Beneath The Silvern Pond

by M.A. Brown

Lucrecia is expected to attract a wealthy suitor whose money can save her family from ruin... but what happens when she becomes obsessed with the creature living in the pond instead?

Beneath the Silvern Pond is a dark summer Frog Prince, reimagining.

Genres: Fantasy

42 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

About the author

M.A. Brown is a stay-at-homeschooling mom living in Colorado with her husband and four kids. She loves to write poetic fantasy, angsty romance, and dreamy worlds with a whole lot of magic.

Reviews

[Stillbelieveinnightmares (busy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ARC Review]
4.5/5 ⭐️

✦✧✦ Plot ✦✧✦
Lucrecia is presented and sold off to the highest bidder in marriage to resolve her family's financial troubles. Her family treats her cruelly, showing no concern for finding a suitor who won’t mistreat her as his wife.

Dozens of eyes peeled my flesh, dissecting me, stripping me bare. I was a flower pressed into glass, admired for my beauty and not my worth. I was something to behold, but never to be loved.

The only freedom Lucrecia has is to physically distance herself from her life, retreating to a nearby pond. It's said to be home to a monster, and when her days are darkest, Lucrecia unexpectedly faces it.

I could almost imagine that if I stayed this way long enough that I might begin to grow moss. My skin might become stone, and I would cease to feel anything other than the gently stroking of the shallows agains my soul.

✼✼✼ Thoughts ✼✼✼
I was hoping for flowery language, and Beneath The Silvern Pond did not disappoint. Lucrecia’s character felt tragically real in a way that ignited the spark of rage I always feel when I encounter oppressed and belittled women. But overall, Lucrecia is underestimated, and reading about the consequences that mistake brought upon her oppressors was utterly satisfying. The way I rooted for her? What a payoff!


✧✧✧ Read If ✧✧✧
At only about 40 pages, this novella is a quick read that still manages to pull you into its world. If you enjoy strong female characters and vivid prose, you should definitely give this a try.

🌊Novella
🌿Monster Romance
🌊Sapphic Yearning
🌿Some Spice
🌊Underestimated Heroine
🌿Touch Me And Die
🌊Possessive Vibes
🌿Revenge Arc
🌊HEA

... and I understood that my monster and I were at last home.

📖 Dates Read: November 12, 2025
📅 Pub Date: November 28, 2025


Big thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and M. A. Brown for the ARC! All thoughts are mine - good, bad, or somewhere in between.
________

preread
After getting to read The Seventh Sister: The Strattaria Chronicles, Book 1 earlier this year I'm looking forward to diving into another of Brown's works and drowning myself in her prose.

[Lana G · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Read Through NetGalley*

This novella was such a cute and unexpectedly charming little read. It had a fun, whimsical vibe that felt almost fairytale-like, which isn’t easy to pull off in such a short story, but the author did a great job. Even though it’s really short, there was still so much intrigue and atmosphere. Right from the start, you’re pulled into a world where magical beings are feared, and there’s a hint that things might be changing. The main storyline was actually really interesting, and I think the concept had enough depth to make the book longer while still keeping it enjoyable.

That said, a few things did pull me out of the story. My biggest issue was how often similes were used. It felt like there was at least one on every page, sometimes more, and after a while, it got a bit distracting. I like descriptive writing, but sometimes it felt like that was the only way the author knew how to describe something. Because the plot was so interesting, I wish the writing had been a little more balanced. Overall, it was still a fun, imaginative read, and I really liked the world the author created.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun novella! I absolutely always love Megan's way with flowery words and prose and she did a great job encompassing all the feelings Lucrecia goes through as she is being promised in marriage to a brute of questionable morals.

The monster in the pond was slightly creepy, but nice and possessive. Her and Lucrecia had an instant attraction to one another.

I loved the ending of the story and the absolute power move that Lucrecia did with her necklace.

As always with novellas, I am left with wanting more in the world!

Read if you love:
-Monster Romance
-Sapphic Yearning
-Possessive Vibes
-Forced marriage gone wrong
-Revenge

Thank you to the author for the eARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brown's delightful reimagining of The Frog Prince was beautifully written. With evocative and moody descriptions that teetered on the edge before pushing this into the realm of dark fairytales, it was right up my alley. I was ready to jump in that pond too!

I received this as an ARC through NetGalley, and I'm so grateful. Excited to explore more from Brown.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Grandmother paled, her complexion made as
waxy as a wriggling maggot’s flesh as it worked
its way through cheese.”

If you’re looking for short, sapphic and spicy this is for you! There’s a fable like quality to the book. Good but didn’t blow me away. Took star off because of the overuse of descriptive words. Some uses were impactful, others were cliched or didn’t ring true. The author is clearly imaginative & their writing would be even stronger if they cut away more of the chaff.

[Stina Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Beneath the Silvern Lake” swept me up far more than I expected for such a short story. I’m not even sure if it’s part of a series yet, but honestly? I hope it becomes one, because this little novella has so much potential simmering beneath the surface. Just so we’re clear from the start, I went into this blind, and I came out pleasantly surprised.
What really hooked me from page one was the author’s writing style. It felt poetic, lyrical, haunting, and somehow both soft and razor-sharp at the same time. For a story of its length, it managed to captivate me instantly, pulling me into a world that, frankly, both fascinated and disgusted me (in the best way). The disgust comes not from the content being poorly done, but from the time period itself; this is a historical setting where women were treated like currency, sold off to the highest bidder for status, lineage, or wealth. And the author did such a phenomenal job capturing that raw injustice that you can’t help but feel it.
Some lines were so gorgeous and emotionally loaded that I had to stop and reread them. A few favorites:
“My breaths slowed. I could almost imagine that if I stayed this way long enough that I might begin to grow moss. My skin might become stone, and I would cease to feel anything other than the gentle stroking of the shallows against my soul.”
Tell me that isn’t absolutely stunning.
“Dozens of eyes peeled my flesh, dissecting me, stripping me bare. I was a flower pressed into glass admired for my beauty and not my worth.”
The imagery? Devastating and perfect, and here is the repulsion.
“‘My, my, she is a willowy slip of a thing,’ the lord commented… ‘Are those hips of hers wide enough to bear sons do you think?’ Not a compliment then.”
These lines cut deep, and they’re meant to.
Despite its brevity, the story held my attention from start to finish, and then some. And let’s not forget one of the best parts: this is a sapphic romance with a monster twist. If you know me, you know I am always here for a good monster romance, and this one delivered just enough to make me crave more.
In the end, Beneath the Silvern Lake was a beautifully dark and captivating read. It left me wanting more, in the best way,and I genuinely hope the author continues this world or expands the story. There’s so much magic and meaning hidden between these pages, and I’d happily dive back into its depths.

[Nereis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beneath the Silvern Pond is a short novella about a young woman getting entranced by the creature in the pond next door.

I really, really wanted to like it but I feel like it felt short for me. I love retellings, and I love lesbians so this should have been a 5 stars. Alas.

First of all, the pacing is way too quick. I'm not used to reading a lot of romantasy but it was soooo insta love it felt weird. I know it is a novella, and it is a short format, but I feel like the story would have benefited much more from taking more time establishing the longing between Lucrecia and the creature, and Lucrecia's despair at being married to the highest bidder. Here everything feels a bit too clean and tidy.

And then my other major issue was the prose. It's beautiful, it's evocative, you can smell the smells and hear the sounds. But my god is it the most purple prose to ever purple. Especially in the beginning there are so many adjectives by sentences I felt out of breath reading them.

All in all, the story has flaws, but it is 40 pages long. If you are looking for a quick sapphic monster read, it will hit the spot. Even more if you like flowery prose and lush description. I'd suggest reading it in Autumn too, for the atmosphere and creature romance. It's cute and I could see a lot of people enjoying it.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

[Mia fawnsandfairytales · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌙🪷🌿🦋🐸

This novella defied all expectations for me. I was already enjoying myself greatly from the beginning, and was so excited to experience more of this authors writing - as I fell in love with their incredible storytelling and writing style in their book 'The Seventh Sister' - but I was so pleasantly surprised and excited while reading this to discover that this story was a sapphic romance!

This novella was a spectacularly dreamy and delicious taste of a sapphic monster romance, and I only wish it could have been a full novel!

Either way, the pacing was perfect for me, and I loved this novella for all it was. I was completely entranced by the beautifully lyrical prose and the wonderfully vivid and atmospheric imagery.

What a stunning re-imagining of the classic fairytale. It was a little dark, eerie with a hazy dream-like quality, and so soft, graceful, and sensual.

I've been utterly enchanted by this tale and definitely need to read more from this author now! Their writing is really something else!

[Lumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC.

Plot 3.75/5
Characters 3.75/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 4/5

Overall 3.75/5

-For a very, very short book, it still held so much intrigue. From the start we are dragged into a world where some are oppressed and magical beings are feared. And we see the story progress of how some come to change things for themselves. The storyline really was intriguing.

-The characters are also interesting. Lucrecia is quite odd, I don’t particularly like her all that much but in a way it makes her charming. Now, Ilona, she’s the intriguing part of the book. I’m still not quite sure what she is supposed to be and magic she possesses but she truly is remarkable. Then, of course, we have the hateful characters which are written well enough for the paint of pages we got.

-The ending is quite predictable, but again, the book is so short that there isn’t time for anything else. But I liked how Lucrecia changed from start to finish and how her relationship with Ilona defined who she truly was and the showed us how the story ends.

[j knee · Rating 5 out of 5]

*eARC reader*
It takes a skilled and intentional writer to use so many descriptors and to not lose meaning behind flowery language. And M.A.Brown is just that. From the first sentence, it’s effortless to slip into this dark fairy-take retelling. Every layer of flowery language builds up Lucrecia’s world and brings the silvern pond to life.

Brown’s writing style evokes all the senses, and it was so easy to visualize the hazy moonlit nights, hear the life and music of the pond, smell the damp moss and greenery that envelop the hollow, taste the acrid atmosphere of disappointment and apprehension, and feel the different moods of a summer pond.

I especially loved the stark difference between the comfort and discomfort I felt in the sections with Ilona and Ignatius (respectively). I just love how much slimier of a character Ignatius was compared to the literal swamp (pond) creature. 😂

This story is short and sweet. Only 4 chapters, but it’s paced very well and I genuinely had a fun time reading this novella.

🌶️: 1/5
Overall⭐️: 5/5

[Vanesa Gjolaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Beneath The Silvern Pond by M.A. Brown is a darkly enchanting novella that reimagines the Frog Prince myth with sensuality and suspense. Lucrecia is a compelling heroine, torn between duty and forbidden desire, and her inner conflict is portrayed with striking emotion. The writing is lush and immersive, painting every detail of the pond, the creature, and the tension in vivid clarity. Despite being only four chapters, the story is beautifully paced and brimming with gothic elegance. The romance is haunting, forbidden, and utterly captivating, keeping me on edge throughout. Brown’s ability to make the creature simultaneously dangerous and seductive is remarkable. Every page is charged with longing, suspense, and a touch of eerie magic. This novella is a must-read for anyone who loves dark fantasy with a twisted, unforgettable romance.”
- Vanesa Gjolaj, Author Of “The Enchanted Manuscript”

[Jakki (BizzyBookNook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an engaging read. Even though it’s a short novella, Lucrecia really stood out as a strong and compelling character. I thought she handled herself incredibly well given the circumstances she was in. The creature in the pond was written beautifully—eerie and fascinating—and the spice was definitely steamy. I loved watching Lucrecia take control and break free from the oppression and stifling future that awaited her. The story was beautifully written, full of atmosphere and unexpected love in the unlikeliest of places. I didn’t realize this novella was part of a larger series, but now I’m excited to go back and start from book one.

[Josie (thebookgoblin13) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a epub copy of this ARC from the author and I knew it was going to be beautiful 💚

So technically I've changed my reviews around and books that are under 150 pages I've been doing mini reviews but is Megan writes it I just can't contain my review to such a small square.

The imagery of this book so so beautiful. It feels like you are in a fairytale as you read even though deep down it's not fairytale happening. This author constantly blows my mind with somehow ethereal her writing and stories are and I'm just wowd.

[Jacque Engen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting quick read that held me from start to finish. M.A. Brown has a magical way with words and each sentence felt just as poetic as the last.

Lucretia and Ilona, you have my heart. How, in such a short time? Ask the author!

The world M.A. Brown has written makes me want to jump in and be enveloped completely. The Silvern Pond could call on me any day and I would follow it sounds to its shallow waters. I truly cannot say enough about how much I loved this story.

Thank you to NetGalley, M.A. Brown, and the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!

[Laila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ultimately did not finish the book. While the writing has strong moments and the worldbuilding shows potential, the pacing early on made it difficult for me to stay engaged, and I struggled to connect with the narrative before the plot fully took shape. It also wasn’t quite my taste, and I later realized this is the second book in a series, which may have contributed to feeling slightly unanchored in the story. Because of this, I reached a point where I was no longer compelled to continue, so this was a DNF for me.

Thank you NetGalley for eARC

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cover is stunningly beautiful and really captures the essence of this short novella. I devoured this book, My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. The author's writing was so lyrical and captivating. This one holds your attention and leaves you wanting more. I will definitely be reading anything else this author has read.

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Bibliotherapy with Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this title as an ARC.

I loved this novella, which, although short, presents a complete and well-constructed narrative arc that allows the reader to get a full picture of the situation and empathize with Lucrecia.
I appreciated her strong and determined character, freeing herself from a situation that constrains her and prevents her from being herself.

A truly enjoyable read.

[Amy Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

It was a good short novella which I somewhat enjoyed. I did expect I little bit more of a magical, spooky feel to the book however i feel like it was a bit short to be able to set the scene properly. I also feel like the description of the book didn't fit the idea I had in my head which is why I've given it a slightly lower rating because I expecting something a bit different.

[WenDeeDeeDee36 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is charming and clever. As always, Brown has a way of weaving a story that makes it feel like a song. The descriptions and similes pull you in and make the atmosphere so vivid. I’ve loved the vibes in this Pennies Worth of Dread series so far because it goes strong gloomy/creepy vibes while still feeling whimsical.
Lucrecia is stuck in a crappy situation with crappy parents. She’s being sold off to the highest bidder by her parents even if it means sacrificing her wellbeing and safety. Her hideaway spot turns out to be her a source of comfort and joy once she meets the monster in the pond. I love the way this was depicted because again, we get a sense of creepy and magical.
The resolution and ending is SO satisfying and I am obsessed with the role the pendant ended up playing in it all. Brilliant! I cannot wait for more to come in this series!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the use of alliteration in this short novella. The storytelling is very reminiscent of fairy tales and a bit poetic as a result. Lucrecia’s character was fully fleshed out, and easily relatable, I easily understood her motivations and desires. I did have a more difficult time understanding Ilona…why did she want to help Lucrecia in the first place? Their romantic relationship was not as fully developed as I would have preferred. Definitely a fun, fast-paced story.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Beneath the Silvern Pond,” by M. A. Brown

This was a good short novella. I loved how it was filled with longing and poetic tragedy. It was cute, I wished it was longer so I could get more of it. Plot of theme of a woman being trapped in a forced marriage when that’s the last thing she wants. The FMC reminded me a lot of Ophelia. 5 out of 5 stars, so good.

-Sapphic
-Forced Marriage
-Poetic
-Monster Romance
-Novella

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

[Cynthia Brubaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another M.A. Brown book I devoured. With her lyrical prose, steamy FF romance, and unique twist on the Frog Prince, I kept turning pages until there was nothing left. The FMC is courageous yet soft, the love interest is compassionate and tempting in all the right ways, and the sprinkling of high society and family dysfunction were perfection.

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the silvern pond
3.5⭐
This was short and packed a punch. Since this was my first rendezvous with the author, I had no idea what I was jumping into but wow, I enjoyed it a lot!
I also stan for monstrous love intrest so yeah 👉👈🤭
And the artwork in between was the best treat everrr!!
Overall, I had fun with it, but it was quite short so I'll be trying other books of the author!

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath The Silvern Pond is a beautifully written and fantastically indulgent reimagining of The Frog Prince.

It's a very quick read and I absolutely loved every second of it. Definitely going to be a big hit with the sapphic monster romance enjoyers.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Jamilah Nadeia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the author’s prose and descriptive imagery was like playing a movie in my head! Definitely giving Ava Reid vibes, so dark and twisted I wanted it to be longer!


Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

[Meg D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore M.A. Brown’s writing style! Although this was a novella, she always manages to pack a punch in just a few pages. This is the perfect read for a rainy day and a cup of tea 🐸

[Alba Dorado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This writer's been making me read And love a story with refreshing vibes. 4,75⭐