The Vicious Deep by: Zoraida Cordova

Synopsis: For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he’s heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he’s suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.

Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea…and now it wants him back.

Thoughts: When I first saw this book pop up on my goodreads, at first, I was like holy canoli that cover is amazingly beautiful! Then I realized not only was it about merfolk but it had a hot boy narrator! I knew I had to get my hands on this book, and when I did I wasn’t disappointed. With it’s fresh take on the lore of mermaids and it’s fierce thrills The Vicious Deep is a wave of excitement. 


We start off with hot I-can-have-any-girl-I-want lifeguard Tristan Hart. He been enjoying life but that all changes the day a vicious storm shows up on his beach in Coney Island. Tristan is pulled under in one wave, and somehow shows up alive three days later. Soon all the pieces start to fall into place and it just so happens that Tristan is a very important merman. With the help of new friends and his best friend Layla, Tristan will be tested and pushed to the limit in aspects he didn’t even know were real, and now there’s no turning back.


Lets start off with Tristan Hart. Tristan has always been one of my favorite boy names and adding Hart to it just adds to the appeal. Tristan is that cocky, sexy, guy that you cannot help but love right away. But as you get to see more of his heart and his thoughts, he just sinks deeper into you. He’s a main character whose journey you want to follow. He has a brilliant voice and I loved watching him through his adventure.


I really enjoyed all the other characters introduced as well. Kurt is someone I definitely want to crack open some more. At times we see his shell break and that’s where you see his sauceyness or gentleness too. Then is his sister Thalia who I adored. I love her whole demeanor, her carefree personality, and plus she can talk to her seahorse! I would definitely want to be able to talk to animals if I could have a talent! Finally, I need to mention Layla. I not sure whether to applaud her or shake her. She’s this tough best friend who would do anything for Tristan and I love that about her. But, I still am waiting for her to give in, to just freely feel what she and we know Tristan feels. Oh and Ryan! Shout out for Ryan, I loved him too!


Overall, I truly enjoyed what The Vicious Deep had to offer in its stormy waters. The story itself is thrilling and completely unique. I love how Zoraida introduced the mer-world. It was beautiful in it’s own way. If you love mermaid stories like I do, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one! There’s laughs, drama, danger, and romance all braided into one! Definitely pick it up!