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A Tale of Cursed Tides
A mermaid’s curse.
A witch’s bargain.
A prince’s heart.
Mermaid Princess Alara’s kingdom is cursed.
No one has been able to enter or leave in over two decades and tensions amongst her subjects are rising. On the eve of her twenty-second birthday, the witch who cast the curse appears and offers to undo it all, but only if Alara can make a mortal prince fall in love with her, then break his heart before the next full moon.
It’s almost too easy.
Shortly after she arrives in the mortal lands, a gruesome murder is committed at the castle, and Alara becomes tangled in a mystery she never asked for.
As the body count rises, so do the stakes, and she’s running out of ways to ignore her growing feelings for the prince.
With the full moon looming, and a killer closing in, will this fairy tale end with more than just a broken heart?
With hints of The Little Mermaid, this is book one in a new romantasy series with Fake Seduction, Undercover Romance, and Slow-Burn Spice. A Tale of Cursed Tides is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout and Sarah A. Parker.
Please This book contains depictions of graphic violence and other elements that may be triggering. It is not suitable for readers under the age of 18. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author’s website.
A witch’s bargain.
A prince’s heart.
Mermaid Princess Alara’s kingdom is cursed.
No one has been able to enter or leave in over two decades and tensions amongst her subjects are rising. On the eve of her twenty-second birthday, the witch who cast the curse appears and offers to undo it all, but only if Alara can make a mortal prince fall in love with her, then break his heart before the next full moon.
It’s almost too easy.
Shortly after she arrives in the mortal lands, a gruesome murder is committed at the castle, and Alara becomes tangled in a mystery she never asked for.
As the body count rises, so do the stakes, and she’s running out of ways to ignore her growing feelings for the prince.
With the full moon looming, and a killer closing in, will this fairy tale end with more than just a broken heart?
With hints of The Little Mermaid, this is book one in a new romantasy series with Fake Seduction, Undercover Romance, and Slow-Burn Spice. A Tale of Cursed Tides is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout and Sarah A. Parker.
Please This book contains depictions of graphic violence and other elements that may be triggering. It is not suitable for readers under the age of 18. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author’s website.
- GenresRomantasy
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 1, 2026
3.5☆ when I first heard about a little mermaid retelling with a murder mystery twist, I was immediately sold. and I definitely had a fun time with this one.
the first half did feel a bit surface-level at times, and the romance moved faster than I would have liked, which made it harder to fully invest early on. however, as the story unfolded, the characters really began to grow on me. their dynamics deepened, the stakes became clearer, and the tension steadily built.
by the time the twists started hitting, I was completely hooked. the final revelations and ending left me genuinely eager to keep reading and see where the story goes next. overall, while it wasn’t perfect, it was an entertaining and compelling read that absolutely makes me want to continue the series.
tysm t.r. for reaching out and sending me an e-arc!
the first half did feel a bit surface-level at times, and the romance moved faster than I would have liked, which made it harder to fully invest early on. however, as the story unfolded, the characters really began to grow on me. their dynamics deepened, the stakes became clearer, and the tension steadily built.
by the time the twists started hitting, I was completely hooked. the final revelations and ending left me genuinely eager to keep reading and see where the story goes next. overall, while it wasn’t perfect, it was an entertaining and compelling read that absolutely makes me want to continue the series.
tysm t.r. for reaching out and sending me an e-arc!
February 1, 2026
I was genuinely thrilled to be selected as an ARC reader for A Tale of Cursed Tides by T.R. Sherring, which I received in exchange for an honest review. As always, this review is entirely my own and completely unbiased.
This is one of those romantasy novels that understands restraint — and understands why restraint can be far more devastating than excess.
At its heart, A Tale of Cursed Tides is built around an impossible bargain. Alara, a Mer bound to the ocean not by preference but by necessity, is forced onto land by a witch’s curse that threatens her entire people. To undo it, she must infiltrate a mortal court, hide her true nature, make a prince fall in love with her… and then break his heart before the full moon. Failure isn’t personal. It’s collective. Everyone pays.
What immediately stood out to me is how disciplined this story is. The magic system is clear, structured, and consequential. Rules are not decorative; they matter. Potions matter. Time limits matter. Distance from the ocean matters. This is fantasy that respects internal logic, and that respect creates tension you can actually feel rather than simply be told about.
The ocean itself is one of the most effective elements in the book. It isn’t romanticised as a vague longing or aesthetic symbol. It’s survival. Identity. Biology. To be separated from it is to slowly unravel. That framing gives the story an emotional gravity that elevates it beyond a standard “fish out of water” fantasy setup. Home here is not a feeling — it’s a requirement.
The romance is a slow burn in the truest sense. Not because the characters are evasive or endlessly misunderstanding one another, but because the story refuses to rush intimacy when intimacy itself is dangerous. Every moment of closeness is weighted by foreknowledge. Every tenderness carries the awareness that this relationship has an expiration date written into the curse. It makes the romance feel fragile, earned, and quietly heartbreaking.
Prince Tarben is a romantic lead who feels refreshingly grounded. He isn’t performatively cruel or theatrically brooding; he’s observant, protective without being controlling, and increasingly unwilling to let Alara shoulder danger alone. Importantly, he feels genuinely good — which makes the bargain at the centre of the story feel morally unbearable rather than merely complicated.
Alara herself is a strong, intelligent protagonist without being infallible. She isn’t naïve about what she’s being asked to do, and that’s crucial. This is not a story where love happens “by accident.” Love happens under pressure, under deception, and under threat — and the emotional conflict comes not from denial, but from awareness. The question isn’t whether she’s falling for him. It’s what it means to treat love as a weapon, even when the cause is just.
Threaded through the romance is a well-paced strand of court intrigue and murder mystery that adds breadth to the narrative. Power in this world isn’t abstract; it’s bureaucratic, charming, and often hidden behind civility. The court feels lived-in rather than ornamental, and the political tension escalates naturally rather than through convenience.
The antagonist — a witch known as the Crow — is particularly effective. She isn’t overexposed or theatrically villainous. Her presence looms. She operates through bargains, leverage, and inevitability rather than brute force, which makes her feel genuinely dangerous. Even when she isn’t on the page, you feel her hand on the scale.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is how it treats belonging and autonomy. Assimilation is not presented as a neutral or noble goal. Passing as mortal costs Alara something real, something physical. The story quietly but consistently interrogates what it means to survive in a world that requires you to erase parts of yourself to be allowed to stay.
There is also a notable awareness of how women absorb the cost of power struggles — as mothers, daughters, servants, and symbols — without ever tipping into didacticism. These themes are woven into character outcomes rather than spelled out, which makes them land with far more impact.
In terms of pacing, this is clearly a first book that knows it is laying groundwork. Some readers looking for immediate spice or fast payoff may find it understated. Personally, I found the restraint refreshing. The tension is emotional rather than explicit, and the ending makes it very clear that this is only the beginning of a much larger arc — romantically, politically, and mythologically.
By the final pages, the story has shifted its centre of gravity. Masks are burned. Truths surface. The romance moves from something orchestrated to something chosen — and the world itself begins to widen in meaningful ways.
This is romantasy that trusts the reader. It trusts patience. It trusts discomfort. And it understands that sometimes the most powerful stories are not about love saving the day, but about what love costs when it’s entangled with obligation, survival, and power.
Thoughtful, emotionally disciplined, and quietly devastating. A very easy five stars from me — and I’ll be continuing the series without hesitation.
#ATaleOfCursedTides #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #SlowBurnRomance #BookReview #GoodreadsReview #ARCReview #UnbiasedReview #WitchBargain #CourtIntrigue #FantasyBooks #RomanceReaders #MermaidFantasy #RomantasyReads #FiveStarRead
This is one of those romantasy novels that understands restraint — and understands why restraint can be far more devastating than excess.
At its heart, A Tale of Cursed Tides is built around an impossible bargain. Alara, a Mer bound to the ocean not by preference but by necessity, is forced onto land by a witch’s curse that threatens her entire people. To undo it, she must infiltrate a mortal court, hide her true nature, make a prince fall in love with her… and then break his heart before the full moon. Failure isn’t personal. It’s collective. Everyone pays.
What immediately stood out to me is how disciplined this story is. The magic system is clear, structured, and consequential. Rules are not decorative; they matter. Potions matter. Time limits matter. Distance from the ocean matters. This is fantasy that respects internal logic, and that respect creates tension you can actually feel rather than simply be told about.
The ocean itself is one of the most effective elements in the book. It isn’t romanticised as a vague longing or aesthetic symbol. It’s survival. Identity. Biology. To be separated from it is to slowly unravel. That framing gives the story an emotional gravity that elevates it beyond a standard “fish out of water” fantasy setup. Home here is not a feeling — it’s a requirement.
The romance is a slow burn in the truest sense. Not because the characters are evasive or endlessly misunderstanding one another, but because the story refuses to rush intimacy when intimacy itself is dangerous. Every moment of closeness is weighted by foreknowledge. Every tenderness carries the awareness that this relationship has an expiration date written into the curse. It makes the romance feel fragile, earned, and quietly heartbreaking.
Prince Tarben is a romantic lead who feels refreshingly grounded. He isn’t performatively cruel or theatrically brooding; he’s observant, protective without being controlling, and increasingly unwilling to let Alara shoulder danger alone. Importantly, he feels genuinely good — which makes the bargain at the centre of the story feel morally unbearable rather than merely complicated.
Alara herself is a strong, intelligent protagonist without being infallible. She isn’t naïve about what she’s being asked to do, and that’s crucial. This is not a story where love happens “by accident.” Love happens under pressure, under deception, and under threat — and the emotional conflict comes not from denial, but from awareness. The question isn’t whether she’s falling for him. It’s what it means to treat love as a weapon, even when the cause is just.
Threaded through the romance is a well-paced strand of court intrigue and murder mystery that adds breadth to the narrative. Power in this world isn’t abstract; it’s bureaucratic, charming, and often hidden behind civility. The court feels lived-in rather than ornamental, and the political tension escalates naturally rather than through convenience.
The antagonist — a witch known as the Crow — is particularly effective. She isn’t overexposed or theatrically villainous. Her presence looms. She operates through bargains, leverage, and inevitability rather than brute force, which makes her feel genuinely dangerous. Even when she isn’t on the page, you feel her hand on the scale.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is how it treats belonging and autonomy. Assimilation is not presented as a neutral or noble goal. Passing as mortal costs Alara something real, something physical. The story quietly but consistently interrogates what it means to survive in a world that requires you to erase parts of yourself to be allowed to stay.
There is also a notable awareness of how women absorb the cost of power struggles — as mothers, daughters, servants, and symbols — without ever tipping into didacticism. These themes are woven into character outcomes rather than spelled out, which makes them land with far more impact.
In terms of pacing, this is clearly a first book that knows it is laying groundwork. Some readers looking for immediate spice or fast payoff may find it understated. Personally, I found the restraint refreshing. The tension is emotional rather than explicit, and the ending makes it very clear that this is only the beginning of a much larger arc — romantically, politically, and mythologically.
By the final pages, the story has shifted its centre of gravity. Masks are burned. Truths surface. The romance moves from something orchestrated to something chosen — and the world itself begins to widen in meaningful ways.
This is romantasy that trusts the reader. It trusts patience. It trusts discomfort. And it understands that sometimes the most powerful stories are not about love saving the day, but about what love costs when it’s entangled with obligation, survival, and power.
Thoughtful, emotionally disciplined, and quietly devastating. A very easy five stars from me — and I’ll be continuing the series without hesitation.
#ATaleOfCursedTides #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #SlowBurnRomance #BookReview #GoodreadsReview #ARCReview #UnbiasedReview #WitchBargain #CourtIntrigue #FantasyBooks #RomanceReaders #MermaidFantasy #RomantasyReads #FiveStarRead
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to get my hands on an Advanced reader copy of this book. The author TR Sherring wanted to be the author of books that make you want to read "just one more chapter" and boy she did not disappoint. I was captivated by this book from start to finish. The story line, the murder mystery and the twists all combined to make a fantastic story! I wanted to pick this book up at any opportunity I had. I can't wait for book 2 to be released. Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good Romantasy. The murder mystery was an added bonus!
March 14, 2026
I was super stoked to be selected as an ARC reader for ATOCT by T.R. Sherring and have really enjoyed reading it! If you like mermaids, witches and murder mystery story lines this book is one to read!
We follow Alara who is a mermaid princess from a cursed kingdom facing a difficult future. She makes a bargain with the same witch who cast the curse in the first place to save her kingdom. I did worry I would find it hard to read how she tries to break the curse as the bargain is that she has to make the prince fall in love with her and then break his heart. Got me thinking, gosh am I gunna be broken at the end of this? But the turn of events was really cool to read and thoroughly enjoyed the story unfolding.
There is magic, magical creatures, witches, mermaids of course, a murder mystery plot and a really nicely woven story that I got fully invested in and by the end I was racing to find out what happened.
Whilst this has little mermaid themes, where our mermaid goes to spend some time on land and there is a prince love story etc. I felt this one really lead its own story. The author really did a fantastic job to give us something exciting and new to really get drawn into the story. I can also see how she can expand this world into a rich and bigger story line for the coming books so am excited to read on.
Also loved the little touches in this one for those botanists out there. The small details were nice to read.
Easy 5 stars for me!
Massive thanks to the author for gifting me an ARC for an honest review.
We follow Alara who is a mermaid princess from a cursed kingdom facing a difficult future. She makes a bargain with the same witch who cast the curse in the first place to save her kingdom. I did worry I would find it hard to read how she tries to break the curse as the bargain is that she has to make the prince fall in love with her and then break his heart. Got me thinking, gosh am I gunna be broken at the end of this? But the turn of events was really cool to read and thoroughly enjoyed the story unfolding.
There is magic, magical creatures, witches, mermaids of course, a murder mystery plot and a really nicely woven story that I got fully invested in and by the end I was racing to find out what happened.
Whilst this has little mermaid themes, where our mermaid goes to spend some time on land and there is a prince love story etc. I felt this one really lead its own story. The author really did a fantastic job to give us something exciting and new to really get drawn into the story. I can also see how she can expand this world into a rich and bigger story line for the coming books so am excited to read on.
Also loved the little touches in this one for those botanists out there. The small details were nice to read.
Easy 5 stars for me!
Massive thanks to the author for gifting me an ARC for an honest review.
February 16, 2026
Blessed to get to read this early on & loved it! Enjoyed the story line, it was well written & I am waiting super impatiently for the next book. Characters were well written & I’m looking forward to see where their next book in the series takes them.
February 20, 2026
Mermaids ✔️
Magic ✔️
Morally Grey FMC ✔️
Cinnamon Roll MMC ✔️
Fake Seduction ✔️
Murder Mystery ✔️
Found Family ✔️
Alara’s kingdom is cursed. No one has been able to come or go for almost two decades. Desperate to save her kingdom, Alara strikes a dangerous bargain with the very witch who placed the curse. Her task? Make a mortal prince fall in love with her by the full moon & then break his heart. If she fails, the curse remains & she loses her freedom forever. 💔
But what Alara doesn’t anticipate is how deeply the prince will begin to affect her & with a murderer on the loose threatening everything she holds dear, the stakes rise even higher. You’re left wondering if she will complete her task or if the prince and the friends she’s made will get in the way.
I absolutely demolished this book. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I don’t think I’ve ever read a story centred around fake seduction quite like this, and I was completely hooked. Would she fall for him? Would she stay true to her plan? I genuinely had no idea & I loved that uncertainty. 💕
Alara, our Mer princess and FMC, started off a little unlikeable, if I’m honest. I wasn’t her biggest fan at first. But watching her character growth, seeing her slowly open up and begin to care for people beyond herself was so satisfying. She’s incredibly powerful, though we don’t get to see the full extent of her magic since she spends much of the story in the human realm trying to blend in. I’m really hoping we see more of her abilities explored in book two! 🧜🏻♀️
Tarben, the human prince and MMC, was an absolute delight. He wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable or honest about his feelings, which I adored. Strong, loyal, and emotionally open? Yes please. Watching his relationship with Alara unfold was one of the highlights of the book.
The murder mystery element was probably my favourite part. It kept me constantly guessing, I’d think I had it figured out, then immediately doubt myself. By the end, I did guess correctly, and everything tied together in a really satisfying way.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it to fantasy lovers who enjoy a touch of romance and a compelling mystery woven in. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Magic ✔️
Morally Grey FMC ✔️
Cinnamon Roll MMC ✔️
Fake Seduction ✔️
Murder Mystery ✔️
Found Family ✔️
Alara’s kingdom is cursed. No one has been able to come or go for almost two decades. Desperate to save her kingdom, Alara strikes a dangerous bargain with the very witch who placed the curse. Her task? Make a mortal prince fall in love with her by the full moon & then break his heart. If she fails, the curse remains & she loses her freedom forever. 💔
But what Alara doesn’t anticipate is how deeply the prince will begin to affect her & with a murderer on the loose threatening everything she holds dear, the stakes rise even higher. You’re left wondering if she will complete her task or if the prince and the friends she’s made will get in the way.
I absolutely demolished this book. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I don’t think I’ve ever read a story centred around fake seduction quite like this, and I was completely hooked. Would she fall for him? Would she stay true to her plan? I genuinely had no idea & I loved that uncertainty. 💕
Alara, our Mer princess and FMC, started off a little unlikeable, if I’m honest. I wasn’t her biggest fan at first. But watching her character growth, seeing her slowly open up and begin to care for people beyond herself was so satisfying. She’s incredibly powerful, though we don’t get to see the full extent of her magic since she spends much of the story in the human realm trying to blend in. I’m really hoping we see more of her abilities explored in book two! 🧜🏻♀️
Tarben, the human prince and MMC, was an absolute delight. He wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable or honest about his feelings, which I adored. Strong, loyal, and emotionally open? Yes please. Watching his relationship with Alara unfold was one of the highlights of the book.
The murder mystery element was probably my favourite part. It kept me constantly guessing, I’d think I had it figured out, then immediately doubt myself. By the end, I did guess correctly, and everything tied together in a really satisfying way.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it to fantasy lovers who enjoy a touch of romance and a compelling mystery woven in. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
(I was given an advanced copy of this book from the author, and all thoughts/opinions are my own and voluntarily provided)
This book was so much fun to read! The story felt like stepping into a dark and twisted rendition of The Little Mermaid combined with the opulent, romantic vibes of Bridgerton, all with an underlying “who done it” mystery like the board game Clue 🕵️. I was instantly hooked by the story, and this is definitely one of my favorite reads this year.
Alara is an interesting combination of arrogant and self-absorbed, while being incredibly kind, protective and (mostly) morally sound. She is absolutely hilarious, and all of her haughty moments of princess self-importance come with the best dialogue. I love the way so many common phrases were adjusted to somehow connect to fish/the sea (she is Mer, after all), and this book even made me laugh out loud.
The dialogue between all the characters in this book was spot on in every way, and really brought the story to life. I was able to easily picture each character, and the depth of the relationships between them was so much better as a result. There is also a self-discovery theme in this book for Alara, with so much emotional growth and acceptance. The serious, emotional moments were nicely balanced with the silly, funny moments, making the story feel heartwarming overall.
The romance (I’ll take tension with a side of yearning, please 😮💨) and mystery in this story are both top notch. I felt like I was experiencing unveiling and processing each clue right alongside Alara, all of which was completely intertwined with her relationship with Tarben. Is it love, or just a game? Who’s a friend, and who’s a foe?! You’ll find out 😉
Thank you for sharing an ARC with me T.R.! ❤️ I am so excited to see what happens next.
“… the way he was looking at me—goddess spare me. I wanted more than his body. I wanted things I shouldn’t. Things I couldn’t keep. And if we kept going, losing them would hurt even more.”
This book was so much fun to read! The story felt like stepping into a dark and twisted rendition of The Little Mermaid combined with the opulent, romantic vibes of Bridgerton, all with an underlying “who done it” mystery like the board game Clue 🕵️. I was instantly hooked by the story, and this is definitely one of my favorite reads this year.
Alara is an interesting combination of arrogant and self-absorbed, while being incredibly kind, protective and (mostly) morally sound. She is absolutely hilarious, and all of her haughty moments of princess self-importance come with the best dialogue. I love the way so many common phrases were adjusted to somehow connect to fish/the sea (she is Mer, after all), and this book even made me laugh out loud.
“The idea of being tethered to another was not appealing. Not when my endless years meant I would spend centuries—millennia—having to gaze at the same face every day. I’d sooner kiss a blobfish.”
The dialogue between all the characters in this book was spot on in every way, and really brought the story to life. I was able to easily picture each character, and the depth of the relationships between them was so much better as a result. There is also a self-discovery theme in this book for Alara, with so much emotional growth and acceptance. The serious, emotional moments were nicely balanced with the silly, funny moments, making the story feel heartwarming overall.
The romance (I’ll take tension with a side of yearning, please 😮💨) and mystery in this story are both top notch. I felt like I was experiencing unveiling and processing each clue right alongside Alara, all of which was completely intertwined with her relationship with Tarben. Is it love, or just a game? Who’s a friend, and who’s a foe?! You’ll find out 😉
Thank you for sharing an ARC with me T.R.! ❤️ I am so excited to see what happens next.
January 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hook, line and sinker - I am obsessed.
I was kindly gifted this ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review, and honest I shall be.
It’s not often a book really (and I mean REALLY) sucks me in and actually surprises me with the twists and turns. I’m normally pretty good at picking the plot early on, but A Tale of Cursed Tides by @t.r.sherringauthor got me good.
Written in the first person POV, we follow Princess Alara (mermaid goddess) as she attempts to free her kingdom from a curse that has forced the mer into exile for over two decades. Tensions are rising, and on the night of her Ascension the witch who cursed her kingdom returns with a bargain. All our gal has to do is make a mortal price fall in love and then break his heart. Easy right?
WRONG.
A mystery unfolds in the mortal kingdom and Alara is swept up in it. She makes friends. She makes enemies. The body count rises. It all ends with a bang, and I’m desperate to find out what happens next.
I devoured the book in about 24 hours, and pissed everyone in my house off by slamming my kindle down and shouting about the plot twists. Add this one to your TBR, pre order on Amazon and prepare yourself to lock in. It’s approx 53 days until the book is released into the world and I can squeal about it with you all. I’m also devo that it’s going to be awhile until I find out what happens next.
Until then, 🧜🏼♀️🧙🏻♀️🤴🏻🐦⬛
🏷️ Tags | ARC | ARC Review | Book review | bookstagram | bookstagrammer | nzbookstagram | nzbookstagrammer | nzauthor | kiwi author | mermaid | magic | fantasy | epic |
#bookstagram #bookreview #arcreview #kiwiauthor #trsherringauthor
Hook, line and sinker - I am obsessed.
I was kindly gifted this ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review, and honest I shall be.
It’s not often a book really (and I mean REALLY) sucks me in and actually surprises me with the twists and turns. I’m normally pretty good at picking the plot early on, but A Tale of Cursed Tides by @t.r.sherringauthor got me good.
Written in the first person POV, we follow Princess Alara (mermaid goddess) as she attempts to free her kingdom from a curse that has forced the mer into exile for over two decades. Tensions are rising, and on the night of her Ascension the witch who cursed her kingdom returns with a bargain. All our gal has to do is make a mortal price fall in love and then break his heart. Easy right?
WRONG.
A mystery unfolds in the mortal kingdom and Alara is swept up in it. She makes friends. She makes enemies. The body count rises. It all ends with a bang, and I’m desperate to find out what happens next.
I devoured the book in about 24 hours, and pissed everyone in my house off by slamming my kindle down and shouting about the plot twists. Add this one to your TBR, pre order on Amazon and prepare yourself to lock in. It’s approx 53 days until the book is released into the world and I can squeal about it with you all. I’m also devo that it’s going to be awhile until I find out what happens next.
Until then, 🧜🏼♀️🧙🏻♀️🤴🏻🐦⬛
🏷️ Tags | ARC | ARC Review | Book review | bookstagram | bookstagrammer | nzbookstagram | nzbookstagrammer | nzauthor | kiwi author | mermaid | magic | fantasy | epic |
#bookstagram #bookreview #arcreview #kiwiauthor #trsherringauthor
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading this gave me such a wonderful sense of nostalgia, reminding me of so many stories I grew up with—a bit of The Little Mermaid, a splash of Cinderella, and a touch of Rapunzel. But even though it had these familiar aspects, it still stood amazingly as its own unique story. The writing was super easy to follow, and it had me hooked right from the start. It was exactly the kind of book where you tell yourself "only one more chapter" before bed, only to realize you’ve stayed up and read the whole thing!
The plot itself is fantastic and high-stakes. We follow Alara, who makes a dangerous deal with a witch to break a curse plaguing her people. The catch is brutal though, she has to make a human prince fall in love with her and then break his heart. Watching that internal conflict play out was so engaging, and because the pacing was so quick, I never felt bored. The author did a great job of balancing the magical, fairytale elements with the tension of Alara's mission.
What really sealed the deal for me, though, were the characters. While Alara is a wonderful main character to follow, I have to say the side charaters are equially as amazing. I so desperately hope we get a future book focused on Hugo and Fillip because I need more of them! They added so much to the story, and I’m already invested in seeing where their arcs go. I cannot wait to follow the rest of the books in this series!
The plot itself is fantastic and high-stakes. We follow Alara, who makes a dangerous deal with a witch to break a curse plaguing her people. The catch is brutal though, she has to make a human prince fall in love with her and then break his heart. Watching that internal conflict play out was so engaging, and because the pacing was so quick, I never felt bored. The author did a great job of balancing the magical, fairytale elements with the tension of Alara's mission.
What really sealed the deal for me, though, were the characters. While Alara is a wonderful main character to follow, I have to say the side charaters are equially as amazing. I so desperately hope we get a future book focused on Hugo and Fillip because I need more of them! They added so much to the story, and I’m already invested in seeing where their arcs go. I cannot wait to follow the rest of the books in this series!
March 7, 2026
If you’re looking for a romantasy book that gives little mermaid vibes but with a dark twist, check out this book!
The princess of the kingdom of Mer people has spent her whole life cursed by a witch and trapped in the sea, but as her birthday approaches, that same witch offers her a bargain to free her people. She must get the human prince to fall for her and break his heart by the next full moon, all while hiding what she really is. When she’s launched into this kingdom by rescuing its princess and she meets the man she’s supposed to betray, things may not be as easy as she hoped, especially with his family suspecting something is off with her!
This book was full of adventure, uncovering murder plots, witchcraft and magic, searching for answers in books and of course plenty of romantic tension that made it extremely easy and fun to read. I really enjoyed seeing how the princesses mind worked and how she slowly started to realize she didn’t know what she signed up for, and maybe love could be something she could really want. I also enjoyed the reveals of who was behind the murders and the plots within plots that were going on that had me shocked! This was a fun take on the classic tale of the little mermaid and overall my rating 4.3/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
The princess of the kingdom of Mer people has spent her whole life cursed by a witch and trapped in the sea, but as her birthday approaches, that same witch offers her a bargain to free her people. She must get the human prince to fall for her and break his heart by the next full moon, all while hiding what she really is. When she’s launched into this kingdom by rescuing its princess and she meets the man she’s supposed to betray, things may not be as easy as she hoped, especially with his family suspecting something is off with her!
This book was full of adventure, uncovering murder plots, witchcraft and magic, searching for answers in books and of course plenty of romantic tension that made it extremely easy and fun to read. I really enjoyed seeing how the princesses mind worked and how she slowly started to realize she didn’t know what she signed up for, and maybe love could be something she could really want. I also enjoyed the reveals of who was behind the murders and the plots within plots that were going on that had me shocked! This was a fun take on the classic tale of the little mermaid and overall my rating 4.3/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
March 14, 2026
Right book, right time. This was a really solid debut and my first retelling, and I genuinely enjoyed it.
The writing is easy to follow and immersive, which made it a quick and engaging read. My only small gripe is that the romantic feelings developed a little too quickly for my taste. That said, it is a Little Mermaid inspired retelling, so the pacing does stay fairly true to the original story.
Some of the twists I saw coming, others completely caught me off guard, and I appreciated that they didn’t feel like twists added purely for shock value. They felt natural to the story.
The characters were very likeable, and I loved that our FMC is definitely not a damsel in distress.
If anything, I almost wish the book had been a little longer. I would have loved to spend more time exploring the world and the magic system. That said, it feels like the groundwork is being laid for the bigger worldbuilding and intrigue to really come into play in book two.
The romance wasn’t necessarily my main draw here, but the story itself definitely has me curious to see where the series goes.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book two.
The writing is easy to follow and immersive, which made it a quick and engaging read. My only small gripe is that the romantic feelings developed a little too quickly for my taste. That said, it is a Little Mermaid inspired retelling, so the pacing does stay fairly true to the original story.
Some of the twists I saw coming, others completely caught me off guard, and I appreciated that they didn’t feel like twists added purely for shock value. They felt natural to the story.
The characters were very likeable, and I loved that our FMC is definitely not a damsel in distress.
If anything, I almost wish the book had been a little longer. I would have loved to spend more time exploring the world and the magic system. That said, it feels like the groundwork is being laid for the bigger worldbuilding and intrigue to really come into play in book two.
The romance wasn’t necessarily my main draw here, but the story itself definitely has me curious to see where the series goes.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book two.
Review of advance copy
If you love romance/murder mystery thriller than I can guarantee that you’ll love this book.🤞🏼
Getting to know Alara & Tarben was a fever dream. This is definitely a slowwwww burn book as far as spice goes. But their feelings came quickly towards each other even with Alara trying to fight hers. She was on a mission to save her kingdom from a horrible curse and she couldn’t let her own feelings get in the way. Also who doesn’t love a little murder with their romance. When the murders first started I couldn’t have NEVER guessed who was behind them and tbh I’m still quite a bit shocked They way the book changed directions with the plot(s) had my spinning. I did not expect for things to go the way they did. My jaw was consistently on the ground for most of the second half of the book. There were so many little crumbs dropped and left towards the end of the book that I have so many questions.
I was blessed with an eARC of this book & I couldn’t be more grateful🫶🏼💜 thank you so so much T.R. for giving me this amazing opportunity.
March 25, 2026
A Tale of Cursed Tides - The Lore of Orradon | Book One
ARC Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I was so excited when I received this ARC in my inbox so a massive thank you to T.R. Sherring for sending this to me
This story was truly incredible, the plot line had me hooked from the beginning, think of this book as a romantasy murder mystery, it was so fun! The plot twist at the end just kept adding more twists on top, I thought I’d guessed the ending but boy was I wrong!
I was captivated throughout the entire story, the magic system was perfectly on point, everything has been thought out and executed perfectly!
🌊 morally grey FMC
🧜♀️ murder mystery
🌊 fake seduction
🧜♀️ hidden identity
🌊 he falls first
🧜♀️ found family
🌊 undercover romance
Did I mention the epilogue… 🤯 Book two cannot come soon enough!
ARC Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I was so excited when I received this ARC in my inbox so a massive thank you to T.R. Sherring for sending this to me
This story was truly incredible, the plot line had me hooked from the beginning, think of this book as a romantasy murder mystery, it was so fun! The plot twist at the end just kept adding more twists on top, I thought I’d guessed the ending but boy was I wrong!
I was captivated throughout the entire story, the magic system was perfectly on point, everything has been thought out and executed perfectly!
🌊 morally grey FMC
🧜♀️ murder mystery
🌊 fake seduction
🧜♀️ hidden identity
🌊 he falls first
🧜♀️ found family
🌊 undercover romance
Did I mention the epilogue… 🤯 Book two cannot come soon enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to T.R. Sherring for an ARC copy of "A Tale of Cursed Tides"
4.5 🌟
I took a dive into this mermaid fantasy! 🧜♀️
This was a story I felt easily invested in, the magic in this book felt unique without being overly complex. I really loved the character development for Alara our FMC, as she met all of the challenges she encountered throughout the book. The romance felt rushed and 2 dimensional at times, but that honestly contributed to the story since the romance had to be rushed. I LOVED the mystery and suspense aspect in this story. The book ended on a bit of a cliff hanger and I will definitely be awaiting the 2nd book in the "The Lore of Orrodon" series.
4.5 🌟
I took a dive into this mermaid fantasy! 🧜♀️
This was a story I felt easily invested in, the magic in this book felt unique without being overly complex. I really loved the character development for Alara our FMC, as she met all of the challenges she encountered throughout the book. The romance felt rushed and 2 dimensional at times, but that honestly contributed to the story since the romance had to be rushed. I LOVED the mystery and suspense aspect in this story. The book ended on a bit of a cliff hanger and I will definitely be awaiting the 2nd book in the "The Lore of Orrodon" series.
April 3, 2026
Ahhh this book you guys!!! SO GOOD I loved it!!!! I haven’t done a mermaid fantasy in YEARS and now I want more. I loved everything. We have a morally gray FMC and a he falls first moment which I did not know I needed!!! Also, somebody call me a chiropractor because I need to get my neck readjusted from all of the whiplashing-tail spinning plot twists!!! SO SO GOOD. I devoured this book and you absolutely neeeeeed this on your TBR!!!! This was so so so fun to read!!! 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 6, 2026
When I was younger I loved being swept away into stories of fantasy and mystery. This book took me back to my love of mermaids, mystical creatures and magic. The writing was beautifully descriptive, with world building so imaginative I felt I was right there alongside Alara as she fought the curse, while trying to sweep away her true feelings. The ending was perfect and has left me very excited to read the next story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
full review to follow- hell yeah this was BUSSIN
April 9, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book to read, and I write this review voluntarily with my honest opinion.
This story really drew me in. There were so many elements I loved but one being the mystery of solving who the murderer was.
There were some darker scenes in this story, which I personally really liked.
I enjoyed the other relationships Alara formed, not just with the main male romantic lead and her being torn between doing what she needed to do for the bargain, vs what her heart was telling her.
I am amazed that this is a debut novel for T.R. Sherring, and I can't wait to read the next one!
This story really drew me in. There were so many elements I loved but one being the mystery of solving who the murderer was.
There were some darker scenes in this story, which I personally really liked.
I enjoyed the other relationships Alara formed, not just with the main male romantic lead and her being torn between doing what she needed to do for the bargain, vs what her heart was telling her.
I am amazed that this is a debut novel for T.R. Sherring, and I can't wait to read the next one!
April 13, 2026
This was FUN. I loved the murder mystery spin to the Little Mermaid retelling. The banter between our main characters was perfection and the slow burn was great! The plot kept me guessing, even in the epilogue. Needless to say, I’m so excited for book two!
Read this for:
-dark romantasy
-Little Mermaid retelling
-mermaids & witches
-murder mystery
-slow burn
-hidden identity
-fake seduction
-banter is BANTERING
-found family
-one horse
-masquerade ball
Read this for:
-dark romantasy
-Little Mermaid retelling
-mermaids & witches
-murder mystery
-slow burn
-hidden identity
-fake seduction
-banter is BANTERING
-found family
-one horse
-masquerade ball
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun reimagining of the Little Mermaid with a twist, the writing really draws you into the world and gets you hooked. I found the world to be really well developed and fleshed out in a way that allows you to fully immerse yourself. I loved the two main protagonists but I really found the side characters to be extremely compelling as well.
If you enjoy a strong but morally grey FMC with secrets of her own and a MMC who is devoted to his lady, this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait for more stories in this world.
If you enjoy a strong but morally grey FMC with secrets of her own and a MMC who is devoted to his lady, this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait for more stories in this world.
March 20, 2026
ARC Review!!!
At first this book reminded me the the little mermaid but, I quickly found out that it definitely isn’t with some serious mystery elements! There was some I gotcha plot twists that I loved. The author did an amazing job tying everything together and I’m excited for her second book! I read this book so fast.
At first this book reminded me the the little mermaid but, I quickly found out that it definitely isn’t with some serious mystery elements! There was some I gotcha plot twists that I loved. The author did an amazing job tying everything together and I’m excited for her second book! I read this book so fast.
March 6, 2026
Mermaid princess Alara’s kingdom has been cursed for over two decades. On the eve of her twenty-second birthday, the witch responsible finally returns with a way to break it: Alara must travel to the mortal world, make a prince fall in love with her… and then break his heart before the next full moon. Simple, right?
Well — not exactly.
What I really enjoyed right away was the take on the merfolk. They aren’t confined to the ocean but live above the water as well, which felt like a refreshing twist on the usual mermaid lore.
The story starts very much like a classic fairytale: a wicked witch, a curse, and a dangerous bargain. But the condition being to break the prince’s heart instead of simply making him fall in love was a fun change from the usual trope.
The pacing is solid from the start. There isn’t heavy world-building, which keeps the story moving, and the map at the beginning helps orient you in the world. Early on, the structure feels fairly traditional for a fairytale, but that’s not a bad thing. Alara is a great FMC — smart, assertive, and very aware of the situation she’s been thrown into. She doesn’t come across as a damsel in distress at all, which I appreciated.
Her banter with the prince is playful and cheeky, and their flirting is genuinely cute. The tension between them builds nicely, and some of their exchanges are full of fun innuendo.
And then… the story takes a turn.
Just when you think you know the direction things are going, a murder occurs at the castle, and suddenly the book shifts into a mystery as well as a fantasy romance. The investigation becomes more complex as bodies begin to pile up and accusations start flying — especially from the prince’s very suspicious (and very annoying) brother.
The murder plot thickens with witches being found dead, alliances forming, and secrets slowly coming to light. Alara even finds herself working with an unexpected ally while trying to uncover the killer. At the same time, she’s forming friendships with the castle staff — which makes it all the more heartbreaking when one of them becomes a victim. Her reaction to that moment gave us one of my favourite lines:
“I had no appetite for tears. Not when vengeance would taste much sweeter.”
So now she has to:
• make the prince fall in love with her
• break his heart before the full moon
• and solve a growing murder mystery
This mermaid is busy.
I also loved the writing style. The slightly old-fashioned way the characters speak suits the fairytale atmosphere perfectly, and the descriptions of gowns and royal settings were gorgeous.
The twist surrounding the villain is handled well. You spend a good portion of the book suspecting other characters, but right before the reveal I had a feeling about who it might be — and the story still managed to keep the tension high.
There’s a small amount of spice that appears later in the story which felt a little unexpected for the fairytale tone, but it didn’t take away from the story.
And then there were lines like:
“You have been like a bonfire to my starless night.”
“I love you and you need to keep burning. Keep burning for me please.”
Absolutely devastating in the best way.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, with the relationship between Alara and the prince left uncertain thanks to betrayal, manipulation, and a few very questionable decisions.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read — an alternate take on a classic fairytale with curses, romance, murder, intrigue, and revenge all wrapped together.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well — not exactly.
What I really enjoyed right away was the take on the merfolk. They aren’t confined to the ocean but live above the water as well, which felt like a refreshing twist on the usual mermaid lore.
The story starts very much like a classic fairytale: a wicked witch, a curse, and a dangerous bargain. But the condition being to break the prince’s heart instead of simply making him fall in love was a fun change from the usual trope.
The pacing is solid from the start. There isn’t heavy world-building, which keeps the story moving, and the map at the beginning helps orient you in the world. Early on, the structure feels fairly traditional for a fairytale, but that’s not a bad thing. Alara is a great FMC — smart, assertive, and very aware of the situation she’s been thrown into. She doesn’t come across as a damsel in distress at all, which I appreciated.
Her banter with the prince is playful and cheeky, and their flirting is genuinely cute. The tension between them builds nicely, and some of their exchanges are full of fun innuendo.
And then… the story takes a turn.
Just when you think you know the direction things are going, a murder occurs at the castle, and suddenly the book shifts into a mystery as well as a fantasy romance. The investigation becomes more complex as bodies begin to pile up and accusations start flying — especially from the prince’s very suspicious (and very annoying) brother.
The murder plot thickens with witches being found dead, alliances forming, and secrets slowly coming to light. Alara even finds herself working with an unexpected ally while trying to uncover the killer. At the same time, she’s forming friendships with the castle staff — which makes it all the more heartbreaking when one of them becomes a victim. Her reaction to that moment gave us one of my favourite lines:
“I had no appetite for tears. Not when vengeance would taste much sweeter.”
So now she has to:
• make the prince fall in love with her
• break his heart before the full moon
• and solve a growing murder mystery
This mermaid is busy.
I also loved the writing style. The slightly old-fashioned way the characters speak suits the fairytale atmosphere perfectly, and the descriptions of gowns and royal settings were gorgeous.
The twist surrounding the villain is handled well. You spend a good portion of the book suspecting other characters, but right before the reveal I had a feeling about who it might be — and the story still managed to keep the tension high.
There’s a small amount of spice that appears later in the story which felt a little unexpected for the fairytale tone, but it didn’t take away from the story.
And then there were lines like:
“You have been like a bonfire to my starless night.”
“I love you and you need to keep burning. Keep burning for me please.”
Absolutely devastating in the best way.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, with the relationship between Alara and the prince left uncertain thanks to betrayal, manipulation, and a few very questionable decisions.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read — an alternate take on a classic fairytale with curses, romance, murder, intrigue, and revenge all wrapped together.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from T.R. Sherring for A Tale of Cursed Tides, which is a reimagining of "The Little Mermaid" with a twist. As we all know, I'm a sucker for "Little Mermaid" reimaginings, so I was excited to dive right into this one (pun intended). Before I begin my review, I know there are a lot of readers on my blog who prefer closed-door romance books. Although this book is technically closed-door, there are descriptions of sexual desire, implied spice for future books, and explicit language. Because of that, I don't think this book would be appropriate for closed-door readers. However, I did not find it distracting from the main story overall.
Alara is a princess from a mermaid kingdom that was cursed by a powerful entity called The Crow due to her mother falling in love with a human prince. Because of this, none of the merfolk can leave their kingdom, separating them from family and friends. Alara makes a deal with The Crow to break the heart of a human prince to win her people's freedom. However, Alara is not the type of person capable of going around breaking hearts. She immediately falls into Prince Tarben's good graces when she rescues his little sister, Amalie, from drowning, and is welcomed into his court. The two grow closer, and Alara soon realizes that she isn't capable of completing her task.
Although Alara's time at the castle unravels into a series of murder mysteries, the violence in this book did not come off as overly gruesome. The author does a wonderful job of weaving whimsical fairy tale-themed descriptions of palace life, fashions, and food. Her lyrical prose made me wish she had spent more time offering fantastical descriptions of the mer-kingdom, but most of the book takes place on land. The writing works well for a fairy tale setting and made me feel like I was experiencing life in Tarben's castle right alongside Alara. The murders and hidden secrets create just enough of a sense of unease to keep readers on their toes.
The book's climax was satisfying and well-written, with a believable explanation for the tragedies that transpired. I believe this book is intended to be the first in a series, but it also stands alone effectively. The inspiration for "The Little Mermaid" is clear from Alara's selflessness in wanting to help her people and her ultimate refusal to harm the prince in order to save herself. However, she does not give up her voice or have the same closeness with her sisters and the rest of her mer-family. I'd say this book is darker than the original story because of the murders, but "The Little Mermaid" is also a pretty dark story, so it's a toss-up.
If you're a fan of "The Little Mermaid" and comfortable with explicit content, T.R. Sherring's A Tale of Cursed Tides might be perfect for your next read. The mysteries and action are balanced with beautiful descriptions of royalty and seaside castle settings. Alara is a likable heroine who learns from her mistakes and cares about the people around her. Tarben is an appropriate match for her, and his colorful family adds interesting flavor to a familiar tale. A Tale of Cursed Tides comes out on March 26th to fulfill your mermaid fantasy needs.
Alara is a princess from a mermaid kingdom that was cursed by a powerful entity called The Crow due to her mother falling in love with a human prince. Because of this, none of the merfolk can leave their kingdom, separating them from family and friends. Alara makes a deal with The Crow to break the heart of a human prince to win her people's freedom. However, Alara is not the type of person capable of going around breaking hearts. She immediately falls into Prince Tarben's good graces when she rescues his little sister, Amalie, from drowning, and is welcomed into his court. The two grow closer, and Alara soon realizes that she isn't capable of completing her task.
Although Alara's time at the castle unravels into a series of murder mysteries, the violence in this book did not come off as overly gruesome. The author does a wonderful job of weaving whimsical fairy tale-themed descriptions of palace life, fashions, and food. Her lyrical prose made me wish she had spent more time offering fantastical descriptions of the mer-kingdom, but most of the book takes place on land. The writing works well for a fairy tale setting and made me feel like I was experiencing life in Tarben's castle right alongside Alara. The murders and hidden secrets create just enough of a sense of unease to keep readers on their toes.
The book's climax was satisfying and well-written, with a believable explanation for the tragedies that transpired. I believe this book is intended to be the first in a series, but it also stands alone effectively. The inspiration for "The Little Mermaid" is clear from Alara's selflessness in wanting to help her people and her ultimate refusal to harm the prince in order to save herself. However, she does not give up her voice or have the same closeness with her sisters and the rest of her mer-family. I'd say this book is darker than the original story because of the murders, but "The Little Mermaid" is also a pretty dark story, so it's a toss-up.
If you're a fan of "The Little Mermaid" and comfortable with explicit content, T.R. Sherring's A Tale of Cursed Tides might be perfect for your next read. The mysteries and action are balanced with beautiful descriptions of royalty and seaside castle settings. Alara is a likable heroine who learns from her mistakes and cares about the people around her. Tarben is an appropriate match for her, and his colorful family adds interesting flavor to a familiar tale. A Tale of Cursed Tides comes out on March 26th to fulfill your mermaid fantasy needs.
Read
March 23, 2026I was genuinely so excited to receive an ARC of A Tale of Cursed Tides by T.R. Sherring - a Little Mermaid-inspired romantasy with a murder mystery twist? Immediate yes.
At its core, this story follows Alara, a mer princess bound by a devastating curse that has trapped her people for twenty years. Her only chance to break it? Travel to the mortal world, make a prince fall in love with her… and then break his heart before the next full moon.
Easy. Obviously. What could possibly go wrong?
What I really enjoyed about this book is how much it leans into that central conflict. This isn’t a “love sneaks up on you” situation - Alara knows exactly what she’s doing, and that awareness makes every interaction feel more layered. Love isn’t soft here. It’s strategic, dangerous, and very capable of ruining everything.
The worldbuilding is easy to follow without being overwhelming, and I liked that the magic system had clear rules and consequences. The ocean, in particular, felt important beyond just aesthetics - its survival, identity, and something Alara is constantly at risk of losing, which added a strong emotional weight to her time on land.
We also get court politics, deception, a looming war, and a murder mystery running alongside the romance - and honestly, the mystery element was one of my favourite parts. It kept the stakes high and added that “just one more chapter” energy, especially in the second half when everything really starts escalating.
I was locked into Alara straight away - she’s morally grey, mission-focused, and not here to fall in love. Meanwhile, the prince is giving full lovesick puppy energy from the jump… which honestly tracks because he is peak golden retriever MMC. That contrast actually made the dynamic more fun to watch, especially as things started to shift.
By the time the twists started landing, I was hooked. Some reveals I saw coming, others genuinely surprised me, and the tension really paid off towards the end. The final stretch definitely delivered and left me very keen to see where the series goes next.
Overall, this was a fun and compelling read that blends romantasy, mystery, and classic fairytale elements into something easy to binge. If you love mermaids, curses, morally grey decisions, and a side of murder with your romance, this is absolutely worth picking up.
I’ll definitely be continuing the series - I need to see how these characters (and that chaos) evolve.
At its core, this story follows Alara, a mer princess bound by a devastating curse that has trapped her people for twenty years. Her only chance to break it? Travel to the mortal world, make a prince fall in love with her… and then break his heart before the next full moon.
Easy. Obviously. What could possibly go wrong?
What I really enjoyed about this book is how much it leans into that central conflict. This isn’t a “love sneaks up on you” situation - Alara knows exactly what she’s doing, and that awareness makes every interaction feel more layered. Love isn’t soft here. It’s strategic, dangerous, and very capable of ruining everything.
The worldbuilding is easy to follow without being overwhelming, and I liked that the magic system had clear rules and consequences. The ocean, in particular, felt important beyond just aesthetics - its survival, identity, and something Alara is constantly at risk of losing, which added a strong emotional weight to her time on land.
We also get court politics, deception, a looming war, and a murder mystery running alongside the romance - and honestly, the mystery element was one of my favourite parts. It kept the stakes high and added that “just one more chapter” energy, especially in the second half when everything really starts escalating.
I was locked into Alara straight away - she’s morally grey, mission-focused, and not here to fall in love. Meanwhile, the prince is giving full lovesick puppy energy from the jump… which honestly tracks because he is peak golden retriever MMC. That contrast actually made the dynamic more fun to watch, especially as things started to shift.
By the time the twists started landing, I was hooked. Some reveals I saw coming, others genuinely surprised me, and the tension really paid off towards the end. The final stretch definitely delivered and left me very keen to see where the series goes next.
Overall, this was a fun and compelling read that blends romantasy, mystery, and classic fairytale elements into something easy to binge. If you love mermaids, curses, morally grey decisions, and a side of murder with your romance, this is absolutely worth picking up.
I’ll definitely be continuing the series - I need to see how these characters (and that chaos) evolve.
March 12, 2026
4.5 stars
A Tale of Cursed Tides is a brilliant unique fantasy debut! Think The Little Mermaid retelling but much darker 😍
There was such beautiful world building in this book, it was richly detailed and not too heavy. I could fully immerse myself in the world and honestly didn’t want to leave it!!
The plot completely pulled me in and kept me hooked. The murder mystery was really intriguing, it had suspense, and I was constantly kept guessing who the murderer could be! The twists and turns were unpredictable . I was compelled to keep reading!!
Alara our morally grey FMC is as you’d expect, stubborn, a little selfish at times, thinks she knows best, jumps into things before thinking through the consequences and definitely makes some questionable choices. But, as we progress through the book, we see her want to do things for the right reasons, she begins to consider the consequences of her actions and how they impact others, and starts to let others in. Her growth and development was satisfying to see.
Tarben our MMC was very likeable. He’s a bit of a walking green flag and gives golden retriever vibes, so the bargain that Alara has made to break his heart is all the more hard hitting!
The romance begins as fake seduction until those feelings start to feel all too real! For me the romance was a little bit insta-lovey, he falls hard and fast but it was fun and done well. There is no spice in this book so it’s a slow burn in that sense, but there is still lots of palpable tension and chemistry!! And with that ending, who knows where this will go in subsequent books…👀
I really enjoyed A Tale of Cursed Tides, it was definitely a book that captured my attention and had me wanting to read ‘just one more chapter’. I didn’t know I needed a Romantasy mermaid story until I read this and was very pleasantly surprised. I will absolutely be continuing this series and am so excited to see where the story goes next in book 2 😍
You should definitely add this to your TBR if you love:
🩵Hidden identity
🤍He falls first
🩵Fake seduction
🤍Murder mystery
🩵Witches, Mermaids & Humans
🤍Secrets and betrayals
🩵Banter
🤍Dark Fairytale Retelling
🩵Morally Grey FMC
Thank you so much to the author T.R. Sherring for gifting me an arc. All opinions are my own.
A Tale of Cursed Tides is a brilliant unique fantasy debut! Think The Little Mermaid retelling but much darker 😍
There was such beautiful world building in this book, it was richly detailed and not too heavy. I could fully immerse myself in the world and honestly didn’t want to leave it!!
The plot completely pulled me in and kept me hooked. The murder mystery was really intriguing, it had suspense, and I was constantly kept guessing who the murderer could be! The twists and turns were unpredictable . I was compelled to keep reading!!
Alara our morally grey FMC is as you’d expect, stubborn, a little selfish at times, thinks she knows best, jumps into things before thinking through the consequences and definitely makes some questionable choices. But, as we progress through the book, we see her want to do things for the right reasons, she begins to consider the consequences of her actions and how they impact others, and starts to let others in. Her growth and development was satisfying to see.
Tarben our MMC was very likeable. He’s a bit of a walking green flag and gives golden retriever vibes, so the bargain that Alara has made to break his heart is all the more hard hitting!
The romance begins as fake seduction until those feelings start to feel all too real! For me the romance was a little bit insta-lovey, he falls hard and fast but it was fun and done well. There is no spice in this book so it’s a slow burn in that sense, but there is still lots of palpable tension and chemistry!! And with that ending, who knows where this will go in subsequent books…👀
I really enjoyed A Tale of Cursed Tides, it was definitely a book that captured my attention and had me wanting to read ‘just one more chapter’. I didn’t know I needed a Romantasy mermaid story until I read this and was very pleasantly surprised. I will absolutely be continuing this series and am so excited to see where the story goes next in book 2 😍
You should definitely add this to your TBR if you love:
🩵Hidden identity
🤍He falls first
🩵Fake seduction
🤍Murder mystery
🩵Witches, Mermaids & Humans
🤍Secrets and betrayals
🩵Banter
🤍Dark Fairytale Retelling
🩵Morally Grey FMC
Thank you so much to the author T.R. Sherring for gifting me an arc. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Genre: Adult Romantasy / Mystery
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❤️ Personal Takeaway
What a combination of heartwarming and nerve-wracking in one magical tale! This Little Mermaid retelling brings a fun morally grey twist to it, and adds a supernatural murder mystery ontop. A much darker version of the fairytales we grew up with, but still with so much heart and warm fuzzy feelings.
I didn't realize how much I've missed flirting in my romantasies... Bantering is everywhere, but actual fun, friendly flirty has been pretty rare to come by. Their chemistry was so adorable and steamy at the same time, while building up a genuine and sweet connection. I couldn't help but grin as I saw our FMC falling harder and harder despite trying to treat it like a mission. But honestly, who could resist Tarben? 💕 Such a charming guy with a big heart.
Sherring has such a way of painting the scene with decadent details and environments that come to life. Her depictions of the underwater realm were breathtaking, and the opulence of the palace made me want to soak it all in. It swings both ways though! Those creepier settings and scenes made me cringe in the best way. Even her character insights are colorful, full of fun sea-themed curses and comparisons.
I can't wait to explore more of the richly packed world Sherring has created! She's woven such a rich lore, broad collection of supernatural beings, and layered magic systems into an expansive map, and there's so much more to dive into for later books.
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🧩 Tropes
- Mermaid princess FMC
- Curse from a witch
- Bargain with impossible terms
- Mortal prince love interest
- Murder mystery with magic
- Race against the full moon
- Oops... I caught feelings
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🧵 Summary
A mermaid princess must break the curse on her kingdom by making a mortal prince fall in love with her, and then breaking his heart... only to find herself tangled in a rising body count, a magical murder mystery, and feelings she was never supposed to have.
---
🎭 Themes
- Duty vs. Desire
- The cost of bargains
- Love as both salvation and damnation
- Identity under pressure
---
🧭 Recommendation
Perfect for readers who love:
- Little mermaid retellings
- Morally grey FMCs
- Court intrigue and magical murders
---
Thank you to T.R. Sherring for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review! 💕
---
❤️ Personal Takeaway
What a combination of heartwarming and nerve-wracking in one magical tale! This Little Mermaid retelling brings a fun morally grey twist to it, and adds a supernatural murder mystery ontop. A much darker version of the fairytales we grew up with, but still with so much heart and warm fuzzy feelings.
I didn't realize how much I've missed flirting in my romantasies... Bantering is everywhere, but actual fun, friendly flirty has been pretty rare to come by. Their chemistry was so adorable and steamy at the same time, while building up a genuine and sweet connection. I couldn't help but grin as I saw our FMC falling harder and harder despite trying to treat it like a mission. But honestly, who could resist Tarben? 💕 Such a charming guy with a big heart.
Sherring has such a way of painting the scene with decadent details and environments that come to life. Her depictions of the underwater realm were breathtaking, and the opulence of the palace made me want to soak it all in. It swings both ways though! Those creepier settings and scenes made me cringe in the best way. Even her character insights are colorful, full of fun sea-themed curses and comparisons.
I can't wait to explore more of the richly packed world Sherring has created! She's woven such a rich lore, broad collection of supernatural beings, and layered magic systems into an expansive map, and there's so much more to dive into for later books.
---
🧩 Tropes
- Mermaid princess FMC
- Curse from a witch
- Bargain with impossible terms
- Mortal prince love interest
- Murder mystery with magic
- Race against the full moon
- Oops... I caught feelings
---
🧵 Summary
A mermaid princess must break the curse on her kingdom by making a mortal prince fall in love with her, and then breaking his heart... only to find herself tangled in a rising body count, a magical murder mystery, and feelings she was never supposed to have.
---
🎭 Themes
- Duty vs. Desire
- The cost of bargains
- Love as both salvation and damnation
- Identity under pressure
---
🧭 Recommendation
Perfect for readers who love:
- Little mermaid retellings
- Morally grey FMCs
- Court intrigue and magical murders
---
Thank you to T.R. Sherring for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review! 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alara exists in a land that has been cursed and locked away from the outside world. On the day of her ascension to full power, the witch that has cursed the land offers her a deal - she must have a mortal prince fall in love with her and break his heart - and her people will be freed. She agrees wholeheartedly, not truly understanding what she's promised until it's too late.
*****
I fear this book has become my new obsession. I am REELING from the ending, and immediately messaged the author to know how many more books are in the series, and if I can forever be on her ARC team because OMG. This book was SO good!
Alara immediately has a strong voice that sucks you in, even while she makes decisions that can be brash, callous and self-interested. She's intriguing, conniving, witty and sharp in mind and tongue. aka. I LOVED her. She's fighting for her people, for herself, and for the agreement her mother could not complete. Through all of it she's dealing with hiding her identity, cunning characters within the court, and a murderer that has their eye on her - whether setting her up, or taking her down.
Throughout it all there's an undercurrent of self-actualization as she stands on her own two feet in a world unknown. She pulls on past experience, the knowledge people slip while speaking amongst her, and her heart that's slowly learning how to care for others. It's beautiful, challenging, and sets a pace that had me forgoing sleep to burn through it.
From there we get an ending with twists and turns, and MORE TWISTS AND TURNS, until the final perspective that has me frothing at the mouth for the next book in the series. I had an inkling that was the direction the author would take it and I'm SO pleased, hence the obsessive use of capitalization in this review.
All in all, I'm obsessed. I need more. I'm going to absolutely devour the next book when it's out, so I need you all to buy this one so we can yell about itttttt.
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
I fear this book has become my new obsession. I am REELING from the ending, and immediately messaged the author to know how many more books are in the series, and if I can forever be on her ARC team because OMG. This book was SO good!
Alara immediately has a strong voice that sucks you in, even while she makes decisions that can be brash, callous and self-interested. She's intriguing, conniving, witty and sharp in mind and tongue. aka. I LOVED her. She's fighting for her people, for herself, and for the agreement her mother could not complete. Through all of it she's dealing with hiding her identity, cunning characters within the court, and a murderer that has their eye on her - whether setting her up, or taking her down.
Throughout it all there's an undercurrent of self-actualization as she stands on her own two feet in a world unknown. She pulls on past experience, the knowledge people slip while speaking amongst her, and her heart that's slowly learning how to care for others. It's beautiful, challenging, and sets a pace that had me forgoing sleep to burn through it.
From there we get an ending with twists and turns, and MORE TWISTS AND TURNS, until the final perspective that has me frothing at the mouth for the next book in the series. I had an inkling that was the direction the author would take it and I'm SO pleased, hence the obsessive use of capitalization in this review.
All in all, I'm obsessed. I need more. I'm going to absolutely devour the next book when it's out, so I need you all to buy this one so we can yell about itttttt.
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨
“I didn’t consider myself a dreamer… but on days like these, it was hard not to fantasize about swimming away.”
✨ Hidden identity
✨ He Falls First
✨ Fake Seduction
✨ Murder mystery
This book is so good. Twisty, immersive, and beautifully written in a way that pulls you into its world.
Alara is a mermaid princess of Vantillios, but looming over everything is a curse that has everything to do with control.
“It is a test. A test to see if you can do that which your own mother could not. Break the heart of the one who loves you.”
Thrown into the mortal world of Solvardunn, Alara is forced to perform, deceive, and survive in a royal court where every movement is watched and every word matters.
“Every movement I made would be scrutinized. Every word would be weighed.”
Alara absolutely gives main-character energy - self-centred, sharp-tongued, convinced she knows best - and yet somehow you love her for it, because when it counts, she chooses to do the right thing. Watching her grow, question herself, and reckon with the consequences of her choices is deeply satisfying.
The romance with Tarben simmers quietly in the background, more complication than comfort. It starts as performance, obligation, and manipulation… until it doesn’t feel fake anymore.
“Charming, funny and thoughtful, he was annoyingly hard to dislike.”
This is far more than a simple romantasy, it is a plot-driven obsession layered with murder, magic and deceit. The atmosphere is rich, the characters are so compelling, and the twists genuinely made me gasp out loud.
“It took every shred of my willpower to stop myself… but waiting will be worth it.”
A stunning, immersive debut that trusts its plot, rewards readers, and proves that a reimagining of a fairy tale can feel completely fresh when it’s this well executed.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
“I didn’t consider myself a dreamer… but on days like these, it was hard not to fantasize about swimming away.”
✨ Hidden identity
✨ He Falls First
✨ Fake Seduction
✨ Murder mystery
This book is so good. Twisty, immersive, and beautifully written in a way that pulls you into its world.
Alara is a mermaid princess of Vantillios, but looming over everything is a curse that has everything to do with control.
“It is a test. A test to see if you can do that which your own mother could not. Break the heart of the one who loves you.”
Thrown into the mortal world of Solvardunn, Alara is forced to perform, deceive, and survive in a royal court where every movement is watched and every word matters.
“Every movement I made would be scrutinized. Every word would be weighed.”
Alara absolutely gives main-character energy - self-centred, sharp-tongued, convinced she knows best - and yet somehow you love her for it, because when it counts, she chooses to do the right thing. Watching her grow, question herself, and reckon with the consequences of her choices is deeply satisfying.
The romance with Tarben simmers quietly in the background, more complication than comfort. It starts as performance, obligation, and manipulation… until it doesn’t feel fake anymore.
“Charming, funny and thoughtful, he was annoyingly hard to dislike.”
This is far more than a simple romantasy, it is a plot-driven obsession layered with murder, magic and deceit. The atmosphere is rich, the characters are so compelling, and the twists genuinely made me gasp out loud.
“It took every shred of my willpower to stop myself… but waiting will be worth it.”
A stunning, immersive debut that trusts its plot, rewards readers, and proves that a reimagining of a fairy tale can feel completely fresh when it’s this well executed.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ℑ 𝔴𝔞𝔰𝔫’𝔱 𝔧𝔲𝔰𝔱 𝔰𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔧𝔢𝔴𝔢𝔩; ℑ 𝔴𝔞𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔠𝔯𝔬𝔴𝔫.
First of all, I just wanna thank T. R. for giving me the opportunity to ARC read her debut 🥹
The Little Mermaid has always been one of my favourite fairy tales growing up, both reading it and watching it. So when I heard about a retelling, obviously I was excited!! 🤭 And this one adds a darker twist with a murder mystery lurking beneath the surface, which made the whole story even more interesting!! T.R.’s writing was so engaging that every chapter just made me want to keep reading more and more ☺️
I really loved Alara's character. She is a mermaid who also happens to be a princess. She’s morally gray, stubborn and incredibly determined, and it was so interesting to read about how she takes charge in whatever situation she finds herself in. Her confidence, courage and strength really know no bounds, especially when she takes the witch’s bargain to free her kingdom. That moment alone showed just how far she’s willing to go 🔥🔥🔥
The story also touches on court politics and the constant struggle of finding where you truly belong. Alara navigates power, loyalty, feelings and expectations while also trying to understand her own place in the world 🗡
The mystery aspect was such a fun and refreshing addition to the story. I loved trying to piece things together while reading, and when everything finally tied up at the end it actually made so much sense. And damnnn… I can’t spoil anything ughhh but some characters were convincing enough to completely fool me 😭
Tarben had so much golden retriever energy and ughhh that man 😮💨 I definitely understand why Alara fell for him 😂🤭 And Amalie was probably one of my favourite characters besides Alara. She’s carefree, witty, sarcastic, and just full of life, which made every scene with her so much fun to read 🫶
I feel like I have even more questions than before and I’m definitely looking forward to book 2 coz I need to know what happens next!!! ✨
First of all, I just wanna thank T. R. for giving me the opportunity to ARC read her debut 🥹
The Little Mermaid has always been one of my favourite fairy tales growing up, both reading it and watching it. So when I heard about a retelling, obviously I was excited!! 🤭 And this one adds a darker twist with a murder mystery lurking beneath the surface, which made the whole story even more interesting!! T.R.’s writing was so engaging that every chapter just made me want to keep reading more and more ☺️
I really loved Alara's character. She is a mermaid who also happens to be a princess. She’s morally gray, stubborn and incredibly determined, and it was so interesting to read about how she takes charge in whatever situation she finds herself in. Her confidence, courage and strength really know no bounds, especially when she takes the witch’s bargain to free her kingdom. That moment alone showed just how far she’s willing to go 🔥🔥🔥
The story also touches on court politics and the constant struggle of finding where you truly belong. Alara navigates power, loyalty, feelings and expectations while also trying to understand her own place in the world 🗡
The mystery aspect was such a fun and refreshing addition to the story. I loved trying to piece things together while reading, and when everything finally tied up at the end it actually made so much sense. And damnnn… I can’t spoil anything ughhh but some characters were convincing enough to completely fool me 😭
Tarben had so much golden retriever energy and ughhh that man 😮💨 I definitely understand why Alara fell for him 😂🤭 And Amalie was probably one of my favourite characters besides Alara. She’s carefree, witty, sarcastic, and just full of life, which made every scene with her so much fun to read 🫶
I feel like I have even more questions than before and I’m definitely looking forward to book 2 coz I need to know what happens next!!! ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC read this debut novel.
A Tale of Cursed Tides by T. R. Sherring is book one in the Lore of Orradon series and the author's debut novel. Mixing the story of The Little Mermaid with a murder mystery, the novel presents questions surrounding trust, storytelling, and what it means to break a spell— or, in this case, a curse.
The part of AToCT that I found the most interesting was the repeated calls to other forms of folklore, not just The Little Mermaid story. We have stories surrounding witchcraft, selkies, and the undead that all combine into an interesting world tapestry. I'm a folklore and mythology nerd, so seeing the selkie myth as well as beliefs surrounding other kinds of magic all coming together was a real pleasure for that part of my brain.
What delighted me the most about AToCT was that it was set in a queer normative world. Even if the world does not explicitly call out the queer normative quality— the FMC and MMC are both cis (ish? one of them is a mermaid) and the FMC mostly talks about bedding male Mer— there is no scorn or secretiveness required on behalf of the two characters who are queer for social reasons. All clandestine behavior is merely to allow one of the partners to continue advancing in his career. (All I can say without spoilers. Just trust me!)
If you adored The Little Mermaid growing up, but wanted to see Ariel do more than just be admired for her beauty, and you have a hankering for some folklore-infused writing and the witty way that fate steps in to help break a generation-long curse, consider picking up A Tale of Cursed Tides and waiting along with the rest of us for book two in the series.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC read this debut novel.
A Tale of Cursed Tides by T. R. Sherring is book one in the Lore of Orradon series and the author's debut novel. Mixing the story of The Little Mermaid with a murder mystery, the novel presents questions surrounding trust, storytelling, and what it means to break a spell— or, in this case, a curse.
The part of AToCT that I found the most interesting was the repeated calls to other forms of folklore, not just The Little Mermaid story. We have stories surrounding witchcraft, selkies, and the undead that all combine into an interesting world tapestry. I'm a folklore and mythology nerd, so seeing the selkie myth as well as beliefs surrounding other kinds of magic all coming together was a real pleasure for that part of my brain.
What delighted me the most about AToCT was that it was set in a queer normative world. Even if the world does not explicitly call out the queer normative quality— the FMC and MMC are both cis (ish? one of them is a mermaid) and the FMC mostly talks about bedding male Mer— there is no scorn or secretiveness required on behalf of the two characters who are queer for social reasons. All clandestine behavior is merely to allow one of the partners to continue advancing in his career. (All I can say without spoilers. Just trust me!)
If you adored The Little Mermaid growing up, but wanted to see Ariel do more than just be admired for her beauty, and you have a hankering for some folklore-infused writing and the witty way that fate steps in to help break a generation-long curse, consider picking up A Tale of Cursed Tides and waiting along with the rest of us for book two in the series.
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