Title:Deep Blue ( Book 1 Water Fire Saga Series)
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Supernatural
Pages: 324
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Reviewed by: Booklist (May 15, 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 18))
Grades 7-11. Just when Sera, the heir to the throne of a vast underwater mermaid matriarchy, is basking in the success of perfectly performing the rites of ascendancy, her city is ambushed, her parents are killed, and—now officially but reluctantly Regina—she’s on the run from powerful forces seeking to destroy much more than just her city. If that weren’t enough, Sera’s been having terrifyingly vivid dreams, which summon her and five other teenage mermaids to a mysterious coven of river witches in order to decipher an ancient prophesy and unlock their hidden powers. Best-selling Donnelly (Revolution, 2010) builds an alluring mermaid civilization and history, filled with painterly descriptions of Sera’s underwater palace and its unearthly architecture, her sumptuous wardrobe, and the menagerie of half-human, half-marine animal denizens. There’s also plenty of romantic tension with handsome mermen, strife between merls (that’s girl mermaids) from rival regions, and some powerful female friendships amid the fast-paced plot, filled with wondrous magic. This series opener raises far more questions than it answers, but it lays a promising groundwork for the forthcoming volumes. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: This $500,000 marketing campaign features TV spots, a national author tour, and even an original song. This series will be a part of your world.
Title:Rogue Wave ( Book 2 Water Fire Saga Series)
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Supernatural
Pages: 297
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Reviewed by: Booklist (March 15, 2015 (Online))
Grades 7-11. After Sera learns about her destiny at the end of Deep Blue (2014), she and the other mermaids depart to track down the mystical talismans that will help them defeat Abbadon, a monster with the power to destroy the world’s oceans. Sera and Neela separately return to their kingdoms only to discover that Traho’s nefarious control extends farther than they ever imagined, while simultaneously using their newfound magic skills and knowledge of their realm’s history to figure out where the talismans are hidden. Donnelly’s rich world building is as enticing as ever, though much of the plot seems like stage setting for the forthcoming trilogy ender. Additionally, certain elements of Sera’s ocean life are baffling—how does a mermaid drink hot tea from a cup underwater, for instance? Most readers probably won’t mind that quibble, however, and will instead immerse themselves in the twisty tale of betrayal, intrigue, and steamy romance. A compelling cliff-hanger ending will likely guarantee interest in the next volume. Familiarity with the first book is a must.
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