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Surrender to the power of the water... Alex knows she is different. She’s plagued by nightmares that feel shockingly real and an intense restlessness she cannot explain. As the long hot summer holidays stretch before her, Alex seeks out adventure in the rugged mountains of Injasuthi. But during a camping trip to the mystic jade pools, Alex meets Merrick, a boy who tells her the shocking truth about herself, and Alex's nightmare is about to become reality. Because Alex is no ordinary teenager...she is a half-mermaid and her adventures are only just beginning.
314 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 15, 2018
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
I think the best part about this book is the cover. The colours pop, and pull you in, the write up sounds intriguing and pulls you in too, however the thing that pulls me short in this book is the amount of times humans are lambasted for the ocean pollution and deaths we cause in the sea for all sea life and the fact that as a race we do not seem to care about it.
In some ways this book is just preaching that we as a species need to change our ways with the resources we consume and the rubbish that we produce.
Alexandra is based in South Africa and it starts with her on holiday after her father has abandoned her. After some folk tales two boys and her head off into the mountains for adventure and she certainly finds more than that.
Merrick is an Oceanid, a merman in other words and has been looking out for Alex in secret for the last three years. It is now that she gets to meet him and the world that he comes from.
The book can be long winded at times and you almost wonder if anything is going to happen, then the book finishes and you are left with so many questions as nothing has been resolved but everything is still to come.
I think the best part about this book is the cover. The colours pop, and pull you in, the write up sounds intriguing and pulls you in too, however the thing that pulls me short in this book is the amount of times humans are lambasted for the ocean pollution and deaths we cause in the sea for all sea life and the fact that as a race we do not seem to care about it.
In some ways this book is just preaching that we as a species need to change our ways with the resources we consume and the rubbish that we produce.
Alexandra is based in South Africa and it starts with her on holiday after her father has abandoned her. After some folk tales two boys and her head off into the mountains for adventure and she certainly finds more than that.
Merrick is an Oceanid, a merman in other words and has been looking out for Alex in secret for the last three years. It is now that she gets to meet him and the world that he comes from.
The book can be long winded at times and you almost wonder if anything is going to happen, then the book finishes and you are left with so many questions as nothing has been resolved but everything is still to come.
August 7, 2013
MI PERSONAJE FAVORITO: Merrick es el mejor personaje de todos, es el más completo y el más dulce. Definitivamente pasaría por todo lo que Alexa pasa a lo largo del libro solo para poder tener a un Merrick para mí misma.
Opinión: Conseguí este título a través de Netgalley y básicamente lo solicité por la portada tan mística que tiene, por el título y porque por raro que parezca nunca había leído ningún libro de sirenas.
Me encantó que el libro este ambientado en África porque nunca antes había leído un libro que tuviera lugar allí. La verdad es que nunca he tenido curiosidad de ir a África a hacer turismo, pero después de leer Water tengo unas ganas tremendas de visitar Suráfrica. Una de las cosas que más me gustaron del libro fue la descripción de los paisajes, Hardy logró que viera la belleza de Suráfrica desde mi casa. Su narrativa mística y electrizante hizo que viera África de una forma completamente diferente.
La historia en sí se merecería un 5/5 en general pero no pude darle la puntuación entera porque el principio me falló. Me pareció lento y muy obvio hasta la aparición de Merrick, algo que no esperaba porque no acabe de leer la sinopsis entera. La aparición de Merrick fue el impulso que necesitaba la novela para que la historia comenzara a adquirir sentido, además de que añadió más fluidez a la narrativa porque previamente casi todo eran reflexiones de Alexa. Con Merrick comenzaron los diálogos y la aparición de nuevos personajes que añadieron un aire nuevo al libro.
Me pareció un libro muy educativo y útil para que la gente adquiera conciencia de que hay que cuidar el medio ambiente. Y sobre todo ser conscientes de la belleza que esconden los mares y que el futuro de nuestro planeta está en nuestras manos.
Espero que en el próximo libro se desvelen todos los misterios que la autora deja abiertos en el primero.
Puntuación: 4.7
MY FAVOURITE CHARACTER: Merrick is the best character of the whole book. Definitely I would go through all that Alexa passes throughout the book just to be able to have a Merrick to myself.
Opinion: I got this title through Netgalley and basically I requested it for its mystique cover, for the title and because oddly as it seems, I´ve never read any book about mermaids.
I loved that the book is set in Africa because I had never read a book that took place there. The truth is I've never been curious to go to Africa to go sightseeing, but after reading Water I have an overwhelming desire to visit South Africa. One of the things I like about the book was the description of landscapes, I was able to see the beauty of South Africa from my house. Her electrifying and mystique narrative made me see Africa in a completely different way.
The story itself deserves a 5/5 overall but could not give the whole score because I didn´t like the beginning. It felt slow and very obvious until the appearance of Merrick, something unexpected because I didn´t finish reading the entire synopsis. The appearance of Merrick was the boost the novel needed for the story to start to make sense, plus it added more fluidity to the narrative because previously most of the narrative were reflections of Alexa. With Merrick, dialogues began and the emergence of new characters added a new look to the book.
I found it a very educational and useful book for people to become aware of the need to protect the environment. And above all to be aware of the beauty hidden in the seas and that the future of our planet is in our hands.
I hope in the next book all the mysteries will be unveil.
Punctuation:4.7
Opinión: Conseguí este título a través de Netgalley y básicamente lo solicité por la portada tan mística que tiene, por el título y porque por raro que parezca nunca había leído ningún libro de sirenas.
Me encantó que el libro este ambientado en África porque nunca antes había leído un libro que tuviera lugar allí. La verdad es que nunca he tenido curiosidad de ir a África a hacer turismo, pero después de leer Water tengo unas ganas tremendas de visitar Suráfrica. Una de las cosas que más me gustaron del libro fue la descripción de los paisajes, Hardy logró que viera la belleza de Suráfrica desde mi casa. Su narrativa mística y electrizante hizo que viera África de una forma completamente diferente.
La historia en sí se merecería un 5/5 en general pero no pude darle la puntuación entera porque el principio me falló. Me pareció lento y muy obvio hasta la aparición de Merrick, algo que no esperaba porque no acabe de leer la sinopsis entera. La aparición de Merrick fue el impulso que necesitaba la novela para que la historia comenzara a adquirir sentido, además de que añadió más fluidez a la narrativa porque previamente casi todo eran reflexiones de Alexa. Con Merrick comenzaron los diálogos y la aparición de nuevos personajes que añadieron un aire nuevo al libro.
Me pareció un libro muy educativo y útil para que la gente adquiera conciencia de que hay que cuidar el medio ambiente. Y sobre todo ser conscientes de la belleza que esconden los mares y que el futuro de nuestro planeta está en nuestras manos.
Espero que en el próximo libro se desvelen todos los misterios que la autora deja abiertos en el primero.
Puntuación: 4.7
MY FAVOURITE CHARACTER: Merrick is the best character of the whole book. Definitely I would go through all that Alexa passes throughout the book just to be able to have a Merrick to myself.
Opinion: I got this title through Netgalley and basically I requested it for its mystique cover, for the title and because oddly as it seems, I´ve never read any book about mermaids.
I loved that the book is set in Africa because I had never read a book that took place there. The truth is I've never been curious to go to Africa to go sightseeing, but after reading Water I have an overwhelming desire to visit South Africa. One of the things I like about the book was the description of landscapes, I was able to see the beauty of South Africa from my house. Her electrifying and mystique narrative made me see Africa in a completely different way.
The story itself deserves a 5/5 overall but could not give the whole score because I didn´t like the beginning. It felt slow and very obvious until the appearance of Merrick, something unexpected because I didn´t finish reading the entire synopsis. The appearance of Merrick was the boost the novel needed for the story to start to make sense, plus it added more fluidity to the narrative because previously most of the narrative were reflections of Alexa. With Merrick, dialogues began and the emergence of new characters added a new look to the book.
I found it a very educational and useful book for people to become aware of the need to protect the environment. And above all to be aware of the beauty hidden in the seas and that the future of our planet is in our hands.
I hope in the next book all the mysteries will be unveil.
Punctuation:4.7
August 6, 2013
The cover caught my attention of this book. I love the colours and after I read the description it sounded exactly like something I would love. However now that I have read it the only word I can think of to describe this book is boring! I hate to say it as I had high hopes for this book. I mean; revealing truths, mermaids, adventures and an exciting new setting in Africa sounds interesting right? Well it wasn't.
It has taken me over a week to read this book as it just hasn't kept my attention. I started it thinking I would finish it in a few hours but I couldn't engage with it at all and I have had to read two chapters every so often when I felt like it. It literally put me off reading as I didn't want to go back to it.
I know what you're thinking now though. Why didn't I just mark it as DNF right? Well I hoped it would get better. I've read a lot of books that start off slowly and get better so I gave Water a chance. Then when it became obvious it wasn't going to pick up I had invested so much time in it I felt I had to finish it even though it meant forcing myself through pages of drab, actionless writing.
The imagery was described wonderfully in Water however that's all the book seemed to be. It was a description of cave, after cave, after cave and in the end I began skimming most bits of description and read the speech. I liked the idea of setting the book in Africa but I felt so much more could have been done with it as except from the start it never felt like that's where I was.
The main issue with this book is there is absolutely no action. There was like 2 pages on an iPod but it's hardly anything. Because of this the writing was so slow. It just didn't keep me hooked and I found myself not caring for any of the characters, it was just bland. Without the action there was nothing to fear, sympathise or connect with the characters over so they just felt distant.
Personally I feel that the whole book was like reading the beginning of a novel and could be condensed into half the or even a quarter of the size so it could lead on into some action. The book stops right on the brink of something happening and for me I just wanted to scream in frustration. I feel I have wasted a lot of time reading this and wish I had DNFd because the narrative just didn't go anywhere.
There was also this underlying eco message about pollution etc in the ocean which I just found annoying. I don't want to read books with eco messages and it made me lose interest even more as it became obvious where the plot was heading.
Over all this book can only be summed up as boring. It lacked action, intrigue and anything remotely interesting. There was a lot of description that started off well, giving you a good idea of location but it just became too repetitive and boring. I wish I had marked it as DNF and would not recommend it.
For more of my reviews visit http://losttobooks.blogspot.com
It has taken me over a week to read this book as it just hasn't kept my attention. I started it thinking I would finish it in a few hours but I couldn't engage with it at all and I have had to read two chapters every so often when I felt like it. It literally put me off reading as I didn't want to go back to it.
I know what you're thinking now though. Why didn't I just mark it as DNF right? Well I hoped it would get better. I've read a lot of books that start off slowly and get better so I gave Water a chance. Then when it became obvious it wasn't going to pick up I had invested so much time in it I felt I had to finish it even though it meant forcing myself through pages of drab, actionless writing.
The imagery was described wonderfully in Water however that's all the book seemed to be. It was a description of cave, after cave, after cave and in the end I began skimming most bits of description and read the speech. I liked the idea of setting the book in Africa but I felt so much more could have been done with it as except from the start it never felt like that's where I was.
The main issue with this book is there is absolutely no action. There was like 2 pages on an iPod but it's hardly anything. Because of this the writing was so slow. It just didn't keep me hooked and I found myself not caring for any of the characters, it was just bland. Without the action there was nothing to fear, sympathise or connect with the characters over so they just felt distant.
Personally I feel that the whole book was like reading the beginning of a novel and could be condensed into half the or even a quarter of the size so it could lead on into some action. The book stops right on the brink of something happening and for me I just wanted to scream in frustration. I feel I have wasted a lot of time reading this and wish I had DNFd because the narrative just didn't go anywhere.
There was also this underlying eco message about pollution etc in the ocean which I just found annoying. I don't want to read books with eco messages and it made me lose interest even more as it became obvious where the plot was heading.
Over all this book can only be summed up as boring. It lacked action, intrigue and anything remotely interesting. There was a lot of description that started off well, giving you a good idea of location but it just became too repetitive and boring. I wish I had marked it as DNF and would not recommend it.
For more of my reviews visit http://losttobooks.blogspot.com
August 28, 2013
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Harlequin (UK) Limited, Carina, and Netgalley.)
Teen Alexandra is sent away with her brother to spend the summer with a family friend. Whilst there Alex hears stories about ‘fish-people’, and how her friend Josh’s tribe was blamed for the disappearance of a woman called Talita.
Alexandra then meets Merrick who turns out to be one of these ‘fish people’. He takes her swimming to the magical underwater world where he lives and introduces her to people, then she finds out that she is half-fish herself.
Why is Alexandra special? And why do they call her their ‘Inspiration’?
This book was dull, it was complicated, and it totally bored the pants off me.
Alexandra as a character was pretty naïve and dull. I couldn’t connect with her at all, and she was just a bit weird. If I had nearly drowned previously, had recurring nightmares about drowning, and blacked out in deep water, there is no way in hell that I would be going swimming! Especially not in a random pool somewhere, with a ‘fish-person’ that I have been told eats humans, in water so deep that I have to rely on said ‘fish-person’ to give me air to breathe.
I mean really? How stupid can you get?
Relying on someone else for oxygen is bad enough; you would have to have an insane amount of trust in that person to do that, but to rely on someone you have never met before, who you mean nothing to, who isn’t even the same species as you? This does not sound like the best of ideas.
The rest of the storyline in this book drove me nuts too. We started off with Alexandra’s friend Josh telling her loads of stuff about these ‘fish people’ who are supposed to not even exist. For a species that doesn’t even exist, Josh knows a hell of a lot about them, so much so that we get an info-dump the size of the titanic, which is then repeated again and again.
I could probably rant on forever about this book, but I really want to just forget that I ever read it.
Anyway, to sum it up;
- There was a prophecy
- Alex was obviously the only hope for the entire race of these ‘fish-people’
- She developed new gifts/super-powers at a ridiculous rate
- She continued to swim lots underwater even though she was afraid
- She helped heal the sick
And on, and on, and on, and on.
The ending then further annoyed me when it turned out to not really be an ending at all! As if this book could possibly have gotten any worse!
In summary – this book was utter poo. It was dull, it had complicated prophecy stuff going on, it was unbelievable, the main character was frustrating, and we didn’t even get a proper ending. I am beyond annoyed with this book, and if there is a sequel I will burn it before I read it.
Overall; just don’t bother.
1.5 out of 10.
Teen Alexandra is sent away with her brother to spend the summer with a family friend. Whilst there Alex hears stories about ‘fish-people’, and how her friend Josh’s tribe was blamed for the disappearance of a woman called Talita.
Alexandra then meets Merrick who turns out to be one of these ‘fish people’. He takes her swimming to the magical underwater world where he lives and introduces her to people, then she finds out that she is half-fish herself.
Why is Alexandra special? And why do they call her their ‘Inspiration’?
This book was dull, it was complicated, and it totally bored the pants off me.
Alexandra as a character was pretty naïve and dull. I couldn’t connect with her at all, and she was just a bit weird. If I had nearly drowned previously, had recurring nightmares about drowning, and blacked out in deep water, there is no way in hell that I would be going swimming! Especially not in a random pool somewhere, with a ‘fish-person’ that I have been told eats humans, in water so deep that I have to rely on said ‘fish-person’ to give me air to breathe.
I mean really? How stupid can you get?
Relying on someone else for oxygen is bad enough; you would have to have an insane amount of trust in that person to do that, but to rely on someone you have never met before, who you mean nothing to, who isn’t even the same species as you? This does not sound like the best of ideas.
The rest of the storyline in this book drove me nuts too. We started off with Alexandra’s friend Josh telling her loads of stuff about these ‘fish people’ who are supposed to not even exist. For a species that doesn’t even exist, Josh knows a hell of a lot about them, so much so that we get an info-dump the size of the titanic, which is then repeated again and again.
I could probably rant on forever about this book, but I really want to just forget that I ever read it.
Anyway, to sum it up;
- There was a prophecy
- Alex was obviously the only hope for the entire race of these ‘fish-people’
- She developed new gifts/super-powers at a ridiculous rate
- She continued to swim lots underwater even though she was afraid
- She helped heal the sick
And on, and on, and on, and on.
The ending then further annoyed me when it turned out to not really be an ending at all! As if this book could possibly have gotten any worse!
In summary – this book was utter poo. It was dull, it had complicated prophecy stuff going on, it was unbelievable, the main character was frustrating, and we didn’t even get a proper ending. I am beyond annoyed with this book, and if there is a sequel I will burn it before I read it.
Overall; just don’t bother.
1.5 out of 10.
August 24, 2013
Review from booksfoodandotherthings.wordpress.com
Alex is different from other girls. She has a traumatic past which haunts her dreams, and she lives near the mountains of Injasuthi – which hold a lot of stories, folklore and mysteries. Escaping the watchful eye of her father, she camps near the beautiful stretches of water in the mountains. There, she meets the Oceanid boy, Merrick. He introduces her to the Oceanid world, and she discovers that her half-human half-mermaid heritage is what the Oceanids have been waiting for.
For me, the book started rather suddenly – it took me a few pages to realise what was going on. However, the story became more coherent as I went on. Unfortunately that happened a few more times during the novel; I would be reading and then suddenly have no clue what was going on. But, this didn’t affect how much I enjoyed the book too much. I liked Alex’s story, to me it was different and a fun, fresh read. This is about the only time I’ve read a book based on the myth of mermaids though, and I didn’t have high hopes in the beginning, but gradually I started to really enjoy the book and I couldn’t put it down. Water had some good action in it, and more than a small twinge of romance, which usually I hate. I didn’t mind it too much, as it wasn’t the main focus of the story (thankfully) but I can tell it will become a bigger part later on in the series. I won’t say no to the sequel(s), though!
Alex is different from other girls. She has a traumatic past which haunts her dreams, and she lives near the mountains of Injasuthi – which hold a lot of stories, folklore and mysteries. Escaping the watchful eye of her father, she camps near the beautiful stretches of water in the mountains. There, she meets the Oceanid boy, Merrick. He introduces her to the Oceanid world, and she discovers that her half-human half-mermaid heritage is what the Oceanids have been waiting for.
For me, the book started rather suddenly – it took me a few pages to realise what was going on. However, the story became more coherent as I went on. Unfortunately that happened a few more times during the novel; I would be reading and then suddenly have no clue what was going on. But, this didn’t affect how much I enjoyed the book too much. I liked Alex’s story, to me it was different and a fun, fresh read. This is about the only time I’ve read a book based on the myth of mermaids though, and I didn’t have high hopes in the beginning, but gradually I started to really enjoy the book and I couldn’t put it down. Water had some good action in it, and more than a small twinge of romance, which usually I hate. I didn’t mind it too much, as it wasn’t the main focus of the story (thankfully) but I can tell it will become a bigger part later on in the series. I won’t say no to the sequel(s), though!
November 2, 2013
Gorgeous cover! A different take on the mermaid genre. I loved the setting and Alex's progression throughout the novel. I am excited to read the sequel!
October 17, 2013
I think it will be a great book.
September 10, 2023
This was a very unique and imaginative story, but there were so many grammatical errors and typos that were very distracting.
August 6, 2013
It took me a LONG time to know what to rate this book. I kept thinking this wasn't so good so maybe I should drop the rating...or, that was fantastic, I should definitely raise it...So, as you can see, I settled on 3.5/5 and I'm fairly confident in that.
First off, mermaids are probably my favourite paranormal creature to read about. So my expectations were pretty high. But were they met? Almost, so close too. The story was pretty good, it introduced some new ideas but not anything particularly outstanding. But I was very happy with the way Natasha Hardy described them, she did it to my ideal image of a mermaid which I really liked.
I really liked the characters, especially the main character Alex. I thought she made a great leader and the way she acts and responds to things in the story was understandable and I just liked her as a character. Hardy's descriptions were fantastic, which kept my interest in the story and made it easy to visualise. Whenever a description came up about how the characters were dressed, I knew what they looked like and had a bit of fun imagining it. This was also great interns of characters because Alex and Merrick (especially) were easy to visualise.
The other thing that stood out to me was the setting. I don't think I have ever read a book before that was set in Africa, so I thought that was pretty cool. The made pools stuck with me through out the story because I just think that they are just so cool. Once again, this is helped into being possible by the amazing descriptive writing.
However, one of the problems I had with the story included the pacing. I like books I read to be paced a lot faster because I find the my interest seems to gradually slip away. The other thing that bugged me was that I thought some aspects were too unrealistic and predictable. Like, for instance, when Alex first tries to give an inspiring talk, nobody likes it. But when she says it a little differently, suddenly everybody loves it. Even those who were completely against it.
Here is a quote I liked:
"There is strength in unity" - Llyr (96%)
So as mentioned before, my final rating is 3.5/5 stars. I will be continuing with the series and would recommend it if you like mermaid stories.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
First off, mermaids are probably my favourite paranormal creature to read about. So my expectations were pretty high. But were they met? Almost, so close too. The story was pretty good, it introduced some new ideas but not anything particularly outstanding. But I was very happy with the way Natasha Hardy described them, she did it to my ideal image of a mermaid which I really liked.
I really liked the characters, especially the main character Alex. I thought she made a great leader and the way she acts and responds to things in the story was understandable and I just liked her as a character. Hardy's descriptions were fantastic, which kept my interest in the story and made it easy to visualise. Whenever a description came up about how the characters were dressed, I knew what they looked like and had a bit of fun imagining it. This was also great interns of characters because Alex and Merrick (especially) were easy to visualise.
The other thing that stood out to me was the setting. I don't think I have ever read a book before that was set in Africa, so I thought that was pretty cool. The made pools stuck with me through out the story because I just think that they are just so cool. Once again, this is helped into being possible by the amazing descriptive writing.
However, one of the problems I had with the story included the pacing. I like books I read to be paced a lot faster because I find the my interest seems to gradually slip away. The other thing that bugged me was that I thought some aspects were too unrealistic and predictable. Like, for instance, when Alex first tries to give an inspiring talk, nobody likes it. But when she says it a little differently, suddenly everybody loves it. Even those who were completely against it.
Here is a quote I liked:
"There is strength in unity" - Llyr (96%)
So as mentioned before, my final rating is 3.5/5 stars. I will be continuing with the series and would recommend it if you like mermaid stories.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
September 22, 2013
This cover is stunning! Simply beautiful. I fell in love with it instantly. Then I read the synopsis and realized this was a mermaid story. Score!
I found the idea behind Water to be refreshing. There was a certain mythology that gave it an air of mystery. Also, there was a strong message of conservation and anti-pollution that was different. It's not your normal "mermaid" story.
For readers, you will find the setting interesting. It was hard for me to know if the geography in the book was legit or completely made up. I'm pretty certain it takes place in Africa, but I could be wrong. It was a bit confusing at times. I think the mystery of the "fish people" and the tribal stories were pretty fascinating, even if it all came together very quickly.
There were a few other elements of the story that I have mixed feelings toward. I'm still pretty uncertain about Merrick. Ok, I actually stopped reading at 65% because it was dragging on and I have other books to read. I hate to say I did not finish Water, but it's the truth. I gave it 3 solid nights of reading, but I was not connecting to the story or characters. I have a feeling that it would have picked up a good bit by the end, but I did not wait to see.
I wouldn't say this is my favorite mermaid book out there. It was rather hard for me to be swept away by the story. But, in the book's defense I do like the underlying plot of the Oceanids coming inland due to water pollution. This real problem doesn't get enough air time, so it was pretty snazzy to see it pop up in a fictional book.
I found the idea behind Water to be refreshing. There was a certain mythology that gave it an air of mystery. Also, there was a strong message of conservation and anti-pollution that was different. It's not your normal "mermaid" story.
For readers, you will find the setting interesting. It was hard for me to know if the geography in the book was legit or completely made up. I'm pretty certain it takes place in Africa, but I could be wrong. It was a bit confusing at times. I think the mystery of the "fish people" and the tribal stories were pretty fascinating, even if it all came together very quickly.
There were a few other elements of the story that I have mixed feelings toward. I'm still pretty uncertain about Merrick. Ok, I actually stopped reading at 65% because it was dragging on and I have other books to read. I hate to say I did not finish Water, but it's the truth. I gave it 3 solid nights of reading, but I was not connecting to the story or characters. I have a feeling that it would have picked up a good bit by the end, but I did not wait to see.
I wouldn't say this is my favorite mermaid book out there. It was rather hard for me to be swept away by the story. But, in the book's defense I do like the underlying plot of the Oceanids coming inland due to water pollution. This real problem doesn't get enough air time, so it was pretty snazzy to see it pop up in a fictional book.
December 31, 2015
Actual rating - 3.5 Stars
Alex is a young girl who suffers from nightmares involving water. She cannot shake the feeling that there is some reality in her nightmares, and that scares her.
Wanting a bit of an adventure Alex agrees to go away for a few days with her friends, but none of them could have guessed exactly where that adventure would take them.
In a short space of time Alex has to come to grips with that fact that she is someone special, there is a reason for her having the nightmares, and she has a destiny to fulfill which won't be easy. But she is not alone as she meets an array of people who will help her.
The author has drawn on her own life in South Africa to make that the setting for this story. You can almost picture the scenery due to her descriptions and it is clear that she loves the country. It is one of the places I would love to visit at some point in my life.
I found it a bit difficult to really get into this book if I'm perfectly honest. Don't get me wrong, the book is written well, it flows well for the most part, and the basis for the story is quite good. But I just didn't really get it. I feel that the book would be better suited to older teenagers who like the paranormal, mermaids etc.
Maybe I've read too many paranormal books, maybe it's because I'm not really into stories with mermaids, I can't honestly say. But for the right person this is a book they will really enjoy and get into.
I know there is a sequel planned and I will be interested to see what it brings to the story.
Alex is a young girl who suffers from nightmares involving water. She cannot shake the feeling that there is some reality in her nightmares, and that scares her.
Wanting a bit of an adventure Alex agrees to go away for a few days with her friends, but none of them could have guessed exactly where that adventure would take them.
In a short space of time Alex has to come to grips with that fact that she is someone special, there is a reason for her having the nightmares, and she has a destiny to fulfill which won't be easy. But she is not alone as she meets an array of people who will help her.
The author has drawn on her own life in South Africa to make that the setting for this story. You can almost picture the scenery due to her descriptions and it is clear that she loves the country. It is one of the places I would love to visit at some point in my life.
I found it a bit difficult to really get into this book if I'm perfectly honest. Don't get me wrong, the book is written well, it flows well for the most part, and the basis for the story is quite good. But I just didn't really get it. I feel that the book would be better suited to older teenagers who like the paranormal, mermaids etc.
Maybe I've read too many paranormal books, maybe it's because I'm not really into stories with mermaids, I can't honestly say. But for the right person this is a book they will really enjoy and get into.
I know there is a sequel planned and I will be interested to see what it brings to the story.
September 27, 2013
Alex has always been different from her fellow peers. Her nights are a collection of terrifying dreams and the rest of her life is shadowed by s sense of separation, of not being able to properly belong with these people, to this world. She escapes her everyday life for the summer, instead trekking across African mountains and encountering the mysterious Merrick, who somehow knows more about her own being than she does. Merrick introduces her to a whole new world - a world where she finds a sense of home and belonging, something she has never had before.
When Alex's existence turns out to be much more significant than she's ever thought it would be, her life is changed completely. And all of a sudden, this new world that she has been welcomed to is in danger. Can she develop her skills and save not only herself, but these underwater beings?
The imagery was descriptive and very well done. I felt like I could imagine just what was on the page. Otherwise, I had a lot of problems with this story. I felt as though nothing was really happening. There was no action to keep the readers entertained and encouraged to continue the story. It was really difficult to connect to the characters or even the plot in general.
Water had a lot of potential to be a good story, but for me it fell flat. I do think that for the appropriate audience, it could be a pretty interesting read.
When Alex's existence turns out to be much more significant than she's ever thought it would be, her life is changed completely. And all of a sudden, this new world that she has been welcomed to is in danger. Can she develop her skills and save not only herself, but these underwater beings?
The imagery was descriptive and very well done. I felt like I could imagine just what was on the page. Otherwise, I had a lot of problems with this story. I felt as though nothing was really happening. There was no action to keep the readers entertained and encouraged to continue the story. It was really difficult to connect to the characters or even the plot in general.
Water had a lot of potential to be a good story, but for me it fell flat. I do think that for the appropriate audience, it could be a pretty interesting read.
September 5, 2013
Note: this review is based on the first 30% of the book. I DNF the rest. Due to the fact that it's an e-arc I thought I should explain a bit why I did not finish.
The part with Merrick. When this male character is introduced is immediately when I started to not feel the story, the dynamic changed. the interaction between the MC and Merrick was simply not natural or organic. it Just didnt feel real.
Also, I became way too confused with what universe the book is in. What reality? There are References to states and familiar things, but also very unfamiliar things (apartheid in America, slave traders in remote mountain areas, etc). Is this the future? No other indication of the time period except cell phones and television. So it feels like modern day-- but then doesn't. I think Water is having a big identity crisis.
Perhaps because I'm in a bit of a depressed mood. I need a book to completely take me away with the story. I need that brain vacation. Trouble is, if there are confusing parts about something as basic as the setting or the world-- we have problems.
Sorry, Water...you started off so promising. I just couldn't get past your lack of world-building and clarity, and ultimately believability between the characters.
The part with Merrick. When this male character is introduced is immediately when I started to not feel the story, the dynamic changed. the interaction between the MC and Merrick was simply not natural or organic. it Just didnt feel real.
Also, I became way too confused with what universe the book is in. What reality? There are References to states and familiar things, but also very unfamiliar things (apartheid in America, slave traders in remote mountain areas, etc). Is this the future? No other indication of the time period except cell phones and television. So it feels like modern day-- but then doesn't. I think Water is having a big identity crisis.
Perhaps because I'm in a bit of a depressed mood. I need a book to completely take me away with the story. I need that brain vacation. Trouble is, if there are confusing parts about something as basic as the setting or the world-- we have problems.
Sorry, Water...you started off so promising. I just couldn't get past your lack of world-building and clarity, and ultimately believability between the characters.
August 28, 2013
This has the potential to be a lot more.
There is so much going on that sometimes less is more and it doesn't all have to be packed into one book.
Kudos to the author for slipping in the ecological and environmental agenda and making it part and parcel of the fantastical scenario. This way it is calling attention to an almost hidden toxic problem, which is being ignored on a global level, whilst entertaining the reader with stories of merpeople.
The various tribes of merpeople are quite vast and complex. A prologue or glossary might be a good idea.
Personally I thought the Brent storyline lacked a concise explanation. Why wasn't he in a genetic and/or physical position to react the way his sister did?
Overall I think this story could have stronger character development and do with more focus on the main plot instead of wandering off on ten different tangents. The typical YA feel is there, but suffers a little by being a bit drab and teenagey.
Hardy needs to own her merpeople and that complex history she has created. Show the reader that creativity with a more determined stance, rather than letting us fill in the blanks.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.
There is so much going on that sometimes less is more and it doesn't all have to be packed into one book.
Kudos to the author for slipping in the ecological and environmental agenda and making it part and parcel of the fantastical scenario. This way it is calling attention to an almost hidden toxic problem, which is being ignored on a global level, whilst entertaining the reader with stories of merpeople.
The various tribes of merpeople are quite vast and complex. A prologue or glossary might be a good idea.
Personally I thought the Brent storyline lacked a concise explanation. Why wasn't he in a genetic and/or physical position to react the way his sister did?
Overall I think this story could have stronger character development and do with more focus on the main plot instead of wandering off on ten different tangents. The typical YA feel is there, but suffers a little by being a bit drab and teenagey.
Hardy needs to own her merpeople and that complex history she has created. Show the reader that creativity with a more determined stance, rather than letting us fill in the blanks.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.
August 3, 2013
I really liked the fact that this book takes place in Africa; the setting is unique for this American reader and the descriptions are gorgeous. Also unique is this take on the increasingly popular (spoiler alert?) girl-discovers-she's-a-mermaid story: the plot line and strong environmental message are both a breath of fresh air, although teens today probably won't need the life cycle lessons some of the main characters impart to our less-educated heroine, Alexandra.
July 5, 2014
Ugh. So promising after the success of vampires and werewolves however it isn't intelligent enough for adults and there's not enough romantic frisson for teens. The romance is described but not felt making it an exceedingly boring read; with laboured descriptions of water. I'll stick to dry land.
Did Not Finish
April 23, 2014DNF
Did Not Finish
February 27, 2015my e-galley expired before I could finish this, but I would like to read it someday.
August 13, 2013
Well, I wrote the book, so obviously I love it! :)
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