A review by kamillahaf
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I don't think I have anything outright negative to say about this book.

I'm a bit biased, as I love pirates and fantasy. Make it gay, and I'm all here for it. I don't usually like reading romance, but this one didn't make me want to throw the book across the room. That's very unusual, so it's a big win in my book.

The quick pacing and the absolutely wonderful characters glued me to the book, i could hardly put it down. I enjoyed the world building very much, but be aware that race/class/gender/sexuality discrimination plays a big part, as well as colonialism. It's taken seriously, but not too gritty.

Also, mermaids. Do I need to say more?

I love Flora/Florian's journey to come to terms with herself and her identity, and generally the way gender is explored through her character. Very well written (in my non-expert opinion).

 
I was also so fucking shocked when I thought they killed Evelyn - I do not do unhappy endings, but luckily this one worked out in the end, they managed to find a place in the world for the two of them.