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I enjoyed this book. It was really interesting and different from the others you see anymore.
Enna and Soren are two very different people one an heir to the throne the other trying to break a pact and live her own life. It was refreshing seeing Soren trying to do what he wanted and go against his mother. I loved the bits of spice and just the overall world building.
Enna and Soren are two very different people one an heir to the throne the other trying to break a pact and live her own life. It was refreshing seeing Soren trying to do what he wanted and go against his mother. I loved the bits of spice and just the overall world building.
4.5* rounded up.
Of Song and Scepter reminded me a little of The Little Mermaid, if Ariel was an assassin. Odissa was like Ursula to me in how she disguised herself as someone else to marry the Prince.
I loved this from start to finish and it was very obvious right from the start how Enna and Soren felt about each other so of course I had to root for them and not Odissa. Didn't anyone tell Odissa that to win someone's heart you have to be honest and not play tricks? Of course Enna wasn't completely innocent in this but she had little choice, or at least felt like she didn't have a choice. I loved her growth as a character. I'll definitely read more of Liesl's books if they're anything like this.
Of Song and Scepter reminded me a little of The Little Mermaid, if Ariel was an assassin. Odissa was like Ursula to me in how she disguised herself as someone else to marry the Prince.
I loved this from start to finish and it was very obvious right from the start how Enna and Soren felt about each other so of course I had to root for them and not Odissa. Didn't anyone tell Odissa that to win someone's heart you have to be honest and not play tricks? Of course Enna wasn't completely innocent in this but she had little choice, or at least felt like she didn't have a choice. I loved her growth as a character. I'll definitely read more of Liesl's books if they're anything like this.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is an honest review of the ARC copy I received. Thank you for my ARC copy!
This is definitely a retelling of The Little Mermaid, except Enna has absolutely no desire to be on land. She hates every moment on her legs, can’t stand the heat and sun, and everything is just too bright. Enter Mr. Bright himself, Prince Soren. He’s kind, handsome, skilled, and annoyed of every marriage prospect thrown his way when all he wants is a love match. Enna and Soren’s chemistry is immediate, and they spend most of the book trying to not want each other. I feel like the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is fitting for this book. Soren is so intent on ignoring and avoiding Aris/Odissa that he inadvertently didn’t spend much time with Enna. They spend most of their time thinking of one another. I wish there had been a couple more scenes of them getting to know one another to solidify the love match.
I liked how the act of being speechless (like The Little Mermaid) was portrayed in the book. Odissa didn’t actually take their voices, but there would have been dire consequences if Soren or Enna had used them. The enchanted pendant was a really cool piece of lore. I’m glad our scrappy, badass Enna got her happily ever after and found someone who loves how fierce, fiery, and feisty she is. I’m curious how she’s going to cope with life in the Coral Kingdom, having to rule mostly above the sea.
It was a fun romance, and I enjoyed reading it. It didn’t grab my full attention until maybe 3/4 of the way through, but I was totally invested in the last part. I wish Tephra had taken her time with Odissa a little bit more or at least insinuated that she was going to be tortured more off page.
Thanks again for my ARC copy. Well done on this novel. I’m happy to read more.
This is definitely a retelling of The Little Mermaid, except Enna has absolutely no desire to be on land. She hates every moment on her legs, can’t stand the heat and sun, and everything is just too bright. Enter Mr. Bright himself, Prince Soren. He’s kind, handsome, skilled, and annoyed of every marriage prospect thrown his way when all he wants is a love match. Enna and Soren’s chemistry is immediate, and they spend most of the book trying to not want each other. I feel like the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is fitting for this book. Soren is so intent on ignoring and avoiding Aris/Odissa that he inadvertently didn’t spend much time with Enna. They spend most of their time thinking of one another. I wish there had been a couple more scenes of them getting to know one another to solidify the love match.
I liked how the act of being speechless (like The Little Mermaid) was portrayed in the book. Odissa didn’t actually take their voices, but there would have been dire consequences if Soren or Enna had used them. The enchanted pendant was a really cool piece of lore. I’m glad our scrappy, badass Enna got her happily ever after and found someone who loves how fierce, fiery, and feisty she is. I’m curious how she’s going to cope with life in the Coral Kingdom, having to rule mostly above the sea.
It was a fun romance, and I enjoyed reading it. It didn’t grab my full attention until maybe 3/4 of the way through, but I was totally invested in the last part. I wish Tephra had taken her time with Odissa a little bit more or at least insinuated that she was going to be tortured more off page.
Thanks again for my ARC copy. Well done on this novel. I’m happy to read more.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have not enjoyed a more original story in a LONG time!
Plot: 5 📍
Spice:3 🔥
Overall: 5 ⭐
I don't even know where to begin in telling you how much I enjoyed this! Absolutely phenomenal!
Fans of both the OG Little Mermaid's Tale and the Disney HEA version will love this retelling, finding elements of both woven throughout the story, plot, and characters, but in an entirely new fantastic way. I will be shouting to everyone I know to come check out this story.
I can't wait to read it again and I genuinely hope that Ms. West both expands this beautiful world she's created and writes even more Grimm's retellings - just as grimly but gorgeously as she did this one.
In conclusion, I only have two words:
MORE PLEASE!!!!
(Full Review To Come!)
Plot: 5 📍
Spice:3 🔥
Overall: 5 ⭐
I don't even know where to begin in telling you how much I enjoyed this! Absolutely phenomenal!
Fans of both the OG Little Mermaid's Tale and the Disney HEA version will love this retelling, finding elements of both woven throughout the story, plot, and characters, but in an entirely new fantastic way. I will be shouting to everyone I know to come check out this story.
I can't wait to read it again and I genuinely hope that Ms. West both expands this beautiful world she's created and writes even more Grimm's retellings - just as grimly but gorgeously as she did this one.
In conclusion, I only have two words:
MORE PLEASE!!!!
(Full Review To Come!)
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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:
Yes
An Enchanting Read
I was thoroughly enchanted by this fantastical retelling of The Little Mermaid! This is a captivating tale that weaves together elements of the classic story with unique twists and turns. The author's vivid world-building and engaging characters drew me in from the start.
The protagonist's journey is both poignant and empowering, and the romance is sweet and spicy. I appreciated the nods to the original tale while also enjoying the fresh spin. The writing is descriptive and immersive, making it easy to become lost in the underwater world.
My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars is that I felt some plot points could have been further developed. However, overall, this is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, romance, and The Little Mermaid.
I was thoroughly enchanted by this fantastical retelling of The Little Mermaid! This is a captivating tale that weaves together elements of the classic story with unique twists and turns. The author's vivid world-building and engaging characters drew me in from the start.
The protagonist's journey is both poignant and empowering, and the romance is sweet and spicy. I appreciated the nods to the original tale while also enjoying the fresh spin. The writing is descriptive and immersive, making it easy to become lost in the underwater world.
My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars is that I felt some plot points could have been further developed. However, overall, this is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, romance, and The Little Mermaid.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
If you loved the Little Mermaid as a kid but as an adult, you want it to be more.. adult, this is the story, but better!! Liesl took the OG little mermaid tale (guffaw) and crafted a badass story with the stabbiest of FMCs, a swoony golden retriever MMC, intense fight scenes, a villain you love to hate, fully immersive underwater kingdoms, and all around fantastic story that flows beautifully. This story doesn't read like a debut and hats off to Liesl for how amazingly well this entire book is written. I loved the sparring scene and although I was satisfied with how the villain got their due, I wish it could have been worse! I knew I'd love this book from the blurb but I had no idea that I'd love it this much! Thank you so much for allowing me to read an arc of this book, I can't wait to dive into more of the Kingdoms of Adria!
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoyed this book! Enna was a great main character, although I wish we got to see her deadly side a little more throughout the book. The sparring scene between Enna and Soren was probably my favourite from the book. I love seeing a strong, powerful FMC who can hold her own against the males around her.
Soren was great too. He was smart, kind and cheeky. I loved the tension between the two main characters and those spicy scenes were definitely spicy!
I was engaged throughout the story, and I really enjoyed the links to the little mermaid. The story set up some great opportunities to explore aspects like political and court intrigue, and I hope we get to explore that in the rest of the series, which I am eagerly awaiting!
Soren was great too. He was smart, kind and cheeky. I loved the tension between the two main characters and those spicy scenes were definitely spicy!
I was engaged throughout the story, and I really enjoyed the links to the little mermaid. The story set up some great opportunities to explore aspects like political and court intrigue, and I hope we get to explore that in the rest of the series, which I am eagerly awaiting!
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes