YA Bound: Spotlight on The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova

2/25/2012

Spotlight on The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova

Hardcover, 384 pages

Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire

When an unnatural riptide sweeps lifeguard Tristan Hart out to sea for three days and then dumps him back on the shore of Coney Island, it’s the start of the Sea Court claiming its own. Suddenly, Tristan’s girlfriend dramas and swimming championship seem like distant worries as he discovers the truth: he’s a Merman. Now Tristan must fight for his life, the lives of his friends, and his humanity (if he still wants it), while competing in a race for a throne as ancient as the gods.

Seductive, duplicitous, and with an agenda of their own, these are not the mermaids you know.

You’ll see me mention voice in a lot of reviews. Some might understand what I mean by it, others might not, but if you want to read something that is a perfect example of “voice”, and how it can transform a character into a three-dimensional, real live person on the page, and suck you so far into a story you feel you’re there, too, then you must read The Vicious Deep. Told from super smokin’ hottie Tristan Hart, TVD grabs you from the first page. With non-stop action, hilarious dialogue, and sincere emotions that tug at your heart strings, this story has it all.

I cannot stress enough how well Zoraida told this story from a REAL guy’s POV. It was like being inside a guy’s head, no holding back, embarrassing moments and all, and the feelings that guys usually cover with humor or sarcasm are stripped down to their raw truth. It’s just awesome on a whole new level. If that was the only reason to read this book, it would be more than enough, but the story has many layers and an amazing plot, too. Original sea creatures, fun side characters that heighten the adventure, and a deep, memorable romance that made me ache—I’m squirming to get my hands on the next book to find out the next part of Tristan’s story. He is my new book boyfriend and I will fight for him! Oh. Yeah. Powerful and unique, The Vicious Deep gripped me with its edgy voice and authentic, compelling characters. Zoraida Córdova mastered the written word, and created a fearless new world. This is a must read for every YA lover out there.