Mundie Moms

Monday, May 24, 2010

Book Review - The Mermaid's Mirror


By L.K. Madigan
Published by Houghton Mifflin Books
Will Be Released On October 4, 2010
Source: netgalley
4 Stars- I really liked this book. Go pick it up.

Synopsis (from Houghton Mifflin Books):
Lena has lived her whole life near the beach - walking for miles up and down the shore and breathing the salty air, swimming in the cold water, and watching the surfers rule the waves - the problem is, she's spent her whole life just watching.

As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Lena vows she will no longer watch from the sand: she will learn to surf.

But her father - a former surfer himself - refuses to allow her to take lessons. After a near drowning in his past, he can't bear to let Lena take up the risky sport.

Yet something lures Lena to the water ... an ancient, powerful magic. One morning Lena catches sight of this magic: a beautiful woman - with a silvery tail.

Nothing will keep Lena from seeking the mermaid, not even the dangerous waves at Magic Crescent Cove.

And soon ... what she sees in the mermaid's mirror will change her life ...


I expected certain things from this book. A solid story. One with tension as well as a yearning that wouldn't be easily satiated. I mean, when you see the world "mermaid" it brings to mind certain images and possible plot lines.

Sure, you'll find some of that in The Mermaid's Mirror but you'll also find an unexpected characterization in its protagonist, Lena. First, Lena is surrounded by people who genuinely love her. Her father and stepmother are understanding, if a little distracted. Her best friend and her doting boyfriend have been friends with her since childhood and even her younger brother begs Lena to sing him to sleep each night. Second, you'll find that her yearning for the sea has some unexpected results. And third, the plot unfolds slowly but stay with it because it's rhythm will remind you of the sea. It will rise and swell when you least expected it.

I would've loved to read this by the shores of the ocean, lake or even our community pool but I read it in an freakish late Spring cold front. The magic still worked. L.K. does a gorgeous job describing both the above water and the underwater world. And in the underwater world is where L.K.'s magic takes hold. I wanted to be there, diving between those coves in my protective cloak and I definitely wanted to be in that cave with the very hot Nix.

The Mermaid's Mirror is a story of discovery and love. A journey to discover the secret that was kept from Lena for her entire life. And the resulting destination where she finds out who she really is and discovers that love can exist in both of her worlds. The decision is hers, alone, but which will she choose?

I encourage you to pick up this book and experience Lena's journey for yourself and just
when you think you have it all figured out, you may be in for a few twists and turns.

7 comments:

  1. I didn't like this book until I got to about the middle. I was torn about the choice she made, but it was for the best and the plot was interesting once it picked up pace.

    I was really annoyed with Lena in the first half though. Like really really annoyed lol.

    ReplyDelete
  2. *gasp*

    I got a Mundie Moms review! And it's so pretty I want to pet it and carry it around in my pocket.

    Thank you!!

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  3. Marie, I agree about the slower pace in the beginning and I don't mind a slower build up if there's a reason for it. I think the reasoning was so we could see everything she'd miss if she chose a certain path. LOL. It's so hardt to keep this spoiler-free! But, yes, the plot twist in the end was surprising although in retrospect, I do completely understand it. :]

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am patiently waiting for this book! Thank you for the great review!

    Lisa- Thank you for the flattering comment!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lisa -- Thank you for writing such a wonderful story. I completely escaped into it and frankly, didn't want to leave.

    Mundie Moms -- You will love it. Great mermaid story.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Can't wait for it to be published in the UK

    ReplyDelete
  7. Crosslando, oh, I think you'll like it!

    ReplyDelete

Labels