Monstrous Beauty
By Elizabeth Fama
September 4, 2012


Syrenka is a mermaid who falls in love with a naturalist, Ezra. She abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness but her decision comes with deadly consequences.

Syrenka’s family is cursed, to love means death for the women in her family. As she and Ezra try to get to the bottom of the curse, great forces try to stop them from exposing the link to Syrenka’s misfortune.

I loved this book, I was completely immersed into the world. The story was dark and creepy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the advanced readers edition in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of the Little Mermaid who are ready for a darker tale. Syrenka is a mermaid who has given up her life underwater for Erza, a man. This turns out to not be a great decision. Over one hundred years later, Hester meets a stranger named Ezra. He is determined to help her figure out her family's curse.

I won't be able to leave a review for this book; I requested it in a past lifetime of my NetGalley use (over ten years ago) and it no longer fits with my reading interests. If I ever do end up reading it I'll come back and update this!

Well researched book set in Plymouth, MA about dark mermaids and a family curse. Jumps back and forth between 1873 and the present. The plot and story had so much potential but it wasn’t for me. Hester needed to be slapped! Ugh my favorite character was the old pastor.

But thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Three and a half stars: An entertaining and well researched book that blends the past with the present while exploring curses, magic and dark mermaids.

Plymouth in 1873 is where a young, ambitious scientist lives. He wants to record all the mysteries he sees in the ocean, until he stumbles upon a mermaid. Syrenka is a dangerous mermaid, who gives into her desire for this young man with devastating consequences. Their happiness is short lived as there are plenty who wish to destroy them, including the dark witch of the sea. One tragic night brings forth death and the birth of a terrible curse that is passed down generations. Fast forward a hundred and forty years later, Hester, a precocious seventeen year old, meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra in a cave, whom she is is inexplicably drawn to. Ezra vows to help Hester solve the mystery of why all the women in her family, including her own mother, die shortly after giving birth to a daughter. Hester quickly learns the truth about her heritage. Can she fix the curse?
What I Liked:
*Monstrous Beauty isn’t another one of those charming mermaid stories with love conquering all. This is a dark tale with curses, evil people who want to destroy others, magic and death. I was quickly drawn into this story, and I loved that it blended the past with the present.
This story takes place in both 1873 and present day. Ms. Fama skillfully weaves the story of the past into modern day. I liked that the stories fed off one another and that the author pulled it off without any jarring segue ways.
*This story features an interesting cast of characters. Hester the main character is a nerdy, yet likable teenage girl who is haunted by the curse in her family. She vows not to marry and fall in love until she meets Ezra. As Hester uncovers the truth, she finds herself in a terrifying position. I liked her pluck and determination, and how she faced down the big baddies with courage. I also enjoyed the Scottish pastor and young Linny, especially when I learned more about their history.
*I could tell a lot of work went into this novel. Not only is it well written, it is also meticulously researched. The author does a great job in bringing out all the little details that make Plymouth both past and present come alive.
*For those of you seeking beautiful mermaids, this is not for you. The mermaids are on the darker side. Syrena and her sisters aren’t beautiful sirens, but they have been known to lure a man or two beneath the waves. Then there is the the sea witch who is even darker than Ursula. She has rows and rows of sharp teeth. I loved this dark take on mermaids.
*I loved the paranormal aspects of this one. I won’t go into the details, as I don’t want to spoil it, but there are some interesting supernatural developments that add to the mystery and the suspense of the story.
*The ending is fast and furious with plenty of big reveals. It is a bittersweet ending. I was pleased when the dust settled. The book ends in a good spot without any nagging questions or unfinished story lines. This is a stand alone. No cliffhanger.
*I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Katherine Kellgren. Ms. Kellgren did a tremendous job. I loved her accents. The emotion she pumped into the story, especially during the climatic moments added to the enjoyment of the story. I especially enjoyed the interview at the end between Kellgren and the author.
And The Not So Much:
*Hester has a love interest at the beginning of the story. I wished that there was more development and detail with Hester’s modern day relationship. I didn’t like how she pushed him away and that she treated him badly. He was kind and caring, and there when it mattered.
*I wish that the aftermath of the events in 1873 was explored. How did the town react when they found out what had happened?
*I wanted more depth and detail on the mermaids. Syrenka and her sisters were fascinating. I wish that I had a better understanding of what their lives were like beneath the waves.

Monstrous Beauty is not your happy, Little Mermaid type story. This is a darker more sinister read that blends the past seamlessly with the present. This is a story of deep love, evil magic, dark curses and regret. I enjoyed the mystery, the characters and the attention to detail. If you want a mermaid story with teeth, this is one to try.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

DNF - I read Fama's second book, Plus One, before reading this one and didn't find any redeeming qualities in it. From what I can tell, this book would have many of the same issues of abusive male characters.

Cleaning up Missing Feedback:

Truth be told, I was not expecting to like this book, but I did! Wow!