I mentioned this in my mini-review on Instagram, but WOW.  THIS BOOK.  It's been quite a while since I've read such a real-life, real issues, heart-wrencher of a story.  This novel touches deeply on some issues that many young people struggle with every day: Anxiety.  Depression.  Cyber bullies.  Suicidal thoughts.

The premise of this book follows the perspective of two girls and a young man---Coral, Brooke, & Merrick.  The writing style is well-written and dives deeply into their thoughts and personal struggles.  However, because of how it is written, I remained extremely confused throughout a good portion of the story and found it a little difficult to get into the plot.  I debated on saying why this was because it's a HUGE plot spoiler, but I believe it to be acceptable for those who don't mind knowing such things.  [SPOILER] So, that said, eventually the reader learns that Coral & Brooke are one & the same.  We discover that through the process of Brooke's healing from her trials of anxiety & depression, she uses a notebook to pour out her heart.  In doing so, and at the advice of a mentor, she creates the mermaid character Coral, who lives out her [Brooke's] life under the sea & deals with the same struggles as her writer.  This gives Brooke an outlet to the real things that plague her, but also allows a bit of anonymity in that the character is living a different world and experiencing the same things as she herself in regards to her mental, emotional, & family struggles.  And it's a completely unique take on Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid.

Merrick has struggles not entirely different to Brooke's.  He learns his little sister has had real problems for years and it's something his parents kept from him, hoping somehow to protect him (and Maya as well, I suppose).  Merrick & his father have always butted heads & never seem to get along.  All these years, he's seen his dad as the ultimate villain & the cause of what's happening to his family.  After Maya attempts suicide---at age 11---and he sees the scars on her arms, followed by the disappearance of their mother, Merrick takes things into his hands & tries to do what he truly believes is best for himself & his sister.  I saw this as quite honorable in how he finds a job & tries to care for his sister.  But in his blindness, things only begin to escalate, and he eventually learns just how badly communication in a family, and in life in general, is so needed.  

None.  That's one thing I really missed in a book that touches on such deep, sorrowful topics, but doesn't really point out to the One & ONLY Light that can shine brightest in the darkness.  Sure, there were several characters---the leader of the group home, Coral's grandmother, etc.---that were true lighthouses to those floundering in the seas of their doubts & fears.  But the story never really hinted on any subject of God & His saving faith.

That said, I can understand how YA novels these days without the label of "Christian genre" can reach out & touch so many more people than one with that category.  And maybe that was the purpose.  *shrugs*  I just found myself wishing for a certain Light in the Abyss.

A young woman commits suicide in the ocean's shallows.  Her younger sister witnesses this.  We read of the waters turning red.

As mentioned above, an 11-year old girl attempts suicide at least two different times, and [SPOILER] succeeds in the third attempt, to the sorrow of many.  We see bloody arms wrapped in bandages, and a tub filled with water mixed with blood in another scene.

Another character runs away from a group home and towards the ocean that seems to be calling her.  We see it's her intention to die, but she is later rescued.

None that I recall.

A young girl overdoses.

Merrick, at the demand of his father, takes a girl on a date in the family limo.  How she's dressed doesn't leave much for the imagination & it's not long before they are making out in the back seat.  He tries to curb his thoughts, but every shift of her legs & the mini skirt riding up her thighs---though he does his best not to notice---is too difficult to ignore.

To him, Nikki is a means to an end for his father's business, and something that brings temporary pleasure (though it doesn't go further than a make-out session. . .).  But when Merrick meets another girl, he wants to be her everything, and is super cautious about giving her the space she needs & trying to be an honorable, respecting gentleman.  They kiss at least once or twice.

All in all, this was a great novel.  And a good, albeit difficult, story for this day & age.  In my opinion, because everyone's life struggles are different, I didn't feel as drawn to the main characters as I normally do.  I ended up loving the secondary characters more---Grim + Nikki are the CUTEST.  I admired the Fathoms group home staff, and I LOVED the unconditional love that Brooke's grandmother showed to her time & time again.  If anything, she was the epitome of the love of God & how He chases after His beloved children.

So, in conclusion to yet another lengthy review, I really liked this novel, but not sure it'll honestly be one I choose for a reread.  HOWEVER, that doesn't mean YOU shouldn't add this to your TBR.  And I believe this would be an excellent novel to give to someone struggling with emotional/mental issues of any kind---at the right time, of course.