This book was a fantasticly darker twist on the classic mermaid fairytale. I loved how raw and beautifully the story was told and fell in love with all of the characters. Even though I found several spelling and punctuation mistakes in the copy I read (I don't know about paperbacks or if they are present in ebooks bought on amazon etc - but the ebook I borrowed from my local library certainly had its fair share of mistakes). That being said, I enjoyed this book so much that I still feel proud to give it five stars. The descriptions and narration was so beautiful and moving at times and you could clearly feel the difference between the two main character's (Lira and Elian) voices. This book has honestly blown me away and I am in love with it. I am so grateful it is a standalone as the story rounded itself off perfectly at the end and further continuation of these characters stories would probably ruin the whole feel of the book. That being said, a companion novel or sequel set in the same world of the hundred kingdoms would be amazing. I'd be so keen to read about/explore any other folklore aspects of this wonderful world that Alexandra Christo created. Andd that cover... Stunning!