Revel by Maurissa Guibord

Series: STANDALONE

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Supernatural, Greek Mythology, Maine, islands, mystery, mermaids

Age/Grade Level:

Length: 339 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

List Price: $16.99

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Summary/ product description: “There’s an island off the coast of Maine that’s not on any modern map.
Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.
Sean Gunn, a handsome young lobsterman, befriends Delia and seems willing to risk his life to protect her. But it’s Jax, the coldly elusive young man she meets at the water’s edge, who finally makes Delia understand the real dangers of life on the island. Delia is going to have to fight to survive. Because there are monsters here. And no one ever leaves Trespass alive.”

My Rating: êêêê1/2

My Review: I enjoyed reading this book so much! It was creepy, funny, interesting and unique. A lot of work went into the characters and the island and the creatures. I’m sad this is only a standalone.  One book doesn’t seem like enough, but the ending was pretty satisfying. There’s a little bit of a love triangle, and even a few little cliché thing, but really, this was an awesome book.

Trespass Island, which is a made up island off the coast of Maine, seems like a beautiful place. How the author describes it in so much detail made it easy to imagine it. Its climate is more tropical somehow, possibly by magic, or by volcanic vents and air currents. It’s kind of like a Hawaiian island, but in Maine, so really on the very beginning of the book is set in Portland, Maine. This place would be an amazing vacation spot if it weren’t for the sea monsters and the reef surrounding it. It almost had a dystopian feeling to it because it’s so isolated.

Characters were well developed. I loved the narration and the main character. Delia is hilarious and fun, and a strong character. I knew what she was when those strange things started happening to her. I wasn’t sure I liked Jax. He seemed nice enough, but kind of a creepy fish-guy/merman. I glad Delia can love him. I was Team Sean most of the way. Sean may have not had the greatest sense of humor, but he was nice. And he has a big dog. Guys with dogs. Love that. Zuzu and Reilly were awesome side characters and wish they were in the book more often. Delia’s grandma is a very tough lady. She can survive anything! Go Gran!

As for the creatures and mythology, it’s kind of Greek mythology, but not really. Jax is a demi-god descended from Poseidon, as are all the 1^st ones. And they have these monsters they use to guard the island from other bad creatures. And there’s a celebration called Revel, which the First Ones and the humans participate in. That’s not too spoilery I hope. Either way, it’s unique.

I hope you enjoy this book. It’s very different from other mermaid books, but I’d recommend it to fans of Of Poseidon by Anna Banks, Siren by Tricia Rayburn, and Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs.

Cover Art Review: Cool photo. Was it taken from above or below the surface of the water? I see kerning issues with the title.

 

~Haley G