Breakwater plunges you in to a world inhabited by mermaids. In this underwater city of Thessalonike, social classes are held and ruled over by the King. A human like species, called the Naiad, exists as the lowest standing class of this hierarchy. This story will immerse you in to the struggle of the oppression of the Naiad and the issues of injustice from the higher classes.

Though I enjoyed Breakwater for the most part, I felt like I was missing more imagery and details about this underwater world. I wish the characters had been a bit more developed and that I would have gotten a thorough explanation of how life works under the ocean and how the Naiads are able to walk on the ocean floor. This was a quick read, and the story really caught my interest after the first few chapters, but I still felt that it lacked depth.

The character of Jade was enjoyable enough, but, again, I felt that she needed more development. She was brave and held good morals, but she didn't stand out to me enough. I would have liked to have seen more of a connection between her story and her namesake's story. I also felt that her father's story was lacking details since it was used as much of her motivation.

The story line of the love interest took an unexpected twist. The ending of the book was definitely not expected and left me believing that there will be a sequel. I enjoyed the book enough to say that I would pick up the sequel to find out what happens.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC for my honest opinion.

This book was a good read. The story is told in first person point of view. The plot involves treachery, sacrifice, and a little romance. It is the calm before the storm, when tensions are rising, which cause others to act out.
Jade is a mermaid in the underwater city of Thessalonike. She is engaged to Tor, a captain in the king's army. When Jade witnesses Tor holding a dead naiad, she is in shock. When Tor tells her that the naiad was trying to blackmail his family and that he did not mean to kill her, Jade still feels she needs to report him. Jade has strong morals of right and wrong. By having Tor arrested, she creates many enemies and even her friends cannot afford to be seen with her. Jade ventures into the naiad territory and befriend's the murdered naiad's sister. Jade also comes into contact with Alexander, a merman whom Jade went to school with and was her first love. Jade testifies at Tor's trial and Tor tries to make Jade appear as a woman who wanted a tryst and Jade is betrayed by someone she considered a friend. The verdict of Tor's trial has many unforeseen consequences that put a lot of pressure on Jade and her family. Jade has been attacked and called a naiad lover. However, when Jade discovers the true reason behind the naiad's murder, she knows something must be done, even if she has to make many sacrifices. The naiads make a decision due to the restrictions the king has put on them and it affects Jade's plans to leave the city.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what direction the author is taking the story and if Jade will find the courage to seek her own happiness.

Before I launch into a review, can we talk about that amazing cover?! Love!

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Catherine Payne's Breakwater. Surprised because the first 10 minutes of the book left me skeptical. As the summary discloses, our story begins with our heroine, Jade, finding a murdered naiad in the arms of her fiancé. But before we get right into action, we catch a tiny glimpse of Jade's character through her inner monologue that gave me cause for concern.

"Of course, she’s not as well-connected as I am. I can’t assume it’s as easy for her as it was for me."

It made it a little hard for me to not picture Jade as Regina George from Mean Girls.

Regardless, I continued reading. To my pleasant surprise, Jade's character matures as she is forced to stand witness against her ex fiancé and aid the naiads who are facing growing animosity from the mer as a result of the murder. She loses some of that naiveté she displayed in earlier chapters when she realizes that not all is black and white. That the guilty can and do walk. The escalating hostility toward the naiads really hit home for me. You cannot help but draw parallels to the growing racial and religious conflicts in the US. The fear that turns to rage and violence. The violation of human rights.

Payne paints a beautiful story of political injustice and a heroine trying to follow in her father's footsteps to right wrongs against a community who does not merit them. The underwater world was a bit murky to me (Thessaloniki is a city in Greece, so I assume we're in or near the Mediterranean?). Pun intended. But I don't think that took away from the plot or the mystery around Anna's death, and I'm sure we will see more of this world as the series develops.

Unfortunately, I wasn't convinced of the romance between Jade and Alexander. Like Jade's relationship with Tor, we are not really privy to how and when they first fell in love. Once he comes back into her life, it felt like a switch was just turned back on and she was back in love. So I didn't really feel anything when the ending was revealed. However, I can forgive that considering the intended audience (YA).

Overall 4 stars for Breakwater! I look forward to the next installment after that ending!