A review by paintandpages_
Of Song and Scepter by Liesl West

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

Star Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice Rating 🌶🌶🌶

As a child The Little Mermaid was one of my favourite animated movies, so to say I had high hopes was an understatement. Having never read a mermaid fantasy book before rhis was the first time dipping my toes into unknown waters.

I'm so surprised that this was a debut novel as it was sophisticated and incredibly mesmerising. I have to say Liesl did such an amazing job crafting such a thoroughly captivating and intriguing read. The storyline was descriptive and well balanced between world building, plot, romance and building characters stories without being over the top.

 The action is there right from the start of the book, and the intrigue doesn't let up for the rest of the book - with added plot twists sprinkled in throughout the storyline to keep you invested.

The plot will grab you from the beginningand you will be hooked, a really unique retelling with some of the usual favourite tropes and a sprinkling of mermaid spice. Not to mention an MMC who falls hard first.

Thank you to author Liesl West for the ARC!

🖤 Dark Fantasy Romance
🖤 Dark Little Mermaid Retelling
🖤 Hidden Identities
🖤 Care Taking
🖤 He Falls First and Hard
🖤 Fantasy Merfolk World Building 
🖤 Merfolk and Deadly Sirens
🖤 Morally Grey FMC
🖤 Pet Nickname
🖤 Forbidden Romance
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Spicy
🖤 Dark Vocal Magic
🖤 Sea Witch Bargains