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To Break a Silence: A Little Mermaid Retelling
A siren's song holds power over skies and men.
Stella has never seen the sky until the day she speaks her oaths and is brought above the surface. After her first encounter with a land-walker's ship forces her to sing up a storm that pulls a prince into the water, she chooses to rescue him.
When Stella's blossoming affection for the prince is threatened by another, she makes a choice to trade her fins for legs. The phantom glass in her throat if she dares to use her voice and in her feet when she walks.
Captain Dillon Carvy is determined to have his revenge after a siren’s song costs him his both his ship and his favored position as the Prince's captain. While searching for signs of the siren, Dillon discovers a struggling maiden instead. Pulling a silent girl from the sea, he sees the perfect opportunity to gain his position back.
A case of mistaken identity puts Stella right where she wants to be in the Prince's palace. But unless she breaks her silence, continuing her charade may cost her the happiness she hopes for, and quite possibly her life.
To Break a Silence is a retelling of A Little Mermaid. It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!
Stella has never seen the sky until the day she speaks her oaths and is brought above the surface. After her first encounter with a land-walker's ship forces her to sing up a storm that pulls a prince into the water, she chooses to rescue him.
When Stella's blossoming affection for the prince is threatened by another, she makes a choice to trade her fins for legs. The phantom glass in her throat if she dares to use her voice and in her feet when she walks.
Captain Dillon Carvy is determined to have his revenge after a siren’s song costs him his both his ship and his favored position as the Prince's captain. While searching for signs of the siren, Dillon discovers a struggling maiden instead. Pulling a silent girl from the sea, he sees the perfect opportunity to gain his position back.
A case of mistaken identity puts Stella right where she wants to be in the Prince's palace. But unless she breaks her silence, continuing her charade may cost her the happiness she hopes for, and quite possibly her life.
To Break a Silence is a retelling of A Little Mermaid. It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
37 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 23, 2023
The little mermaid and I have a rocky relationship. I never really liked the Disney movie, and I can't really explain why, but I did love a musical version and the original tale and there are also quite a few retellings I absolutely loved. I was therefore nervous, excited and curious at once when this arc came in. And today it was finally time to start reading.
This book is kinda slow and there was a moment I doubted if maybe I'd put it down and finish it tomorrow. However, by the end of the book I had tears in my eyes and was so incredibly satisfied. So, all the build up and all the conversations and all the pleasant and less pleasant interactions lead somewhere and it's so incredibly worth it.
I also really love how the author tackled the theme of the original tale. I don't wanna give too much away, although the point of view characters actually already do that for me, but I like how our heroine gets over her crush and discovers what true love really is, while our hero is learning to look past prejudice and hatred.
I also liked the romance and how it was slowly developing and growing. I liked how in very subtle ways the author showed us how great these characters were for each other, how they were trying to understand each other and communicate. I also like the mythology and I really liked how real the pain of the transformation curse was.
This is a debut book, but I certainly wanna read read more by this author!
This book is kinda slow and there was a moment I doubted if maybe I'd put it down and finish it tomorrow. However, by the end of the book I had tears in my eyes and was so incredibly satisfied. So, all the build up and all the conversations and all the pleasant and less pleasant interactions lead somewhere and it's so incredibly worth it.
I also really love how the author tackled the theme of the original tale. I don't wanna give too much away, although the point of view characters actually already do that for me, but I like how our heroine gets over her crush and discovers what true love really is, while our hero is learning to look past prejudice and hatred.
I also liked the romance and how it was slowly developing and growing. I liked how in very subtle ways the author showed us how great these characters were for each other, how they were trying to understand each other and communicate. I also like the mythology and I really liked how real the pain of the transformation curse was.
This is a debut book, but I certainly wanna read read more by this author!
November 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this "Little Mermaid" retelling! It has orgins from the original Hans Christensen Andersen's story, plus new, fresh material. Very emotional and heart-felt. I loved it! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 13, 2024
If you love the little mermaid or mermaid stories in general, this book for you!
This book is part of the multi author collaboration that brings well-known fairy tales but with unexpected twists to the story line that "shatter" the original plotline-- you can recognize the OG story but some sort of change makes it uniquely different. For this book, the shattered element is "what if the prince meets someone else." Glass also had an interesting influence on the story: when a mermaid becomes human, a mermaid will experience pain while walking and talking--which feels like shards of glass.
The romance was super sweet and endearing. For a novella and fairy tale, it didn't feel like the pacing was off or insta-lovey. The romantic interest is not actually the prince, which was so fun to read! I loved how they communicated and connected with each other despite Stella being unable to use her voice.
The plot was fun with things that were a bit predictable (but didn't take away the enjoyment) and had things that were unexpected. One of those pleasantly surprising aspects was the slight Christian influence. While it doesn't expressly name Christianity (mentions of the Maker, an abbey, and themes of forgiveness), you can see the evidence on the authors writing.
I think this is a wonderful addition to the series! This is the authors debut and I am excited to read more by her in the future.
**I received this as an advanced reader copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Christian faith rating: 1/3 (not overtly Christian but with Christian influence and themes)
This book is part of the multi author collaboration that brings well-known fairy tales but with unexpected twists to the story line that "shatter" the original plotline-- you can recognize the OG story but some sort of change makes it uniquely different. For this book, the shattered element is "what if the prince meets someone else." Glass also had an interesting influence on the story: when a mermaid becomes human, a mermaid will experience pain while walking and talking--which feels like shards of glass.
The romance was super sweet and endearing. For a novella and fairy tale, it didn't feel like the pacing was off or insta-lovey. The romantic interest is not actually the prince, which was so fun to read! I loved how they communicated and connected with each other despite Stella being unable to use her voice.
The plot was fun with things that were a bit predictable (but didn't take away the enjoyment) and had things that were unexpected. One of those pleasantly surprising aspects was the slight Christian influence. While it doesn't expressly name Christianity (mentions of the Maker, an abbey, and themes of forgiveness), you can see the evidence on the authors writing.
I think this is a wonderful addition to the series! This is the authors debut and I am excited to read more by her in the future.
**I received this as an advanced reader copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Christian faith rating: 1/3 (not overtly Christian but with Christian influence and themes)
October 3, 2023
“ To Break a Silence” was a fun spin on the little mermaid. I thought the story was creative and I was surprised at the end.
This was part of the shattered tales series, it doesn’t need to be read in order. If you enjoyed the little mermaid or anything about sirens, you would like this book.
* I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review and these are my honest thoughts.
This was part of the shattered tales series, it doesn’t need to be read in order. If you enjoyed the little mermaid or anything about sirens, you would like this book.
* I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review and these are my honest thoughts.
October 15, 2023
This was such a cool take on The Little Mermaid and I loved it! Stella and Dillon were so sweet together and I greatly enjoyed the story. I liked how the love interest wasn’t actually the Prince she rescued. It’s something I’ve never seen done before. 😍
/I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own/
/I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own/
May 13, 2024
2.5
There was nothing really wrong with this book, it just wasn’t for me. I’ve read a lot of fairytale retellings, especially if the little mermaid, and this one just blends in right with them. If I hadn’t read so many, this would probably have been a favorite out of the little mermaid retellings.
I have no issues with this book, it just bored me from time to time and didn’t hold my attention very well and I was never excited to continue the story.
I did find the author did a good job writing this book, and I enjoyed seeing her writing style, it just wasn’t my type of book.
There was also a little faith content that I highly appreciated!
Content:
Clean romance;kissing, hand holding, and wanting to hold the other
mild violence
There was nothing really wrong with this book, it just wasn’t for me. I’ve read a lot of fairytale retellings, especially if the little mermaid, and this one just blends in right with them. If I hadn’t read so many, this would probably have been a favorite out of the little mermaid retellings.
I have no issues with this book, it just bored me from time to time and didn’t hold my attention very well and I was never excited to continue the story.
I did find the author did a good job writing this book, and I enjoyed seeing her writing style, it just wasn’t my type of book.
There was also a little faith content that I highly appreciated!
Content:
Clean romance;kissing, hand holding, and wanting to hold the other
mild violence
October 4, 2023
This was my first Little Mermaid retelling, and I LOVED it! Such a beautiful debut novella from Lydia Mae! I love that our male lead is the naval Captain here instead of the Prince, and that indeed shatters the original tale--along with a twist! If you're a Prince fan and feel like the idea of a naval Captain being the lead not convincing, then you MUST read this book. I promise it's going to change your opinion--mine did, hahaha. Dillon is such a great character, and of course, young too. You'll adore him and sweet Stella like I did. I'm so glad that I applied for the arc and got selected for the team. A big thanks to the author for giving me the privilege.
I received an arc copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinion is mine.
I received an arc copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinion is mine.
September 13, 2023
Loved this unique Little Mermaid retelling, and if you like magical fairy tales with a twist, you will too! Highly recommend! ♥
October 6, 2023
If I could sum up this book in one word, it would be 'lovely'. That's not to say it was all plain sailing, because I was also frustrated and stressed in the best kind of way. I was so invested in the happiness of Stella and Dillon, and it had me hooked. I stupidly started the book not long before I had a social engagement, and it was so hard to tear myself away. Then the next day, I was meant to be getting ready to go out and kept delaying and delaying and in the end, I finished the book and had to rush to get ready.
One of the things I loved most were the characters. I'd read the blurbs for all The Shattered Tales a while back and forgotten everything about this one besides being a little mermaid retelling. So I was pleasantly surprised when Dillon was introduced and I knew he'd be the love interest, not the prince. I took to him so quickly, and as the book continued, I fell more in love. He was thoughtful, generous, witty and fun. Definitely book boyfriend material. Stella was also a delight. Of course she's a little impulsive, but her heart was always in the right place and I loved seeing a more quiet kind of strength that is sometimes overlooked for those who are physically strong.
The two of them together were adorable. I think the book really succeeded in showing them forming a connection despite Stella not being able to speak. It wasn't just 'oh, she's pretty.' Through her behaviour, you could really see her personality and character. One of my favourite sayings is 'actions speak louder than words' and Stella was a great example of this.
The pacing was also great. Nothing ever seemed to drag, but at the same time, the romance wasn't rushed and I could believe why these two characters cared so much for each other. I enjoyed how the story both followed and deviated from the original story, and there were lots of twists and turns that had me flipping the pages at sonic speed (or tapping the pages rather, as I read on a kindle).
I think the only negative for me was the religious messages that sometimes felt a little too heavy-handed and took me out of the story. That might be a plus for other readers who do have a religion, but as I don't, it did put me off a little. Otherwise, I think this was a really charming, sweet and addictive fairy tale retelling that I would definitely recommend!
Thank you to the author for kindly gifting me an ARC! I'll definitely be reading more by this author in future.
One of the things I loved most were the characters. I'd read the blurbs for all The Shattered Tales a while back and forgotten everything about this one besides being a little mermaid retelling. So I was pleasantly surprised when Dillon was introduced and I knew he'd be the love interest, not the prince. I took to him so quickly, and as the book continued, I fell more in love. He was thoughtful, generous, witty and fun. Definitely book boyfriend material. Stella was also a delight. Of course she's a little impulsive, but her heart was always in the right place and I loved seeing a more quiet kind of strength that is sometimes overlooked for those who are physically strong.
The two of them together were adorable. I think the book really succeeded in showing them forming a connection despite Stella not being able to speak. It wasn't just 'oh, she's pretty.' Through her behaviour, you could really see her personality and character. One of my favourite sayings is 'actions speak louder than words' and Stella was a great example of this.
The pacing was also great. Nothing ever seemed to drag, but at the same time, the romance wasn't rushed and I could believe why these two characters cared so much for each other. I enjoyed how the story both followed and deviated from the original story, and there were lots of twists and turns that had me flipping the pages at sonic speed (or tapping the pages rather, as I read on a kindle).
I think the only negative for me was the religious messages that sometimes felt a little too heavy-handed and took me out of the story. That might be a plus for other readers who do have a religion, but as I don't, it did put me off a little. Otherwise, I think this was a really charming, sweet and addictive fairy tale retelling that I would definitely recommend!
Thank you to the author for kindly gifting me an ARC! I'll definitely be reading more by this author in future.
October 3, 2023
The retelling of The Little Mermaid with a twist!
Stella has been in love with the image of a land walker (human) since she found a statue on the ocean bottom. Fantasying about what it would be like to live on land when she finally has the chance to go to the surface who should she see but the real person whose image was on the statue. Being found out she makes a desperate bid for freedom by singing and then saves the life of the man ( a prince no less) who has fallen overboard. She saves him and gets him to land but a human girl is the one he sees when he awakens. Through her grandmother she finds a way to live on land but she can’t use her voice
and through a mistake she is mistaken for a land princess who was to be wed to the prince she saved.
Unfortunately she finds this prince is nothing like she imagined and finds herself falling in love with the captain of the ship who swore to her he would kill the siren who caused his ship and crew and the prince to end up in the water, even though he himself was immuned to her siren song. Feelings grow between them but then he feels betrayed by finding out she isn’t who he thought she was and discovering who she really is. However, things work out in the end in a twist you’ll love.
This is a delightful read on the classic fairytale and I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you get and read this wonderful book! If you loved the fairy tale like I do, you’ll love this book! There are twists throughout it which differ from the original but
it will leave you smiling and happy that you spent a few hours wrapped up in a story you will enjoy and find hard to put down!
Fairy tales have the power to magically make you feel
good as you read them! One is never too old to not be drawn in to the stories and the joy and satisfaction that they bring to you as you read them!
If reality is getting you down, this is the perfect escape for a while- to get caught up in a story which will delight you!
Treat yourself to a story you’ll be glad you read!!
Stella has been in love with the image of a land walker (human) since she found a statue on the ocean bottom. Fantasying about what it would be like to live on land when she finally has the chance to go to the surface who should she see but the real person whose image was on the statue. Being found out she makes a desperate bid for freedom by singing and then saves the life of the man ( a prince no less) who has fallen overboard. She saves him and gets him to land but a human girl is the one he sees when he awakens. Through her grandmother she finds a way to live on land but she can’t use her voice
and through a mistake she is mistaken for a land princess who was to be wed to the prince she saved.
Unfortunately she finds this prince is nothing like she imagined and finds herself falling in love with the captain of the ship who swore to her he would kill the siren who caused his ship and crew and the prince to end up in the water, even though he himself was immuned to her siren song. Feelings grow between them but then he feels betrayed by finding out she isn’t who he thought she was and discovering who she really is. However, things work out in the end in a twist you’ll love.
This is a delightful read on the classic fairytale and I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you get and read this wonderful book! If you loved the fairy tale like I do, you’ll love this book! There are twists throughout it which differ from the original but
it will leave you smiling and happy that you spent a few hours wrapped up in a story you will enjoy and find hard to put down!
Fairy tales have the power to magically make you feel
good as you read them! One is never too old to not be drawn in to the stories and the joy and satisfaction that they bring to you as you read them!
If reality is getting you down, this is the perfect escape for a while- to get caught up in a story which will delight you!
Treat yourself to a story you’ll be glad you read!!
October 23, 2023
Shells and Ships
This retelling begs the question, for me, at least:
Is love fated to rule us or is our fate in our own hands? Does “meant to be” run our lives or does “follow your heart” the saying to guide us?
Marital matchmaking is not only for royalty. Picking out a life partner whose plans and values are compatible with our own is crucial not only to our personal happiness and well-being, but also to our relatives. Career choices, division of chores, entertaining & entertainment, family size & type, home location (close proximity to bookstores & libraries being key), etc. are all criteria to consider before committing.
Some sage advice from the author:
When singing up a song unprovoked, remember there will still be consequences.
Never underestimate the power of one – a single toxic person is all it takes to sink the ship, so to speak.
Prepare yourself before travelling. Learn about the architecture, books, cuisine, language, music, theater, etc. so you can better enjoy the experience.
Fave line:
‘Oaths of faithfulness and devotion between two hearts can bring about the most powerful transformations.’
May we all find for ourselves ‘an anchor of calm’.
This retelling begs the question, for me, at least:
Is love fated to rule us or is our fate in our own hands? Does “meant to be” run our lives or does “follow your heart” the saying to guide us?
Marital matchmaking is not only for royalty. Picking out a life partner whose plans and values are compatible with our own is crucial not only to our personal happiness and well-being, but also to our relatives. Career choices, division of chores, entertaining & entertainment, family size & type, home location (close proximity to bookstores & libraries being key), etc. are all criteria to consider before committing.
Some sage advice from the author:
When singing up a song unprovoked, remember there will still be consequences.
Never underestimate the power of one – a single toxic person is all it takes to sink the ship, so to speak.
Prepare yourself before travelling. Learn about the architecture, books, cuisine, language, music, theater, etc. so you can better enjoy the experience.
Fave line:
‘Oaths of faithfulness and devotion between two hearts can bring about the most powerful transformations.’
May we all find for ourselves ‘an anchor of calm’.
October 26, 2023
Such a Unique Twist to a Classic Story
Lydia did an excellent job recreating the little mermaid with emotion and realism. She transports you to an alternate universe where mermaids and humans exist. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters. Her writing style is superb! I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
Lydia did an excellent job recreating the little mermaid with emotion and realism. She transports you to an alternate universe where mermaids and humans exist. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters. Her writing style is superb! I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
June 5, 2024
My final read of MerMay and first book of #fairytalesummer is To Break a Silence by Lydia Mae, a retelling of "The Little Mermaid" from the Shattered Tales series. I was a little skeptical about reading another book from a series whose premise revolves around trying to "fix" fairy tales that I never thought were broken in the first place. However, this book turned out to be a worthwhile read. It is a much more literal interpretation of the story than My Fair Mermaid, which I also enjoyed. The biggest change is that it provides a third option for the mermaid to have a happy ending that doesn't require her to either marry the prince she rescued or sacrifice herself. The idea of an alternate romantic interest has been done before in books like The Jinni Key and Song of the Sea, but it's a little different each time, allowing each endearing love story to unfold in unexpected ways.
Stella is a siren who is not supposed to be seen by humans. Dillon is the son of an admiral sworn to protect his fleets from sirens and other threats. By all intents and purposes, these two should be enemies, but fate has something else in store. When Stella visits the surface for the first time, she is shocked to find a prince who looks identical to the statue she had been obsessing over in her secret grotto. However, when she is spotted by the ship's crew, she is forced to sing and bring forth a storm that pulls her beloved prince into the depths of the sea. She brings him ashore, where he is discovered by a woman at an abbey that he believes to be his savior. Meanwhile, Dillon is reprimanded for failing to catch the siren and allowing the prince and his crew to fall victim to her song. These events create lasting ripples in both of their lives that bring the unlikely pair together.
When Stella expresses her desire to see the prince again and prove that she is the one who saved him, she is offered the opportunity to wear a magical necklace made of sea glass that will give her legs in exchange for debilitating pain from the glass shards in her feet and throat, making it nearly impossible for her to speak and agony for her to walk. When she uses the necklace in the middle of the sea, she is discovered by Dillon, of all people, who takes her in and patiently takes the time to understand who she is and what she wants. Due to a case of mistaken identity, he believes her to be Princess Lorilyn with whom Prince Percival has formed a marriage alliance and escorts her to the castle. After being received by the prince, Stella realizes that he has very little interest in getting to know her despite believing she is his future wife and that Dillon is a much better match.
This book stands apart from other "Little Mermaid" retellings in that it doesn't take shortcuts like writing or sign language to allow the voiceless mermaid to communicate with her love interest. Instead, he takes the time to interpret her feelings based on facial expressions and pointing, which makes Dillon someone worthy of Stella's passionate affection due to his patience and understanding. He teaches her that there is more to love than falling for someone at first sight. The big twist at the end is genuinely surprising and gives off major Princess and the Pauper vibes. This a "cozy" retelling with very little violence, no real antagonist, and a happy ending for everyone. If you're looking for a dark retelling with a social commentary on the importance of women having a voice, this isn't it. Instead, this book is a sweet and unexpected love story that was right up my alley as a fan of romantic fairy tales.
To Break a Silence by Lydia Mae is a delightful retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' that offers a fresh and unique twist on the classic tale. With its sweet romance, endearing characters, and unexpected plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings. By providing an alternate option for the mermaid's happy ending, this story shows that there's more than one way to tell a classic tale. With its focus on communication, understanding, and patience, this book stands out from other retellings and is a perfect read for those looking for a cozy and romantic fairy tale. If you're looking for a light and charming read, To Break a Silence is definitely worth diving into!
Stella is a siren who is not supposed to be seen by humans. Dillon is the son of an admiral sworn to protect his fleets from sirens and other threats. By all intents and purposes, these two should be enemies, but fate has something else in store. When Stella visits the surface for the first time, she is shocked to find a prince who looks identical to the statue she had been obsessing over in her secret grotto. However, when she is spotted by the ship's crew, she is forced to sing and bring forth a storm that pulls her beloved prince into the depths of the sea. She brings him ashore, where he is discovered by a woman at an abbey that he believes to be his savior. Meanwhile, Dillon is reprimanded for failing to catch the siren and allowing the prince and his crew to fall victim to her song. These events create lasting ripples in both of their lives that bring the unlikely pair together.
When Stella expresses her desire to see the prince again and prove that she is the one who saved him, she is offered the opportunity to wear a magical necklace made of sea glass that will give her legs in exchange for debilitating pain from the glass shards in her feet and throat, making it nearly impossible for her to speak and agony for her to walk. When she uses the necklace in the middle of the sea, she is discovered by Dillon, of all people, who takes her in and patiently takes the time to understand who she is and what she wants. Due to a case of mistaken identity, he believes her to be Princess Lorilyn with whom Prince Percival has formed a marriage alliance and escorts her to the castle. After being received by the prince, Stella realizes that he has very little interest in getting to know her despite believing she is his future wife and that Dillon is a much better match.
This book stands apart from other "Little Mermaid" retellings in that it doesn't take shortcuts like writing or sign language to allow the voiceless mermaid to communicate with her love interest. Instead, he takes the time to interpret her feelings based on facial expressions and pointing, which makes Dillon someone worthy of Stella's passionate affection due to his patience and understanding. He teaches her that there is more to love than falling for someone at first sight. The big twist at the end is genuinely surprising and gives off major Princess and the Pauper vibes. This a "cozy" retelling with very little violence, no real antagonist, and a happy ending for everyone. If you're looking for a dark retelling with a social commentary on the importance of women having a voice, this isn't it. Instead, this book is a sweet and unexpected love story that was right up my alley as a fan of romantic fairy tales.
To Break a Silence by Lydia Mae is a delightful retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' that offers a fresh and unique twist on the classic tale. With its sweet romance, endearing characters, and unexpected plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings. By providing an alternate option for the mermaid's happy ending, this story shows that there's more than one way to tell a classic tale. With its focus on communication, understanding, and patience, this book stands out from other retellings and is a perfect read for those looking for a cozy and romantic fairy tale. If you're looking for a light and charming read, To Break a Silence is definitely worth diving into!
November 3, 2023
Another amazing retelling in the Shatter Tales, To Break a Silence is a magical and romantic imagining of The Little Mermaid! Stella has never seen the sky until the day she speaks her oath and is brought to the surface. When her first encounter with a land-walker's ship forces her to sing up a storm and pulls a prince into the water, she chooses to rescue him. But when her blooming affection for the prince is threatened by another, she chooses to trade her fin for tails. The price though is phantom glass in her throat if she dares to use her voice and in her feet when she walks. Captain Dillon Carvy is determined to have revenge after the siren’s song costs him his ship and his position as the prince’s captain. When searching for the siren, he finds a struggling maiden. After pulling the silent girl from the sea, he discovers a way to get his position back. A case of mistaken identity brings Stella right where she wants in the prince’s palace, But if she can’t break her silence, it may cost her the happiness she hopes for and possibly her life.
This was so much fun! Stella was very sweet and sensitive. She felt things deeply. I definitely felt like she was 18 at times though! She hoped strongly and went after her dreams. She could be a little emotions-led, but it always felt real and authentic to her. I also appreciated her growth throughout the book. I was really rooting for her! Dillon was a sweetheart! He was very honorable. He wanted a place amongst the navy and to show himself capable. There was a lot of hurt built up in him and he found a confidant in Stella. They were so sweet together, supporting each other and really connecting.
The story was really engaging and I wasn’t sure how things would end up! I enjoyed seeing the Little Mermaid inspiration woven into the story, it really took from the original fairytale! It was a lovely story with adorable romance and wonderful magic! I am excited to read more from Ms. Mae and would love to see more of this world! It is a fairytale inspired romance with only kissing!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
This was so much fun! Stella was very sweet and sensitive. She felt things deeply. I definitely felt like she was 18 at times though! She hoped strongly and went after her dreams. She could be a little emotions-led, but it always felt real and authentic to her. I also appreciated her growth throughout the book. I was really rooting for her! Dillon was a sweetheart! He was very honorable. He wanted a place amongst the navy and to show himself capable. There was a lot of hurt built up in him and he found a confidant in Stella. They were so sweet together, supporting each other and really connecting.
The story was really engaging and I wasn’t sure how things would end up! I enjoyed seeing the Little Mermaid inspiration woven into the story, it really took from the original fairytale! It was a lovely story with adorable romance and wonderful magic! I am excited to read more from Ms. Mae and would love to see more of this world! It is a fairytale inspired romance with only kissing!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
October 26, 2023
This is the most perfect Little Mermaid retelling I've ever read. Beautifully written, surprising, and completely delightful from beginning to end.
Stella, a siren princess, has dreamed for her entire life of seeing the world above the sea. She's not a brat, although she is a little naive, but she's been sheltered her entire life, so it's understandable. But a mistake made in a moment of excitement dooms her to a life spent never seeing the world above. Until her grandmother, who is nothing like Disney's sea witch, gives her a second chance. She has nothing to lose, just a little pain and inconvenience, but if she can make the prince fall in love with her, it will all be worth it. If not, at least she gets to explore the world above before returning to the sea.
Dillon, a naval officer, hates sirens. He is also gifted with the mysterious ability to block out their songs. As a result, he is tasked with making sure the prince doesn't get into any trouble with their undersea neighbors during his birthday cruise. Take one guess how that goes. When Dillon is banished, he finds a voiceless woman washed up from the beach and just wants to help. One more guess as to how that goes.
So many things about this story are not the stereotype--they're so much better! The love story is sweet and heartbreaking and perfect. The political background of the kingdoms was fascinating. Now I need an entire series in this world! This is one of the strongest debut novels I've read, and I eagerly await whatever Lydia Mae will be writing next.
I received an ARC from the Shattered Tales team and have reviewed it because it was brilliant.
Stella, a siren princess, has dreamed for her entire life of seeing the world above the sea. She's not a brat, although she is a little naive, but she's been sheltered her entire life, so it's understandable. But a mistake made in a moment of excitement dooms her to a life spent never seeing the world above. Until her grandmother, who is nothing like Disney's sea witch, gives her a second chance. She has nothing to lose, just a little pain and inconvenience, but if she can make the prince fall in love with her, it will all be worth it. If not, at least she gets to explore the world above before returning to the sea.
Dillon, a naval officer, hates sirens. He is also gifted with the mysterious ability to block out their songs. As a result, he is tasked with making sure the prince doesn't get into any trouble with their undersea neighbors during his birthday cruise. Take one guess how that goes. When Dillon is banished, he finds a voiceless woman washed up from the beach and just wants to help. One more guess as to how that goes.
So many things about this story are not the stereotype--they're so much better! The love story is sweet and heartbreaking and perfect. The political background of the kingdoms was fascinating. Now I need an entire series in this world! This is one of the strongest debut novels I've read, and I eagerly await whatever Lydia Mae will be writing next.
I received an ARC from the Shattered Tales team and have reviewed it because it was brilliant.
October 31, 2023
I loved this sweet and original retelling of The Little Mermaid.
The story has just the right amount of similarities with the original and also a lot of creative twists and new elements. I really liked the twist that the love interest wasn't a prince.
Stella is sweet, curious, a little impulsive, and strong.
Dillon is such a sweetheart. He is thoughtful and kind. Dillon and Stella made a lovely couple. I loved how they still connected, although Stella couldn't talk.
It made me think of a song by Sara Bareilles "Little Voice":
"It's just a little voice (or, in this case, a silent voice)
And if you're listening
Sometimes a little voice
Can say the biggest things."
This story shows that love has its own language and that you must look beyond prejudice and mistakes.
The pacing was good, and I really like the writing style. The ending was really well written, and I loved how the author wrapped things up.
I learned that this is a debut from Lydia Mae. I didn't notice that while reading the story, it's a really strong debut, in my opinion!!
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I received an e-arc from @lydiamae.author
Thank you! This hasn't influenced my review, it's based on my personal opinion.
The story has just the right amount of similarities with the original and also a lot of creative twists and new elements. I really liked the twist that the love interest wasn't a prince.
Stella is sweet, curious, a little impulsive, and strong.
Dillon is such a sweetheart. He is thoughtful and kind. Dillon and Stella made a lovely couple. I loved how they still connected, although Stella couldn't talk.
It made me think of a song by Sara Bareilles "Little Voice":
"It's just a little voice (or, in this case, a silent voice)
And if you're listening
Sometimes a little voice
Can say the biggest things."
This story shows that love has its own language and that you must look beyond prejudice and mistakes.
The pacing was good, and I really like the writing style. The ending was really well written, and I loved how the author wrapped things up.
I learned that this is a debut from Lydia Mae. I didn't notice that while reading the story, it's a really strong debut, in my opinion!!
----------------------
I received an e-arc from @lydiamae.author
Thank you! This hasn't influenced my review, it's based on my personal opinion.
October 20, 2023
I loved reading this Little Mermaid retelling. As someone who dislikes romance, I was glad to see this story lacked an over-emphasis on the emotional experiences surrounding affection. Stella, the main character grows so much as a person throughout the pages of this story, and though she does some questionable things at times, Mae doesn't let Stella go without consequences. Stella also learns the difference between the childishness of infatuation and the mature love of someone willing to give of themselves for another.
The only things I would like to have seen done a tad differently were the two info-dumps near the end of the book. The events related occur off-page, and I understand keeping them from the reader to preserve the plot twist (which I very much enjoyed), but I would still love to have seen them unfold during the story instead of hearing about everything afterward. But this is a very minor thing in light of the overall quality of the whole story, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to read a wonderful fairytale.
The only things I would like to have seen done a tad differently were the two info-dumps near the end of the book. The events related occur off-page, and I understand keeping them from the reader to preserve the plot twist (which I very much enjoyed), but I would still love to have seen them unfold during the story instead of hearing about everything afterward. But this is a very minor thing in light of the overall quality of the whole story, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to read a wonderful fairytale.
October 25, 2023
Enchanting!
I can’t believe that this is Lydia Mae’s first published book! I was hoping to find a backlog of other books to read from her.
This was a wonderful Little Mermaid retelling where our mermaid, Stella, is a siren. She’s impulsive and naive at first, but she does work hard to fix her mistakes. I loved her curiosity and excitement as she learned about the land walkers’ world. I loved her bravery and her strength in the face of challenges. Dillon was amazing too. I loved that he wasn’t the prince, but someone she got to know well despite the no speaking limitation.
This story was sweet, creative, and magical!
I can’t believe that this is Lydia Mae’s first published book! I was hoping to find a backlog of other books to read from her.
This was a wonderful Little Mermaid retelling where our mermaid, Stella, is a siren. She’s impulsive and naive at first, but she does work hard to fix her mistakes. I loved her curiosity and excitement as she learned about the land walkers’ world. I loved her bravery and her strength in the face of challenges. Dillon was amazing too. I loved that he wasn’t the prince, but someone she got to know well despite the no speaking limitation.
This story was sweet, creative, and magical!
October 25, 2023
This is one of those feel good stories that leaves you so delightfully happy at the end. I loved the blend of sweet romance and light suspense in this clean fairytale retelling. The author shares a beautiful story about forgiveness and true love that truly warms the heart in all the best ways. If you need a story that will make your heart smile, you should definitely give this one a try. I look forward to reading more stories from Lydia Mae soon!!
I received an advanced reader copy of this novel.
I received an advanced reader copy of this novel.
October 24, 2023
A great twist on the Little Mermaid
This clean fairy tale retelling is an excellent take on The Little Mermaid. I love the themes of forgiveness and how to move forward after disappointment and hurt. Lots of nods to classic details of other Little Mermaid retellings. Great read, I couldn't put it down!
This clean fairy tale retelling is an excellent take on The Little Mermaid. I love the themes of forgiveness and how to move forward after disappointment and hurt. Lots of nods to classic details of other Little Mermaid retellings. Great read, I couldn't put it down!
October 31, 2023
One of the best retellings of the Little Mermaid I’ve ever read!! I was excited to read every chapter! I love Stella’s curiosity for the world above and her journey as she tries to find love even when it comes in an unexpected way. It ended with the perfect happily ever after! I will definitely be reading this book again in the future! Thank you for the wonderful ARC copy Lydia Mae!
December 10, 2025
Wow, what a book.
I couldn’t put this one down. A great Little Mermaid retelling.
This was an emotional roller coaster really, and had me in tears at some point.
I loved that she was so determined to learn and realized what true love is despite the physical pain she was in. And needless to say that the Captain was able to forgive and love her with all his heart.
It was a fantastic story and will highly recommend to all readers who enjoy a clean fairytale retelling.
I couldn’t put this one down. A great Little Mermaid retelling.
This was an emotional roller coaster really, and had me in tears at some point.
I loved that she was so determined to learn and realized what true love is despite the physical pain she was in. And needless to say that the Captain was able to forgive and love her with all his heart.
It was a fantastic story and will highly recommend to all readers who enjoy a clean fairytale retelling.
October 10, 2023
This shattered retelling of The Little Mermaid was the perfect mix of classic nostalgia and new twists and turns! I adored it! I especially loved the inclusion of aspects from the original tale making an appearance. You need to read this book and discover this mermaid tale for yourself!
October 20, 2023
This story follows the storyline of the original pretty closely. But it also makes the story deeper and add a few things on.
June 10, 2025
3.5 it felt rushed
January 25, 2025
2025 Reads #48/250
3.5⭐️
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
3.5⭐️
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
October 27, 2023
To Break a Silence
A Little Mermaid Retelling
By Lydia Mae
I have to say I love all the Little Mermaid retellings that are coming out this year. Each is unique and utterly charming and To Break a Silence is no different in this respect. However the story is though there are easily identifiable aspects that mark this as retelling of the Little Mermaid. And as part of The Shattered Tales this is a perfect addition.
It is Stella's first time above the surface and she makes a mistake that dashes all her hopes and dreams of a life that includes visits above the surface of the sea. But she is given a chance to win the heart of the man who she rescued from the sea. But the magic that will transform her into a human will work for just a short time. And she'll have to pay a price for this magic - pain while walking and talking - shards of glass pain. Well, walking has to be done, but speaking - that she can avoid. But getting her heart's desire without the use of her voice could prove challenging.
What Stella hadn't expected was her utter lack of being able to breath, swim, do anything while in the sea. In fact she needs a bit of help. When she is "found" by Captain Dillon Carvy, she gets herself into a bit of a situation - she is mistaken for someone else!
But Stella is determined to get her heart's desire and she'll use what little advantage she can get. And what is her heart's desire? To win the heart of the prince, of course. But said prince is betrothed to a princess. And when he is rescued he falls for his "rescuer," who is not Stella or the princess. Yikes, we have a tangle if ever there was one.
I have to say I like Stella and Dillon, but the prince, Percival can't say I was an instant fan of his. He definitely came off as entitled and left much to be desired in my opinion. But he did have a dimple so I guess that more than amply made up for his less than welcoming behavior (um, not!). Dillon is caught in the middle of everything - the prince nearly dying, losing his ship, his captaincy, disappointing his father and everything due to a siren's song. Determined to hunt down the siren who wrought all this destruction, he instead finds a young woman in need of his assistance. And a way to reclaim what he has lost.
Get ready to escape into a world of dreams, wishes, and choices. Time is a precious commodity that is all too quickly slipping away, will Stella Break her Silence before it is too late?
But there is another thread running through this story - forgiveness. And it is interesting how the various characters all need to give or ask for it. As one character says, "Everyone needs forgiveness." I think this was a pivotal moment in a personal, internal way. All to often that is how realizations come.
This is a delight that you won't want to miss. And the conclusion was not what I was expecting, or rather how it came about was a nice and unique touch.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
A Little Mermaid Retelling
By Lydia Mae
I have to say I love all the Little Mermaid retellings that are coming out this year. Each is unique and utterly charming and To Break a Silence is no different in this respect. However the story is though there are easily identifiable aspects that mark this as retelling of the Little Mermaid. And as part of The Shattered Tales this is a perfect addition.
It is Stella's first time above the surface and she makes a mistake that dashes all her hopes and dreams of a life that includes visits above the surface of the sea. But she is given a chance to win the heart of the man who she rescued from the sea. But the magic that will transform her into a human will work for just a short time. And she'll have to pay a price for this magic - pain while walking and talking - shards of glass pain. Well, walking has to be done, but speaking - that she can avoid. But getting her heart's desire without the use of her voice could prove challenging.
What Stella hadn't expected was her utter lack of being able to breath, swim, do anything while in the sea. In fact she needs a bit of help. When she is "found" by Captain Dillon Carvy, she gets herself into a bit of a situation - she is mistaken for someone else!
But Stella is determined to get her heart's desire and she'll use what little advantage she can get. And what is her heart's desire? To win the heart of the prince, of course. But said prince is betrothed to a princess. And when he is rescued he falls for his "rescuer," who is not Stella or the princess. Yikes, we have a tangle if ever there was one.
I have to say I like Stella and Dillon, but the prince, Percival can't say I was an instant fan of his. He definitely came off as entitled and left much to be desired in my opinion. But he did have a dimple so I guess that more than amply made up for his less than welcoming behavior (um, not!). Dillon is caught in the middle of everything - the prince nearly dying, losing his ship, his captaincy, disappointing his father and everything due to a siren's song. Determined to hunt down the siren who wrought all this destruction, he instead finds a young woman in need of his assistance. And a way to reclaim what he has lost.
Get ready to escape into a world of dreams, wishes, and choices. Time is a precious commodity that is all too quickly slipping away, will Stella Break her Silence before it is too late?
But there is another thread running through this story - forgiveness. And it is interesting how the various characters all need to give or ask for it. As one character says, "Everyone needs forgiveness." I think this was a pivotal moment in a personal, internal way. All to often that is how realizations come.
This is a delight that you won't want to miss. And the conclusion was not what I was expecting, or rather how it came about was a nice and unique touch.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
November 4, 2023
Never have I ever been so impressed with a debut novel as I was with Lydia Mae’s To Break a Silence. This priceless little red sea glass gem is worth far more than 5 stars, 10 or even 5000, because it was literally perfection from start to finish! As a naturally negative person I often find at least one thing in a book that I don’t enjoy, but this was far from the case with To Break a Silence. Lydia took my favourite fairytale of all – The Little Mermaid – and reworked it in an original and amazing way, while still staying fairly true to the original tale. I was extremely impressed by how Lydia told the story from the perspective of a mermaid and gave us a glimpse into the glorious world of the merpeople – would that I could live there!
This story of a siren who lures sailors into the water in a bid for self-protection, and then embarks on a land adventure with legs but no voice and is mistaken for a princess is truly a treat for the senses: We get to see Stella try her hardest to fall in love quickly with a prince who wants nothing to do with her other than what he sees as a politically astute marriage, and Dillon struggle with his developing feelings for the silent maiden only he seems to understand.
It was wonderful, in fact, to witness Dillon’s kindness when he was faced with Stella’s (often comical) challenges and difficulties on land, and how astounded he was to see the childlike gusto with which she embraced all of the everyday experiences we take for granted. (Dillon’s confusion as to why a princess lacked certain skills was adorable to behold!) I also especially loved the lore of the red sea glass and the mirror that held the power to expose Stella for who she truly was. The effect of the sea glass on Stella’s feet and voice filled me with admiration for this young siren’s bravery and tenacity and made me wish I could be more like her!
Dillon’s sense of right and wrong is so strong in this book that Stella is (rightfully) worried about disclosing her true identity to him and both of them find themselves having to cope with feelings of betrayal as a result of one another’s actions. Thankfully, through a twist no reader could possibly have seen coming, wrongs are righted and Stella is granted her deepest desire – a life on land with a functioning voice and the love of her life by her side. In fact, if the book had ended there I am sure all readers would have been content, but Lydia included an epilogue in this book which was especially precious and gave us a glimpse into Stella and Dillon’s future. I long to read more books about these characters and can’t wait for Lydia’s next release! Thankfully, a sequel is in the works and when that day comes I will be the first to download it!
This story of a siren who lures sailors into the water in a bid for self-protection, and then embarks on a land adventure with legs but no voice and is mistaken for a princess is truly a treat for the senses: We get to see Stella try her hardest to fall in love quickly with a prince who wants nothing to do with her other than what he sees as a politically astute marriage, and Dillon struggle with his developing feelings for the silent maiden only he seems to understand.
It was wonderful, in fact, to witness Dillon’s kindness when he was faced with Stella’s (often comical) challenges and difficulties on land, and how astounded he was to see the childlike gusto with which she embraced all of the everyday experiences we take for granted. (Dillon’s confusion as to why a princess lacked certain skills was adorable to behold!) I also especially loved the lore of the red sea glass and the mirror that held the power to expose Stella for who she truly was. The effect of the sea glass on Stella’s feet and voice filled me with admiration for this young siren’s bravery and tenacity and made me wish I could be more like her!
Dillon’s sense of right and wrong is so strong in this book that Stella is (rightfully) worried about disclosing her true identity to him and both of them find themselves having to cope with feelings of betrayal as a result of one another’s actions. Thankfully, through a twist no reader could possibly have seen coming, wrongs are righted and Stella is granted her deepest desire – a life on land with a functioning voice and the love of her life by her side. In fact, if the book had ended there I am sure all readers would have been content, but Lydia included an epilogue in this book which was especially precious and gave us a glimpse into Stella and Dillon’s future. I long to read more books about these characters and can’t wait for Lydia’s next release! Thankfully, a sequel is in the works and when that day comes I will be the first to download it!
June 6, 2025
Stella, youngest daughter of king Cepheron, is finally going to take her oath as a siren and breach the water for the first time. Being one of the nobility that is tasked with taking an oath to keep her people safe with her song is important. Her song brings storms and puts landwalkers in a trance which can lead to their deaths. Stella has always been fascinated by the surface and the landwalkers; she does not want to hurt them, rather she wants to learn from and be a part of them. When a ship interrupts their teaching, everyone leaves but Stella. Dillon finally has his captaincy but his voyage is protecting the ungrateful Prince Percival from sirens. There hasn't been a sighting for years but one can never be too careful. So of course he spots a siren on this voyage. He captures her but hesitates in killing her, recognizing her youth and fear. However, she ends up using her voice and causing a disaster to his career. Stella knows she will be banished from the surface for this adventure. However, her grandmother grants her an unexpected gift, the ability to go on land. It comes with side effects but Stella feels the pain is worth it. Dillon, now landlocked, takes to cleaning the family cottage and ends up rescuing a woman from the sea. He mistakes her for a missing princess and brings her to the castle in hopes to lift his punishment sooner. Stella hopes to win over her love and stay while Dillon has to fight his heart on duty and attraction.
I find Little Mermaid retellings to be hit or miss. This one does a fantastic job and is an absolute hit. I enjoy the lessons love and forgiveness. A few points were predictable but in a comforting way, like waiting for the pieces to come together. Dillon's journey was enjoyable and I enjoyed him as a MMC. Stella's journey is a good one and it didn't feel stereotypical. When I got to the last third of the book I couldn't put it down and needed to finish it.
I find Little Mermaid retellings to be hit or miss. This one does a fantastic job and is an absolute hit. I enjoy the lessons love and forgiveness. A few points were predictable but in a comforting way, like waiting for the pieces to come together. Dillon's journey was enjoyable and I enjoyed him as a MMC. Stella's journey is a good one and it didn't feel stereotypical. When I got to the last third of the book I couldn't put it down and needed to finish it.
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