Coral

by Sara Ella

Overview

Inspired by “The Little Mermaid,” Coral explores what it means to be human in a world where humanity often seems lost.

Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. She fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease said to be carried by humans: emotions. Her sister had the Disease, and Red Tide took her away. Will it come for Coral next?

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 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. But what—and who—must they leave behind for life to finally begin?

Praise for Coral:

“This heart-wrenching tale will pull you under its spell.” —ANNIE SULLIVAN, author of A Touch of Gold and Tiger Queen

“A beautiful reimagining.” —LAUREN MANSY, author of The Memory Thief

“A breathless, powerful journey of the heart and mind.” —LINDSAY A. FRANKLIN, award-winning author of The Story Peddler

• A stand-alone, full-length Young Adult novel
• Trigger warning: suicide and depression

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780785224457
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	11/12/2019
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	1,083,904
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 1.40(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Sara Ella is the award-winning author of the Unblemished series and Coral, the upcoming reimagining of The Little Mermaid. She spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses, raising her little prince to be a king, and conquering realms of her own imaginings with her swoony husband by her side. She may or may not be obsessed with #Bookstagram, which feeds her current addiction to bookish tea and candles. A lover of fairy tales, she believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.” Connect with Sara online at SaraElla.com; Facebook: WritingHisTruth; Twitter: @SaraEllaWrites; Instagram: SaraEllaWrites; and YouTube: Sara Ella.

Editorial Reviews

10/25/2019

Gr 8 Up-Coral is a mermaid princess who has been infected with the Disease—emotions. She's terrified it will be the end of her the same way it threatens her oldest sister, the Crown Princess. On land, Brooke is at a treatment facility for depression and anxiety. At Fathoms she meets Hope, a younger patient, who touches Brooke's heart but has problems of her own. Meanwhile, Merrick, a member of the San Francisco upper crust, can't wait to escape from his domineering dad. When his little sister Amaya attempts suicide, it gives him the excuse he needs to break free. The three story lines feel rather disjointed at first and the pace is slow to start, but the book is worth the wait. The second half is a powerful look at mental health that can, at times, be difficult to read. However, the author treats the topic with sensitivity. This is not a typical fairy-tale retelling by any stretch, but who said life is a fairy tale? VERDICT Recommended where the author's other works are popular, or titles on mental health are heavily read.-Heather Webb, Worthington Libraries, OH

School Library Journal

This hauntingly beautiful retelling of "The Little Mermaid" is smoothly narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya and Mark Turetsky. Transitioning between two characters—Brooke, a human who suffers from depression, and Coral, a mermaid—Araya seamlessly delivers an outstanding performance with strong character differentiation. Turetsky portrays Merrick, playing up his golden boy personality to perfection. The narrators’ sensitive deliveries allow listeners to sympathize with the principals and their unique dissatisfactions in life. Araya, in particular, does a fantastic job of depicting the story’s mental health issues. Although these depictions may trigger memories of trauma for some listeners, the gentle narrations ease the pain and help to build the story. Both narrators make this audiobook a gem. J.O. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2020 - AudioFile

This hauntingly beautiful retelling of "The Little Mermaid" is smoothly narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya and Mark Turetsky. Transitioning between two characters—Brooke, a human who suffers from depression, and Coral, a mermaid—Araya seamlessly delivers an outstanding performance with strong character differentiation. Turetsky portrays Merrick, playing up his golden boy personality to perfection. The narrators’ sensitive deliveries allow listeners to sympathize with the principals and their unique dissatisfactions in life. Araya, in particular, does a fantastic job of depicting the story’s mental health issues. Although these depictions may trigger memories of trauma for some listeners, the gentle narrations ease the pain and help to build the story. Both narrators make this audiobook a gem. J.O. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2020 - AudioFile