Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Hodder Children's Books (2014), 368 pages
Description
Uncovering an ancient evil, Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas, to save their hidden world.
User reviews
LibraryThing member brandileigh2003
Did Not Finish
I wrote a post about negative reviews, and how I don't review if I don't finish, and a very wise blogger pointed out that knowing what a blogger doesn't like can be valuable to publishers and authors too. I think that it also helps my readers build trust that I am not just slapping
skimmed to page 36
I had honestly never heard of Deep Blue when I received it in the mail, but the cover was so nice, and I like the premise. I am hit or miss with mermaids but I was intrigued by the sisterhood bond, and their journey.
The beginning did not grab me right away. There was all sorts of fantasy merl talk as well as a prologue that I got nothing out of except she was reciting things, presumingly to call the main character to her in the future. It starts with Serafina waking from a dream--the prologue-- and her mother pressuring her to get ready for the big day (also didn't quite understand, except it was about music) but I, like most others can relate to a nagging mom. She also feels inadequate, that her mom's expectations are too high and though she has set a high bar for herself, it never seemed to be enough for her mom. This is what kept me read/skimming until I figured out the language and the world or Seraphina completely convinced me that I needed to know her story regardless of all of the strange terminology and setting thrown at me.
Unfortunately, that did not happen for me. I skimmed, but couldn't get past the royalty talk and the plot didn't pick up for me. I think that this will be great for the right reader because of the detailed world building and the fantasy element, but unfortunately it didn't for me. I saw glimpses of things that would make me connect with her, but they weren't enough.
That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
I wrote a post about negative reviews, and how I don't review if I don't finish, and a very wise blogger pointed out that knowing what a blogger doesn't like can be valuable to publishers and authors too. I think that it also helps my readers build trust that I am not just slapping
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good ratings on everything I read. I have a knack for picking what I will lack based on synopsis and reviews, but that even fails. Then another blogger mentioned she did a did not finish post and I thought it was a great idea. So, here we go:skimmed to page 36
I had honestly never heard of Deep Blue when I received it in the mail, but the cover was so nice, and I like the premise. I am hit or miss with mermaids but I was intrigued by the sisterhood bond, and their journey.
The beginning did not grab me right away. There was all sorts of fantasy merl talk as well as a prologue that I got nothing out of except she was reciting things, presumingly to call the main character to her in the future. It starts with Serafina waking from a dream--the prologue-- and her mother pressuring her to get ready for the big day (also didn't quite understand, except it was about music) but I, like most others can relate to a nagging mom. She also feels inadequate, that her mom's expectations are too high and though she has set a high bar for herself, it never seemed to be enough for her mom. This is what kept me read/skimming until I figured out the language and the world or Seraphina completely convinced me that I needed to know her story regardless of all of the strange terminology and setting thrown at me.
Unfortunately, that did not happen for me. I skimmed, but couldn't get past the royalty talk and the plot didn't pick up for me. I think that this will be great for the right reader because of the detailed world building and the fantasy element, but unfortunately it didn't for me. I saw glimpses of things that would make me connect with her, but they weren't enough.
That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Gets some added points for interesting world idea but I just didn't care enough about the characters and the situations involved. It might improve as and if I read more but I'm not sure I care enough. The blue print might be a little problematic for those with sight issues.
On the morning of her
It's not bad but it just didn't engage me enough.
On the morning of her
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betrothal, Serafina is nervous, her life is about to change, she will be the acknowledged heir to her kingdom, if the kingdom's guardian doesn't kill her. She's feeling the pressure to be the perfect princess and things go from bad to worse during the ceremony. Her mother is shot by a poisoned arrow and her city is destroyed, she discovers that she has a destiny, whether she wants to or not.It's not bad but it just didn't engage me enough.
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LibraryThing member theindigoshelf
I felt that Deep Blue was aimed towards younger readers than myself. At 25 years old I appreciated The Little Mermaid-esque scenery. Unfortunately, the scenery we find in the beginning was not as prevalent throughout the rest of the book as I would have liked. Of course, Donnelly provided fun new
Serafina, our protagonist has a pet octopus and a handmaiden who is part crab, part human-like. We are introduced to them in the very beginning. After the big event that occurs almost to the middle we are only given a few interesting creatures here and there... a cat-like catfish, a seeing-eye piranha, and plenty of other neat ones. But, each addition, I felt, was just touched upon leaving my imagination wanting more. This will be a four book series, so there will be plenty more to see, I'm sure. So, to clarify: I am NOT complaining about this... I just wish I could have had more!
Even though I felt it was a bit childish; I was surprised at how the story unfolded. The origin story of mermaids and how Atlantis disappeared was quite intricate and at the end I was left feeling excited for the next book. This new ocean world is one that occurred after Atlantis sunk. The humans that were left to drown were given the gift of sea-breathing by the powerful mages that ruled the land. It was a great Atlantis story-if you're into that kind of thing. ;)
Serafina was a typical privileged teen, but I tuned it out because it wasn't a main focus. She seemed like a new-age princess trope at times. The death, dying, and destruction in this book was not very believable. Again, I felt delving in to deeper emotions and discussing different story-lines with the secondary characters were missed opportunities.
Despite my few misgivings with Deep Blue I actually loved it. I am so glad I found it! It's a new take on mermaid culture and the Atlantis myth.
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creatures and fantastic imagery, but I am greedy and I needed more! Deep Blue is perfect for fans of mermaids, Atlantis, and ocean lovers. I am all of those things.Serafina, our protagonist has a pet octopus and a handmaiden who is part crab, part human-like. We are introduced to them in the very beginning. After the big event that occurs almost to the middle we are only given a few interesting creatures here and there... a cat-like catfish, a seeing-eye piranha, and plenty of other neat ones. But, each addition, I felt, was just touched upon leaving my imagination wanting more. This will be a four book series, so there will be plenty more to see, I'm sure. So, to clarify: I am NOT complaining about this... I just wish I could have had more!
Even though I felt it was a bit childish; I was surprised at how the story unfolded. The origin story of mermaids and how Atlantis disappeared was quite intricate and at the end I was left feeling excited for the next book. This new ocean world is one that occurred after Atlantis sunk. The humans that were left to drown were given the gift of sea-breathing by the powerful mages that ruled the land. It was a great Atlantis story-if you're into that kind of thing. ;)
Serafina was a typical privileged teen, but I tuned it out because it wasn't a main focus. She seemed like a new-age princess trope at times. The death, dying, and destruction in this book was not very believable. Again, I felt delving in to deeper emotions and discussing different story-lines with the secondary characters were missed opportunities.
Despite my few misgivings with Deep Blue I actually loved it. I am so glad I found it! It's a new take on mermaid culture and the Atlantis myth.
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LibraryThing member sunset_x_cocktail
I recieved a copy from Netgalley.
Mermaid books still fascinate me and this one sounded intruiging, so I put in a request via Netgalley. I very nearly gave up with it quit early on. While the world building in an under the sea landcscape was kind of fascinating, it was hard to read without comparing
That being said, I struck with it, the plot picked up fairly quickly. I read the first 30% in one sitting and the rest in two sittings this Sunday afternoon. While I still think the characters are a little immature, the story became rather enjoyable and I did find it quite unique. Very creactive, I did find myself rather liking the way the under sea world building grew. I particularly liked the magic created with use of song spells. No insta love. So love triangle. So a points for that. Actually there was no romance story line, which in a way was refreshing. It was an adventure story about six mermaids who come together to defeat an ancient monster. There's kingdoms at war, and a the main charter is thrust into a leadership role she's just not ready for.
I didn't particularly like the main character Serafina much, she was whiny and annoying, though she does come into her role as the story progresses and that made her bearable. She became more likeable as the story developed. Her friend Neela sticks with her throughout while I commend her for that and coming into her own role Neela just grated on my nerves. Throughout the story they meet up with the other girls who will help defeat the prophecy and the bad guy , each with her own special power to contribute and together they are greater than the sum of their parts.
It was left at a cliffhanger and has captured my attention to admit even though I have a sort of not sure if I liked it that much or not, I like it enough to look forward to the second book.
Also another square crossed off for Book Bingo challenge. - a new to you author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hatchette Children's Books for approving my request to view this title.
Mermaid books still fascinate me and this one sounded intruiging, so I put in a request via Netgalley. I very nearly gave up with it quit early on. While the world building in an under the sea landcscape was kind of fascinating, it was hard to read without comparing
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it to the Disney version of The Little Mermaid. It was amusing in a where is this going and is it going to be a train wreck sort of way. I found the main character and her her BFF to be very immature for princesses with responsibilities.That being said, I struck with it, the plot picked up fairly quickly. I read the first 30% in one sitting and the rest in two sittings this Sunday afternoon. While I still think the characters are a little immature, the story became rather enjoyable and I did find it quite unique. Very creactive, I did find myself rather liking the way the under sea world building grew. I particularly liked the magic created with use of song spells. No insta love. So love triangle. So a points for that. Actually there was no romance story line, which in a way was refreshing. It was an adventure story about six mermaids who come together to defeat an ancient monster. There's kingdoms at war, and a the main charter is thrust into a leadership role she's just not ready for.
I didn't particularly like the main character Serafina much, she was whiny and annoying, though she does come into her role as the story progresses and that made her bearable. She became more likeable as the story developed. Her friend Neela sticks with her throughout while I commend her for that and coming into her own role Neela just grated on my nerves. Throughout the story they meet up with the other girls who will help defeat the prophecy and the bad guy , each with her own special power to contribute and together they are greater than the sum of their parts.
It was left at a cliffhanger and has captured my attention to admit even though I have a sort of not sure if I liked it that much or not, I like it enough to look forward to the second book.
Also another square crossed off for Book Bingo challenge. - a new to you author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hatchette Children's Books for approving my request to view this title.
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LibraryThing member Mirandalg14
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Disney Book Group for access to this title.
This was not what I had expected from Jennifer Dnnelly, having read some of her other works. At times the language was difficult to follow, and other times it flowed a little better for me. Once I readjusted my perceptions from
This was not what I had expected from Jennifer Dnnelly, having read some of her other works. At times the language was difficult to follow, and other times it flowed a little better for me. Once I readjusted my perceptions from
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what I was expecting to what it actually was, I enjoyed it. The relationships between the characters were not always as strong as I would have liked, but they still worked and carried the story along. It will be interesting to see how this continues on and how they will overcome their trials. I'm hoping for the MC to find her confidence and complete her destiny. Show Less
LibraryThing member nariya.rose
Deep Blue is about the mermaid princess Serafina. She is the daughter of Isabella, ruler of the mermaid kingdom. Serafina is about to have her Domini, a test/ceremony to see if she is worthy of the crown. But a dark dream of evil creatures and river witches chanting prophecies haunts her, and when
I like this book because of how rich and complicated it is. There is so much history and so many mermaid countries and tribes! I recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about merpeople and prophecies.
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an assassin kills her mother and attacks the palace with a sea dragon, Sera and her best friend Neela flee. But how will they escape and find the others mentioned by the witches in the dream without getting caught by their enemies?I like this book because of how rich and complicated it is. There is so much history and so many mermaid countries and tribes! I recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about merpeople and prophecies.
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LibraryThing member AlishaM.B3
Serafina is preparing to become queen of Miromara but on coronation something terrible happened. The coronation was attacked by Traho and it killed serafina's father and possibly killed her mother. Serafina and her best friend Neela fled but got captured and there they both found out that they had
Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelley is a really good book. I gave it five stars because you feel like you are right in the middle of the adventure. I recommend this book to teens because there is a little bit of cussing. I also recommend this book to teens who like adventure, drama, and friendship stories. The book is so good that I can't wait for the next one. This book is also for people who like mermaids. With this book you can just sit down and read all the way through the book because it is so good.
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the same dream. Traho wanted to free a monster named Abbadon. When it was nighttime these two boys helped Serafina and Neela escape. They swam for many days but the came to a place and ended up trapped. But the human knew Serafina's mother so Serafina felt safe until Traho attacked and Serafina and Neela had to escape through a mirror. When they came through the mirror they met Ling and she told them about the same dream that Serafina and Neela had, and so they traveled for days. Until they were almost there were they met Becca and Ava who also had the same dream. When they got to the cave they met Astrid. The six girls were practicing spells to fight Abbadon because their powers were stronger together. Astrid just left because she didn't believe that Abbadon can break out, so the other girls kept practicing. Then Traho attacked and the girls escaped into the mirror just in time.Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelley is a really good book. I gave it five stars because you feel like you are right in the middle of the adventure. I recommend this book to teens because there is a little bit of cussing. I also recommend this book to teens who like adventure, drama, and friendship stories. The book is so good that I can't wait for the next one. This book is also for people who like mermaids. With this book you can just sit down and read all the way through the book because it is so good.
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LibraryThing member ptom3
My daughter loves mermaids. When she DEEP BLUE by Jennifer Donnelly, she asked me to get it for her. I did. She read it (the first in a series), then wanted the second, ROGUE WAVE. I ordered it. And when I gave it to her, she handed me, DEEP BLUE, and asked, "Don't you want to read this one?" Truth
Let me start with complimenting author Jennifer Donnelly. The narrative never broke mermaid narrative, from descriptions, metaphors and similes. Every detail was somehow underwater related, and seemed to have been written effortlessly. I am sure the writing was complicated. That is the mark of a pro (or pro editing team). One example was, that was sore "like a hook through the mouth."
In this taut novel, (339 pages, includes 10 pages of necessary glossary words), Donnelly tells an almost clean, YA underwater Game of Thrones-mermaid style tale. It is complicated enough to make writing an engaging review difficult.
As the Princepassa (princesses), Serafina tries not to let nightmares get to her. It is a big day. After performing a Songspell in front of all of Miromaran, she will take her betrothal to the next level and become officially engaged to Mahdi. The union of these young mermaids is coordinated to join two kingdoms, creating a unification that will make other kingdoms think twice about ever attacking either one.
That is the plan. However, breaking a long-time treaty, the Ondalina launch a surprise and devastatingly deadly attack. Serafina and Mahdi's cousin, Neela, escape the immediate danger of the battle on Serefina's kingdom, Instead, they find themselves engulfed in a dangerous adventure that makes war seem more like ripple from a pebble dropped into a pond.
The nightmares might be more of a foreshadowing. Serafina isn't the only mermaid having the dreams. Neela is, too. As are four other mermaids. Order of the Iele (Mermaid witches) is calling to them for help, drawing the six mysteriously together.
War is one thing. The Iele require six talismans to prevent the monster responsible for the sinking of Atlantas. The talisman's have been scattered across the oceans. No one knows where they are. Not even the Iele. Even with the magical objects, the six mermaids working together might not be able to defeat the Abbadon --a beast that has once been defeated and caged in Antarctica. But without the talismans, they know they NEVER will.
The action is non-stop. The danger is constant. There is no shortage of tension, or formidable enemies. From dark plot lines, to unexpected turn, after turn, after turn, DEEP BLUE was impressively gripping. I am now urging my daughter to hurry and finish ROGUE WAVE, because I want to read it next!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of Damn the Dead and
Young Blood: The Nightbreed Saga
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was, I didn't. I am so glad I did. I would have missed out on some amazing story telling.Let me start with complimenting author Jennifer Donnelly. The narrative never broke mermaid narrative, from descriptions, metaphors and similes. Every detail was somehow underwater related, and seemed to have been written effortlessly. I am sure the writing was complicated. That is the mark of a pro (or pro editing team). One example was, that was sore "like a hook through the mouth."
In this taut novel, (339 pages, includes 10 pages of necessary glossary words), Donnelly tells an almost clean, YA underwater Game of Thrones-mermaid style tale. It is complicated enough to make writing an engaging review difficult.
As the Princepassa (princesses), Serafina tries not to let nightmares get to her. It is a big day. After performing a Songspell in front of all of Miromaran, she will take her betrothal to the next level and become officially engaged to Mahdi. The union of these young mermaids is coordinated to join two kingdoms, creating a unification that will make other kingdoms think twice about ever attacking either one.
That is the plan. However, breaking a long-time treaty, the Ondalina launch a surprise and devastatingly deadly attack. Serafina and Mahdi's cousin, Neela, escape the immediate danger of the battle on Serefina's kingdom, Instead, they find themselves engulfed in a dangerous adventure that makes war seem more like ripple from a pebble dropped into a pond.
The nightmares might be more of a foreshadowing. Serafina isn't the only mermaid having the dreams. Neela is, too. As are four other mermaids. Order of the Iele (Mermaid witches) is calling to them for help, drawing the six mysteriously together.
War is one thing. The Iele require six talismans to prevent the monster responsible for the sinking of Atlantas. The talisman's have been scattered across the oceans. No one knows where they are. Not even the Iele. Even with the magical objects, the six mermaids working together might not be able to defeat the Abbadon --a beast that has once been defeated and caged in Antarctica. But without the talismans, they know they NEVER will.
The action is non-stop. The danger is constant. There is no shortage of tension, or formidable enemies. From dark plot lines, to unexpected turn, after turn, after turn, DEEP BLUE was impressively gripping. I am now urging my daughter to hurry and finish ROGUE WAVE, because I want to read it next!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of Damn the Dead and
Young Blood: The Nightbreed Saga
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LibraryThing member nbmars
This is the first in a series of four planned books about six mermaids who are trying to protect their hidden world from a monster which could destroy them all. There is a glossary in the back of this book, and believe me, you will need it.
Serafina lives in the Adriatic Sea, and like other
The night before the ceremony however, Sera has a dream that seems almost real, with river witches calling out to her and five others - each from a different kingdom of the seas - to help combat an ancient monster about to come to life. The next day, during her ceremony, the kingdom is attacked, with Sera and her best friend Neela among the only ones to escape alive. They begin to realize that the dream (which Neela also had) wasn’t make-believe, and that they must find the sea witches to understand how to save themselves and the world of the mer.
Discussion: The world-building in this book is extensive, but delivered in an awful, unrealistic info dump at the beginning of the book, or, as this writing style is often referred to, an “Introdump.” Characters swim up to Serafina and start expounding on backstory she would already know, such as the nature and history of the realm and the ceremony she is about to undergo. Sera responds to the other characters by adding to the info dump process in dialogue that would be absurd in real life between people who already know one another. Sera also receives a couple of lectures to fill in the rest (“As you know, Serafina….”)
Meanwhile, the mer world is described in what clearly sounds like screenwriting tips for an animation crew (especially because much of it would be too ridiculous for an adult movie). The characters sleep in scallop shells, sip sargasso tea and eat hors d’oeuvres of sea urchin or keel worms or salted crab eggs, listen to books on conch shells, and kiss anemones to get pouty, tentacle-stung lips. Travelers use sea elephants to carry their trunks, ceremonies are heralded by guards beating on bass drums made from giant clamshells, and partiers go to “all-night waves.” In more serious moments, they worry about terragoggs (or humans) who are destroying the oceans by overfishing and dumping garbage in the sea.
Donnelly, who has created such strong characters in her other books, here seems focused too much on creating her Disney-cartoon like world, and both the characterization and writing suffer greatly.
Evaluation: Jennifer Donnelly has penned such consistently excellent work that it was hard for me to believe this was really her writing. I’m hoping it’s just a fluke, so to speak… (Fluke: type of flounder, or part of a whale tail, or part of an anchor. Triple sea-related entendre!)
Serafina lives in the Adriatic Sea, and like other
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merpeople, is a descendant of the original mer who came from the ruins of Atlantis 4,000 years before. She has just turned sixteen, and as the daughter of the ruler of her people, is required to take a test to confirm her heritage, as well as to become betrothed to 18-year-old Mahdi, the crown prince of the mers from the Indian Ocean.The night before the ceremony however, Sera has a dream that seems almost real, with river witches calling out to her and five others - each from a different kingdom of the seas - to help combat an ancient monster about to come to life. The next day, during her ceremony, the kingdom is attacked, with Sera and her best friend Neela among the only ones to escape alive. They begin to realize that the dream (which Neela also had) wasn’t make-believe, and that they must find the sea witches to understand how to save themselves and the world of the mer.
Discussion: The world-building in this book is extensive, but delivered in an awful, unrealistic info dump at the beginning of the book, or, as this writing style is often referred to, an “Introdump.” Characters swim up to Serafina and start expounding on backstory she would already know, such as the nature and history of the realm and the ceremony she is about to undergo. Sera responds to the other characters by adding to the info dump process in dialogue that would be absurd in real life between people who already know one another. Sera also receives a couple of lectures to fill in the rest (“As you know, Serafina….”)
Meanwhile, the mer world is described in what clearly sounds like screenwriting tips for an animation crew (especially because much of it would be too ridiculous for an adult movie). The characters sleep in scallop shells, sip sargasso tea and eat hors d’oeuvres of sea urchin or keel worms or salted crab eggs, listen to books on conch shells, and kiss anemones to get pouty, tentacle-stung lips. Travelers use sea elephants to carry their trunks, ceremonies are heralded by guards beating on bass drums made from giant clamshells, and partiers go to “all-night waves.” In more serious moments, they worry about terragoggs (or humans) who are destroying the oceans by overfishing and dumping garbage in the sea.
Donnelly, who has created such strong characters in her other books, here seems focused too much on creating her Disney-cartoon like world, and both the characterization and writing suffer greatly.
Evaluation: Jennifer Donnelly has penned such consistently excellent work that it was hard for me to believe this was really her writing. I’m hoping it’s just a fluke, so to speak… (Fluke: type of flounder, or part of a whale tail, or part of an anchor. Triple sea-related entendre!)
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LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
DNF, chapter 4.
I was sucked in by the beautiful cover.
Unfortunately, the mermaids here are nothing more than some catty modern teenagers with some words substituted and some generic 'fairytale' elements thrown in.
"Merboys" have "merlfriends" (yes, really) and might "swim with a fast crowd."
They
The main character is a mer-princess about to be betrothed and rule the realm, but she doesn't come off as someone raised to wield power at all - instead she's busy whining at her mother "Why can't you be a mom instead of a queen" (paraphrase).
At Chapter 4, I'd had enough of it. (And I thought I could perceive a romance on the near-horizon, too.)
One disappointed mermaid fan, here.
I was sucked in by the beautiful cover.
Unfortunately, the mermaids here are nothing more than some catty modern teenagers with some words substituted and some generic 'fairytale' elements thrown in.
"Merboys" have "merlfriends" (yes, really) and might "swim with a fast crowd."
They
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wear gowns, have "updos" and dye their hair (yes, all underwater.) And above all, apparently, love gossiping. The mer-court seems like a cliquish high school.The main character is a mer-princess about to be betrothed and rule the realm, but she doesn't come off as someone raised to wield power at all - instead she's busy whining at her mother "Why can't you be a mom instead of a queen" (paraphrase).
At Chapter 4, I'd had enough of it. (And I thought I could perceive a romance on the near-horizon, too.)
One disappointed mermaid fan, here.
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LibraryThing member anyaejo
DNF'd at page 104 of the ARC. I had so much hope for Deep Blue since I love mermaids, but a combination of juvenile language and lazy world-building was just too much for me. Deep Blue really feels like it was written to be a fantasy on land and then the author tried to stuff it into a mermaid tale
Update: Sea robins are apparently real fish! I'm not entirely convinced that this was purposeful though >.>
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by adding "mer" and "sea" in front of every other word. They seriously call "girlfriends" "merlfriends" and have sea robins and sea elephants. Is it too much to ask that you use either real sea creatures or interesting fantasy sea creatures in your world? The mermaids are also enemies of the humans, but still use human names for oceans and places; how does that make any sense? There are also pages of info dumps and descriptions of clothing (that don't really make sense for sea people to wear...) and a rather shallow and insulting representation of various other cultures. In the end, Deep Blue is not a book I could push myself through and I really can't see it getting better given the number of problems I've already encountered.Update: Sea robins are apparently real fish! I'm not entirely convinced that this was purposeful though >.>
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LibraryThing member Eire2011
I've been meaning to read this book for quite some time though was easily distracted with other books. From the first page I was hooked and found myself lost in the Serefina's world. She's a mermaid princess who is the reluctant heiress to the throne of Miromara. She's been schooled and shaped her
This was one of the best mermaid books I've read in quite some time. Though some of the vocabulary was confusing, I loved how Jennifer included a glossary to help things make sense. Her world under the ocean is beautiful, mysterious and magic. It reminded me of the world that I first was curious about as a little girl after watching Ariel sing and swim her fins off too, even though she wanted to see land more than her own watery home. I loved the mixture of Mer and the concept of them originating from Atlantis. Both are subjects that I love reading about. I am looking forward to reading more about The Realms of the Mer, the twist of Atlantis, and where the Prophesy may lead six very reluctant mermaids.
My only complaint is that this book ended on a cliffhanger and the second book is alas not available at my local store. I can't wait to continue reading this fascinating saga.
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whole life for the role of Regina, working hard to be someone that her Mother and people could be proud of. On the day of her coronation, tragedy strikes and she finds herself fleeing for her life with her best friend Neela and most of the people Serena has known have either been killed or lost. With Serena's Mom's words and a dream all that guides them, they go on an adventure that will reveal a prophesy which will rock both of their worlds and those of four others. The origins of their kind has a much deeper meaning than they've been led to believe and these six women are the key to helping save their kind. This was one of the best mermaid books I've read in quite some time. Though some of the vocabulary was confusing, I loved how Jennifer included a glossary to help things make sense. Her world under the ocean is beautiful, mysterious and magic. It reminded me of the world that I first was curious about as a little girl after watching Ariel sing and swim her fins off too, even though she wanted to see land more than her own watery home. I loved the mixture of Mer and the concept of them originating from Atlantis. Both are subjects that I love reading about. I am looking forward to reading more about The Realms of the Mer, the twist of Atlantis, and where the Prophesy may lead six very reluctant mermaids.
My only complaint is that this book ended on a cliffhanger and the second book is alas not available at my local store. I can't wait to continue reading this fascinating saga.
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LibraryThing member Emily_Anne
*I received this book for free from the publisher. However, all thoughts and opinions in this review are completely my own.*
Deep Blue is a clever, vivid, and adventurous read! I can already tell that the Waterfire Saga is going to be an epic ride. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to
Going in, I expected to really enjoy the novel since I loved Jennifer Donnelly’s previous works. Fortunately, my expectations were met, although I have to say comparing A Northern Light to Deep Blue is quite hard. However, both are blessed with Donnelly’s wonderful writing! I absolutely loved her descriptions of mermaid life and customs.
The mermaids in Deep Blue are diverse and a lot of fun! I adored all the strong female characters. All of them are wonderful! That said, my favorite character would have to be Neela, Serafina’s bioluminescent best friend!
Also, I liked how this first book had minimal (basically zero) romance. The book focuses on Serafina’s quest and introducing us to the undersea world of mermaids! On that note, since Deep Blue is the first book in the series, it is basically an introduction to the entire setting, plot, etc. As a result of Deep Blue being an intro, I felt I lacked a strong connection to the characters. However, as I read future books, I hope that the characters will experience more character growth and I’ll be more invested in their stories.
The number one things I enjoyed about Deep Blue was Donnelly’s creativity. All the magic, singing, mermaid treats, river witches, and pretty ocean descriptions enthralled me. Also, I love all the fun mermaid words and exclamations such as merlfriend, currensea, and “Great Goddess Neria!”.
Overall, Deep Blue was a fun book filled with strong female protagonists and awesome details about the mermaid life under the sea! I would say this novel would entertain both YA and MG readers.
3.5/5
Deep Blue is a clever, vivid, and adventurous read! I can already tell that the Waterfire Saga is going to be an epic ride. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to
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fellow book-lovers!Going in, I expected to really enjoy the novel since I loved Jennifer Donnelly’s previous works. Fortunately, my expectations were met, although I have to say comparing A Northern Light to Deep Blue is quite hard. However, both are blessed with Donnelly’s wonderful writing! I absolutely loved her descriptions of mermaid life and customs.
The mermaids in Deep Blue are diverse and a lot of fun! I adored all the strong female characters. All of them are wonderful! That said, my favorite character would have to be Neela, Serafina’s bioluminescent best friend!
Also, I liked how this first book had minimal (basically zero) romance. The book focuses on Serafina’s quest and introducing us to the undersea world of mermaids! On that note, since Deep Blue is the first book in the series, it is basically an introduction to the entire setting, plot, etc. As a result of Deep Blue being an intro, I felt I lacked a strong connection to the characters. However, as I read future books, I hope that the characters will experience more character growth and I’ll be more invested in their stories.
The number one things I enjoyed about Deep Blue was Donnelly’s creativity. All the magic, singing, mermaid treats, river witches, and pretty ocean descriptions enthralled me. Also, I love all the fun mermaid words and exclamations such as merlfriend, currensea, and “Great Goddess Neria!”.
Overall, Deep Blue was a fun book filled with strong female protagonists and awesome details about the mermaid life under the sea! I would say this novel would entertain both YA and MG readers.
3.5/5
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LibraryThing member thebacklistbook
This book blew me away in how much the writing style got in the way of the story. Seriously if you are writing the kind of book that needs a map and glossary, both should be located in the front of the book.
Anyway the actual story itself was attention grabbing enough once I stripped away all the
Mermaids were treated more like centaurs in this book with their customs and traditions either being borrowed from humans, or it being suggested that humans got their traditions from the merfolk. I liked the attempt at saying that mermaids can be found all over the world and that they tend to take after species from those waters.
There was a glaring issue with that science wise. Certain species of fish can't survive outside of their respective climates. I would have expected this to be addressed in some way, like song-spells to help them survive or something. Since it is such a huge plot-point that they come together.
All in all not my favorite book but I am invested in knowing what happens to the characters now, so there is that.
Anyway the actual story itself was attention grabbing enough once I stripped away all the
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human activities-like drinking and eating off of china-that didn't make any sense. i did really like that the mermaids had different types of bottom halfs going on. Mermaids were treated more like centaurs in this book with their customs and traditions either being borrowed from humans, or it being suggested that humans got their traditions from the merfolk. I liked the attempt at saying that mermaids can be found all over the world and that they tend to take after species from those waters.
There was a glaring issue with that science wise. Certain species of fish can't survive outside of their respective climates. I would have expected this to be addressed in some way, like song-spells to help them survive or something. Since it is such a huge plot-point that they come together.
All in all not my favorite book but I am invested in knowing what happens to the characters now, so there is that.
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LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
This book didn't have much appeal to me. It is listed as a YA read, but I think it is better suited to middle-primary school students as I found the writing very juvenile. The world building was well done, but there was just too much unnecessary information and silly sea-related language. For
I did like the friendship between Serafina and her best friend, Neela, but their dialogue, with these stupid sea-idioms just grated on my nerves.
"Deep Blue" had potential, but it was too forced and superficial. I was expecting a darker, more adventurous story than what I was given and I definitely won't be reading any more books in this series.
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example, money was called currensea and a family tree was a family coral, which had me cringing. I am not sure if the author was trying to be cute or funny, but she failed on both accounts.I did like the friendship between Serafina and her best friend, Neela, but their dialogue, with these stupid sea-idioms just grated on my nerves.
"Deep Blue" had potential, but it was too forced and superficial. I was expecting a darker, more adventurous story than what I was given and I definitely won't be reading any more books in this series.
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LibraryThing member tldegray
I almost stopped reading when I found out merpeople use "currensea." But I kept going, hoping that the atmosphere created by the prologue would return. If it did, I don't know, because I stopped reading when this book turned into a series of cutesy words and teen boyfriend (and "merlfriend") drama.
(Provided by publisher)
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I just couldn't get past it.(Provided by publisher)
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LibraryThing member DrFuriosa
There are definitely some cheesy, kiddish elements of this book ("merlfriend," for instance? C'mon), but there are other more rewarding aspects that make this a great read for teen girls in particular. Where this book shines is in its depiction of sisterhood through female friendships. This is a
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book where the Bechdel test would ping wildly with joy--young merl women are friends and their conversations revolve around their own and each other's talents, instead of around boys. Refreshing! Show Less
LibraryThing member AngelaLam
I wanted to LOVE this book. It started out with a bang and fell apart in the middle. I was so discouraged I couldn't finish to the end.
Awards
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2017)
Green Earth Book Award (Winner — Children's Fiction — 2015)
Children's Favorites Awards (Selection — 2015)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014
Physical description
368 p.; 6.1 inches
ISBN
1444921185 / 9781444921182
Similar in this library
DDC/MDS
| 813.6 |