Shell

by C.K. Brooke

Weird things happen whenever I'm in water. That's all I really know. Even though I live right by the water on the eastern shore of Maryland, I'm not allowed to swim, due to a "skin condition" Mom claims I have. But my best friend's party is coming up, and she's taking us all to the beach. Will I be brave enough to answer the ocean's call?

Originally featured in Elphame Realms E-Zine: Issue #1.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Young Adult, Mermaids

23 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

C.K. Brooke is a multi-award-winning author of young adult fantasy and historical romance novels and novellas. She has worked as a bookseller, book blogger, publishing assistant, and copy editor on her quest to authorhood. Her works have been published by 48fourteen, Limitless, and Readict, as well as self-published, garnering accolades from the 2020 Best Indie Book Award in Young Adult Fiction to the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Award.

She’s been a guest speaker and panelist for the Romance Writers of America, Rust City Book Con, and Barnes & Noble Teen Book Fest, and is an active volunteer and member of the Greater Detroit Romance Writers. She lives with her family in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where she owns and operates her imprint, Called by the Heart Publications.

Reviews

[Virginia Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those very last-minute free kindle downloads that I grabbed up and plunged in because it's so short and frankly, I love a good short story.

I haven't read a ton of mermaid books but this one wasn't bad. It reminded me a lot of the DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie), The Thirteenth Year but more compact and with less tension. The MC narrative drew me in from the start and held my interest. Shell's character was developed just enough to not be flat but not enough that I could relate to or really root for. The ending was kinda sad, at least for the mom.

Overall, it was an interesting and decent read but it's not something I would find myself revisiting. Solid 3 rating.

[Michelle Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow I wanted a short...this was short. I was just getting into it and it abruptly ended. It was good, it would have been cooler if it continued. Shell always had an issue with water, her mother doesnt allow her to swim, she finally goes into the ocean and her legs begin to melt together. Her friends pull her out and take her home. Her mom tells her she was found on the beach and that she wasn't human. and that's the end. lol. Great start though! I gave a 3 b/c it ended in an odd place, like she didn't finish the story. But I would have given my high of 4 bc it was written and edited well (like a normal book) FYI TOOK 1 HOUR TO READ. :) If ur looking for a quicky! I'd recommend. Just watch out for that cliff hanger at the end.

[Mande Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! C.K. Brooke is one talented writer! I can’t tell you how much I love this story! It hooked me from the get-go. Her YA voice is engaging, drawing you in from the very first sentence. I was glued to the page. Shell’s story is both beautiful and bittersweet as we follow the main character on her path to discover the truth about herself. Brooke’s prose is rich and lyrical at times yet still captures the teen spirit in ways that tug at your heartstrings. Ms. Brooke has such a way with words—she fully immerses you into Shell’s world. THIS is an author to watch! I can’t wait to see what other stories she spins. Top-level writing. BRAVO!

[OldBird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Young Adult-y (and very obvious to an older reader), but a well written and easy to read short story about a 13 year old girl who just wants to be able to go for a swim despite her mother's warnings. Just the right amount of world detail, teen sass and overconfidence makes for a believable set of characters. Great for younger readers or those looking for an easy bit of teenage escapism.

[Kourtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If I concentrate when it's late, I can hear the ocean. Or at least, I think I can. I close my eyes, stroking the seashell pendant at my collar. I long to experience the ocean. All year round, I hear and feel it's call in the whoosh of the waves."

I loved the book about the mermaid and how she found out she was one. The ending also made me cry.

[Lu Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you love mermaids like i do! This short story is action backed had my eyes glued to the very end which i wish it didn't end tho.
The author well written this story and cant wait to read a full novel from her other books.!

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this story would likely be quite appealing to young girls: elementary to middle school. But it didn't hold my interest. I did find Shell, the main character of the story, to be a bit interesting.

Great world building. Haunting. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet tale about a young mermaid finding her fins!

[Brenna Jarrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was well written, just so short. I wish it was a bit longer so we could learn more about the characters and what else being a mermaid is like for the main character

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fine.

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh! I loved this! I needed it to be longer! A full book!

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wish it was longer

I really enjoyed this little story. I just wish the author would have made it closer to a novella than a short story.

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
I needed a "filler book", a little short story to fill in between reading bigger books. And I found it- the 23 page story by C.K. Brooke. It wasn't bad, it was was short and sweet!