptions at all. I had a hard time understanding what the characters and worlds look like. I also had a very hard time with the descriptions of some animals. The descriptions were brief and did not include some crucial aspects needed for a proper visualization. It is very challenging to image things when the right words and details aren't guiding you. Speaking of words, I noticed two spelling mistakes while reading this. That's never a good thing to have in a published copy of a book. This story definitely could use a good edit.

In conclusion, this story isn't bad. It is a good book to read when you are in that beachy mood or just craving some under water fantasy. It does have some problems, but if you are really engrossed in the plot, they can easily be over seen. If you liked Of Poseidon and The Little Mermaid definitely give this a go!

[Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover art on this book is truly extraordinary and I was impressed that Cho himself created the cover. Sadly, my art skills are limited to stick figures and play dough. A mermaid book is a definite must for this summer season. When it comes to self-published books, I can get a little iffy. But, I'm glad I decided to give this book a try.

Florence is an unusual girl. She basically has no friends, family, or even acquaintants (a real loner). As a character, I thought that for most of the book, she was absolutely clueless! None of the mystery about her is revealed. Again, I understand this is going to be a series, but I still wish the big mysteries around her would be resolved. By the end of the book, Florence started to grow on me with her courage and quirky traits (she's a photographer too!). But, the problem I had with Florence was that I didn't feel as though she was a teenager. Her mentality and actions felt more pre-teen or middle schooler than a semi-mature girl. In my opinion, her pre-teen vibe made me feel a little awkward in the intimate/lovey-dovey scenes at the end of the book. I was also peeved that even though she knew, SHE KNEW, there was something dangerous (not the "OhmiGawd- you're-hot-because-you're-mysterious-and-brooding-dangerous", but the "I'm-secretly-a-going-to-kill-you-in-your-sleep kind) about Kiren and STILL wanted him! Apparently Florence believed she would become the next Bella.

The brothers, Kiren and Rolan, are fantastic. Even though Kiren is evil, Cho gives the readers enough explanation (through showing rather than telling!) that you feel only sympathy and compassion for him. I died a little on the inside when Kiren's helplessness was revealed. Rolan is seriously hot! I swooned a little when he started to warm up to Florence. Aaah the vision of half-naked guys in the morning. His character of tough-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside might not be original, but Cho pulled it off very well.The important thing was that Rolan and Kiren had depth to their character (what any good book should have).

The world of Niemela is crafted very expertly. Cho makes this underwater world seem realistic and his efforts shine through the pages. Most of the book is centered more around world building and the climax rather than Florence's romance. Although I wouldn't recommend searching some of the more "dark" sea creatures (my eyes are burned!!!). Florence's cute little companion is a dumbo octopus.


Looks like an underwater hamster/chick to me

The plot was very predictable, but the society Cho created was intriguing and thought-provoking. 
Unlike us, in the world of Niemela everyone has a particular niche. I loved the fact that Cho makes you think—What happens when an individual doesn't have a place in the world?. What if the only occupations allowed are meant for survival? How should rations be divided among the masses?

Overall: This book is a perfect distraction for the summer days I can't wait for the next book. Hopefully, we learn more about Florence's identity and mysterious powers.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

In case you didn't read the synopsis, Florence follows a teenage girl who is kidnapped and taken to live underwater with the merpeople in their city of Niemela. I enjoyed most of this book, especially its descriptions and beautiful setting.

The first thing to mention is the prologue. It immediately draws in the reader by giving a sneak peak of a scene from the book with no context. It certainly got me wondering exactly how Florence gets to that point in her story.

Florence herself is - I hate to say it - what people think of as your typical YA heroine. She's sad, lonely and misunderstood. Her special talent is photography and... she has red hair. Despite, or probably because, of this, she was quite relatable at some points - I recall one part where she is complaining about the teacher taking attendance, because she knows that her response won't be loud enough for them to hear, and everyone will turn and look at her. That's happened to me so, so many times. Still, she was quite a bland, uncomplicated character.

After finding all that out about Florence, you probably wouldn't expect her to quickly find romance - never mind becoming caught in the middle of a love triangle. But yes, that's what happened. It appeared that not one, but two merman fell in love with her at first sight. Deep sigh. Fortunately, there are things explained much later on that help this make just a little more sense.

My favourite characters were Rolan and Kiren, the two mermen in the love triangle. Rolan just happened to fall into a trope that I enjoy - [when a character pretends to hate someone to protect them - I know, it's problematic but I can't help it] . Kiren, at first, seemed even more uncomplicated than Florence, but it turned out that he was the most complicated character of the story. I loved seeing his character develop.

Yolee was the other main character in this book. Being a young mermaid, she was enthusiastic and joyful almost all the time. It was often like she had no concern for what was going on around her. Florence estimates her age to be around 13, but based off her personality and actions, I would put her under 10 years old. However, I did love the relationship between her and Florence.

The pacing in the book was a bit off for me. For the first half of it, I was left wondering when it was going to get to the point. Fortunately, at about halfway through, there was a nice plot twist which piqued my interest and motivated me to keep going. It got a lot more interesting from that point onward, especially in the last third of the book. This was especially due to the limits of the story being stretched. Until this point, all the action had been contained within the small space of the city of Niemela, with no outside forces involved. When other influences came to light, things started to get a lot more interesting, and I started to really enjoy the book.

Something that was interesting to me whilst reading was how formally and fancily the characters dialogue was. Sometimes it was a little weird, but it was definitely the way of the merpeople and I think that most of the time, it worked.

My favourite part about the novel was its setting. Thanks to the photographer in Florence, the reader gets beautiful descriptions of everything that she encounters whilst under the sea. I especially adored The Oceanarium.

Other things I enjoyed about the novel include the concept of the merpeople having special gifts - like superpowers. It was cool that individuals had different abilities. There were also some awesome action scenes.

Overall, this was an okay paranormal YA. For me, the good and the bad ended up balancing out almost evenly. It certainly tackles the teenage issues associated with belonging, and also how to be yourself. The main character wasn't my favourite, but the story was filled with beautiful descriptions. If you're interested in this genre, and you like mermaids, this book is one to consider.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost the entirety of this book takes place underwater. Specifially in a giant coral called Niemela. This is where one of the last clans of mer people live. I love all things fantasy and magical. I definitely have a soft spot for mermaids, Disney's the little mermaid is one of my favorite movies. So when Ciye asked to have her book reviewed on jumped on the chance to get some mermaid action. If you like mermaids, you will definitely like this story. The major conflict in the story is that the main character, Florence, is not a mermaid, and yet she find herself immersed in their world. And not by any choice of her own. While on a class trip at the beach she is captured and taken to be a gift for the prince on his Coronation day. But once she is brought down there, she is not well received. The mermaids do not like having a human in their midst one bit. Except for the prince's little sister Yolee. She saves Florence, and takes her under her wing and they become fast friends. The Prince Kiren also has another brother, Rolan. He seems to object her presence most of all. Florence has spent her entire life blending into the background, being a nobody, being invisible. But now she is the center of attention, and not neccesarily the good kind, and she has no idea how to cope with that.


I really liked Florence. She was someone I could definitely relate to. She was an outcast, rejected by her peers. She went through her life trying not to exist just so she could be left to her own devices. She wasn't drop dead beautiful, but she was defintiely pretty. She was just your ordinary, run of the mill, young teenager struggling to find her place in life, and I could easily project my own school years onto hers. Another reason I really enjoyed her, was because they made a lot of reference to her beautiful long red hair and it always made me think of Jenn hehe. I've always been jealous of her lucious locks. I also really enjoyed Yolee, the prince's younger sister. She was so kind, and sweet, and always tried to see the best in everyone and everything. She was different from the rest of the mermaids and was also not widely accepted so I think that had a huge part in the friendship between her and Florence.


Another thing I really liked about this book was the imagery. The scenes I imagined, thanks to Ciye's writing, were beautiful. Everything was so colorful and alive. The story definitely has a darker side to it, you'll have to read it to find out more about that. But the entire story was full of vivid coloring and awesome imagery. I really wish I could actually see the places and people she wrote about. Especially the mer people! She made them sound so incredibly beautiful, while still keeping them kind of scary.


So here is Florence, Suddenly shoved into a world she never dreamed existed. She is the forefront of attention, another place she's never been, or ever wanted to be. Even though everyone seems to contest her presence, the prince seems to be developing a soft spot for her. He is kind and gentle to her and even suggests she stay in Niemela permanently. Meanwhile his brother Rolan only seems to grow colder and insist on her leaving as soon as possible. But in this beautiful and frightening undersea world, not everything is as it seems, least of all the people she thinks she knows. Will she find out the truth before it's to late? Her life literally depends on it.


This story was a wonderful adventure and I had fun reading it. The ending caught me by surprise, I kept trying to turn the page to find more, but there wasn't anymore. I don't know if there will be a sequel, but if there is I would definitely read it. I was carried through a wide variation of emotions while reading. I felt sadness, real fear, joy, and passion. It was a pretty quick and easy read and I would recommend it. Congratulations to Ciye Cho on the release of her book! I hope some of you get to read it and that you enjoy it!

[Sarahdactyl ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

♥ Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah

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17-year-old Florence Waverley is a loner. She spends her time watching others, but never being a part of anything. She doesn't even fit in with her own family. Her father died, leaving her with a rich, spoiled mother who pays someone else to take care of her own daughter.

Then, during a school field trip to the beach, Florence's life is forever changed. She swims out into the ocean to take some underwater photographs and ends up knocked out and kidnapped by a purple-skinned merman.

When Florence comes to, she finds herself in an entirely new world; a world beneath the ocean. Here, she learns all about the merpeople who snatched her away, all about the underwater kingdom of Niemela, and about the dangers that surround it.

- - -

This story was so much fun!

I like to talk about my dislikes first when reviewing a book. The problem I had with Florence is that it lacked some back story and explanation. For example, it's mentioned quite a few times that Florence can mysteriously speak the language of Niemela, but the reason why was never explored or brought to the fore. If this book is to be the first in a series, I can understand why certain explanations were left out or why a few loose ends were left untied, but if it's a stand-alone, this makes me unhappy.

The number one thing I loved about this book was world-building. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it is! Niemela is unlike any other world I've come across in a fantasy novel. I've read quite a few mermaid books and I can say with absolute certainty that this is—by far—the most vivid, fun, and intriguing. The author presents us with a fantastical underwater kingdom that's filled with colorful, lively merfolk with a huge array of personalities. Their world is nothing like the human world. It's like a well-oiled machine. Each and every merperson must have a place; a “life path”. It's pure societal cohesion. Not only is this world magical and spectacular, it also has an entire history behind it. The author gives us an explanation of how it came to be, as well as how it all works in the present.

The characters were likable and fun. Florence was a wonderful protagonist. I find myself getting irritated by YA protags quite frequently these days. It was refreshing to love a character so thoroughly. She's selfless, caring, and brave. I really loved her. As for the merfolk, there are three we spend the most time with: Yolee - the one and only princess of Niemela. She's spunky, sweet, and artsy. Then there's Kiren - the prince who is about to be crowned king. He's a handsome charmer who harbors a deep, dark secret. Last, but not least, there's Rolan - a prince who gave up his rights to the crown after failing to protect his younger brother from the “Darkness” many years ago. He's moody, broody, and far too serious for his age. All of the characters are multidimensional and quite memorable.

Overall, Florence is a winner! It's the epitome of what I want in a mermaid story. It's magical. It's full of color and sparkle. It's original and creative. The characters are engaging. The villain is extreme. The world building is out of this world! It's simply a stunning story that takes place in a stunning world. It all comes down to a suspenseful final battle that had me glued to the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend this book to mermaid lovers, fantasy lovers, or anyone who enjoys a fun, clean, YA read. It's truly wonderful, and I really really hope there's a sequel coming. :)

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Book source: Sent to me by the author for an honest review!

[Kelly Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully descriptive, Florence has quickly become one of my favourite mermaid-fantasy books. An intricate world hidden below the sea complements characters motivated by the best of intentions. Refreshingly original, Florence took me on a journey I won't soon forget!

I have always loved the ocean and as a child, I wished with all of my heart to be woken up one day to be told I was secretly a mermaid princess and it was time to go home. Florence has given me a piece of the world I used to dream of inhabiting. Niemela comes alive through Florence's descriptions of it's swaying kelp towers, it's numerous coral balconies and it's colourful mermaid inhabitants. I constantly had a cloud of visions swimming across my eyes, as with each new experience, Florence detailed her surroundings so well I could almost reach out and touch them. Cho has created a world that is just bursting with intricate detail and vivid colour and I found myself eager to get lost in it.

The plot was well-paced, with Florence constantly on the edge of understanding Niemela and it's inhabitants, just before something new was introduced that forced her to question everything she had learned. The constant presence of the imposing Darkness, and the sea monsters that laid in wait, added an element of suspense and danger which helped keep the pacing flowing smoothly.

As for the characters, they were my only real issue with Florence. All of the characters are likeable and relatively well done, but I didn't truly connect with any of them. I empathized with Florence's desire to fit in, considering she felt unwanted and unloved on the Surface without her father, but her acquiescence over being forced to stay in Niemela was slightly difficult to understand. I wasn't able to fully figure out Kiren, or his motives, until it was too little too late - though I did find some of his more charming moments endearing. Yolee was adorable, but her role was minimal so I couldn't relate to her feelings of being neglected. And Rolan - stone-faced, distant Rolan. He was so hot and cold that when he decided to be hot, I had my guard up, waiting for his rebuff. I couldn't figure out his reasons for being so aloof until he had laid it all out on the table; I was hoping for a little more show and a little less tell. The moments when he was hot though, he was HOT. The tension between him and Florence was palpable, and it was agonizing for so many of their moments to end with stolen glances or the lightest of touches.

I thought the ending was almost perfect, resolving most of the main plot points, but leaving enough open that there most definitely could be (and should be!) a sequel. I want to know if Florence stays in Niemela, and how the Niemelans handle that decision. And how it is that she understood their language, and that her father seemed to draw creatures that resembled them? And what's going to happen between her and Rolan? What about the Wise Ones? Will Rolan be able to defend Niemela from them and their monsters?! I'd also like to see what's happening on the Surface - how is Florence's guardian/mother handling her disappearance? Would humans be able to find Niemela if they were looking hard enough for someone? Obviously, while there is resolution, there are also a LOT of questions that could be answered!

Florence is a wonderful read and I'd recommend it to just about anyone. The vivid underwater landscape was enough to keep me reading, but a well-paced plot and likeable characters turned a decent read into something I really enjoyed.

[Amy_Read to My Heart's Content · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Review at: http://readtomyhearts.blogspot.com/20...


My Thoughts:

I received a copy of Florence in exchange for my honest opinion of it. The views are entirely my own.

I have never been a huge mermaid fan, although, I have never really read that many mermaid stories either. So I was willing to get out of my comfort zone and try something that I don't normally gravitate to, in the case of this interesting new read.
The cover first caught my eye before I even read down to the blurb. It is absolutely beautiful! I love the colors: green, golden orange, aquamarine. Honestly, I am a huge fan of the colors of the sea but not of the actual sea. I know! It doesn't make any sense, right? But I can't swim. Yep, I am a thirty-something woman who can't swim. So I have never really been a beach person.
I always wanted to see the adventure and beauty of the beach and ocean, but the fear always seemed to lurk behind me, keeping me far away.
Glancing at the cover of Florence, I see the beauty now. The colors compliment each other so well and the rendering of Florence is the visual equivalent of the beauty that the ocean has beneath the waves.
So yeah the cover actually made me have to read this story. But the blurb did get me a little excited too.
The world building is magical, to say the least. The author has a true talent for painting a beautiful life like picture in our minds, whether it is a beach in Australia or a fantasy world under the ocean. The descriptions of land of Niemela are so realistic, I still think that there might be a real Mer world near Australia.
You can tell that the author, Cho, has an immense love for art, visual and literary. It shows in this wonderful story.
Of course, the world building isn't the only thing that is great about this book.
Our main character, Florence, is adorable. The first few pages I fell in love with her so strongly because I seen myself in her. I remember being in high school and feeling like I was on the outside looking in. Right then, I knew that I was going to be an advocate for Florence through this story book adventure.
The characters are pretty complex and we see growth for each of the characters throughout the book. But the best growth we see is what Florence finds when she looks within herself.

And then of course the plot is also done very tastefully too. At first, we are led to believe this is love triangle between the two brothers and Florence; but it is much more than that. In fact, I believe it is more than just a love story. Its more about finding yourself and loving the person you find there.

I really enjoyed Florence. It had just the right amount of romance but with a huge pack of action too. The characters have this surreal beauty to them that portrays danger and yet a calmness too. I was whisked away with the plot lines as Florence tries to find a place among a world of mer people, all the while trying to find a place within herself too.

I am glad that I was asked to review this story because I now have found another series that I am in love with. And Florence has opened my eyes to an exciting new world of mermaid folklore in new ways.

I challenge anyone who thinks Mermaid stories are not their cup of tea to definitely read this book. It is a surprisingly light and fun read that will transport you to another world under the ocean. But it will also change your views on the Mer folklore out there.

[Sherre Copeland · Rating 3 out of 5]

(ARC given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.) Florence was an interesting view into the world of mermaids and focused on the idea that living without a purpose isn't really living at all.

We begin the book following Florence, a 17 year old loner chick who would rather watch others live than join in herself. She enjoys taking pictures and observing lives around her and seems to be very perceptive. One day, while on a field trip, she swims out farther than the others and gets kidnapped by a mermaid and dragged into the ocean. Luckily, there are these things called breathing polyp's that allow humans to breathe under water or else she would have drowned.

In the underwater kingdom, Niemela, we meet Rolan and Kiren both gorgeous and sexy hunks of prince mermen. Kiren seems to instantly show an interest in Florence as does his younger sister Princess Yolee. Florence's presence isn't welcome by the king, but at the request of Yolee, she is allowed to stay as Yolee's friend/plaything. Yolee is the sweetest little girl. She's very lovable and innocent and loyal and fun loving and I just want to pull her into my lap and keep her safe from harm. Right off the bat we see that Florence is an outsider. No one wants to talk to her or be around her, especially Prince Rolan. He is outwardly hostile toward her and constantly reminds her that she is not welcome. Prince Kiren, however, seems entranced by Florence and seems to take an unusual interest in her. I was initially a little wary of him, and it seemed my wariness was supported as the book went on. Over the course of the book. I begin to love Rolan more and more, and hate Kiren, and as the book came to a close, I began rooting for Rolan. Eventually, Niemela is threatened by the darkness where the sea monsters come from, and the Wise ones. What happens as a result is quite interesting.

I didn't care much for the writing in the book. The author created a Niemelan language that we could understand, but I didn't like how it was the same but different for certain words. It just confused me and I'm probably confusing you with my explanation. It was kind of like if I said all of a sudden I could speak your language, but then you have words that are different and so I really cant speak your language. I also didn't like the fact that I was never really emotionally involved in the book. It was kind of like hearing something on the news about something that happened to someone in another state. "Wow that sucks, but in other news......" The characters seemed kind of flat, except Florence of course and I didn't really grow to understand them. I also didn't like how Florence all of a sudden gained all these convenient powers that helped her know all this information. It was just too convenient for my taste. I also wanted a bit more at the end. Like a bit of closure with the Niemelans. Perhaps there will be a sequel, but I wasn't given enough information to decide if I really wanted to find out what happened.

All in all, Florence was a good book. I'm not obsessed with it, but it was interesting and the descriptions and details about the underwater kingdom were interesting. If you're really into mermaids and their battles with the creatures around them, then this is the book for you. I give it 3 stars.