Book Review: Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

FORGIVE MY FINS BY TERA LYNN CHILDS

SYNOPSIS: Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

REVIEW: FORGIVE MY FINS involves a half-human mermaid who kicks up loads of trouble when she mistakenly kisses the wrong boy. (Word to the wise: It's best to keep the lights on when waiting for that special someone to secretly meet up with you. You never know who might stumble along by accident.)

Not quite sure whether she belongs underwater or on land, Lily has been bumbling her way through high school for some time before she mistakenly kisses the wrong boy. Damselfish! It may not sounds like a big deal, but for a mermaid it's huge. You see, a mermaid can’t go around kissing just anyone - there are some "until death do us part" consequences that must be dealt with right away. Lily's father is the only one who can help her out of the jam she's in, and if he refuses, then she’ll be connected to the wrong boy for life. (And when I say "wrong boy", it's pretty obvious he is really the "right" boy. But that's alright. Part of the fun of FORGIVE MY FINS is to read on in the hopes that Lily will realize he's right for her too).

FORGIVE MY FINS was a hilarious summer beach read. It was the kind of feel-good book that allows you to slip into main character's world with minimal effort and just enjoy the ride. While the plot wasn't one I had the hardest time figuring out, it didn't bother me at all. Lily's voice was so likable and the story so entertaining, I couldn't help but want to read more. Initially I worried that it would be too young for me- I was glad it wasn't. Tera Lynn Childs did a fantastic job in constructing Lily’s voice as well as the underwater sea kingdom where most of the action takes place. Fins or no fins, Lily was the type of girl I would've wanted to be best friends with in high school.

When Lily set out for the underwater kingdom of Thalassinia- a magical land with well crafted, watery delights, that was when the book really captured my imagination. The sights, sounds and culinary fare within Thalassinia had me smiling to the end. Lily's fish-isms were the perfect quirky touch to this gem of a book and the cherry on top.

I would recommend this book to readers of all ages who love a good mermaid story.

PS-how about that cover? I thought the image was well suited for this book and a great representation of Lily. Enjoy!

PURCHASE HERE

Tera Lynn Childs is a wannabe goddess and the author of OH. MY. GODS., GODDESS BOOT CAMP, and the upcoming mermaid tale, FORGIVE MY FINS. Tera lives nowhere in particular and has spent time fleeing hurricanes, making character profiles on MySpace, blogging with the Buzz Girls at booksboysbuzz.com and the Fivers at livingyourfive.com, and writing wherever she can find a comfy chair and a steady stream of caffeinated beverages.
Visit the author's website HERE.