Coral by Sara Ella {Book Review}

Hey Gems!!!

I'm here for a book review today! This is an upcoming release that's a retelling of The Little Mermaid, but it gives such an interesting take. It dives into topics many people don't like to discuss: depression, suicide, love and life.

This story blew me away. I didn't have much of an expectation going into this story and I definitely didn't think it would be written the way it was.

Keep on reading to check out my review of this upcoming release!

Title: Coral

Author: Sara Ella

Age: Young Adult

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Mermaids, Fairy Tales

Publication Date: November 12, 2019

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Source: ARC

Purchase: Hardcover | Kindle | Audible | Christian Book

Synopsis:

There is more than one way to drown. 

Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. Worse yet, she fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease, said to be carried by humans—emotions. Can she face the darkness long enough to surface in the light? 

Above the sea, Brooke has nothing left to give. Depression and anxiety have left her feeling isolated. Forgotten. The only thing she can rely on is the numbness she finds within the cool and comforting ocean waves. If only she weren’t stuck at Fathoms—a new group therapy home that promises a second chance at life. But what’s the point of living if her soul is destined to bleed? 

Merrick may be San Francisco’s golden boy, but he wants nothing more than to escape his controlling father. When his younger sister’s suicide attempt sends Merrick to his breaking point, escape becomes the only option. If he can find their mom, everything will be made right again—right? 

When their worlds collide, all three will do whatever it takes to survive, and Coral might even catch a prince in the process. But what—and who—must they leave behind for life to finally begin? 

Taking a new twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved—yet tragic—fairy tale, Coral explores mental health from multiple perspectives, questioning what it means to be human in a world where humanity often seems lost. 

My Rating:
Quotes I Like:
"Better a bleeding sole than a tortured soul." - Prologue

"Sometimes you have to swim through a bit of darkness if you're ever going to surface in the light." - Grandmother & Crown Princess

"Sight is more than just seeing. It's perceiving and observing and knowing when things aren't right." - Prince

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." - Brooke

"Depression is an illness. It is a disease. Those on the outside sometimes brush it off as a choice. A simple change in mood or outlook. No one would ever tell a cancer patient to 'just get over it.' Why people think they can tell those with a mental illness as much is baffling." - Hiroshi

Going with a five star rating for this. I was impressed from start to finish. This was such a beautiful read. As someone who has suffered with both depression and suicide I could relate and connect with the emotions and feelings within this story. If you go into this thinking this a Disney channel Little Mermaid retelling then stop. This beyond Disney channel feels. I'm not familiar with the original Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson, but I've heard it's not as cute and frilly as Disney makes it out to be.

This book pulls no punches in talking about depression and how it's a real thing that people can't just "get over." I loved how real each character felts. You had adults, teens and children all dealing with different aspects of depression and suicide.

The Little Mermaid aspects were definitely present concerning the feelings of being trapped, an overbearing father and crazy sisters. Coral, our version of Ariel, is dealing with the aftermath of her sister being Diseased. Mermaids are afraid of the Disease called emotions and feelings. Coral battles with her own ideas while trying to save her sister before the Red Tide takes her. Coral is a strong character that tries hard to deal with her problems while uncovering secrets of her family. I enjoyed her wittiness as well.

Merrick is a Prince raised to be like his father, but he despises his father. He's hilarious with his retorts. Merrick dealt with his only family issues and didn't handle them the best. I enjoyed seeing his heart when he came across Coral. I loved seeing him become a better person as the story moved on.

Brooke was an interesting character. She seemed very pessimistic and eager to let go of life, but as the story progressed her inner beauty began to shine and she became a bit more "alive." She had a knack for writing which helped her overcome some difficulties she faced.

Amaya was such a darling!!! It killed me towards the end because I was not expecting that. Nikki was annoying at first -- too flirtatious for my liking, but I began to like her when she started telling Merrick off and revealing that she's more than just a body, but a smart girl with dreams and desires to be great in the world.

I enjoyed the way Coral, Merrick and Brooke all melded together towards the end. It was all confusing, but as the story progressed things began to flow and make sense. The way this book tackled depression, mental illness and suicide gutted me in a beautiful way.

I definitely enjoyed this story and how real it was. A fairy-tale retelling that will blow your mind and shatter you with every turn on the page. Definitely enjoyed this and will definitely re-read for sure.

Blessings,