I have to admit I was very surprised by Sarah Porter's debut novel. I'd read several reviews in which the readers complained about the mermaids' wickedness and to be honest, I didn't think I could actually the mermaid theme since I've always viewed them as a bit...childish. And even though this book's mermaids were childish (what do you expect from underage girls?), it all contributed to create that sense of malice typical of their species. It took me some time to get used to their nonchalance and even eagerness when it came to killing humans, though, but I believe it was a small price to pay for the incredible, eerie world I was catapulted in. 
 Far from being a light read, Lost Voices deals with many touchy topics, from child abuse to the loss of one's parents, but with ordinary and almost banal ones too, like friendship, love, trust and duty. It explores such different subjects in such an original way that I couldn't help but be drawn into the story from the first pages. 
 Despite the innovative world, the intriguing plot and the strong characters, this novel's best feature was by far the author's splendid, captivating, magical prose. I was very impressed by her way of describing situations, sensations and emotions and I don't think I've encountered more than half a dozen authors whose writing I liked more. 
 I'm looking forward to read the next installment in the Lost Voices series and anything that come out of Sarah Porter's skilful head.