Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air.
Goodreads Summary

This is the perfect love story between a winged boy and a mermaid.  The reader can expect to be transported into a different land where many things are possible.  Who knows? Mermaids can even read books!

Esmerine is a great character to read about.  She is inquisitive, almost remniscent of Disney's Ariel, as well as compassionate and has a capacity for bravery and stoicism that is amazing for a mermaid.  Alandare is far more staid, slightly too intellectual, and sometimes tries to become something he is not.  They used to be friends when they were children, but Alandare left Esmerine when he believed that a winged boy and mermaid could never remain friends. 

Esmerine must leave the ocean to search for her sister not long after her sirens' induction.  She was looking towards a life of being a siren, slightly boring, but expected.  Now she has the chance to discover more of the world and get back in touch with one of her lovely books. 

I really enjoyed this story.  I loved Esmerine's character, she really held my attention.  Alandare was a good character, a little too stuffy, but he needed Esmerine to loosen him up.  I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and develop.  The events were exciting, the reader never knows quite what to expect.  The author writes very fluidly, the transitions are smooth.  This book is highly recommended to anyone who is young at heart.

5 Stars

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