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THE VICIOUS DEEP

Name: THE VICIOUS DEEP
Author: Zoraida Córdova
ISBN: 978-1-4022-6510-5

From the Vicious Deep series , Vol. 1

by Zoraida Córdova ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2012

Neither vicious nor deep, the novel is mildly entertaining and will likely appeal most to dedicated mer-fans.

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Another mermaid book joins the flood.

Tristan Hart “was born at sea.” It’s no wonder he is the star of the high-school swim team and a Coney Island lifeguard. But while Tristan always prided himself on swimming like a fish, he never imagined he’d become one. When a rescue attempt in stormy seas nearly robs Tristan of his life and leaves him with some unexpected physical side effects, the truth shakes Tristan to the very last scale of his newly sprouted fishtail. Son of a human father and a mother whose distress over their son’s transformation never feels truly genuine, Tristan discovers he is heir to the Sea King’s throne and must compete in a tournament to lay claim to the kingdom. With his best friend and secret love, Layla, and his mer-guardians, Kurt and Thalia, by his side, Tristan battles creatures from the deep on land, at sea and in his own mind. Herein lies one of the novel's greatest problems. Despite the alluring title, the creatures in this story, with the exception of one particularly scary excommunicated mermaid, simply aren’t that vicious. In fact, their descriptions—like the small, round half-man, half–blow fish—seem more suited to one of the original Star Wars movies than contemporary teen fiction.

Neither vicious nor deep, the novel is mildly entertaining and will likely appeal most to dedicated mer-fans. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)

Pub Date: May 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-4022-6510-5

Page Count: 384

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Review Posted Online: March 20, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2012

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

- BOOK REVIEW
MERMAIDS NEVER DROWN
edited by Zoraida Córdova & Natalie C. Parker

- BOOK REVIEW
STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC
by Zoraida Córdova , Tessa Gratton , Claudia Gray , Justina Ireland , Lydia Kang , George Mann , Daniel José Older , Cavan Scott & Charles Soule

- BOOK REVIEW
VALENTINA SALAZAR IS NOT A MONSTER HUNTER
by Zoraida Córdova

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EARTHLINGS INSIDE AND OUT

by Valerie Wyatt ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1999

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Wyatt (The Science Book for Girls, 1997, etc.) adopts an alien’s-eye-view of earthlings, comparing the human body with that of a friendly lifeform from outer space. A cartoon anatomical outline charts the alien Danoid’s first encounter with Pete. Danoid labels hands as primary manipulatives, feet as planet connectors, and knees, multidirectional movement facilitators. Earthling skin, hair, brains, bones, muscles, and organs are measured by these compare-and-contrast standards, delivering information along the way. Sifting through a flurry of text, readers will stumble upon headings marked “Science Fair Ideas,” consisting of simple, at-home experiments such as tracking one’s pulse with a dab of modeling clay or smelling foods that have strong odors. While the concept is attention-getting, and often humorous, the actual information is often overwhelmed by distracting asides, experiments, and reports filed to Danoid’s commander; this compendium may be more worthwhile for browsers than researchers. (diagrams, index) (Nonfiction. 8-11)