This book actually surprised me in many ways. Cora is extremely likable. The book opens with her family issues and the amount of pressure she has from bother her mother and sister. We are able to gain a strong sense of her personality based on her level of compassion, frustration, and familial role. When she is given a chance to escape (albeit not the escape she was hoping for), she has a chance to learn who she really is, both on a personal and much larger social scale. I do not want to give any spoilers but I loved the entire book. Each character brought something new, whether it was a heart wrenching struggle (Darrien), the annoying mean girls, or new family connections, I was along for the ride 100%. I felt each emotion, and each struggle Cora endured as if it was my own. I did not know, however, that this would be a book about mermaids which made it even more fun! I look forward to seeing where the next book goes and how Cora and Darrien face each twist sent their way.