Atlantia by Ally Condie

Atlantia by Ally Condie
Published by Dutton Children's on October 28, 2014

Summary: "For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above—of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self—and the powerful siren voice she has long hidden—she has nothing left to lose.

Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother’s death, her own destiny, and the complex system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths."  --From Goodreads

Things I Loved:

The Premise.  The fact that Rio is human, and that Below is designed for humans to live underwater.  I thought that the premise of the story was completely unique, and unlike anything I had ever read about "mermaids".

True Beck.  I love his name.  He also became Rio's voice of reason after Bay left.  I also liked the addition of his role towards the end of the book.  I don't want to give any spoilers, but he did a lot more than just stand around acting like man candy.

Thing I Disliked:
The conclusion.  Rio assumed a few things about her mother's death and a few other things about her city.  I can't remember if her assumptions were ever proven, or if she never got closure herself.

Overall: This was a unique take on mermaids and sirens.  I would recommend this book to anyone who likes more "light" fantasy.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my library.