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Whispers of the Starlit Sea: A Little Mermaid Retelling
A mermaid. A sailor. A storm that could drown them both.
Content with her role as healer’s apprentice, Sorcha has no desire to learn more about the humans that roam on land, not even the man with the captivating voice. But when a powerful storm destroys his ship, she’s the only mermaid close enough to save him — a choice that will cost her everything. Now every step Sorcha takes feels like walking on shattered glass, a painful reminder of her sacrifice.
Arick might be a distant cousin to the crown prince, but he has no claim to the throne. At least, not until he’s thrown into a conspiracy to upset the royal line. Arick is determined to save his cousin’s crown, but he’s bound to the mysterious woman with the strange language who saved him from certain drowning.
As the relentless storms ravage both human and merfolk realms and the counsel demands an answer, Arick and Sorcha must work together to save their people from disaster. But Sorcha’s time is running out, and if she doesn’t find a way back to the ocean soon, she and her world will be nothing but seafoam.
Can Sorcha make Arick understand her before it’s too late? Or will the storms rip them apart forever?
If you love heartfelt fantasy romance with high stakes, oceanic magic, and swoon-worthy storytelling, dive into Whispers of the Starlit Sea.
This no-spice “Little Mermaid” retelling brings together a mermaid with the gift of healing song, a dashing sailor, and a battle to save two realms from devastating storms — perfect for fans of Tara Grayce, A. G. Marshall, and Celeste Baxendell.
Content with her role as healer’s apprentice, Sorcha has no desire to learn more about the humans that roam on land, not even the man with the captivating voice. But when a powerful storm destroys his ship, she’s the only mermaid close enough to save him — a choice that will cost her everything. Now every step Sorcha takes feels like walking on shattered glass, a painful reminder of her sacrifice.
Arick might be a distant cousin to the crown prince, but he has no claim to the throne. At least, not until he’s thrown into a conspiracy to upset the royal line. Arick is determined to save his cousin’s crown, but he’s bound to the mysterious woman with the strange language who saved him from certain drowning.
As the relentless storms ravage both human and merfolk realms and the counsel demands an answer, Arick and Sorcha must work together to save their people from disaster. But Sorcha’s time is running out, and if she doesn’t find a way back to the ocean soon, she and her world will be nothing but seafoam.
Can Sorcha make Arick understand her before it’s too late? Or will the storms rip them apart forever?
If you love heartfelt fantasy romance with high stakes, oceanic magic, and swoon-worthy storytelling, dive into Whispers of the Starlit Sea.
This no-spice “Little Mermaid” retelling brings together a mermaid with the gift of healing song, a dashing sailor, and a battle to save two realms from devastating storms — perfect for fans of Tara Grayce, A. G. Marshall, and Celeste Baxendell.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
3 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Sarty
12 books30 followersRobyn Sarty is an avid fan of all things Disney, and she loves stories with happy endings, where good triumphs over evil. She tries to incorporate these elements into all of her writing, stories that feature women who refuse to back down from a challenge.
She lives in rural Nova Scotia with her very own Prince Charming, where she is easily distracted by sparkly things and glitter. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found baking cakes, rearranging her library, or playing with her Bernese Mountain Dogs, Toblerone and Otto.
She lives in rural Nova Scotia with her very own Prince Charming, where she is easily distracted by sparkly things and glitter. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found baking cakes, rearranging her library, or playing with her Bernese Mountain Dogs, Toblerone and Otto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 19, 2025
(I received this book as an ARC. However, all opinions are my own and not the result of either a magical bond or a siren song.)
Prior to reading this novel, I had read a few short stories by Robyn Sarty that I enjoyed. I'm glad to report her lovely writing style has transferred well to the novel circuit!
One thing I always appreciate about Little Mermaid retellings is the worldbuilding, and this one is no exception! Her descriptions brought me into the ocean's depths and bustling capitals alike.
The political intrigue happening in the palace was captivating. Arick's steadfastness in the face of pressure and Thomas's confidence in his own ability to rule alongside the ones he loved drew me in!
Speaking of Arick, Thomas wasn't the only one he showed faithfulness toward. His spirit and love freely given were always oozing out of him throughout the book.
Poor Sorcha, though! Ripped from the only home she's ever known just for doing the right thing! I admire how she kept saying that she wouldn't change her actions, even before she fell in love with Arick.
But their love, oh their love! Tinged with sorrow and sacrifice, my heart ached for them. Yet even their language barrier didn't stop them from forming a deep connection based on mutual understanding and trust.
The main part that confused me was the magic system. Why are mers bound to their rescuees (if I remember correctly, it's opposite-gender-specific)? Where did all the magic-imbued gems go? I hope Robyn answers these questions in future books, though it didn't hinder my enjoyment of it in any way. If anything, I like a little mystery. It makes me want more from Robyn!
Full content guide here:
https://fantasticalhopeful.wordpress....
Prior to reading this novel, I had read a few short stories by Robyn Sarty that I enjoyed. I'm glad to report her lovely writing style has transferred well to the novel circuit!
One thing I always appreciate about Little Mermaid retellings is the worldbuilding, and this one is no exception! Her descriptions brought me into the ocean's depths and bustling capitals alike.
The political intrigue happening in the palace was captivating. Arick's steadfastness in the face of pressure and Thomas's confidence in his own ability to rule alongside the ones he loved drew me in!
Speaking of Arick, Thomas wasn't the only one he showed faithfulness toward. His spirit and love freely given were always oozing out of him throughout the book.
Poor Sorcha, though! Ripped from the only home she's ever known just for doing the right thing! I admire how she kept saying that she wouldn't change her actions, even before she fell in love with Arick.
But their love, oh their love! Tinged with sorrow and sacrifice, my heart ached for them. Yet even their language barrier didn't stop them from forming a deep connection based on mutual understanding and trust.
The main part that confused me was the magic system. Why are mers bound to their rescuees (if I remember correctly, it's opposite-gender-specific)? Where did all the magic-imbued gems go? I hope Robyn answers these questions in future books, though it didn't hinder my enjoyment of it in any way. If anything, I like a little mystery. It makes me want more from Robyn!
Full content guide here:
https://fantasticalhopeful.wordpress....
October 3, 2025
I enjoy reading fairytale retellings to see how creative authors can get with making them unique and different from the original tale, and this Little Mermaid retelling is no different! While I have read one where the mermaid does not rescue the prince, I have not read one set in Scotland, there is no sea witch's curse, and the communication struggles are from language barriers not inability to talk.
I personally would have liked more detail, and thus a bit of a longer story. I love worldbuilding and I just felt like it was lacking in this book--I wanted way more! Also some of the setting or action descriptions were not detailed enough either, making it hard for me to mentally visualize some things.
My favorite part of the reading experience truly was seeing the unique story with the backbone of one of my absolute favorite retellings come to life. And I've never read one with quite the same outcome for the FMC, and I really loved that!
*I received a free ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
Content: death, verbal abuse, disability/neurodiversity (unnamed condition)
Christian faith rating: 1/3 written by a Christian author, a few passing mentions of The Creator
I personally would have liked more detail, and thus a bit of a longer story. I love worldbuilding and I just felt like it was lacking in this book--I wanted way more! Also some of the setting or action descriptions were not detailed enough either, making it hard for me to mentally visualize some things.
My favorite part of the reading experience truly was seeing the unique story with the backbone of one of my absolute favorite retellings come to life. And I've never read one with quite the same outcome for the FMC, and I really loved that!
*I received a free ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
Content: death, verbal abuse, disability/neurodiversity (unnamed condition)
Christian faith rating: 1/3 written by a Christian author, a few passing mentions of The Creator
September 22, 2025
This was such a sweet and cozy story. I loved all of the sign language that was used to communicate in this book due to the language barrier.
There are a lot of nods to the Disney version and to the Hans Christian Andersen tale making this feel familiar yet it was still its own unique story.
Every character had believable motivations and personalities which rounded out the storytelling.
While the main plot of this story is over, there are enough clues left for the rest of the series. It will be interesting to see how those are worked into future stories.
I received a voluntary ARC for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
No Spice (kissing is as far as it goes)
No Explicit Language
G rated Violence/Gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh. Wasn’t horrible but wasn’t amazing either. There was nothing wrong with the book. I just didn't emotionally connect with the book.
There are a lot of nods to the Disney version and to the Hans Christian Andersen tale making this feel familiar yet it was still its own unique story.
Every character had believable motivations and personalities which rounded out the storytelling.
While the main plot of this story is over, there are enough clues left for the rest of the series. It will be interesting to see how those are worked into future stories.
I received a voluntary ARC for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
No Spice (kissing is as far as it goes)
No Explicit Language
G rated Violence/Gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh. Wasn’t horrible but wasn’t amazing either. There was nothing wrong with the book. I just didn't emotionally connect with the book.
September 12, 2025
A new spin on The Little Mermaid. No witch’s spell to give our mermaid legs and she still has her voice, but there’s a bit of a language barrier to overcome. There is, however, still the threat of our mermaid turning to sea foam, but not for a lack of love.
She’s still a daughter of the Merfolk King, but he is the Crown Prince’s cousin, and in this sweetly thrilling retelling, it’s the humans whose voices are like sirens to the Merfolk.
Still, true love will somehow find a way, right?
It’s a romance story, so it eventually works out but just not quite the way you expect. And be sure to read past the acknowledgements because there’s a hidden “end scene” that will surprise you!
Arick and Sorcha are immensely lovable, if somewhat flawed characters. Sorcha wants to be seen for who she is and not for the role Mer society has placed on her. Arick struggles between his desire to sail the seas and the duty his older brother would have been perfect for had he not drowned in a sudden storm- that of advisor to the future king.
The Crown Prince, Thomas, is hampered by his health (so some believe) and his sister is seen as merely a pawn to try to foist onto Arick to help push him into the King’s throne himself by those who oppose Thomas. Both siblings, however, have their own opinions and are equally enjoyable as characters.
There are also characters you’d like to pull from the pages just so you could smack them around and send them packing, but that’s what villains are for, right?
Whether you are a fan of the Disney animation or strictly sided with HCA’s rendition, there is plenty for you to love here by the time you reach this story’s final pages.
I received this book as an ARC but that does not influence my review, and I am excited to try more from the author.
She’s still a daughter of the Merfolk King, but he is the Crown Prince’s cousin, and in this sweetly thrilling retelling, it’s the humans whose voices are like sirens to the Merfolk.
Still, true love will somehow find a way, right?
It’s a romance story, so it eventually works out but just not quite the way you expect. And be sure to read past the acknowledgements because there’s a hidden “end scene” that will surprise you!
Arick and Sorcha are immensely lovable, if somewhat flawed characters. Sorcha wants to be seen for who she is and not for the role Mer society has placed on her. Arick struggles between his desire to sail the seas and the duty his older brother would have been perfect for had he not drowned in a sudden storm- that of advisor to the future king.
The Crown Prince, Thomas, is hampered by his health (so some believe) and his sister is seen as merely a pawn to try to foist onto Arick to help push him into the King’s throne himself by those who oppose Thomas. Both siblings, however, have their own opinions and are equally enjoyable as characters.
There are also characters you’d like to pull from the pages just so you could smack them around and send them packing, but that’s what villains are for, right?
Whether you are a fan of the Disney animation or strictly sided with HCA’s rendition, there is plenty for you to love here by the time you reach this story’s final pages.
I received this book as an ARC but that does not influence my review, and I am excited to try more from the author.
September 8, 2025
A Little Mermaid retelling where the humans are the sirens instead of the mermaids? Yes, please! This book had my interest from the premise! The main characters were both complex with their backgrounds and motivations. Their personalities stood out, and by the way, the mermaid does speak, they just don’t speak the same language! The world Sarty created is unique among Little Mermaid retellings. And I’ve read a lot of them, so believe me when I say this is a fresh perspective!
It did take me a while to get into the book, and a few places at the beginning confused me. The pacing felt a bit off to me at times. As the book progressed and the plot picked up, I understood what was going on better and could sit back and be engrossed in the story. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend. Clean in language and content.
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
It did take me a while to get into the book, and a few places at the beginning confused me. The pacing felt a bit off to me at times. As the book progressed and the plot picked up, I understood what was going on better and could sit back and be engrossed in the story. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend. Clean in language and content.
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2025
I was so pleasantly surprised by how intriguing this story is! I was hooked from the 1st page! I genuinely did not want to put this book down! I found myself reading this book every spare minute I had (even while cooking and brushing my teeth! Lol)! I'm already a huge fan of fairytales and fairytale retellings, so I couldn't wait to read this book. But I love how the author incorporated just enough hints of the classic Little Mermaid story to feel a little nostalgic, while also having totally unique and creative spins and twists to the story that were all her own. The story's suspense, thrills, and mystery keep you on the edge of your seat and are perfectly woven together with a precious love story that makes the reader dying to see the main characters get their happy ending! I really loved this book so much and can't wait to read more of her books!
(I was given a free Advanced Reader copy of this book, but my review and all opinions are 100% honest.)
(I was given a free Advanced Reader copy of this book, but my review and all opinions are 100% honest.)
August 1, 2025
Whispers of the Starlit Sea is a Kickstarter campaign I helped to back for Robyn Sarty. It's an ambitious new take on "The Little Mermaid" with several unique twists. Instead of choosing to become human, the protagonist is forced to transform due to a magical bond her kind shares when they rescue humans. I found the story enjoyable and the characters pleasant overall, but there were parts of the lore that seemed confusing or underdeveloped. Since I received a very early copy of this book due to the campaign, these issues might be resolved when it is officially released in September. Regardless, it is a thrilling fantasy adventure with a sweet love story.
Sorcha has lived most of her undersea life with passivity toward humans. Some merfolk consider them dangerous, especially when many of the Watchers who travel to the surface to prevent humans from drowning during storms go missing. Sorcha never gave it much thought, unlike her aunt, Maeve, or her sister, Ciara, who actively dislike them. One day, Sorcha visits the surface and finds a human man about to drown in a violent storm. She heals him and thinks little of it until she learns that her selfless act caused a magical bond to form between them, forcing her beautiful tail to split into a pair of legs. Now, Prince Arick must help the lost maiden who appeared in the sea and is unfamiliar with his language. At the same time, he is struggling with a difficult decision on whether he should inherit the throne from his cousin, so he has a lot on his plate.
The plot threads about the mermaid not wanting to be human and the war between the two species have the most in common with A Little Mermaid by Aya Ling and Siren's Treasure by Suzanna Fowers. These twists provide additional drama and stakes to the story, making Sorcha's plight tragic in a different way from the original Hans Christian Andersen story. The bond forces her to get to know someone she never would have otherwise spent time with and learn about his world. The time he spends trying to understand her despite the language barrier is sweet and endearing. There are also some lovely descriptions of human clothing and other customs. From what we know about Sorcha's life under the sea, it's understandable that she would have little desire to leave. The overall theme of the book is about keeping an open mind and exploring new things.
That said, some important plot-related passages were missing from the story. I went back to see if I had simply overlooked them, but it seemed to gloss over some major parts near the end. Without spoiling too much, there was a character being rescued, and later, someone said the character had died, yet I couldn't find the part where this happened in the story. The reveal of the villain also seemed a bit rushed. The narrative had Sorcha jump react as though she were certain of the villain's identity because of a slight change in tone in response to a single question. The motivations of the villain were left to the reader's imagination. The lore behind forced transformation was questionable. Even though the Watchers regularly rescued humans, there was no mention of any of them turning human and forming a bond like Sorcha did.
Whispers of the Starlit Sea by Robyn Sarty is a pleasant retelling of "The Little Mermaid" with a unique twist. Sorcha's journey from mermaid to human is a thrilling fantasy adventure filled with romance and self-discovery. Although some plot points felt confusing or underdeveloped, the story's themes of keeping an open mind and exploring new ideas shine through. The chemistry between Sorcha and Prince Arick is undeniable, and their language barrier interactions are particularly sweet. With its blend of oceanic magic and high stakes, this book is sure to delight fans of fantasy romance. If you're looking for a fresh take on a classic tale with a dash of adventure and romance, Whispers of the Starlit Sea might be your next great read.
Sorcha has lived most of her undersea life with passivity toward humans. Some merfolk consider them dangerous, especially when many of the Watchers who travel to the surface to prevent humans from drowning during storms go missing. Sorcha never gave it much thought, unlike her aunt, Maeve, or her sister, Ciara, who actively dislike them. One day, Sorcha visits the surface and finds a human man about to drown in a violent storm. She heals him and thinks little of it until she learns that her selfless act caused a magical bond to form between them, forcing her beautiful tail to split into a pair of legs. Now, Prince Arick must help the lost maiden who appeared in the sea and is unfamiliar with his language. At the same time, he is struggling with a difficult decision on whether he should inherit the throne from his cousin, so he has a lot on his plate.
The plot threads about the mermaid not wanting to be human and the war between the two species have the most in common with A Little Mermaid by Aya Ling and Siren's Treasure by Suzanna Fowers. These twists provide additional drama and stakes to the story, making Sorcha's plight tragic in a different way from the original Hans Christian Andersen story. The bond forces her to get to know someone she never would have otherwise spent time with and learn about his world. The time he spends trying to understand her despite the language barrier is sweet and endearing. There are also some lovely descriptions of human clothing and other customs. From what we know about Sorcha's life under the sea, it's understandable that she would have little desire to leave. The overall theme of the book is about keeping an open mind and exploring new things.
That said, some important plot-related passages were missing from the story. I went back to see if I had simply overlooked them, but it seemed to gloss over some major parts near the end. Without spoiling too much, there was a character being rescued, and later, someone said the character had died, yet I couldn't find the part where this happened in the story. The reveal of the villain also seemed a bit rushed. The narrative had Sorcha jump react as though she were certain of the villain's identity because of a slight change in tone in response to a single question. The motivations of the villain were left to the reader's imagination. The lore behind forced transformation was questionable. Even though the Watchers regularly rescued humans, there was no mention of any of them turning human and forming a bond like Sorcha did.
Whispers of the Starlit Sea by Robyn Sarty is a pleasant retelling of "The Little Mermaid" with a unique twist. Sorcha's journey from mermaid to human is a thrilling fantasy adventure filled with romance and self-discovery. Although some plot points felt confusing or underdeveloped, the story's themes of keeping an open mind and exploring new ideas shine through. The chemistry between Sorcha and Prince Arick is undeniable, and their language barrier interactions are particularly sweet. With its blend of oceanic magic and high stakes, this book is sure to delight fans of fantasy romance. If you're looking for a fresh take on a classic tale with a dash of adventure and romance, Whispers of the Starlit Sea might be your next great read.
October 3, 2025
What a fun twist on The Little Mermaid!
While it has a slow start, by about the third chapter I was wholly invested. I really enjoyed the creative elements the author snuck into this familiar story (the humans having siren voices, the mers not being able to touch humans without consequences, the language barrier, etc.). They were very well-written and the originality encouraged me to keep reading. I liked spotting some elements inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson tale too (sea foam).
Sorcha and Arrick (yes, Eric...) were very sweet. I really enjoyed the dynamic between them, especially as they tried to work through the language barrier. The ASL/sign language was a nice touch. Arrick was very patient and respectful - a gentleman through and through - and I admired Sorcha's spunk and desire to help people. Their romance felt like it progressed naturally, and I rooted for them!
Shoutout also to the prince. He is the sweetest person and I adore him. I love the representation of neurodivergence and that his differences didn't make unfit to rule, but that they simply needed to adjust their processes to allow him to do his thing as he did best. He was such a gem -- a blessing, not a hindrance to his kingdom.
My only qualms were with some overly wordy/confusing descriptions sometimes, and a couple parts of the story/worldbuilding that seemed a bit rushed or underdeveloped. I was confused in particular at the start and near the climax of the story. That said, I know it's leading up to a sequel so maybe not all of the story elements were meant to be answered fully here. There was enough information for me to mostly follow along, and still enjoy the tense adventure of it all.
Overall, this was a fun read that I struggled to put down and may reread sometime in the future. It's one of the best TLM retellings I've read so far. The themes of sacrifice, courage, love, and loyalty combined with danger, shocking twists, and ticking time bombs made for a compelling story. I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys sweet, fast-paced, and oceanic fairy tale retellings!
CW: brief kisses, a mermaid is nude when transforming into a human but it's non-described and she quickly seeks modesty, a death, magic (powerful objects, mermaids, binding spells, etc.), fighting and peril
** I received an ARC copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own! **
While it has a slow start, by about the third chapter I was wholly invested. I really enjoyed the creative elements the author snuck into this familiar story (the humans having siren voices, the mers not being able to touch humans without consequences, the language barrier, etc.). They were very well-written and the originality encouraged me to keep reading. I liked spotting some elements inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson tale too (sea foam).
Sorcha and Arrick (yes, Eric...) were very sweet. I really enjoyed the dynamic between them, especially as they tried to work through the language barrier. The ASL/sign language was a nice touch. Arrick was very patient and respectful - a gentleman through and through - and I admired Sorcha's spunk and desire to help people. Their romance felt like it progressed naturally, and I rooted for them!
Shoutout also to the prince. He is the sweetest person and I adore him. I love the representation of neurodivergence and that his differences didn't make unfit to rule, but that they simply needed to adjust their processes to allow him to do his thing as he did best. He was such a gem -- a blessing, not a hindrance to his kingdom.
My only qualms were with some overly wordy/confusing descriptions sometimes, and a couple parts of the story/worldbuilding that seemed a bit rushed or underdeveloped. I was confused in particular at the start and near the climax of the story. That said, I know it's leading up to a sequel so maybe not all of the story elements were meant to be answered fully here. There was enough information for me to mostly follow along, and still enjoy the tense adventure of it all.
Overall, this was a fun read that I struggled to put down and may reread sometime in the future. It's one of the best TLM retellings I've read so far. The themes of sacrifice, courage, love, and loyalty combined with danger, shocking twists, and ticking time bombs made for a compelling story. I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys sweet, fast-paced, and oceanic fairy tale retellings!
CW: brief kisses, a mermaid is nude when transforming into a human but it's non-described and she quickly seeks modesty, a death, magic (powerful objects, mermaids, binding spells, etc.), fighting and peril
** I received an ARC copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own! **
September 19, 2025
What a delightful new take on the story of The Little Mermaid!
I loved Arick and Sorcha and Thomas and Elsbeth! And we can’t forget Cookie (or “the cooky”), the sweet dog companion!
This is a historical fantasy retelling of the Little Mermaid tale that brings the beautiful Scottish culture and language to life in a new and vibrant way! Sorcha is a mermaid that lives in fear of the humans’ siren voices that are said to lure them to land. Arick is the cousin to the crown prince of Toravic, a sailor and captain in training. Magic has been gone from the land for ages, so when these mysterious storms keep wreaking damage and destruction, Arick and Sorcha’s worlds magically collide.
The characters were the absolute best. There are some truly heartwarming and touching moments between each character as they each learn how to be steadfast and secure in one another. Loved the forced proximity. Loved the sign language rep. I especially loved the neurodivergent rep in sweet and steady Thomas (who needs his own book)!! Overall, a wonderful story. Can’t wait for more in this world!
I backed the Kickstarter, so I was able to get an advanced copy of the ebook. This review is my honest opinion and thought.
I loved Arick and Sorcha and Thomas and Elsbeth! And we can’t forget Cookie (or “the cooky”), the sweet dog companion!
This is a historical fantasy retelling of the Little Mermaid tale that brings the beautiful Scottish culture and language to life in a new and vibrant way! Sorcha is a mermaid that lives in fear of the humans’ siren voices that are said to lure them to land. Arick is the cousin to the crown prince of Toravic, a sailor and captain in training. Magic has been gone from the land for ages, so when these mysterious storms keep wreaking damage and destruction, Arick and Sorcha’s worlds magically collide.
The characters were the absolute best. There are some truly heartwarming and touching moments between each character as they each learn how to be steadfast and secure in one another. Loved the forced proximity. Loved the sign language rep. I especially loved the neurodivergent rep in sweet and steady Thomas (who needs his own book)!! Overall, a wonderful story. Can’t wait for more in this world!
I backed the Kickstarter, so I was able to get an advanced copy of the ebook. This review is my honest opinion and thought.
September 20, 2025
🐬Review🐬
Whispers of the Starlit Sea was a sweet retelling of The Little Mermaid. The Scottish-inspired atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of this story along with the fact that it felt strangely cozy. Maybe the two were related for me? Anyway, the world building was neat and I would love to see more.
The characters Sorcha and Arick are, again, sweet and cozy (odd, right? They are just so tender to each other.) I thought it interesting that Sorcha didn’t want to become a human and that Arick is not a prince. The language barrier was well done and reading about them trying to communicate was cute. Arick is such a cinnamon roll. I also really adored a couple of the side characters. I didn’t even really know one of them and yet I felt betrayed at the end. What even was that?!
I loved the twists on the original tale, the Hans Christian Anderson version. This retelling incorporated some parts that many retellings don’t include and introduced a few new ideas. I was not expecting the twists and the magical reason behind the storms. All in all, a very cute tale (or tail?).
Thank you to Robyn Sarty for an ARC of Whispers of the Starlit Sea. All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Level: 1 - lighter kissing
Language: Clean
Faith Elements: 🐑 Mentions of the Creator
Whispers of the Starlit Sea was a sweet retelling of The Little Mermaid. The Scottish-inspired atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of this story along with the fact that it felt strangely cozy. Maybe the two were related for me? Anyway, the world building was neat and I would love to see more.
The characters Sorcha and Arick are, again, sweet and cozy (odd, right? They are just so tender to each other.) I thought it interesting that Sorcha didn’t want to become a human and that Arick is not a prince. The language barrier was well done and reading about them trying to communicate was cute. Arick is such a cinnamon roll. I also really adored a couple of the side characters. I didn’t even really know one of them and yet I felt betrayed at the end. What even was that?!
I loved the twists on the original tale, the Hans Christian Anderson version. This retelling incorporated some parts that many retellings don’t include and introduced a few new ideas. I was not expecting the twists and the magical reason behind the storms. All in all, a very cute tale (or tail?).
Thank you to Robyn Sarty for an ARC of Whispers of the Starlit Sea. All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Level: 1 - lighter kissing
Language: Clean
Faith Elements: 🐑 Mentions of the Creator
October 2, 2025
*I received an early reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was a lovely read! One of my favorite elements of the world building was how the ocean floor was covered in bioluminescent light that flashed under the light from the surface- so creative! The detail that was put into thinking through Sorcha’s arrival on land was also really thorough. Often in Little Mermaid retellings the adjustment period from mermaid to human can be glossed over, but here it was really well fleshed out. What are shoes? How does a spoon work? The fact that everything is so much louder when the sea isn’t buffering the noise. It was so well thought out!
Sorcha is a sweet, brave hearted young woman and Arick was bold, confident, and very capable. It was also really interesting to see how the author wove in the details with Thomas and the troubles he faced at court.
Overall it was a really sweet story with a lovely happy ending, and the setting was so magical. I felt like I was beside the sea and the whole thing made me happy. ☺️
This was a lovely read! One of my favorite elements of the world building was how the ocean floor was covered in bioluminescent light that flashed under the light from the surface- so creative! The detail that was put into thinking through Sorcha’s arrival on land was also really thorough. Often in Little Mermaid retellings the adjustment period from mermaid to human can be glossed over, but here it was really well fleshed out. What are shoes? How does a spoon work? The fact that everything is so much louder when the sea isn’t buffering the noise. It was so well thought out!
Sorcha is a sweet, brave hearted young woman and Arick was bold, confident, and very capable. It was also really interesting to see how the author wove in the details with Thomas and the troubles he faced at court.
Overall it was a really sweet story with a lovely happy ending, and the setting was so magical. I felt like I was beside the sea and the whole thing made me happy. ☺️
September 13, 2025
This was a wonderful retelling of The Little Mermaid! So fun and full of twists that it still reflects the heart of the story. The relationships were sweet. From the prince and his cousins and how they care for and support each other, to the romantic relationship.
And the way the language barrier was handled was so realistic and smooth- not awkward or confusing to read as can so easily be, which made it more fun.
The story has themes of caring for enemies and others in general, standing up for what is right, and sacrificial love.
Romantic content: clean! A character is briefly mentioned to be naked after transforming from a mermaid to a human. No description, characters seek modesty. There are a couple of non-descriptive kisses (mentions hands touching face and waist)
Content in general: no language, no other concerning topics.
I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a good review. All thoughts are my own honest opinion.
And the way the language barrier was handled was so realistic and smooth- not awkward or confusing to read as can so easily be, which made it more fun.
The story has themes of caring for enemies and others in general, standing up for what is right, and sacrificial love.
Romantic content: clean! A character is briefly mentioned to be naked after transforming from a mermaid to a human. No description, characters seek modesty. There are a couple of non-descriptive kisses (mentions hands touching face and waist)
Content in general: no language, no other concerning topics.
I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a good review. All thoughts are my own honest opinion.
September 14, 2025
I adored this Little Mermaid retelling! The story strikes that perfect balance between innovating on a fairy tale and making it recognizable. The twist that humans are the ones with siren voices that mermaids view as dangerous was so brilliant; I don't know why I haven't come across it before.
The characters are written so believably and likably, and not just the two romantic leads. The side-characters get some good development as well. My one quibble is that I'm not quite sure why the counsel was so adamant that Thomas couldn't rule; we're told he's "different" but that's never clearly defined. I suspect this was on purpose to avoid stereotyping or using modern terms, but it also made it a little confusing.
Overall, I highly recommend this for fans of clean romantasy, ocean and/or Scottish vibes, and fairytale retellings.
Note: this book was given to me as an ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The characters are written so believably and likably, and not just the two romantic leads. The side-characters get some good development as well. My one quibble is that I'm not quite sure why the counsel was so adamant that Thomas couldn't rule; we're told he's "different" but that's never clearly defined. I suspect this was on purpose to avoid stereotyping or using modern terms, but it also made it a little confusing.
Overall, I highly recommend this for fans of clean romantasy, ocean and/or Scottish vibes, and fairytale retellings.
Note: this book was given to me as an ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 27, 2025
This was. A good retelling of the little mermaid.
I really liked the characters and the setting. I am also a sucker for an animal companion and cookie is adorable.
I think it was a really interesting idea to swap the roles and have the humans as the sirens. It was also a nice twist to have a team of mermaids that save humans, instead of the FMC just saving the MMC just because she is interested in him.
I also love that sign language and a Nuerodivergent character were included in this story.
Overall this was a fun, sweet little mermaid retelling.
I received an ARC, all opinions are my own.
I really liked the characters and the setting. I am also a sucker for an animal companion and cookie is adorable.
I think it was a really interesting idea to swap the roles and have the humans as the sirens. It was also a nice twist to have a team of mermaids that save humans, instead of the FMC just saving the MMC just because she is interested in him.
I also love that sign language and a Nuerodivergent character were included in this story.
Overall this was a fun, sweet little mermaid retelling.
I received an ARC, all opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
A very unique re-telling of the Little Mermaid!
(Thank you to Robyn for an advanced copy of the book! My opinions are my own)
First off….i am not a fan of little mermaid. Our girl is *impetuous* and young. That said, I’m not going to dock points over that. 😅
Robyn has come up with a very interesting take. What if she didn’t save the Prince? Why if she didn’t want to be where the people are?
Sorcha is the youngest daughter of the king and queen and constantly feels compared to her older, stronger, more talented relatives. Arick is cousin to the heir and struggles to balance supporting his sweet hearted cousin with his desire to captain a ship and see the world.
Then a storm brings them together, stranding Sorcha on land as a human.
The plot jumped a little at times, but there were some twists and turns I didn’t see coming! I think this would be really popular with middle-grade readers.
(Thank you to Robyn for an advanced copy of the book! My opinions are my own)
First off….i am not a fan of little mermaid. Our girl is *impetuous* and young. That said, I’m not going to dock points over that. 😅
Robyn has come up with a very interesting take. What if she didn’t save the Prince? Why if she didn’t want to be where the people are?
Sorcha is the youngest daughter of the king and queen and constantly feels compared to her older, stronger, more talented relatives. Arick is cousin to the heir and struggles to balance supporting his sweet hearted cousin with his desire to captain a ship and see the world.
Then a storm brings them together, stranding Sorcha on land as a human.
The plot jumped a little at times, but there were some twists and turns I didn’t see coming! I think this would be really popular with middle-grade readers.
September 24, 2025
( I received an ARC from the author, however all thoughts and opinions are my own)
Whispers of Starlit Sea is an incredible Little Mermaid retelling with Scottish influence/background! This tale had me hooked from the moment I realized that while elements of the original fairytale had been kept, they been been added to a story that in my opinion gave more depth and life to the story. I really, really loved the element of mermaids and humans speaking a different languages! This was a more realistic element to add to the story that I adored! The tale has twists and turns and you have no idea where the villains are and what they are trying to accomplish! Robyn Sarty did an amazing job and this has become by far one of my more favorite Little Mermaid Retellings! Get ready to fall in love with Sorcha and Arick and all of the other characters in Whispers of the Starlit Sea!
Whispers of Starlit Sea is an incredible Little Mermaid retelling with Scottish influence/background! This tale had me hooked from the moment I realized that while elements of the original fairytale had been kept, they been been added to a story that in my opinion gave more depth and life to the story. I really, really loved the element of mermaids and humans speaking a different languages! This was a more realistic element to add to the story that I adored! The tale has twists and turns and you have no idea where the villains are and what they are trying to accomplish! Robyn Sarty did an amazing job and this has become by far one of my more favorite Little Mermaid Retellings! Get ready to fall in love with Sorcha and Arick and all of the other characters in Whispers of the Starlit Sea!
September 28, 2025
I loved this beautiful story of love, sacrifice, and learning how to grow beyond who you were. It was inspiring to watch Arick and Sorcha learn that you change as you grow, and your wishes change with that. And that is okay.
I loved the emotion it evoked! I could feel their struggles and triumphs, and it took the story to another level. Arick and Sorcha are amazing on their own and an even more adorable couple, and I was rooting for them before they even met. It was amazing that they couldn’t understand each other but still avoided the miscommunication trope.
This was an amazing Little Mermaid Retelling! I would recommend it for anyone who wants a clean story with incredible main and side characters you will be cheering for from the get-go.
I received an ARC copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
I loved the emotion it evoked! I could feel their struggles and triumphs, and it took the story to another level. Arick and Sorcha are amazing on their own and an even more adorable couple, and I was rooting for them before they even met. It was amazing that they couldn’t understand each other but still avoided the miscommunication trope.
This was an amazing Little Mermaid Retelling! I would recommend it for anyone who wants a clean story with incredible main and side characters you will be cheering for from the get-go.
I received an ARC copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
September 19, 2025
This was a really fun rendition of the little mermaid. Sorcha chooses to go out and save a man in trouble which then puts her in a world of trouble. She was enjoying life under the sea where everything is easier for her. Swimming and breathing come easily. She has to come to terms with living in two different worlds. Meanwhile the humans are trying to figure out where the intense storms are coming from. She and Arrick can’t understand each other and have to figure out how to work together to find out what’s going on. I won’t spoil the plot but they make a great team. I really enjoyed Thomas and was curious about what his health background was. He, his sister, and his dog really drove the plot. I love that Sorcha thought all dogs were called cooky
August 31, 2025
This is a fresh and original Little Mermaid retelling. The abundance of twists on the original story create a new narrative that helps it stand out from the multitude of other re-tellings out there. The story is full of sweet romance, themes of self discovery, magic, the imprtance of keeping an open mind, as well as danger and mystery. There are some elements of the story that seem rushed, poorly explained or skipped over entirely, but you can still follow the story well enough despite this. Overall, this is a highly enjoyable cosy and sweet story that is highly enjoyable to read.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
September 27, 2025
🌊Whispers of the Starlit Sea by Robyn Sarty
Delightful, simply delightful! Definitely one of my favorite Little Mermaid retellings I've read! Some lovely unqiue twists here. In the words of the author "What if the little mermaid didn’t rescue the prince? What if she didn’t want to be where the people are? What if it was the humans who had siren voices?" Sorcha and Arick were a perfect match and I loved the Scottish setting. Also the cooky (dog)! Also contains a special needs prince who fully holds his own and his spunky younger sister. I would highly recommend and would love to see more books in this world!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC (all opinions are my own)
Delightful, simply delightful! Definitely one of my favorite Little Mermaid retellings I've read! Some lovely unqiue twists here. In the words of the author "What if the little mermaid didn’t rescue the prince? What if she didn’t want to be where the people are? What if it was the humans who had siren voices?" Sorcha and Arick were a perfect match and I loved the Scottish setting. Also the cooky (dog)! Also contains a special needs prince who fully holds his own and his spunky younger sister. I would highly recommend and would love to see more books in this world!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC (all opinions are my own)
September 5, 2025
What if it wasn't the mers' voices that spelled humans but the humans' voices that spelled the Mer?
I was absolutely delighted by the slight shifts and clever reimagining of the elements of the Little Mermaid tale that we all know and love.
Arik and Sorcha weren't instantly in love, but their forced proximity allowed them to see how good and kind each of their hearts is, which led to more than a magical bond, but something true and real.
I thought this was a sweet and intriguing take on this story, and the teaser at the end left me so curious about what is coming soon!
I was absolutely delighted by the slight shifts and clever reimagining of the elements of the Little Mermaid tale that we all know and love.
Arik and Sorcha weren't instantly in love, but their forced proximity allowed them to see how good and kind each of their hearts is, which led to more than a magical bond, but something true and real.
I thought this was a sweet and intriguing take on this story, and the teaser at the end left me so curious about what is coming soon!
September 5, 2025
I was graciously sent an ARC copy and appreciate the opportunity to read this lovely tale. I'm under no obligation to review; i enjoy being able to read books first and help authors out.
I honestly enjoyed this book! It pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me going at a good pace.
Having the humans as the siren callers was a neat flip of the story. And I really liked that her act of saving him was what turned her human.
The characters have good variety and depth. I could see the traces of Scotland in them and the scenery.
I honestly enjoyed this book! It pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me going at a good pace.
Having the humans as the siren callers was a neat flip of the story. And I really liked that her act of saving him was what turned her human.
The characters have good variety and depth. I could see the traces of Scotland in them and the scenery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
This is a wonderful retelling of The Little Mermaid. The world building is excellent, the characters are well written, and it sucks you into the story right away. I found myself reading faster and faster as I got closer to the end of the book and the suspense kept building. I loved the fact that the crown prince was special, and that sign language was used to help bridge the two languages. There’s also a bonus epilogue at the end that you can get if you sign up for the author’s newsletter.
I received an advance copy, and this is my honest opinion.
I received an advance copy, and this is my honest opinion.
October 26, 2025
This is a lovely retelling of The Little Mermaid that features all the familiar elements from both Andersen's original and the Disney version, which is quite a feat and definitely made for some very enjoyable moments. At the same time, the author really comes up with something unique and new. Refreshing!
I loved almost everything about Whispers of the Starlit Sea. My only gripe is that at times the author rushes through some of the twists which left me a little confused. I think it would have worked even better if there had been proper foreshadowing.
I loved almost everything about Whispers of the Starlit Sea. My only gripe is that at times the author rushes through some of the twists which left me a little confused. I think it would have worked even better if there had been proper foreshadowing.
December 3, 2025
What a wonderful book! I was hooked immediately, by the kindness of Arick and the smallness of Sorcha. Haven't we all felt helpless every now and then? The mystery and intrigue of the storms, the lore behind human sirens, and the twist villain kept me engrossed in the pages all the way through! It took me an hour and a half. I also love the incorporation of the original tale and the way Sorcha experiences humanity. All of the characters kept me guessing, and never was there a dull moment or a missed opportunity!
September 5, 2025
Little mermaid has always been my favorite fairytale and this version just made it even more so! From so many twists like the humans voices are sirens to the mermaids to the mermaids trying to help rescue the humans when their ships wreck. This was a beautiful story that I loved all the connections to the original and the changes made throughout making it its own story. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
September 17, 2025
What an amazing retelling of The Little Mermaid with a few twists! I loved the flipped rescue story, the ways that this story matched the original, and the subtle, but major differences that set it apart! The romance was clean and uplifting while the action moved forward with the force of a storm! It was fun to watch the characters learn as the book progressed! I received an advance copy, and this is my honest opinion.
September 26, 2025
I loved this. The story hooked me in from the start. Although this book was a retelling, I believe that while the major basics of the original tale were present in this book, this was distinct enough to be its own.
I quickly empathized with both the male and female main characters and swooned at their interactions and romance.
I liked the political side of the story. Although at some point of the book I was quite expecting a different ending, I'm satisfied with it.
I quickly empathized with both the male and female main characters and swooned at their interactions and romance.
I liked the political side of the story. Although at some point of the book I was quite expecting a different ending, I'm satisfied with it.
September 28, 2025
This was an interesting little mermaid retelling that delivers a different take on this loved fairytale. The story follows Sorcha, a mermaid with healing abilities and Arick as they inadvertently bond while facing a dangerous seastorm. This story shows merpeople and humans as having an amicable relationship and is well paced. I really liked Arick's relationship with prince Thomas. The main characters are very likeable and the story is entertaining.
September 24, 2025
I really loved this book .. it’s a wonderful retake on the little mermaid but ten times better. It addicted me from the first chapter. It pulls you into their world and immerses you whole. I love Robyn’s take on her world and it’s really captivating. I couldn’t put it down.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
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