Jennifer Donnelly's (A Northern Light) Waterfire Saga begins with a bang in the 41st century, as Serafina's royal household prepares for a rite of initiation: Serafina must prove she is a descendent of Merrow, and next in line for the throne.
The author creates an underwater wonderland filled with jewels and beautiful gowns as everyone prepares to attend this once-in-a-generation ceremony. "A mermaid's magic is in her voice," and Serafina will sing to prove her rightful place in the line stretching back to Merrow, the first to rule the Miromara. But hints of impending trouble cast a pall over the celebration. First, Serafina dreams of the mythic Iele, the river witches, and their attempt to contain a monster that's about to break out of its prison. Serafina's mother, current ruler of Miromara, speaks of warring threats to their kingdom. And Serafina's betrothed, Mahdi, whom she thought truly loved her, has been spotted carousing with other mermaids. Scarcely has 16-year-old Serafina proven herself as the true heir, when assassins break into the palace. Serafina and her best friend, Neela, a princess from a neighboring kingdom, escape, only to end up prisoners. Serafina discovers that Neela has had the same dream, and realizes that there may be more truth than legend to the Iele.
Donnelly charts the two friends' determination to fulfill the dream's quest. She unveils deep tensions between the mermaid realm and the terragoggs (humans), weaving in ecological themes and setting the stage for the next installment in a planned four-book series. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness