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Everblue (Mer Tales #1)

by Brenda Pandos (Goodreads Author)

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 1,546 ratings · 230 reviews

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fai...more

Kindle Edition, 305 pages

Published July 29th 2011 by Obsidian Mountain Publishing

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Apr 13, 2012 oliviasbooks rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of paranormally induced romantic obsession

Shelves: young-adult-fiction, urban-fantasy-paranormal, mermaids-selkies, e-version, high-expectations, cliffhanger, i-cannot-tell-you-my-secret, sequel-no-thank-you, love-story-romance

Maybe since reading Otfried Preußler's The Little Watersprite almost 30 years ago and certainly since reading Der Sommer als Nixe kam (translates as "The Summer Nixie Came") by Evelyne Kolnberger two years later I have been mesmerized by the idea of mermaids, their mysteries and their underwater worlds. The beginning of the current mermaid trend in YA fiction and paranormal romance about two years ago consequently made me very happy and alert. In the meantime I have picked up as much disappointi...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Vicki Keire rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've seen a lot of mermaid-type books around, some of them with really positive reviews. I always just kind of looked at them and thought, "Mermaids. Meh." But when I read the description for Everblue, it was like a light went off. Here was a book about my two absolute favorite things in the universe: YA fantasy romance, and the ocean. (Insert ear-piercing squeal.)
See, I love the ocean. I threaten to run away to the ocean like some kids do the circus. Notice I'm using present tense; I'm an adult...more

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Aug 12, 2011 Roxana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think I fell in love with this book from the very first page - or the minute that Finn was introduced. I enjoyed that the book is narrated by 2 different characters. I feel that it gives it more personality.
The world that is created in this book is pretty interesting. I never thought that I would be interested in "Mer People", but Brenda Pandos has definitely succeeded in gaining my interest.
I enjoyed this book very much and am looking forward to reading the second book in this series. Can't...more

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May 12, 2013 The Itzel Library marked it as i-own · review of another edition

Una hermosa portada!! Y con lo mucho que me gustó The Emerald Talisman, no puedo estar mas que ansiosa por leer Everblue también :)

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2011 Amy (Amy's Book Den) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mermaids

This has become my top favorite mermaid story of this summer. Just when I thought I´d give up on them, in comes Everblue and sweeps me away with its amazingly wrought world, creative mer-cursing, and captivating plot.

I really liked Natatoria and the mer culture. The descriptions of the city and houses were really amazing. I almost wanted to go and live there myself! Of course, I didn’t like the King being an evil overlord restricting his people, especially the mermaids! He wants to maintain the...more This has become my top favorite mermaid story of this summer. Just when I thought I´d give up on them, in comes Everblue and sweeps me away with its amazingly wrought world, creative mer-cursing, and captivating plot.

I really liked Natatoria and the mer culture. The descriptions of the city and houses were really amazing. I almost wanted to go and live there myself! Of course, I didn’t like the King being an evil overlord restricting his people, especially the mermaids! He wants to maintain the utopia they have created at the cost of cutting his people off from the surface. I really grew to hate Azor, the King’s son, an arrogant little ^#%$... Anyways, I liked the idea of the ‘curse,’ how they always change at night, but during the day they can retain their human form and change at will. I also liked how the myth of the mermaid song was incorporated, giving them a very useful supernatural power. They also have other powers but I won’t spoil it here. Oh! Can’t forget about the mermen’s fighting school. Very cool indeed!

The story is told from Ashlyn and Fin´s POV in alternating chapters. Fin is just a gorgeous merman; he has blonde hair, broad shoulders, and intense blue eyes with long lashes. He is very protective of his twin sister and strong believer of his father’s way of life which differs a lot from that of the King and the residents of Natatoria. Fin secretly loves Ashlyn, but knows that she, as a human, is off limits. When he goes to Natatoria he even finds someone else he might like. However that doesn’t change the fact that he has strong feelings for Ashlyn, and nothing can erase them.

Ashlyn also has a secret crush on Fin, but she’s too shy to have ever spoken up. Besides, her best friend is Fin’s twin sister Tatiana. Like Fin, at one point Ashlyn also tries to move on by giving Callahan (another hot guy) a chance, but it just doesn’t work. The whole time she’s with him, thoughts of Fin keep popping up in her head!

I loved how the kiss was the most intimate act between the mer people. A kiss is just such a sweet thing and they give it a whole deeper meaning. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to see how Fin and Ashlyn manage their newly promised lives together! How much longer will the mer people swim quietly to their King’s decrees? And will Ashlyn join Fin in rescuing Tatiana? *squeals*
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Aug 26, 2011 Once Upon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let's begin with the beautiful cover that just calls your attention. This is a great example of when a cover will sell the book without opening the book itself. The cover model represents one of the main characters in the book and the water rippling to me represents the Mer people. It just a beautifully design cover with so much depth to it. I'm so glad this cover belongs to Everblue because Brenda deserves the best for all her hard work.

Everblue is not my first mermaid book that I've read. Eve...more Let's begin with the beautiful cover that just calls your attention. This is a great example of when a cover will sell the book without opening the book itself. The cover model represents one of the main characters in the book and the water rippling to me represents the Mer people. It just a beautifully design cover with so much depth to it. I'm so glad this cover belongs to Everblue because Brenda deserves the best for all her hard work.

Everblue is not my first mermaid book that I've read. Everblue is the first Mermaid story I loved though. I didn't have a doubt in my mind when I pick up Everblue to read that I would not like the story. I knew its was not Brenda's Talisman series but I knew Brenda's writing style and have always love it. Now knowing that I would like the story I didn't expect that I would be blown away by it. Brenda has grown as a writer and her writing shows it. This was also her first time alternating characters in her writing, and I enjoyed how they transitioned back and forth. All readers will literally dive into Brenda writing and devour Everblue probably in one or two sittings. Then Brenda leaves you animated for the next novel in the series, wanting to know what will happen next.

Everblue takes place at Lake Tahoe, You meet Ashlyn and her best friend Tatiana. If it wasn't for having her friend Ashlyn would die of boredom. She is also ready to possibly make a move on Fin, that's Tatiana twin brother. The best friend have decided to seak out a college in Florida and go there and get away from it all. Ashlyn believes that Tatiana Father is a drunk and too strict and has even seen him get somewhat violent. So she understand why Tatiana wants to move away for college. So the girls have their plans all ready and set to go. Well that all changes the day Ashlyn realizes that Tatiana and her family including Fin have disappear without a trace, they didn't say where or why they had to leave or where they went. They are long gone and Ashlyn donest understand. They have left the family business and house unattended. What about their college plans? they are already accepted.

Then a few days later Ashlyn sees a older man and younger good looking guy at Ashlyn and Fin's house, she figures out this must be their cousin and uncle. They of course give Ashlyn no explanation for why they are there but Ashlyn finds it strange that she wants to kiss this cousin of Fin's. Until know the only boy she has wanted to kiss is Fin, even though he is Ashlyn sister. Fin has not open up to Ashlyn because of his family secret that he must keep hidden from any human. See Fin and Tatiana are Mer people. Now don't think that the lives of the Mer are perfect. Not at all, Fin and Titiana wantto escape that life of theirs and live on in the human world instead of the water. They must fight against their rules and their King's son to try and go back to land. Fin fears he will never be able to return back to land and it drives his crazy. That pushes him to sneak out one day at the gate to Lake Tahoe from his world. That's when both Fin and Ashlyn lives will change forever and star a whole chain of events. Seems after all this time Ashlyn might not be saved from his world.

If your looking for a well written story and characters that are interesting and unique, then pick up Everblue today. This book is a must have for anyone, any age that reads either YA or Adult.

review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...(less)

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Aug 23, 2011 Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let me first start by saying Brenda is a local author so she writes about locations that I know very well in this case it's Lake Tahoe (not Natatoria lol) and thats why I fall so deeply in love with her stories! I also haven't read a mermaid story since The Little Mermaid so I was very excited to read this.

So Everblue takes place in two locations one on the surface and around Lake Tahoe and the other in a magical realm Natatoria both so different and vivid in their own ways. I could feel the chi...more

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Sep 15, 2011 ShawnaLeAnn [Dreaming In The Pages] rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed-nook-books

Okay, this book was my first ever mermaid book. I have seen books around with this theme and they have not caught my eye for some reason. But this one did. I seem to have a thing with books that tell stories from two peoples point of view. And this book did it flawlessly. It added so much more depth to the characters and their romance that was very much needed by the way this book played out. It had me from the first chapter and I finished it within one day, I really couldn't put it down. Brenda...more

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Jun 30, 2012 Martha rated it 5 of 5 stars

You know when you read a good book and you dream about it for days…That is what Everblue is! Really loved the way the chapters were broken out; the back and forth of Ash and Fin. Love the characters, the setting…just everything!! I am dying to find out what happens next…can’t wait for the sequel!!

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Jan 14, 2012 Howard Parsons rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone - male or female - interested in YA mer-fiction.

It is the policy of this reviewer to NOT include spoilers and/or plot synopses in his reviews. (Neptune knows that there are enough other reviewers who do this.) Instead, this reviewer usually chooses to comment on the book as a whole or, perhaps, certain characters and/or points in the plot.

Unless otherwise noted, all reviews are based on the Kindle edition.

Everblue by Brenda Pandos has to be one of the most exciting books since the Harry Potter series. My reading began in June and did not end...more It is the policy of this reviewer to NOT include spoilers and/or plot synopses in his reviews. (Neptune knows that there are enough other reviewers who do this.) Instead, this reviewer usually chooses to comment on the book as a whole or, perhaps, certain characters and/or points in the plot.

Unless otherwise noted, all reviews are based on the Kindle edition.

Everblue by Brenda Pandos has to be one of the most exciting books since the Harry Potter series. My reading began in June and did not end until November. This is not an indication that the book was difficult to read but, rather, the fact that I became so wrapped up in the characters and plot that I had to put it down for a "cooling off" period.

While much - if not most - young adult "mer-fiction" is geared towards a decidedly female target audience, Everblue contains enough action and male perspectives that young adult guys will enjoy reading this just as much as the girls. The story is told in alternating chapters by the hero and heroine of the story and that helps to expand the target audience. (Now if YA guys would just give the video games a rest and pick up a book now and then . . .)

A significant part of the story takes place in the sub-terranean, sub-aquatic realm of Natatoria - a dystopic society if ever there was one. Young Adult readers would do well to compare Natatoria with the dystopic societies envisioned in 1984 and Brave New World. (This reviewer hopes that those books are still included on high school reading lists!) Brenda Pandos so effectively envisions this dystopic society that one begins to feel an overwhelming claustrophobia whenever the action shifts to the Natatoria locale.

The author does an outstanding job of world-building. While one might quibble with how she envisions the mer-folk or some of the plot complications, there is no getting by the fact that the world of Everblue is a well thought-out one.

Since this is a YA novel, there is - of course - a romantic theme to the story. This reviewer is a sucker for happy endings and with the 2nd book of this series in the offing, it will be interesting to see where Brenda Pandos takes her two young characters.

As Everblue approaches it's conclusion, it is obvious that the currents of change will soon begin to flow through Natatoria. Viva la revolucion!!!
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May 28, 2013 Vicki rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paint-me-red-challenge

I entered virgin territory when I read this book, as it was my very first mermaid book! I am SO glad that I read this one. It is so fresh, novel, and anything but banal. I absolutely loved some of the phrases used to describe various things in mer-life.

I thought the characters were all adorable and lovable! I also am a fan of more than one POV. Ashlyn is a girl whose best friend's brother just happens to be Ash's crush. Finn (pun intended I am sure) is definitely a hotty! I mean, come on, blue...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Catarina: Reading and Things rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone who wants a great mermaid love story with some action

Shelves: fantasy, love-story, mer, unconditional-love, book-boyfriend, forbidden-love, my-ebooks, summer-read

I have no idea where to start to say how I felt about this book. A story of self-sacrifice, love, devotion, loyalty, and more rapped up into one book is a good start. I love mermaid reads and sometimes I come across some that fail to reach the standard other mermaid novels set. Mrs Pandos's Everblue was not one of those books. It met the standard of other books easily.

I can't wait till the sequel to find out what happens to Fin, Tatchi, and Ashlyn. I absolutely adored all three characters. (I a

...more

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Mar 12, 2012 Catarina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So let me begin with saying, expectations were too high for this book. After reading all of the reviews, I was more than excited to get the book and read it. I've always loved mermaids and had a feeling this book was going to be amazing!

I was very wrong. I mean, the book wasn't terrible but it was very unorganized and not very interesting.

The book revolves around Ashlyn (Ash) and Finley (Fin). Fin is obsessed with 'crashing his lips up against Ashlyn's" although he doesn't ever share his feeling...more

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Jan 09, 2012 Valia Lind rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

OMW!!! Everyone needs to read this book!!! And I mean EVERYONE!!!!

Ashlyn is a girl with a best friend and a crush on her best friends brother. Sounds like a typical teenage drama, right? That is until she finds out that her friend has been keeping a huge secret from her. Mermaids. There are mermaids in this book people.

I enjoyed every moment of this story. Ashlyn is an interesting character, who works to figure things out when her best friend disappears. I like the fact that she’s smitten with...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Karen LOVESREADING rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Mer Mythology fans

Shelves: mermaids, young-adult, crush-worthy-guys, wishlist, romance, 5-stars, covers-to-die-for, i-heart-favourites, fantasy, mythology, role-model-worthy-heroines

I’m surprised I didn’t read this book sooner! I’ve always been a bit sceptical of Mermaid/Merman books because I’ve never really found one that I really enjoyed but this book is a whole different story, Brenda Pandos proved me wrong!

Everblue is captivating and immersing; I was drawn into the book immediately. Pandos develops an alluring world of mermaids and mermen with an awesome plot that’s built on a solid foundation. The Mer world was enchanting, intense and cruel all at the same time. The...more I’m surprised I didn’t read this book sooner! I’ve always been a bit sceptical of Mermaid/Merman books because I’ve never really found one that I really enjoyed but this book is a whole different story, Brenda Pandos proved me wrong!

Everblue is captivating and immersing; I was drawn into the book immediately. Pandos develops an alluring world of mermaids and mermen with an awesome plot that’s built on a solid foundation. The Mer world was enchanting, intense and cruel all at the same time. The writing flowed wonderfully and is beautifully descriptive. Pandos blew me away!

The story alternates between Ashlyn and Fin’s point of view which gave me great insight to each of their lives; this brings me to my next point, the characters were wonderfully developed. Ashlyn is a realistic character; she’s a typical teenager that has a crush on her best friend’s twin brother, Fin. Fin however is not your typical teenager, he’s a merman, a swoon-worthy merman. He won me over instantly with his caring personality and handsome looks. I loved reading his point of views, his words, his actions and his thoughts make him a great character.

This is the first time I’ve read a book where the female lead is a human and the male lead is a merman; I enjoyed it a lot. The element of romance had me grinning from ear to ear. The cute and flirty dialogue between Ashlyn and Fin was adorable. They make a great couple.

The secondary characters were well developed too. Ashlyn’s parents were great, they were supportive and understanding. I enjoyed their presence throughout the book.Ashlyn’s best friend; Tatch is full of spunk and passion. Tatch and Fin make wonderful siblings; they look out for each other and care about each other dearly.

In addition, I’m a sucker for books with alluring covers and I have to say, the cover is gorgeous! ‘Ashlyn’ looks so pretty, I love the swirl of her red hair, the dark blue starfish in it, and the font of the title.

Everblue is a beautifully crafted story that all fans of Mer mythology and romance should read. Evergreen is the second installment in the Mer Tales series, which I can’t wait to read!

Rating: 5 out of 5

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Sep 01, 2011 H.Lee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reviewed for LaFemme Readers Blog Tour at http://www.nightlyreading.wordpress.com

Her whole life flashed before me. This kiss I desired to give her would change everything-her dreams, her life with her family, her future. Innocent and trusting, she closed her eyes and tilted her chin upward in anticipation anyway. My soul protested, but I did the only thing I could-the responsible thing.

“You’ve got something on your cheek,” I said, wiping my thumb over her skin.

Brenda Pandos has done it again! Sh...more

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Aug 30, 2011 Cynthia Cene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I was asked if I wanted to review this I jumped all over it because I love Brenda's Talisman series. I was a little worried and curious at the same time. I really wanted to see how Brenda went from writing Vampires to write about Mermaids. Also, this was my first book to read that was about Mermaids. Let me tell you Brenda did not disappoint.

I really liked how the point of view was from both main characters. I didn't have to try to guess how each of them were feeling. The flow of the story...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow is all I have to say. This is the first mermaid book I've read and I loved it!!!! Brenda Pandos is such a great author....I love all her books. If you are looking for a great read this is a great one.

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Aug 15, 2011 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy-ya

I actually really enjoyed this book! I bought it just for fun as a nice, quick read for the weekend (I read it in about 6 hours this past Sunday while avoiding cleaning my house). This was my first urban fantasy series dealing with mermaids and I have to say that I found myself really interested. The world is beautiful and I loved that as the reader, I was provided with a good amount of detail, since it was the first underwater world I had read about. I also like all the characters and am excite...more

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Jun 12, 2013 Julie Barrett rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Everblue by Brenda Pandos
When I first saw the cover of this book I wanted to read it and then found out it was about mermaids and I thought that it'd make for an interesting read.
I know nothing of mermaids and I'm not sure I believe in them. This young adult story is about Ash and she's human and in high school on the swim team which she excels at.
Alternating chapters are about Fin and his family who are mermaids and mermen.They have rituals which you learn about and the father is sent away on a...more

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May 28, 2013 Rae rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fish-people, cliffhanger-ending, if-there-is-nothing-better, lousy-pacing, mythology-fail, paranormal-romance, ya, the-sexism-it-burns

For a book whose target audience is teenage girls, this book really hates women.

The female lead, Ash, does nothing but sit and mope for the entire book. She worries about Tatchi and Fin, but does very little to discover what happens to them. This girl possesses absolutely no agency. She likes Fin, but sits and waits for him to initiate everything rather than going after him or making any indication of interest. Ash is supposed to be out heroine, yet the only time she moves the plot forward is w...more For a book whose target audience is teenage girls, this book really hates women.

The female lead, Ash, does nothing but sit and mope for the entire book. She worries about Tatchi and Fin, but does very little to discover what happens to them. This girl possesses absolutely no agency. She likes Fin, but sits and waits for him to initiate everything rather than going after him or making any indication of interest. Ash is supposed to be out heroine, yet the only time she moves the plot forward is when she gets in trouble and has to be rescued. (view spoiler) I've read novels from the 1830's with heroines who did more. Tatchi seems to be the only female character at all who actually has dreams and fights for the future she wants and the book punishes her for it by making her a victim to be rescued in a future book. All other female characters are vapid and shallow.

During the section of the book sent in the merfolk city, it emphasizes at every turn how mermaids can't be left near humans unsupervised, and how frivolous and concerned with baubles and appearance mermaids are. Mermen run everything and make nearly all the decisions for mermaids because apparently they can't be trusted to do anything other than sit around and be pretty. Apparently we're supposed to believe that the mermaids are content with this and that it's rare for mermaids to show any interest in things outside the city.

Fin, our male hero, is where the action is for the whole book. We're fortunate that his is the other POV that the story is told from. He's not a bad protagonist for the most part albeit he spends most of the time reacting to events rather than initiating them. At least until he gives CPR to Ash (view spoiler) after which due to magic, he looses interest in rescuing his sister and spends the rest of the book wising he could be with Ash 24/7 and talking to her on the phone. The plot is left to the supporting characters to move things forward, since at that point all the villains are off screen for the most part. It's at this point that the plot really begins to suffer and it felt like all the characterization that the book had built up until that point was thrown away in favor of over the top obsession.

I keep hoping I'll run across a really good book with merfolk in it, and while this book did seem promising in the early chapters I'm sad to say that once again I'm disappointed.(less)

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May 22, 2013 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This mermaid tale...no pun intended, was a good read. All around good characters, and well keep me interested enough to finish it.

I had some issues and maybe they are small but it made the rating go down in my opinion.

This line for one "I just don't like when she expects me to do stuff without asking me first." I had a what the heck moment with that one. I don't think Ash and her Mom are as close as she is when her Dad, but what kind of 16 year old thinks like this. Maybe its because my Mom st...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

THE REVIEW:

I really like Brenda's writing style. And, her stories are so imaginative which, in this case, an amazing world constructed of somewhere under Lake Tahoe. This word is beautiful, dangerous and has some seriously different norms. Not everyone wants to live there.

The Point of view flips between Ash, and Fin (an aptly named young man). Ash is human, Fin's twin sister's best friend. Fin is not human. They have had hidden crushes on each other forever. And in the Mer society forever is a l...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Jenna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ashlyn has been best friends with Tatiana (and had a crush on Tatiana's twin brother, Finley) since they were 12 years old. At almost 18, Ash and Tatiana have dreams of going away to college in FL to escape their strict parents in Tahoe. Tatiana and Finley both disappear for a supposed family emergency not to be heard from again until Ash has an accident and is rescued. Little does Ash know that her best friend and crush are not wholly human.

I thought that the writing was smooth and flowed well...more

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May 25, 2013 Lindsey rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, 5-may, nook, stand-alone, young-adult

When reading the summary for this I was looking forward to reading it but once I started I knew it was going to be one of those books not for me.

I enjoyed the characters - Ash and Fin were my top two characters and I loved the relationship between the two. However what I disliked was the way it developed. I felt that at times everything was dragged out with no ending.

I also enjoyed the concept behind the mermaids and mermen. The thought that they were living on land among the humans is interes...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Aly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mermaids

I feel like I started this book with the assumption that it was going to be life-changing since it had so many 5 star reviews. It was good, but it wasn't awesome. I don't feel like I deeply connected with Ash. I did like the dual-narration, though. If I'd had to endure Ash the whole time, I don't think I would've finished.
The Mer world that Pandos creates is beautiful, and I really enjoyed the realism of the Lake Tahoe setting as well. That part was great.
Some of the characters seemed cool, but...more

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Dec 13, 2011 Kara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Everblue by Brenda Pandos
Review by Kara Grant

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family ha...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Jena rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-boys, favorite-covers, favorites

I just LOVED this book so, SO much. <3

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As soon as I saw this book pop up on my goodreads page, my first thought was 'WOW what a stunning cover!!' and my second thought was 'I have to order that now!' And, I am so glad I did. I fell in love with book from the first chapter. It's a unique, filled with tons of action, beautiful story and I loved every second of it.

Everblue starts off with Ashlyn & Tatchi who are neighbors and best friends. Enjoying an afternoon on the beach - Ash plans...more I just LOVED this book so, SO much. <3

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As soon as I saw this book pop up on my goodreads page, my first thought was 'WOW what a stunning cover!!' and my second thought was 'I have to order that now!' And, I am so glad I did. I fell in love with book from the first chapter. It's a unique, filled with tons of action, beautiful story and I loved every second of it.

Everblue starts off with Ashlyn & Tatchi who are neighbors and best friends. Enjoying an afternoon on the beach - Ash plans to finish her senior year in high school and then her and Tatchi will have college adventures together. Then, Fin shows up, Tatchi's twin brother and also Ash's long time crush, taking Tatchi home. As Ash continues on with her life, she realizes that Tatchi and Fin have left without a trace. Ash, feeling as something terrible has happened, tries to continue to figure out what happened to her best friend and her brother and before she knows will come colliding with a world she never could have imagined.

Firstly, I just noticed the last 'e' on the cover of Everblue is shaped like a mermaid fin! HOW CREATIVE. A little detail that I adore!

As I've said before... I love books that have to do with water or Mermaids. It's something I've always loved. And, I just adored this book. I loved the creativeness of the world, how it's told from duel viewpoints, the romance, the friendships, I just loved it all. Being able to be inside Fin and Ash's head and follow each of their stories was just brilliantly done. Brenda crafted the book beautifully. We watched both Ash's and Fin's worlds start together, be torn apart but only to come crashing back into each other.

Speaking of Ash & Fin... yes I loved them both. Ashlyn (beautiful name by the way) is your normal, swimmer, teenage girl. She's pretty but not popular, captain of the swim team, has friends, and is everything you'd expect in a daughter. You can't help but love her. And Fin... oh Fin! :) Fin is sexxxxxyy. Come rescue me any day! With his blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and totally caring self he's easy for fall for. Also there's Tatchi, Fin's twin sister and Ash's best friend. I have to say I loved Tatchi's character as well. Shes strong and stubborn and I cannot wait to see what happens to all three of them in the next book!

Another quick character I really liked was Callahan. How could you not love the gorgeous, baseball pitcher with a sweet heart? I'm dying to see if he's in the next book!

I was so happy with how the book ended, yet I was also a tad bit like 'Awwww MAN!'. I'm so anxious for the next book. I need to know what happens with Ash and Fin and Tatchi and everything!! I'm so glad I ended up buying and reading this book right away. I loved it SO, so much. Easily a new favorite and I cannot wait to find out what happens with the rest of the series!

PS. I need a little blue vile of essence please!
PPS. I TOTALLY know where I want a tattoo now. ;)(less)

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May 25, 2013 Melanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: team-c-2013-challenge, kindle

Everblue was an interesting read. I don't think I've ever read a book that deals with mermaids before and I thought that was a neat aspect to the story. :)

I had mixed feelings about the characters - mainly Ash. She annoyed me for most of the first half (though there were times I liked her), but towards the end I started to like her character more. Fin, on the other hand, I liked pretty much right away and he's definitely my favorite character from Everblue.

The one thing I personally didn't care...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Jennifer Madero rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-challenge, favorites

Rating: 5 stars <3

My short synopsis: Ashlyn has had a crush on Fin, her best friend's twin brother, for some time. One day all of a sudden the twins and their mother have to go to Natatoria where all merfolk live for an emergency; no one, not even Ashlyn, knew where they went or how long it would take. The family has to stay on Natatoria for a certain quantity of time while their father goes on a mission for the king. But Fin knows the king has other plans, like for example, make them stay an...more Rating: 5 stars <3

My short synopsis: Ashlyn has had a crush on Fin, her best friend's twin brother, for some time. One day all of a sudden the twins and their mother have to go to Natatoria where all merfolk live for an emergency; no one, not even Ashlyn, knew where they went or how long it would take. The family has to stay on Natatoria for a certain quantity of time while their father goes on a mission for the king. But Fin knows the king has other plans, like for example, make them stay and abandon their life with the humans and follow his every order. Ashlyn is worried sick for her friends, raising to all kinds of suspicions as to why they have been missing for so long, making her go to drastic measures to find out what is going on. Caught between being loyal to your kind, which would you chose for the one you love? Would you let your life change forever with things you might have believed to be part of fantasy books?

Recently I've noticed that most authors are using the same things over and over again, like dystopian, fairy tales, myths, vampires and so on, continuing with the same idea and not changing it, not giving it a little bit more taste so to speak of each author to make it different.

Here I could say that author did a good job to make these merfolk more hers than from the typical mermaid. There are interesting aspects that aren't from the usual mermaids, like for example how a human can become a mer, the kingdom (I suppose I can call it that) where they live and the various gate.

I loved the writing style of the author and how she changed in each chapter of point of view between Ashlyn and Fin. At the beginning they are all together, but when Fin has to go to Natatoria and stay against his will, we see how both the main characters Ash and Fin try to go on with their lives. Ash trying to ignore the fact that something might be going on with her best friend Tatiana (also Fin's twin sister), plus her crush with Fin. And with Fin, we see how he struggles against the obstacles in Natatoria that wants to bind him to that underworld "paradise" and abandon his beloved life above the water and with the humans. It's really good how the author can manage to keep you in touch with two different situations in the same book that later one gets entwines again.

My heart ached so much for Ashlyn and Fin... I was suffering (thanks Brenda for making me hurt so much). While reading, one of the most frequent emotions you'll have are frustration and desperation. And angst (I like that word :3). I'm trying not to spoil anything here, but there are moments when I just want to scream to Ash DON'T DO THAT! YOU FREAKING LIKE/LOVE FIN! AND THE SAME TO YOU FIN! Looks like everything wants to keep these two apart, even though they don't know they like each other mutually (at least in the case of Ashlyn).

This story makes you expect some things and then BAM hahaha not what you expected loser.

It was really creative. It had it's moments to cry your heart out, laugh out loud (I tried not to for the sake of my mom), moments when you want to throw the book/kindle (almost did), and action (F*ck yeah!). Really a worthy read. CAUTION: You might want to read it when you have no school/work, because you won't be able to hold it down for long. I have to blame stories like this for my lack of sleep...

If you like mermaid stories, read this! It won't disappoint. There were moments in the beginning where I thought that the story sounded a bit like Of Poseidon, but I was wrong as this one took certain turns here and there, plus like I mentioned before, a special touch of the author. I really don't know what else to say... READ IT! Haha :D (less)

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About Brenda Pandos

Wife, Mother, Author, Computer Whisperer, Web/graphic designer,Chocolate connoisseur,Sister, Daughter, Aunt,Friend, Fun & Games Coordinator, Saved by Grace, Geek, Housekeeper, Laundress, Cook (occasionally), Chauffeur, Gardener, Nurse, and much more... not in that order.

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Quotes from Everblue

“Would I like this boy?"
I bit my lip to keep from smiling. "Yeah. I think so. He's nice."
"So I imagine you'll need a dress?"
"Yeah, probably."
"And I'll need a gun."
"Dad!” — 26 people liked it

“You love me?"
"Of course I do." My shoulders dropped. "I knew it the day I wanted to punch that idiot's face when he had his hands all over you.” — 19 people liked it

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Everblue (Mer Tales #1)

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