I never thought I'd love a mermaid book until I read this one!

Secrets of the Deep: Book Review

Secrets of the Deep by Marissa Noelle

As the title suggests, I really never did think that I'd love a book about mermaids. I have more than a couple of bones to pick regarding mermaid books. To my shock, however, this book managed to assuage all of my preconceived gripes. To the point where I have been avidly devouring the new ones as they come out.

So What are my usual gripes?

There are a number of issues that I usually take with mermaid books. The first of these is that if you're having mermaids as a sexual interest in a book, and they are in love with a human I do fall prey to the question of, "But how do mermaids have kids or have sex?" Before you scold me for this question I do think it's relevant given that in most YA books that feature mermaids, they are a love interest.

Noelle addresses this early on meaning that you're never left with questions of practicality. It's simple. In her world mermaids can be created in two ways, born, or made. The mermaid's history of previously being able to walk on land, their homeland of Atlantis (wonderful idea by the way) gives them a richer and more deeply thought-out lore.

My second questions is always, how do they communicate underwater? Again, this is solved instantly. Telepathy. Again this is a simple question to answer but answering it adds to the wonderfully in-depth lore.

I could list a hundred other questions I usually have but suffice to say that Noelle's lore for her underwater world is wonderfully developed and full.

So what did I love most?

The thing I loved most about this was the world building. Noelle perfectly nestles so many easer eggs within the text that hint and more to come that the moment I put it down I ordered the second one. I love when a world is so richly built that it ignites that excitement inside of you to read more, to continue to want more.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light read with relatable characters in a world full of wonder and mystery!

5/5 Stars!

You can find all Marissa Noelle's books here! https://www.marisanoelle.com/