Author: Helen Dunmore
Publish Date: May 2nd 2006 by Harper Collins Children's Books
Synopsis:
Set in Cornwall, Ingo is the story of Sapphire and her brother Conor, and what happens to them after their father mysteriously disappears at sea. Sapphire still thinks her father is alive. Somewhere. She remembers stories he used to tell her about a Mer creature who fell in love with a human, but could not come to live with him in the dry air.After reading The Forbidden Sea, I had a hankering for another mermaid book and after a trip to my local library, this looked like a good choice.
The following summer, both Conor and Sapphire are inexorably drawn to the water, despite the worries of their mother. They love the water so much, and spend hours in the nearby cove. When Sapphire follows Conor one day, after he has been gone a long time, she meets Faro--a Merman who introduces her to Ingo, an underwater world she could only have dreamed existed. And Ingo blood runs deep through her veins and it is not long before the call of that other world becomes too strong to resist.
In Sapphire's family, her mother and brother (Conor) are alike and Sapphy and her father are alike; together the two halves complete the whole that makes their family. But then Sapphire's father disappears and although most of the town seems to think think he's dead, Sapphire and Conor remain unconvinced.
A year after he disappears, 11 year-old Sapphire finds Conor talking to one of the Mer and begins exploring the underwater world of Ingo that calls to her like nothing ever has before. And she can't quite understand why...
Dunmore's descriptions of Ingo are nothing short of breathtaking and deliciously evocative. I swore that at times I could hear the rushing waves and feel the saltwater between my fingers. The beginning of Sapphire's journey into Ingo will leave young readers wondering what comes next, but may not have them on the edge of their seats with anticipation.
I probably won't seek out the next book in the series, but if I happen to come across it, I wouldn't be opposed to picking it up.
I completely agree. I had high hopes for this one but it didn't exactly impress me.
ReplyDeleteWow, the art on this book cover is really stunning. I was excited about this one, too, but not so sure. Afraid if I got it, it would linger forever in my TBR pile, lol....
ReplyDeleteKC Neal - 10-Second YA Book Reviews; Author of Pyxis: The Discovery
Jess- Agreed! It just lacked a WOW! factor for me
ReplyDeleteK.C.- I know, isn't the cover GORGEOUS?!
My daughter has it. She loves reading and I thought she would breeze through this one as she loves mermaids tales, but months later it's still half unread. It did fail to catch her attention.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad this fell flat for you. Maybe just a nice fluffy read.
ReplyDeleteVivien
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