Because Mermen Aren’t Really That Popular: Amy Friedman’s Sea Change

Allow me to begin by saying I read the book Sea Change almost 5 years ago when I first went to Korea. I was so into figuring out what was going on/where the story was headed that I ended up staying up til all hours to finish the book in one day. It’s well written, with an on-going tension in the story as to what, exactly, the mystery boy, Leo, is hiding. The protagonist, Miranda, meets him on a trip to Selkie Island with her mom. I’ve read a lot of negative critiques of the book in relation to the fact that the author chooses to leave so many questions unanswered, but I actually found the fact that the author didn’t try to provide all the answers refreshing enough to make me wish she’d written a sequel. Further, I see that the title has since been changed to the somewhat more compelling (and accurate) Ocean of Secrets, but no sign that I’m aware of of a sequel on the horizon.

The intriguing factor here is how the author has played with which character possesses the mythological traits. We’ve seen the normal-girl-magically-attracts-gorgeous-paranormal-dude set up a zillion times (not to suggest it’s not still interesting, but it’s been around the block a few times as a YA story). We’ve also seen a few recent merMAID stories out (I’m looking at you, Ann Banks’s Of Poseiden series and Amanda Hocking’s Watersong series), no others that I know of focus on a merMAN and his effects on a human girl. Now, as the author hasn’t directly clarified that this is for sure a merMAN we’re dealing with, I suppose I’m speculating (and spoiling), but it’s an interesting twist on a dynamic that usually tends to lean towards the fairy tale interpretation of a helpless female water creature rather than a strong male one.

The idea makes me a bit curious as to why we don’t see more literary dabbling with legendary/mythological creatures. Why not some male fairies? Or some female satyrs? Why not more UNpopular creatures gracing pages intended for those readers most willing to suspend disbelief?

What do you think? Are there enough fantasy creatures out there? Should authors focus on branching out a bit, or are you ok with what they’ve done so far?

A Stronger Female Archetype in YA Lit: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

 

Just when I thought I’d seen a little bit of everything YA had to offer. . . along came The Selection series by Kiera Cass. This fast-read is Hunger Games meets Cinderella, reality tv style. Think The Bachelor, except set in dystopic, post-WW4 American-ish remains. In this re-imagined world, the former USA is splintered, ruled by a monarchy, and the people split into a caste system: the most elite being in the top caste, and the others trickling down. Our protagonist, America Singer (yes, that’s her name–I’m not making this up), is of a lower caste–a Five, which is the caste of musicians and artists–and while she’s content with accepting her lot in the lower end of society, her family is not. Nor is her lower caste boyfriend, Aspen, a Six. When she receives notice of her eligibility to participate in The Selection–basically a contest between selected women to win the affections of the newly-of-age Prince Maxon’s fancy–both her family and Aspen not only encourage her to participate, but twist her arm to get her to apply. The shenanigans that ensue are nothing short of reality tv worthy (but I’m trying really hard not to spoil it).

I guess I should put it this way: I was able to get the first book in the series from the library Friday. I started reading it Friday afternoon, and then spent Saturday running around town to get the rest of them! Thus far, they’re amazing, and definitely interesting, brain candy.

Now, from a more intellectual perspective rather than the gushing teenager-in-me perspective, here’s what made the protagonist winning (so far–I’m only in book 2): she’s not making stupid decisions. She comes close a few times, and there’s a few cringe-worthy moments along the way, but by and large, I can understand what she’s doing and why. For some reason, many of the protagonists in YA lit seem to have difficulty with logic in thinking through the long-term implications of their decisions. I know, I know: they’re teenagers! Cut them some slack. . . right? Well, kind of. But does that then mean that all female teenagers are young and dumb? Does it have to be that all of them are unable to see past what they want in the immediate? I find that a difficult pill to swallow; indeed, I find that an impossible pill to swallow. 

That’s not to say that America is perfect. She’s not. And especially in her romance decisions with Aspen . . . well, there are moments. But she sees the need to do things she doesn’t want to do on both the micro (long-term benefits to herself or her loved ones) and the macro (potential to change the way things are happening for other people around the country, in other castes). In many ways, this left her reminiscent of the beloved Katniss Everdeen, except without being quite so abrasive of personality. Let me put it this way: if Katniss is a hard cup of black coffee, America is an espresso with light cream. Not lesser in power, but more refined in style and smoother to swallow. At the same time, I found that she is (at least thus far, and my fingers are crossed that she continues to be so) nowhere near as naive as, say, a classic Bella of Twilight fame or even Luce of the Fallen series. At the same time, she lacks the cocky self-assuredness of Legend‘s June, though she is infinitely more confident in her decisions than Divergent‘s Trice. In all, she’s a unique beast. Yes, she’s dealing with the done-over-and-over love triangle, but isn’t that part of what makes YA lit just that: young adult literature? 

I guess the question fluttering around in my mind is this: What do you think about these female archetypes that seem to be clearly and rapidly developing in YA Lit? And have you had the chance to pick up The Selection? My understanding is that it’s twice been optioned for a tv series, but not once actually succeeded. Maybe Hollywood will listen to the prayers of little bloggers/avid readers and consider doing this series justice . . . ?

Looking for Some YA Series to Read? Look No Further!

So today I was wandering around the local bookstore, and realized just how far behind I am on keeping up with all of the many YA lit series that I’ve started and love. (This whole being a student thing really cuts into my reading time!) The last one I finished was Cate Tiernan’s Immortal Beloved series (I’m in love with this series–in some parallel universe, if Ms. Tiernan or any of her minions ever read this, PLEASE give me more Nasty!!). But I guess that just means I have some *serious* reading to catch up on this summer! There’s been a tremendous stash of awesome YA series continuations that have come out recently (and some that have been released in the near past, but I’m just behind on. As mentioned.) I know, I know: duh, obviously there are tons of awesome YA series continuing to be published, but I thought I’d mention a few that I’m most excited about plowing through, hopefully very soon:

1. The last installment of Cassandra Clare’s hit Mortal Instruments series, The City of Heavenly Fire, has reached stores. I’m salivating at the chance to get my paws on this one. I am absolutely hugely impressed at how well she writes her characters. Who wouldn’t love the infinitely dark and sarcastic Simon? Or the brooding gay wizard Magnus Bane? Or even just the dialogue between them? While sadly the movie of the first book was cheesy at best, the series itself has quite a following, and for great reason.

2. Ok, ok–I know I’m a little behind, but I just came back from four years of ESL teaching in Korea, so cut me some slack! I really enjoyed Marie Lu’s Legend series, and am on the wait list for this final installment at the library. However, as I seem to be doing a lot of exercising this summer and not as much just sitting and reading, I think I might be impatiently downloading it from audible instead. Great series, strong female lead, and interesting turns in events.

3. I LOVE KAROU. Laini Taylor’s incredibly imaginative Daughter of Smoke and Bone series has it’s final installment, Dreams of Gods and Monsters, just out in April. This is another one I’ve lost patience in tracking down and have downloaded from audible to listen to–I absolutely love how she tells a story and presents her characters. I will temper this by saying the first one I couldn’t stop reading–literally, I think I went through it in a day or two–but while the second one offered great and imaginative detail, it felt a bit like a placeholder for the finale. Slightly frustrating while reading the second one, so I’m really curious how she ends this and absolutely refuse to read any spoilers!

4. Much to my excitement (and only because I’m behind on my reading, apparently) I see that Amy Plum’s awesome (though somewhat melodramatically named) Die For Me/Revenants Series has come to an end AND I was able to get the final book, If I Should Die, at the library! YAY! The writing and attention to detail in this series has been excellent and I have really found the first two books to be page turners. I am antsy with anticipation to dive into this final installment. I believe it was released last year, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get ahold of.

5. And finally I see Kendare Blake’s released Girl of Nightmares, a sequel to her bloody (and scary! I read it while travelling through India, and it scared the pants off of me–literally! I spent the trip in shorts instead!) Anna Dressed in Blood, and I’m psyched to see what she’s come up with! As an avid lover of both YA lit AND horror fiction, my goodness, it just doesn’t get much better than combining the two! (Hmmm. . .  I sense more on this topic to come). As I read the first book, I really didn’t know how it was going to end, so I’m tempted and curious to see what happens with the second. We shall see!

So. .. anyone else have some thoughts about YA series worth checking out? I know there’s lots of them, and I’m farting and tap dancing to keep myself ahead of the curve, but it’s a challenge!