Tales from the Bargain Bin

Mini-Review here: Overall, I'm pretty meh about this book. While the idea that mythological creatures are secretly hiding among us isn't new, I haven't read a YA book that focused on mermaids before, so I really wanted to like this book. There's a lot of interesting world-building going on here that I found very appealing as were the politics not only within the mermaid court but also between other mythological creatures and the sea court. Unfortunately, none of this could really make up for the fact that the main character, Tristan, is a totally unlikeable arrogant asshole. He constantly talks about how good-looking he is and how many girls he's seduced and dumped and so on. Thing is, he knows he's a jerk and still acts like it. A jerk who admits it but continues being a jerk is still a jerk. It's a pity, since there are some really fascinating concepts in here as well as a few fairly likable secondary characters.

I don't think it's a a horrible book but I can't say I really liked it either. Not sure if I'll go on and read the rest of the series or not ... Maybe if I can find it used or get it cheap on kindle.

Final Verdict: Fascinating concept is ruined by arrogant asshole main character.