I requested this book because I'm a huge fan of mermaids in all forms of media. When some of my peer bloggers told me how much they loved this new take on mermaids. While I think the concept had potential, I found the pacing was too slow to allow myself to get invested in the story. Also, with the summary, I was hoping the story would be a bit darker than it actually was.

The Vicious Deep is a wonderfully action packed fish-out-of-water tale, that will captivate readers with its unexpected twisty-plot and hilarious yet sometimes sensitive male protagonist. It's full of wonder, creative narrative, and awesome moments of wow sure to get any readers blood pumping! Zoraida Cordova pens a delicious blend of humor, danger, and excitement. She manages to accomplish telling a brilliant mer-tale, by doing things a little differently than most mermaid books. Tristan is actually the sea creature, thrust into a situation that he knew absolutely nothing about and more than a little freaked about it. He is a wonderful character to get to know and readers will find him extremely likable, with his laid back ways and approach to dealing with things.

The vicious deep world that Zoraida Cordova builds, is simply breath taking and hauntingly beautiful. It feels as if readers are plunged into a world full of darkness and wonder, yet teaming with suspenseful murky secrets hidden in its depths. The characters are well developed and likable, the writing is strong and intriguing, and the story itself is highly engaging. The Vicious Deep is a fast paced enjoyable mer-tale that will have readers on the edge of their seats, craving the next installment. It's definitely an "at the top of the pile" to-be-read book for anyone who enjoys sparkling tales of underwater fantasy.

This isn't your typical mer-tale, what doesn't seem to work so much in other's, definitely works well in this one. It's sort of what sets it apart and makes it such an amazing debut novel. Readers will appreciate the lightness and witty humor that it provides, along with the dangers and the thrills beyond the sea. The romance is sweet and understated, never taking over from the main plot which is refreshing in so many ways. The Vicious Deep is a delightful novel that readers will not want to put down.