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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
Not what I expected it to be. The Little Mermaid meets Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Lost Boys. It was an interesting combination, but my only gripe has to do with the fact that the story was set in a real historical period in our real world. I wish it had engaged more with the actual historical moment, because even though we had a time and a place, it felt like the story happened in its own bubble.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Mermaids, pirates, kraken, oh my! A Ship of Bones and Teeth is a dark and twisty retelling of The Little Mermaid—but make it grown-up, gothic, and way more unhinged (in the best possible way).
This was my first time diving into a mermaid retelling and my first Karina Halle book, and honestly? I had a blast. The story is fast-paced and full of delicious chaos: enchanted seas, morally gray pirates, seductive danger, and scenes that made me clutch my imaginary pearls. Think romance, revenge, and a lot of sea-soaked mayhem.
This was a wildly entertaining ride, and I’m absolutely picking up more Karina Halle after this. If you’re into dark fairy tale vibes with sharp teeth and salty kisses, you’ll eat this up.
This was my first time diving into a mermaid retelling and my first Karina Halle book, and honestly? I had a blast. The story is fast-paced and full of delicious chaos: enchanted seas, morally gray pirates, seductive danger, and scenes that made me clutch my imaginary pearls. Think romance, revenge, and a lot of sea-soaked mayhem.
This was a wildly entertaining ride, and I’m absolutely picking up more Karina Halle after this. If you’re into dark fairy tale vibes with sharp teeth and salty kisses, you’ll eat this up.
The vibes were immaculate, and I will never get over the way he WORSHIPPED her!! The smut was… interesting to say the least but I enjoyed my time reading this.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
This is a dark, medium paced, supernatural story with a gothic mood. There is a romance angle with enemies-to-lovers arc and explicit sexual content that definitely pulled me out of my comfort zone (phew!) There are vampires aplenty, mermaids, pirates and all sorts of characters.
A good story, well-written.
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to netgalley and Metal Blonde Books for this eARC!
I have read a few books by Karina Halle this year, but this one is by far my favorite so far. The setting, the story, the atmosphere - all of it was amazing especially as a Little Mermaid retelling. It takes a sad, familiar story and gives it a dark romance/fantasy spin that makes for a deliciously fun time from start to finish. I could hardly put this book down.
There were some parts of the book that I didn’t love, but I can’t elaborate on those without spoiling the book. All I will say is that a surprise or two is thrown into the plot down the line and some readers will either love it or hate it. I am in the mixed bag about it which is why I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5.
If you love retellings and dark fantasy (and sexy pirates!) than this absolutely the book for you!
I have read a few books by Karina Halle this year, but this one is by far my favorite so far. The setting, the story, the atmosphere - all of it was amazing especially as a Little Mermaid retelling. It takes a sad, familiar story and gives it a dark romance/fantasy spin that makes for a deliciously fun time from start to finish. I could hardly put this book down.
There were some parts of the book that I didn’t love, but I can’t elaborate on those without spoiling the book. All I will say is that a surprise or two is thrown into the plot down the line and some readers will either love it or hate it. I am in the mixed bag about it which is why I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5.
If you love retellings and dark fantasy (and sexy pirates!) than this absolutely the book for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, War
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
This one surprised me and gave me everything I wanted as a summer read. You’ve got cursed pirates 🏴☠️, a syren turned human 🧜🏻♀️, enemies-to-lovers romance ❤️🔥, sea witches 🧙♀️, krakens 🐙,and plenty of spice 🔥 With the premise of A Little Mermaid retold, this story takes you on an adventure of mystery, self-discovery, witty banter, and a plot that ties together so well in the end. The characters are VERY morally grey to morally black, and yet the growth and depth to each of them was a big highlight that I did not expect in this smutty pirate book. I loved this one. I plan to pick up more books by this author including one of her upcoming releases this year! 4 dazzling ⭐️’s for this one.
*Check triggers at the beginning of this book before you pick it up. There are some scenes that may cause discomfort for sensitive readers.*
*Check triggers at the beginning of this book before you pick it up. There are some scenes that may cause discomfort for sensitive readers.*
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
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:
Complicated