Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.
Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?
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Review:
Waterfell is a well written and riveting on land adventure that mixes romance and friendship with otherworldly sea creatures in this exciting tale that sees typical teen drama mingle with undersea political agendas and surprising dangers!
I have to say, I really liked Waterfell; even more than I anticipated I would. Amalie Howard has penned a very unique and different story that explores sea creatures in a different way than the typical mermaid or selkie tales readers may be used to. I was very impressed with the lengths Howard has gone to to ensure her story is unlike anything else that is out there. Waterfell truly features the creatures of the deep; the sea monsters of legend, and Howard manages to perfectly weave them together with the standard teen taste for the dramatic we love with YA.
Waterfell follows sixteen, turning seventeen, year old Nerissa "Rissa" Marin a young woman who has been living a normal teenage existence on land for almost four years but who is actually an Aquarathi—a sea monster able to take human form. As the royal heir to a crown in jeopardy and having spent the last four years of her life masquerading as a human, Rissa is somewhat a reluctant queen-to-be. However, when a powerful danger resurfaces and Rissa is faced with losing her birthright forever, she must delve into her family’s surprising past and finally face her people or risk losing the throne forever.
As someone who reads a lot, I really do enjoy the prospect of something different and I loved the overall fresh and light feeling of Waterfell. Howard depicts a very enticing world in this story and I was thrilled with the romance, friendship and laughter that is woven together with the high political stakes that come from our heroine being of royal blood in this book.
I thought Nerissa was a very striking main character and she made for a very interesting protagonist to follow. Rissa is strong-willed, athletic and vocal. She doesn’t let anyone push her around and she is willing to hold her ground when need be. Granted she’s also rash, unbending and endlessly stubborn. Rissa is quick to speak out and often says the wrong thing in the heat of the moment. And yet despite this, and all her fears and uncertainties over becoming queen at first, you can’t help but love Rissa’s passion as she begins to accept all that she is.
Throughout Waterfell I found the characters managed to compliment the storyline perfectly. Rissa has a friend for life in the form of her best friend Jenna who is nothing but totally loyal and supportive throughout the entire story. Her "guardians" and on land family including foster mother Soren, foster father Echlios and foster brother Spieo were perfect as her family/subjects who endeavor to protect Rissa while also caring about her too.
Rissa’s romance with human boy Lo is very focal throughout the story and Lo’s cocky and arrogant nature make for a lot of entertaining scenes between he and Rissa as Rissa fights her growing attraction and feelings for the mysterious boy who still manages to make her stomach flutter. Lo and Rissa were very adorable to witness and the developments Howard introduces to their relationship hold a lot of promise for the books to come.
Author Amalie Howard really had me entranced by the storyline within Waterfell and I’ll be the first to admit I was surprised by some of the brilliantly developed plot twists she exhibited in this story. All is not what it seems and the friendship, loyalty and danger Howard weaves together with romance and excitement has me eager for the second book!
Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarlequinTEEN (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you want an underwater adventure with a twist, this will be perfect for you!
Cover: Very pretty, but not how I picture Rissa either....
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes!
Ah I've been debating on buying this for SO long, I think it is finally time I pick it up!! Great review hun! Some good romance, and a unique story? Count me in! (:
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