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A review by arielmerm8
When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
5.0
I was thrilled to get the ARC of one of my favorite artist's debut novel. And it didn't disappoint.
Set in Coney Island in the early 1900s, the story follows Puerto Rican immigrant Benigno as he stumbles into employment with an oddities act at the fair, only to befriend (and fall in love with) its newest acquisition, a captured merman, Rio.
This was a true found family, #ownvoices, queer celebration of love! The characters were well developed, flaws and all. There was palpable tension as Benigno worked to free Rio. The romance felt tender and real. Mermaids have been my jam since the animated Disney film came out when I was 15 years old. Vanessa's prose captures the beauty and majesty of these mythical creatures.
And the illustrations? 🤌💋 Vanessa Vida Kelley brings their talent and whimsey to every drawing. I can't wait to see this book in print!
I received this ARC from @netgalley and publisher @erewhonbooks. The opinions are my own.
When the Tides Held the Moon will be released April 29, 2025
Set in Coney Island in the early 1900s, the story follows Puerto Rican immigrant Benigno as he stumbles into employment with an oddities act at the fair, only to befriend (and fall in love with) its newest acquisition, a captured merman, Rio.
This was a true found family, #ownvoices, queer celebration of love! The characters were well developed, flaws and all. There was palpable tension as Benigno worked to free Rio. The romance felt tender and real. Mermaids have been my jam since the animated Disney film came out when I was 15 years old. Vanessa's prose captures the beauty and majesty of these mythical creatures.
And the illustrations? 🤌💋 Vanessa Vida Kelley brings their talent and whimsey to every drawing. I can't wait to see this book in print!
I received this ARC from @netgalley and publisher @erewhonbooks. The opinions are my own.
When the Tides Held the Moon will be released April 29, 2025