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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
This was one of my first reads of 2023 and it started strong. (I read it in French as it is my first language).
Image by Christophe Young: https://www.instagram.com/christophe_young
"How strange that instead of taking his heart, I’m hoping he takes mine." - Lira
This book presents a captivating and dark retelling of The Little Mermaid, and I must say, I'm absolutely enamored by the concept. It's an undeniably compelling page-turner that plunges readers into a fantastical realm, leaving them craving more. While I was instantly drawn into this immersive universe, I couldn't help but feel there was more potential for even greater world-building, perhaps across a series of books. I think it would have undoubtedly elevated the storytelling to new heights.
I appreciated witnessing the development of Lira as a character, despite the challenging environment she finds herself in. I also enjoyed reading about some secondary characters' backstories as it added a necessary layer to the book. Again, I was left wanting more glimpses into these characters' pasts, to explore their histories further.
Yes, I admit some parts were somewhat cliche,
Spoiler
like the very much expected betrayalOverall I warmly recommend this book and I am happy it was among my first reads of 2023! I am excited to see what the author has in store for us next and how she will grow in the following years
*finger snapping*
And I swear I'm not just on a high because the last YA book I read was All the Stars and Teeth, so three pages into this book I was absolutely ~~starry eyed~~ to find the characters had not only personalities but also *gAsp* the ability to converse in an interesting way!!!
Nope, it's because this book was such a fun twist on the Little Mermaid and I loved everything about it. Lightning quick plot, strong characters, surprisingly slow burn romance (this was enemies-to-lovers done right, my friends), and such an intriguing world, all wrapped up with some bangin gorgeous writing and twists galore.
IT WASNT TROPEY. Or, at least it didn’t have any of my pet peeves that I outright abhor, like Secret Royalty and previously-mentioned-in-other-reviews Strong Female Character Is Really Just A Jerk And Aggravating. Instead you got uniquely developed character arcs and a strong princess as well as a strong prince. (Which is vital because you CANNOT have enemies-to-lovers without them being equally capable of clapping each other, in my own humble opinion.) Furthermore (ack essay writing transitions coming out sorry people), the cast of side characters were all ridiculously fun and they actually contributed to the plot. I’m so completely satisfied and pleasantly surprised and sort of in love with all the characters (cough not just because their names are dope).
If you're a fan of Daughter of the Pirate King, believe me when I say that you
