This was another book I read during my visit to my mom in Florida, and it begins in the mountains where Auntie cares for her two charges, Clara and Maren. According to the tale, both girls arrived almost simultaneously, one via the stork, and the other in a conch shell. They have grown up as sisters and love each and Auntie as much as any family could. Thus, when Maren begins developing scales, it is eventually decided she must be brought back to the sea. Getting there, however, will not be easy. There's a young man in town determined to make Maren his bride, and worse, a traveling curiosity show that would like to make Maren their main attraction.
What I loved about the book: The writing was beautiful. Noble describes in magical prose the otherworldly iridescence of Maren's scales as they take over who she was, and change her into who she will be. I loved the relationship between the two sisters, who though not related by blood, are as devoted to one another as any sisters. And I loved Auntie, who was more than that, and that some things remained a mystery.
What I didn't love: The ending. But I should clarify by saying it wasn't a bad ending, just a predictable one. Parts of the ending I would keep, but I do wonder whether there was something else or something different that could've made this ending perfect.
Final thoughts: I would give this 4 out of 5 stars. Even if the ending is a little predictable, the writing is so beautiful and the story so engaging, plus there's a dragon...did I not mention him before? He isn't full grown yet so not much of a menace but notice I said not much. Anyway. I very much enjoyed this book and if you like fairy tales I think you will, too.
It's cold and dreary here in Maine today but I am soon off to my brother's to play Minecraft and won't care a bit! Have a fabulous week all!
Sounds like a good book -- thanks for the review and recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy it :)
DeleteNice review, always thought that books should sometimes have alternate endings!
ReplyDeleteNow there's an idea!
DeleteShame a little more bold and unique ending was what it really needed.
ReplyDeleteIt was still a very good book.
DeleteThank you. Drat you. I suspect I will have to track this one down - despite the less than stellar ending.
ReplyDeleteI think you might like it. and you're welcome :)
DeleteSounds fun. Sweet.
ReplyDeleteCold and dreary here, too. A little bit of snow this past week, actually - probably in Maine, too.
It was both, and just the sort of thing to read when you don't want something too dark. No snow here in my town yet and I'm not in a rush to see any!
DeleteLucky... No real accumulation here, though, which is good. I haven't changed over my tires yet!
DeleteThank you for sharing the review. Have fun gaming!
ReplyDeleteThank you and I did :)
DeleteOh, my, as if developing hair ain't enough, now they're developing scales too? :) Too much coca-cola methinks.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book. A bad ending can ruin a good story. Predictable, while not ideal, is better than some awful endings I've seen.
ReplyDeleteOh, I definitely agree with you there. I'd much prefer predictable than one that made no sense whatsoever or just plain sucked.
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