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fanboyriot's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
4.5
Read For:
đŽ Magic
đ High Fantasy
đ¤´đ˝Prince x Merfolk
đ¤ Rivals to Lovers Vibes
đ§đźââď¸ The Gay Little Mermaid
This was absolutely adorable. It was enchanting and adventurous all the while being wholesome and tense at times.
The characters were detailed and lovable. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this book, the plot and setting made this high fantasy all the more enjoyable.
There were The Little Mermaid vibes but gayer and much more interesting with the magic. It was really cute.
Release Date: 29, March 2022
POV: Third Person
Spice: đśď¸
Rep: Bisexual or maybe Pansexual (MC), LGBTQIA Characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Blood, Confinement, Vomit, Physical abuse, Murder, Violence, Kidnapping, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, War, Slavery, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Gore
Minor: Alcohol
nevaraven's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
An emotional fairytale retelling full of magic and political strife.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Blood, Vomit, Confinement, and Kidnapping
Minor: Suicide attempt and Alcohol
katyfayyyx's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
Can we have a moment of silence for this motherfucking cover because it is just perfect like it is just so beautiful it may or may have been the reason why I bought this book in the first place because it is just so beautiful, like who doesn't love a book cover that screams queer romance between a Prince and Mermen? Like yes please? I just loved this book so much like there is nothing I love more than a fluffy gay romance set in this mediaeval period with a merman, pirates and royalty đłď¸âđ. Girl I was living and I mean living I fucking loved this book! Is the writing in this book worth five stars no but I lived from this book it was just so cute and wholesome and I love all the characters and my face hurt from smiling such much when I was reading this book and I just had so a fun time reading this book and it just has a special place in my heart for these characters and just the vibes of this book.
I really loved all of the elements of this book but the standout for me was 100% the romance like the chemistry between all the characters was amazing but the chemistry between the two main characters was exceptional like it is a bit insta-love and I am not normally a big fan of that but I loved it in this one. I also thought that the character building and character development was really well done in this book, like I felt like all the characters have they time to shine and you got to know all of the different characters and you care for all of them, like to me none of them felt like side characters or felt like they were just there to move the plot along it felt like they all fitted into the story really well. I would also say that this book was just really well planned and it was really flushed out, I thought that the pacing was really good and I thought both the main plot and side plots were really well done and really fitted into each other. I will say something that took me by surprise (which is going to sound really dumb) was how much fantasy there was in this book however, I actually liked this part of the story, it wasn't what drew me to pick up the book but I am happy that it was there because I actually think it was going to be a little bit boring without it.
I would like to talk about the romance a bit more, I would not really describe myself as a huge lover of romance as I find they're kinda boring and a little cringe, it is just not really the thing I would reach for like I don't get me wrong I love reading fantasy books with couples and romance in it but I am not a huge fan when it is the main genre of the book (I hope that make sense), but actually thinking about it, I just think I don't hate straight people romance because are the straights ever okay (I find the answer is mostly no) and I just hate romance in real life because I just think is it really embarrassing. But I just really loved the romance in this book like they were so fucking cute and wholesome and they really did steal my whole entire heart! It was everything and more than I wanted it to be. It was just a really cute, fluffy and very very queer. I loved it. This book it 100% going to be a stand out of this year for me. I just think this book because I love queer books and I love fake royal families (which is weird because I couldn't give less of a shit about the real-life royals and as someone who is living in the UK to the run-up to the King's coronation, its hell, its horror and I can't wait for it to be over) but give me a fake royal family, I am in heaven bitch like I just love fake royals I can't help it and it's doesn't make sense to me either. I just loved how both of them were just so whipped from first sight, like I have already said that I have never been a big fan of insta-love but it just worked so well. I love their banter and just their chemistry and I just thought it was so funny how over they were each other shit sometimes. This is just a special mention to when Tal was kidnapped his only comfort was the shark tooth that Athlen had given him (that just really melted my heart) or when any time he needed comfort he reached for it. Or the bit when he asked Athlen to stay and showed him and gave him that Cove and says if he wants they can make it his own place where he can put shelves up for all his things. I am sorry that was just so cute. I also love how they are both the last of their kind and they found each other.
Even though I absolutely loved the romance the real thing that sold me was the family dynamics and the banter was just so good, it felt like it a real-life family, I just love how protective they were of each other and how they really care, protect and love each other no matter what and the whole family just really melted my heart. I loved their banter and how they all just take the piss out of each other. I love them all like I am not really sure but I did cry when Kest found out that Tal was okay and alive and when he told him that he had been wearing his ring to remember him by. Shout out when Corrie made Tal had two necklaces one with the Shark tooth and one with his ring, as a sign of her telling him that she accepts him or how protective Garrett was and how guilty they all felt and how they felt like they have failed him and how much they want to show him that they love him and love each other. I just thought it was really funny how Tal had literally nearly died and they are all taking the piss because he just nearly died for Athlen
I really loved all of the elements of this book but the standout for me was 100% the romance like the chemistry between all the characters was amazing but the chemistry between the two main characters was exceptional like it is a bit insta-love and I am not normally a big fan of that but I loved it in this one. I also thought that the character building and character development was really well done in this book, like I felt like all the characters have they time to shine and you got to know all of the different characters and you care for all of them, like to me none of them felt like side characters or felt like they were just there to move the plot along it felt like they all fitted into the story really well. I would also say that this book was just really well planned and it was really flushed out, I thought that the pacing was really good and I thought both the main plot and side plots were really well done and really fitted into each other. I will say something that took me by surprise (which is going to sound really dumb) was how much fantasy there was in this book however, I actually liked this part of the story, it wasn't what drew me to pick up the book but I am happy that it was there because I actually think it was going to be a little bit boring without it.
I would like to talk about the romance a bit more, I would not really describe myself as a huge lover of romance as I find they're kinda boring and a little cringe, it is just not really the thing I would reach for like I don't get me wrong I love reading fantasy books with couples and romance in it but I am not a huge fan when it is the main genre of the book (I hope that make sense), but actually thinking about it, I just think I don't hate straight people romance because are the straights ever okay (I find the answer is mostly no) and I just hate romance in real life because I just think is it really embarrassing. But I just really loved the romance in this book like they were so fucking cute and wholesome and they really did steal my whole entire heart! It was everything and more than I wanted it to be. It was just a really cute, fluffy and very very queer. I loved it. This book it 100% going to be a stand out of this year for me. I just think this book because I love queer books and I love fake royal families (which is weird because I couldn't give less of a shit about the real-life royals and as someone who is living in the UK to the run-up to the King's coronation, its hell, its horror and I can't wait for it to be over) but give me a fake royal family, I am in heaven bitch like I just love fake royals I can't help it and it's doesn't make sense to me either. I just loved how both of them were just so whipped from first sight, like I have already said that I have never been a big fan of insta-love but it just worked so well. I love their banter and just their chemistry and I just thought it was so funny how over they were each other shit sometimes. This is just a special mention to when Tal was kidnapped his only comfort was the shark tooth that Athlen had given him (that just really melted my heart) or when any time he needed comfort he reached for it. Or the bit when he asked Athlen to stay and showed him and gave him that Cove and says if he wants they can make it his own place where he can put shelves up for all his things. I am sorry that was just so cute. I also love how they are both the last of their kind and they found each other.
Even though I absolutely loved the romance the real thing that sold me was the family dynamics and the banter was just so good, it felt like it a real-life family, I just love how protective they were of each other and how they really care, protect and love each other no matter what and the whole family just really melted my heart. I loved their banter and how they all just take the piss out of each other. I love them all like I am not really sure but I did cry when Kest found out that Tal was okay and alive and when he told him that he had been wearing his ring to remember him by. Shout out when Corrie made Tal had two necklaces one with the Shark tooth and one with his ring, as a sign of her telling him that she accepts him or how protective Garrett was and how guilty they all felt and how they felt like they have failed him and how much they want to show him that they love him and love each other. I just thought it was really funny how Tal had literally nearly died and they are all taking the piss because he just nearly died for Athlen
Also, all the women in this book were just such icons like I loved them all but Shay and Corrie were my favourite girl bosses. Corrie really just didn't give a shit but I was sometimes confused about how old Corrie was because sometimes the writing made it out like she was really young like six or seven and other times it sound like she was 14 or 15 which I just thought was really confusing. Shay she slayed okay and loved her reaction to Tal being alive. Also I loved how Shay was like yeah I will marry you but I am not going to give up my life or my job and he was like yeah I wouldn't want anything else.
Also, why was the ending just so stressful, like Jesus Christ I was just so stressed, also I am going to be a hater but I am sorry this royal family need to have some better security like these bitches tried to kill 3 out of the 5 siblings like girl what... Also then Tal did nearly get himself killed about 700 times and there was no one but his brothers looking after him but I did think it was just so cute that Tal would do anything for Athlen and how Athlen showed Corrie his tail and he happy she was and it was just really cute. But I loved the actual ending with Kest and Shay getting married but I thought that we spent more time being told that they loved each other than actually seeing it or them actually spending time with each other and I actually thought at times Shay had more chemistry with Garett had more chemistry but I am happy that they are happy and I loved that Tal does have to hide himself anymore and he can live and be happy and gay and have a happily ever after with Athlen.
My favourite moments were when Athlen tells Tal that he think his magic is beautiful, that the whole time Athlen cave, the bit when Tal was reunited with his family, just Kest reaction, Garett actually the whole time when Tal asked him to stay and he shows him the Cove and said it can be his whole place and where he could keep all his things and he can be alone here if he wanted to and he said that he wanted to be alone with him, just the whole sea witch bit and Poppy becoming a part of the sea, okay maybe just the whole fucking book.
The only thing that could make this better is if there was more of it please please, I am on my knees F.T.Lukens can we have a second book I don't give a shit if is just them all chilling around the place and being happy and gay, I would read it and probably give it 5 stars. Also I would like to see this turned into a tv show or film because you're telling me it wouldn't just serve. In summary, this book was very very happy and gay I lived for it okay!!! If you can't tell this book was amazing and I loved every single moment of this book. I literally loved it from the first page.
Also, why was the ending just so stressful, like Jesus Christ I was just so stressed, also I am going to be a hater but I am sorry this royal family need to have some better security like these bitches tried to kill 3 out of the 5 siblings like girl what... Also then Tal did nearly get himself killed about 700 times and there was no one but his brothers looking after him but I did think it was just so cute that Tal would do anything for Athlen and how Athlen showed Corrie his tail and he happy she was and it was just really cute. But I loved the actual ending with Kest and Shay getting married but I thought that we spent more time being told that they loved each other than actually seeing it or them actually spending time with each other and I actually thought at times Shay had more chemistry with Garett had more chemistry but I am happy that they are happy and I loved that Tal does have to hide himself anymore and he can live and be happy and gay and have a happily ever after with Athlen.
My favourite moments were when Athlen tells Tal that he think his magic is beautiful, that the whole time Athlen cave, the bit when Tal was reunited with his family, just Kest reaction, Garett actually the whole time when Tal asked him to stay and he shows him the Cove and said it can be his whole place and where he could keep all his things and he can be alone here if he wanted to and he said that he wanted to be alone with him, just the whole sea witch bit and Poppy becoming a part of the sea, okay maybe just the whole fucking book.
The only thing that could make this better is if there was more of it please please, I am on my knees F.T.Lukens can we have a second book I don't give a shit if is just them all chilling around the place and being happy and gay, I would read it and probably give it 5 stars. Also I would like to see this turned into a tv show or film because you're telling me it wouldn't just serve. In summary, this book was very very happy and gay I lived for it okay!!! If you can't tell this book was amazing and I loved every single moment of this book. I literally loved it from the first page.
âThey kissed, and kissed, and Tal wouldâve thought it a fairy tale if not for the sand in his collar, and the water in his boots, and the ache of his body. But he wouldnât trade it for anything else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Torture, Vomit, Self harm, Slavery, Blood, Kidnapping, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Moderate: Death, Gore, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Grief, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Classism, War, Child death, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent
matheo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Classism, Slavery, Violence, Body horror, War, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Blood, and Torture
Moderate: Vomit
kingrosereads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Cute mid-ish YA historical high fantasy romance thatâs queeeer and nautical-ly (?).
I was looking for a cute gay pirate story and this book popped up, and though pirates arenât the subject of the book, I still enjoyed it. Itâs definitely YA and couldâve spent a little more time on world building considering politics was a major plot point in this book.
Itâs a little cheesy and absolutely adorable. I loved how natural it was to have queer characters and women in power in a historical setting. Too often I hear âoh well itâs not realistic to of POC/queer/women in [insert role that isnât oppressed]â (itâs literally a fantasy), and Iâve definitely seen books where it felt like the author was trying to hard to fit these characters in the narrative (but maybe thatâs just cause theyâre not used to incorporating minority characters??). Anyway, I loved this book. It made my heart all gooey over Tal and Athlen. It was just so nice to see a queer teenage love story where there wasnât any animosity over the queerness. It made me sad for those who couldnât have it, but also happy because more and more teens are able to experience young love like everyone else.
The story follows fourth child, Prince Tal, going on his coming-of-age tour with his older brother Garrett. Tal is the last mage but his magic is a secret because his ancestor laid waste to the continent and theyâre still rebuilding international relationships. Tal and Garrett come upon a burning ship where they find a teen boy, Athlen, chained below deck. Before theyâre able to get answers from him, he jobs off their ship and is presumed dead. Days later, Tal runs into Athlen in a market and is shocked to see him alive.
Tal meets Athlenâs friend, Dara, and Talâs given a rude awakening on the struggles of his people. He enlists his brother to help give out supplies and medicine to the people in town. When Tal meets Athlen again, he demands answers. Athlen takes him to a secret cove where he lives and reveals heâs a merman. Tal is in awe that thereâs another magical being, who happens to be the last of his kind, just like him.
Tal is then kidnapped and tortured by pirates which reveals a politically motivated assassination plot. Then Tal is rescued and nursed back to health by Athlen and Dara. Together Athlen and Tal must overcome a sea witchâs bargain, betrayal, war, and assassination attempts all while falling in love.
As Iâve said, world building couldâve been given more attention and a little more development of characters like Dara and the siblings and even Shay wouldâve been nice. I do like the familial bones between Tal and his siblings. And I love the relationship between Tal and Athlen despite it developing rather fast.
Overall, I think itâs a good book. I was thoroughly entertained. And yeah, itâs definitely more for 13-16 year old probably, but it doesnât mean it doesnât hold its own.
I was looking for a cute gay pirate story and this book popped up, and though pirates arenât the subject of the book, I still enjoyed it. Itâs definitely YA and couldâve spent a little more time on world building considering politics was a major plot point in this book.
Itâs a little cheesy and absolutely adorable. I loved how natural it was to have queer characters and women in power in a historical setting. Too often I hear âoh well itâs not realistic to of POC/queer/women in [insert role that isnât oppressed]â (itâs literally a fantasy), and Iâve definitely seen books where it felt like the author was trying to hard to fit these characters in the narrative (but maybe thatâs just cause theyâre not used to incorporating minority characters??). Anyway, I loved this book. It made my heart all gooey over Tal and Athlen. It was just so nice to see a queer teenage love story where there wasnât any animosity over the queerness. It made me sad for those who couldnât have it, but also happy because more and more teens are able to experience young love like everyone else.
The story follows fourth child, Prince Tal, going on his coming-of-age tour with his older brother Garrett. Tal is the last mage but his magic is a secret because his ancestor laid waste to the continent and theyâre still rebuilding international relationships. Tal and Garrett come upon a burning ship where they find a teen boy, Athlen, chained below deck. Before theyâre able to get answers from him, he jobs off their ship and is presumed dead. Days later, Tal runs into Athlen in a market and is shocked to see him alive.
Tal meets Athlenâs friend, Dara, and Talâs given a rude awakening on the struggles of his people. He enlists his brother to help give out supplies and medicine to the people in town. When Tal meets Athlen again, he demands answers. Athlen takes him to a secret cove where he lives and reveals heâs a merman. Tal is in awe that thereâs another magical being, who happens to be the last of his kind, just like him.
Tal is then kidnapped and tortured by pirates which reveals a politically motivated assassination plot. Then Tal is rescued and nursed back to health by Athlen and Dara. Together Athlen and Tal must overcome a sea witchâs bargain, betrayal, war, and assassination attempts all while falling in love.
As Iâve said, world building couldâve been given more attention and a little more development of characters like Dara and the siblings and even Shay wouldâve been nice. I do like the familial bones between Tal and his siblings. And I love the relationship between Tal and Athlen despite it developing rather fast.
Overall, I think itâs a good book. I was thoroughly entertained. And yeah, itâs definitely more for 13-16 year old probably, but it doesnât mean it doesnât hold its own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Kidnapping, Death, Blood, Vomit, and Gore
aexileigh's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Confinement, and Kidnapping
Moderate: War, Murder, Torture, Vomit, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Death, Abandonment, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, and Slavery
sssssoup's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Everything about it is executed so well and I have no complaints with it all. The characters, the worldbuilding, the plot!!! Itâs all so wonderful, I was smiling while I read!
The writing style itself was so fun to read. It had a lot of description, but it felt balanced with the dialogue and it didnât feel overly flowery. The plot was also very well done. It has a lot of moving parts and I was impressed with how everything got resolved. You could argue that the ending was too convenient, but it made sense and felt natural to me, so Iâm not complaining.
I also really liked the characters a lot. The progression of Talâs arc was very well executed and I really liked seeing how he changed over the course of the story. I also felt likethe romance between him and Athlen was very well written as well. It felt more natural and realistic than most romance subplots Iâve read in other YA books. It didnât feel forced or rushed like romance often does (in my opinion) and it was really nice to see something where they didnât jump straight from meeting right into being in love.
I also liked the worldbuilding and how the author took time to really explore the worldâs history. I think it wouldâve been nice to have a map, but I was still able to understand without one.
Overall I just really really loved this book!! Itâs definitely a new favorite of mine, and it exceeded my expectations by miles. The messages and themes in it as well as the ending really made me smile and I think itâs an important book that a lot of people would benefit from reading. I will definitely be thinking about it for a long time and will be recommending it to everyone I know!
The writing style itself was so fun to read. It had a lot of description, but it felt balanced with the dialogue and it didnât feel overly flowery. The plot was also very well done. It has a lot of moving parts and I was impressed with how everything got resolved. You could argue that the ending was too convenient, but it made sense and felt natural to me, so Iâm not complaining.
I also really liked the characters a lot. The progression of Talâs arc was very well executed and I really liked seeing how he changed over the course of the story. I also felt like
I also liked the worldbuilding and how the author took time to really explore the worldâs history. I think it wouldâve been nice to have a map, but I was still able to understand without one.
Overall I just really really loved this book!! Itâs definitely a new favorite of mine, and it exceeded my expectations by miles. The messages and themes in it as well as the ending really made me smile and I think itâs an important book that a lot of people would benefit from reading. I will definitely be thinking about it for a long time and will be recommending it to everyone I know!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Torture, Vomit, Abandonment, Blood, and Confinement
Moderate: Alcohol, Death, Grief, Gore, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Minor: War, Cursing, Misogyny, and Medical content
kayladaila's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Abandonment, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Gore, and Death
Minor: Torture, Vomit, Classism, Confinement, Death of parent, Genocide, and War
alexiab's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-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
4.5
this is an absolutely wonderful, fun, sweet story that I quickly fell in love with. Tal is a wonderful main character, he really feels like a 16 year old who feels things very deeply and is struggling with hiding so much of himself from the world.
I always love to see a story where queerness is openly accepted and expected, and this is a great example of a fun adventure and sweet romance without any homophobia to taint the experience.
I do think the plot moved a little too fast, it often skipped over some depth that could have been added to the world and the characters. I don't think it's *too* bad, but I don't even know what half of the characters look like so... coulda been a bit better. But overall wOO WE LOVE MERMAN/PRINCE ROMANCE!!
I always love to see a story where queerness is openly accepted and expected, and this is a great example of a fun adventure and sweet romance without any homophobia to taint the experience.
I do think the plot moved a little too fast, it often skipped over some depth that could have been added to the world and the characters. I don't think it's *too* bad, but I don't even know what half of the characters look like so... coulda been a bit better. But overall wOO WE LOVE MERMAN/PRINCE ROMANCE!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Kidnapping, Torture, Confinement, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Gore and Injury/Injury detail
annoyedhumanoid's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
(adjusted from 3.5 to 3.25)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Confinement, Torture, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: War, Grief, Abandonment, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Vomit, and Gore
Minor: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual content
no homophobia