“Words can’t properly express how much I enjoyed this. I especially loved the attention to detail that went into the culture shock Kai faced. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Little Mermaid retelling that was this thorough, and it really set it apart. Seeing the world through Kai’s eyes made me see so many things that I’ve taken for granted.
Everything about the story was perfection. The characters, the story progression…but Kai. UGH. His character was a thing of beauty. Hilariously (and endearingly) arrogant and confident—I couldn’t help but laugh at his dialogue (which no one understood)—his personality was just SO good! And his gradual change felt so natural. We all know how the Little Mermaid ends, but throughout the book, I couldn’t help but worry: Which version will it be based on??? The one where she dies, or lives happily ever after?? Ladies and gents, I was INVESTED. With his heart in his eyes, how could you not fall in love with him?
I only have 3 regrets:
1. That I couldn’t rate this higher
2. That the story came to an end
3. That I started reading this on a weeknight (please do yourself a favour and make sure you have enough time to binge it.)”
– Jillian
“This book was so incredibly immersive! I feel like it is difficult to write books with an underwater setting, so was a little nervous about starting this one, but I should never have worried. This was such a fun adventure with a delightfully arrogant lead (my favorite kinds!) who has a soft spot for the human princess he stumbles…er…swims upon.
There are so many things I could praise about this book, from the pacing of the romance to the beautiful and descriptive language, BUT my favorite part was the cultural differences.
It is so easy to assume that the merman character would come ashore and easily fit into human society, but they have TOTALLY different traditions and mannerisms that aren’t interpreted the way they are meant. When he licked her, I almost died laughing. My husband had to come check on me. 😂
Seriously, what a home run! I loved this book!”
– DM Mecham
“C. J. Brightley writes a compelling version of the Little Mermaid with a cocky Mer prince who falls in love with a human princess he saves from the sea. Prince Kaerius has to figure out how to impress her as a human when he makes a deal with the Lord of the Deep. He can’t impress her with his voice because he gave that up to be made human. He can’t impress her with his prowess as a warrior or how athletic he is because he has to figure out his legs in what feels like a weak body. I enjoyed his antics of learning about the human world and the transition he makes from cocky prince to one that Marin and the Mer truly need.
I feel the age listed is appropriate, but young to old can enjoy this tale. If you are looking for a fun read for a tween to teen boy, I highly recommend this one. And since it just released today (Nov 24th) it could be a perfect Christmas gift.”
– Althea Damgaard
“C.J. Brightley’s novels are usually simultaneously fun and heartwarming, and this newest work is one of the best examples. She has taken the story of the Little Mermaid and given it a wonderful shift, with a handsome prince who absolutely knows what a catch he is (pardon the pun–it was just too good!). Her Mer-folk are fascinating to read about, and I’m hoping that more stories are going to come that will explore the world she has created in the sea. This is just a simply delightful read to sink into and enjoy, and watching this prince discover the world of humans while he learns what it means to truly love was very gratifying.”
– Chloe Wilcox
