This book was interesting and I liked it. Of course, I just about like anything that I read. But, like I said, this book was really interesting. The author took the legend of the Merpeople and wrote it into the story. It made for a great story line. I really didn't like the interludes with Julie Stone and the translator and I think I know where the author is going. The only thing that actually ruined the story for me was the "landers" and the Alien of the Maw. I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars on Shelfari and Goodreads. As the third book in this series, it was extremly well written and kept my attention until the end. The only thing that kept this book from being 5 stars was the Interludes. I honestly think that they didn't really contribute anything to the story...unless the author is setting us up for the 3rd book. Will I recommend this book to family and friends. Yes, I will but only if they like Sci-Fi and if they had read the first two books in the series.