I kept wavering between 4.5 to 5 stars, but ultimately settled on 5 for its creativity.

First thing first, this isn't a novel in the traditional sense. Instead, each scene is a poem (mostly one page long, occasionally two).

This makes it a quick read, but lovely. It's immersive and reads like a folkloric ballad, which is the point, considering plot.

MY ONE CRITIQUE: "Jakto" and "Jackto" are used interchangeably sometimes.

MY WISH: I wish this were illustrated! Imagine if each scene were accompanied with a black-and-white, Edward Gorey-style illustration, because the vibe is totally Edward Gorey!

QUICK COMMENT: For anyone who’s concerned or unhappy with how “simple” the prose is, it’s stated very clearly that this is a HI/LO (High-Interest, Low-Readability) book. This means that while the content or theme is aimed at older readers (usually middle grade, teens, or even adults), the writing level is intentionally simpler and easier to read. This makes the book accessible to readers who might struggle with reading (learning differences, dyslexia, etc.), be learning English, be older but reading below grade level, or just prefer quicker, easier reads.

So, its simplicity is not a failure of craft, nor is it a flaw. If you think the prose is “too simple,” then the author has done their job.

*Review of arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This was a emotional and tragic read for me 💔 Enter Eve, a young woman who wants to make her own choices regarding marriage. Under the roof of her father’s house, she is forced to marry Jakto. She defies her father and meets Oorin, a merman, who is searching for his mate. The two meet daily at dawn, getting closer, but they knew it would never end well. I loved the chemistry between Eve and Oorin!

In verse format, the events were pretty well written, and many emotions were provoked. I totally didn’t see the ending coming, but it is what it is.

As a HI/LO book this is a really fast and easy read but it still hits emotionally with lots of open ended provocation. The tone and speed of the story builds towards the conclusion, which left me feeling a bit wrecked - in a good way! As a teacher I would use this book in my class as a teaching tool. It gives a really good entry into prediction, what is left unsaid and what is said but might mean something deeper. I love finding a book that has the dual result of leaving me, as an adult, wanting more of the story but also being something I can use as a tool for my students.

I loved this book! The prose was beautiful and illustrative, very clear and easy to imagine the story in my mind. The story draws you in and makes you feel all the emotions the characters feel, in a way that is easier for all readers.

My favorite stanza from the book:

“Please don’t leave again
I’ve lost everything I own
-spare my empty heart”

I had never encountered a Hi/Lo (high-interest, low-readability) book before this one, and I love the idea of more mature themes and stories presented in a way that’s easier to understand, making it more accessible to different types of readers!

A sweet, poetic story that will keep lovers of romance stories hooked the entire way through. Accessible formatting that makes this a story readers of all reading levels can enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rosen Publishing Group, West 44 Books, and Torran Anderson for the opportunity to read Songcoming in exchange for an honest review.

Songcoming is a HiLo novel-in-verse that offers a poetic allure that is is full of stunningly vivid imagery.

The novel follows Eve, a girl who must do everything her father tells her, including marrying a man who will be just as controlling and uncaring. One day, Eve sees something in the water, of which she meets a merman named Oorin who is in his "Songcoming." This is a rite of passage for merfolk where they must remain alone until they find their song, of which seems to be either a soulmate or an actual song that offers a meaning to life.

The two find affection for each other, and Eve wants nothing more than to be with Oorin. I life underwater must surely be better than the suffocating village life she currently leads.

When an accident leads to a merfolk hunt, Eve knows Oorin is in danger, and she will do whatever she can to help him.

The novel is beautifully poetic and even a bit heart-wrenching at times. It offers the paranormal romance element between a human and a merman, but also offers an air of realism when it comes to humans and their fear in the lack of understanding the unknown. This is a very accessible novel for teen readers that offers a harrowing lesson, but also a spark of hope.

I didn’t want this story to end. I wish there was more of it. Easy read about a forbidden romance and a merman!!!

Thank you so much to West 44 Books / Rosen Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Eve lives in an abusive house, now her father is selling her off to Jakto a man she doesn’t know nor like. As she’s cleaning clothes by the creek one day she spots something staring at her in the water, her curiosity gets the better of her and she finds she is soon falling in love with a merman.

Both Eve and Oorin were struggling with the lives they’d been dealt with, both had different loss in their lives and both longed for something happier and better than they were given. Then they find each other and though it’s dangerous and forbidden they get enthralled by each other and fall fast for each other.

I didn’t overly enjoy this story much myself, it was still a nice simple story, but I didn’t connect to any of the character nor what was really happening within the story. I think readers that love a good mermaid fantasy romance would really enjoy this book, it’s got all the typical factors you’d expect from that style.

Discover a captivating world where words resonate. Each line invites you on a journey that uplifts and inspires. Join this experience and let your spirit soar through these enchanting pages. You’ll find the magic you’ve been searching for.