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Sirens and Secrets: A Little Mermaid Retelling
Who can change the currents of their fate?
Merfolk and landwalkers are sworn enemies. Aria knows better than to approach land, but she’s always struggled to contain her curiosity. When she loses track of the receding tides and finds herself trapped alone on a beach, she faces certain death until she’s rescued by a mysterious landwalker, Emmett. He returns her safely to the sea, leaving Aria questioning everything she thought she knew about her enemies.
Aria’s connection with Emmett is undeniable, and their bond grows as she finds opportunities to meet with him secretly. But when the Mer prince sends Aria an unexpected marriage proposal, Emmett offers her something else: a magical necklace that will grant her temporary legs and a chance to become part of his world for a time.
Aria risks everything to test her newfound feelings for Emmett, but this magic comes with a cost, and if anyone discovers her siren identity, it won’t just be her love on the line. It will be her life.
Merfolk and landwalkers are sworn enemies. Aria knows better than to approach land, but she’s always struggled to contain her curiosity. When she loses track of the receding tides and finds herself trapped alone on a beach, she faces certain death until she’s rescued by a mysterious landwalker, Emmett. He returns her safely to the sea, leaving Aria questioning everything she thought she knew about her enemies.
Aria’s connection with Emmett is undeniable, and their bond grows as she finds opportunities to meet with him secretly. But when the Mer prince sends Aria an unexpected marriage proposal, Emmett offers her something else: a magical necklace that will grant her temporary legs and a chance to become part of his world for a time.
Aria risks everything to test her newfound feelings for Emmett, but this magic comes with a cost, and if anyone discovers her siren identity, it won’t just be her love on the line. It will be her life.
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Published February 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 16, 2025
This was a sweet take on the classic Little Mermaid tale. Not as tragic as Anderson, but far more intrigue and action than Disney. I enjoyed the character dynamics and seeing the consequences they faced for all their lying. A good, moral story with strong spiritual overtones.
May 31, 2026
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. There are two deaths, one off page and one on page. Minimal blood depiction. Magic used to subdue others. Some knife wounds/stabbing. Pain from magical means.
Sexual: Mild. Both and guy and girl are dressed down, still covered, but not according to what is 'proper' for society. Shirtsleeves without a coat type stuff. Hand-holding, mand picks a woman up and carries her a few times. Leaning against one another, head on shoulder, foreheads resting together. A few swoony kisses, with hands around neck/waist, not spicy depicted.
Warning: Does portray Christian faith saying people believe in The Maker, and go to church and teachings are spoken of.
About a 3.5 star
I had a harder time getting through this book. It was cute and sweet, but a bit slow. I enjoyed that the two protagonists got to know each other as a man and a mermaid first, so there wasn't any duplicity there. But there wasn't a terrible amount going on to keep me immersed. Like I said, it was super sweet and clean, so I did enjoy it, it just fell a tad flat. Especially after coming from reading the the author's follow up book "To Break a Silence" which was far closer to Little Mermaid than this one was in my opinion.
In fact, I'm glad I read "To Break a Silence" first, though I was annoyed at realizing it was a sort of sequel to this book when I started it. I'm not sure I would've gone on to read it if I'd read this one first. Honestly, it's better reading this one second. It feels more like an extra prologue to "To Break a Silence" than it being a sequel. The author improved a lot between the two books. A lot.
Emmett and Aria's meeting at their beach was the best part of the book. And it didn't last nearly as long as I wanted it to. The whole political intrigue plotline was fun, I liked that a lot too, but it was thrown in there pretty fast, and I knew what had to happen from reading "To Break a Silence" so it wasn't hard to figure out.
It's basically, Beach meeting, Go on land, mini conflict, love, the end. It's hard to review, honestly. I highly recommend reading "To Break a Silence" but this one isn't necessary to read like I thought it would be. Just if you want more of this world, and the background of what Stella goes through in the next book.
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. There are two deaths, one off page and one on page. Minimal blood depiction. Magic used to subdue others. Some knife wounds/stabbing. Pain from magical means.
Sexual: Mild. Both and guy and girl are dressed down, still covered, but not according to what is 'proper' for society. Shirtsleeves without a coat type stuff. Hand-holding, mand picks a woman up and carries her a few times. Leaning against one another, head on shoulder, foreheads resting together. A few swoony kisses, with hands around neck/waist, not spicy depicted.
Warning: Does portray Christian faith saying people believe in The Maker, and go to church and teachings are spoken of.
About a 3.5 star
I had a harder time getting through this book. It was cute and sweet, but a bit slow. I enjoyed that the two protagonists got to know each other as a man and a mermaid first, so there wasn't any duplicity there. But there wasn't a terrible amount going on to keep me immersed. Like I said, it was super sweet and clean, so I did enjoy it, it just fell a tad flat. Especially after coming from reading the the author's follow up book "To Break a Silence" which was far closer to Little Mermaid than this one was in my opinion.
In fact, I'm glad I read "To Break a Silence" first, though I was annoyed at realizing it was a sort of sequel to this book when I started it. I'm not sure I would've gone on to read it if I'd read this one first. Honestly, it's better reading this one second. It feels more like an extra prologue to "To Break a Silence" than it being a sequel. The author improved a lot between the two books. A lot.
Emmett and Aria's meeting at their beach was the best part of the book. And it didn't last nearly as long as I wanted it to. The whole political intrigue plotline was fun, I liked that a lot too, but it was thrown in there pretty fast, and I knew what had to happen from reading "To Break a Silence" so it wasn't hard to figure out.
It's basically, Beach meeting, Go on land, mini conflict, love, the end. It's hard to review, honestly. I highly recommend reading "To Break a Silence" but this one isn't necessary to read like I thought it would be. Just if you want more of this world, and the background of what Stella goes through in the next book.
March 28, 2025
Another amazing Little Mermaid retelling from Lydia Mae! Ever since reading To Break a Silence, which introduces Aria and Emmett as a story of the past, I wondered what had happened between them. This one is a little different as the MMC knows about Aria's mermaid identity from the beginning. The intriguing part was trying to figure out how they would make a romance work between a human and a mermaid. The plot twists and politics that helped them get there were so good! The romance between Aria and Emmett was so sweet. I adored that they first became friends and just enjoyed spending time together. And then, the way their love developed into each offering to sacrifice everything for the other was just so moving. It was a great picture of what real love should look like. I also enjoyed the allegory that pointed to faith in God. I'm always encouraged when authors include Him in their stories. I highly recommend this one for fans of romantic Christian fantasy!
May 9, 2025
I loved this refreshingly different take on the little mermaid. I loved that it centered around sisters, and how their relationship remained relevant even amidst the love story. I loved the worldbuilding and how vibrantly the authors brings her ideas to life. I’m very excited to read more by this author :)
March 16, 2025
Started a bit slow, but once I hit 25% I became invested in what was unfolding and was committed to finishing. The end ling chapters had me like 😲 the epilogue was sad to me, but perhaps a promise for a book 2 that will bring the ending I was hoping for? Overall rating 3.5 stars 🌟
May 11, 2026
A good retelling. It was different and had plenty of issues going on to keep you engaged, wondering how it will all work out in the end. A satisfying ending. I enjoyed every minute of it, especially the faith touches.
April 20, 2025
This was a fun read! It started out slow, but when the action picked up, I found myself unable to put the book down! This is such a satisfying prequel to To Break a Silence!
August 23, 2026
A cute little mermaid retelling. To be honest, the character I felt most connected to was Meredith. I feel like she was the only one who was making the rational decisions :-D
November 5, 2026
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I absolutely loved this retelling of A Little Mermaid!
September 3, 2025
This is my first time reading Lydia Mae's work, and honestly my first mermaid story, but it was a sweet, enjoyable read! It took a minute for the action to kick in, but once it did, there was a nice mix of romance, political intrigue, and a sisterly duo. I enjoyed this read and would recommend it to mermaid lovers. Looking forward to more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews