I received this book for free from Hot Key Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lorali by Laura Dockrill Published by Hot Key Books on 2nd July 2015
Genres: UKYA, urban fantasy, young adult
Pages: 208
Source: Hot Key Books
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Colourful, raw, brave, rich and fantastical - this mermaid tale is not for the faint-hearted.
Looking after a naked girl he found washed up under Hastings pier isn't exactly how Rory had imagined spending his sixteenth birthday. But more surprising than finding her in the first place is discovering where she has come from.
Lorali is running not just from the sea, not just from her position as princess, but her entire destiny. Lorali has rejected life as a mermaid, and become human.
But along with Lorali's arrival, and the freak weather suddenly battering the coast, more strange visitors begin appearing in Rory's bemused Sussex town. With beautifully coiffed hair, sharp-collared shirts and a pirate ship shaped like a Tudor house, the Abelgare boys are a mystery all of their own. What are they really up to? Can Rory protect Lorali? And who from? And where does she really belong, anyway?
Let me tell you a story… I’ve always loved mermaids. Ever since I was tiny, I’ve devoured stories, TV programmes, and secretly wished that I could grow a tail. Lorali brought all of my fantasies back.
On the day of his sixteenth birthday, Rory finds a girl washed up on the beach. Naked, confused and convinced that she’s a mermaid. Isn’t she just a tiny bit too weird? With Lorali’s arrival comes freak weather conditions, pirates and even more strange visitors. Maybe Lorali isn’t a normal girl after all…
Dockrill writes with such ease and prowess that it’s hard not to instantly connect with her writing. Each character has been perfectly created so that it feels like they’re taking you along on the journey too. This is why Lorali will appeal to readers and non-readers alike - Dockrill has a way with words that can attract anybody.
By far, my favourite character was Lorali. I loved her perplexity towards the modern world and excitement as she learnt more about it. I craved the sections of the book written from her perspective - they were so much fun to read!
Although it took me a while to get into it, once I began to become familiar with the characters and plot direction, I LOVED it.
One of the most surprising things about Lorali is Dockrill’s wittiness and humour. Lorali really is one of the wackiest books I’ve read this year, and I mean that in the best way possible.
I loved Lorali for fulfilling all of my childhood dreams, and I’m definitely going to be seeking out more YA mermaid novels in the future. I’ve seriously been missing out!
Hollie
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Lucy! I’ve seen it around on the blogosphere for ages and it always catches my eye with its beautiful cover. I loved Laura Dockrill’s short story in Love Hurts and I’ve been meaning to check out more of her work since, so I think I’ll start with Lorali.
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Michelle
This sounds really interesting! I don’t think I’ve read any other mermaid books before. I’ll be keeping an eye out for this one. Lovely review, Lucy 🙂
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