GUEST REVIEW: Florence (Florence Waverley #1) by Ciye Cho

Seventeen-year-old Florence Waverley is out of her depth. Literally. Kidnapped and taken below the waves to the mer world of Niemela, she is the ultimate gift for merman Prince Kiren: a human familiar tied to his side. But nothing is what it seems amid the beauty and danger of a dark ocean.

Every Niemelan has a role to play, from the mermaids who weave towers out of kelp to the warriors who fight sea monsters. But in trying to survive, Florence will end up in the middle of a war between the mer and the Darkness. A conflict that will push her between two brothers: Kiren, the charmer inexplicably drawn to both her and the monsters; and Rolan, the loner who has been pushing her away since the day they met. But in order to take a stand--and find out where she belongs--Florence will have to risk it all: her life, her heart... and her very soul.

  

Review:

I absolutely loved this book. I've read a lot of mermaid stories recently and was pleasantly surprised to find this read. The writing is excellent with very few grammatical errors. The main character is fantastic. Florence begins the story flawed and invisible and ends up being this strong, fierce heroine. I loved her relationships with Ronan and Yolee. You can really see how hesitant she is at first to develop any sort of connection and the character development over the story is really well done. 

I really enjoyed the "look" of the mermaids in this story. Every person is unique in color and appearance but it's so well done that it doesn't appear alien. The author took the time to incorporate some traditional mermaid folklore into the story which was a nice throwback to the history of the mythology. The creatures and setting are all nicely woven into the story without appearing silly (giant starfish attacking). 

I really enjoyed the development of Ronan and Keeran's characters. The backstory was essential in seeing how these two became who they are and how they interact. The plot and the "villains" were really sophisticated for a mermaid story and I particularly enjoyed the reveal at the end of the tale that hooked you in for the sequel. 

In all, I gave Florence Waverley a 4.5/5. I can't wait to read the sequel and see the character development and what happens with regard to the Wise Ones and the survival of the kingdom. 

Guest Reviewed by Heather for YA Book Addict