Thu, September 27, 2012
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama Review
Monstrous Beauty
By Elizabeth Fama
Publication date: Sept. 4, 2012
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 304 pages
Source: Publisher, via NetGalley
Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.
Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago.
— Goodreads.com description
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama is just the mermaid story I’ve been waiting for. Intricate and well-planned, Fama’s plotlines weave in and out of past and present beautifully, telling a story that is much more dark and dangerous than I expected.
The twisty plot is the stunner of this book – I may have predicted almost every turn from the get-go, but following along as Fama slowly unravels the story is so very enjoyable.
Loved Hester, who was a delightfully determined main character. Didn’t care much for the love story plots – whoa creepy Ezra – but the ghost story aspect was a nice touch. Creepy!
So, I was pleasantly surprised with Monstrous Beauty, definitely engrossed…but maybe not in love, as I did connect a few of the dots early on.
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I read. A lot. Mostly whatever YA novels the library has on hold for me that week. Sometimes grown-up books if my book club makes me.
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Cass (Words on Paper) said:
Reviewers are just extraordinary–I read a less than favourable review of this book just yesterday. This particular reviewer said pretty much the opposite! Haha, which is what makes the book blogger community so great. I guess I’ll have to read this for myself then…
Cass (Words on Paper) recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday (43) – I’ll give you five…
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Posted on: Thu, September 27, 2012
Kyle @ A Reader’s Pensieve said:
I might just have to read this! Sounds more interesting than the only other mermaid book I know of, Of Poseidon. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Kyle @ A Reader’s Pensieve recently posted..Audiobook review: A Long, Long Sleep
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Posted on: Thu, September 27, 2012
Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook said:
I almost bought this book the other day while I was at B&N. I decided not to because, even though I like the idea of mermaids, most of the mermaid books I’ve read, I’ve been disappointed in.
I read another review yesterday of Monstrous Beauty, and now reading yours, I am pretty sure this book isn’t for me.
Thanks for the review!
Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook recently posted..The Serpent’s Ring Blog Tour: Author Interview with H.B. Bolton
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Posted on: Thu, September 27, 2012
Lisa said:
I’ve yet to read a mermaid book.
I know.
But this one sounds like it might be a good start! What with the creepies and the ghosties and what not.
Lisa recently posted..Review: Firelight
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Posted on: Thu, September 27, 2012
Scarlett Rose said:
This book seems to be a puzzling one include lots of twist. I guess I’ll have to try this because i have never read about a fierce & seductive Mermaid
Thanks for the review.
-Scarlett.
Scarlett Rose recently posted..Lazy Monday
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Posted on: Thu, September 27, 2012
jen said:
YES. i loved this book so, so much. it deserves more hype than it received because of the beautiful writing and OH, the twists. the ghost story was the icing on the cake.
jen recently posted..Carla’s Thoughts – Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
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Posted on: Thu, September 27, 2012
April Books & Wine said:
See, I’ve read a few negative reviews of this, but because you and Jen liked it, I think I actually am going to give it a chance.
April Books & Wine recently posted..Skylark Meagan Spooner Book Review
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Posted on: Thu, September 27, 2012