#agslatter

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Overall: 2/5

Characters: 1.5/5

Plot: 1/5

Writing and Setting: 4/5

The gist of my review:  

I had been excited about a gothic, folklore, mermaid, fantasy tale, and I was sorely disappointed with what was provided. This book was not what it was set out to be in the synopsis, and I'm unsure if that is due to false advertising.

Summary:

Long ago, Miren O'Malley's family prospered due to a deal struck with the Mer: safety for their ships in return for a child of each generation. But for many years, the family have been unable to keep their side of the bargain and have fallen into decline. Miren's Grandmother is determined to restore their glory, even at the price of Miren's freedom.

A spellbinding tale of dark family secrets, magic and witches, and creatures of myth and the sea; of strong women and the men who seek to control them.

Characters: 1.5/5

As mentioned before, this book had its downfall when it diverted from the fantasy plotline that readers had been expecting. Instead, the book presented readers with a character-driven storyline that wasn't all that exciting. I would have thought that the characters would have been a bit more likable; I just found Miren to be flat and irritating and her Grandmother to be a right royal b***h.

Plot and Theme: 1/5

I found that I physically had to drag myself through this novel. The plot didn't keep me gripped, and when you reach the 'fantasy elements', the book left me feeling disappointed.

Writing and Setting: 4/5

One thing I particularly enjoyed was the writing style itself. I enjoy gothic novels, and I firmly believe that Slatter has shown she can write a great gothic novel, but the writing style doesn't make up for the shortcomings of the book.

Conclusion:

Pros: Great example of gothic writing. Australian-based author.

Cons: Not what I was looking for and not what I expected the book to be about.