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Sirens of Adria #2
Of Rime and Ruin: A Sirens of Adria Standalone
A kingdom on the edge. A monster in the depths. And a bond that could rule or ruin...
Princess Nahlani of the Brine would rather master her siren magic than endure the responsibilities of court. So, when she's threatened with an arranged marriage to a land-bound prince, Nahla flees—only to swim into the icy domain of the cruel Frost King.
King Aethan rules a Rime in ruins, his cold exterior concealing an unspoken a curse that turns him into a bloodthirsty, unpredictable threat to his own people. The siren spy in his waters doesn't know it yet, but she'll be safer behind bars...
Determined to escape her new captor, Nahla's magic sparks a forbidden alliance. Unaware of the bond she's formed with the kingdom's most feared creature—the fabled clawbeast—Aethan moves her from prison to palace.
But as the truth of the beast unravels, so does the distance between Nahla and Aethan, leaving them to confront a dangerous and undeniable attraction.
Part of the Sirens of Adria series, Of Rime and Ruin is a fantasy romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Princess Nahlani of the Brine would rather master her siren magic than endure the responsibilities of court. So, when she's threatened with an arranged marriage to a land-bound prince, Nahla flees—only to swim into the icy domain of the cruel Frost King.
King Aethan rules a Rime in ruins, his cold exterior concealing an unspoken a curse that turns him into a bloodthirsty, unpredictable threat to his own people. The siren spy in his waters doesn't know it yet, but she'll be safer behind bars...
Determined to escape her new captor, Nahla's magic sparks a forbidden alliance. Unaware of the bond she's formed with the kingdom's most feared creature—the fabled clawbeast—Aethan moves her from prison to palace.
But as the truth of the beast unravels, so does the distance between Nahla and Aethan, leaving them to confront a dangerous and undeniable attraction.
Part of the Sirens of Adria series, Of Rime and Ruin is a fantasy romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Audible Audio
Published December 9, 2025
174 people are currently reading
1546 people want to read
About the author
Liesl West
2 books153 followersWhen Liesl West was a child, she desperately wanted to be the little mermaid. Maybe it’s because she grew up in rural Ohio, USA, with not an ocean in sight, but something about the ocean has always called to her. It’s just too bad she can’t swim. She can, however, write dark fantasy mermaid romance stories that feature strong female leads and wounded cinnamon roll love interests. And for now, that’ll have to be close enough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
August 25, 2025
4.5 Sunfish Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
It has been such a long time since I’ve read a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I kind of forgot how much I love it. There was a time when I used to trawl through books just to find this trope because it’s one of my comfort tropes that I absolutely adore. BASICALLY, I had forgotten what a good time I have whenever I read this type of book.
All of these little things shine through in the story. Liesl has managed to put such an authentic twist on them, but you can see the inspiration for the story. She’s made it one hundred per cent hers, but it’s super obvious what a big appreciation she has for that tale. There are a few things that make it not Disney... I mean, the mermaids are saying “fuck” a lot, and there is some delicious spice!
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Our story follows our mermaid, Nahla. She is a second princess, the younger sister of the Queen of the Brine, and she is pretty rebellious. She does not really want to deal with all the royal politics and the hoopla of what being a princess means. She just wants to be a waymaker, to help her nomadic kingdom find food, to explore the oceans, and to be free... Basically, everything a princess should not be. One day her sister announces that, lo and behold, Nahla is betrothed to the Coral King (And if you have read book one, you know the Coral King is already married to another little mermaid). However, our main character has not read book one, so she does not know this... Given that she does not want to be shackled to a land-dwelling king, she flees and runs away from home. She is captured by a claw beast that throws her into the dungeon of the Frost King. When Aethan, the king, discovers her, he believes she is a spy come to expose his big dark secret. He wants no one to know that he is actually the beast, cursed so that whenever he touches water, he turns into the monster, losing all memory and recollection of what happens when that transformation occurs...
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I love Nahla. I like the fact that she is spunky and that her rebellious attitude carries through from the start. She is not afraid to take risks and explore, and I love that she is naturally curious about everything. I also like that she gives back what she gets. Some aspects of her personality can be considered juvenile, like when she calls him “peppermint breath” at one point, like some of the insults she throws at him, you would probably expect on a kindergarten playground rather than from someone who is twenty-five lobbing them at a king. But it made her feel real because she could only really push back in certain ways.
I think the reason why I loved this so much is because of how grumpy Aethan is... and that is because my husband is also very much the grumpy to my sunshine. I blatantly call him grumpy to his face, and when I talk about him and the quality made me connect with Nahla so much as I saw the kind of banter between them as the same I have in my real relationship.
Aethan... my heart broke for him. He has the literal world on his shoulders and carries such guilt from the horrors and atrocities that have befallen his kingdom. He has no one to turn to for guidance, and as king, he feels he cannot ask for help because he fears his kingdom will turn against him if they know what he has done and what he truly is. His growth, accepting the beast and becoming better, was absolutely beautiful. He goes from needing to do it all himself to realising that having his Sunfish at his side and having her reach the Beast within him, helps him unlock that part of himself. He becomes a better, complete person, no longer isolated as two personalities but truly one. Before he was broken and riddled with guilt, having closed off and frozen his heart to letting anyone in.
The relationship between them was a perfect depiction of what you want to see with an enemies-to-lovers transition. I really loved the way this was done. It took a unique spin in and I liked that it was not the king who charmed her first, but the Beast. Because she fell for him, she was willing to look at the king and fall for him too.
I want to commend the worldbuilding and the writing. You can see the care and meticulous choices that went into how the aspects were structured and layered. I am impressed by how all these elements fit together and how so many elements were plotted before Liesl even published book 1... You can see how much Liesl has spent ensuring her world, lore, and philosophy are rich, multi-faceted, and cohesive and built right from the very beginning. You have all these different kingdoms, each with its own unique style and customs of interacting with one another, coming together. It is really cool to see it all fit so seamlessly.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Beauty and the Beast Retelling
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Jekyll and Hyde Monster
▶ CaptorXCaptive
▶ Slow Burn
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Monster "Shifter" Romance
▶ Political Intrigue
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames (He calls her Sunfish)
▷ One Tent and One "Bear"
▷ "It won't fit"
▷ Chin Lift
▷ He gives her a library
▷ "More"
▷ "Mine"
▷ "Good Girl" and "Good Boy"
▷ Potato Sack over Shoulder
▷ Curvy Woman
Overall, I highly recommend this to anybody who loves fantasy, anybody who loves Disney movies, and anybody who ever wanted to be a Disney princess. Given that she managed to combine mermaids into my favourite Disney Movie felt like I got the best of both worlds. I was part of the world of Disney, but it truly told a tale as old as time... and I adored every moment.
Thank you to Liesl West for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
It has been such a long time since I’ve read a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I kind of forgot how much I love it. There was a time when I used to trawl through books just to find this trope because it’s one of my comfort tropes that I absolutely adore. BASICALLY, I had forgotten what a good time I have whenever I read this type of book.
“With every crystal of my cold, bitter heart. I love you, Sunfish. I fucking love you.”I specifically really loved this book because, while Liesl managed to take this and give it her own unique mermaid-fish spin and create a story I’ve never seen before, there were dozens of Easter eggs hidden within the story that, if you know the Disney Beauty and the Beast, you can’t help but smile and get giddy when they happen.
All of these little things shine through in the story. Liesl has managed to put such an authentic twist on them, but you can see the inspiration for the story. She’s made it one hundred per cent hers, but it’s super obvious what a big appreciation she has for that tale. There are a few things that make it not Disney... I mean, the mermaids are saying “fuck” a lot, and there is some delicious spice!
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Our story follows our mermaid, Nahla. She is a second princess, the younger sister of the Queen of the Brine, and she is pretty rebellious. She does not really want to deal with all the royal politics and the hoopla of what being a princess means. She just wants to be a waymaker, to help her nomadic kingdom find food, to explore the oceans, and to be free... Basically, everything a princess should not be. One day her sister announces that, lo and behold, Nahla is betrothed to the Coral King (And if you have read book one, you know the Coral King is already married to another little mermaid). However, our main character has not read book one, so she does not know this... Given that she does not want to be shackled to a land-dwelling king, she flees and runs away from home. She is captured by a claw beast that throws her into the dungeon of the Frost King. When Aethan, the king, discovers her, he believes she is a spy come to expose his big dark secret. He wants no one to know that he is actually the beast, cursed so that whenever he touches water, he turns into the monster, losing all memory and recollection of what happens when that transformation occurs...
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I love Nahla. I like the fact that she is spunky and that her rebellious attitude carries through from the start. She is not afraid to take risks and explore, and I love that she is naturally curious about everything. I also like that she gives back what she gets. Some aspects of her personality can be considered juvenile, like when she calls him “peppermint breath” at one point, like some of the insults she throws at him, you would probably expect on a kindergarten playground rather than from someone who is twenty-five lobbing them at a king. But it made her feel real because she could only really push back in certain ways.
I think the reason why I loved this so much is because of how grumpy Aethan is... and that is because my husband is also very much the grumpy to my sunshine. I blatantly call him grumpy to his face, and when I talk about him and the quality made me connect with Nahla so much as I saw the kind of banter between them as the same I have in my real relationship.
Aethan... my heart broke for him. He has the literal world on his shoulders and carries such guilt from the horrors and atrocities that have befallen his kingdom. He has no one to turn to for guidance, and as king, he feels he cannot ask for help because he fears his kingdom will turn against him if they know what he has done and what he truly is. His growth, accepting the beast and becoming better, was absolutely beautiful. He goes from needing to do it all himself to realising that having his Sunfish at his side and having her reach the Beast within him, helps him unlock that part of himself. He becomes a better, complete person, no longer isolated as two personalities but truly one. Before he was broken and riddled with guilt, having closed off and frozen his heart to letting anyone in.
The relationship between them was a perfect depiction of what you want to see with an enemies-to-lovers transition. I really loved the way this was done. It took a unique spin in and I liked that it was not the king who charmed her first, but the Beast. Because she fell for him, she was willing to look at the king and fall for him too.
I want to commend the worldbuilding and the writing. You can see the care and meticulous choices that went into how the aspects were structured and layered. I am impressed by how all these elements fit together and how so many elements were plotted before Liesl even published book 1... You can see how much Liesl has spent ensuring her world, lore, and philosophy are rich, multi-faceted, and cohesive and built right from the very beginning. You have all these different kingdoms, each with its own unique style and customs of interacting with one another, coming together. It is really cool to see it all fit so seamlessly.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Beauty and the Beast Retelling
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Jekyll and Hyde Monster
▶ CaptorXCaptive
▶ Slow Burn
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Monster "Shifter" Romance
▶ Political Intrigue
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames (He calls her Sunfish)
▷ One Tent and One "Bear"
▷ "It won't fit"
▷ Chin Lift
▷ He gives her a library
▷ "More"
▷ "Mine"
▷ "Good Girl" and "Good Boy"
▷ Potato Sack over Shoulder
▷ Curvy Woman
Overall, I highly recommend this to anybody who loves fantasy, anybody who loves Disney movies, and anybody who ever wanted to be a Disney princess. Given that she managed to combine mermaids into my favourite Disney Movie felt like I got the best of both worlds. I was part of the world of Disney, but it truly told a tale as old as time... and I adored every moment.
Thank you to Liesl West for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 15, 2025
Liesl West does not disappoint with the next book in the continuation of the Sirens of Adria series!
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of book 1 and I loved it so much and have reread it countless times since its release. I was so excited waiting for the next book and seeing the little snippets on social media. When I saw the arc application for book 2, I couldn’t sign up fast enough!
I’m so thankful to Liesl for the chance to once again read one of her books early.
OF RIME AND RUIN captivated me from the very first few pages. I immediately felt connected to Nahla who so desperately craved freedom (and honestly love - not just romantically but in all forms since she was so deprived of it from her family).
This book is a twisted Beauty and the Beast retelling and I absolutely adored all of the little nodes to the classic movie.
There is a mystery to solve in this book about a string of deaths the king believes is the fault of his alter ego (the beast). However, you can tell right away that his logic is faulty because the beast doesn’t remember doing these horrible deeds and doesn’t understand how it’s happening either.
I thought I had correctly guessed what was happening but ended up being only partly correct in the end. I’m really good at solving mysteries in books but this one got me good with the little plot twist at the end.
The romance between Nahla and Aethan and the Beast was so beautifully told. At first you’d think Aethan and the Beast were separate beings in the same form but really were not in the end when all is mended and healed.
I devoured this book the moment I started it and read the first half up until like 6 AM in the morning when I had to get up at 9! Lol!
Overall, Liesl West is a master storyteller with her dark mermaid romantasy books. She is definitely an author you need to put on your TBR immediately if you love twisted fairytales and mermaids!
Loved loved loved this book and can’t wait for the continuation of the series!
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of book 1 and I loved it so much and have reread it countless times since its release. I was so excited waiting for the next book and seeing the little snippets on social media. When I saw the arc application for book 2, I couldn’t sign up fast enough!
I’m so thankful to Liesl for the chance to once again read one of her books early.
OF RIME AND RUIN captivated me from the very first few pages. I immediately felt connected to Nahla who so desperately craved freedom (and honestly love - not just romantically but in all forms since she was so deprived of it from her family).
This book is a twisted Beauty and the Beast retelling and I absolutely adored all of the little nodes to the classic movie.
There is a mystery to solve in this book about a string of deaths the king believes is the fault of his alter ego (the beast). However, you can tell right away that his logic is faulty because the beast doesn’t remember doing these horrible deeds and doesn’t understand how it’s happening either.
I thought I had correctly guessed what was happening but ended up being only partly correct in the end. I’m really good at solving mysteries in books but this one got me good with the little plot twist at the end.
The romance between Nahla and Aethan and the Beast was so beautifully told. At first you’d think Aethan and the Beast were separate beings in the same form but really were not in the end when all is mended and healed.
I devoured this book the moment I started it and read the first half up until like 6 AM in the morning when I had to get up at 9! Lol!
Overall, Liesl West is a master storyteller with her dark mermaid romantasy books. She is definitely an author you need to put on your TBR immediately if you love twisted fairytales and mermaids!
Loved loved loved this book and can’t wait for the continuation of the series!
July 20, 2025
I could never say no to a fairytale retelling, so I practically jumped for joy when I got the chance to read Liesl's Of Rime and Ruin, a captivating Beauty and the Beast retelling with a twist.
We all know the story of Belle falling in love with the Beast and living happily ever after with the Prince. But what if the Beast never left?
Of Rime and Ruin is the perfect choice for all those readers who shed some tears after the Beast's transformation; for all those girls secretly hoping the Beast never lost his animalistic side. Are you one of those?
Of Rime and Ruin is a fun, spicy, and enthralling read set in Liesl's world of Adria. It gifted us gorgeous landscapes, low to medium stakes, and a sizzling love story carved in ice.
Thank you, Liesl, for having me as an ARC reader; I had a blast.
We all know the story of Belle falling in love with the Beast and living happily ever after with the Prince. But what if the Beast never left?
Of Rime and Ruin is the perfect choice for all those readers who shed some tears after the Beast's transformation; for all those girls secretly hoping the Beast never lost his animalistic side. Are you one of those?
Of Rime and Ruin is a fun, spicy, and enthralling read set in Liesl's world of Adria. It gifted us gorgeous landscapes, low to medium stakes, and a sizzling love story carved in ice.
Thank you, Liesl, for having me as an ARC reader; I had a blast.
July 12, 2025
Beauty and the beast but with mermaids? Say less!
He’s the best but when he’s in beats form he can’t remember what happened. One day when she comes into his land he thinks she’s a spy, but she’s not. She’s just your typical runaway princess,
The best has a liking to her and comes to visit her in her cell every night. The king cannot remember their evenings, but has a feeling something is going on. Once he calls her his little sunfish she realizes something is off about him and the beast!
He’s the best but when he’s in beats form he can’t remember what happened. One day when she comes into his land he thinks she’s a spy, but she’s not. She’s just your typical runaway princess,
The best has a liking to her and comes to visit her in her cell every night. The king cannot remember their evenings, but has a feeling something is going on. Once he calls her his little sunfish she realizes something is off about him and the beast!
July 4, 2025
Thank you to Liesl West and her team for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Of Rime and Ruin! This was my first ARC—and what an incredible one to start with.
This is a dark, wintery retelling of Beauty and the Beast—but with mermaids, frost kingdoms, and a beast who’s more Jekyll and Hyde than Disney prince. (Yes, they act independently of each other. Yes, it’s as cool and chaotic as it sounds.)
Nahlani escapes an arranged marriage and flees her kingdom, only to find herself trapped in the icy waters of the Frost Kingdom. There, she encounters a terrifying beast who locks her away. But of course, the beast is actually King Aethan—a ruler who has cut himself off from everything he loves, even going so far as to ban his people from using the sea. The ocean changes him, and every time he touches it, he becomes something uncontrollable… something monstrous.
That’s the setup—and I was hooked. I absolutely adored the characters and the rich emotional layers in this story. There’s found family, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a twist that kept me glued to the pages. I couldn’t stop smiling through most of it, and the atmosphere made it the perfect winter read.
This is a dark, wintery retelling of Beauty and the Beast—but with mermaids, frost kingdoms, and a beast who’s more Jekyll and Hyde than Disney prince. (Yes, they act independently of each other. Yes, it’s as cool and chaotic as it sounds.)
Nahlani escapes an arranged marriage and flees her kingdom, only to find herself trapped in the icy waters of the Frost Kingdom. There, she encounters a terrifying beast who locks her away. But of course, the beast is actually King Aethan—a ruler who has cut himself off from everything he loves, even going so far as to ban his people from using the sea. The ocean changes him, and every time he touches it, he becomes something uncontrollable… something monstrous.
That’s the setup—and I was hooked. I absolutely adored the characters and the rich emotional layers in this story. There’s found family, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a twist that kept me glued to the pages. I couldn’t stop smiling through most of it, and the atmosphere made it the perfect winter read.
July 9, 2025
I have been fortunate to read the ARC of this, and honestly I loved it! I devoured this book in the same way I did the first book. Whilst they don't follow on from each other, there is a nod to the first one by mentioning a previous character briefly.
This is Beauty and the Beast meets Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde retelling. Instead of sun and warmth, its cold and dark and there is a beast who prowls the waters leaving it unsafe. An entire kingdom has been shifted for safety but who is really the beast? The King with a beastly form, a past royal long believed to be dead or someone who's very place in the Kingdom is to help?
This is Beauty and the Beast meets Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde retelling. Instead of sun and warmth, its cold and dark and there is a beast who prowls the waters leaving it unsafe. An entire kingdom has been shifted for safety but who is really the beast? The King with a beastly form, a past royal long believed to be dead or someone who's very place in the Kingdom is to help?
January 28, 2026
5⭐ 3.5🌶️
Excuse me, ma'am, but what did you put in this book?! I ATE it, I LOVED it and I would politely request to be taken hostage by the Beast and live the rest of my life in his library.
This book was funny and had all the feels. Nahla, the FMC, was hilarious and cute; and Aethan, my frosty grumpy baby, I love him so much.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC (first read), and also to Podium for the ALC (second read). All comments are my own.
Excuse me, ma'am, but what did you put in this book?! I ATE it, I LOVED it and I would politely request to be taken hostage by the Beast and live the rest of my life in his library.
This book was funny and had all the feels. Nahla, the FMC, was hilarious and cute; and Aethan, my frosty grumpy baby, I love him so much.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC (first read), and also to Podium for the ALC (second read). All comments are my own.
December 18, 2025
How does one even step away from this book in the last like 25% hello I have been up since 2am and even though I cooould have gone back to bed I was locked in.
I was crying, laughing, blushing.
hello beastie.
Of Rime and Ruin is definately my favorite of the series so far. Nahla is such a loveable character!
I snagged up the audiobook this month since it came out. Loved the narrators. and the beast chapters...😍
I was crying, laughing, blushing.
hello beastie.
Of Rime and Ruin is definately my favorite of the series so far. Nahla is such a loveable character!
I snagged up the audiobook this month since it came out. Loved the narrators. and the beast chapters...😍
July 23, 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Beauty and the Beast meets the Little Mermaid with its own unique twist, perfect for readers who love reading fantasy romance, with a touch of retelling magic! I feel in love with this story essentially from page one, the story kept me sucked in from line one, page one, and I couldn’t put this book down because I just had to know what was going to happen next. The characters are spectacular, Nahla and Aethan were not only amazing individually but their romance was amazing! I mean Nahlani is a bit of a rebellious princess who just wants to find a place in the world where she can do good for people, and make a difference without having to sacrifice who she is. Even if that means escaping to do it! Aethan is a King who has carried the weight of the world on his shoulder since the crown was placed on his head… and with his magic running rampant, he doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be able to maintain his place as king. That is until a lost princess washes up on his shore and the heart he thought had frozen over begins to beat again. Things don’t thaw quickly though… because Aethan isn’t going to trust a Brine spy, and Nahla isn’t looking to be help pretty captive to another kingdom. But once they decide that maybe there is something more between them than distrust…. A romance blooms and the chemistry, the spice, the sweet moments were all just absolutely swoon-worthy! If you’re looking for a read that’s filled to the brim with amazing characters, secrets, lies, betrayals, plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, a grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, instant attraction but slow-burn romance with a dash of spice and the perfect happily ever after than I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Rime and Ruin immediately!
HAPPY READING 📖
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Beauty and the Beast meets the Little Mermaid with its own unique twist, perfect for readers who love reading fantasy romance, with a touch of retelling magic! I feel in love with this story essentially from page one, the story kept me sucked in from line one, page one, and I couldn’t put this book down because I just had to know what was going to happen next. The characters are spectacular, Nahla and Aethan were not only amazing individually but their romance was amazing! I mean Nahlani is a bit of a rebellious princess who just wants to find a place in the world where she can do good for people, and make a difference without having to sacrifice who she is. Even if that means escaping to do it! Aethan is a King who has carried the weight of the world on his shoulder since the crown was placed on his head… and with his magic running rampant, he doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be able to maintain his place as king. That is until a lost princess washes up on his shore and the heart he thought had frozen over begins to beat again. Things don’t thaw quickly though… because Aethan isn’t going to trust a Brine spy, and Nahla isn’t looking to be help pretty captive to another kingdom. But once they decide that maybe there is something more between them than distrust…. A romance blooms and the chemistry, the spice, the sweet moments were all just absolutely swoon-worthy! If you’re looking for a read that’s filled to the brim with amazing characters, secrets, lies, betrayals, plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, a grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, instant attraction but slow-burn romance with a dash of spice and the perfect happily ever after than I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Rime and Ruin immediately!
HAPPY READING 📖
July 18, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
𝕆𝕗 ℝ𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℝ𝕦𝕚𝕟 By @authorlieslwest 🧜🏼♀️
Tropes:
•Beauty and the Beast retelling 🌹
• Enemies to Lovers💕
• Beast Shifter / Jekyll-Hyde dynamic
• Grumpy Frost King/Rebellious Princess 👑
• Slow-burn romance 🔥 Spicy romance❤️🔥
• Arctic Mermaids / Siren Magic
• Touch Her and Die
• Telepathy
• Hot Chocolate Fixes Everything ☕️
Triggers:
• explicit language 🤐
• Explicit sexual scenes 🫦
• Blood / gore / descriptions of corpses
• Past death of a parent
• Hunting of animals
In a world of frozen seas and deadly magic, an exiled siren princess is forced into an uneasy alliance with a cursed frost king—half-man, half-beast. Both bound by politics and ancient wounds, they must navigate their fragile truce to survive a mutual enemy. But as their hatred simmers into something far more dangerous, old truths rise from beneath the ice… and neither of them may survive the thaw.
This is a frosty, atmospheric fantasy romance that feels like Beauty and the Beast retold through a darker, more mythic lens. The worldbuilding is rich with detail—icy mermaid kingdoms, primal curses, and sharp political intrigue. I was immediately drawn into the tension between the two leads: a proud, wrathful beast-king and a fierce, siren princess.
The romance builds slowly and with intention. There’s genuine emotional growth beneath the spice and snarls, which made the eventual connection between the two feel earned. West does a great job of showing how trauma and mistrust shape her characters, without letting it bog the story down. I liked the way telepathic bonds and magical lore were woven into the narrative without info-dumping. The pacing lags slightly in the middle, and some of the internal monologues felt a bit repetitive.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy romance with a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc, rich mythology, and a touch of the monstrous, Of Rime and Ruin will absolutely scratch that itch. Equal parts brutal and beautiful, it’s a tale of power, vulnerability, and learning to trust what’s broken.
𝕆𝕗 ℝ𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℝ𝕦𝕚𝕟 By @authorlieslwest 🧜🏼♀️
Tropes:
•Beauty and the Beast retelling 🌹
• Enemies to Lovers💕
• Beast Shifter / Jekyll-Hyde dynamic
• Grumpy Frost King/Rebellious Princess 👑
• Slow-burn romance 🔥 Spicy romance❤️🔥
• Arctic Mermaids / Siren Magic
• Touch Her and Die
• Telepathy
• Hot Chocolate Fixes Everything ☕️
Triggers:
• explicit language 🤐
• Explicit sexual scenes 🫦
• Blood / gore / descriptions of corpses
• Past death of a parent
• Hunting of animals
In a world of frozen seas and deadly magic, an exiled siren princess is forced into an uneasy alliance with a cursed frost king—half-man, half-beast. Both bound by politics and ancient wounds, they must navigate their fragile truce to survive a mutual enemy. But as their hatred simmers into something far more dangerous, old truths rise from beneath the ice… and neither of them may survive the thaw.
This is a frosty, atmospheric fantasy romance that feels like Beauty and the Beast retold through a darker, more mythic lens. The worldbuilding is rich with detail—icy mermaid kingdoms, primal curses, and sharp political intrigue. I was immediately drawn into the tension between the two leads: a proud, wrathful beast-king and a fierce, siren princess.
The romance builds slowly and with intention. There’s genuine emotional growth beneath the spice and snarls, which made the eventual connection between the two feel earned. West does a great job of showing how trauma and mistrust shape her characters, without letting it bog the story down. I liked the way telepathic bonds and magical lore were woven into the narrative without info-dumping. The pacing lags slightly in the middle, and some of the internal monologues felt a bit repetitive.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy romance with a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc, rich mythology, and a touch of the monstrous, Of Rime and Ruin will absolutely scratch that itch. Equal parts brutal and beautiful, it’s a tale of power, vulnerability, and learning to trust what’s broken.
July 26, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay I should have finishes this book and the review half an hour ago but I think this still counts. Especially because I‘m gonna sing all the praises this book deserves.
First the technicalities, writhing style is easy to follow and can therefore be read in two days (one if you‘re fast). Characters are multifaceted, funny and easy to love (especially the side characters). Worldbuilding like the previous book is off the charts.
So too the nitty gritty the banther is top notch and I instantly felt the chemistry between the two main characters. It‘s a heartfelt, very funny retelling of a beloved children’s book that doesn‘t feel like you‘ve read it before. If you like a strong, sarcastic non-shit-taking fmc, that runs circles around the mmc that thinks the kingdoms problems lay on his shoulders READ THIS BOOK.
⭐️5/5
🌶️3/5
#️⃣ slowburn
#️⃣ retelling
#️⃣ hefallsfirstandharder
#️⃣ possessivemmc
#️⃣ touchheranddie
Okay I should have finishes this book and the review half an hour ago but I think this still counts. Especially because I‘m gonna sing all the praises this book deserves.
First the technicalities, writhing style is easy to follow and can therefore be read in two days (one if you‘re fast). Characters are multifaceted, funny and easy to love (especially the side characters). Worldbuilding like the previous book is off the charts.
So too the nitty gritty the banther is top notch and I instantly felt the chemistry between the two main characters. It‘s a heartfelt, very funny retelling of a beloved children’s book that doesn‘t feel like you‘ve read it before. If you like a strong, sarcastic non-shit-taking fmc, that runs circles around the mmc that thinks the kingdoms problems lay on his shoulders READ THIS BOOK.
⭐️5/5
🌶️3/5
#️⃣ slowburn
#️⃣ retelling
#️⃣ hefallsfirstandharder
#️⃣ possessivemmc
#️⃣ touchheranddie
July 18, 2025
*ARC*
I absolutely loved this book and I did not want to put it down!!! Of Rime and Ruin has so much that you would want in a book; adventure, sirens, beasts, a mystery, plot twists, love, passion, spice.
Aethan and Nahla are the best, I could not get enough of their banter and POVs!! This book had some of the best dual POV moments. I absolutely love reading about the MMCs POV and Aethan did not disappoint!! He's broody, he's difficult, he's adorable, and the mouth on this man...perfection!
Nahla absolutely steals the show, she is strong, smart, witty, alluring, and she just has such passion. I absolutely loved reading her POV and I connected with her on a lot of levels. Her relationship with her sister and her want to leave things behind to discover herself resonates with me.
I'm a banter girlie and the banter was absolutely on point. I was giggling, I was grinning, I was kicking my feet. And the spice?! *chef's kiss* The places and visuals are just perfection.
In the midst of all this relationship building, there's also a plot, and a mystery with death. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen or how this could all possibly end. And it was the most perfect ending ever!
This is a standalone but I am absolutely enchanted with this world and I cannot wait for new books by this author.
I absolutely loved this book and I did not want to put it down!!! Of Rime and Ruin has so much that you would want in a book; adventure, sirens, beasts, a mystery, plot twists, love, passion, spice.
Aethan and Nahla are the best, I could not get enough of their banter and POVs!! This book had some of the best dual POV moments. I absolutely love reading about the MMCs POV and Aethan did not disappoint!! He's broody, he's difficult, he's adorable, and the mouth on this man...perfection!
Nahla absolutely steals the show, she is strong, smart, witty, alluring, and she just has such passion. I absolutely loved reading her POV and I connected with her on a lot of levels. Her relationship with her sister and her want to leave things behind to discover herself resonates with me.
I'm a banter girlie and the banter was absolutely on point. I was giggling, I was grinning, I was kicking my feet. And the spice?! *chef's kiss* The places and visuals are just perfection.
In the midst of all this relationship building, there's also a plot, and a mystery with death. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen or how this could all possibly end. And it was the most perfect ending ever!
This is a standalone but I am absolutely enchanted with this world and I cannot wait for new books by this author.
September 13, 2025
➳ 4.5 ★
I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical about this one, but you know I can never resist a mermaid/siren book (and a fairytale mashup retelling too!!)
This book was EVERYTHING I needed in a romantasy; enemies to lovers, mystery, betrayal, character development, and a lot more! I wish I could read this again for the first time because I seriously loved it so much. I just love when authors effortlessly incorporate character development in way that it doesn’t overpower the romance, but makes the challenges believable. Liesl West really outdid herself with this one!
Thank you so much to Liesl West for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical about this one, but you know I can never resist a mermaid/siren book (and a fairytale mashup retelling too!!)
This book was EVERYTHING I needed in a romantasy; enemies to lovers, mystery, betrayal, character development, and a lot more! I wish I could read this again for the first time because I seriously loved it so much. I just love when authors effortlessly incorporate character development in way that it doesn’t overpower the romance, but makes the challenges believable. Liesl West really outdid herself with this one!
Thank you so much to Liesl West for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 5, 2025
Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde meet mermaids in this icy and spicy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Nahla a rebellious princess who wants nothing more than freedom from her royal family's expectations finds herself in the icy Rime of the Kingdom of the Frost being kept prisoner by a clawed beast, and its frigid king. Nahla will have to thaw the hearts of both to gain her freedom.
If you like brooding men, rebellious princesses, mermaids and the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, you'll enjoy this story.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected to, and will definitely be reading more of Liesl West's mermaid retellings. Her unique twist on sirens, their magic, and the different kingdoms that make up this mermaid world are enticing and unique. She builds a world with lingo that fits in effortlessly and makes you wonder what the other kingdoms cultures and merfolk consist of
If you like brooding men, rebellious princesses, mermaids and the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, you'll enjoy this story.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected to, and will definitely be reading more of Liesl West's mermaid retellings. Her unique twist on sirens, their magic, and the different kingdoms that make up this mermaid world are enticing and unique. She builds a world with lingo that fits in effortlessly and makes you wonder what the other kingdoms cultures and merfolk consist of
July 19, 2025
4.75 stars, easily.
This book is promoted as a Jekyll and Hyde x Beauty and the Beast spicy mermaid shifter romance...and that's exactly what you get.
Aethan is the aloof, almost cruel Frost King who traps Nahla, Princess of the Brine, in his dungeon after finding her in his territory. Nahla is the second born princess of her kingdom and is a powerful siren called a way maker. She can connect with animals.
When Nahla gets trapped in Frost and learns there's a beast roaming around, she does what she does best: insert herself. Cue the Frost King melting at how golden she is.
"I bet she tastes like the sun."This is my favorite quote! This book has my favorite trope that isn't really listed, and that's only one horse... but in this case, think a big polar bear.
I'm so excited to see where the Sirens of Adria goes with the next book in the series, especially since book 1 and, now, book 2 are both such highly rated books for me.
This book is promoted as a Jekyll and Hyde x Beauty and the Beast spicy mermaid shifter romance...and that's exactly what you get.
Aethan is the aloof, almost cruel Frost King who traps Nahla, Princess of the Brine, in his dungeon after finding her in his territory. Nahla is the second born princess of her kingdom and is a powerful siren called a way maker. She can connect with animals.
When Nahla gets trapped in Frost and learns there's a beast roaming around, she does what she does best: insert herself. Cue the Frost King melting at how golden she is.
"I bet she tastes like the sun."This is my favorite quote! This book has my favorite trope that isn't really listed, and that's only one horse... but in this case, think a big polar bear.
I'm so excited to see where the Sirens of Adria goes with the next book in the series, especially since book 1 and, now, book 2 are both such highly rated books for me.
August 11, 2025
Thank you to Liesl West for an early copy of this book!
The story follows Princess Nahla and King Aethan. Nahla runs away from her home when she finds out her sister is marrying her off. She finds herself in the frost kingdom where a clawbeast captures her and places her in the dungeon. When Aethan discovers Nahla is in the dungeons, he decides he has to keep her locked up in fear that she will share the frost kingdom’s secret.
This was such a fun read! I loved the yearning between the main characters and all the nods to the original beauty and the beast. I liked this one a bit better than the first. Liesl is definitely an auto-buy author for me and I can’t wait for her next book!
The story follows Princess Nahla and King Aethan. Nahla runs away from her home when she finds out her sister is marrying her off. She finds herself in the frost kingdom where a clawbeast captures her and places her in the dungeon. When Aethan discovers Nahla is in the dungeons, he decides he has to keep her locked up in fear that she will share the frost kingdom’s secret.
This was such a fun read! I loved the yearning between the main characters and all the nods to the original beauty and the beast. I liked this one a bit better than the first. Liesl is definitely an auto-buy author for me and I can’t wait for her next book!
July 20, 2025
This was my first book by this author and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC😁 I LOVE fairy tell retelllings and Liesl West did not disappoint! The story was great but I really enjoyed the imagery in this book! In my opinion, when I am reading a book— if I can close my eyes and visualize the story— then it’s a great read! West definitely did this— her descriptions were detailed without being boring and drawn out— I will surely pick up some more reads from this author❤️
July 11, 2025
4.8!!
I looooved this book!! I think this one was even better than the first book, I loved Sunfish and Beasty!! They were so cute together, the spice was great, and their banter was top tier. The character growth and the arc of the book are so fun. I LOVE fairy tale retellings and this one hit the spot!! Thank you for the ARC!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!;)
I looooved this book!! I think this one was even better than the first book, I loved Sunfish and Beasty!! They were so cute together, the spice was great, and their banter was top tier. The character growth and the arc of the book are so fun. I LOVE fairy tale retellings and this one hit the spot!! Thank you for the ARC!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!;)
July 18, 2025
I loved this book! A fabulous re-telling of Beauty and the Beast except with mermaids. Nahla is perfectly mischievous and calls him both Frosty and Beasty.
Aethan is the grumpy beast who calls her Sunfish, and he falls first.
Thank you, Liesl, for the ARC. I really can't wait to see what you do next!
Aethan is the grumpy beast who calls her Sunfish, and he falls first.
Thank you, Liesl, for the ARC. I really can't wait to see what you do next!
July 25, 2025
beauty and the beast but make it spicy 🔥 oh and underwater 🧜♀️ oh and give me a library underwater too 🤓
Liesl west what are you doing to us 🥵 🤤
Enemies to lovers
grumpy frost king
touch her and die
open door spice
suspense and mystery
The way liesl writes frosty, snow and magic is effortlessly whimsical . you will feel like your in the icy castle with a roaring fire and hot chocolate . This book will stay with you not just for how much you want to dive back into the setting but also because the push pull enemies to lovers is so perfectly done.
Liesl west what are you doing to us 🥵 🤤
Enemies to lovers
grumpy frost king
touch her and die
open door spice
suspense and mystery
The way liesl writes frosty, snow and magic is effortlessly whimsical . you will feel like your in the icy castle with a roaring fire and hot chocolate . This book will stay with you not just for how much you want to dive back into the setting but also because the push pull enemies to lovers is so perfectly done.
July 27, 2025
Grateful to Liesl and her team for another ARC.
With the right mix of relatable characters, predictable moments, a bit of spice, and small surprises this story draws you in.
All and all another solid book from this author. Can’t wait to see what the next retelling is.
With the right mix of relatable characters, predictable moments, a bit of spice, and small surprises this story draws you in.
All and all another solid book from this author. Can’t wait to see what the next retelling is.
August 3, 2025
So good
Devoured this in 24 hours after finishing the first book!! I really enjoyed this beauty and the beast retelling and I definitely relate to Nahla.
Devoured this in 24 hours after finishing the first book!! I really enjoyed this beauty and the beast retelling and I definitely relate to Nahla.
July 25, 2025
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released today called, Of Rime and Ruin. This is a dark fantasy romance that perfectly mixes Beauty and The Beast with The Little Mermaid, as well as a splash of Jekyll and Hyde. This story is about Princess Nahla, who leaves her family and her whole life behind on search of freedom when she is told about her upcoming arranged marriage to a Prince she's never met. As she's on her own in the ocean, she is captured and imprisoned by the Frost King named Aethan. As she is in her cell she forms a bond and friendship with the King's clawbeast, the most feared creature in the King's whole kingdom. As Nahla and King Aethan slowly let their gurds down and get to know each other Nahla's quick wit, confidence, and spunk intrigue King Aethan. And Nahla begins to see under King Aethan's cold exterior and icy glares that even though he might have dark secrets he has a good heart. Nahla and Aethan's story was so beautiful and absolutely captivating. The mystery, suspense, and twists throughout this book kept me guessing, the romance had me swooning and giggling, the heartbreaking and heartfelt moments had me tearing up. I absolutely devoured this book! I was fully immersed in this story right from the start until the very end! It was so perfectly written! 💙📚
Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of, Of Rime and Ruin, in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of, Of Rime and Ruin, in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2025
I finished this a while back as part of an ARC read but FINALLY get a chance to review it. I really enjoyed this book and how it expanded upon the world created in OSAS. It's also interesting to see the different take on sirens' powers and their voices, with different sirens having their own set of innate powers, as opposed to everyone having the same generalised powers. The twist at the end it just *chef's kiss* 🤌🏻 and I can hardly wait for more.
Fair warning: There are elements of beastiality that some might find uncomfortable (it's the only reason I gave 4 and not 5 stars as it isn't mentioned in the content warnings). If you want to check for other content warnings before reading, be sure to flip to the last page for those (personally I'd prefer to see it on the front page where it can't be easily missed, but this is an author/publisher decision).
Fair warning: There are elements of beastiality that some might find uncomfortable (it's the only reason I gave 4 and not 5 stars as it isn't mentioned in the content warnings). If you want to check for other content warnings before reading, be sure to flip to the last page for those (personally I'd prefer to see it on the front page where it can't be easily missed, but this is an author/publisher decision).
July 8, 2025
So when I heard this was a Beauty and the Beast retelling but mermaids, I was like heck yes, I need to read this! And now I've finished it, I feel like I've just gotten home after a wild night out 🤭
I loved Nahla & Aethan's story, and the twists and turns of their relationship. My heart felt like it was put through a wringer at some parts, but the pay off was totally worth the moments of heartbreak.
Nahla is Princess of the Brine, but she wants to be a way-maker, someone who guides Ramona, the giant paddledrake, their city lives upon. However her sister Winona, Queen of the Brine, thinks this is an unladylike pastime and would rather marry Nahla off so she's out of her hair. Winona sees her sister as an inconvenience, which led to me quickly disliking her immensely.
Aethan is King of the Rime, the Kingdom of Frost, but a clawbeast roams the waters of his home making it unsafe for his people. Feeling like a failed monarch due to the bodies piling up, victims of the clawbeast, he has retreated into his castle and out of the public eye.
The two would have normally been very unlikely to meet, but I guess fate had other plans and what follows is a bit of a rollercoaster as they get to know each other. I'd advise slipping on your mermaid tail and just letting the currents guide you, it's gonna be a wild ride, but totally worth it ☺️
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
I loved Nahla & Aethan's story, and the twists and turns of their relationship. My heart felt like it was put through a wringer at some parts, but the pay off was totally worth the moments of heartbreak.
Nahla is Princess of the Brine, but she wants to be a way-maker, someone who guides Ramona, the giant paddledrake, their city lives upon. However her sister Winona, Queen of the Brine, thinks this is an unladylike pastime and would rather marry Nahla off so she's out of her hair. Winona sees her sister as an inconvenience, which led to me quickly disliking her immensely.
Aethan is King of the Rime, the Kingdom of Frost, but a clawbeast roams the waters of his home making it unsafe for his people. Feeling like a failed monarch due to the bodies piling up, victims of the clawbeast, he has retreated into his castle and out of the public eye.
The two would have normally been very unlikely to meet, but I guess fate had other plans and what follows is a bit of a rollercoaster as they get to know each other. I'd advise slipping on your mermaid tail and just letting the currents guide you, it's gonna be a wild ride, but totally worth it ☺️
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
December 2, 2025
When I say the book was a 5 ⭐️ read I meant it!
I loved it so much I wanted to listen to the audiobook 💗 which did NOT DISAPPOINT!
Another 5 ⭐️’s for the audiobook as well!!
The narrators Kat Riley & C.J. Grey were absolutely amazing!! They both brought all of the characters to life & made the story that much more enjoyable. Bravo!
Below is my original review of the book which still holds true BUT let me tell you, listening to it on audiobook was chef’s kiss 💋
What the sunfish 🐠!! This just became my new fairytale retelling!
“The sun’s not up, and I’m already breaking the rules.” ~ Nahlani Mahelona, Princess of the Brine
I was totally immersed in this story and loved the feistiness of the FMC & the MMC both!
Awesome character development & just enough world building to set the story. Pacing of the story was just right as well. And uh the spice was spicing 🥵
* Grumpy X Sunshine
* Possessive MMC/Touch her & Die
* Dual POV
* Beauty & the Beast retelling
* Spice
* Mermaids
Note: This is a Dark Romantasy & intended for mature audiences!
***Thank you Liesl West & Podium Audio for the opportunity to listen the ALC! It did not disappoint! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***
I loved it so much I wanted to listen to the audiobook 💗 which did NOT DISAPPOINT!
Another 5 ⭐️’s for the audiobook as well!!
The narrators Kat Riley & C.J. Grey were absolutely amazing!! They both brought all of the characters to life & made the story that much more enjoyable. Bravo!
Below is my original review of the book which still holds true BUT let me tell you, listening to it on audiobook was chef’s kiss 💋
What the sunfish 🐠!! This just became my new fairytale retelling!
“The sun’s not up, and I’m already breaking the rules.” ~ Nahlani Mahelona, Princess of the Brine
I was totally immersed in this story and loved the feistiness of the FMC & the MMC both!
Awesome character development & just enough world building to set the story. Pacing of the story was just right as well. And uh the spice was spicing 🥵
* Grumpy X Sunshine
* Possessive MMC/Touch her & Die
* Dual POV
* Beauty & the Beast retelling
* Spice
* Mermaids
Note: This is a Dark Romantasy & intended for mature audiences!
***Thank you Liesl West & Podium Audio for the opportunity to listen the ALC! It did not disappoint! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***
April 16, 2026
Hey.
Given that I am in a reading slump, this is quite an entertaining read, and upon my experience of the first few chapters, I have fallen victim to the hook, the line and the sinker. Pun intended.
I also saw, a lot of comments on the 'modernisation' of your writing in this ancient world, but it fits so perfectly. Despite being only a bit off-putting at first, when I caught the almost sudden appearance of words that don't match the flow of the unique vocabulary set in the book, it's like a " oh!" or "damn" or even elicits a chuckle.
Mostly chuckles.
I also had the impression that the world isn't so ancient, or that we have a developing/developed era at our hands, and they progressed similarly to the real non-written word. After all, this is just a fantasy we are reading, and if the writer truly stuck to her world's vocabulary, it wouldn't be quite as entertaining as it was, would it? Or easier to get the meaning.
And also, I pegged that this book is second in a series, and having noted the easily navigated Map and skimming the trigger warnings, I had a good idea of the world itself. (No need to bother with the cumbersome research via book one to get to the book I actually came here for.)
I don't read much of paranormal OR interspecies, but when I do, I often take a while to understand the setting. However, as I read on, and let the current guide: I understood what was happening.
Plus, I've always loved Beauty and the Beast- and all books of that particular storyline snag at my neurons, and I must get my fill.
I was intimidated by 60+ chapters, but they are short and straightforward. The story doesn't drag, and it's quite entertaining.
I wouldn't say the characters are cliché, but they are all flawed. Personally, Winona and Nahla's mother could do with the fate of those who ignore Aethan's command to stay out of the water.
In the first family breakfast scene, I clocked the mother as a narcissist (the father as the enabler) and two daughters desperately trying their best not to kill the darn woman, who is quite simply put, a "chumward". Typical jealous, controlling matron.
I also love how brazen Nahla is; she's a rage baiter, and she doesn't want to be married- she wants to be of importance, to help her nation, use her Voice for something good. Not to be a political pawn for the reproduction of guppies. She wants to make a difference, and that gives her purpose.
She doesn't want to be lost to time as some distant ancestor.
She's not like other girls.
And, to me, she isn't as annoying as self-proclaimed "not-like-other" girls tend to be. She is free-spirited, speaks her mind and is delightfully stubborn.
I genuinely love how aware she is. Not only because of her ability to understand animals as a so-called cheat-sheet, but I'd like to believe, had she not the ability, she'd be just as mindful of her surroundings.
She knows that running away from a life of privilege may seem stupid to some (+readers as well), but she knows she can't stand the coddling or being forever a pawn on someone else's chessboard. I also like to think that she's taking her first leap into independence- running away from a family that never truly sees her.
She's not ungrateful for their care, but something is empowering about taking one's life into one's own hands. It's relatable.
Highlighted. No questions asked.
Girl.
Another complaint from the reviews relates to your use of "male" and "female". What do they expect you to use? "Man" and "Woman"? I know readers aren't expected to be as clever as our leading lady or as suspicious as our (anti) hero, but how dense can people be? Species-wise, they are half-human. And children are referred to as guppies. The brains of society are dwindling in diligence.
Anywho, as I've only arrived at Chapter 10, this is all I can offer for now in terms of my opinion. This novel seems like a wonderful read so far, and I'm sure within the next 3-5 business days, I shall return with even more remarks.
Thank you!
...
So. Two days later.
Fucking awesome. I love this book. It's 2:46 AM.
The character development, she spice the sweetness.
This book made her laugh, smile, cry.
Though now I am hungry for more. I crave to hear more of Aethan and Nahla's story. I NEED IT.
So dear author, if you choose to write more on this couple, I will devour their story within hours.
Beautiful. Yearning.
The story was tied with a perfect bow with no loose ends and that fills me with pride.
Haha. She made him his bitch.
“Then tame it, my girl. Make it your bitch.”
Given that I am in a reading slump, this is quite an entertaining read, and upon my experience of the first few chapters, I have fallen victim to the hook, the line and the sinker. Pun intended.
I also saw, a lot of comments on the 'modernisation' of your writing in this ancient world, but it fits so perfectly. Despite being only a bit off-putting at first, when I caught the almost sudden appearance of words that don't match the flow of the unique vocabulary set in the book, it's like a " oh!" or "damn" or even elicits a chuckle.
Mostly chuckles.
I also had the impression that the world isn't so ancient, or that we have a developing/developed era at our hands, and they progressed similarly to the real non-written word. After all, this is just a fantasy we are reading, and if the writer truly stuck to her world's vocabulary, it wouldn't be quite as entertaining as it was, would it? Or easier to get the meaning.
And also, I pegged that this book is second in a series, and having noted the easily navigated Map and skimming the trigger warnings, I had a good idea of the world itself. (No need to bother with the cumbersome research via book one to get to the book I actually came here for.)
I don't read much of paranormal OR interspecies, but when I do, I often take a while to understand the setting. However, as I read on, and let the current guide: I understood what was happening.
Plus, I've always loved Beauty and the Beast- and all books of that particular storyline snag at my neurons, and I must get my fill.
I was intimidated by 60+ chapters, but they are short and straightforward. The story doesn't drag, and it's quite entertaining.
I wouldn't say the characters are cliché, but they are all flawed. Personally, Winona and Nahla's mother could do with the fate of those who ignore Aethan's command to stay out of the water.
In the first family breakfast scene, I clocked the mother as a narcissist (the father as the enabler) and two daughters desperately trying their best not to kill the darn woman, who is quite simply put, a "chumward". Typical jealous, controlling matron.
I also love how brazen Nahla is; she's a rage baiter, and she doesn't want to be married- she wants to be of importance, to help her nation, use her Voice for something good. Not to be a political pawn for the reproduction of guppies. She wants to make a difference, and that gives her purpose.
She doesn't want to be lost to time as some distant ancestor.
She's not like other girls.
And, to me, she isn't as annoying as self-proclaimed "not-like-other" girls tend to be. She is free-spirited, speaks her mind and is delightfully stubborn.
What kind of beast this is, I have no clue. But I can’t fuck around and find out.
I genuinely love how aware she is. Not only because of her ability to understand animals as a so-called cheat-sheet, but I'd like to believe, had she not the ability, she'd be just as mindful of her surroundings.
She knows that running away from a life of privilege may seem stupid to some (+readers as well), but she knows she can't stand the coddling or being forever a pawn on someone else's chessboard. I also like to think that she's taking her first leap into independence- running away from a family that never truly sees her.
She's not ungrateful for their care, but something is empowering about taking one's life into one's own hands. It's relatable.
I pat his chest with my hand. Pat, pat, pat. Like a guppy. This pisses him off.
Highlighted. No questions asked.
Diplomacy has failed. Magic failed. That leaves only Plan C: engage combat. I bite his nipple. Hard.
Girl.
...she’s in a league of expertise I’ve never encountered. Or she’s stupid.
Another complaint from the reviews relates to your use of "male" and "female". What do they expect you to use? "Man" and "Woman"? I know readers aren't expected to be as clever as our leading lady or as suspicious as our (anti) hero, but how dense can people be? Species-wise, they are half-human. And children are referred to as guppies. The brains of society are dwindling in diligence.
Anywho, as I've only arrived at Chapter 10, this is all I can offer for now in terms of my opinion. This novel seems like a wonderful read so far, and I'm sure within the next 3-5 business days, I shall return with even more remarks.
Thank you!
...
So. Two days later.
Fucking awesome. I love this book. It's 2:46 AM.
The character development, she spice the sweetness.
This book made her laugh, smile, cry.
Though now I am hungry for more. I crave to hear more of Aethan and Nahla's story. I NEED IT.
So dear author, if you choose to write more on this couple, I will devour their story within hours.
Beautiful. Yearning.
The story was tied with a perfect bow with no loose ends and that fills me with pride.
Haha. She made him his bitch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
December 27, 2025DNF. Yikes. Juvenile writing. Obnoxious characters. Plot doesn’t really make sense.
July 29, 2025
I loved Liesl West's debut book in her Sirens of Adria series, group of interconnected standalones that take place in her wonderfully unique underwater world of mermaid fae courts. Needless to say I was very excited for book #2, Of Rime and Ruin, to come out and I absolutely devoured this one!
Of Rime and Ruin, delivers a fun fantasy mashup of Beauty and the Beast meets Mr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I never knew that I needed a grumpy ice siren Frost King but I did and it such an interesting twist from other mermaid tales I've read. Forget one horse, have you ever read a story with one snowbear? Well then this one is for you and trust me the spice delivers!
In Of Rime and Ruin, we meet Nahla, a bright and enthusiastic second princess from the land of Brine. She is literally the epitome of sunshine, with an energy that is infectious and a drive to be of use and purpose. Nahla wants so much more for her life than to be a silent player in the political marriages of the mermaid courts. With a voice that lets her connect to the inner essence of all animal life, Nahla takes her fate into her own hands and leaves all that she knows for the adventure and possibility of the open seas.
Of course, nothing is ever simple and Nahla soon finds herself at the mercy of a Beast unlike she has ever encountered before. Somehow, she finds herself strangely able to connect with the Beast, intrigued by what is hidden in its inner mind. However, before long she finds herself dragged to the depths of the Frost kingdom and the unwelcome prisoner of the Frost King himself, Aethan. Aethan is everything that Nahla isn't in many ways--reserved, stoic, controlled and desperately trying to protect his people from the deadly danger the Beast presents. He knows the the Beast's darkness is closer than his subjects even realize and he refuses to let Nahla leave, fearing she will expose all that he has been trying to keep tightly controlled. Of course, as these two push and pull and fight and flirt, it becomes clear that Aethan may just not be able to let Nahla go because she's captured more than just his attention.
I want to take a moment to appreciate the way that West gives us an FMC who is a wonderful combination of sweetness, kindness but also ferocity and determination. And OMG Nahla's inner monologues and not so polite habit of cursing, made me love her more. It is no wonder that she draws out the reserved Aethan from the walls he has built around his own heart. And Aethan...my goodness this mega grumpy Frost King just makes you want to hug him tight for the incredible pain he tries to shoulder all on his own. Yes, you can definitely see the links to the classic fairy tales that West draws from but Aethan is also so uniquely himself and I am an absolute sucker for a man who gives a girl some fantastic nicknames and introduces her to her first taste of hot chocolate. When they are not facing the more serious consequences of what it will mean when Aethan's truth is finally known, there are actually so many sweet and funny moments between Nahla and Aethan. They have wonderful banter and there is a snowball fight, which will just melt your heart. Aethan and Nahla have such fiery dynamics as they navigate the waters (pun intended) of what it means to go from enemies to something more, while struggling under the weight of secrets and past trauma.
Through both of her characters, West explores what it means to have strong feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy and self-hate. She weaves these themes in such an organic way via a fantasy tale that is poignant yet approachable and I just loved the way these two teach each other what it means to embrace and love all of who you are.
If you are looking for a unique spin on a fantasy mermaid tale that has a romance which is full of complexity and passion, then look no further. You don't have to read the first book in the series to thoroughly enjoy this one but once you read one you will want to read the other. I can't wait to see what West creates next in this truly enjoyable series!
Of Rime and Ruin, delivers a fun fantasy mashup of Beauty and the Beast meets Mr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I never knew that I needed a grumpy ice siren Frost King but I did and it such an interesting twist from other mermaid tales I've read. Forget one horse, have you ever read a story with one snowbear? Well then this one is for you and trust me the spice delivers!
In Of Rime and Ruin, we meet Nahla, a bright and enthusiastic second princess from the land of Brine. She is literally the epitome of sunshine, with an energy that is infectious and a drive to be of use and purpose. Nahla wants so much more for her life than to be a silent player in the political marriages of the mermaid courts. With a voice that lets her connect to the inner essence of all animal life, Nahla takes her fate into her own hands and leaves all that she knows for the adventure and possibility of the open seas.
Of course, nothing is ever simple and Nahla soon finds herself at the mercy of a Beast unlike she has ever encountered before. Somehow, she finds herself strangely able to connect with the Beast, intrigued by what is hidden in its inner mind. However, before long she finds herself dragged to the depths of the Frost kingdom and the unwelcome prisoner of the Frost King himself, Aethan. Aethan is everything that Nahla isn't in many ways--reserved, stoic, controlled and desperately trying to protect his people from the deadly danger the Beast presents. He knows the the Beast's darkness is closer than his subjects even realize and he refuses to let Nahla leave, fearing she will expose all that he has been trying to keep tightly controlled. Of course, as these two push and pull and fight and flirt, it becomes clear that Aethan may just not be able to let Nahla go because she's captured more than just his attention.
I want to take a moment to appreciate the way that West gives us an FMC who is a wonderful combination of sweetness, kindness but also ferocity and determination. And OMG Nahla's inner monologues and not so polite habit of cursing, made me love her more. It is no wonder that she draws out the reserved Aethan from the walls he has built around his own heart. And Aethan...my goodness this mega grumpy Frost King just makes you want to hug him tight for the incredible pain he tries to shoulder all on his own. Yes, you can definitely see the links to the classic fairy tales that West draws from but Aethan is also so uniquely himself and I am an absolute sucker for a man who gives a girl some fantastic nicknames and introduces her to her first taste of hot chocolate. When they are not facing the more serious consequences of what it will mean when Aethan's truth is finally known, there are actually so many sweet and funny moments between Nahla and Aethan. They have wonderful banter and there is a snowball fight, which will just melt your heart. Aethan and Nahla have such fiery dynamics as they navigate the waters (pun intended) of what it means to go from enemies to something more, while struggling under the weight of secrets and past trauma.
Through both of her characters, West explores what it means to have strong feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy and self-hate. She weaves these themes in such an organic way via a fantasy tale that is poignant yet approachable and I just loved the way these two teach each other what it means to embrace and love all of who you are.
If you are looking for a unique spin on a fantasy mermaid tale that has a romance which is full of complexity and passion, then look no further. You don't have to read the first book in the series to thoroughly enjoy this one but once you read one you will want to read the other. I can't wait to see what West creates next in this truly enjoyable series!
Read
July 25, 2025I loved Of Song And Scepter, and when I saw that West was looking for ARC readers, I knew I had to apply for the arc, and I am so glad I was approved for, because this book was so good!
I loved Nahla and Aethan so much! You don't need to read Of Song And Scepter first, even though both books are set in the same world, since both stories are stand-alones, and focus on two very different couples. I think Of Song And Scepter is a great book, and you should read it, but you'll still know what's going on if you skip it.
I loved this take on Beauty And The Beast, and I loved that we not only had Nahla and Aethan narrating, but the Beast as well. This version is dark and icy, with an interesting mystery to boot. I didn't see the resolution to the mystery coming, but I liked seeing how that got resolved and how it came together. Lucas was awful, and he is definitely the Gaston of this story, if you're looking for parallels to the movie. I wasn't surprised by his role in things by the end of the book, but I'd be curious to see if it's something I'd notice if I'd re-read it again. I did like the nods to the movie, as well, and it really makes me want to go watch the movie!
I loved Nahla, and I was rooting for her the entire book. I don't blame her for wanting to escape, and though things were rough in Rime, I'm also glad it worked out for her. I also loved how Aethan defended her when her family was acting completely awful. Aethan was interesting and I was surprised to see that Aethan and the beast was more of a Jekyll and Hyde situation. While it strays from the movie, I thought it was really cool, because there are these two sides to him that he needs to reconcile. Granted, I've never read Jekyll and Hyde, so I'm not the best source, but I thought it was a great take on the Beast. I really liked Aethan as well, and I definitely understood why he thought Nahla was a spy. Obviously, he changes his mind about her by the end of the book, but his initial distrust made a lot of sense to me. I especially loved them together, and I loved seeing them fall in love.
I loved this book so much, and it is a 5 star read for me! If you love mermaids, magic, and Beauty And The Beast, this is the book for you!
I loved Nahla and Aethan so much! You don't need to read Of Song And Scepter first, even though both books are set in the same world, since both stories are stand-alones, and focus on two very different couples. I think Of Song And Scepter is a great book, and you should read it, but you'll still know what's going on if you skip it.
I loved this take on Beauty And The Beast, and I loved that we not only had Nahla and Aethan narrating, but the Beast as well. This version is dark and icy, with an interesting mystery to boot. I didn't see the resolution to the mystery coming, but I liked seeing how that got resolved and how it came together. Lucas was awful, and he is definitely the Gaston of this story, if you're looking for parallels to the movie. I wasn't surprised by his role in things by the end of the book, but I'd be curious to see if it's something I'd notice if I'd re-read it again. I did like the nods to the movie, as well, and it really makes me want to go watch the movie!
I loved Nahla, and I was rooting for her the entire book. I don't blame her for wanting to escape, and though things were rough in Rime, I'm also glad it worked out for her. I also loved how Aethan defended her when her family was acting completely awful. Aethan was interesting and I was surprised to see that Aethan and the beast was more of a Jekyll and Hyde situation. While it strays from the movie, I thought it was really cool, because there are these two sides to him that he needs to reconcile. Granted, I've never read Jekyll and Hyde, so I'm not the best source, but I thought it was a great take on the Beast. I really liked Aethan as well, and I definitely understood why he thought Nahla was a spy. Obviously, he changes his mind about her by the end of the book, but his initial distrust made a lot of sense to me. I especially loved them together, and I loved seeing them fall in love.
I loved this book so much, and it is a 5 star read for me! If you love mermaids, magic, and Beauty And The Beast, this is the book for you!
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