What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wicked Blue
GENDER REVERSAL LITTLE MERMAID FOR ADULTS
Eribelle
After my brother’s death at the hands of merfolk, I have grown up terrified of the species that lurk in the Below. When a merman abandons my friend to a doomed fate, the plans for my future change, becoming far more complicated than I ever imagined. Now that same wretched merman and I are trapped on an island where unexpected mysteries unfold. This merman is full of magic and secrets that I plan to unlock. Until then, I despise every nightmare invaded by the endless swirling color of Axton’s eyes– wicked blue.
Axton
My duty is to protect the throne from all humans Above, but everything changes when a beautiful woman falls into our waters. Stupidly, I save her. That damning choice strips me of my title as royal guard and sets a bounty on my head. Desperate to clear my name, I bargain my sight with the Sea Witch but never anticipated what else was included in the deal. Now, forced to work with the woman I rescued, I must somehow find a way to regain my sight and exonerate myself so I can earn back my title. How am I supposed to do that when Eribelle’s enchanting nature keeps drawing me back to her side?
Eribelle
After my brother’s death at the hands of merfolk, I have grown up terrified of the species that lurk in the Below. When a merman abandons my friend to a doomed fate, the plans for my future change, becoming far more complicated than I ever imagined. Now that same wretched merman and I are trapped on an island where unexpected mysteries unfold. This merman is full of magic and secrets that I plan to unlock. Until then, I despise every nightmare invaded by the endless swirling color of Axton’s eyes– wicked blue.
Axton
My duty is to protect the throne from all humans Above, but everything changes when a beautiful woman falls into our waters. Stupidly, I save her. That damning choice strips me of my title as royal guard and sets a bounty on my head. Desperate to clear my name, I bargain my sight with the Sea Witch but never anticipated what else was included in the deal. Now, forced to work with the woman I rescued, I must somehow find a way to regain my sight and exonerate myself so I can earn back my title. How am I supposed to do that when Eribelle’s enchanting nature keeps drawing me back to her side?
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2023
8 people are currently reading
2414 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 27, 2023
Received my ARC copy of this book and could not put it down!
The Little Mermaid is easily my favorite princess story/movie so I had high expectations and they were absolutely met.
Axton and Eribella love to hate each other in a way that makes us enemies to lovers girlies giggle and kick our feet. The subtle world building while introducing characters and their complex relationships with each other (I’m looking at you Finley) had me guessing and wondering what in the world was going to happen next.
The callbacks to the original story were subtle enough that it didn’t take away from the new story being told while giving it a perfect nostalgic vibe.
LOVE.
The Little Mermaid is easily my favorite princess story/movie so I had high expectations and they were absolutely met.
Axton and Eribella love to hate each other in a way that makes us enemies to lovers girlies giggle and kick our feet. The subtle world building while introducing characters and their complex relationships with each other (I’m looking at you Finley) had me guessing and wondering what in the world was going to happen next.
The callbacks to the original story were subtle enough that it didn’t take away from the new story being told while giving it a perfect nostalgic vibe.
LOVE.
October 25, 2023
This retelling of mermaids and humans was more than I expected it to be and it hooked me in. I actually would sneak short reads throughout my work day which I usually try not to do but I just had to finish this adventure between Eribelle and Axton. I loved the switching of Axton almost being the damsel in distress and Eribelle had to help him through his debt towards the Sea Witch. They had to learn to work together as a team and trust each other. Also I loved Chaos the dog she was just so much fun and helped these two while stranded on the island. I usually read a lot of smut with spicy scenes but this story had enough banter and slow burn romance that I did not even care. I’m so happy I signed up to read this retelling and cannot wait to read more of Cassie’s stories to see what adventure they take me on💜💙
October 26, 2023
Eribelle is a woman who wants freedom from living under her fathers control. Axton is a merman who is a guard to the queen and is falsely accused of killing a human. He meets with the sea witch, who is also his grams, and makes a deal to prove himself innocent, but she has other plans. Axton and Eribelle must work together to figure out the truth, uncover some shocking family secrets, and survive.
I thought this was a very interesting story. I like that the gender roles were reversed, and I found Eribelle's personality very entertaining. Romance, adventure, family secrets, and deception are just a few of the themes you'll come across in this book. It's a well written, enjoyable read, and I can't wait to see what comes next from this author.
I thought this was a very interesting story. I like that the gender roles were reversed, and I found Eribelle's personality very entertaining. Romance, adventure, family secrets, and deception are just a few of the themes you'll come across in this book. It's a well written, enjoyable read, and I can't wait to see what comes next from this author.
October 31, 2023
First and foremost, you had me at gender reverse Little Mermaid retelling! Seriously sold, right there. Why don't we have more mermaid fantasy???? Why?? Cassie hit it out of the park, and I can't wait to read other books in this series.
This story is told from dual points of view, our MMC, merman Axton. He is swoon worthy! Torn between his need to protect his people and his attachment to a woman he can't see, he has to lose himself in order to find his way.
Eribelle, our FMC, is fierce and talented and wants to be seen for more than her looks.
With secrets from Below and Above, our two characters have to learn to trust in what they can't see.
I love that this was set as an urban fantasy. The author did a really good job at the world building without it being overwhelming.
Thank you, Cassie, for the ARC!
This story is told from dual points of view, our MMC, merman Axton. He is swoon worthy! Torn between his need to protect his people and his attachment to a woman he can't see, he has to lose himself in order to find his way.
Eribelle, our FMC, is fierce and talented and wants to be seen for more than her looks.
With secrets from Below and Above, our two characters have to learn to trust in what they can't see.
I love that this was set as an urban fantasy. The author did a really good job at the world building without it being overwhelming.
Thank you, Cassie, for the ARC!
October 25, 2023
Fast paced very cute, quick read! I absolutely loved it. I flew through this book! I was so hooked I finished it in one day.Can't wait to read more by this author.
November 22, 2023
OMG I loved this book. I started it yesterday during lunch at work and finished it when I came back home.
It was such a fun read! Love the gender reversal. Both characters were amazing! The best Little Mermaid retelling so far! I just melted when Axton called Eribelle , ERi or Angelfish so adorable.
I a not fan of slow burn but in this case it made perfect sense. It just worked. I love how Cassie in some parts stayed true to original story with some phrases and the "kiss the girl scene".
BTW can we get more Chaos! I loved her and I want to know her origin
Thanks Cassie for this ARC
It was such a fun read! Love the gender reversal. Both characters were amazing! The best Little Mermaid retelling so far! I just melted when Axton called Eribelle , ERi or Angelfish so adorable.
I a not fan of slow burn but in this case it made perfect sense. It just worked. I love how Cassie in some parts stayed true to original story with some phrases and the "kiss the girl scene".
BTW can we get more Chaos! I loved her and I want to know her origin
Thanks Cassie for this ARC
November 3, 2023
This was a fun gender switch on the Little Mermaid. I really liked how the main characters were strong in their own way.
August 21, 2024
This was a little mermaid, gender reversal book, which was a first for me, but I absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop thinking about it when I put it down.
It follows Eribelle (human) and Axton (merman) along as they navigate a world where humans and mermaids have a long standing uneasiness/hatred with each other. It’s not until Eribelle tries to run away from her human life as she knows it, does her ship crash and she comes in contact with Axton.
Axton was cursed by the sea witch to be blind and have legs like a human until he could “see without seeing” (not exactly what was said, but no spoilers!) Him and Eribelle must learn to help each other, even if they are enemies, and figure out how to save their loved ones Above and Below.
Oh and for anyone who wanted to know for…. Science they do kinda go over how mermaids do the do 🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♂️
It follows Eribelle (human) and Axton (merman) along as they navigate a world where humans and mermaids have a long standing uneasiness/hatred with each other. It’s not until Eribelle tries to run away from her human life as she knows it, does her ship crash and she comes in contact with Axton.
Axton was cursed by the sea witch to be blind and have legs like a human until he could “see without seeing” (not exactly what was said, but no spoilers!) Him and Eribelle must learn to help each other, even if they are enemies, and figure out how to save their loved ones Above and Below.
Oh and for anyone who wanted to know for…. Science they do kinda go over how mermaids do the do 🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♂️
November 3, 2023
When I saw the description for Cassie Swindon's upcoming release, The Wicked Blue, as a gender reversal Little Mermaid retelling reimagined, I knew this would be my kind of story. Needless to say, I was so excited to receive an eARC and to jump into this fantasy filled book that brings to life a beautiful magic filled world with interesting and complex relationship development.
In this novel, we meet Eribelle, a young human woman raised to fear the merfolk after losing her brother to the sea and the enemies that live in the Below. All Eribelle wants is the freedom to explore her passion for art, live life on her terms and to be seen and appreciated for who she is, not for what she looks like or for who her father is. In the mean time, Axton, a merman and royal guard, lives with a strong sense of loyalty to his people and a fear of the dark magic that lies within him. His family history haunts him even as Axton strives to guard all those in his realm amidst a very tenuous peace with the humans of the Above.
When their choices intertwine Eribelle and Axton’s fates, these enemies become reluctant allies as they fight to survive, to understand the truth behind the lies they have each been raised to believe and to find more than they ever expected in one another. Each has something that only the other can help them gain and each has much to lose if they fail.
I absolutely adored Eribelle and Axton's dynamic from the moment they were thrown together. Swindon did a lovely job of creating characters that draw you in, not only for their good points but for the vulnerability of their flaws. As Eribelle and Axton start to gain more understanding of each other, it was wonderful to see how they challenged one another to look past the prejudice and hatred between their peoples. I loved the way that even though this is a quick read, Swindon spent time to have these two establish a foundation of friendship, in spite of the clear attraction between them. This was particularly important for Eribelle, who has grown up feeling undervalued and under appreciated by most in her life. That an 'enemy' could come to see her true self and treasure it, was very moving. Also, who doesn't love it when he gives her a cute nickname almost right from the start--especially when it soon becomes an endearment that means so much more.
Beyond our main couple, I found some of the side characters Swindon wove into the story to add a lot of texture and insight into who Eribelle and Axton are and it was interesting to see how each has shaped who they are as individuals. At times, they also added some much needed comic relief. In particular, Axton's best friend Lena, Ulsa, his grams and Sampson, Eribelle's best friend, were all great addition to this tale.
With her unique twist on a classic and just the right amount of fire and spice, Swindon’s The Wicked Blue is the perfect read for all of us fantasy readers who love to imagine what secrets and magic the depths of the ocean hold! This was the first book I've read by Swindon but it definitely won't be my last. Go and check it out!
In this novel, we meet Eribelle, a young human woman raised to fear the merfolk after losing her brother to the sea and the enemies that live in the Below. All Eribelle wants is the freedom to explore her passion for art, live life on her terms and to be seen and appreciated for who she is, not for what she looks like or for who her father is. In the mean time, Axton, a merman and royal guard, lives with a strong sense of loyalty to his people and a fear of the dark magic that lies within him. His family history haunts him even as Axton strives to guard all those in his realm amidst a very tenuous peace with the humans of the Above.
When their choices intertwine Eribelle and Axton’s fates, these enemies become reluctant allies as they fight to survive, to understand the truth behind the lies they have each been raised to believe and to find more than they ever expected in one another. Each has something that only the other can help them gain and each has much to lose if they fail.
I absolutely adored Eribelle and Axton's dynamic from the moment they were thrown together. Swindon did a lovely job of creating characters that draw you in, not only for their good points but for the vulnerability of their flaws. As Eribelle and Axton start to gain more understanding of each other, it was wonderful to see how they challenged one another to look past the prejudice and hatred between their peoples. I loved the way that even though this is a quick read, Swindon spent time to have these two establish a foundation of friendship, in spite of the clear attraction between them. This was particularly important for Eribelle, who has grown up feeling undervalued and under appreciated by most in her life. That an 'enemy' could come to see her true self and treasure it, was very moving. Also, who doesn't love it when he gives her a cute nickname almost right from the start--especially when it soon becomes an endearment that means so much more.
Beyond our main couple, I found some of the side characters Swindon wove into the story to add a lot of texture and insight into who Eribelle and Axton are and it was interesting to see how each has shaped who they are as individuals. At times, they also added some much needed comic relief. In particular, Axton's best friend Lena, Ulsa, his grams and Sampson, Eribelle's best friend, were all great addition to this tale.
With her unique twist on a classic and just the right amount of fire and spice, Swindon’s The Wicked Blue is the perfect read for all of us fantasy readers who love to imagine what secrets and magic the depths of the ocean hold! This was the first book I've read by Swindon but it definitely won't be my last. Go and check it out!
October 26, 2023
I absolutely devoured this. The little mermaid has been my favorite fairytale since I was a child (please see the fake red hair I’ve had for the better part of a decade+) and she’s always been a character I related to. The overarching theme of finding the puzzle your piece fits into is such an important blanket of a message.
That being said, this was such an incredible take on that tale. The world building in this was phenomenal, I feel like I got such a beautiful picture painted of the world below, and especially of Ulsa cottage which I’m ready to move in to. I loved the subtle nod to the original story we got bits of, the kiss the girl scene was always a favorite so when Eri took Axton to her special spot that was essentially describing as a beautiful marshland I was SO excited.
I struggled with the start of this a little because it was just so icky, but for good reason. To quote my favorite talking crab, the human world? It’s a mess. The minute our two MC’s met I was fully invested in their story, the mystery surrounding the disappearances, and their slow burn romance. I would honestly love a sequel or even a spin off of this book because I found the magic system so interesting as well as the other magical creatures that live in this world and their own magical systems(and I feel like I have some unanswered questions!!). I couldn’t suggest this more to anyone who loves fairytale reimagining or even just have a soft spot for mer-folk. Thanks so much for this ARC, I truly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what comes next!
That being said, this was such an incredible take on that tale. The world building in this was phenomenal, I feel like I got such a beautiful picture painted of the world below, and especially of Ulsa cottage which I’m ready to move in to. I loved the subtle nod to the original story we got bits of, the kiss the girl scene was always a favorite so when Eri took Axton to her special spot that was essentially describing as a beautiful marshland I was SO excited.
I struggled with the start of this a little because it was just so icky, but for good reason. To quote my favorite talking crab, the human world? It’s a mess. The minute our two MC’s met I was fully invested in their story, the mystery surrounding the disappearances, and their slow burn romance. I would honestly love a sequel or even a spin off of this book because I found the magic system so interesting as well as the other magical creatures that live in this world and their own magical systems(and I feel like I have some unanswered questions!!). I couldn’t suggest this more to anyone who loves fairytale reimagining or even just have a soft spot for mer-folk. Thanks so much for this ARC, I truly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what comes next!
October 26, 2023
ARC Review
This is a reimagined story of The Little Mermaid where the genders are swapped! Axton is a merman who serves as a royal guard to his underwater queen and Eribelle is a human trying to escape her old life and start anew. They both get caught in a shipwreck of a mess filled with lies, secrets, and betrayals. Together they work to figure out the lies, the truths, and learn to trust and love not just each other, but each other's kind.
I started this book thinking it would be an average two-day read, but no. I finised this book in a day because I just could not put it down. It was filled with twists and turns that kept you on your toes. Once you thought you had an idea of what was going on and going to happen, you are proven wrong. I really enjoyed all of the little mermaid references within the book - from names, to subtle sayings - I got excited everytime I realized something came from the original Little Mermaid. The way colors and scenery is described throughout the book was also satisfying to read. It was like you could really see and feel what was being described. Some things seemed to happen a little suddenly without any background or reference, but it works itself out and more understanding comes as you continue reading. Overall, this was a great book! It's different in a great way and it has drama, romance, comedy, and just a little bit of spice. Fans of The Little Mermaid would definitely enjoy this take on the classic.
This is a reimagined story of The Little Mermaid where the genders are swapped! Axton is a merman who serves as a royal guard to his underwater queen and Eribelle is a human trying to escape her old life and start anew. They both get caught in a shipwreck of a mess filled with lies, secrets, and betrayals. Together they work to figure out the lies, the truths, and learn to trust and love not just each other, but each other's kind.
I started this book thinking it would be an average two-day read, but no. I finised this book in a day because I just could not put it down. It was filled with twists and turns that kept you on your toes. Once you thought you had an idea of what was going on and going to happen, you are proven wrong. I really enjoyed all of the little mermaid references within the book - from names, to subtle sayings - I got excited everytime I realized something came from the original Little Mermaid. The way colors and scenery is described throughout the book was also satisfying to read. It was like you could really see and feel what was being described. Some things seemed to happen a little suddenly without any background or reference, but it works itself out and more understanding comes as you continue reading. Overall, this was a great book! It's different in a great way and it has drama, romance, comedy, and just a little bit of spice. Fans of The Little Mermaid would definitely enjoy this take on the classic.
November 9, 2023
The Wicked Blue
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
~Gender Reversal
~Forced Proximity
~Enemies to Lovers
~Family Secrets
~Little Mermaid Retelling For Adults
~Spicy
Review:
I have always enjoyed the Little Mermaid, so learning about a gender reversal Little Mermaid inspired book really caught my interest.
The Wicked Blue, did not disappoint. I loved this.
I enjoyed the characters, the banter and the spice. All chef’s kiss.
Eribelle and Axton were done perfectly!
If you like The Little Mermaid, then I would highly recommend taking the time to read The Wicked Blue!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving and honest and voluntary review*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
~Gender Reversal
~Forced Proximity
~Enemies to Lovers
~Family Secrets
~Little Mermaid Retelling For Adults
~Spicy
Review:
I have always enjoyed the Little Mermaid, so learning about a gender reversal Little Mermaid inspired book really caught my interest.
The Wicked Blue, did not disappoint. I loved this.
I enjoyed the characters, the banter and the spice. All chef’s kiss.
Eribelle and Axton were done perfectly!
If you like The Little Mermaid, then I would highly recommend taking the time to read The Wicked Blue!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving and honest and voluntary review*
October 26, 2023
This was my first little mermaid retelling and I absolutely loved the role reversal in this! This short and fast paced book was a fun retelling that really switched up the normal roles in The Little Mermaid. I really enjoyed the slight changes to each character and especially like that the original villain was actually morally grey in this. I liked the more modern setting in this and enjoyed the treaty and peace between humans and merfolk. I thought it was an interesting way to connect our main characters a little more. Overall I enjoyed this quick read and am excited to see more from this author!
October 26, 2023
ARC Review… thanks @cassie_swindon_author for allowing me to read her book! 📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚Imagine a gender reversal of The Little Mermaid 🧜🏽♀️with so much more umph! Yeah that’s this book! “All I ever wanted was to be a part of a world where I was accepted. Not only did that happen but I found love in the process.” If that is what you want then read on. I enjoy the story and the building of a love story. To make your own decisions and to fight for what you want and love. 4 stars! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽Of course I am a little biased about this book as I am a real life hybrid Siren so yeah. Lena is so me in all shapes and form because she does what she wants. A lesbian mermaid Princess… yes that is me all the way!!! #TheWickedBlue #GenderBender #GenderReversal #lesbian #asexual #bisexual #lgbtq #fantasy #thelittlemermaidgenderreversal #booksbooksbooks #bookworm #arcreader #lesbianreader #nycreader #raynbowreads #raynbowreadsbooks #raynbowreadsarcs #raynbowreviewbooks #raynbowreview
October 26, 2023
So much fun! I really enjoyed this unique retelling of Little Mermaid. It was refreshing, fun, and romantic. The characters were easy to root for and I loved seeing their growth and also seeing their relationship develop as well.
I highly recommend especially to those who love fairy tale retellings!
I highly recommend especially to those who love fairy tale retellings!
October 26, 2023
I LOVED this retelling!
Little Mermaid but roles reversed, and add a little bit of SPICE!
you definitely have to give this one a try. I loved Eribelle and Axton, so you def need to snag this one! It was a quick and lovely read.
Thank you for allowing me to read an arc copy, and I can't wait for the next Fairy Tale Flip.
Little Mermaid but roles reversed, and add a little bit of SPICE!
you definitely have to give this one a try. I loved Eribelle and Axton, so you def need to snag this one! It was a quick and lovely read.
Thank you for allowing me to read an arc copy, and I can't wait for the next Fairy Tale Flip.
October 26, 2023
Wow! I’ve read fairytale retellings but this by far is my favorite. Axton is such a hilarious character and how the relationship between him and Eribelle developed it was just so sweet. I literally was giggling while I was reading.
November 1, 2023
Amazing! This book kept me enamored from start to finish! Eribelle and Axton made me have all the feels! A gender reversal story is always great because seeing the different sides it’s so fun! Thank you for letting me a part of the ARC team!
October 25, 2023
So glad I got a chance to read this! Full of surprises definitely not a spicy read but it is a romantic fantasy
November 1, 2023
Let's just say I am obsessed with this book!
The Wicked Blue has to be my favorite fairytale retelling.
The banter between Axton and Eribelle was amazing!!
If you loved The Little Mermaid, I recommend this book to you. Just know that The Wicked Blue has the genders reversed.
I am thankful that I had an opportunity to be an ARC reader
The Wicked Blue has to be my favorite fairytale retelling.
The banter between Axton and Eribelle was amazing!!
If you loved The Little Mermaid, I recommend this book to you. Just know that The Wicked Blue has the genders reversed.
I am thankful that I had an opportunity to be an ARC reader
February 20, 2025
A fabulous gender-reversed Little Mermaid retelling
Loved the play on names and the fact that it was about a merman, not mermaid. Axton’s and Eribelle’s story was a fun YA retelling with teen drama and family secrets included. Loved the magical world of Above (under three suns) and Below and how the trident was villanised. There were a few deaths and a schmexy scene, so probably 18+ and not younger YA, but the pace was good, characters believable, drama palpable and kept me reading til the end. Quite enjoyable and a slightly different retelling from most Little Mermaid ones I’ve read so far.
Recommended for lovers of upper YA reverse-gender retellings with spice.
Loved the play on names and the fact that it was about a merman, not mermaid. Axton’s and Eribelle’s story was a fun YA retelling with teen drama and family secrets included. Loved the magical world of Above (under three suns) and Below and how the trident was villanised. There were a few deaths and a schmexy scene, so probably 18+ and not younger YA, but the pace was good, characters believable, drama palpable and kept me reading til the end. Quite enjoyable and a slightly different retelling from most Little Mermaid ones I’ve read so far.
Recommended for lovers of upper YA reverse-gender retellings with spice.
November 11, 2023
The only way to lose yourself is to be afraid of getting lost.
The characters are so intriguing and world building is engrossing. The book begins with Eribelle, the FMC getting engaged. The mystery of the missing mermen’s gang and the death of the royal guard will keep you at edge. This is a gender reversal little mermaid reimagined retelling. So there is also a Male Main character Axton, he is sweet, not what he seems to be but there is so much he is keeping with in himself. Eribelle gets trapped on an island and stumble upon Axton. Their bond gets better with time but Axton gets tangled between his quest to regain his title, solving the mystery and working with a woman he don’t know much about. It will keep you guessing till the end. The mystery of the sea witch and the queen will unleash in the end. I loved the ending and epilogue.
Thanks to the author for proving the ARC of this lovely book.
The characters are so intriguing and world building is engrossing. The book begins with Eribelle, the FMC getting engaged. The mystery of the missing mermen’s gang and the death of the royal guard will keep you at edge. This is a gender reversal little mermaid reimagined retelling. So there is also a Male Main character Axton, he is sweet, not what he seems to be but there is so much he is keeping with in himself. Eribelle gets trapped on an island and stumble upon Axton. Their bond gets better with time but Axton gets tangled between his quest to regain his title, solving the mystery and working with a woman he don’t know much about. It will keep you guessing till the end. The mystery of the sea witch and the queen will unleash in the end. I loved the ending and epilogue.
Thanks to the author for proving the ARC of this lovely book.
November 11, 2023
The wicked blue was my first story retelling and I loved every minute of it. The little mermaid has always been my favorite story. I received this book as an ARC and honestly I couldn’t put it down. I was not ready for the twists and turns this story had. I loved that the story was reversed and Axton was the merman and Eribella is on land. The smart banter.. it was very well written and engaging. The world building was not hard to loose yourself in it. I don’t like to put spoilers In my reviews, but I defiantly recommend you read it. It has one scene of spice. Very enjoyable,fast pace, and fun to read. But defiantly will make you feel part of that world ❤️
November 21, 2023
This book was so cute. I loved the aspect of it and the story. It was very well brought to life. It’s a gender reversal reimagining of the little mermaid for sure. I loved seeing how the author did that. Eribelle and Axton were just totally cute together. I loved both characters. Towards the end, everything super intense was happening and I was kicking my feet up and down in excitement. I was so engrossed in the story. And I loved seeing how all of her reimaginings coming out are going to be set in the same world. That’s a very cool thing that we find how at the end of this one. I will definitely be buying a physical copy for a trophy lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
Wow! This book was so much more than I had hoped for. I love the gender reversal. It made the story that much more enjoyable for me. There's magic, secrets, danger, and an adorable pup named Chaos! I fell in love with these characters. I laughed out loud several times! There are a few references to the Disney Movie that made me smile. Overall, it was a really great read! I'm already looking forward to the next Disney retelling from Cassie! 5 stars!!
November 25, 2023
*I received this book as an ARC from the author*
I was very excited to get my hands on this book! I love retellings and to add the bonus of a gender reversal, I just had to read it. Although the characters were definitely reversed and the story somewhat resembled Little Mermaid, I feel as though the store fell short. I wished there was more time spent building a believable relationship ship between the characters and truly the only scene that was true to The Little Mermaid was a battle scene toward the end of the book. The story has good bones, just the execution fell through. I didn’t feel as though it was quite a three star book, but it also definitely wasn’t a two. Definitely an easy read though once you get through the first third of the book.
I was very excited to get my hands on this book! I love retellings and to add the bonus of a gender reversal, I just had to read it. Although the characters were definitely reversed and the story somewhat resembled Little Mermaid, I feel as though the store fell short. I wished there was more time spent building a believable relationship ship between the characters and truly the only scene that was true to The Little Mermaid was a battle scene toward the end of the book. The story has good bones, just the execution fell through. I didn’t feel as though it was quite a three star book, but it also definitely wasn’t a two. Definitely an easy read though once you get through the first third of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
5/5 Stars ⭐️
5/5 Spice 🌶️
ARC Read
This was an amazing read! I loved every single bit of this book. I loved how we got to see Axton and Eribelle go from enemies in the beginning of the book to putting aside their differences and being an amazing team at the end. This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions and I was not expecting all of the twists that this book took. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! I cannot wait to go out and get my physical copy!!
5/5 Spice 🌶️
ARC Read
This was an amazing read! I loved every single bit of this book. I loved how we got to see Axton and Eribelle go from enemies in the beginning of the book to putting aside their differences and being an amazing team at the end. This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions and I was not expecting all of the twists that this book took. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! I cannot wait to go out and get my physical copy!!
October 27, 2023
Received this as a arc and omg i absolutely recommend this book if you love the little mermaid and want a gender switch to see what it will be like ❤️ i wish there was a option so i could give a hundred star rate
November 17, 2023
This book was... addicting. I loved it. It was different and I loved the role reversals. I love how the relationship forms between Axton and Eribelle. Their chemistry was great. Excellent book.
April 11, 2024
***ARC REVIEW***
This book is promoted as a gender swap re-telling of «The Little Mermaid.»
Eribelle grows up under the strict ministrations of an overprotective father. When she steals his boat to run away and pursue a life of art, shit goes terribly wrong.
Axton is an esteemed member of the royal merfolk guard. But when he ends up rescuing a woman from a shipwreck, and someone makes it look like he killed her instead, his whole life is upended.
I’ve been racking my brain to try and stay constructive, so let’s say this: If you want a story of sexual tension, too-good-to-be-true coitus, and you don’t care about consistency - welcome. You’ve come to the right place.
But if you prefer more meat on the bone (pun halfway intended), then this book is sadly just a mess of tropes, underdeveloped characters, and confusing or underplayed plot events.
And I’m sorry to be so harsh, but if I hadn’t viewed this book as a mission to be accomplished, I’would’ve DNFed before the halfway point.
As for a RETELLING of an original fairytale, I’m not sure how I feel. The first 80% of the book feels like any other paranormal fantasy romance, until the end battle, which resembles the Disney version of “Little Mermaid” somewhat.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I much prefer when the story takes a new turn and doesn’t slavishly follow the original, but then this - doesn’t leave many of the original elements. I’d say it was “inspired by” rather than a “retelling of.”
Maybe I’m forgetting the genre here, and taking this book too seriously (I tend to do that), but with the promises made in the promotion, this book does not deliver for me.
RATING: ⭐️⭐️/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️,5
This book is promoted as a gender swap re-telling of «The Little Mermaid.»
Eribelle grows up under the strict ministrations of an overprotective father. When she steals his boat to run away and pursue a life of art, shit goes terribly wrong.
Axton is an esteemed member of the royal merfolk guard. But when he ends up rescuing a woman from a shipwreck, and someone makes it look like he killed her instead, his whole life is upended.
I’ve been racking my brain to try and stay constructive, so let’s say this: If you want a story of sexual tension, too-good-to-be-true coitus, and you don’t care about consistency - welcome. You’ve come to the right place.
But if you prefer more meat on the bone (pun halfway intended), then this book is sadly just a mess of tropes, underdeveloped characters, and confusing or underplayed plot events.
And I’m sorry to be so harsh, but if I hadn’t viewed this book as a mission to be accomplished, I’would’ve DNFed before the halfway point.
As for a RETELLING of an original fairytale, I’m not sure how I feel. The first 80% of the book feels like any other paranormal fantasy romance, until the end battle, which resembles the Disney version of “Little Mermaid” somewhat.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I much prefer when the story takes a new turn and doesn’t slavishly follow the original, but then this - doesn’t leave many of the original elements. I’d say it was “inspired by” rather than a “retelling of.”
Maybe I’m forgetting the genre here, and taking this book too seriously (I tend to do that), but with the promises made in the promotion, this book does not deliver for me.
RATING: ⭐️⭐️/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️,5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews