My biggest concern is the overstretched storyline, possibly because of the snippet “mermaid songs” which take up page space. This isn’t a huge issue and can easily be overlooked. There are several moments when the story stales and has no movement. Reading the “Mermaid Moon,” there are scenes where they aren’t necessarily interesting compared to other scenes. This is expected however the pacing kills it, we get stuck on these scenes and want to get on with the story. Again, this is such a minor issue that is a challenge for writers to deal with. You can’t help but think of the whole Edgar Allen Poe every word needs to contribute to the story advice.
However, this story had me absolutely perplexed. There’s very little negative feedback, and more praise if anything. Being “The Little Mermaid” freak fan that I am, I put this story on a very high plateau that you might as well pair off with “Mermaid” by Carolyn Turgeon. The works are so well executed and give a justice to Andersen’s tale. Those who know, know that there is good evidence that Cokal did her research on “The Little Mermaid,” Hans Christian Andersen, and the reality of the modern age response to the topic – we don’t want a love story, but a quest story for truth. We also want a tasteful mermaid story. I’ve read several mermaid stories that will always end up excellent or awful. There are so many occurrences where I, the reader, am so confused by terminology made up by mermaid story writers to fill the story’s world and achieve fantasy/sci-fi descriptions. Cokal developed a world in “Mermaid Moon” that feels so real in accordance to a fairy tale world, especially for a mermaid’s fairy tale world. Cokal uses terminology like “Seavish,” “Seaskin,” “Everagain,” “Down-Below-Deep,” and “Marreminder,” and they are clear terms while being ambiguous or mysterious.
There is so much imagery which is cliché cause with good writing, imagery is a given. The imagery in “Mermaid Moon” is so subject specific: the wall of roses turned red, the castle so much like a typical sand castle corroded by salt off the ocean, sun-kissed bleach blonde hair with lime-green algae clinging, Sanna’s green eyes. We’ve seen blonde hair with teal highlights like in the film “Aquamarine” but a striking light blonde with lime-green algae highlights has such a unique touch to the mix, considering mermaid imagery. With gold and silver hair with an eye kept hidden because it holds her power, with a demeaner straight from the Queen of Hearts, Thyrla is a fantastic character. Even her breaking moment was so memorable and authentic, it questions Charlize Theron’s character role in the Snow White films.
Though there’s such pace, it’s absolutely beautiful how the events unfold: wedding, rose storm, suffication of rose petals, must escape, Sea Witch can help, everything has gone mad, tie off the loose ends. “Mermaid Moon” is so reminiscent of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” : the sun sets, “You’re too late,” Sea Witch revealed, Ursula and King Triton, the wager, the attack, the rage, oceanic control, the weight of the sea on a little mermaid, and our dude saves us all. Through it all, “Mermaid Moon” is a story we’ve been waiting for.
There should be a mention about the story’s synopsis. The synopsis is worded to suggest Sanna on a quest to multiple locations from Sea Witch to the wall of roses, to the people desperate for a miracle, to the baroness. When you read the story, you’re hit with everything at once which is awesome, but unexpected.
“Mermaid Moon” is excellent and a rewarding read for anybody who’s in love with mermaids, Ariel, and Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.”
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An Lovely Retelling
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.“The roses are pouring forth a deeper scent, one that plunges to the bottom of the belly. It is the best scent, and the red is the most beautiful color, any of these poor people have known in their lives. And the cause of it all–that stranger, the pale-haired, blue-robed girl–now lies in the rose vine’s embrace, with thorns in her skin, her own blood glittering richer than Baroness Thyrla’s jewels. Richer even than the red of the roses. The people break out both laughing and weeping. When at last they can speak, they cry, “Miracle!’ MERMAID MOON by Susann Cokal delivers a lovely immersive retelling, matriarchal mermaid mythology. Where women are bonded couples, While men are largely unnecessary. The tale follows Sanna, a half-landish mermaid who leaves her flok to seek her human mother. Being advised by the ancient, riddle-tongued sea witch Sjældent. Sanna seeks out a castle ruled by ageless and unkind Baroness Thyrla.
Thyrla, is dark and deadly witch who has amassed great power by doing unspeakable crimes of stealing powers and youth....even from
This engaging book is with its richly detailed prose, is complex and provocative. This ya fantasy, fiction tale unfolds with darkish undertones, is a stunning atmospheric read. As the plot takes some notable twists, Sanna, finds herself betrothed and no where closer to finding the treasure that Sjældent requires as payment.
A suspenseful, vivid, richly detailed, with interesting and compelling characters and vibrant world building.
