Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Featured, Mystery, Paranormal | 13 Comments
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Release date: September 4, 2012
Pages: 304
Summary: In 1873, the mermaid Syrenka kills the man who rapes her in order to become mortal. She marries the man she loves and lives in peace until the wife of the man she murdered comes after her. In present day, Hester discovers a young man in a cave by the sea and is strangely drawn to him. A family curse has prevented her from falling in love…until now.
My thoughts: Breaking news: I’ve finally found a mermaid book that I love! I was beginning to lose hope in the sub-genre when Monstrous Beauty hit my radar. I’m thrilled to announce that Monstrous Beauty is THE mermaid book of this year, at least for me, and that I would highly recommend it—especially to those wary of scaly ladies.
Monstrous Beauty stands out amongst other mermaid books because of its lush prose and mature tone. While other mermaid books play up the funny and cute, Monstrous Beauty revolves around a dark subject and isn’t afraid to terrify its readers. Elizabeth Fama’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, and its sinister edge perfectly reflects the story.
Fama uses a dual timeline to craft one heck of a mystery: the story flip-flops between the 1870’s and the present day, both narratives relating closely to one another. This adds such suspense to the novel: Fama almost always ends her chapters on cliffhangers, leaving the reader eager to reach the continuation (which usually occurs after the subsequent chapter). Readers will love the build-up and ultimate revelation of Monstrous Beauty’s mystery: it’s well structured, and its subject matter (mermaids! curses!) is very interesting.
I fell in love with Monstrous Beauty because of its fascinating mythology, its gorgeous writing, and its captivating narrative. Give it a read if you’re looking for a fresh take on mermaids!
4.5/5 stars
For those who like: mermaids, mystery, curses
Find the author at ElizabethFama.com.
Comment question: What are your thoughts on mermaid books? Have you found one that really speaks to you, like Monstrous Beauty does to me?
I’m glad to hear this book described as mature. With most mermaid books that I’ve read I’ve found to cheesy and very, um, not mature. I’m fascinated by mermaids as a creature but have yet to find an amazing mermaid book. I’m really excited to read this one, though. Thanks for the review!
Kapri (Book Fanatics) recently posted..Obsessions Started by Books
I definitely think this one will change your mind about mermaid books! :) Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
The mermaid book of this year? Hmm, now I’m very curious (I love mermaid books). I’ll have to wait and see if my library gets this one.
Fabulous review!
YA Book Queen recently posted..Mini Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Oh, definitely! I don’t make such grand statements lightly! :P
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Lauren! I’ve had my eye on it for awhile and I can’t wait till it releases (tomorrow)! I haven’t read any mermaid books yet, just because I haven’t seen many favorable ratings of them, but this one I definitely want to get my hands on! I hope I enjoy it as much as you and the dark elements definitely sound so intriguing! Another fantastic review, Lauren! :)
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings recently posted..ARC Review: Ironskin by Tina Connolly
hmm a mature YA book, sounds interesting! Im not a big fan of mermaid books, but i think ill give this book a chance! Great review Lauren!
- Farah @MajiBookshelf
Farah Majdoub recently posted..Review: The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers – Juhina
I am so with you on my feelings for mermaid books! I have always turned away from them. I did read the Madly series by M. Leighton, which I loved (really rides the line between YA and New Adult), but then I received Monstrous Beauty in the mail and it was soooooo my type of read. I was pretty stoked i fell in love with a mermaid book so I may pick up more of them.
Kimberly recently posted..Required Reading: 9/2/2012
I haven’t heard of the Madly series! I’ll be sure to check that out (I love New Adult!). :)
I just started this one today!! It has been getting some really awesome reviews. I hope I love it as much as everyone else seems to. Great review!!
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Cover Reveal: The Unnaturals by Jessica Meigs
I LOVE historical YA as well as contemp so it’s great a dual timeline was pulled off so well. Love that it’s darker as well – and that it sounds so creepy:)
I really liked Ann Greenwood Brown’s Lies Beneath – this too was grittier and the mythology was completely unique. The mer people are killers and there’s a vendetta of sorts as well:)
I’ve heard good things about Lies Beneath, but have yet to read it! Thanks for recommending it! :)
I’ve heard so many things about this book! So i don’t even have to say how excited I am to Read Monstrous Beauty, I mean it is about mermaids, curses and it’s creepy! AAAAH *-*
Well, a mermaid book that I liked is Lost Voices by Sarah Porter, it also has a very different take on mermaids although it can be a little immature at some parts…
I have not read any Mermaid books. Mostly because the reviews have always been just so/so. I guess I should begin with MONSTROUS BEAUTY.