I saw the cover on this book, thought MERMAIDS and got it. The Mer are real in A.G. Slatter's world, but not at all in the way I had expected. This was also my first exposure to gothic fantasy, and I loved it. The creepy background environment, twisted family relationships and traditions, and elements of various fairy tales woven throughout created an intense atmosphere while reading.

The book is first person POV which not everyone will like, but I really enjoyed it. Getting to hear her internal narrative as she grows to meet the challenges coming her way was very satisfying. I especially liked the fact that she isn't 'good', and the woman who set events in motion wasn't entirely 'evil'. Instead we get to follow a morally grey character as she does the best she can to escape a shitty situation set up by other desperate people trying to salvage their own scenarios.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the prose as well - the writing itself flowed beautifully and would make the book worth reading even if it hadn't also nailed interesting characters and vivid ambiance.

TL;DR - If you like fantasy, go get this book. If you like dysfunctional family stories, go get this book. If you like horror, go get this book. If you like beautiful prose, go get this book. Basically, go get the dang book.