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Undertow by Callie Kingston Review and Ebook Giveaway!

Sunday, June 3, 2012
UNDERTOW is a contemporary novel in which a young woman finds a terrible choice thrust upon her: overcome the pain in her past and the dangers which lurk in her mind, or succumb to these and be lost forever inside a beautiful dream.
 Marissa is nearly eighteen and can't wait to leave behind her traumatic past. With long time boyfriend Drake, she thinks she has her future all figured out--until she discovers his betrayal. She flees to a desolate beach on the wild Oregon coast hoping to escape her pain, where, overcome with emotional and physical exhaustion, she dozes off beside a log. When the first icy waves strike her, it is too late: a rogue wave drags her out to sea.
 Somehow she survives, and now each night she dreams of a creature who rescues her. Determined to discover the truth, her obsession deepens until she once again risks her life in the frigid ocean. Will the creature Marissa seeks save her? Will she be lost forever in the eddies of her mind, or will Jim, her new boyfriend, keep her from drowning in the abyss?

Goodreads Summary

Marissa's life is far from perfect.  She has a mother who always seems to be angry with her and a father who doesn't seem to notice her.  It is interesting how the author portrayed Marissa's character.  The reader will learn later on in the book that Marissa is not quite what she seems, but the author handles that problem very fluidly.  Marissa is slipping and it's not just because her life is slowly becoming crazier. 

Overall, the best and most interesting character was Marissa's.  It is intriguing because most likely the reader won't take to her character right away.  She isn't exactly a warm and friendly type, a bit prickly instead.  However, her romance with the merman who saves her and her clear love for who she imagines him to be will serve to make the reader feel more compassion for her.  The other characters are interesting...not all likable. 

The plot itself is great.  The author has a clear goal from page one and accomplishes that goal wonderfully.  The ending is somewhat unexpected, but oddly perfect. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

3 1/2 Stars


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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

5 comments:

  1. Dyniy said...:

    This is the 1st I've heard of it about this book so I'm interested to hear more. It sounds good especially the ending. I guess I'll just have to read it to find out. I thought that there was a giveaway on this book but I can't find out how to enter. I would love to win it. ;-)

  1. I read a great review of this book today. Definitely interested.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

  1. Lili said...:

    This book has been on my TBR list for so long. I love unexpected endings because nothing is fun if its entirely predictable. Plus, if it's both unexpected but perfect at the same time, it must be pretty decent. Your rating worries me since it's the lowest I've seen for the book, but I'm still determined to check it out this summer.

  1. Unknown said...:

    I've heard some interesting things about this book. Marissa sounds like a complex yet sad character. Sometimes a character shouldn't be easily likable. I like when they are real and have problems and are not perfect. Sounds good!

  1. I keep looking for a good mermaid novel because, with the exception of Lies Beneath, I just haven't had any luck with them. It doesn't seem that I have found it in Undertow, either. Ah well, it will happen one day I suppose. Thanks for the review!