Between the Sea and Sky
Author: Jaclyn DolamorePublisher: Bloomsbury, 2011
For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air.
My Review:
Esmerine goal had always been to become a siren and guard the ocean waters alongside her sister Dosinia. She is now a siren, but her sister has run away! It is now up to Esmerine to go to the mainland and brave the streets of Sormesen in search of her sister. Not knowing where to being her search, she looks first for Alander her childhood friend and one of the winged people. As they search for her sister memories and new feelings will surface. To stay together they will have to break the barriers that stand between them, between the sea and sky.
A fun, quick read, in an originally captivating world. A really sweet story of two best friends who will learn that race and culture are no reason to turn their backs on love. Alander and Esmerine work so well together. He is this really bookish guy who loves to read philosophical and political pieces, and only Esmerine can bring out the fun and carefree side of him. I love how she challenges him on the belief that myths and fairy tales don’t teach important values. She’s really smart too and caring of her family and friends. When deeper feelings start to surface, they try to distance themselves, claiming they’re too different to ever have a life together. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is love.
Between the Sea and Sky is all fluff, and love, and happy endings, but I still would’ve liked to see a bit more conflict as things developed. Sometimes things happened to easily, or were obtained without much trouble. Also, very original concept of the winged people, but I could hardly picture how their arm and fingers worked. Overall I thought it was a very nice read. One that left me feeling light and happy.
*I received this book via Netgalley from the publisher*
Favorite Quotes:
“You ought to use a little of that siren song on Alan, my pearl. The boy needs to loosen his cravat.”
~
“Well, what are you drawn to?”
Her stomach fluttered. “I guess—it must be—books.” True. Just not entirely true. Other mermaids were content to marry mermen and giggle about humans. Why did she have to be so drawn to dark, clever eyes and graceful wings and childhood memories that wouldn’t leave her alone?
