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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
medium-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 received an advanced copy of this book for a non biased review. Of Song and Scepter by Liesl West is a dark retelling of the little mermaid. I enjoyed this adaptation so much that I wish that I could go back to read for the first time when Enna and Soren meet and feel that giddiness again!
I can't wait for more stories from the Adria universe!
I can't wait for more stories from the Adria universe!
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
I stumbled across this book on instagram and was luckily chosen as an ARC reader! This book is fantastic and I cannot wait for more from this author! MMC gives FMC a nickname, “Who did this to you”, stabby not meek FMC with some decent spice! The world and magic were so unique compared to most fantasy books out right now! I ate this up and the only thing that stopped me from finishing it in a day was the life duties of a mom with kids on summer vacation! Definitely recommend this story!!!
4.5/5 stars 2/5 spice
I just finished the book and I’m honestly speechless that this is Liesl’s debut novel. It is absolutely spectacular! I am a huge fan of re-tellings especially ones that have a whole new take on the story. Don’t get me wrong I love Disney stories but this dark retelling is everything! I flew through this book and could not get enough. The descriptions made you feel like you were in the cold drink or even on the sand bar with the characters. Enna is so morally gray but such a badass killing and doing anything she needs to survive. Soren is a sunshine to her dark waters and I loved popping back and forth between their points of view. I’m a huge spice lover and don’t get me wrong the spice was so damn good but it was the plot that had me devouring this book. If you want a retelling but you want it dark and depraved full of lies, hate and fighting this is for you.
Enna is a death dealer killing people for a price all because she has to. Sworn to an evil master she must comply and do everything in her power to help further Odissa’s mission. Pulled into yet another scheme one involving impersonation and a future king. Soren is being pushed to take a wife and ascend the throne but neither sounds great when he sees his options. When his bride to be doesn’t peak his interest but the unruly, unmanned vicious Enna does. With a complex rouse and so much on the line what will the dark mermaid do.
I just finished the book and I’m honestly speechless that this is Liesl’s debut novel. It is absolutely spectacular! I am a huge fan of re-tellings especially ones that have a whole new take on the story. Don’t get me wrong I love Disney stories but this dark retelling is everything! I flew through this book and could not get enough. The descriptions made you feel like you were in the cold drink or even on the sand bar with the characters. Enna is so morally gray but such a badass killing and doing anything she needs to survive. Soren is a sunshine to her dark waters and I loved popping back and forth between their points of view. I’m a huge spice lover and don’t get me wrong the spice was so damn good but it was the plot that had me devouring this book. If you want a retelling but you want it dark and depraved full of lies, hate and fighting this is for you.
Enna is a death dealer killing people for a price all because she has to. Sworn to an evil master she must comply and do everything in her power to help further Odissa’s mission. Pulled into yet another scheme one involving impersonation and a future king. Soren is being pushed to take a wife and ascend the throne but neither sounds great when he sees his options. When his bride to be doesn’t peak his interest but the unruly, unmanned vicious Enna does. With a complex rouse and so much on the line what will the dark mermaid do.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to the author for an ARC!
Packed with action, spice, and sass. A fiery mermaid novel that blends fantasy and romance, but without a sugary sweet coating. Enna is fierce and passionate, understanding the role she plays but knowing she is strong enough to turn the tide, if you will. Just enough world building to set the scene without becoming heavy or confusing.
Looking forward to more stories from this universe! 🧜🏽♀️
Packed with action, spice, and sass. A fiery mermaid novel that blends fantasy and romance, but without a sugary sweet coating. Enna is fierce and passionate, understanding the role she plays but knowing she is strong enough to turn the tide, if you will. Just enough world building to set the scene without becoming heavy or confusing.
Looking forward to more stories from this universe! 🧜🏽♀️
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
OMG!! I loved this book! From the first line to the last, I couldn't put it down. I giggled, swooned, gasped, and awed. Enna is an amazing FMC to read about. I loves her grumpy exterior! Soren was a fantastic MMC. Swoon! I highly suggest this retelling!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
A gritty Little Mermaid retelling with both passion and heat.
Dear Reader,
She stabs him, and he LIKES it.
Dear Reader,
She stabs him, and he LIKES it.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you so much for the ARC copy.
I was very excited for this book and I am so glad I read it. The little mermaid is my favorite and this stabby FMC did not disappoint. I love Enna as the villian. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story. The world building was wonderful and I can't wait to explore Adria further!
I was very excited for this book and I am so glad I read it. The little mermaid is my favorite and this stabby FMC did not disappoint. I love Enna as the villian. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story. The world building was wonderful and I can't wait to explore Adria further!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5⭐
2🌶️ A few explicit scenes
1☠️ some triggers apply
I've been so excited for this book and it didn't disappoint!!!
Enna is gorgeous, her strength of character, intelligence and array of skills are tantalizing.
Soren is sweet, dedicated and delicious. Their sparring scene was one of my favorites!
I absolutely loved the all merfolk ocean setting as well as the nods to the original little mermaid. The descriptions of the different kingdoms leaves me wanting to see the rest of Adria!
2🌶️ A few explicit scenes
1☠️ some triggers apply
I've been so excited for this book and it didn't disappoint!!!
Enna is gorgeous, her strength of character, intelligence and array of skills are tantalizing.
Soren is sweet, dedicated and delicious. Their sparring scene was one of my favorites!
I absolutely loved the all merfolk ocean setting as well as the nods to the original little mermaid. The descriptions of the different kingdoms leaves me wanting to see the rest of Adria!
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you so much for the ARC copy.
While I enjoyed the completed story and would recommend it to anyone wanting Ariel in her villain era, but I would be dishonest to say it lived up to my expectations.
First the pros
Enna was such a fun and unexpected FMC, I love me any monstrous but hot siren. The world building was excellent and beautifully detailed. I felt very immersed in the setting.
And the Cons
Most of what I found unsatisfying would have been easily fixed if the book is longer. Truly, if this book was stretched out over double its length there would have been the time. With it being a shorter novel, character development felt less genuine and more rushed as well as there being a lack of explored adversity since side characters mostly went along with things for sake of brevity and any obstacles were easily overcome.
Overall I look forward to more stories in the Sea of Adria, it’s a place full of danger, beauty, and potential for more stories to come.
While I enjoyed the completed story and would recommend it to anyone wanting Ariel in her villain era, but I would be dishonest to say it lived up to my expectations.
First the pros
Enna was such a fun and unexpected FMC, I love me any monstrous but hot siren. The world building was excellent and beautifully detailed. I felt very immersed in the setting.
And the Cons
Most of what I found unsatisfying would have been easily fixed if the book is longer. Truly, if this book was stretched out over double its length there would have been the time. With it being a shorter novel, character development felt less genuine and more rushed as well as there being a lack of explored adversity since side characters mostly went along with things for sake of brevity and any obstacles were easily overcome.
Overall I look forward to more stories in the Sea of Adria, it’s a place full of danger, beauty, and potential for more stories to come.