Name: Forgive My Fins
ISBN: 9780061914669

Tera Lynn Childs

Seventeen-year-old Lily, half-mermaid and half-human, has been living on land and attending high school, where she develops a crush on a boy but is afraid to tell him of her true destiny as the ruler of the undersea kingdom of Thalassinia.

Forgive My Fins

Courtney Gendreau

Original Review can be found at: www.literarychaos.com 
One of the first things I noticed about this book is that it felt very young. Even for Young Adult fiction it just seemed very juvenile. I wouldn't go as far as to say the novel feels middle grade, but I can comfortably say that this book seems to be written for a younger YA reader, say 13 to 15. I think that this is one of the reasons that I had such a hard time connecting with the characters and the storyline.

My main issue with this book is the main character, Lily. Disliking the main character is nothing new for me, but I can usually find some redeeming quality about them. With Lily, however, I just couldn't find anything to like about her. Her character was childish, shallow, immature, and just plain clueless throughout the entire book. If I hadn't known better I would have thought that she was much younger than seventeen. It felt as if she was trying to blame all her problems on those around her rather than doing anything about it.

Then there was her obsession with Brody, the would-be love interest. Her thought process when it came to Brody was nauseating. It seemed like the author wanted her to look like she was pining for an unrequited crush, but it felt more like she was delusional and borderline unstable. The only real saving grace to this book was Quince. His character was witty, patient, and charming in an unconventional way. He was rough around the edges but he really had a heart of gold, I don't know many people who could have put up with Lily the way he did.

From a plot standpoint, this book wasn't the most revolutionary; I was able to figure out the plotline pretty early on in the book and wasn't able to really immerse myself in the story. I did findThalassinia to be an intriguing and did enjoy learning about the mer society. While this book was not one of my favorites it was a cute read that I could see a younger reader loving it.

Stefanie  Uwah

I could not finish this book. It was soo cheesy and there were so many cliches! The fish puns that Lily always said were okay at the beginning but then I just began to grow tired of them. I feel like this book followed an outline. It was a story line that I had seen so many times before. Girl hates cute boy neighbor. Said neighbor makes fun of girl (obviously because he likes her). Girl "loves" hot boy at school. Hot boy not like girl. Girl sad. Cute neighbor boy decides to help girl get hot boy but tells her hot boy not the man for her. Okay you get the point. I feel like this book could have been good but from the beginning I was blasted with cheese! I KNOW Tera Lynn Childs can write! But I know that is series is not for me. This seems like it would be a good book for junior high kids, not so much for high school.

Paula Espinosa

It was INCREDIBLE. The best mix of romance and magic, about a love interest that doesn't really interest, except, you know, when they're kissing. Thanks for the amazing read.

Forgive my fins

Dina

This book would have been a great stand-alone, if it wasn't for that Epilogue.

Regardless of that, this is the sort of light, fun read you go for in the spring/summer time. I read it in one sitting. It helps take your mind off heavier stuff.

I enjoyed the mermaid aspect of it. It focuses on the romance quite a bit, yes, and the main character is in a deep pit of denial, but, like I said, it's not the sort of annoying thing you sometimes get with books that target a younger audience, so it ends up being just an enjoyable little thing to help you pass the time.

If you're looking for a light read and you enjoy mermaid stories, but not to the point of getting heavily involved with a fantasy plot, then this will be the book for you. Also, if you're trying to get out of a reading slump, this will probably help you get out of that black hole and move onto new things.

Now onto the second book!

Danielle H.

Review to come. just going to say for now that i loved this book alot more than i thought i would and the ending, definitely a cliffhanger. glad i have the second one!

Siobhán

I have had Forgive My Fins for way too long now. I received for review and meant to read it long before now. And I am mad at myself for only now reading it because I adored it. It was cute, quick and such a fun read. And my first Mermaid book and it certainly won't be my last. 

Forgive My Fins is about Lily, half human, half Mermaid. She has been living on land for three years and is head over heals in love with Brody. Lily wants to spend her life with Brody and on the night that she plans to tell him her secret. Things don't go to plan. Quince, her neighbour and the boy who has been teasing her for three years kisses her and everything Lily hope for is hanging by the thread and her happily ever after is threatened because when Mermaids kiss they bond and if her father, the King of Thalassinia doesn't approve a separation Lily will be bonded with Quince for the rest of their lifes. 

Omg!!! I seriously just adored this little gem. It was everything I hope it would. I heard so many people rave about this series and when that happens I usually end up not liking the book. However, I didn't like this, I feel completely in love with it. The characters, the setting, the story line, just everything was fantastic. 

Lily is one of those characters who are amazing from page one. In a way I think we can all relate to her because here she is totally crushing on a boy who has no idea how she feels. Come on, haven't we all been there? The boy in question is Brody. Popular and good looking but I personally didn't like him. He wasn't worthy of Lily's affection. However, there Quince. Who is totally swoon worthy and make me weak. Because its as clear as day how he feels about Lily. The chemistry between is what makes they story. Lily who is so shy around Brody seems to come alive around Quince. He irritates her to end and the banter between them is so funny. 

The plot is very simple and you know exactly what is going to happen start away but it doesn't stop you being totally enchanted by the story. Tera Lynn Childs has create something so magical with Forgive My Fins. Her description of Thalassinia really makes you feel like you are there, swimming through the kingdom and among these mythological aquatic creature.

I highly recommend you go read this if you like Mermaids. And if you are wanting a cute, fun and quick read. I devoured this within a few hours. Starting around 1am and I stayed up until 5am because I simply couldn't put this wonderful book down.

Samantha Seney

can't wait too read the next one!!!;) I just wan to know what happens but no one tell me!!!