The Wicked Evermore series continues and I absolutely devoured this book! This Littler Mermaid retelling is absolutely delicious and I loved every moment of it. Ursula, always portrayed as the villain is shown in a different light in this installment to the series. From book one, we already know Ariel is not the sweet princess. She's in a relationship with Aurora. So, this fills in the gap of Ariel's disappearance from the sea and how Ursula takes advantage. What she doesn't expect is knowing something no one else could ever know about Prince Eric. It makes for such a delicious story that will have you page-turning to find out what happens next. I love the twists, the turns, the drama, the romance. All of it! I could easily binge these books. I can't wait for book 3!!
I love a good fairytale retelling, especially a villain backstory, and I have to tell you this is one of my favorites…
Ursula is misunderstood by everyone. By her brother, her father, her niece, the kingdom, the world…. One situation after another happens to lead her to her current standing… if only she could rule… she could truly make a difference…
In comes the opportunity to pretend to be Ariel so Eric, the prince, can fall in love with her. Then she'll be able to get the power she desires!!
She doesn't count on Eric being amazingly attentive, kind, caring and just everything she might want in a partner. She challenges him and he doesn't expect that. Eric needs someone who helps him lead and not be afraid to speak up. And they each may have found that strength in one another.
I think ‘Wicked Song' gives Ursula so much depth, so we can understand her in a much better way. I will always look at her differently from now on. And Eric, oh my heavens, he is so swoon worthy!! I adore this take on ‘The Little Mermaid.’ I am so impressed by this book!!
Second book in the Wicked Evermore series by Ines Johnson, and I quite enjoyed it. I will say it again, as tiresome as I am in hearing myself say it, I am not big on retellings. Yet again, I find myself delighted by Wicked Song.
Ariel, spoiled and unleashed to do as she pleases, and Auntie Ursula pays the price when Ariel acts out, kinda gives oldest-sibling-having-to-be-responsible-for-all-the-crappy-things-the-youngest-does-and-gets-away-with-because-you-are-the-oldest-and-should-know-better vibes. Am I as salty as the sea they swim in? Yes, most definitely. So besides the joy I find in seeing the reasons why some people get a bad rap, it happens to be because the golden child gets the flowers and the seemingly “problematic” one gets the blame.
...men had stolen her brilliance, her strategies, her power, her voice, her song when they replayed her lyrics in their own words. She’d saved Ariel’s life and been banished for it. She’d saved his life, and he’d interrogated her instead of thanking her. She had no allies because she trusted no one. Because she’d been taught over and over again that loyalty was a blade you gave others, only for them to bury it in your back. And still, still, she had played the game with him. She had reached across the board, across their pasts, their lies, their titles, and chosen to move beside him... Ursula has survived banishment. Privacy. Betrayal. She didn’t wait for rescue; she rescued. She didn’t plead for a place; she claimed it. She didn’t beg to be seen; she commanded attention.
I love the story from Ursula’s POV, just as I did with Maleficent. The reason they come off as the “witch” is because they have been wronged, even when it shows they were doing what was best. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
Saving Eric and then finding love despite everyone and everything is no less than what Ursula deserves.
She had no allies because she trusted no one. Because she’d been taught over and over again that loyalty was a blade you gave others, only for them to bury it in your back. And still—still—she had played the game with him. She had reached across the board, across their pasts, their lies, their titles, and chosen to move beside him. And what had he done? Left her to face the backlash alone. Just like everyone else had done before him. Just like her father. Her brother. Every smug noble who had silenced her voice and stolen her brilliance. Ursula had survived banishment. Piracy. Betrayal. She didn’t wait for rescue—she rescued. She didn’t plead for a place—she claimed it. She didn’t beg to be seen—she commanded attention.
This is the second book in the wicked evermore series where the villians get the happy ending. I love how Ines have given the villians there own story and redemption and it follow with this book which is Ursula's story but if you think you knew all about Ursula from the little mermaid you would be so wrong.
When Ursula is exiled from the sea kingdom because her father and brother won't listen to her she makes her own plans of how she will get it all back. but when she saves prince Eric and decides to take Ariel's place and marry the prince things don't exactly go as planned. What follows is a quick fun read that will have you cheering for the villian to get her happy ending. I can't wait to read the next book which features the snow queen.
Wicked Song: Wicked Evermore Series Book #2 by Ines Johnson is another great fairytale retelling. Wicked Song follows Ursula, the sea witch and Ariel's aunt, as she gets involved with Prince Eric. Ursula is smart and a born leader but she has been used, tossed aside, and Exiled from her home. However when she saves a man's life and discovers he is actually Ariel's betrothed, Prince Eric, and Ariel has run away, Ursula steps in pretending to be Ariel. However something unexpected happens, she falls for the prince, who actually sees her despite thinking she's Ariel. Will he be able to forgive her or will her schemes and lies finally be her undoing? Ursula is smart, independent, and has wonderful ideas that could benefit the coastal lands and sea kingdom if only her family would listen. I love how Johnson has woven together plots and characters from multiple fairy tales to create a unique world. There is lots of chemistry between Ursula and Eric. Both seem to find something unexpected in their relationship. If you enjoy retellings with twists where the villainous women are actually the heros in this story and tales that include true love, betrayal, magic, royalty, and plenty of spice then you'll enjoy Wicked Song.
I’m not usually one for fairytale retellings, but have enjoyed both books in the Wicked Evermore series.
This one is set in the world of The Little Mermaid, and focuses on Ursula who isn’t the evil sea witch with tentacles we know from Disney. But an intelligent beauty who has had to scheme to survive after banishment from her kingdom.
I will never be able to look at Flotsam And Jetsam the same way ever again after their relationship with Ursula in this story “They'd brought her to peak after peak as they raided her booty.”
Ursula is so damaged by previous betrayal at the hands of her father and brother, that she is unprepared for Eric viewing her as his equal. Which makes them falling in love even sweeter.
She does set out to deceive Eric, but he falls in love with her, and sees who she truly is. Even when the truth comes out, he’s initially shocked and understandably angry, but knows it is her he loves, and that has nothing to do with her name…since that is the only thing she truly lied about.
The events and characters from the first book are skilfully woven into the story, so that anyone who hasn’t read book 1 can read this one as a standalone. But also well enough that if you have read the first book it’s not rehashing the story and keeps you intrigued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you read Wicked Beauty, you already know about Ariel and her relationship to Aurora. Well, she isn’t a sweet princess here. Ursula has warned her father about Ariel. When she finds out about a union to be made between Prince Eric and Ariel, Ursula hatches a plan. But nothing is as she thought. Eric is a kind man that is given the burden of handling his father the kings’ affairs since his mother’s passing. When he is saved my a beautiful siren, he thinks enchanted. But it is more striking when she is the one he is to marry.
A retelling of Little Mermaid with an attitude. Ursula is the one that saves Eric but never corrects him about who she is. She plays along to get her throne. Problem is, she starts growing feelings for him. He listens when others turned a deaf ear. And he takes her advice on matters. Things take a turn when Prince Phillip appears. Eric disregards Ursula due to her lie. But he eventually makes it right. I have to say, the twist to the stories are fun. We got a small blurb about Ravenna.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 stars for this one If you’ve read Wicked Beauty, you’re already familiar with Ariel and her relationship with Aurora. However, Ariel isn’t the sweet princess you might expect. Ursula has warned Ariel’s father about her, and when she learns of a union between Prince Eric and Ariel, Ursula hatches a plan. But nothing is as it seems. Eric is a kind man burdened with the responsibilities of handling his father’s affairs since his mother’s passing. When he’s saved by a beautiful siren, he believes she’s enchanted. But it’s even more striking when she reveals herself to be the one he’s destined to marry.
This retelling of Little Mermaid offers a fresh perspective. Ursula, who saves Eric, never corrects him about her true nature. She plays along to secure her throne, but her feelings for him grow stronger. Eric listens attentively when others turn a deaf ear and takes her advice on matters. However, things take a turn when Prince Phillip appears. Eric dismisses Ursula due to her lie, but he eventually makes amends. I must admit, the twists in the story are quite enjoyable. We also get a brief glimpse into Ravenna.
What if the villain was the hero? What would have happened if Ursula had gotten the guy? What if Ursula was the victim in the story? This book answers all those questions and even offers some potential answers from questions about the classic movie. From start to finish this was an easy Disney-esque read but with a dark twist.
🧜♀️Ursula has been a player of the long game, accustomed to being cast off, and disregarded. She trusts no one and as such only seeks out opportunities for herself. She learned to play chess with the pawns she was provided to benefit her. So what happens when her niece doesn’t show and she sees an opportunity? 👑Eric having taken over duties of the kingdom from his otherwise occupied father knows it’s his duty to marry. What happens when his desire is not his betrothed? As visions dance in his mind of the woman on the beach, he’s fully prepared to make a rash decision but does he make that decision?
Fans of mer-people romances and “villains are the heroes” vibes, this is for you 🧜♀️✨Did I mention that this author als reimagines other Disney classics? Be prepared to read twists you would’ve never expected and addicted to the villain era 🖤✨
Wicked Song is the kind of twisted fairytale retelling that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. It takes a familiar tale and reshapes it into something darker, sassier, and unexpectedly romantic—in the best possible way. The writing is smooth and immersive, and the world feels rich with magic, danger, and hidden depths.
Ursula absolutely shines in this version. She’s sharp, powerful, and wonderfully complex, and I loved getting to see her in a whole new light. The chemistry between her and the prince sparks immediately and only grows stronger, adding the perfect blend of tension and heat to the story.
There are subtle tie-ins to the wider series that make the world feel connected without ever confusing new readers. And just when you think you know where things are headed, the story ramps up with drama, emotion, and epic stakes that had me glued to the pages.
Wicked Song is bold, addictive, and beautifully crafted—a retelling that delivers everything I love about this series and leaves me excited for whatever comes next.
Wicked Song is book 2 of fairytale retellings from what you think were villains point of views. It pulled me in with its moody atmosphere and never let go. This fairytale retelling leans beautifully into the darker edges of magic, weaving romance and danger together in a way that feels both haunting and addictive. Ursula is a compelling, layered heroine — powerful, wounded, and driven by more than just survival. Her journey is steeped in longing and hard choices, and watching her embrace both her magic and her vulnerability made her impossible not to root for. Shes the perfect not hero. Eric is the perfect counterbalance: steady, conflicted, and carrying his own quiet depth that adds real emotional weight to the story. The secrets behind his choices made him much more likeable. Their connection simmers with tension and meaning, unfolding at a pace that lets every glance, choice, and sacrifice matter. The magic hums beneath every scene, the stakes continue to rise, and the world feels alive with secrets and consequences
Wicked Song by Ines Johnson is a compelling and genre-blending novel that effortlessly combines elements of romance, fantasy, and adventure in the retelling of the little mermaid.
Johnson's writing is both lyrical and engaging, drawing you into the vibrant universe she has created. The world-building is particularly impressive, with a unique system of magic intertwined with musical elements that feels both fresh and immersive.
The characters in Wicked Song are well-developed, each with their own struggles and desires that resonate on multiple levels. Ursula’s relationships, especially with the love interest, are charged with chemistry and emotional depth, creating a compelling romantic subplot that enhances the overall narrative.
Moreover, the themes of empowerment, creativity, and the transformative power of music are skillfully woven throughout the narrative, that will leave you with a sense of inspiration and hope.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking for an enchanting escape into a world where love and melody intertwine.
Way to plop Disney’s narrative on its head! As a teenager, I pretty much believed what we all did. Ariel was misunderstood, Triton was cold, unfeeling, and uncompromising. We all thought that Ursula was a vicious, conniving, manipulative witch. As an adult, my perspective changed. Ariel became a willful brat, Triton was still uncompromising - but now was it from fear instead? Ursula was still a witch.
This book threw it all on its head!! Ariel is more than a willful brat - she’s an unmitigated terror using her abilities to gain what she wants. Triton is cold, unfeeling, and idiotic. Unable to see the forest for the trees and only thinking of his glory and power, Triton’s willingness to make his sister less so that he could be more creates obstacles Ursula must overcome.
This reimagining takes the darkness of the Grimm brothers and some of the magic of long-beloved characters and turns it all on its head. Underneath it all is a love story that defies worlds, wants the best for all, and is unrepentant in the lengths one will go to in order to get the Happy Ever After.
Ines Johnson has once again captivated readers with her latest fairytale retelling, "Wicked Songs"! This story is brilliantly written, showcasing Johnson's exceptional storytelling ability. Despite being a shorter read, every word is impactful and essential, leaving no room for anything less than perfection.
Johnson's unique approach to the Little Mermaid tale is nothing short of amazing. She skillfully weaves a narrative that honors the original while introducing fresh, exciting elements that keep you hooked from start to finish. The characters are richly developed, and the plot twists will leave you breathless.
"Wicked Songs" is a must-read for anyone who loves fairytales, especially those seeking a fresh and enchanting twist on a beloved classic. Ines Johnson has truly outdone herself, proving once again why she's a master of the genre. This book is an absolute gem that deserves all the stars!
A twist on a classic fairy tale. It flips the story of The Little Mermaid and puts the spotlight on the sea witch, Ursula. She's not the villain here; she’s actually a powerful siren who was betrayed and kicked out of her kingdom.
Things get really interesting when she rescues Prince Eric. He’s tired of his royal duties and the boring arranged marriage he’s supposed to have (Ariel). Ursula saves his life, and they have an instant, undeniable connection. He’s completely drawn to the clever siren, not knowing she's the one he's tangled up with in a brewing sea war.
The story is a quick, fun read. You have two hearts that are caught between a potential war and a powerful romance. Ursula and Eric have to figure out how to deal with all the lies and deception threatening to pull them apart. It's a fantastic read that’s packed with action and proves that the so-called villain definitely deserves a happy ending.
Ursula had to fight for respect and acknowledgment all her life. But no one ever listened to her. No one respected her opinion, and all her bright ideas got stolen. Instead of earning place in the court, she got banished for bringing Ariel back injured, although she saved her life. Bitter and thirsty for vengeance, Ursula becomes the Sea Witch and concocts the perfect plan to steal a throne and trap a prince. Only, she did not count Eric in her plans properly.. and secrets and lies can be deadly. I love fairytale retellings that explore different paths than the original stories. Having Ursula as the main character was a wicked treat indeed. Her sharp, strategic mind and the depths of her heart definitely deserved a man like Eric. And that man is definitely one of a kind. I loved watching them unite and fight together for what is right, for justice, even though Ursula's ways might be a little uncommon. I devoured the whole book in one go.
What. a great read this was!!! Wicked Song has so much going on, Romance, Adventure and one of my favorite, Fantasy. She has done such an great job of grabbing ahold of my attention and keeping it. The writing is done in such a way, I did not feel like I was reading, I felt like I was watching a movie. One I could not look away from, that is how good the writing is.
The characters are some of the best I have seen written. Of course we would not like them so much if they did not have to go through their own struggles, and how they deal with them. Ursula is used to being cast aside. But one day she sees an opportunity and takes it. After all who looks after her? But her self.
Eric, I see him in a different light than I did before. What happens when his betrothed is not who he wants? What will he do for his kingdom.
Fans of mermaid romances and maybe villains deserve happy ever afters too, will really like this.
Ines takes Ursula out of the shadows and gives her the heroine arc she deserves. Wicked Song flips the familiar Little Mermaid tale into something darker, sharper, and far more satisfying.
I love how this story gives us a different perspective, and you get to see the story through different eyes.
Ursula, she’s the one fighting for her place and is not the monster she has be portrayed as.
It is a story tangled in power, betrayal, and forbidden desire.
Tropes • Villain gets the love story • Forbidden romance • Twisted fairytale retelling • Enemies-to-lovers tension • Power struggle • Magic kingdoms
(Note: Please always read the Trigger Warnings before reading a book)
A retelling of The Little Mermaid, only this time there's a twist. Ursula gets the prince instead of Ariel. The merfolk make her out to be the villain, but she's so much more in this. After rescuing a certain redhead, instead of being thanked, she is banished from the Kingdom and left to fend for herself.
Ursula, though, is a born leader and probably would be a much better leader than her brother, Triton, and that's what she plans to get from the prince. But things change when she really does get feelings for him and vice versa. But it could all come crashing down if anyone finds out that she's not really Ariel after all. Will the prince stick by her side, or will her lies be too much for him to handle?
I love the way the author handled this entire story, and made me feel like Ursula was more the victim than the villain and kudos for that. There is plenty of spice along the way and it's a really enjoyable read.
The second book in the Wicked Evermore series does not disappoint. But not surprising, everything Ines writes is great. I love that this take is Ursula getting her happily ever after.
Eric will absolutely step up and do what is right for the Kingdom. Even go through with the arranged marriage to the sea kings daughter, Ariel.
Ariel is a spoiled princess and runs away to avoid her marriage. Aunt Ursula to the rescue to save this mess. Ursula is bold and independent. She wants her crown. she was passed over and she is hurt by that.
Eric and Ursula do have fantastic chemistry and are starting to build a solid relationship. One problem though, he thinks she is Ariel. Eric falls for Ursula, no matter what her name is. Yes it was a deception, but Ursula never ever intended to willfully hurt Eric.
A reimagining of the little mermaid and told from Ursula’s perspective. I really loved this take on the story of Ursula as the powerful woman forced into silence because she’s not a man and forced out for protecting her family but getting her happy ending in spite of them. I liked both the characters of Ursula and Prince Eric and found their relationship very sweet and perfect how it gave both of them what they needed, someone to listen to Ursula and someone to be a support for Eric who had been shouldering responsibility without support for years. Loved the little twists of including Aerial, Aurora, Phillip and Maleficent too. A pleasant read with nice romance and just a hint of spice.
Wicked song is a retelling of the clasic story of the little mermaid & I do love me a retelling. This is Eric and Ariel’s story This one is a twisted spicy version. Eric and Ariel are arranged to be married but she runs away and Ursula pretend to be her without anyone knowing .
Ariel is a spoiled brat who does as she pleases, only to have her Aunt Ursula pays the price when Ariel acts out
Ursula is smart, sassy, strong, sneaky, fiery cunning, misunderstood & exiled from her home. So when she sees an opportunity, she takes it
Prince Eric is taken with her at first sight when she saves his life during a ship wreck. He can't stop thinking about her but is she even real?
What will happen when he finds out she's not Ariel?
This is the second book in the series of Disney retellings and I loved it. What if Ariel was the villain and Ursula got the prince? This retelling gives you a different side of the story and I am all here for it! I loved these characters and how they were portrayed. Ursula was banished from the kingdom by her father for saving Ariel though they believed Ursula was the cause of the accident. Ursula has been plotting and biding her time till an opportunity presents. She takes Ariel's place to wed Prince Eric per her brother's, Triton's, treaty with the Coastal Kingdom as Ariel has been hiding out with Princess Aurora. The truth comes out and there is a fight but Ursula saves the day and gets her happily ever after. And there is a little Easter egg for another retelling I can't wait to read!
I am obsessed with fairytale retellings! I am always enthralled to see how the author takes a popular tale and makes it their own, and Wicked Song does just that this time with Ursula being the one earning romance. We find ourselves following Ursula as she hatches a plan to stop the union between Ariel and Prince Eric. What she didn't realize when she saved him was that he would not only think she was his betrothed but that he would treat her in a way she never had been, which makes her feelings for him grow. With this being a series, we get to see characters from other fairytales as well as a nod to the next book. I am very excited for this series!
This girl right here loves a fairytale retelling but oooooooooo GURL…this one is at the top of the list now…I love the twists of this series so far. I have always felt that “villains” get the short end of the stick after they were treated poorly by the “hero” or saviors of the beautified Disney version of the stories. So seeing the villains get a HEA makes my heart so happy. The moment I found out Ursula was getting her own retelling I squealed. I loved the Maleficent retelling in book 2, so I knew I was going to adore this one too. I got the “my wife” vibes that I crave and I am totally putting this on my reread list.
I absolutely love a retelling of any kind, it opens up so many different interpretations of a well known story.
But Ursula, I didn’t know what I was expecting from her story but this was so good!
Ursula has been unflavored by her father & brother forever. But one fateful day, when she’s supposed to be watching her niece, Ariel, thins take a dark turn. And Ursula gets blamed for it all. But she also saves a man that was fate intervening.
And when the time comes, she takes the opportunity given to her to step into Ariel’s place as the betrothed to Prince Eric.
Their whole relationship was sweet despite her lying to him because he was the man she saved. And he is absolutely smitten with her.
What follows after just proved they were meant to be together.
I absolutely adored this book & am very curious about the next one.
An astounding fairytale villain retelling. I absolutely love this story; Ursula was never really the villain to me and Eric being her soulmate made my heart sing. I've read a few fairytale retellings, and this is by far my favorite. Even though this is part of a series, and I didn't read the first book, I didn't feel lost in the worldbuilding or storyline at all. I also really enjoyed that Ariel gets a little bit a villain role in this as well. Ursula ended up being quite a heroine in this book and I was so sad that it was over but beautifully wrapped up.
Another fun fairytale retelling! What makes these so good is that we get to see our princesses as villains and our villains get the happy endings! Imagine Ursula gets the prince! She’s vastly misunderstood and is actually the only deserving of the happy ending. Meanwhile Aurora and Ariel are still fleeing after what happened in Prince Philip’s castle. Ines did an amazing job bringing this story to life. I loved the detail and world building. The characters were perfect!
The perfect story when the so called villain gets their happily ever after. This is the second book of the series and there is a slight crossover from the first book, so you might want to read in order to avoid spoilers. This one focuses on Ursula, the sea witch. I love getting her view on Ariel and Triton. There are several characters you will recognize from the movie as well. We get some magic and plenty of sea danger. The relationship builds and has some spicy moments. Love all the surprises and twists.
This Little Mermaid retelling from Ursula's point of view was an AMAZING read! I loved the perspective of Ursula being with Prince Eric, and Ariel being with Princess Aurora (with a connection to the previous book). Ursula gains some bit of a redemption, while Ariel is cast as essentially a spoiled brat. Her connection with Prince Eric is flame worthy, and I love how she strategizes and is a few steps ahead, and he always listens to her, and takes her advice. Such a fantastic read! Cannot wait to see what comes next!