I have mixed feelings about this one. So, I love Christina Henry and her work but this didn't feel the same as her other works. I didn't find any of the characters loveable or even likable (apart from Charity, who is a side character. Her growth throughout the story was very interesting), and the plot moved far too slowly, which I understand why. The slow plot allows you to feel like you are sharing the mermaids long journey of freedom, but it's just not to my taste. 

The book took a huge turn for me when I started reading it as more of an essay on the male gaze and the expectations of women during the period and the modern age. If it wasn't for this then the rating I gave it would have been lower. As an essay it is more interesting to me.