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Revel
There’s an island off the coast of Maine that’s not on any modern map.
Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.
Sean Gunn, a handsome young lobsterman, befriends Delia and seems willing to risk his life to protect her. But it’s Jax, the coldly elusive young man she meets at the water’s edge, who finally makes Delia understand the real dangers of life on the island. Delia is going to have to fight to survive. Because there are monsters here. And no one ever leaves Trespass alive.
Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.
Sean Gunn, a handsome young lobsterman, befriends Delia and seems willing to risk his life to protect her. But it’s Jax, the coldly elusive young man she meets at the water’s edge, who finally makes Delia understand the real dangers of life on the island. Delia is going to have to fight to survive. Because there are monsters here. And no one ever leaves Trespass alive.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2013
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5512 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
March 12, 2013
I don't know what it is about desolate New England towns and Greek mythology that makes for such a noxious combination, and maybe it's purely coincidental, but between Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed, Elizabeth Miles's Fury, and now Revel, it's gotta be a curse, or something. At least this time with Revel I actually finished the book (*cough*Starcrossed*cough*) and wasn't angry enough to want to fling it across the room after I did (*head desk at even the thought of Fury*), but that's not saying much, because except for those inured to a steady diet of easily digestible bland paranormal romances, there's just not much to this book. At all.
I'm not a patient reader, I'll readily admit that, but Maurissa Guibord takes trying my patience to a whole new level. At this point, I'm pretty familiar with the many many common pitfalls of the paranormal romance genre, the instalove, the love triangle, the lack of a plot for the vast majority of the book outside the last five or so chapters, but Revel not only clumsily stumbles into all these traps for the unwary I just listed, it falls for others I didn't even think were possible for a paranormal romance. What do I mean? I absolutely hate what Guibord does with the first third of the book, building up the mystery and supernatural aspects of Trespass Island, because reading about Delia as she makes her way to grandma's house is every bit as painful as watching a crappy seventies horror movie. In slow motion. Because no I don't think it's creepy and suspenseful at all that Guibord makes Delia jump through all the requisite 'was that or was that not a monster I just [saw in my peripheral vision/felt in the water/suspected is hiding in the shadows beneath the docks] even though yeah it really is a monster, we're just not showing it [to drag out the plot/keep the reader from being put to sleep by the angst/because our special effects budget blows]' hoops, while it's obvious every freakin' other character knows exactly what's going on and they're just not saying because [it's for Delia's own good/writing this like a cheesy horror movie sounds like a good idea/we can't give it away, we still have 200 odd pages to go and the love triangle alone won't do!]. So when I finally, finally get to grandma's 'sure honey, of course the monsters are real, I know all about the monsters' line (after checking my watch every third page or so having anticipated this moment for the last half hour), I just wanted to... ugh. So anticlimatic.
I'd thought the plot would get better after the monsters were finally out in the open and the deal behind the island was revealed, but... no. Because see, there's really no plot at this point, Guibord makes you think there's a plot with some stuff about the island, some stuff about the Glaukos (the aforementioned monsters), some history behind the demigod 'First Ones' who're really in charge (and some evil Icer fish things that apparently have an appetite for people's eyes?), but it's really just instalove between Delia and First One Jax (whose one distinguishing quality over every other supernatural love interest ever is that he's not as good looking because he's been previously mutilated by a giant squid) - or is it instalove between Delia and resident lobsterman Sean, I honestly don't know because why never been kissed girl Delia would connect with either guy right off the boat/at the beach is beyond me, and, and... see, even I'm distracted by Delia and Jax and Sean and their instant connection(s) when I really want to talk about how the Icer (singular) makes that one one-and-done 'appearance' (really murder) and it takes Delia five sentences and a funeral before she's right back to where she left off with Jax and Sean and ugh I'm talking about Delia and Jax and Sean again. Make it stop! Where's the plot? What's with the Icers? How are the First Ones involved? What's the point of what I'm reading and how's that gonna figure into what'll happen? (And I don't mean between Delia and Jax and Sean... ugh why am I still talking about them?) So I'm checking my watch again, and I think I actually miss the earlier cheesy monster phase.
Yeah, by now it should be pretty apparent the only thing I remotely liked about this book are those aforementioned last couple of chapters (I would just read a summary of everything that happens prior to the Revel - yup it's an actual event in the book - and just skip to the post Revel part, because that's when this book finally gets interesting, pleasant surprise), because finally Delia's presented with an actual problem that doesn't involve feelings towards Jax and/or Sean, because there's a villain, at last, and because after all this time everything that I'd read finally has a point. It's not perfect, Delia's as dense as a log (I knew right away when the Council in charge of the First Ones checked out her stomach what was up and it takes her another chapter or so to put two and two together, can we say stretching out the plot just like those lame monster moments before?), but I liked the mythology towards the end with the origins of the Hundred Hands Reef (very creepy!) and the twisty nature of the Glaukos and the purpose of the island and everything. The attack on grandma, that was just disgusting, but hey, can't complain when the Icers are finally in the picture. In fact, if it wasn't for the sheer frustration of getting to this point, I'd happily admit the last few chapters actually somewhat redeems how incredibly annoying the rest of the book is... but upon further reflection, I’m just not satisfied by how incomplete the villain feels, how unfinished the plot feels, and how filler so much leading up to the ending feels - dazzled by the one bright spot after so much I didn’t like, I guess. Eh.
Other than that, not much of this fishy tale suited me except the parts (predictably) crammed into the end, which seems to be the norm for paranormal fare these days. Couldn’t overcome my distaste for the beginning or middle though.
I'm not a patient reader, I'll readily admit that, but Maurissa Guibord takes trying my patience to a whole new level. At this point, I'm pretty familiar with the many many common pitfalls of the paranormal romance genre, the instalove, the love triangle, the lack of a plot for the vast majority of the book outside the last five or so chapters, but Revel not only clumsily stumbles into all these traps for the unwary I just listed, it falls for others I didn't even think were possible for a paranormal romance. What do I mean? I absolutely hate what Guibord does with the first third of the book, building up the mystery and supernatural aspects of Trespass Island, because reading about Delia as she makes her way to grandma's house is every bit as painful as watching a crappy seventies horror movie. In slow motion. Because no I don't think it's creepy and suspenseful at all that Guibord makes Delia jump through all the requisite 'was that or was that not a monster I just [saw in my peripheral vision/felt in the water/suspected is hiding in the shadows beneath the docks] even though yeah it really is a monster, we're just not showing it [to drag out the plot/keep the reader from being put to sleep by the angst/because our special effects budget blows]' hoops, while it's obvious every freakin' other character knows exactly what's going on and they're just not saying because [it's for Delia's own good/writing this like a cheesy horror movie sounds like a good idea/we can't give it away, we still have 200 odd pages to go and the love triangle alone won't do!]. So when I finally, finally get to grandma's 'sure honey, of course the monsters are real, I know all about the monsters' line (after checking my watch every third page or so having anticipated this moment for the last half hour), I just wanted to... ugh. So anticlimatic.
I'd thought the plot would get better after the monsters were finally out in the open and the deal behind the island was revealed, but... no. Because see, there's really no plot at this point, Guibord makes you think there's a plot with some stuff about the island, some stuff about the Glaukos (the aforementioned monsters), some history behind the demigod 'First Ones' who're really in charge (and some evil Icer fish things that apparently have an appetite for people's eyes?), but it's really just instalove between Delia and First One Jax (whose one distinguishing quality over every other supernatural love interest ever is that he's not as good looking because he's been previously mutilated by a giant squid) - or is it instalove between Delia and resident lobsterman Sean, I honestly don't know because why never been kissed girl Delia would connect with either guy right off the boat/at the beach is beyond me, and, and... see, even I'm distracted by Delia and Jax and Sean and their instant connection(s) when I really want to talk about how the Icer (singular) makes that one one-and-done 'appearance' (really murder) and it takes Delia five sentences and a funeral before she's right back to where she left off with Jax and Sean and ugh I'm talking about Delia and Jax and Sean again. Make it stop! Where's the plot? What's with the Icers? How are the First Ones involved? What's the point of what I'm reading and how's that gonna figure into what'll happen? (And I don't mean between Delia and Jax and Sean... ugh why am I still talking about them?) So I'm checking my watch again, and I think I actually miss the earlier cheesy monster phase.
Yeah, by now it should be pretty apparent the only thing I remotely liked about this book are those aforementioned last couple of chapters (I would just read a summary of everything that happens prior to the Revel - yup it's an actual event in the book - and just skip to the post Revel part, because that's when this book finally gets interesting, pleasant surprise), because finally Delia's presented with an actual problem that doesn't involve feelings towards Jax and/or Sean, because there's a villain, at last, and because after all this time everything that I'd read finally has a point. It's not perfect, Delia's as dense as a log (I knew right away when the Council in charge of the First Ones checked out her stomach what was up and it takes her another chapter or so to put two and two together, can we say stretching out the plot just like those lame monster moments before?), but I liked the mythology towards the end with the origins of the Hundred Hands Reef (very creepy!) and the twisty nature of the Glaukos and the purpose of the island and everything. The attack on grandma, that was just disgusting, but hey, can't complain when the Icers are finally in the picture. In fact, if it wasn't for the sheer frustration of getting to this point, I'd happily admit the last few chapters actually somewhat redeems how incredibly annoying the rest of the book is... but upon further reflection, I’m just not satisfied by how incomplete the villain feels, how unfinished the plot feels, and how filler so much leading up to the ending feels - dazzled by the one bright spot after so much I didn’t like, I guess. Eh.
Other than that, not much of this fishy tale suited me except the parts (predictably) crammed into the end, which seems to be the norm for paranormal fare these days. Couldn’t overcome my distaste for the beginning or middle though.
April 18, 2015
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did! Before this I had really bad luck with YA siren/mermaid stories. I honestly can't think of another one that I even liked, but I can think of a handful that I absolutely loathed.
But this was good! Except........for Delia. The main character. Who is the stupidest, brattiest, most selfish little *insert colorful word here* that she possibly could have been. The island and all its side characters were great. The mythology was great. Everything was great except for the fact that every time Delia opened her mouth (which is a lot, unfortunately) I wanted to punch her in the throat.
She constantly puts herself before absolutely everyone else, including her friends and family, and not just in a "lookin out for #1" type way. But in a "I'm literally about to get every single one of you murdered....but it's okay because I refuse to just play nice! I'm a strong independent siren who...doesn't give a shit if you die or not." It's really unbecoming and ruins the whole wayward orphan finds a home effect that the author was going for.
Ignoring Delia, I enjoyed reading this. It went fast, kept my interest. Good stuff.
But this was good! Except........for Delia. The main character. Who is the stupidest, brattiest, most selfish little *insert colorful word here* that she possibly could have been. The island and all its side characters were great. The mythology was great. Everything was great except for the fact that every time Delia opened her mouth (which is a lot, unfortunately) I wanted to punch her in the throat.
She constantly puts herself before absolutely everyone else, including her friends and family, and not just in a "lookin out for #1" type way. But in a "I'm literally about to get every single one of you murdered....but it's okay because I refuse to just play nice! I'm a strong independent siren who...doesn't give a shit if you die or not." It's really unbecoming and ruins the whole wayward orphan finds a home effect that the author was going for.
Ignoring Delia, I enjoyed reading this. It went fast, kept my interest. Good stuff.
Read
February 19, 2013Revel is imaginative and original -- imagine 50% Greek mythology, 10% the TV show LOST, 20% paranormal romance, 10% The Bachelor, and 10% Loch Ness monster story. It's an interesting mix and I could never predict what was going to happen.
December 3, 2016
I'm still trying to find a book that amazed me as much as this book did. I absolutely LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down and I managed to finish it in a day. Its one of my favorite ones, hands down.
March 24, 2013
***Review posted at The Eater of Books! blog***
Revel by Maurissa Guibord
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 12, 2013
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Copy provided by the author
Summary (from Goodreads):
There’s an island off the coast of Maine that’s not on any modern map.
Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.
Sean Gunn, a handsome young lobsterman, befriends Delia and seems willing to risk his life to protect her. But it’s Jax, the coldly elusive young man she meets at the water’s edge, who finally makes Delia understand the real dangers of life on the island. Delia is going to have to fight to survive. Because there are monsters here. And no one ever leaves Trespass alive.
What I Liked:
First, let me say that this book is in no way associated with Mrs. Guibord's first novel, Warped. Warped (2011) is AMAZING, a story about time-travel and curses and Fate, and I totally recommend to anyone, but Revel is not related to Warped in any way. Just a note :)
Second, can I just say how GORGEOUS the cover of Revel is!? I love the blue and white swirls, and trust me, it's even prettier in person. AND SHINY. This one is quite the stunner from Delacorte.
Okay, now the actual book. This review might be a little short, because I LOVED this book. And usually, with books that I absolutely love, I tend to go on and on and gush endlessly about things that I loved (which tends to be everything), and I'm sure people get the idea after a while.
The story does not start slowly at all - which I appreciated. While I will read through them, I am not a fan of slow starts. Revel kicks off quickly and gains speed, adding the mythological aspect of the book faster than I expected (not at all a bad thing). The pacing of this book was perfect (in my opinion), and fit the story extremely well.
I enjoyed reading about Delia. She is a heroine that anyone can like, and she is tough and inquisitive. I love the way she stood up for herself at every chance she got. She wasn't snarky or rude, but she was assertive, and I found myself cheering her on. It is never easy fitting in a place where no one wants you. I think she handled everything thrown at her very well, especially the no-technology-on-this-island thing. That one would not have sat well with me.
Delia's Gran is a fabulous mentor, and Zuzu and Reilly are excellent friends. Each character's relationship with Delia is different and rocky, but each character cares about each other and Delia, so I genuinely liked each of them by the end of the book. Sean is another sweet secondary character who fights to protect everyone on the island, which almost ended up being a disaster for him.
But Jax. Jax is my favorite character of this book. Right from his formal introduction (there was an informal one first), we know that he is not perfect, or godlike (no pun intended), or the stereotypical divine male that pops out of nowhere and is suddenly a love interest. He still is a love interest, but he's not like, the usual HOT supernatural male creature. That made me love him even more. He is an outcast, but he is so noble. There seriously aren't enough to describe this guy. Just trust me - he's amazing in a not-so-typical way. I feel like only shallow readers wouldn't like him, because he isn't perfect. But I think his imperfections make him even more appealing, and apparently, Delia thought so, too (hint hint).
So, yes, there is sort of a love triangle. But you can tell where it was going as soon as you read about both love interests. It is so obvious, which is GOOD. No choosing teams or getting up-in-arms over Delia. She knew what she really wanted, they knew what they really wanted, and the romance wraps up cleanly.
The plot of this book was fantastic. I don't want to give anything away, but believe me, you will not be bored at any point in this book. I always found myself wondering, "What happens next?" throughout the book, and I could not wait until the end to find out. And contrary to what I thought, the ceremony Revel is NOT the climax of the book. Usually, the one big event of the book is the climax, towards the end-ish. Well, the ceremony Revel is past the middle, but it isn't the climax. A nice surprise for me, who usually has things figured out halfway through books. The monsters, the transformations, the deaths... you will NOT be disappointed! Or bored!
I thought this was going to be a short review, and I wouldn't gush. Oops.
What I Did Not Like:
There really isn't anything that I can put here. Maybe the fact that I can't understand how Delia gave up technology to live on Trespass Island? I could never do that. But that's more of a personal preference, not a negative in a book.
Would I Recommend It:
YES! Go get it NOW! Anyone can read and will most likely love this book.
Rating:
5 stars - there was no doubt in my mind after I finished this one that it would be 5 stars from me. Revel will definitely be in my favorites of 2013 list, just as Warped as in 2011!
Revel by Maurissa Guibord
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 12, 2013
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Copy provided by the author
Summary (from Goodreads):
There’s an island off the coast of Maine that’s not on any modern map.
Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.
Sean Gunn, a handsome young lobsterman, befriends Delia and seems willing to risk his life to protect her. But it’s Jax, the coldly elusive young man she meets at the water’s edge, who finally makes Delia understand the real dangers of life on the island. Delia is going to have to fight to survive. Because there are monsters here. And no one ever leaves Trespass alive.
What I Liked:
First, let me say that this book is in no way associated with Mrs. Guibord's first novel, Warped. Warped (2011) is AMAZING, a story about time-travel and curses and Fate, and I totally recommend to anyone, but Revel is not related to Warped in any way. Just a note :)
Second, can I just say how GORGEOUS the cover of Revel is!? I love the blue and white swirls, and trust me, it's even prettier in person. AND SHINY. This one is quite the stunner from Delacorte.
Okay, now the actual book. This review might be a little short, because I LOVED this book. And usually, with books that I absolutely love, I tend to go on and on and gush endlessly about things that I loved (which tends to be everything), and I'm sure people get the idea after a while.
The story does not start slowly at all - which I appreciated. While I will read through them, I am not a fan of slow starts. Revel kicks off quickly and gains speed, adding the mythological aspect of the book faster than I expected (not at all a bad thing). The pacing of this book was perfect (in my opinion), and fit the story extremely well.
I enjoyed reading about Delia. She is a heroine that anyone can like, and she is tough and inquisitive. I love the way she stood up for herself at every chance she got. She wasn't snarky or rude, but she was assertive, and I found myself cheering her on. It is never easy fitting in a place where no one wants you. I think she handled everything thrown at her very well, especially the no-technology-on-this-island thing. That one would not have sat well with me.
Delia's Gran is a fabulous mentor, and Zuzu and Reilly are excellent friends. Each character's relationship with Delia is different and rocky, but each character cares about each other and Delia, so I genuinely liked each of them by the end of the book. Sean is another sweet secondary character who fights to protect everyone on the island, which almost ended up being a disaster for him.
But Jax. Jax is my favorite character of this book. Right from his formal introduction (there was an informal one first), we know that he is not perfect, or godlike (no pun intended), or the stereotypical divine male that pops out of nowhere and is suddenly a love interest. He still is a love interest, but he's not like, the usual HOT supernatural male creature. That made me love him even more. He is an outcast, but he is so noble. There seriously aren't enough to describe this guy. Just trust me - he's amazing in a not-so-typical way. I feel like only shallow readers wouldn't like him, because he isn't perfect. But I think his imperfections make him even more appealing, and apparently, Delia thought so, too (hint hint).
So, yes, there is sort of a love triangle. But you can tell where it was going as soon as you read about both love interests. It is so obvious, which is GOOD. No choosing teams or getting up-in-arms over Delia. She knew what she really wanted, they knew what they really wanted, and the romance wraps up cleanly.
The plot of this book was fantastic. I don't want to give anything away, but believe me, you will not be bored at any point in this book. I always found myself wondering, "What happens next?" throughout the book, and I could not wait until the end to find out. And contrary to what I thought, the ceremony Revel is NOT the climax of the book. Usually, the one big event of the book is the climax, towards the end-ish. Well, the ceremony Revel is past the middle, but it isn't the climax. A nice surprise for me, who usually has things figured out halfway through books. The monsters, the transformations, the deaths... you will NOT be disappointed! Or bored!
I thought this was going to be a short review, and I wouldn't gush. Oops.
What I Did Not Like:
There really isn't anything that I can put here. Maybe the fact that I can't understand how Delia gave up technology to live on Trespass Island? I could never do that. But that's more of a personal preference, not a negative in a book.
Would I Recommend It:
YES! Go get it NOW! Anyone can read and will most likely love this book.
Rating:
5 stars - there was no doubt in my mind after I finished this one that it would be 5 stars from me. Revel will definitely be in my favorites of 2013 list, just as Warped as in 2011!
June 18, 2013
Maybe it's because it's been a long while since I've finished a book but I really liked this one.
I've read her first foray into the publishing world, Warped, that I really enjoyed also so to say I had higher expectations for this one is about guaranteed. I was more than thoroughly satisfied. In fact, I'd say that this novel was better than her first!
Her prose is delicious with smooth flowing and intricately painted descriptions. I could savor them for hours! Her plotting is also a lot tighter, no random nose scrunching or questionable moments that had you frowning at character actions. She did an excellent job of hooking the reader with the mystery of the revel event of the island as well as keeping their attention glued with the appropriately placed action scenes. I was never bored and always looked forward to reading more whenever I picked the book up again.
Another thing that I liked was that the main character, Delia, was quite refreshing. She wasn't a timid, shy little girl, nor did she just go with the status quo because she was afraid of standing out or making waves. When something happened that she didn't agree with and thought was morally wrong even though everyone else thought it was the height of reward, she didn't let the others change her opinions.
I'm glad that Delia was also able to maintain good friendships with other girls, even if it became strained during the course of the novel, as we see this rarely sometimes in YA fiction these days (or even fiction in general). I loved the relationship she had with her grandmother as they tried to mend old ties and rediscover new ones.
Even the romance was nice. It wasn't in your face and took a more slower approach. Perhaps it could be a bit corny or fast at some points but the overall storytelling of the author was such a plus it didn't bother you at all. A nice addition to the story not the whole story like some YA novels have fallen victim of. And if you were in the mood for a different sort of magical creature than this is it! They aren't really mermaid or merman but something of a different variety.
Sure there may have been areas where character development could have been used but this was a solid read. Quite recommended!
I've read her first foray into the publishing world, Warped, that I really enjoyed also so to say I had higher expectations for this one is about guaranteed. I was more than thoroughly satisfied. In fact, I'd say that this novel was better than her first!
Her prose is delicious with smooth flowing and intricately painted descriptions. I could savor them for hours! Her plotting is also a lot tighter, no random nose scrunching or questionable moments that had you frowning at character actions. She did an excellent job of hooking the reader with the mystery of the revel event of the island as well as keeping their attention glued with the appropriately placed action scenes. I was never bored and always looked forward to reading more whenever I picked the book up again.
Another thing that I liked was that the main character, Delia, was quite refreshing. She wasn't a timid, shy little girl, nor did she just go with the status quo because she was afraid of standing out or making waves. When something happened that she didn't agree with and thought was morally wrong even though everyone else thought it was the height of reward, she didn't let the others change her opinions.
I'm glad that Delia was also able to maintain good friendships with other girls, even if it became strained during the course of the novel, as we see this rarely sometimes in YA fiction these days (or even fiction in general). I loved the relationship she had with her grandmother as they tried to mend old ties and rediscover new ones.
Even the romance was nice. It wasn't in your face and took a more slower approach. Perhaps it could be a bit corny or fast at some points but the overall storytelling of the author was such a plus it didn't bother you at all. A nice addition to the story not the whole story like some YA novels have fallen victim of. And if you were in the mood for a different sort of magical creature than this is it! They aren't really mermaid or merman but something of a different variety.
Sure there may have been areas where character development could have been used but this was a solid read. Quite recommended!
September 12, 2015
Ready for an unexpected plot twist? Check!
What about an original take on Greek Mythology? Check!
Want to squeeze in some charming romance? Check!
I read Revel back in May before I started blogging, I was in the mood for something adventurous with a splash of romance and something mythological. Needless to say Revel hit the nail on the head! Now going into Revel I did not read much of the summary on this story. The only thing I knew is that it centered around an island, greek mythology, mermaids & sea monsters.
The beginning was sort of slow for me, but boy was I glad I hung in there because the middle and end are so good! The thing I liked about this book was that it almost seemed to be a mashup of genres. The beginning had a contemporary feel to it, the middle and end more of the mythological/paranormal feel. I have read books in the past about mermaids and while they were good they weren’t great. Revel is one of the greats!!
Normally I love books with a 50/50 ratio of romance & action. This book I’d say was 20% romance, but it was a perfect mix for this plot. I will say the author is GREAT at changing it up and making your head spin in a commendable way!
Overall this book was a fun and interesting read. There were a few really good plot twist that were completely unexpected that I loved. I really enjoyed the Greek mythology that was intertwined into the book. If you want to read a YA with an original storyline mixed with mythology and mermaids this book is for you!
What about an original take on Greek Mythology? Check!
Want to squeeze in some charming romance? Check!
I read Revel back in May before I started blogging, I was in the mood for something adventurous with a splash of romance and something mythological. Needless to say Revel hit the nail on the head! Now going into Revel I did not read much of the summary on this story. The only thing I knew is that it centered around an island, greek mythology, mermaids & sea monsters.
The beginning was sort of slow for me, but boy was I glad I hung in there because the middle and end are so good! The thing I liked about this book was that it almost seemed to be a mashup of genres. The beginning had a contemporary feel to it, the middle and end more of the mythological/paranormal feel. I have read books in the past about mermaids and while they were good they weren’t great. Revel is one of the greats!!
Normally I love books with a 50/50 ratio of romance & action. This book I’d say was 20% romance, but it was a perfect mix for this plot. I will say the author is GREAT at changing it up and making your head spin in a commendable way!
Overall this book was a fun and interesting read. There were a few really good plot twist that were completely unexpected that I loved. I really enjoyed the Greek mythology that was intertwined into the book. If you want to read a YA with an original storyline mixed with mythology and mermaids this book is for you!
March 13, 2013
I absolutely forgot I read this book to be honest, and I didn't read it 2 years ago, rather 2 weeks ago, which I think is all I should say about it but I don't want to be a bad reviewer, so I'll try to remember some details. I actually liked Revel and had fun reading it so I have no idea why I forgot about it so fast.
The plot was quite interesting, although it was a bit like a roller coaster ride–when it was good it was really good, but it had a tendency to become boring and uneventful. The mythology was quite fun though and well thought-out (). The characters however were pretty one dimensional and boring. Two weeks later the only thing I remember about the protagonist that she had blonde hair that had a tendency to become messy in the damp climate of the island.
The romance was okay, although I didn't get invested in it. I didn't care. I mean, oh my God Delia, you really choose the ugly (On demigod terms. Not on human terms.) dude, not the cruel and more beautiful one? That is SO interesting. And what was up with that Sean storyline? Well, I may be a bit cranky, but that might be because that is all I remember of the book. I approve of Guilbord choice to not to make this a trilogy though. There ARE not enough standalone books in this genre, almost all authors feel they need 2+ books to tell a story, but many times there is no need for that.
Well, anyway, this book was okay, but nothing special. 3 stars.
The plot was quite interesting, although it was a bit like a roller coaster ride–when it was good it was really good, but it had a tendency to become boring and uneventful. The mythology was quite fun though and well thought-out (). The characters however were pretty one dimensional and boring. Two weeks later the only thing I remember about the protagonist that she had blonde hair that had a tendency to become messy in the damp climate of the island.
The romance was okay, although I didn't get invested in it. I didn't care. I mean, oh my God Delia, you really choose the ugly (On demigod terms. Not on human terms.) dude, not the cruel and more beautiful one? That is SO interesting. And what was up with that Sean storyline? Well, I may be a bit cranky, but that might be because that is all I remember of the book. I approve of Guilbord choice to not to make this a trilogy though. There ARE not enough standalone books in this genre, almost all authors feel they need 2+ books to tell a story, but many times there is no need for that.
Well, anyway, this book was okay, but nothing special. 3 stars.
June 27, 2012
Lucky enough to have read this in manuscript form! Maurissa has created another riveting novel, this one full of mythical sea creatures, a spirited heroine with burgeoning abilities, a mysterious island that refuses to let its inhabitants leave, and family secrets people will do anything to keep buried. It's all so wonderfully engrossing. I wasn't able to put this one down--not even when I had a deadline to meet on my own revisions :-) I love this cover too!
September 19, 2024
Pretty decent.
I liked the romance it was low-key, Jax is pretty sweet. This book was overall average and nothing special. The ending was rushed like they skipped most of the action??
First half is kind of a waste tbh, the mystery is being unfolded but she never discoverers about herself until the last 1/3rd? ok.
Sean is boring and I don't care about him. I like the romance with Deliah and Jax, it just so cute. The lore is pretty interesting. legit just a shadow over innsmouth.
Deliah is boring and that's a stupid name like I pronounced it in my head Delilah the whole time like is it the 1950s?? She was so stupid so often and I don't understand they never mention her life in Kansas. Like she doesn't even seem to like the island so why is she so damn invested the whole time?? I hate Maine also Canada should've kept it. Jax is also super empty as a character but I like him anyway
Glaukos is a really good name for a monster, First Ones is also good, same with Icers, like since they are from up north? ahah *sarcasm implied*
It also too many pages to tell a story that didn't make you feel very much, not keeping me engaged and not that interesting.
There are just too many things happening that we don't get to feel close to a particular one. like the festival, the prophecy, her powers, the romance, her reputation in town, the friends, shaun, grandma- like there's just too many things and too many words for a story with too much that it feels incomplete like, I wished it had just been a mystery with the cute romance on the side.
Although I am really thankful it wasn't a trilogy.
I liked the romance it was low-key, Jax is pretty sweet. This book was overall average and nothing special. The ending was rushed like they skipped most of the action??
First half is kind of a waste tbh, the mystery is being unfolded but she never discoverers about herself until the last 1/3rd? ok.
Sean is boring and I don't care about him. I like the romance with Deliah and Jax, it just so cute. The lore is pretty interesting. legit just a shadow over innsmouth.
Deliah is boring and that's a stupid name like I pronounced it in my head Delilah the whole time like is it the 1950s?? She was so stupid so often and I don't understand they never mention her life in Kansas. Like she doesn't even seem to like the island so why is she so damn invested the whole time?? I hate Maine also Canada should've kept it. Jax is also super empty as a character but I like him anyway
Glaukos is a really good name for a monster, First Ones is also good, same with Icers, like since they are from up north? ahah *sarcasm implied*
It also too many pages to tell a story that didn't make you feel very much, not keeping me engaged and not that interesting.
There are just too many things happening that we don't get to feel close to a particular one. like the festival, the prophecy, her powers, the romance, her reputation in town, the friends, shaun, grandma- like there's just too many things and too many words for a story with too much that it feels incomplete like, I wished it had just been a mystery with the cute romance on the side.
Although I am really thankful it wasn't a trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
super good! i just felt like it moved a little bit too fast and some of the romance could have been developed more. but i loved the terminology!
May 21, 2022
What a delightful stand alone! No mermaids are present in this one. But lots of other ocean/island vibes and I LOVED it. It was weird, it was unique and most of all it was fun.
March 23, 2013
Originally reviewed on The Book Smugglers
Warning: Slight spoilers included below!
After her mother dies, seventeen year-old Delia McGovern is shuffled from foster home to foster home, causing trouble because of her incessant need to do the right thing (even if that means calling child services on a foster-mother that chooses to smoke in the car with an infant). After her last foster family gives up on her, Delia convinces her caseworker from Social Services to let her spend the summer with her only relative, an estranged grandmother. Delia leaves landlocked Kansas and makes her way east to the New England coast to find her grandmother, who lives on the small, isolated Trespass Island off the coast of Maine.
Immediately, Delia immediately knows that something isn't quite right about Trespass. For one, no ferries go to the island, not even those for hire. For another, the island itself is shrouded in mist and mystery, protected by seemingly supernatural forces. When Delia finally arrives on Trespass, she's greeted with cold hostility, especially from her grandmother. No one comes to the island, and no one ever leaves - that is, no one except Delia's mother.
As the days pass, Delia learns Trespass's darkest secrets - its history of shipwrecks and curses, monsters and gods. And, in the midst of all these secrets, Delia's own past, her own inexplicable changes and abilities, come to light. Delia is the key to breaking the cycle of despair and the oppressive shackles of tradition on Trespass Island, but it may come at too high a cost.
At first glance, Revel may seem an utterly traditional and unremarkable paranormal YA novel. You have your typically sweet and delicate/china doll-like heroine ("You're so tiny. Like a little china doll." - direct repeat quote, by the way). Of course, this girl ends up being Super Duper Special, with unparalleled powers in a surprising TWIST. You have two hunky love interests (one sweet and down to earth, one supernatural and mysterious). You have a twisted, secretive society that has ridiculous, sexist traditions (in which sixteen year old girls are offered up as mating/incubation vessels for the supernatural creatures). There's also the familiarity of the mythology, and Percy Jackson-ish factor to the text - this is a book about demi gods, and children of Poseidon, no less.
While these are familiar and not-so-awesome elements, surprisingly, Revel is an enjoyable and satisfying read - because while it employs these familiar YA PNR staples, it also challenges them directly. I love that at the heart of Revel, this tiny china doll heroine Delia instigates change of her own free will by challenging the traditional order. When she discovers the truth of the yearly "Revel" ceremony, she repeats, insists, that she has a choice, and that just because something is traditional (the offering of daughters to sea-men as part of some antiquated pact), that doesn't mean that it is right. My favorite lines of the book:
YES. This. Also helpful: the "love triangle" is not really much of a love triangle, and it's resolved within this single book without any copouts or concessions (that said, of course, the boy Delia picks is thanks to a brand of instalove).
While the thematic core of Revel is strong, it's not without its weaknesses. From a writing perspective, the mythology and worldbuilding behind the book is interesting - curses, a Wicker Man-ish type of society, Greek mythology - but a bit cumbersome and not entirely convincing. In particular, the threat that faces Trespass Island in the form of invading monsters, and the betrayal at the heart of the plot, feels half-baked and tertiary to the story. I love the revelations of Trespass and its society (the truth of the sea monsters that guard the island, the secret of the "Hundred Hands" and the Old Ones) but everything felt a little...rushed. The images are wonderful (seriously, the image of the glaukos transforming bit by bit, or the truth of the protective reef surrounding Trespass are haunting), the writing is competent, and the characters are all decently fleshed out, if a bit melodramatic - the only thing missing is that essential sense of buildup and tension.
These criticisms said, I still enjoyed Revel thoroughly and can certainly recommend it.
Warning: Slight spoilers included below!
After her mother dies, seventeen year-old Delia McGovern is shuffled from foster home to foster home, causing trouble because of her incessant need to do the right thing (even if that means calling child services on a foster-mother that chooses to smoke in the car with an infant). After her last foster family gives up on her, Delia convinces her caseworker from Social Services to let her spend the summer with her only relative, an estranged grandmother. Delia leaves landlocked Kansas and makes her way east to the New England coast to find her grandmother, who lives on the small, isolated Trespass Island off the coast of Maine.
Immediately, Delia immediately knows that something isn't quite right about Trespass. For one, no ferries go to the island, not even those for hire. For another, the island itself is shrouded in mist and mystery, protected by seemingly supernatural forces. When Delia finally arrives on Trespass, she's greeted with cold hostility, especially from her grandmother. No one comes to the island, and no one ever leaves - that is, no one except Delia's mother.
As the days pass, Delia learns Trespass's darkest secrets - its history of shipwrecks and curses, monsters and gods. And, in the midst of all these secrets, Delia's own past, her own inexplicable changes and abilities, come to light. Delia is the key to breaking the cycle of despair and the oppressive shackles of tradition on Trespass Island, but it may come at too high a cost.
At first glance, Revel may seem an utterly traditional and unremarkable paranormal YA novel. You have your typically sweet and delicate/china doll-like heroine ("You're so tiny. Like a little china doll." - direct repeat quote, by the way). Of course, this girl ends up being Super Duper Special, with unparalleled powers in a surprising TWIST. You have two hunky love interests (one sweet and down to earth, one supernatural and mysterious). You have a twisted, secretive society that has ridiculous, sexist traditions (in which sixteen year old girls are offered up as mating/incubation vessels for the supernatural creatures). There's also the familiarity of the mythology, and Percy Jackson-ish factor to the text - this is a book about demi gods, and children of Poseidon, no less.
While these are familiar and not-so-awesome elements, surprisingly, Revel is an enjoyable and satisfying read - because while it employs these familiar YA PNR staples, it also challenges them directly. I love that at the heart of Revel, this tiny china doll heroine Delia instigates change of her own free will by challenging the traditional order. When she discovers the truth of the yearly "Revel" ceremony, she repeats, insists, that she has a choice, and that just because something is traditional (the offering of daughters to sea-men as part of some antiquated pact), that doesn't mean that it is right. My favorite lines of the book:
I thougth of the men out there...about the curse that kept a sea captain and his men trapped here. About girls giving themselves because it was tradtion. I was so angry, the gasoline was probably overkill. My rage could have burned that field to ash.
YES. This. Also helpful: the "love triangle" is not really much of a love triangle, and it's resolved within this single book without any copouts or concessions (that said, of course, the boy Delia picks is thanks to a brand of instalove).
While the thematic core of Revel is strong, it's not without its weaknesses. From a writing perspective, the mythology and worldbuilding behind the book is interesting - curses, a Wicker Man-ish type of society, Greek mythology - but a bit cumbersome and not entirely convincing. In particular, the threat that faces Trespass Island in the form of invading monsters, and the betrayal at the heart of the plot, feels half-baked and tertiary to the story. I love the revelations of Trespass and its society (the truth of the sea monsters that guard the island, the secret of the "Hundred Hands" and the Old Ones) but everything felt a little...rushed. The images are wonderful (seriously, the image of the glaukos transforming bit by bit, or the truth of the protective reef surrounding Trespass are haunting), the writing is competent, and the characters are all decently fleshed out, if a bit melodramatic - the only thing missing is that essential sense of buildup and tension.
These criticisms said, I still enjoyed Revel thoroughly and can certainly recommend it.
May 8, 2013
Delia McGovern is determined to find out why and how her mother escaped the unmapped Trespass Island. When she arrives, the people find her dangerous and odd, an outsider bringing death and fear into their peaceful haven. As the Revel celebration approaches, Delia discovers a frightening secret lurking in the waters -- imprisoning the inhabitants as well as keeping trespassers out.
I wanted to enjoy this. I loved the idea of some otherworldly sea creature preventing inhabitants from leaving and newcomers from entering. The ocean is a vast and alien world, a frontier not yet fully explored, so having some sort of monster there is alluring. Sure, throw in some Greek demigods as well for fun, but the mysterious, frightening aspects was what I was looking for.
Guibord failed me. First, Delia was just plain odd for a character. Her internal thoughts were intelligent and somewhat snarky, but everything that came out of her mouth was stilted. The dialogue was off -- from everyone, not just Delia -- and the actions were unjustified.
Second, this book could have been written in so many different (and better) ways. Toss out the love triangle, first of all. The horror and tension would have been much better if Jax was seen as a monster throughout. The pull to the water Delia experiences would have been more terrifying, it would make her have difficulty coming to terms with her identity. That would have been interesting. Another aspect would have been introducing the monsters later in the novel, rather than right at the beginning. Telling us immediately what makes this island odd doesn't add suspense, it kills it. The mystery of the caves no longer seems dire. If Delia were to slowly discover the caves, slowly experience how she feels in the water, slowly piece things together about the island, Trespass would become a terrifying place, and the monsters even more frightening!
Finally, the excuse of a celebration -- Revel -- could have been the conclusion. Delia's identity surrounds Revel. The book is called Revel. The plot Guibord writes, however, does not. And that's such a disappointment.
Open with weird events and history of the island, progress to enjoying the water and discovering the caves, continue into the eerie aspect of Jax and the fierce protectiveness of the caves, climax at the discovery of the monsters, and a huge action/ending with Revel and self-discovery (all the while with little doses of Sean-love). That's the book I thought I was going to read.
I wanted to enjoy this. I loved the idea of some otherworldly sea creature preventing inhabitants from leaving and newcomers from entering. The ocean is a vast and alien world, a frontier not yet fully explored, so having some sort of monster there is alluring. Sure, throw in some Greek demigods as well for fun, but the mysterious, frightening aspects was what I was looking for.
Guibord failed me. First, Delia was just plain odd for a character. Her internal thoughts were intelligent and somewhat snarky, but everything that came out of her mouth was stilted. The dialogue was off -- from everyone, not just Delia -- and the actions were unjustified.
Second, this book could have been written in so many different (and better) ways. Toss out the love triangle, first of all. The horror and tension would have been much better if Jax was seen as a monster throughout. The pull to the water Delia experiences would have been more terrifying, it would make her have difficulty coming to terms with her identity. That would have been interesting. Another aspect would have been introducing the monsters later in the novel, rather than right at the beginning. Telling us immediately what makes this island odd doesn't add suspense, it kills it. The mystery of the caves no longer seems dire. If Delia were to slowly discover the caves, slowly experience how she feels in the water, slowly piece things together about the island, Trespass would become a terrifying place, and the monsters even more frightening!
Finally, the excuse of a celebration -- Revel -- could have been the conclusion. Delia's identity surrounds Revel. The book is called Revel. The plot Guibord writes, however, does not. And that's such a disappointment.
Open with weird events and history of the island, progress to enjoying the water and discovering the caves, continue into the eerie aspect of Jax and the fierce protectiveness of the caves, climax at the discovery of the monsters, and a huge action/ending with Revel and self-discovery (all the while with little doses of Sean-love). That's the book I thought I was going to read.
February 12, 2013
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*A copy was provided by Delacorte Press for review purposes*
“I tried to tell you it dangerous here.”
“I thought you meant like rocks and big waves, Gran. Not whatever this is.”
Yep, that about sums it up! This book has one of the most original and unique ideas I’ve ever read. I don’t know if there’s another book out there quit like this one. The writing really drew me in, and it was so eerie and eloquent, and I couldn’t stop reading. I really liked how the story line and events flowed together, and how the author let the readers learn the secrets of the island as Delia did. I really love all the twists and turns in this book, one in particular. I’m not going to go into too much detail, but there was kind of a double twist, and I saw the first one coming, but not the second one, so I’m really glad that Maurissa Guibord took it that step farther. Really the only thing I didn’t like about this book was the ending. In my opinion, the ending is supposed to be thrilling, interesting, and tie up all the loose ends. Guibord set the book up perfectly for an awesome ending…and then just whimped out. She could have totally done a thrilling ending, and I’m not sure why she didn’t, but the option was there, and it didn’t happen. Also, towards the end of the book, there was a way too-easy solution to a certain problem (not going to go into detail), and that really kind of annoyed me as well.
There was kind of a semi love-triangle in this book, but I liked how it worked out. Delia didn’t go between the two guys, she just stuck with one, and I really appreciate that. She was attracted to one in the beginning, then met another, and stuck with him, so she wasn’t, by any means, playing them. Even though Sean was pretty nice, I was Team Jax, and I’m glad with the choice she made. Delia was strong, smart, nice, and not what she seemed to be. Jax I didn’t feel like I got to know well enough, like he wasn’t as developed as Sean. But, other than that, he was a pretty solid character.
I’m pretty sure there is going to be a sequel to this book, but if there is I think I would read it. The writing, idea, and story line completely pulled me in in this book, and I can’t wait to see what Maurissa Guibord comes up with next!
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Emily's Crammed Bookshelf
*A copy was provided by Delacorte Press for review purposes*
“I tried to tell you it dangerous here.”
“I thought you meant like rocks and big waves, Gran. Not whatever this is.”
Yep, that about sums it up! This book has one of the most original and unique ideas I’ve ever read. I don’t know if there’s another book out there quit like this one. The writing really drew me in, and it was so eerie and eloquent, and I couldn’t stop reading. I really liked how the story line and events flowed together, and how the author let the readers learn the secrets of the island as Delia did. I really love all the twists and turns in this book, one in particular. I’m not going to go into too much detail, but there was kind of a double twist, and I saw the first one coming, but not the second one, so I’m really glad that Maurissa Guibord took it that step farther. Really the only thing I didn’t like about this book was the ending. In my opinion, the ending is supposed to be thrilling, interesting, and tie up all the loose ends. Guibord set the book up perfectly for an awesome ending…and then just whimped out. She could have totally done a thrilling ending, and I’m not sure why she didn’t, but the option was there, and it didn’t happen. Also, towards the end of the book, there was a way too-easy solution to a certain problem (not going to go into detail), and that really kind of annoyed me as well.
There was kind of a semi love-triangle in this book, but I liked how it worked out. Delia didn’t go between the two guys, she just stuck with one, and I really appreciate that. She was attracted to one in the beginning, then met another, and stuck with him, so she wasn’t, by any means, playing them. Even though Sean was pretty nice, I was Team Jax, and I’m glad with the choice she made. Delia was strong, smart, nice, and not what she seemed to be. Jax I didn’t feel like I got to know well enough, like he wasn’t as developed as Sean. But, other than that, he was a pretty solid character.
I’m pretty sure there is going to be a sequel to this book, but if there is I think I would read it. The writing, idea, and story line completely pulled me in in this book, and I can’t wait to see what Maurissa Guibord comes up with next!
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Emily's Crammed Bookshelf
October 22, 2013
So ANOTHER library book turned out to be really good.
When I picked up Revel I was thinking kind of a Wicker Man vibe, girl gets to island, is not allowed to leave and there is dark scary stuff around every corner.
What I found was a really cool book that merged small town prejudiced, Greek mythology, romance and the sea and turned it into something pretty interesting.
I cannot tell you how many mermaid/siren/water creature type books simply have been like YUCK. They just don’t appeal to me, about the same with books on fairies and angels; I just don’t care for them. So when this turned out to be similar I was like WOW, really? I LIKE this! Maybe it’s because I didn’t quite get that vibe a head of time so it was a nice wet surprise.
This story I felt was very different from a lot of the other YA around. The girl comes into magic and has to learn how to use it; she is a strong and independent. The story has great imagery, and the plot is good and kept me engaged.
There was an almost love triangle and some insta love, but it was easily over looked.
My only complaint was a felt while the MC and her love interest were flushed out the rest of the characters didn’t have a ton of depth. Though the vibe from the villagers was very reminiscent of how people in a cult, like a polygamist sect, are. They don’t know any better because this is how they are raised, they don’t feel like life could get better and that it is scarier outside than anything that might go on inside.
Be for warned there is an allusion of rape during the Revel, I mean girls present themselves to mystical god like water creatures called the Firsts (when they are 16!!!) who pick one and have sex with her, whether she wants it or not….The girls on the island just think this is how it is, they don’t really consider saying no….So that was a bit disturbing.
This was a good book and a fun read. Enjoy!
Like this? Find more at
When I picked up Revel I was thinking kind of a Wicker Man vibe, girl gets to island, is not allowed to leave and there is dark scary stuff around every corner.
What I found was a really cool book that merged small town prejudiced, Greek mythology, romance and the sea and turned it into something pretty interesting.
I cannot tell you how many mermaid/siren/water creature type books simply have been like YUCK. They just don’t appeal to me, about the same with books on fairies and angels; I just don’t care for them. So when this turned out to be similar I was like WOW, really? I LIKE this! Maybe it’s because I didn’t quite get that vibe a head of time so it was a nice wet surprise.
This story I felt was very different from a lot of the other YA around. The girl comes into magic and has to learn how to use it; she is a strong and independent. The story has great imagery, and the plot is good and kept me engaged.
There was an almost love triangle and some insta love, but it was easily over looked.
My only complaint was a felt while the MC and her love interest were flushed out the rest of the characters didn’t have a ton of depth. Though the vibe from the villagers was very reminiscent of how people in a cult, like a polygamist sect, are. They don’t know any better because this is how they are raised, they don’t feel like life could get better and that it is scarier outside than anything that might go on inside.
Be for warned there is an allusion of rape during the Revel, I mean girls present themselves to mystical god like water creatures called the Firsts (when they are 16!!!) who pick one and have sex with her, whether she wants it or not….The girls on the island just think this is how it is, they don’t really consider saying no….So that was a bit disturbing.
This was a good book and a fun read. Enjoy!
Like this? Find more at
July 20, 2013
I really liked this book--the story is very different and unique, with some weird, fantastical elements. And I LOVE this author’s writing--it always completely sucks me into the story (and the romance)! The characters were fascinating, too. I loved Delia, Sean, Jax, and Ben, in particular. Loved Delia’s personality--that she wasn’t afraid to speak up, ask questions, and say what was on her mind. The action in the book was intense and nail-biting at times. The story also had some very surprising (sometimes horrifying!) twists and turns, though I did guess immediately that . My only problems with the book were that I hated and I thought the ending was WAY TOO abrupt!! The story wrapped up too quickly and I felt like I was left hanging with a rather chaotic, open, doubtful, and unsatisfying conclusion. But, I did really like the book anyway--the story was engrossing, I cared about the characters/island, and I had a very hard time putting the book down. It’s a good, unique read and I'm excited to get a hold of whatever Maurissa Guibord writes next! LOVE her!!
February 15, 2013
Wow.Im Stunned and in utter Awe of Revel By Maurissa Guibord.This is the first book I have read by this Author and I am quite frankly Blown Away.Revel takes place on Trespass Island where people live but never leave.Delia's mother is from there and finds a way to get to the island since no one is allowed to go there.Once she gets there she is greated with hostility.She has no idea what is in store for her.Sean is one of the male characters you will meet and Jax,Jax is a Demigod.They go back for centuries and rule the undersea.Jax is full of awesome.Delia realizes something isn't quite right about her and you will figure that out once you read the book.
This book is seriously stunning.I was swept away in the romance,the history,the drama,Like a huge tidal wave.The way Maurissa writes is astoundingly real and makes you feel like you are right in the center of the ocean.I think my only issue with the story is that the ending was a bit fast for me and I would have liked an epilogue.But it certainly did not need one I just enjoy knowing what happens after the ending.This is a must read!Great Job Maurissa Guibord!It was a pleasure reading this and I cannot wait to read more of your work!
This book is seriously stunning.I was swept away in the romance,the history,the drama,Like a huge tidal wave.The way Maurissa writes is astoundingly real and makes you feel like you are right in the center of the ocean.I think my only issue with the story is that the ending was a bit fast for me and I would have liked an epilogue.But it certainly did not need one I just enjoy knowing what happens after the ending.This is a must read!Great Job Maurissa Guibord!It was a pleasure reading this and I cannot wait to read more of your work!
July 12, 2013
This was definitely not was I expected.
If you like the story Wicker Man, the Little Mermaid, and Mythology then I guess this is your cup of tea.... Really freaking weird cup of tea by the way.
What Revel basically is: The gods protected us, therefore they have a right to sleep/rape our teenage girls at least once a year. Babies are a bonus.
Good grief.
If you like the story Wicker Man, the Little Mermaid, and Mythology then I guess this is your cup of tea.... Really freaking weird cup of tea by the way.
What Revel basically is: The gods protected us, therefore they have a right to sleep/rape our teenage girls at least once a year. Babies are a bonus.
Good grief.
July 13, 2015
I try to vary my topic in my paranormal reading ... vampires, zombies,angels, post-apocalyptic. Not as many merman/myth/siren stories. I did enjoy the story and sped right through it. I did feel like there were still some unaddressed issues, although it really wasn't set up for a sequel (which is ok too, I'm fine with this ending here).
August 12, 2016
This was excellent. The mythology was super cool and interesting to read while still maintaining an air of mystery. The descriptions were nice and creepy and the pacing was great with very few lulls in excitement. Recommended!
May 26, 2017
Can also be read on my blog.
Title : Revel
Author : Maurissa Guibord
Demographic : Young Adult
Genre : Romance, Fantasy, Mythology
Delia takes quite a dive when she searches for her grandmother, leading her to the mysterious place of Trespass Island.
From Goodreads :
Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.
I've read Guibord's other book, Warped and loved it, so I wanted to give her only other book a chance too. I'm glad I did, as it she takes mythology sea creatures and turns it for a spin. Although I enjoyed this book, there was some stuff I was irked by, and it was mostly the main character, Delia. The overall journey and her encounters were very intriguing to read, and I like the mythology that surrounds this small island, but Delia was kind of too headstrong for my taste. Still, I was glad to read it and hope others will too.
Delia McGovern has been taken from foster place to place after her mother's death, and she finally took the chance to find her grandmother. Her destination takes her off the coast of Maine and into the very secluded island of Trespass. The circumstances that eventually lead her to get on the island were odd, so the mystery gets bigger when the island's people don't welcome her. There's something definitely wrong with the people and the island itself. As Delia stays longer on the island and with her grandmother, she discovers there is something odd about herself too.
Delia, she's a pretty headstrong girl and very determined with her ways. I like her difference to the people and how her mind set is so against some of their customs, but she was a bit much sometimes. The people of the island were content with how things were and she drastically changed that outcome without real thoughts to the consequences. There were a couple of times she interfered with some of their ways, and while she did it with the best intentions, she could've did with more caution. There's also a mystery about her and her relationship with the sea creatures that inhabit the waters. I don't want to give too much away but readers will realize that Delia is connected to them to. You won't know exactly what she is until mid-way and I can honestly say I was surprised to what she was exactly.
There is two guys that like her in this book, but Delia only has one guy on her mind, so no worries for a love triangle. There's Jax, a mysterious outcast within his clan, and Delia feels an instant attraction with him from the get go. I didn't dislike Jax but I liked Sean, the lobster worker who's dad died, and who's striving to keep his mother alive and well. I felt more partial to Sean since he seemed genuine and was trying to protect Delia by keeping her out of the loop. Jax was a good character too, when he helped her adjust to what she was becoming and saving her from danger. I was kind of trying to figure out who Delia was more into, since each guy came up in every other chapter or so. She thinks they are both good-looking and has their own thoughts to what should happen on the island, so I didn't know who I was suppose to be rooting for to be with.
I liked Guibord's writing style, it's simple and to the point, she knows how to hook me in. I liked the small world she created within this island and the creatures she made. The mythology is kool, it relates to Poseidon and how the island has his power preserved there. The creativity and the island was what got me, even though I didn't like Delia much. I didn't really get the title much, their is a type of ritual that takes place called Revel, and this is where the climax of the story starts, but I felt it didn't suit the theme of the book, but that could just be me. Regardless, enjoyed it.
Rating : 4 Stars
I did enjoy the first half of the book, but by one-fourth of the book, it didn't capture me as much, and I felt it was a bit of a rushed ending. It was a good ending itself and everything was resolved, but I think I got tired of Delia. I like the direction Guibord went with in the book, and some stuff really surprised me, but I didn't feel the satisfaction I usually do when I finish a book, so 4 stars it is.
Romance Rating : 4 Stars
Maybe it was because she didn't choose the guy I thought she was going for, but overall the guy she did choose wasn't a bad character, so I still enjoyed their interactions. When she kept bringing him up so often, readers will get it who's really on her mind, even though in the beginning I couldn't figure who it was. Still I liked the romance and how it overall went.
Recommended : Yes.
If you like mystery with some sea creatures, (they aren't really merman/mermaids if people are wondering about that) I would say give this a go. Some people will like Delia more than I did and her determined personality, so take a chance if it suits your taste.
Title : Revel
Author : Maurissa Guibord
Demographic : Young Adult
Genre : Romance, Fantasy, Mythology
Delia takes quite a dive when she searches for her grandmother, leading her to the mysterious place of Trespass Island.
From Goodreads :
Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.
I've read Guibord's other book, Warped and loved it, so I wanted to give her only other book a chance too. I'm glad I did, as it she takes mythology sea creatures and turns it for a spin. Although I enjoyed this book, there was some stuff I was irked by, and it was mostly the main character, Delia. The overall journey and her encounters were very intriguing to read, and I like the mythology that surrounds this small island, but Delia was kind of too headstrong for my taste. Still, I was glad to read it and hope others will too.
Delia McGovern has been taken from foster place to place after her mother's death, and she finally took the chance to find her grandmother. Her destination takes her off the coast of Maine and into the very secluded island of Trespass. The circumstances that eventually lead her to get on the island were odd, so the mystery gets bigger when the island's people don't welcome her. There's something definitely wrong with the people and the island itself. As Delia stays longer on the island and with her grandmother, she discovers there is something odd about herself too.
Delia, she's a pretty headstrong girl and very determined with her ways. I like her difference to the people and how her mind set is so against some of their customs, but she was a bit much sometimes. The people of the island were content with how things were and she drastically changed that outcome without real thoughts to the consequences. There were a couple of times she interfered with some of their ways, and while she did it with the best intentions, she could've did with more caution. There's also a mystery about her and her relationship with the sea creatures that inhabit the waters. I don't want to give too much away but readers will realize that Delia is connected to them to. You won't know exactly what she is until mid-way and I can honestly say I was surprised to what she was exactly.
There is two guys that like her in this book, but Delia only has one guy on her mind, so no worries for a love triangle. There's Jax, a mysterious outcast within his clan, and Delia feels an instant attraction with him from the get go. I didn't dislike Jax but I liked Sean, the lobster worker who's dad died, and who's striving to keep his mother alive and well. I felt more partial to Sean since he seemed genuine and was trying to protect Delia by keeping her out of the loop. Jax was a good character too, when he helped her adjust to what she was becoming and saving her from danger. I was kind of trying to figure out who Delia was more into, since each guy came up in every other chapter or so. She thinks they are both good-looking and has their own thoughts to what should happen on the island, so I didn't know who I was suppose to be rooting for to be with.
I liked Guibord's writing style, it's simple and to the point, she knows how to hook me in. I liked the small world she created within this island and the creatures she made. The mythology is kool, it relates to Poseidon and how the island has his power preserved there. The creativity and the island was what got me, even though I didn't like Delia much. I didn't really get the title much, their is a type of ritual that takes place called Revel, and this is where the climax of the story starts, but I felt it didn't suit the theme of the book, but that could just be me. Regardless, enjoyed it.
Rating : 4 Stars
I did enjoy the first half of the book, but by one-fourth of the book, it didn't capture me as much, and I felt it was a bit of a rushed ending. It was a good ending itself and everything was resolved, but I think I got tired of Delia. I like the direction Guibord went with in the book, and some stuff really surprised me, but I didn't feel the satisfaction I usually do when I finish a book, so 4 stars it is.
Romance Rating : 4 Stars
Maybe it was because she didn't choose the guy I thought she was going for, but overall the guy she did choose wasn't a bad character, so I still enjoyed their interactions. When she kept bringing him up so often, readers will get it who's really on her mind, even though in the beginning I couldn't figure who it was. Still I liked the romance and how it overall went.
Recommended : Yes.
If you like mystery with some sea creatures, (they aren't really merman/mermaids if people are wondering about that) I would say give this a go. Some people will like Delia more than I did and her determined personality, so take a chance if it suits your taste.
December 26, 2014
When I first ran accross thus book I could not wait to read it. All I can say is good things come to those who wait. Such a great book! Absolutely LOVED it!
September 7, 2013
Please tell me there is going to be a second book!!!
February 4, 2023
I really liked the setting of the book and the history and lore of the island, but the rest of it was pretty disappointing.
Delia's mom just died and Delia has been in a few bad foster homes. She should be distraught or reclusive or angsty or SOMETHING that reflects the recent trauma she's endured. But she seems like a normal teenage girl. She's clueless, rebellious, self-absorbed, and entitled. She is curious about her mom's childhood, but nothing on the island causes her to be overwhelmed with memories, emotions, or even determination concerning her mom. It's like Delia's mom was just another foster home and meant almost nothing to Delia. Delia's character has no depth. She is flat and static, which makes for a terrible main character.
The romance in the book didn't really matter but it took over the whole book, which was annoying. Also, Delia was so special and more powerful than anyone else with no idea what she was or that she even had powers at all. Of course, with no training she still managed to do exactly what she needed to with her powers at exactly the right moments because plot armour. Ugh.
Delia also did every dangerous and stupid thing possible despite the obvious fear and warnings from literally every other character in the book with minimal consequences. No one died or suffered horribly because of her actions even though horrific suffering was implied throughout the entire book. The worst that happened was that she didn't have friends anymore and then even that consequence just magically fixed itself.
When the big bad villain was finally revealed, he just died anticlimactically as a result of his own actions and the rest of the characters were fine. Jax was poisoned and the big bad took the secret of the antidote to the grave but turns out, Jax didn't need the antidote to just wake up magically completely healed. The island buildings needed some repairs but everything and everyone else was fine.
And Delia was suddenly in charge, I guess? The outcast who showed up knowing nothing about anything a month earlier and did the opposite of everything everyone told her to do? Yeah, she effectively just becomes mayor and no one questions it, even as she obviously starts demanding that literally everything about the way of life on the island that has been lived that way up scores of generations suddenly change immediately.
The lack of serious consequences and universal acceptance of her leadership made the entire book feel pointless and incohesive. The world was so cool. I wish the characters and plot matched it.
Delia's mom just died and Delia has been in a few bad foster homes. She should be distraught or reclusive or angsty or SOMETHING that reflects the recent trauma she's endured. But she seems like a normal teenage girl. She's clueless, rebellious, self-absorbed, and entitled. She is curious about her mom's childhood, but nothing on the island causes her to be overwhelmed with memories, emotions, or even determination concerning her mom. It's like Delia's mom was just another foster home and meant almost nothing to Delia. Delia's character has no depth. She is flat and static, which makes for a terrible main character.
The romance in the book didn't really matter but it took over the whole book, which was annoying. Also, Delia was so special and more powerful than anyone else with no idea what she was or that she even had powers at all. Of course, with no training she still managed to do exactly what she needed to with her powers at exactly the right moments because plot armour. Ugh.
Delia also did every dangerous and stupid thing possible despite the obvious fear and warnings from literally every other character in the book with minimal consequences. No one died or suffered horribly because of her actions even though horrific suffering was implied throughout the entire book. The worst that happened was that she didn't have friends anymore and then even that consequence just magically fixed itself.
When the big bad villain was finally revealed, he just died anticlimactically as a result of his own actions and the rest of the characters were fine. Jax was poisoned and the big bad took the secret of the antidote to the grave but turns out, Jax didn't need the antidote to just wake up magically completely healed. The island buildings needed some repairs but everything and everyone else was fine.
And Delia was suddenly in charge, I guess? The outcast who showed up knowing nothing about anything a month earlier and did the opposite of everything everyone told her to do? Yeah, she effectively just becomes mayor and no one questions it, even as she obviously starts demanding that literally everything about the way of life on the island that has been lived that way up scores of generations suddenly change immediately.
The lack of serious consequences and universal acceptance of her leadership made the entire book feel pointless and incohesive. The world was so cool. I wish the characters and plot matched it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2022
If I could have given this book 0 stars I would have. This is by far, if not the most horrendous and awful thing I have read this year, it is surely a close second. Based on the description, I was actually looking forward to this book too, but I was incredibly disappointed.
Firstly, let's talk about the monsters, that, like some cult horror movie, seem to appear just out of sight until you turn a page and wham! there they are. The build up, if you can even call it that, was so badly done it was laughable. Then, once the monsters do appear, they seem to be everywhere, connected to everything. It goes from cheesy buildup to overkill in like a chapter. Add to that the whole everyone hates Delia, or is lying to her and keeping secrets because she is some special/dangerous person.
Second, there is the drug abuse, torture, pain, death and just about every other hideous, gross plot device you can imagine. Especially when Guibord talks about punishing the monsters or Delia, or the deaths of characters, it is so gross, reading it makes you sick. At least in my humble opinion. It was so completely unnecessary and it really detracted from the book.
Lastly, the "magical" power that is supposedly under the island controlling everything. Without giving anything away, for anyone who might want to read this, to say it was stupid and a letdown would be an understatement. It was as if Guibord just ran out of ideas and didn't know what to do, so did nothing.
I skimmed most of this book, just because I wanted to see what the ending would be, but this book was just terrible, there is no other word for it.
Firstly, let's talk about the monsters, that, like some cult horror movie, seem to appear just out of sight until you turn a page and wham! there they are. The build up, if you can even call it that, was so badly done it was laughable. Then, once the monsters do appear, they seem to be everywhere, connected to everything. It goes from cheesy buildup to overkill in like a chapter. Add to that the whole everyone hates Delia, or is lying to her and keeping secrets because she is some special/dangerous person.
Second, there is the drug abuse, torture, pain, death and just about every other hideous, gross plot device you can imagine. Especially when Guibord talks about punishing the monsters or Delia, or the deaths of characters, it is so gross, reading it makes you sick. At least in my humble opinion. It was so completely unnecessary and it really detracted from the book.
Lastly, the "magical" power that is supposedly under the island controlling everything. Without giving anything away, for anyone who might want to read this, to say it was stupid and a letdown would be an understatement. It was as if Guibord just ran out of ideas and didn't know what to do, so did nothing.
I skimmed most of this book, just because I wanted to see what the ending would be, but this book was just terrible, there is no other word for it.
November 26, 2025
(3.5 stars) Delia grew up in Kansas, far away from her mother’s origins on an island off the coast of Maine. When her mother is dying, she admits to Delia that she wanted to return to Trespass Island. After bouncing around a few foster homes, she convinces the authorities to allow her to go to the island to stay with her grandmother for the summer. But Delia has no idea how difficult it is to get to the island and once there she finds a very insular world. There are creatures and demigods that have an accord with the islanders. As Delia tries to settle in, she finds that her perspective changes and she also begins to transform. She must make some difficult choices that will impact not only her, but potentially everyone who lives there.
July 27, 2019
Fun new way of telling the story of something that's been around forever. Exciting, plot driven, shrouded in mystery with characters who have to learn and change if they want to save the day. Characters who must step into who they really are, my favorite kind of story. The plot is full of hooks, so even though I found the intro slow, I was well rewarded by continuing. Good pay out at the end. I'll never recommend a book that doesn't reward you for reading it.
February 2, 2020
I was interested in this book because it was a fantasy set in Maine (the author also lives in Maine). At the beginning I felt like the author tried too hard to set the location (e.g., references to Portland Sea Dogs, "local" sayings, etc). Then, the rest of the book the "Maine" connection was entirely missing. There were some aspects to the story I did enjoy, but much of the plot seemed to be derived from other, similar books (e.g., love triangle, Poseidon connection, etc.).
September 18, 2020
This book was absolutely beautiful!! From the first page, I couldn't put it down. Trespass Island is full of mysteries that the reader slowly uncovers like a breadcrumb trail :) The ending was also solid and teaches the reader that there's more to monsters than appearances.
I do want to note this book is about Greek mythology and Sirens, but doesn't have actual mermaids.
More mermaid/siren/selkie reviews on my profile and blog, Sirenita's Grotto!
I do want to note this book is about Greek mythology and Sirens, but doesn't have actual mermaids.
More mermaid/siren/selkie reviews on my profile and blog, Sirenita's Grotto!
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