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ymendezzz's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.25
Thank you for let me receive this arc!!!
My initial thought on the book was that it start a bit slow for me but the world building was written well and easy to follow.
I absolutely love that Kenna came into herself and accepted herself. I love for plus size MFC.
The plot and romance aspect did feel a bit rushed to me but I enjoyed it!
My initial thought on the book was that it start a bit slow for me but the world building was written well and easy to follow.
I absolutely love that Kenna came into herself and accepted herself. I love for plus size MFC.
The plot and romance aspect did feel a bit rushed to me but I enjoyed it!
justafellowreader's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
What a wonderful debut novel by Emily B Rose. I really enjoyed this fun gender-bent Little Mermaid/Brave retelling, and I thought it was done in such a great way. My favorite thing about this book was our main character, Kenna. I loved how strong of a FMC she was and how she was true to herself and her calling all throughout the book, but I also loved how close she was with her family, especially her brother. Their relationship was one of the highlights of the book for me. Overall, the story was a fun and easy read that was filled with adventure and twists and turns, and romance. I felt like it could have flowed a bit better as some parts felt a bit long, however overall, a wonderful read!
3.75 ⭐
3.75 ⭐
paperbackwh0re's review against another edition
4.25
thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an e-arc!
I really enjoyed this! though this is marketed as new adult it very much reads as young adult and pretty much the only thing holding it to the new adult genre is the smut and spice. since it was so easy to read I stayed interested. the book felt evenly divided between parts in regards to the different locations we get and I never felt bored.
while this book was a fun time and it was marketed as new adult and didn’t really feel like it, is why it’s not above a 4.5. besides the mc not wanting to marry a random person (and then eventually finding love) we don’t see any high high stakes until the main plot point is revealed, and even then it felt very ya. if that’s what the author wanted they did good! a good fantasy book that’s easy to read and can be an easy introduction to new adult is what this feels like.
I did love the representation in this book. as a fellow fat person it felt nice to see someone my size discuss these thoughts and have it be a big part of who they are and still be able to do what they love and discover new things and people they love. the demiromantic and neurodivergence was also lovely to read and have it be talked about casually.
even though we have a vast political world at our hands I wished the actual politics were dived into a bit more. it felt a bit superficial and we get one big dump and it’s about it. however I feel the world building in general makes up for it. we discover a new kingdom and have a good time experiencing it ourselves for the first time and seeing our mc experience it as well.
overall this was fun and good, felt it could be a bit better, but for a debut author it’s absolutely amazing and feels right :)
4.25/5⭐️
I really enjoyed this! though this is marketed as new adult it very much reads as young adult and pretty much the only thing holding it to the new adult genre is the smut and spice. since it was so easy to read I stayed interested. the book felt evenly divided between parts in regards to the different locations we get and I never felt bored.
while this book was a fun time and it was marketed as new adult and didn’t really feel like it, is why it’s not above a 4.5. besides the mc not wanting to marry a random person (and then eventually finding love) we don’t see any high high stakes until the main plot point is revealed, and even then it felt very ya. if that’s what the author wanted they did good! a good fantasy book that’s easy to read and can be an easy introduction to new adult is what this feels like.
I did love the representation in this book. as a fellow fat person it felt nice to see someone my size discuss these thoughts and have it be a big part of who they are and still be able to do what they love and discover new things and people they love. the demiromantic and neurodivergence was also lovely to read and have it be talked about casually.
even though we have a vast political world at our hands I wished the actual politics were dived into a bit more. it felt a bit superficial and we get one big dump and it’s about it. however I feel the world building in general makes up for it. we discover a new kingdom and have a good time experiencing it ourselves for the first time and seeing our mc experience it as well.
overall this was fun and good, felt it could be a bit better, but for a debut author it’s absolutely amazing and feels right :)
4.25/5⭐️
thedragonsden_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
luuleggelibri's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The cover is totally amazing 😍
I liked this novel. I seldom read #Romantasy but this time my interest had been picked by the main theme of this book: Longing for the sea.
It was very clearly inspired by The Little Mermaid in that respect, and was curious about how the author would develop the plot.
One thing that I very much loved is the worldbuilding. It is so brilliantly and precisely described, I was instantly taken to that village by the sea, the castle and the other dreamlike locations. It's very beautiful, the setting in the sea reminded me of Disney movies, and ashore by the sand I could imagine the view I used to look at when I went at the seaside.
It is not something every author is capable of doing.
The author deals with many delicate themes: f4tphobia, feeling like you don't belong where you should, taking responsibilities, having to give up what you really want in exchange for what you must do. There are also two LGBTQ+ characters who disappointed me a little, as they are quite in the background.
The style is very polished, it is very well edited and cared for. It is direct, normal, without a complicated use of words.
I absolutely advise this book to anyone - adult or YA - who's taking their first steps into a Fantasy world - more specifically, a Fantasy Romance (Romantasy).
I liked this novel. I seldom read #Romantasy but this time my interest had been picked by the main theme of this book: Longing for the sea.
It was very clearly inspired by The Little Mermaid in that respect, and was curious about how the author would develop the plot.
One thing that I very much loved is the worldbuilding. It is so brilliantly and precisely described, I was instantly taken to that village by the sea, the castle and the other dreamlike locations. It's very beautiful, the setting in the sea reminded me of Disney movies, and ashore by the sand I could imagine the view I used to look at when I went at the seaside.
It is not something every author is capable of doing.
The author deals with many delicate themes: f4tphobia, feeling like you don't belong where you should, taking responsibilities, having to give up what you really want in exchange for what you must do. There are also two LGBTQ+ characters who disappointed me a little, as they are quite in the background.
The style is very polished, it is very well edited and cared for. It is direct, normal, without a complicated use of words.
I absolutely advise this book to anyone - adult or YA - who's taking their first steps into a Fantasy world - more specifically, a Fantasy Romance (Romantasy).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
the_bookbasket's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mree's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
madwomanlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
As the description suggests this story is a cutesy but spicier retelling of Brave and the Little Mermaid. It's a light hearted romantasy but I also felt it was a coming of age story were the main character, Kenna, finds acceptance within herself and her place in the world.
The story includes representation of characters who are fat, LGBTQ, have ADHD, and go through depression. In a world were society continues to tell women how they need to look in order to be perceived as beautiful, it is refreshing to read a story about a fat main character and romantic lead who learns to accept and love themselves as they are. Although, there are a couple minor characters who do shame the character for her body type the rest of the major characters, protagonists and antagonists alike, never make her being fat an issue or diminishes her value which I really appreciated.
The plot moves a bit too quickly for me, same with the romance. All problems are faced and resolved within a few days and I would have loved to read move about Mharìogh and the magic it holds.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story includes representation of characters who are fat, LGBTQ, have ADHD, and go through depression. In a world were society continues to tell women how they need to look in order to be perceived as beautiful, it is refreshing to read a story about a fat main character and romantic lead who learns to accept and love themselves as they are. Although, there are a couple minor characters who do shame the character for her body type the rest of the major characters, protagonists and antagonists alike, never make her being fat an issue or diminishes her value which I really appreciated.
The plot moves a bit too quickly for me, same with the romance. All problems are faced and resolved within a few days and I would have loved to read move about Mharìogh and the magic it holds.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
meg_k_white's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I have never identified more strongly with a character than I identified with Kenna. I found myself crying with her, cheering for her and applauding who she grew to become - all while staying true to herself.
Kenna grew up being mocked for her size and used for her position as princess as a means to be close to the royal family. She was awkward around others and always felt a bit different. She has always felt called to the sea, without ever understanding why... Her parents arrange a Winchin Festival during which she is to choose a husband, hoping to settle the growing unrest throughout the kingdom.
Things are not as they seem though, and Kenna's world gets turned upside-down as truths are revealed, dreams are lived and true love is found.
I could not put this down and highly recommend it to anyone who has felt different or shunned. We all deserve a happy ending.