Shelf Candy Saturday #4

Shelf Candy Saturday is a weekly meme hosted by Five Alarm Books! It gives you the chance to showcase books that have caught your attention in some way!

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Reached by Ally Condie

Why it's shelf candy:

Random thought: Did you realize that the more you look at a word or title, the more you think it's spelled wrong? Lol that's what happened to me while writing this post. I kept looking at the word reached and was like, "Is that right?!" Lol anyway, I digress.

This series is mind-blowingly gorgeous!! I haven't even read any of these books yet, but... they're so pretty! I love how the backgrounds are plain and artless because then, all my attention goes straight to the girl.



They are simple, but convey such a strong message. The covers are related to each other and it's gradual process that tells a story in and of itself. The first one starts out caged, trapped, and isolated. The second one is all about breaking through and fighting back (I'm guessing?). The third one shows that the girl is finally learning to stand on her own two feet. Check out the ball in Reached. It's cracked, jagged, and damaged, whereas, the girl is beautiful, proud, and ready! (Ready to do what, I don't know.)

One of the main things that I find so interesting about these covers is the fact that they are kind of cold and distanced. There are no warm colors that invite me in. The girl trapped in the ball is ways away from me...

These covers get me soo pumped up to read the books! Ahh love it! If you've read this series then what's your take on 'em? 

Review + Excerpt: Evernight by Claudia Gray

Bianca wants to escape.
She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

Overall Thoughts:
It took me forever and a freaking day to finish this book.

Evernight is about 16 year old girl named Bianca Olivier. She has two loving parents who adore her, but also hide certain truths from her so that they can protect her. They all move to Evernight Academy, a boarding school for humans and vampires, unbeknownst to the humans. The parents become teachers, and Bianca attends as a student. There, she meets Lucas Ross, a human cutie with a thing for breaking the rules. Over time, Bianca and Lucas get to know each other and start to fall in love. What Lucas doesn't know about Bianca is that she's a natural-born vampire, who hasn't transformed into one yet, but will one day. And what Bianca doesn't know about Lucas is that he's not just any 'ole human, he's also a vampire hunter...

What I liked about this book:
I love how the plot reminds me of Romeo and Juliet because it's all about forbidden love and how two people are basically screwed for loving each other.

What I disliked about this book:
Huh... the pacing wasn't consistent. The beginning started off so interesting and I could've sworn that I was going to love this book, but the entire middle was just blah. The ending was definitely the most interesting part, so I might give Stargazer a chance, but who knows? Maybe, maybe not.

Verdict:
I thought it was okay...

The next book in the series is Stargazer, and like I said I might read it, but I'm not in any rush. 

2 TARGETS!

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Excerpt:

"I believe it, Lucas," I whispered. We'd find each other once more, and all I had to do was endure it until that day came. Someday Lucas and I would find a way to be together again.

I folded the card against my chest. I'd burn it in a few minutes - but not yet, not just yet.

Page: 327

Have you ever been in a reading slump?

One of the greatest things about reading is that it's interesting and keeps me preoccupied. But what happens when I don't feel like reading anymore? Well, that's what happened to me this past week. Kind of. I continued to read Fanfiction stories, but nothing else. That's what I always do when I get into a reading slump, is turn to fanfiction, which is great. But I found myself reading a bunch of mediocre fanfic stories as well!

Come to think of it... that's usually what triggers my reading slumps. Reading so-so books... *shivers*. I am in serious need of a completely epic, most awesome, mind-blowing book... in the world. So, if you know of any PLEASE let me know. And hopefully, they'll knock me out of this slump.

Also, have you ever had reading slumps? Any tips or tricks on how to avoid them, or get over them? Tell me and I'll love you forever!!!!

P.S. If you don't know what fanfiction is, it's basically a site where people can create their own stories using characters from popular books or movies or tv shows... it's good stuff!

In My Mailbox #12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Every week you are to share the books you received that week. It could either be ones you bought, or gotten at the library, and ones that you'd receive to review on the blog.

Won: 

Autographed Girl Meets Boy by 12 Authors

Huge ups to Lisa from A Life Bound by Books for the giveaway!

This seems like a quick, cute read! Plus, how adorable is that cover? I'd never try that in my life but it's still a darling sight :)

Netgalley:

The Shapeshifter's Secret by Heather Ostler

Sounds like a sort of werewolf story...? If so, I'm all in! If the story is as enticing as the cover is, then I'm going to be one happy bunny.

That's it for me this week! Leave a comment with the link to your IMM and I'll stop by! 

Feature & Follow #3

Feature & Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read!

Q: What's the longest book you've read? What are your favorite 600+ page reads? 

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer was the longest book I've ever read. It's a whopping 768 pages (but I'm sure you know that) and I loved it, of course. It's my favorite twilight book, and it's probably my favorite 600+ paged read as well. Well, that and The Host by S.M. But! That may or may not change because I'm thinking about reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, which is 850 pages! Woah, baby! I've been hearing some good things about this book so I really want to. The only thing is... it's a bit intimidating. Not because it has so many pages, but because it looks like a Webster dictionary lol.  Have you read it? Yes, no, maybe so?

Yup, that's about it! I haven't read many 600+ paged books. I can't even say any of the Harry Potter books, because I only finished reading up to the Prisoner of Azkaban, which was just shy of 500 pages. Don't shoot, I do plan on finishing the series... it just hasn't happened yet.

And what's the longest book you've ever read?!

In My Mailbox #11

 

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Every week you are to share the books you received that week. It could either be ones you bought, or gotten at the library, and ones that you'd receive to review on the blog.

Won:

Become by Ali Cross

Big thanks to Lauren from Epilogue Review for the giveaway and to Ali Cross for sending me her awesome book as well as some cool swag!

Netgalley:

The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

This book seems like a light, fun, Sarah Dessen-type of book so why not?

Wicked Weekend by Gillian Archer

Can you say smexy? I was in the mood for something short and romantic, and voila! I read it and that's exactly what it was.

Immersed in Pleasure by Tiffany Reisz

Once again, I was just in the mood for something brief and fiery.

Dirty Little Secret #7

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers & our readers more intimately by asking them questions, hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets.

What are your top 3 movies? 

My favorite movies are constantly changing, so right now I'd have to say:

A Walk to Remember

 Seriously, how can you not swoon every time you see this movie?

Salt

This was just a butt-kickingly awesome movie that was both believable and epic at the same time. 

Edward Scissorhands 

Edward was so cute! And I loved the fact that Johnny and Winona were together when they filmed this movie! It makes the romance between their characters that much more interesting!

ARC Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

Overall Thoughts:
This was a very puzzling story. It confused me... alot, but I think that was just apart of it's appeal.

New Girl is about a teenage girl who is sent from her school, St. Augustine in hot Florida, to Manderly Academy in chilly New Hampshire because her parents think that's what she wants. When she arrives at Manderly, she comes to realize that the only reason she got in was because a girl named Becca Normandy has gone missing, and a spot opened up for her. Her arrival has caused some people to think that she is trying to replace Becca in some way, especially when she starts to get cozy with Becca's boyfriend, Max Holloway.

What I liked about this story:
I liked that the author didn't reveal New Girl's name until the very end. I've never read a story where I didn't automatically know the main character's name from the very beginning so I thought that was so clever and unique. I also liked how conflicted Max was towards New Girl. He obviously liked her and wanted to be with her, but he wasn't able to just jump back into another relationship, especially with someone people said was trying to copy his past girlfriend. My favorite thing about this story though was the mystery of it all. The big question was: Will Becca come back? That sole question created suspense and tension and ordered me to continue reading until my curiosity was quenched.

What I disliked about this story:
I didn't really understand some of the character's actions. I wasn't able to comprehend why they did some of the things they did. I found myself wondering if I was in their position, would I do what they did? And the answer was usually no, which is okay because everyone is different, but I couldn't even reason with WHY they did whatever it is that they did because I didn't understand their mind set.

Verdict:
I liked this story, though the character's actions and motives were a bit confusing. It was full of mystery and suspense, and was a really quick read.

3 TARGETS!

In My Mailbox #10

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Every week you are to share the books you received that week. It could either be ones you bought, or gotten at the library, and ones that you'd receive to review on the blog.

Bought:

Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep

I read it, raved about it, and reviewed it! REVIEW

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Well... it was free on Amazon, and it sounded interesting. Yeah, I don't know why I got it. Lol have you ever done that before? Gotten a book because it was free, but you don't really know why? Story of my life...

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Netgalley:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Like everyone else and their mothers, I got this from Netgalley. It looks interesting and sounds even better so I thought why not? It's a pretty hefty-sized book, so if you have a review up on this book telling me you liked it, could you link it? I kind of need motivation to read it lol!

Review + Excerpt: Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep

My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South — when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way — good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction...especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

Overall Thoughts:
Mother of pearl! This book was so thrilling, so rough & rugged, and just plain fearless!

Spider's Bite is about the ever-patient, ever-strong, ever-aggressive assassin who goes by the code-name "The Spider", but her real name is Gin Blanco. She is an Ice and Stone elemental (mostly Stone), meaning that she can manipulate the elements to do her bidding. She's been a deadly assassin for 17 years now, ever since her family was murdered when she was only 13 years old. Gin was taught everything she knows about her profession by her handler, Fletcher Lane, who is the proud owner of the Pork Pit and a retired assassin. He rescued Gin off the streets, and has been like a father to her ever since, until one night he's gruesomely murdered by an Air elemental.

Gin becomes overcome with extreme anger and will do anything it takes to find the bastard who did it (her words, not mine), including team up with Finnegan Lane (Fletcher's son, and like Gin's brother) and Detective Donovan Caine. Ah, but here's the gotcha: Gin murdered Cliff Ingles (Donovan's partner & friend), and Donovan wishes with all his might that he could end Gin's life like she did Cliff's. And it doesn't help that they're both extremely attracted to each other.

What I liked about this book:
This book was raw, gritty, bold, and adventurous, all wrapped up in 395 pages. I read it in a couple of days, and despised whatever distracted that took me away from it. This is exactly what I love about reading; it gets me so entranced that the world just fades away. Also, I loved everything about Gin! She was strength incarnate! She was smart, spirited, and seductive!

What I disliked about this book:
There were a couple of times when the pacing would slow down, and I'd be itching for more action, but no worries because this didn't happen often.

Verdict:
If you love mind-blowing action & desirable romance, then read it. Period.        

The next book in this series is Web of Lies, and it's already out. I need it!

4 TARGETS!

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Excerpt:

"My name is Gin, and I kill people."

Normally, my confession would have elicited gasps of surprise. Pale faces. Nervous sweat. Stifled screams. An overturned chair or two as people scrambled to get away before I buried a knife in their heart-or back. A sucking wound was a sucking wound. I wasn't picky about where I caused it.

"Hi, Gin," four people chorused back to me in perfect, dull, monotone unison.

But not in this place. Within the walled confines of Ashland Asylum, my confession, true though it might be, didn't even merit a raised eyebrow, much less shock and frightened awe.

Page: 1

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P.S. If that doesn't grab your attention, I don't know what will. And I noticed, the last 3 books I read had something to do with asylums... that can't be healthy lol.

Shelf Candy Saturday #3

Shelf Candy Saturday is a weekly meme hosted by Five Alarm Books! It gives you the chance to showcase books that have caught your attention in some way!

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The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Why it's shelf candy:

When I first saw this cover, the only thing I really thought of was creepy. I don't think I really started to take notice of it until after I read (and loved) the book. It completely summarized the whole plot line. Firstly, it gave me an image of what the invading souls looked like inside of the host's body. Secondly, the black background gave off an eerie feel, like the girl on the cover was alone or being haunted in some way (which she was). Thirdly, it's simple (which is the complete opposite of the plot), but that's Meyer's trademark for book covers. 

For example:

So I kind of liked the fact that she stuck to what obviously works for her. I also thought it was smart to shadow the title, like they did. It just furthers the spectral, ghostly feeling. Overall, I adore the simplicity of this cover. It's just a face, but it brings forward so many questions and very little answers that left me so curious I just had to pick it up!

Dirty Little Secret #6

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers & our readers more intimately by asking them questions, hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets!

Shuffle your playlist and give us the first five songs that come up. 

If I die young - The Band Perry

This is the only song I know by them, but I love it! It sounds so soft and sweet, but talks about a really serious topic.

Somebody that I used to know - Gotye

My favorite song at the moment, and the video is so weirdly unique and awesome!

Love is Pain - Joan Jett and the Black Hearts

Well, I went through this phase where I was obsessed with Joan Jett...

Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Iron and Wine

I first heard this song in Twilight and instantly loved it. This song can make me smile and lull me to sleep. It's my lullaby :)

I'm Alive - Celine Dion

Old, but a classic in my books.

I've Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Lauren from Epilogue!

1) How long have you been blogging? Do you remember why you started?

I started my blog on October 29, 2011 so I've only been blogging for a few months now. Understanding Shae's Story was started because of my love for reading... obviously, Shae. I had been reading book blogs for a long time before even thinking about starting my own, and they always seemed like a lot of fun! Also, my friends and family weren't huge readers, or if they were, they didn't read the same genre as me, so I didn't have anyone to talk to about epic books I'd read, so I decided to blog about it.

2) Choose one of your favorite books. Then, give it a new title and explain your choice.

I just recently read Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi and absolutely loved it! If I had to give it a new name I'd call it... Transcend. Yes, that's the best I could come up with. I'd call it Transcend because Juliette faced obstacles that would've crumpled anyone else, but she overcame them with grace.

3) What got you interested in books?

My friends peer pressured me into reading in the 8th grade. They were huge book nerds, and they noticed that I never read (I seriously despised reading when I was younger!). So they suggested that I read Twilight (as cliche as it sounds) because it's what got them interested in reading in the first place. I took one look at those books, and looked at them like they were on some stuff because they were ginormous AND they didn't have any pictures! Ridiculous, right?! So then they told me (Not asked, but told!) to watch the movie because if I liked the movie then I would love the book series, and I decided to give it a chance. Well... I loved it! Lol and the next day I went to Borders (The first time I ever went there willingly), and purchased Twilight. I read it within a week, which may not seem like a big deal now, but I was oh so proud of myself! Ever since then, books have been a big part of my life.  

4) Will you read eBooks? Why or why not?

Yes, I would, and I have. I definitely prefer actual books over eBooks any day, but they're not that bad. I don't like them that much, but I'll read them if I have to.

5) What is the farthest you have ever traveled to get a book?

Um... the book store? 

6) How would you describe yourself in one word?

Mosaic

7) If you couldn't blog about books or writing, what would your blog be about?

I love art and music so that's probably what I would blog about.

8) What is one thing most people wouldn't know about you?

I'm probably the most self-conscious person they've ever met.

9) What genre do you avoid at all costs?

Non-fiction. *Shivers*

10) Do you listen to music while you read? What kind?

All the time! I love music and I love reading, put them both together and you've got one happy Shae. I'll listen to almost anything just as long as it's not loud and distracting. My favorite genres would have to be R&B, Soft Rock, Country, Adult Contemporary, and Pop. 

11) Is it difficult for you to write a negative review?

Yes. I don't like doing it and I feel bad every time I write one, but I also want to be honest in my reviews. It's hard because everyone has different opinions, and something that I don't like, someone else may absolutely love. I don't ever want my opinion to ruin someone's chance at finding a book that's perfect for them, and if I write a bad review, that just may happen. 

I also don't like doing it because although I'm not a writer myself, I understand how difficult it is to write a book and I respect all authors, no matter how big or small they are. I always feel terrible when I don't like something I know someone has put so much time and effort into. I feel like they're pouring their souls into their books, and if I don't like it, it's like a slap in the face. Lol that was a long answer and yes, it is difficult, but it comes with the territory of calling myself a book blogger.

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I Tag:

Addie @ Bookworm Recommendations 

Bewitched Bookworms

Emily @ Falling For YA

Jac @ For Love & Books

Jez @ Jez's Bookcase

Hilda @ Catch the Lune
Sarah @ Inklings Read
Jenny @ Book Wormmia
Christy @ The Reader Bee
Angela @ The Little Blue Pig

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Questions:

1) What's your favorite color and why?

2) What's something you do differently than everyone else?

3) What's one bad habit that you know you should break, but never will? 

4) Which 2 characters do you wish you were most like?

5) Describe the last dream you had.

6) Would you consider yourself a reader, a writer, or both?

7) What is your greatest fear?

8) Is it easier for you to like a book or dislike a book?

9) Name 3 things that can easily distract you from reading.

10) Does the size of a book deter you or encourage you?

Shelf Candy Saturday #2

Shelf Candy Saturday is a weekly meme hosted by Five Alarm Books! It gives you the chance to showcase books that have caught your attention in some way!

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Entwined by Heather Dixon 

Why it's shelf candy:

Okay, this book is just plain... pretty. Everything about it screams enchanting! This cover does exactly what a cover is suppose to do; it gives you a glimpse into the book and does it in such a particular way that it makes you crave this book until you have it in your hands, ready to read it and get lost in it. I especially love how the vines look like they're framing the girl and the background, making it seem like there is a world within the cover. I also love how well the name Dixon goes with this book cover. Random, I know. Here me out, Dixon reminds me a lot of dixie, which reminds me of pixie, which reminds me of fairy tales, which this book seems like. Catch my drift?

And how could I forget the girl in the beautiful dress?! It looks like she's running away from something, or to something. I'd like to think it's away from something because that's more romantic and tragic, and maybe as she's running away she stumbles upon the huge castle that's in the background? Hmm... these are the questions that haunt me! Both the dress and the magical castle remind me of something ethereal, and otherworldly. Gosh, I so badly want to be apart of that world :)

Review + Excerpt: Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Rogerson Biscoe, with his green eyes and dark curly hair, is absolutely seductive. Before long, sixteen-year-old Caitlin finds herself under his spell. And when he starts to abuse her, she finds she's in too deep to get herself out...

Overall Thoughts:
I've read a few of Sarah Dessen's other books, and they've never really touched me like Dreamland did.

Dreamland is about 16 year old Caitlin O'Koren. She has a pretty normal family which consists of: Jack O'Koren (Caitlin's serious, yet lovable father); Margaret (Caitlin's upbeat mother); and Cass O'Koren (Caitlin's "perfect" older sister). For most of Caitlin's life, she's paled in comparison to her sister. She was the popular, smart, loud, social butterfly that Caitlin could never compete with. Until one day she runs away, crushing the whole family. Her mother was the most affected one. She'd always been Cass's cheerleader, and her leaving was like a slap in the face and she just shut down. Caitlin and Cass were close since birth, and now Caitlin feels like she has no one to talk to. Her father never puts his emotions on display, but this hits him just as hard.

Then, Caitlin runs into bad boy Rogerson Biscoe. He drives a black BMW, smokes & sells pot, and has been in and out of trouble with the law. And for some reason, Caitlin falls in love with him. Though they seem like an unlikely match, they worked good together... in the beginning. Then, Rogerson starts to viciously beat Caitlin. But she still loves him...

What I liked about this book:
I didn't have really high expectations for this book, only because I usually find Dessen's books to be average at best. But Dreamland has changed that. It sucked me in at the very beginning and I read it all in one sitting. The writing was very simple, but the story was anything but that.

What I disliked about this book:
I was often annoyed at the characters. There were times in this book when I wanted to slap Caitlin across the face and wake her the freak up! I couldn't for the life of me understand why Caitlin did some of the things she did, and that frustrated me to no end. Then, I wanted to backhand the parents for being so oblivious. When Cass ran away, it's like they forgot they had another daughter! And Rogerson... don't even get me started on that fool.

Verdict:
This was a very emotional book that pulled me in and didn't let me go until the very last page.

3 TARGETS!

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Excerpt:

In the picture I'm on his lap as he sits at the table, my head against his chest. He has one arm around my waist, and just as Corinna hit the shutter he'd tickled me, making me burst out laughing, and he had, too. It is one of those great moments, the kind you can't plan. Sometimes the light or the expression is just perfect, and you're lucky enough to catch it, usually accidentally. 

I spent a lot of time looking at that picture. Wondering what I'd think of that girl, if I was someone else, seeing how easily she sits in her boyfriend's lap, laughing, with his arms around her. I would have thought her life was perfect, the way I once thought Cass's was. It was too easy, I was learning, to just assume things.

Page: 185

ARC Review: Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistible good looks and charm on unsuspecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.

Overall Thoughts:
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was interesting at certain parts, and it bored me at others.

Lies Beneath is about 18-year-old Calder White, who's a merman. He has three other sisters, Maris (The Mother Figure), Pavati (The Beautiful Seductress), and Tallulah (The One Closest to Calder). They all seem to be superior to Calder. For years, all four of them have been searching for Jason Hancock so that they could kill him. Why, you ask? His father, Tom Hancock, broke a promise to their mother, Nadia, that killed her. Now, they want revenge. The only way they can think of to get to him is through his teenage daughter, Lily. Calder plans on finding her, seducing her, and using her to kill her father. But... he ends up falling in love with her, which basically screws everything up.

What I liked about this book:
When I first read the summary, I was instantly curious! It sounded so interesting and tragic and I wanted it! I've never read a story about mermaids before, so this was a first. And I loved how the author had her own theory about mermaids (i.e. how they transformed, their reformed physical appearances, their particularities). So even though I had heard about mermaids before (i.e. The Little Mermaid... don't judge me) I felt like I was learning about a completely different mythical creature.

What I disliked about this book:
I was expecting to love this book, and it fell a bit short. Firstly, the pacing was consistent, but it wasn't very fast. I wasn't enraptured in this book because there were no moments that really wow'd me. The climax of the book is at the very end, and that was the best part for me. The rest of the book was just mediocre.

Verdict:
This book was okay in my opinion. I was disappointed that I didn't like it as much as other people have. The next book in this series is Deep Betrayal, which comes out in 2013. This book ended in an interesting way, so I'll probably pick Deep Betrayal up. I just won't have high expectations for it.

2/5 TARGETS!