Book type: YA/middle grade novel
Author: Liz Kessler
Pages: 320
Summary(goodreads.com): Emily is headed to a tropical island for a relaxing vacation with friends and family. And this time, Emily promises her best friend, Shona, there will be absolutely no adventure — just plenty of fun. But somehow excitement always seems to find Emily, and before she knows it, she ends up on the other side of a powerful waterfall on a forgotten island no one else can get to. Well, no one that isn't a half-mer like Emily and her boyfriend, Aaron. The people who live on the island believe in a prophecy that foretells how they can be saved from an imminent, devastating earthquake — and this prophecy seems to revolve around Emily and Aaron, as well as a mysterious, mythic giant. Will they be able to find the giant — and fulfill the prophecy — before it's too late?
My Review:
I was so excited for this swishy new tail from my favorite series, Emily Windsnap! Sadly, I was let down by the lack of mer-detail and characterization.
The Swishy World Building:
First, I like that this novel does some recap at the beginning; it’s been a while since an Emily Windsnap book was released. The world building that Kessler created is, as always, phenomenal. The beautiful tropical island, hidden coves and caves, and the luxurious cabanas made me jealous! I need a vacation like Emily’s. Now that they have some time to relax( or so they think) Aaron and Emily have time to develop their blossoming romance, but it still remains innocent and cute.
But that’s all that I enjoyed.
The Strange Island People, Missing Mermaids?
After exploring the Forgotten Island, Emily finds out its inhabited by 2 tribes/clans. However, there was a significant loss of detail in their characterization. Aside from what they look like, there wasn’t any detail about their culture, where they came from, what they eat, or even how they dress! This made it difficult to envision or believe. There were also some other details that seemed strange:
1) How do they know English if they never came in contact with the outside world? Shouldn’t they have their own language?
2) The concept of science is a deeply intellectual idea that has to be explained. How can one of the islanders blame a prophecy on scientific coincidences?
3) Also, when Emily reveals she is a mermaid, they barely seem surprised!
With such a beautiful tropical setting, I wanted more of an underwater adventure. Emily is half mermaid after all, and much of this adventure was spent on land. Shona and Emily also fight the entire novel, which was disappointing. The ending was ambiguous and a bit depressing as well.
This was not one of my favorite adventures. I give this novel 2 and a half stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie