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Ocean Heart
Being a mermaid brings a new depth to 'it's complicated.'
High school teen Mariah's life is anything but simple. Between a crush on her best friend and a rivalry brewing with the swim team star, her powers awaken early.
When Mariah's guardian meddles in her life with magic, she causes more harm than good. The soul reapers are coming and there's a werewolf hungry for merblood. All secrets wash ashore sooner or later, and Mariah's about to discover hers.
Mixing a messy love life with deadly powers will whip up a storm of trouble. Can Mariah contain it or will she be swept up in its wake?
A gripping story about a mermaid, self acceptance, and romance that literally sparks.
*****
Please note the MC is 15 years old, there is a love triangle, and sweet romance scenes (no sex).
High school teen Mariah's life is anything but simple. Between a crush on her best friend and a rivalry brewing with the swim team star, her powers awaken early.
When Mariah's guardian meddles in her life with magic, she causes more harm than good. The soul reapers are coming and there's a werewolf hungry for merblood. All secrets wash ashore sooner or later, and Mariah's about to discover hers.
Mixing a messy love life with deadly powers will whip up a storm of trouble. Can Mariah contain it or will she be swept up in its wake?
A gripping story about a mermaid, self acceptance, and romance that literally sparks.
*****
Please note the MC is 15 years old, there is a love triangle, and sweet romance scenes (no sex).
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
About the author
Ally Aldridge
3 books55 followersAlly was born in London but grew up in Suffolk which is where most of her YA Fantasy novels are based.
She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two cats, their son and daughter.
When Ally is not writing (or at her day job), she loves spending time with her family at the local beach, in the forest or watching way too much Netflix.
Ally loves a cup of tea and has been known to order one on a night out.
She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two cats, their son and daughter.
When Ally is not writing (or at her day job), she loves spending time with her family at the local beach, in the forest or watching way too much Netflix.
Ally loves a cup of tea and has been known to order one on a night out.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 20, 2020
4.5 mertastic stars for a solid debut by an author to watch for.
Ocean Heart is a slow burn paranormal romance featuring mermaids, alongside witches, werewolves and other magical creatures. It doesn't give us mermaids in their underwater home, so don't expect that when you're picking it up.
This is the story of one single mermaid, whose life is slowly turned completely topsy-turvy when she realizes what she really is. It is the tale of self-acceptance and love of a young 15 year old high school teen - Mariah. Complete with all the erratic emotions and insecurity of a normal girl her age. And it is beautifully done.
High school teen Mariah's life is anything but simple. Between a crush on her best friend and a rivalry brewing with the swim team star, her powers awaken early. And that gives the word complicated a whole new meaning.
Add in a handsome young man Mariah must make sure she will NOT kiss and a werewolf hungry for merblood, top it with a well-meaning guardian whose meddling magic spells do more harm than good and deadly powers difficult to control and there you go - the perfect recipe for a storm of trouble. One that may literally sweep Mariah up in its wake.
Saying more about it will definitely spoil, so I'll leave the rest for you to find out. :D
The storyline is unique and unexpected twists are present at almost every corner. The character development is wonderful while the prose is a pleasure to read. And everything is so beautifully interwoven that you can't help but be swept away in a little mermaid's complicated life.
Beware of one thing though. This tale is based on a love triangle. A warning I must make since I personally am absolutely NOT a fan of love triangles anywhere. They are a little pet peeve of mine because I cannot stand the careless way feelings are treated within them.
That being said, this love triangle here absolutely worked for me! And it even made me get invested. Kudos to the author for pulling that off.
I literally felt like reaching through the pages and box a certain young man's ears, and found myself muttering 'idiot' while reproachfully shaking my head.
The longing of another certain young man made me want to give him a big hug, wile the hurt, loneliness and insecurity of a little lost young girl were powerful enough to make me tear up.
"The more I tried to talk, the more it hurt. I shut my eyes. I felt lost. The world felt vast and I was nothing, nobody...."
Perhaps because of the naturally flowing 1st person POV, or the ease with which emotion seems to be imparted by words...
Perhaps because of the real seeming setting and characters alike...
Or the feelings that practically leap of the page...
This book drew me in and made me care and react. And that's not something I can say for every book out there.
Some things seem a little bit rushed or brushed over, but overall it was a mertastic read!
I absolutely loved it and am eagerly waiting for a sequel.
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
Ocean Heart is a slow burn paranormal romance featuring mermaids, alongside witches, werewolves and other magical creatures. It doesn't give us mermaids in their underwater home, so don't expect that when you're picking it up.
This is the story of one single mermaid, whose life is slowly turned completely topsy-turvy when she realizes what she really is. It is the tale of self-acceptance and love of a young 15 year old high school teen - Mariah. Complete with all the erratic emotions and insecurity of a normal girl her age. And it is beautifully done.
High school teen Mariah's life is anything but simple. Between a crush on her best friend and a rivalry brewing with the swim team star, her powers awaken early. And that gives the word complicated a whole new meaning.
Add in a handsome young man Mariah must make sure she will NOT kiss and a werewolf hungry for merblood, top it with a well-meaning guardian whose meddling magic spells do more harm than good and deadly powers difficult to control and there you go - the perfect recipe for a storm of trouble. One that may literally sweep Mariah up in its wake.
Saying more about it will definitely spoil, so I'll leave the rest for you to find out. :D
The storyline is unique and unexpected twists are present at almost every corner. The character development is wonderful while the prose is a pleasure to read. And everything is so beautifully interwoven that you can't help but be swept away in a little mermaid's complicated life.
Beware of one thing though. This tale is based on a love triangle. A warning I must make since I personally am absolutely NOT a fan of love triangles anywhere. They are a little pet peeve of mine because I cannot stand the careless way feelings are treated within them.
That being said, this love triangle here absolutely worked for me! And it even made me get invested. Kudos to the author for pulling that off.
I literally felt like reaching through the pages and box a certain young man's ears, and found myself muttering 'idiot' while reproachfully shaking my head.
The longing of another certain young man made me want to give him a big hug, wile the hurt, loneliness and insecurity of a little lost young girl were powerful enough to make me tear up.
"The more I tried to talk, the more it hurt. I shut my eyes. I felt lost. The world felt vast and I was nothing, nobody...."
Perhaps because of the naturally flowing 1st person POV, or the ease with which emotion seems to be imparted by words...
Perhaps because of the real seeming setting and characters alike...
Or the feelings that practically leap of the page...
This book drew me in and made me care and react. And that's not something I can say for every book out there.
Some things seem a little bit rushed or brushed over, but overall it was a mertastic read!
I absolutely loved it and am eagerly waiting for a sequel.
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
November 27, 2020
“If you believe in magic, magic will believe in you”
Ocean Heart is the story of a very grounded teenage girl, Mariah, who finds her world turned upside down when her best friend, Jace, moves away, and she is mysteriously drawn to the water. Mariah can’t explain this feeling, but she is no longer comfortable in her own shoes.
Reading Ally Aldridge’s sweet YA romance on the cusp of summer in Australia, Ocean Heart perfectly captured the sensations, sights, scents, and sounds of the warm weather we’re just beginning to enjoy– the smell and feel of grass underfoot, the temptation of ice cream, the clinking of ice in a glass. I can equally imagine curling up with this book in the winter, nostalgic for the very best of seasons.
But the results of magical mayhem in Ocean Heart are masterfully handled. Likewise, elements of romance novels that might come off as cheesy elsewhere are afforded a realism in this novel thanks to its very real characters: ‘So much for a romantic walk home in the moonlight. Your hair – you look like a crazed woman.’ If that’s not relatable, I don’t know what is!
As a thirty-something, I can’t definitively say how well today’s highschoolers would relate to this, or any other YA novel. But Ocean Heart is one of those rare books which, rather than making the less ‘young’ adult reader feel as if they’re reading about a particularly annoying group of kids, instead brings back memories of being that age. The characters are well-rounded and realistic, neither mini-adults nor annoying kids. There’s that relatable spark of young love. And I cringed internally when I read that the theme of Mariah’s school’s Mistletoe Disco was ‘couples’. That just sounds like the stuff of nightmares to me!
Some aspects of the YA genre are classic because they are seemingly universal and eternal – change is one such staple. Mariah undergoes several transformative experiences over the course of the novel – some supernatural, some much more natural. The YA genre is especially suited to exploring change as a theme.
Interpersonal relationships – friendships and romance – are another common theme. Many things have changed since I was at high school. Cyber bullying was only in its infancy when I was a student. This is a topic which is (briefly) touched upon in Ocean Heart.
Yet many things have remained the same. Bullying itself is hardly new.
Much ink is spilled in the research literature and the popular press about how girls and boys tend to bully differently. These aren't inherent, biological differences, but rather, the result of the different ways in which parents, teachers, and others in society socialise boys and girls differently from birth.
Girls, the research tells us, tend to bully in packs, name-calling, spreading rumours, harassing online, and excluding others. Teachers and parents, on the lookout for the 'stereotypical bully' (a boy, who uses physical violence and cruel pranks against his peers) are often slow to respond to the equally damaging bullying perpetrated by girls. And yet, of course, it is far from the truth that only girls make nasty posts online, that only boys dunk other kids’ heads in the toilet, that only girls name-call, or that only boys are angry. As much as the students in this story do exhibit these behaviours, boys and girls in the novel engage in all forms of bullying pretty equally.
Ocean Heart also reflects the reality that gendered activities divide boys and girls into separate groups. Mariah muses that forming friendships has been much easier for Jace, for instance, because of his involvement in the football team. It’s different for boys, she tells him. Mariah finds her own place, but her path there is much less clear-cut – just as, we might extrapolate, it is less clear-cut for boys who aren’t into football.
In our world, girls are set up to view one another as rivals for boys’ affections, and Mariah deals with these pressures. Far from being some miss goody-goody two-shoes who is practically perfect in every way, Mariah has her own failings. She has the same sorts of denigrating thoughts about girls who want the attention of boys as other girls have about her. Hopefully, this will cause the reader to pause and reflect on how they think about their own friends, rather than agree with Mariah.
The lack of agency many girls and women experience is encapsulated perfectly in two lines from the main characters, Jace and Mariah. ‘I’ve never kissed a girl!’ Jace admits. ‘I’ve never been kissed either’ Mariah says. Boys, this tells us implicitly, are the ones who do things. Girls are the ones who have things done to them. While gender relations are by no means a dominating or overly overt theme in Ocean Heart, Aldridge's depiction rings exceptionally true. None of her characters are unbelievably perfect, and they are all products of their own agency and the environment they inhabit.
Ocean Heart is at its core, a sweet high-school romance about friendship. Its supernatural themes may attract the reader, but it is the very relatable and true-to-life aspects of the novel which make it so compelling.
Aldridge has penned a book which is far more than pure escapism. My hope is that it will make readers think about our relationships, what we want out of life, the importance of friendship, and how gender stereotypes are frequently used to separate us when there are so many more important things that unite us all.
A highly recommended read for those of all ages.
Ocean Heart is the story of a very grounded teenage girl, Mariah, who finds her world turned upside down when her best friend, Jace, moves away, and she is mysteriously drawn to the water. Mariah can’t explain this feeling, but she is no longer comfortable in her own shoes.
Reading Ally Aldridge’s sweet YA romance on the cusp of summer in Australia, Ocean Heart perfectly captured the sensations, sights, scents, and sounds of the warm weather we’re just beginning to enjoy– the smell and feel of grass underfoot, the temptation of ice cream, the clinking of ice in a glass. I can equally imagine curling up with this book in the winter, nostalgic for the very best of seasons.
But the results of magical mayhem in Ocean Heart are masterfully handled. Likewise, elements of romance novels that might come off as cheesy elsewhere are afforded a realism in this novel thanks to its very real characters: ‘So much for a romantic walk home in the moonlight. Your hair – you look like a crazed woman.’ If that’s not relatable, I don’t know what is!
As a thirty-something, I can’t definitively say how well today’s highschoolers would relate to this, or any other YA novel. But Ocean Heart is one of those rare books which, rather than making the less ‘young’ adult reader feel as if they’re reading about a particularly annoying group of kids, instead brings back memories of being that age. The characters are well-rounded and realistic, neither mini-adults nor annoying kids. There’s that relatable spark of young love. And I cringed internally when I read that the theme of Mariah’s school’s Mistletoe Disco was ‘couples’. That just sounds like the stuff of nightmares to me!
Some aspects of the YA genre are classic because they are seemingly universal and eternal – change is one such staple. Mariah undergoes several transformative experiences over the course of the novel – some supernatural, some much more natural. The YA genre is especially suited to exploring change as a theme.
Interpersonal relationships – friendships and romance – are another common theme. Many things have changed since I was at high school. Cyber bullying was only in its infancy when I was a student. This is a topic which is (briefly) touched upon in Ocean Heart.
Yet many things have remained the same. Bullying itself is hardly new.
Much ink is spilled in the research literature and the popular press about how girls and boys tend to bully differently. These aren't inherent, biological differences, but rather, the result of the different ways in which parents, teachers, and others in society socialise boys and girls differently from birth.
Girls, the research tells us, tend to bully in packs, name-calling, spreading rumours, harassing online, and excluding others. Teachers and parents, on the lookout for the 'stereotypical bully' (a boy, who uses physical violence and cruel pranks against his peers) are often slow to respond to the equally damaging bullying perpetrated by girls. And yet, of course, it is far from the truth that only girls make nasty posts online, that only boys dunk other kids’ heads in the toilet, that only girls name-call, or that only boys are angry. As much as the students in this story do exhibit these behaviours, boys and girls in the novel engage in all forms of bullying pretty equally.
Ocean Heart also reflects the reality that gendered activities divide boys and girls into separate groups. Mariah muses that forming friendships has been much easier for Jace, for instance, because of his involvement in the football team. It’s different for boys, she tells him. Mariah finds her own place, but her path there is much less clear-cut – just as, we might extrapolate, it is less clear-cut for boys who aren’t into football.
In our world, girls are set up to view one another as rivals for boys’ affections, and Mariah deals with these pressures. Far from being some miss goody-goody two-shoes who is practically perfect in every way, Mariah has her own failings. She has the same sorts of denigrating thoughts about girls who want the attention of boys as other girls have about her. Hopefully, this will cause the reader to pause and reflect on how they think about their own friends, rather than agree with Mariah.
The lack of agency many girls and women experience is encapsulated perfectly in two lines from the main characters, Jace and Mariah. ‘I’ve never kissed a girl!’ Jace admits. ‘I’ve never been kissed either’ Mariah says. Boys, this tells us implicitly, are the ones who do things. Girls are the ones who have things done to them. While gender relations are by no means a dominating or overly overt theme in Ocean Heart, Aldridge's depiction rings exceptionally true. None of her characters are unbelievably perfect, and they are all products of their own agency and the environment they inhabit.
Ocean Heart is at its core, a sweet high-school romance about friendship. Its supernatural themes may attract the reader, but it is the very relatable and true-to-life aspects of the novel which make it so compelling.
Aldridge has penned a book which is far more than pure escapism. My hope is that it will make readers think about our relationships, what we want out of life, the importance of friendship, and how gender stereotypes are frequently used to separate us when there are so many more important things that unite us all.
A highly recommended read for those of all ages.
September 28, 2020
Ocean Heart is the debut novel by Ally Aldridge. And a great debut at that! This is a slow burn, paranormal romance featuring mermaids, witches, werewolves and magic.
The story was very well written, with a unique and interesting storyline. The FMC was a little younger than is normally found in romance novels (15 - but please note that there are no sexual encounters in the book) and the author did a good job at portraying her as such. Unlike many books, Mariah acted her age - changing her mind, occasionally a little flighty, unsure of herself and her feelings - like any normal 15 year old! I'm looking forward to watching her mature and grow, coming into herself and her powers as the books progress.
Congratulations on your debut novel, I am looking forward to what comes next! ❤
December 1, 2020
If you like mermaids and cute boys this one if for you!
book was a 3.5-3.75 star read for me. I don't see a lot of mermaid books out there and I really appreciated the feeling of reading something new. This book did feel a bit on the younger side of YA for me and I personally haven't read a YA book with such a young protagonist in a really long time. I definitely feel like 13-16 year old me would have really liked this book and I would highly recommend this book to teenage readers. One thing I liked about this book is there was a good level of character growth. At the beginning the main character Mariah was very dramatic and reactive and almost possessive of her best friend Jace and his attention. But as the story progressed you see her find her own way and discover more of who she is and what matters to her. I also really loved loved Ana and Murray! The side characters were really fun in this book :). I thought the storyline was creative, and the writing style was enjoyable. I did struggle at times to understand the lore and I felt like some things were brushed over and not explained well. But that could also be because the author is planning to reveal more in upcoming books :). If you like mermaids, cute boys, and magic definitely give this one a try :).
book was a 3.5-3.75 star read for me. I don't see a lot of mermaid books out there and I really appreciated the feeling of reading something new. This book did feel a bit on the younger side of YA for me and I personally haven't read a YA book with such a young protagonist in a really long time. I definitely feel like 13-16 year old me would have really liked this book and I would highly recommend this book to teenage readers. One thing I liked about this book is there was a good level of character growth. At the beginning the main character Mariah was very dramatic and reactive and almost possessive of her best friend Jace and his attention. But as the story progressed you see her find her own way and discover more of who she is and what matters to her. I also really loved loved Ana and Murray! The side characters were really fun in this book :). I thought the storyline was creative, and the writing style was enjoyable. I did struggle at times to understand the lore and I felt like some things were brushed over and not explained well. But that could also be because the author is planning to reveal more in upcoming books :). If you like mermaids, cute boys, and magic definitely give this one a try :).
November 1, 2020
3.3/5 stars
First of all I would like to thank the author Ally Aldridge for sending me an ARC of her book and thank you for choosing me! That being said, this will be a 100% honest review.
Reading this book was like a wave of nostalgia that I didn’t know I needed. It brought me back to middle school days when I was first starting to get into fantasy and YA books. Giggling when there’s kissing scene and freaking over a love triangle were the days. So I would like to thank the author for providing me with that experience all over again.
Ocean Heart tells a story of Mariah who recently started to develop feelings for her best friend Jace. With their different schedules and Jace’s new friends, Mariah feels left out and decides to join the swim team despite her mother’s concerns. From there on she starts learning about mermaids and other kinds of magic surrounding her. What I really liked was how the characters were written. I think the author did a really good job at realistically portraying fifteen year-olds and did not make them too cringey like some do. I loved Mariah’s growth throughout the book and how she learned to value herself and found some really good people. I felt like the plot had some holes and the supernatural aspect was overshadowed by the love triangle drama. As this is the first book in the series it is normal for not everything to be explained right away but in this case it felt almost forgotten. The book itself is pretty slow paced, written more like a contemporary then a fantasy, leaving us with a lot of unanswered questions. I kept hoping to see more world building and hear more about mermaids since this is the first book I’ve read with them as a main plot point, but that never happened. I hope we get some answers in the next books because for now this is really interesting.
This book is definitely written for younger audiences and that’s why I couldn’t enjoy it fully. But if you are only starting to read YA or fantasy books than this is a good place to start. It’s easy to read with a fun cast and will leave you smiling throughout.
First of all I would like to thank the author Ally Aldridge for sending me an ARC of her book and thank you for choosing me! That being said, this will be a 100% honest review.
Reading this book was like a wave of nostalgia that I didn’t know I needed. It brought me back to middle school days when I was first starting to get into fantasy and YA books. Giggling when there’s kissing scene and freaking over a love triangle were the days. So I would like to thank the author for providing me with that experience all over again.
Ocean Heart tells a story of Mariah who recently started to develop feelings for her best friend Jace. With their different schedules and Jace’s new friends, Mariah feels left out and decides to join the swim team despite her mother’s concerns. From there on she starts learning about mermaids and other kinds of magic surrounding her. What I really liked was how the characters were written. I think the author did a really good job at realistically portraying fifteen year-olds and did not make them too cringey like some do. I loved Mariah’s growth throughout the book and how she learned to value herself and found some really good people. I felt like the plot had some holes and the supernatural aspect was overshadowed by the love triangle drama. As this is the first book in the series it is normal for not everything to be explained right away but in this case it felt almost forgotten. The book itself is pretty slow paced, written more like a contemporary then a fantasy, leaving us with a lot of unanswered questions. I kept hoping to see more world building and hear more about mermaids since this is the first book I’ve read with them as a main plot point, but that never happened. I hope we get some answers in the next books because for now this is really interesting.
This book is definitely written for younger audiences and that’s why I couldn’t enjoy it fully. But if you are only starting to read YA or fantasy books than this is a good place to start. It’s easy to read with a fun cast and will leave you smiling throughout.
November 10, 2020
5 Cranky Stars
This is a cute YA story of love in high school. It takes place in England where Mariah and Jace are neighbors. They have been together since they can remember. Mariah and Jace have always had classes together, which they're hoping for this year. Schools in England are different than in the US so I'm not sure how old they are, except I thought I saw it mentioned that Mariah was 15 years old. Well, they get put in different levels and different classes which devastates Mariah. Mariah wastes her time pining over Jace and makes friends with no one. Jace is easy going so he enjoys himself making new friends and even joining the football team. In fact, he evens finds a girlfriend. Clueless to Mariah's feelings for him, he sets her up with his girlfriend's older brother. Then, Mariah joins the swim team where she meets Ana who becomes her best friend.
Typical high school angst and bullying make their way into this book. Easy and fun to read with some twists and turns I didn't see coming. All in all, its a great story for young people and all older readers.
This is a cute YA story of love in high school. It takes place in England where Mariah and Jace are neighbors. They have been together since they can remember. Mariah and Jace have always had classes together, which they're hoping for this year. Schools in England are different than in the US so I'm not sure how old they are, except I thought I saw it mentioned that Mariah was 15 years old. Well, they get put in different levels and different classes which devastates Mariah. Mariah wastes her time pining over Jace and makes friends with no one. Jace is easy going so he enjoys himself making new friends and even joining the football team. In fact, he evens finds a girlfriend. Clueless to Mariah's feelings for him, he sets her up with his girlfriend's older brother. Then, Mariah joins the swim team where she meets Ana who becomes her best friend.
Typical high school angst and bullying make their way into this book. Easy and fun to read with some twists and turns I didn't see coming. All in all, its a great story for young people and all older readers.
October 25, 2020
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the book; however, it did read a bit younger than YA for me. There were a few instances when I felt as if things could have been explained better, but I’m assuming they’ll be touched upon in the following books to the series.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book.
I enjoyed the book; however, it did read a bit younger than YA for me. There were a few instances when I felt as if things could have been explained better, but I’m assuming they’ll be touched upon in the following books to the series.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book.
October 7, 2020
Thoroughly good read from beginning to end. Great characters which meant I couldn't put the book down. Cannot wait to read the next installment. Well done Ally.
October 10, 2020
Ocean Heart is a beautiful novel, and not your typical mermaid book.
At nearly 400 pages, it's not afraid to take its time getting to the magic, but that time is well spent developing young Mariah so I couldn't complain.
Mariah is a very unusual mermaid. For one, she doesn’t start with a tail, a kingdom under the sea or a fish friend. In fact, thanks to some magic, she doesn’t even know she is a mermaid!
Instead, Mariah starts the book as a shy girl, undermined by her own doubts. Unable to believe in herself, she finds it nearly impossible to make friends or even find much success in school. For a book whose heroine can create lightning storms with her mind, and grows scales, its depiction of social anxiety and the way it leads us to self-isolate is both surprisingly realistic and heartbreaking. On top of this are the… surprisingly graphic depictions of puberty as seen through the eyes of a girl growing into young woman; the story doesn’t linger on them, but it does add colour to Mariah’s lack of faith in herself; after all, if even her own body is working against her, what chance does she have?
With this in mind, it's no real surprise that Mariah latches onto the one real friend she's made, Jace, and wishes that she could push beyond mere friendship into something more. He, of course, is completely unaware of her interest and it was refreshing to see that while he's a nice guy, he's not perfect; at one point he asks to practice kissing with her. In the context of the story, it makes sense; he isn't aware of her feelings, but it's nonetheless an abuse of their friendship to use her as a mere stand in for another girl whom he really desires.
After a few chapters, we learn the root cause of Mariah’s self-doubt. I think that everyone has felt the frustration of being denied the opportunity to do the things you’re really good at, but when you’re a mermaid and your mother – for entirely rational reasons – forbade you from going near the water, it suddenly makes sense why she’s so insular and uncertain about herself; she’s literally not been allowed to explore who she really is.
Once she does get into the water, things change; she gets more confidence, makes new friends and even starts to look at boys other than Jace. Unfortunately, change can be bad as well as good, because it tuns out that mermaids have more than the power to breath under water, and Mariah learns that she may be dangerous to her newfound friends unless she learns to control these new powers.
Certainly not what I expected when I picked it up, but all in all, a fantastic read; I might wish it concentrated on the magic a bit more, but exploring Mariah’s world through her eyes is a fascinating trip.
At nearly 400 pages, it's not afraid to take its time getting to the magic, but that time is well spent developing young Mariah so I couldn't complain.
Mariah is a very unusual mermaid. For one, she doesn’t start with a tail, a kingdom under the sea or a fish friend. In fact, thanks to some magic, she doesn’t even know she is a mermaid!
Instead, Mariah starts the book as a shy girl, undermined by her own doubts. Unable to believe in herself, she finds it nearly impossible to make friends or even find much success in school. For a book whose heroine can create lightning storms with her mind, and grows scales, its depiction of social anxiety and the way it leads us to self-isolate is both surprisingly realistic and heartbreaking. On top of this are the… surprisingly graphic depictions of puberty as seen through the eyes of a girl growing into young woman; the story doesn’t linger on them, but it does add colour to Mariah’s lack of faith in herself; after all, if even her own body is working against her, what chance does she have?
With this in mind, it's no real surprise that Mariah latches onto the one real friend she's made, Jace, and wishes that she could push beyond mere friendship into something more. He, of course, is completely unaware of her interest and it was refreshing to see that while he's a nice guy, he's not perfect; at one point he asks to practice kissing with her. In the context of the story, it makes sense; he isn't aware of her feelings, but it's nonetheless an abuse of their friendship to use her as a mere stand in for another girl whom he really desires.
After a few chapters, we learn the root cause of Mariah’s self-doubt. I think that everyone has felt the frustration of being denied the opportunity to do the things you’re really good at, but when you’re a mermaid and your mother – for entirely rational reasons – forbade you from going near the water, it suddenly makes sense why she’s so insular and uncertain about herself; she’s literally not been allowed to explore who she really is.
Once she does get into the water, things change; she gets more confidence, makes new friends and even starts to look at boys other than Jace. Unfortunately, change can be bad as well as good, because it tuns out that mermaids have more than the power to breath under water, and Mariah learns that she may be dangerous to her newfound friends unless she learns to control these new powers.
Certainly not what I expected when I picked it up, but all in all, a fantastic read; I might wish it concentrated on the magic a bit more, but exploring Mariah’s world through her eyes is a fascinating trip.
January 15, 2021
Book 06 of my Goodreads Challenge 2021
Not your regular mermaid tale
I pre-ordered this story as I am a big fan of mermaids and folklore. However, I have to be honest once I started reading it I found it did not grab me so I put it aside and came back to it. I think the issue was that the main character Mariah is a young teenager who does not know she is a mermaid. I think the idea from the author is to maybe show how she grows up and develops into a confident young woman and mermaid. (Knowing there are more books to come).
Things only start to happen when Mariah's childhood friend Jace moves away. Athough they go to the same school they are no longer in the same classes and Jace begins to make new friends. Seemingly he begins to forget about Mariah and even begins to fancy another girl Kiely.
There is so much I want to say but I really don't want to give anything away. This book is so different from any other mermaid stories I've read. It turned out to be so much more than I expected.
Murray is another main character in the story and I really disliked him when he was first introduced to us. He is slowly growing on me now.
Another memorable character is Ana and I sense as the other books are released we will get to know about her inner demons. Mariah and Ana become good friends sharing some secrets but will this put Ana's life in danger? I think the author will let us know in the next instalments.
This book I found slow to start, and it takes a while for anything magical to happen (apart from Mariah's dreams) The author keeps you hanging on I thought that at some points I would turn the page and we would read about the full mermaid transformation but it was not to be. It takes forever to occur but when it does, POW it comes at you full force. It was well worth returning to. Now I cannot wait for book 2.
Happy Reading 😍🌹📚📖
Not your regular mermaid tale
I pre-ordered this story as I am a big fan of mermaids and folklore. However, I have to be honest once I started reading it I found it did not grab me so I put it aside and came back to it. I think the issue was that the main character Mariah is a young teenager who does not know she is a mermaid. I think the idea from the author is to maybe show how she grows up and develops into a confident young woman and mermaid. (Knowing there are more books to come).
Things only start to happen when Mariah's childhood friend Jace moves away. Athough they go to the same school they are no longer in the same classes and Jace begins to make new friends. Seemingly he begins to forget about Mariah and even begins to fancy another girl Kiely.
There is so much I want to say but I really don't want to give anything away. This book is so different from any other mermaid stories I've read. It turned out to be so much more than I expected.
Murray is another main character in the story and I really disliked him when he was first introduced to us. He is slowly growing on me now.
Another memorable character is Ana and I sense as the other books are released we will get to know about her inner demons. Mariah and Ana become good friends sharing some secrets but will this put Ana's life in danger? I think the author will let us know in the next instalments.
This book I found slow to start, and it takes a while for anything magical to happen (apart from Mariah's dreams) The author keeps you hanging on I thought that at some points I would turn the page and we would read about the full mermaid transformation but it was not to be. It takes forever to occur but when it does, POW it comes at you full force. It was well worth returning to. Now I cannot wait for book 2.
Happy Reading 😍🌹📚📖
July 25, 2021
This is a great debut novel by Ally Aldridge. Mermaids, magic, coming of age, family secrets and a love triangle, what more could you ask for?
A teenage Mariah is everything you would expect —naive, flighty, emotional— and so much more. Everything she has ever known is ripped from her one summers day and it changes her life forever.
This is a lovely story where the reader is able to grow along with the mc. From its tumultuous beginnings to its heartwarming conclusion, you are there for the ride. There are times you are cheering, and times when you hold your head in your hands, but through it all there is love. Love of friends, family, first loves, and something much more powerful.
I can’t wait for the second book in the series.
A teenage Mariah is everything you would expect —naive, flighty, emotional— and so much more. Everything she has ever known is ripped from her one summers day and it changes her life forever.
This is a lovely story where the reader is able to grow along with the mc. From its tumultuous beginnings to its heartwarming conclusion, you are there for the ride. There are times you are cheering, and times when you hold your head in your hands, but through it all there is love. Love of friends, family, first loves, and something much more powerful.
I can’t wait for the second book in the series.
June 16, 2023
3.75 ⭐ I haven't read any mermaid fantasy before and I definitely enjoyed the story behind this. I did feel the story was a little slow to start for me. Its YA but on the younger side of YA in my opinion - the FMC is 15. I found the new storylines towards the end intriguing and would really like to read book 2 when published.
January 1, 2021
I’m a sucker for a mermaid or siren story, so was so excited to get my hands on Ocean Heart at last. I was drawn in a once, and completely obsessed with the love triangle. I’m looking forward to learning more about the world Ally has created in book 2.
January 2, 2024
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Unsupervised in a Bookstore
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If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that I'm not a big fan of paranormal romance or love triangles. That said, while Ocean Heart is a PNR with a love triangle, it's also a gripping story where the rival love interests are integral to the plot. And – possibly my favourite kind of fictional relationship – there's a lovely male/female friendship that I really wanted to survive the story!
Mariah has no idea she has powers. She's just an ordinary teenager with a hippie single mum, and her best friend Jace living next door. True – she has an allergic reaction to seawater, and she's not allowed to swim, but allergies aren't uncommon. When she's persuaded to join the swimming club at school she has to keep it from her mother, who would not approve. But Mariah feels at home in the water in a way she can't explain, and she's soon promoted to a place on the school team.
Meanwhile Jace is trying to spend time with his girlfriend, Kiely, but her brother Murray, star of the swim team, is always around as a chaperone. When Jace asks Mariah to distract Murray so he can finally kiss Kiely, he has no idea what the consequences will be. Powers are awakened, secrets are exposed, and Mariah has to decide whether to follow her destiny or her heart.
Mariah's story had me turning the pages and staying up late to find out what would happen next. I loved her relationship with Jace, and their very real questioning of the way they felt about each other. Murray is an interesting but flawed character, and I was constantly dreading what he might do next. Mariah's relationship with her mother felt natural, and her mother's spellcasting and potion-brewing felt innocent and eccentric – at least in the beginning. No spoilers, but all the relationships evolve throughout the book, and the explosive showdown opens up intriguing possibilities for the sequel. Bring it on!
And ... could we just please take a moment to appreciate this book's gorgeous cover? It's stunning (and it would look great on your bookshelf!).
If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that I'm not a big fan of paranormal romance or love triangles. That said, while Ocean Heart is a PNR with a love triangle, it's also a gripping story where the rival love interests are integral to the plot. And – possibly my favourite kind of fictional relationship – there's a lovely male/female friendship that I really wanted to survive the story!
Mariah has no idea she has powers. She's just an ordinary teenager with a hippie single mum, and her best friend Jace living next door. True – she has an allergic reaction to seawater, and she's not allowed to swim, but allergies aren't uncommon. When she's persuaded to join the swimming club at school she has to keep it from her mother, who would not approve. But Mariah feels at home in the water in a way she can't explain, and she's soon promoted to a place on the school team.
Meanwhile Jace is trying to spend time with his girlfriend, Kiely, but her brother Murray, star of the swim team, is always around as a chaperone. When Jace asks Mariah to distract Murray so he can finally kiss Kiely, he has no idea what the consequences will be. Powers are awakened, secrets are exposed, and Mariah has to decide whether to follow her destiny or her heart.
Mariah's story had me turning the pages and staying up late to find out what would happen next. I loved her relationship with Jace, and their very real questioning of the way they felt about each other. Murray is an interesting but flawed character, and I was constantly dreading what he might do next. Mariah's relationship with her mother felt natural, and her mother's spellcasting and potion-brewing felt innocent and eccentric – at least in the beginning. No spoilers, but all the relationships evolve throughout the book, and the explosive showdown opens up intriguing possibilities for the sequel. Bring it on!
And ... could we just please take a moment to appreciate this book's gorgeous cover? It's stunning (and it would look great on your bookshelf!).
November 5, 2020
3.5 stars
Mermaid books are few and far between, so I was eager to read this one. Toss in some drama and romance, and it made for a good read.
This would have been a four or five-star book for me, but there were areas that were glossed over or just left unfinished. Too many things were thrown in for seemingly no reason. The beginning was a bit slow for me, and I struggled to really dig into the story, but by around chapter three, I didn't want to put it down. The romance threaded into the story was well done and had me turning the pages. I'm a romantic at heart and couldn't wait to see what happened. Would Mariah end up with Murray or Jace?
The secondary characters kept things interesting, even if there were parts I felt were needlessly added, particularly where Mariah's "mum" was concerned and Jace's mother. We see quite a bit of Murray's sister, but part of her storyline seemed to have come out of nowhere and was left unresolved. Much like the soul reapers who are mentioned and supposedly feared, and yet they take up very little of the story and are almost an afterthought by the end. A surprise character, related to Mariah, makes an appearance but her role in the book seems almost forced. I think if the author had focused more on Mariah, Jace, and Murray, and threw in fewer random bits of drama, it would have streamlined the story more.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I really hope we'll get to see more of these characters in future stories. I won't spoil the book and tell you who Mariah ends up with, but their romance was both sweet and fiery. What's not to love about fated mates?
*I received an ARC for an honest review. This review is only my opinion of the book.
Mermaid books are few and far between, so I was eager to read this one. Toss in some drama and romance, and it made for a good read.
This would have been a four or five-star book for me, but there were areas that were glossed over or just left unfinished. Too many things were thrown in for seemingly no reason. The beginning was a bit slow for me, and I struggled to really dig into the story, but by around chapter three, I didn't want to put it down. The romance threaded into the story was well done and had me turning the pages. I'm a romantic at heart and couldn't wait to see what happened. Would Mariah end up with Murray or Jace?
The secondary characters kept things interesting, even if there were parts I felt were needlessly added, particularly where Mariah's "mum" was concerned and Jace's mother. We see quite a bit of Murray's sister, but part of her storyline seemed to have come out of nowhere and was left unresolved. Much like the soul reapers who are mentioned and supposedly feared, and yet they take up very little of the story and are almost an afterthought by the end. A surprise character, related to Mariah, makes an appearance but her role in the book seems almost forced. I think if the author had focused more on Mariah, Jace, and Murray, and threw in fewer random bits of drama, it would have streamlined the story more.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I really hope we'll get to see more of these characters in future stories. I won't spoil the book and tell you who Mariah ends up with, but their romance was both sweet and fiery. What's not to love about fated mates?
*I received an ARC for an honest review. This review is only my opinion of the book.
August 27, 2023
After two decades of steering clear of fiction, I decided to pick up "Ocean Heart" based on a friend's recommendation. Typically, fiction isn't my cup of tea, but this book proved to be an exception that has rekindled my love for the genre. From the moment I delved into its pages, I simply couldn't pry myself away.
What sets this book apart are its incredibly vivid characters. The author's masterful descriptions breathe life into each persona, drawing me into their captivating escapades. With layers of enchantment, romance, and camaraderie, I found myself completely engrossed in their journey.
The author's writing style is a sheer delight – it effortlessly carries the reader through the narrative. Ocean Heart reminded me of the sheer pleasure of reading purely for the joy of immersing oneself in a well-crafted narrative. Gone were the pressures of extracting life lessons – instead, I relished the simple act of being lost in a compelling story.
It's incredible to discover that this marks the author's debut. With such an impressive first outing, I'm eagerly anticipating their future works. "Ocean Heart" has not only reignited my passion for fiction but has also unveiled a promising new literary voice. I'm eager to see where their creativity takes us next. Kudos to the author for this truly enchanting experience!
What sets this book apart are its incredibly vivid characters. The author's masterful descriptions breathe life into each persona, drawing me into their captivating escapades. With layers of enchantment, romance, and camaraderie, I found myself completely engrossed in their journey.
The author's writing style is a sheer delight – it effortlessly carries the reader through the narrative. Ocean Heart reminded me of the sheer pleasure of reading purely for the joy of immersing oneself in a well-crafted narrative. Gone were the pressures of extracting life lessons – instead, I relished the simple act of being lost in a compelling story.
It's incredible to discover that this marks the author's debut. With such an impressive first outing, I'm eagerly anticipating their future works. "Ocean Heart" has not only reignited my passion for fiction but has also unveiled a promising new literary voice. I'm eager to see where their creativity takes us next. Kudos to the author for this truly enchanting experience!
November 14, 2020
🐟Love, Magic and Shifters🐟
4.5
This book is a sweet Young Adult Romance, meaning you can expect a love triangle. Jace, Mariah and Murray will make you scream in both anger and delight, forcing you to increase your reading pace to feed the "what will happen next" hunger.
The story revolves around Mariah and her journey of discovery, not only of herself but also of a supernatural world and the true meaning of friendship. Even though the plot starts a little slow, I assure you that by ch. 8 to 10 your interest will be fully captured by the tale of these crazy teens and you won't be able to put the book down.
The fantasy aspect kicks up about the above mentioned chapters making the beginning have a more contemporary feel, feeling which returns again after a major event in the middle of the book. That's the reason why I am detracting half a 🌟. The story concentrates a bit more in the romance aspect than the fantasy, otherwise Ocean Heart would be perfect.
Also, I would like to know the difference between the mermaids and sirens because the author gave emphasis to this but never really explained it. I hope it will answered in the next installments.
**I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review**
4.5
This book is a sweet Young Adult Romance, meaning you can expect a love triangle. Jace, Mariah and Murray will make you scream in both anger and delight, forcing you to increase your reading pace to feed the "what will happen next" hunger.
The story revolves around Mariah and her journey of discovery, not only of herself but also of a supernatural world and the true meaning of friendship. Even though the plot starts a little slow, I assure you that by ch. 8 to 10 your interest will be fully captured by the tale of these crazy teens and you won't be able to put the book down.
The fantasy aspect kicks up about the above mentioned chapters making the beginning have a more contemporary feel, feeling which returns again after a major event in the middle of the book. That's the reason why I am detracting half a 🌟. The story concentrates a bit more in the romance aspect than the fantasy, otherwise Ocean Heart would be perfect.
Also, I would like to know the difference between the mermaids and sirens because the author gave emphasis to this but never really explained it. I hope it will answered in the next installments.
**I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review**
January 24, 2021
It has been a long time since I've read any YA fiction and Ocean Heart was a welcome return. The novel features Mariah a 15 year old girl trying to navigate her way through the trials of a 'normal' teenager - new friendships, fitting in at school, strict parents and blossoming romances, except Mariah also has to contend with magical powers which she doesn't realise she has. The novel is fun but also touches upon serious topics such as bullying, self harm and betrayal. Mariah is torn between Jace and Murray and tries to keep her feelings and magic under control for everyone's safety. It was refreshing to read a YA novel where the main character wasn't self centred and I really felt for Mariah. The setting is an un-named coastal town and it was interesting piecing descriptions together to guess where the town is set. The cover is beautiful and the layout and illustrations inside make the book feel special and it is a pleasure to read. The novel also introduces us to other magical species such as fae, witches, werewolves and the mysterious crows and after reading Ocean Heart I'm looking forward to finding out more in the other Soul Heart Series novels and I hope Mariah makes a return. Thank you Ally x
January 10, 2021
The story is about Mariah. A 15 year old girl, caught between her feelings for two boys while she tries to cope with everything else that’s going on… magical powers, being a mermaid, and so much more...
I have to admit, I was really disappointed that it took so long for Mariah to change into her mermaid form. Not that there wasn’t much going on in the mean time. A lot of teenage drama and romance where a 15 year old can’t decide what she wants. Sometimes I did have the feeling that it was a bit younger than the normal YA that I read.
The story is well written, and I do have the feeling more will be explained in the next books.
Readers who love stories about magic, magical creatures and teenage romance will love this story
I have to admit, I was really disappointed that it took so long for Mariah to change into her mermaid form. Not that there wasn’t much going on in the mean time. A lot of teenage drama and romance where a 15 year old can’t decide what she wants. Sometimes I did have the feeling that it was a bit younger than the normal YA that I read.
The story is well written, and I do have the feeling more will be explained in the next books.
Readers who love stories about magic, magical creatures and teenage romance will love this story
Read
September 1, 2023A well-written and fun read for the YA market. Mariah has no idea how different she is from her peers until strange things start to happen to her. When her lifelong friendship with the boy-next-door turns complicated, Mariah is torn between her awakening attraction for him and her strange obsession with the mysterious and brooding Murray.
Then there’s Mariah’s mother. A self-proclaimed witch, she has always told Mariah to stay away from the ocean but never given an adequate reason. How much does she know about Mariah’s origins and what secrets is she keeping?
For lovers of mermaid fantasies and paranormal coming-of-age tales.
Then there’s Mariah’s mother. A self-proclaimed witch, she has always told Mariah to stay away from the ocean but never given an adequate reason. How much does she know about Mariah’s origins and what secrets is she keeping?
For lovers of mermaid fantasies and paranormal coming-of-age tales.
January 6, 2022
Ocean Heart is a lovely easy read. I love that it is a slow reveal which kept me turning the page, but yet the characters’ lives kept me invested and interested. I loved Jace from the very beginning, and this is one of the very few books which made me FEEL the connection between the characters. It’s a great read and one of my favourite books of 2021. I can’t wait for the next one.
April 13, 2024
A fun book that is full of discovery and excitement on every page. I cannot wait for the next one in the series!
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