Of Mermaids, Sea Witches, and Being Yourself

Tempest Unleashed by Tracy Deebs

Tempest Maguire is happy with her decision to embrace her mermaid nature and live among her mother’s clan within the ocean’s depths. Even though training to one day ascend the throne for the aging mermaid queen is rigorous, she finds refuge in the arms of Kona, the selkie who first opened her up to her mermaid side. But when word comes that one of her brothers has been gravely injured on land, Tempest immediately rushes to his side—which also brings her back to her old flame, Mark. And in her absence, a deadly battle begins raging at the hands of Tempest’s old nemesis, the sea witch Tiamat. As the dangerous war erupts, Tempest’s two loves—Kona and Mark, sea and land—will collide for the first time, both to protect her and to force her to choose.


Okay, I may have a problem. Like a serious problem. Why can I never pick the romantic interest that gets the girl?! Why?!...I may be speaking a little prematurely, because there's another book in this trilogy, but still.  Anyway now I'll get to the stuff you really want to read.

Tempest Unleashed is a good time all around...well maybe not fun for the characters but the reader will be swept up in it (get it? swept up? oh I crack myself up).



Tempest-can I just say I really enjoy that her name is Tempest?- is one girl/mermaid that is determined to stay true to herself.  And if you've got a problem with that, well then, she's got some attitude for you. Throughout the book I was like "you go girlfriend!"She's fiery and strong willed, which was a pleasure to read. And her powers? Oh this is one mermaid you don't want to cross. Unfortunately there's a certain sea witch and co. who would love nothing more than to get rid of our favorite little mermaid. (oh the puns!)

I don't think love triangles will ever disappear in YA books- they cause so much drama! And we've got a pretty tangled triangle here. Tempest is obviously a great catch, but she's no damsel in distress. She's forging her own path and she's the one out to rescue her lover boys. Speaking of boys...oh Kona, how I adore thee. Overprotective? Absolutely. Incredibly sweet and caring? Heart-meltingly so. Imperfect? Yup. My favorite? I don't know why you'd think that. I don't know why but I just liked Kona off the bat. He seemed to really be a help for Tempest. As a couple I could see it more as a team, he was there for her and she for him.

Now there is nothing wrong with Mark. I thought he was a good choice (so did some other people apparently). I especially found it reassuring to see a male character who was so supportive and accepting of a strong female character. So props for that. But I still like Kona better. Book three-I need to read you now because despite my trying not to, I got pulled into this triangle and I need to see what the final outcome is!

Despite my mermaid puns, Tempest Unleashed was an engaging read that left me ready for the next book, while still giving me an end (i.e. no cliffhanger-yay!) And now that I know what's out there in the ocean- I think it's time for a trip to the beach!

-Gomez