The Moorings of Mackerel Sky is such a fun example of the creativity that is abundant in Maine as a setting. I'm a big fan of literary fiction, so when I saw this book on NetGalley, one that takes place so close to my home, I had to take the chance.

This novel was a brilliant debut, while it is absolutely fantastical and exploratory of myth, grief, and the troubles we face here as Mainers; it felt very true to the location in which it is set. The characters jump off the page, many of them feel like people that I went to high school with, or share very similar names. (I swear I have cousins with the same names as some people in this book!) I may be a bit defensive of portrayals of my home, as anyone who lives in Downeast Maine would be, but I do feel as though novel does my home proper justice, while also being its own entity that feels as fantastical in someways as Narnia or other favorite fantasy locales.

I would highly recommend this book to anybody who is into mermaid stories, who might be curious about what Maine is like, or who enjoys stories of small town connections, and the interactions that affect each of us more deeply than we may be aware.

This book was so magical, and gave me that falling into a dream feeling that I love. With a sprinkle of magical realism, THE MOORINGS OF MACKEREL SKY is perfect for readers who enjoy mermaid lore, the haunting grief that lies dormant within us, and the connection people have to myths and monsters. All of it, however, is grounded in the real world, making MACKEREL SKY feel both accessible and relevant. I loved the writing and how descriptive it was. I felt like I was standing with one foot in the ocean and one foot planted firmly in reality while reading this, and it was the most wonderful feeling.

Please read this book!

This was a really beautiful debut. You really grow to care for the characters as the story goes on, and I cried through the last few chapters--not a bad cry, just a lot of emotions. The pacing felt a little bit off to me, and I was impatient with the switching of perspectives just as I was getting invested in one storyline, but overall, I'm really glad I gave this book a chance.

A good literary fiction, but not one that grabbed me too much. I recommend picking it up if you're a fan of slow-moving, lyrical works.

Lovely, quietly queer magical realism novel set in coastal Maine that focuses on love, found family, and the way small town neighbors can become a village or tribe for one another.

Very reminiscent of some of Alice Hoffman's New England-set works like Practical Magic and Blackbird House, with the focus on fables and generational tales of magic and in this case, mermaids!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

I didn't dislike this book, but it was really missing something for me. The world-building was interesting at first, but didn't really come together. The characters were okay, but I didn't really connect with them. It was almost there, and again, I didn't dislike it, but didn't love it either.

I feel like mermaids draw a lot of readers in. There's something so fascinating about them. I was initially drawn to the premise of this book and I'm delighted that the story lived up to it. The plot is consistently entertaining and pretty fast-paced, especially for a story like this that needs some world building. The Maine setting is delightful. The author does a very good job of fleshing out the characters so the reader is invested in what happens to them. I especially appreciated the theme of a community coming together in hard times.

I am a sucker for a few things in life: mermaids & atmospheric writing are absolutely on that list.

I am thrilled to announce this book holds all that and more. The magic pouring out of each scene and character is incredible. The setting itself becoming a character? Show stopping.

This was all at once warm and sweet while also leaning heavily on nostalgia in a way that had my hair standing on end. An incredible read that leaves you wishing for more.

This magical realism story about mermaids in Maine really drew me in. I loved all the characters so much- they were each fleshed out and real. They told such an interesting and interwoven tale, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the subtle queer theme and how this community bands itself together in times of need. I would definitely recommend this book!