• Coral by Sara Ella
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Coral Book Cover Coral
Sara Ella
Teen and Young Adult
Thomas Nelson
November 12, 2019
384

In a world where humanity often seems lost, what does it mean to be human? A new twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved—yet tragic—fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.”

There’s more than one way to drown.

Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. Worse yet, she fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease, said to be carried by humans—emotions. Can she face the darkness long enough to surface in the light?

Above the sea, Brooke has nothing left to give. Depression and anxiety have left her feeling isolated. Forgotten. The only thing she can rely on is the numbness she finds within the cool and comforting ocean waves. If only she weren’t stuck at Fathoms—a new group therapy home that promises a second chance at life. But what’s the point of living if her soul is destined to bleed?

Merrick may be San Francisco’s golden boy, but he wants nothing more than to escape his controlling father. When his younger sister’s suicide attempt sends Merrick to his breaking point, escape becomes the only option. If he can find their mom, everything will be made right again—right?

When their worlds collide, all three will do whatever it takes to survive, and Coral might even catch a prince in the process. But what—and who—must they leave behind for life to finally begin?

 

An Epic Mermaid Tale

I could not have asked for a more epic story than Coral by Sara Ella for my inaugural post with LitBuzz! I do feel it necessary to reiterate the trigger warning that Ms. Ella released with this book as there is mention of self-harm, suicide, abuse, as well as various mental health issues. Having read this warning before diving in I wasn’t sure what to expect but what I found was a story that is incomparable to anything I have ever read before.  Three stories are weaved together to tell a tale of loss and the repercussions of difficult choices from both the afflicted and their caretakers.

A Sister’s Burden

First we meet our mermaid, Coral, who is burdened with trying to appease a family she no longer feels a part of while trying to care for a sister whose secrets may lead to a troubling end.  As her sister’s secrets are revealed Coral must face the unsettling reality that those secrets may not be her sister’s alone.

A Lost Soul

Brooke is living the aftermath of one of her worst fears coming to fruition. The overwhelming circumstances lead her to be justifiably resistant to any help from those charged with her care.  A few unexpected friends allow her the opportunity to discover herself and what’s important.

A Family’s Curse

Merrick is a slave to his name.  With a rich and powerful father comes great responsibilities, that he has no interest in. The ennui he feels towards his privileged life takes a drastic turn when someone close to him almost loses a battle he didn’t know was being fought.  He must now accept responsibility he’s not prepared for to be the hero his family needs.

The issues that are dealt with in this book are very real despite the whimsical namesake heroine.  I challenge anyone to finish this book without a new awareness of those around them. Though the timelines of each story can seem a bit confusing, the end result is an awe inspiring revelation that made me gasp as all of the pieces fell together before my eyes.  If this is what happens when a fairy tale falls into Sara Ella’s hands than then I look forward to seeing what else she has in store for us.