Early Reader Review: A Comb of Wishes by Lisa Stringfellow

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or reivew.

A Comb of Wishes by Lisa Stringfellow 

Publisher: Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins
Publication Date:  February 8, 2022

 

Format: Ebook/ Purchased Audible book as well.

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Sure enough, the sea woman will come for what’s hers.

Ever since her mother’s death, Kela feels every bit as broken as the shards of glass, known as “mermaid’s tears,” that sparkle on the beaches of St. Rita. But when she discovers a different kind of treasure, she accidentally summons an actual mermaid—the wrathful Ophidia.

Ophidia makes Kela a bargain: her ancient comb, in exchange for a wish. And though Kela knows that what she wants most is her mother back, a wish that big will exact a dangerous price…

Review: 

This was a delightful tale that used Carribean mythology and tales to create a magical story. Kela, a young girl recent lost her mother and is depressed and not sure how to have a normal life anymore. One day Kela finds a box on the beach containing a comb and after that she starts to experience weird things. Kela realizes that she might have a comb of wishes that was talked about with sea women in tales by her village.

This story is all about love and loss and the details make you feel like you are on the island with Kela and her family. The vengeful mermaid is intense and at times a little scary, creating a thrilling plot. Kela tries her best to do all the right things but it seems like everything is also going wrong. Her grief is so real and the reader can feel it though the tale. I really like how she developed through the story and grew. 

I am also glad that I picked up the Audiobook on Audible, the reader, Bahni Turpin, did a fabulous job and added to the feel of the story. Her voice it beautiful and atmospheric and she built the suspense so well. I highly recommend the audiobook for this one!

The folklore/mythology made this book all the more interesting and having a mermaid is often a win in my book - the sea and its creatures are so mysterious. This was a fun, adventure that middle grade reader will enjoy.