In a near-future world ravaged by climate change and divided by genetic modification, a teenage girl named Turtle—one of the Mer, children illegally altered to have gills—must choose between giving up her underwater identity to reunite with her family and be with a Normal boy she loves, or remaining with her Mer community. The story explores themes of belonging, prejudice, bodily autonomy, and the ethical consequences of gene editing, all through a loose retelling of The Little Mermaid.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world shaped by climate change and the consequences of gene editing, the novel follows Turtle, a 15-year-old girl who is part of the Mer—a group of children whose genes were illegally modified before birth, giving them both gills and lungs. The Mer live aboard a decaying cruise ship, isolated from the Normals, who view them with suspicion and prejudice. Turtle’s life changes when she saves Kai, a Normal boy, during a scavenging trip in a drowned town. As Turtle secretly forms a bond with Kai and reconnects with her estranged family, she is faced with a difficult choice: undergo surgery to remove her gills and live as a Normal, or remain with her Mer community and the life she has always known. The story draws inspiration from The Little Mermaid, weaving in themes of belonging, identity, and the ethical dilemmas of genetic modification, all set against the backdrop of a society grappling with environmental catastrophe and social division.

Readers appreciated the emotional depth and relatability of Turtle’s character, noting her internal conflict between her Mer identity and her longing for connection with the human world. The depiction of the Mer’s underwater life, the decaying cruise ship, and the flooded towns was frequently praised for its vividness and immersive quality. Many found the exploration of social issues—such as prejudice, bodily autonomy, and the consequences of gene editing—thought-provoking, especially as they were presented through the lens of a coming-of-age story. The book’s handling of family dynamics, friendships, and the tension between chosen and biological families resonated with readers, as did the integration of climate change and the broader impacts of genetic technology. Several reviewers highlighted the writing style as engaging and accessible, with some noting its suitability for both young adult and mature middle school audiences.

Some readers felt that the world-building and exploration of the broader consequences of gene editing were underdeveloped, expressing a desire for more detail about the society, history, and the backgrounds of other genetically modified individuals. A number of reviewers found the pacing uneven, with certain sections described as slow or dragging, and some plot points or time skips glossed over important events. There were comments that secondary characters lacked depth or substance, and that the writing style was sometimes too straightforward or surface-level for their tastes. Additionally, while the book introduced ethical questions around eugenics and disability, some felt these themes were not explored as deeply as they could have been, possibly due to the target audience’s age.

The novel is positioned as a loose retelling of The Little Mermaid, aligning more closely with the original tale than the Disney adaptation, and incorporates elements of romance, science fiction, and social commentary. The story includes a variety of genetically modified individuals with diverse traits, and the Mer’s existence is shaped by both societal prejudice and the aftermath of climate disaster. The book has been recommended for fans of fairy tale retellings, dystopian fiction, and those interested in speculative science, and has been suggested as a good fit for school libraries. While the narrative centers on Turtle’s personal journey, it also touches on broader issues such as systemic injustice, the ethics of gene editing, and the impact of climate change on future generations.