Title: Forgive My Fins
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: 6.1.10
Genre: Paranormal YA
Pages: 320
Description (from back of arc):
Lily is a mermaid - a Thalassinian princess who recently discovered she's half human - and she's been living on land and going to Seaview High School hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its drawbacks, like her obnoxious biker-boy neighbor, Quince, but it has one major perk: Brody, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. The problem is, mermaids aren't really casual daters - when they "bond," it's for life. So when an attempt to win Brody's love leads to a tsunami-size case of mistaken identity, Lily is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily ever after never sails as smoothly as you planned.
FORGIVE MY FINS was my first encounter with Tera Lynn Childs' writing, but it won't be my last. FMF is a cute read and great for a lazy summer afternoon... or cold winter day when you need a fun, vibrant world to escape into.
Mermaids will always be one of my favorite mythical creatures. I know I wasn't the only little girl to dream of one day discovering my mermaid heritage. Alright, so maybe I just wanted to have a cool tail and wear a shell-bikini... and fall in love with a cute human boy ala The Little Mermaid. Understandably, I was drawn to Childs' modern twist on this classic love story. The novel doesn't delve too deeply into the detail of being a merperson, but it definitely covers the romantic aspects of the story.
I liked Quince immediately, but I never really connected with Lily's character. She was too shallow and simple for my tastes: I like my female leads to have sass and wit. Since I liked Quince, but found Lily lacking, their romance lost some of it's punch. Still, Quince was absolutely adorable and I found myself rooting for him and urging Lily to open her eyes and see the amazing boy that's standing right in front of her!
Despite the fact that this novel was completely predictable, I enjoyed the ride. Childs appears to have a knack for writing those silly, sappy scenes that you sometimes daydream about. Like being marooned on an island with a cute boy and having to sleep together to conserve heat. I think I can safely say that we all have had some version of that daydream! Because of this, Childs' writing is strangely comforting.
Grade: B
Cover Notes:
FORGIVE MY FINS definitely has an eye-catching cover. I've seen it on bookstore shelves and it pops!
This does look cute!
ReplyDeleteAnd no, you were not the only little girl dreaming of being a mermaid :)
Great review!
What do you mean little girls wanting to be mermaids? I'd still sign up ;)
ReplyDeleteI definitely love this kind of book: silly, sweet and predictable.
This sounds great! I'm really looking forward to reading it - thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteLOL I think you summed up every girls mermaid dream in those first few sentences... okay, I never had a mermaid dream growing up. But I think I'm having one now.
ReplyDeleteBut I DID*cough-DO* have dreams of being stuck on an isla- ANYWHERE and have to conserve heat by pressing up close with cute guy (preferable shirtless!). Excuse me a minute. I need to compose myself, I think this blog is PG rated *takes a cold shower*
Great review! I think I'll be checking this one out. I've read Oh. My. Gods by Tera, which I enjoyed. Forgive My Fins has such a pretty cover too!
P.S. Don't think I'm abandoning you again - I'm moving interstate Thursday/Friday and may have limited internet for a few weeks, so I'll be commenting when I can! I hope I'm not deprived of my hiding spot too long ;)
ReplyDeleteGood to know this is a summer read. I shall have to read this soon. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI like my female leads to have some intelligence and Lily was definitely lacking there. But I thought it was a cute book too, worth reading.
ReplyDeletesounds like a really cute, light read! i can't wait to read it. i love mermaids :D
ReplyDeleteLove a good mermaid story and this one looks cute!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I read Childs' Oh. My. Gods, and really enjoyed it. So I can't wait to read this too.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog. I'ts lovely! Following now. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! Mermaids are my favorite mythical creature too. I was obsessed with The Little Mermaid as a child. My mom had to eventually throw my Little Mermaid shirt away so I would stop wearing every day! I can't wait to read this one!
This one looks really good. I'm glad that you liked it!
ReplyDeleteYou have to read Oh.My.Goods. I love it, because as you were with mermaids, I was/am with greek mythology. Its funny and sappy, but you'll like it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. It seems to be the perfect summer reading!
"I know I wasn't the only little girl to dream of one day discovering my mermaid heritage."
ReplyDeleteI had the same dream, that's for sure!
Great review. FMF doesn't sound like my type of read, but it's an interesting concept!