Review: Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Half-mermaid princess Lily Sanderson has been living on land for the past three years, crushing on Seaview swim-god Brody Bennett, dealing with annoying biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher, and just generally trying to figure out this whole human thing. But everything changes when she accidentally bestows her magical first kiss on the wrong boy. (YA)


REVIEW:
Adorable! Whimsical! Magical! There really isn’t any other way to describe Forgive My Fins. I felt like I was plopped right into the middle of a Disney film.
Lily is a half mermaid – half human – future Thalassinian princess, not really feeling like she fits in anywhere. She’s living with her aunt on land, attempting to live a normal life until her 18th birthday when she will reveal herself to her true love Brody - they will bond and return to rule the sea.
Just one problem. She needs to tell Brody how she feels. It’s been 3 years and poor Lily can’t get out more than a few words at a time when talking to him, never mind ask him to the upcoming dance and proclaim her undying love.
OK. One more problem. Quince. He’s always picking on her and interferes just when she gets close to Brody. Why oh why can’t that obnoxious biker boy see how perfect swim – god Brody is for her and get out of her way??
Then Lily finally has all her dreams come true. Quince agrees to help set up a secret meeting for her & Brody. She has her first kiss and it’s magical. It changes everything. Unfortunately in a case of mistaken identity, it is with the wrong boy. A mermaid’s first kiss creates a bond and now after of years of dreaming of this perfect moment with Brody, everything is ruined.
Did I tell you that Forgive My Fins was adorable? I can’t help it…it really, really is. I could not stop smiling while I was reading this book. I loved all the “sea puns”. While Lily is very nice to everyone, they don’t quite understand her fishy sub-text. “Son of a blowfish” and “Damselfish!” are her idea of swearing and she isn’t exactly considered a high school fashionista in her turquoise ruffled skirt and bright pink flip flops! The popular girls are mean to Lily and there is one scene in particular that had my heart breaking for her and cemented my love for Quince. If you don't fall in love with that boy then you have a cold...cold heart!
At times Forgive My Fins is overly naive. Lily is immature & a little bratty for her age and Quince seems to act like girls have cooties with the way he treats Lily at times. Also the way people react to her news of being a mermaid is nothing short of amazing. But the story is so sincere that I overlooked it all and just went along for the ride.
I also loved how Lily’s personality changes depending which world she was in. While Lily is all peace and love under the sea, on land she is a bit edgier (for Lily anyway) going toe to toe with Quince. Ahhh Quince – a true Disney hero! He does all the right things and is just fantastic when he is pulled out of his comfort zone living on Lily’s terms.
Loved: The world Tera Lynn Childs created here is so beautiful and original! It is really a book for all ages. Gorgeous cover!
Nitpick: It seems there is going to be a sequel to Forgive My Fins - Fins are Forever (June 28th 2011). I will read it but I almost wish the story ended right here. I would hate for it to end up being a traditional love triangle plot line or something that take away from the whimsy of this first book. It was so fresh and fun for me but I will give the next one a chance.

Rating: 3.8 out of 4 The perfect summer story to read while spending a day at the beach...or wishing you were at the beach!

Authors website: http://www.teralynnchilds.com/
Buy the Book! Forgive My Fins