Song of the Deep

by C.H. Lyn

Prince Derek is set to marry Lady Lydia. Not his choice; not hers. It's his duty, so he tries to get to know his soon-to-be bride on their trek across the ocean to his kingdom.
When their ship goes down and she is lost at sea, Derek is reminded of an Old Tale, a legend in his lands. When a woman dies at sea, she might not be lost forever. He, and Lydia's handmaiden, Alyana, find a sea witch and learn that this legend might be true. But what will it cost to see Lydia again?

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[Lover of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice quick read!! I really loved it!!

[Dorothy Callaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn’t say this book is an alternative version of the little mermaid at all however that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a great book. I love that it was such a quick read and It had my attention from the very beginning and I was absolutely shocked by how it ended.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun retelling of the little mermaid.

You go in with the idea of what is to come knowing it's a retelling of sorts and this book exceeds all those expectations. The new twists on the classic story are interesting, the magic fascinating and the world that is built is full on fairytale. I didn't see the twist at the end coming!

[Chloé E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of the Deep is a retelling of the well-known The Little Mermaid. This was a beautiful novel that I quickly and easily consumed and enjoyed thoroughly! :)

We are met with a Crown Prince, his betrothed and her Handmaiden where they are travelling back to the Crow Prince's land to be married. A storm hits and his betrothed is lost to the land of Mermaids and Sirens. Both he and her Handmaiden visit the sea witch in hopes she will have the answer to save her.

I loved this book because it was so simple to consume. The plot flowed well, the characters had lovely banter between them and the story was always moving forward. The only downside was that the short length of the book left me not feeling as attached to the characters as I normally would.

This was a super fun read and needs to be added to everybody TBR list!

[Brooklyn Breedlove · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was a cute book. I think the story was well thought out but I was a bit disappointed in the plot. It felt rushed. While there was lots of description, the plot was lacking. I definitely would’ve thought this more of a school age book rather than YA.

[Harmony]

This was so darn cute.

[Chahala Handy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a cute and quick retelling, Song of the Deep is the book. Inspired by The Little Mermaid, the book begins with Prince Derek as he returns with his bride to be, Princess Lydia, and her handmaiden friend Alyana. On their journey back to his kingdom, a storm claims the ship and some members on board, one of them being Lydia.

A bewildered and guilt ridden Prince Derek returns home with a heart broken Alyana. Just when things looked bleak, they are told of an Old Tale about how women lost at see aren’t truly lost forever.

With hope and a prayer, the duo set out on an adventure to seek help from a sea witch to confirm the tale and track down Lydia. With careful consideration, they are able to make a deal that sets them on their path to return the princess.

Meanwhile, a confused Princess Lydia wakes in the sea able to breathe underwater and her legs have been replaced with a tail. With no recollection of her memories, she’s faced with a decision between two groups that both claim she belongs to them. Will she be able to live with her choice? Can Prince Derek and Alyana get to her before it’s too late?

The antagonist of this story isn’t really any one person but the absence of free will. Each character is pigeonholed by circumstances set for them. And it takes the strength of everyone to release them of their burdens.

[Michelle mlb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fairytell retellings and song of the deep did not disappoint.
Bringing a new twist to the tale this book reimagines the classic little mermaid story into one of disaster, bargains and love.with a twist I never saw coming.

For such a small book it is so captivating. I feel in love with the characters and the journey they go on. So much in such a short and sweet book. If you like mermaids and princes and fairytales then you’ll like this. I can’t wait for more.

[✶⋆.˚ bri (carmilla's version) ☾⭒.˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. It was a super fun, short read. I finished it in two days. The story was consistently interesting, never a dull moment. I also was not expecting that twist at the end! The characters are fun and completely pulled me in.

I received a copy of this book alongside an ARC for the next in the series, A Voice in The Tower (will be posting a review!)

[Pashy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful retelling of The Little Mermaid.

The little plot twist at the end was so cute!
The characters are all so likable, and the world really builds on the old tale of the little mermaid, so there is not too much worldbuilding, which in this case was perfect.

I loved that each character still had in-depth backstorys and that this book is very much its own story despite being a retelling.

I really enjoyed it, and it was a surprisingly quick and easy read. I look forward to the next installment.

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, so this was unexpectedly such an interesting read. The Little Mermaid retelling I didn't know I needed. It was so good, I couldn't put it down, couldn't stop reading and finished it in 1 sitting.
Didn't see the ending coming, it was great. Can't wait to read A Voice in the Tower.

[Nikki Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐ rounded up. This was a cute quick read. The plot was a bit predictable but it was a cozy read with Little Mermaid vibes.

[Bessie Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

CH Lyn !! The way you have written this beautiful story really consumes you! I was hanging onto every word, it was very hard to put down.

This is a story of a prince set to marry a princess but disaster strikes and it’s a tale of love and bargains from then on!

Song of the Deep is a book I will happily read over and over! I found it to be such a fun and consuming read. A really beautiful twist, I love the little mermaid and this as an adult I would have loved to see come to film!
I’m also often looking for stories that are semi appropriate to read to my daughter when she’s a bit older and this will be added to my bookshelf for her!

I can NOT wait to read what you come up with next within this realm of ‘fairytales’ I AM HOOKED 🫶🏻

[Morgan G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super warm and comforting Little Mermaid retelling. The book had likable characters and was well-written. It is the kind of book that makes you smile and root for the characters. Even though the story of the Little Mermaid is well known, the author put her own unique spin on it. The ending was surprising and so much better than I could have imagined.

Here are some quick facts about the book: It is a fast read, and there is no spice other than one kissing scene. I enjoy the fact that it is a cute story for adults and teenagers alike. The twist was fantastic, and the sea witch quickly became my favorite character.

I enjoyed that the ending was wrapped up nicely yet left room for reader interpretation. I'm excited to read the next book in the series and recommend this book if you like fairytale retellings, mermaid/siren mythology, and a cute love story.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun retelling, pulls you in and holds your attention. It was able to really flesh out the characters even in a short amount of time.

[Mariette De kock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of the Deep by C. H. Lyn is the first book in The Old Tales series. This is a Little Mermaid retelling.

This is a short read with mermaids and sirens and it’s easy to read. I loved the characters and that the world building is not too much. It works perfect with this storyline.

The book ended with a twist or 2 that I didn’t see coming and it was perfect.

I am looking forward to read Voice in the Tower which is the second book in the series.

Thank you so much @kelsgrace.pa and @chlyn.author for sending me a copy of this book.

[Lee ✨✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I am so impressed by this book! In such a small amount of pages it manages to fit in such an engaging and interesting story without feeling too rushed or disjointed. I also absolutely loved the ending 🥰🥰

Song of the Deep is a beautiful retelling of The Little Mermaid where our Prince Derrick goes on a journey with his fiancés handmaiden to save the princess after she is lost during a shipwreck. It is such a fascinating retelling of an already amazing story.

Thank you to C.H. Lyn for providing me with an eARC in return for an honest review.

[Veronica Hooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the “Little Mermaid” vibes I got from this story! It’s a great, clean romance of a different type that just leaves you with all the “feel goods”! I’m so happy I read this and would happily read more from this author.

[Lyndsey Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this retelling of the little mermaid.

It’s a short quick read that’s filled with a different twist of a classic.

It’s fun and smart and sweet. I really enjoyed reading this!

[Shelby Urbanyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I don’t necessarily think that it’s a retelling of the little mermaid but it’s still a great book to read. The book follows Derek on his journey to try and recover his fiancé after she is lost to a storm. The characters in the book are funny and witty, and enjoyable to read. I did see the plot twist coming, but it was still enjoyable. Overall, a very cute easy quick read

[Maddy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of the Deep is such a gorgeous interpretation of the well-known story of The Little Mermaid.

Similar to the original tale, a princess is deemed lost after a shipwreck at sea. If legend rings true, then with the help of the sea witch the Prince may have just what it takes to save her from her fate.

This retelling gave us a subtle homage to the original story, however, C.H. Lyn made it her own in a way I would never have expected. Song of the Deep is a compelling story that I so thoroughly enjoyed. Despite it being a small book, it gives everything and more in its descriptive and fast-moving plot.
The relationships between characters are beautifully written, and the love they have shines through in this story.

C.H. Lyn you have done an incredible job, I cannot wait for whatever you have planned next for The Old Tales series.

[kels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Song of the Deep is a brilliant, unique retelling of the little mermaid in a way I haven't seen before, and absolutely loved!

The book is very well structured and really well written, and it didn't feel rushed despite being a shorter book. The little nod to Ursula's shell necklace was brilliant, and I loved the character of the Sea Witch! She was hilarious.

Not to mention the author is absolutely lovely and I can't wait to read more of her works! (Politely asking for a sequel?)

[Sherleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift and what a sweet surprise. I receive it without knowing what to expect. This novella is based of old folk tales and follows the main characters in a voyage of change and discovery. One thing that I have to say is that it started like a typical fairy tail but is not!! The ending even though I had my suspicions, will surprise most and that is what I love the most about this book!! Well done!

[Vicky Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute twist on a tale based around the little mermaid. For me it was a predictable, but fun and quick read.

[Rue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Song of The Deep is a great retelling story of The Little Mermaid, except Ariel is gay and Prince Eric ends up with Ursula.

This one was a not so quick read lol I mean it has only 140ish pages and it took me almost two days to finish it🫠

The plot was straight out of barbie movies fr LMAO yk what I’m saying? Fast introduction, crazy quest that needs to be done in freakin days, insufferable characters besides the main ones, the questionable bad guys, ALL OF IT😭 I’m giving it a point 5 plus ⭐️ for the plot alone.

It ended up great, I loved the last 30 pages of it. We got some actions, and of course we got the plot twist! Imma jump into the next one after this.

[Noëmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful retelling of „the little mermaid“. With lovable characters and great plot twists!

And everyone who knows me, I love retellings like that.

The writing style is easy and I brushed through within not even an hour.

Derek is a prince you just have to love! The way he rescues „his“ princess and the bargain he makes. The he ends the story and gets a happy end that makes everyone happy?

I also liked how the sirens were described. Not just as beautiful women who lure sailors to their death, but…(read for yourself!)

A really nice, fun read!

[Jaymee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute! At first I was severely confused about what was going on, so much so I just was not thrilled with the book, however once I finally understood what was going on, I was a big fan! It was a quick adventure using lore that we all know. It gives us that sweet, sweet fairytale ending too, which I LOVED!

[Phoenix Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great retelling of the little mermaid! I absolutely enjoyed it and hope there’s a second book coming out. It was a completely different version of the original and I was pleasantly surprised.


*I received this book as an ARC copy and I’m writing my review by choice. *

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
This was such a beautiful retelling of the little mermaid! I fell in love with this short story! 😍 The characters are easy to like and fall in love with! I think this book was beautifully written!

[Emily Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun twist on the typical mermaid story. At times, I had to remind myself that it is a short story, so some of the moments that felt rushed, is just part of that.