Book Review: Waterfell

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

Never stand out. Stay in line. Don't be memorable. These are the understood rules Nerissa lives with every day. While Nerissa longs to be free, she knows that she must be careful.  Because if she forgets, it is more than just her life in danger… it is her entire race.

On the surface, Waterfell looked like it could be just another standard mermaid tale. People who live under the oceans. Trying to adapt to the changing of the times. Trying to learn the ways of the humans, and those who eventually fall in love with humans. But… Waterfell is anything but standard, and if you are thinking the same thoughts I did initially, you are dead wrong.

Waterfell isn't about mermaids. It isn't about human relations either, per say. Simply put, Waterfell was like nothing I had imagined, and I loved every moment because of its uniqueness.

The creatures.

As just pointed out, Waterfell does not feature mermaids. Sure, there are a few other mythology creatures your mind could imagine they are. But again, you would be wrong. Part of what makes Waterfell special was the surprise of finding out exactly what I was working with. So, don't expect any spoilers from me. But let's just say what they are is highly creative and I have never encountered anything like it before.

Waterfell, at its heart, is not just a run if the mill paranormal romance story. Yes, there is some paranormal stuff going on, as well as a nice romance, but there is a lot more to it than that. Family ties. Trust and betrayals. Undiscovered family secrets. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much depth to be discovered in these pages.

The characters.

Nerissa was a bit of a hit and miss for me. I liked her personality. But her hero complex, for a lack of a better phrase, and naivety was a bit off putting. I understood where she was coming from and why she made some of the choices that she did. However, I never really felt that she grew as a character. Not at least till almost the very end. It was a little disappointing, but it is the first book in a series so I can let it pass for now.

Lo. Where to start with Lo? As a romantic interest, I have to say I really didn't get it. He is cocky but sweet. Thoughtful but annoying. Nerissa hates him but blushes when he is around. The typical "I guess I don't know my true feelings" type situation. Which is fine. It happens and plot wise, it can work. My only issue was Nerissa's overly 'surprised' revelation regarding her feelings. You like him… duh! And that is no real surprise.

Final Verdict:

Waterfell wasn't perfect. However, it was a lot of fun to read. I adored the originality and the world-building of what that we did get to see of Waterfell itself. With plenty of twists and turns toward the ending, I am sure there will be a lot more in store for our characters in the next installment.

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Kate

Kate is the co-blog owner of The Book Monsters. I am a twenty-something year old who is passionate about reading. I currently hold a B.A. in English and am married to my high school sweetheart. We have two (cat) children, Gracie and Kit, who are total divas. I have an insane and possibly unhealthy passion for reading. You can usually find me with my nose buried in a book.

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