Book Review - The Honeys by Ryan La Sala

 

Mars always felt that he was the lesser twin. He was always in his sister, Caroline's, shadow. However, when Caroline dies in a horrible accident, Mars is determined to learn more about his twin. The pair were once inseparable but, sister has slowly grown distant from him.

Mars considers himself to be gender fluid. His politically connected family often excludes him from traditions and expectations because of it. He was excluded from attending the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy that her sister loved attending. Mars is still trying to cope with her death and insists on attending the academy in her place.

Mars realizes the camp atmosphere and what it stands for isn't for him. The adults and children still follow outdated old fashioned gender roles along with allowing predatory behaviors among the campers. Mars seeks out Caroline's old roommates, a group of girls called the Honeys. They were named after the beehives they maintain near their cabin. Mars feels drawn to them but he is certain that they are connected to Caroline's death.

I found the novel to be an entertaining read. Mars was a delightful character and I love his witty banter with Wyatt.  In the beginning, the description of the Honeys and certain situations pulled in readers and kept them there and left them wanting to know more. However, I felt like some parts of the book stalled and felt a bit disjointed. I did enjoy the story but, I can't put my finger on why I didn't love the story especially, since I liked Mars as a character. I would be open to reading more books by the author though.

 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy  of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

Book Review - Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sanna is a mermaid but, she is half landish. When Sanna was born, an old sea witch cast a forgetting spell that made Sanna, her mother, her father, and her people forget the details of her birth including her mother. When Sanna turns sixteen years old, she decides to find her mother as she feels like an outsider in her seavish flok. Determined to find her roots and identity, she apprentices herself to the sea witch who cast the spell on her and her family.

After learning the magic to make a pair of legs for herself, she decides to follow the clues to the location of her mother. Before she leaves, the sea witch gives her a cryptic quest to complete. As Sanna begins her journey, her flok wait for her news on her journey. While on land, Sanna comes across a village who is desperate for a miracle and a baroness who will stop at nothing to live forever.

I was quite torn with this review. I thought the novel was beautifully written but, then at times, it was just too much. I was more than 85% done with the book before I couldn't be bothered anymore. The story progressed so slowly that the story didn't even progress in 50 pages. It was mostly 50 pages of atmosphere building or Sanna debating what to do or the sea life that lives on the old witch's body. I wasn't a fan of the different points of view because I felt like it added little to the story. I wanted to enjoy this book more because I love a good tale. I am still looking forward to other books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**