Published: October 25th 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Page Count: Hardcover, 240
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
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For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air. - Good Reads
The cover of Between the Sea and Sky is absolutely beautiful. I actually have the Kindle version of the cover pictured - the hardback cover is much more bluer than this one, but both are equally beautiful. I'm such a sucker for a beautiful cover!
I've read three mermaid novels now and I think I enjoyed this one the best out of the ones I've read so far, but I'm starting to feel worried that perhaps mermaid novels aren't exactly my cup of tea. This book was beautifully written though. With the third person perspective it did make me feel a little distant from an already distant feeling Esmerine. I did admire what I could see of her: she had a sweet disposition, a little on the innocent side, but she was strong willed and determined and had a fierce love for her family that I loved to see.
The love story fell a little flat for me though. I think it warmed up more towards the end, but it still didn't grab a hold of me like I was hoping it would.
Between the Sea and Sky basically was a story of a girl getting to know herself and the family and friends she thinks she knows and learning to live with her own expectations, not the expectations of others. I was definitely satisfied with the ending though. No cliffhanger and it looks like this is a stand alone. WOW, right? A stand alone!
I definitely think Between the Sea and Sky would appeal to certain people. Especially those who love mermaids. There is a nice, clean romance, an interesting fantasy world and a sweet lesson as a reminder to stay true to what you want to do.
3 out of 5 Hello Kitties
A e-ARC was provided by NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA! Thank you!
Great review, Liza. I've heard great things about this one but I'm wary of mermaid books. Shame that the romance is a bit dull, good to know in advance if I decide to read it.
ReplyDeleteGiselle
Xpresso Reads
I haven't read this book yet. I'm not sure I will, either. I just don't think mermaids are my thing. I'm glad you gave it a try & enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I didn't like the romance either (and my review just went up today too lol), there didn't seem to be much chemistry between them... but I did see their friendship, and I thought that was sweet.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely felt more MG to me than YA, but it's a nice little read, similar to your feelings on it. Thanks for posting your review! I like reading what other people think of the books I read :)
Brenna from Esther's Ever After
Thanks for the review, I've been undecided about this book for awhile... as I like romance, think I'll have to give this one a pass. *sigh, really like the cover though
ReplyDelete@Giselle Thank you! Yeah, I'm not sure I'm really loving the mermaid books.
ReplyDelete@Andrea Yep, I've given three honest tries and I'm feeling that they're not my thing as well.
@Brenna After checking out your review - I agree, I think we felt similar. It did actually feel a little MG. Or really, really clean. Me too! :)
@whispering words You're welcome! Thank you for reading! Yeah, I definitely didn't think the romance was smoldering and I like that in a book as well... :/
Thank you all for commenting! <3
I agree about the romance. I thought it just felt SO WEIRD how it ended. Alander and Esmerine acted more like siblings, I guess? Siblings long lost, haha!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my review. :)
I haven't read any mermaid novels, I personally don't think that I would be able to get into them but you never know. There is one that I looked at recently (forgot the name) that I might just give a chance to. Great reveiw overall though =)
ReplyDelete