Ocean Eyes: A Cursed Mermaid Romantasy

by Taubin Dupavillon

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

618 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 3, 2026

About the author

Taubin writes fantasy romance about dangerous women, impossible choices, and the kind of love that asks everything of you.
A lifelong fantasy reader, she's always been drawn to stories filled with myth, magic, and emotionally messy characters who survive impossible things. Ocean Eyes began with a single line in her notes app:
"A weapon shaped like a daughter."
When she's not writing, she's balancing life as a full-time copywriter and mother, usually with her two huskies nearby and her horses not far behind. Fantasy has always been her refuge—and writing this story felt like coming home.

Reviews

[Chloe Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - Contains Spoilers



I really enjoyed this book!! The slow burn enemies to lovers was great! I enjoyed the mermaid plot and all the characters introduced as well. For the most part the story flowed and I felt all the fmc felt with her duties and how it impacted her significantly!

A few things that did bother me though.
1. I didn’t like her instant connection with Luca, I thought it could have been elaborated more and not happen literally within like 24 hours. I found that part rushed and unrealistic.
2. For me it was obvious the moment she met Reave that he was the Ocean Prince. She was Literally told he had pale eyes and dark hair. And then when she met him he was described just that! And it was obvious as well as she would fall for him in the end as well.
3. The time frame for events and happenings was a little confusing as well as I never knew how much time passed when she was in Nyvaris.
4. Also did bother me how she stupidly left her knife behind, when she had been meticulously from the start of her hunts!

I enjoyed how the story developed as well as the massive twist at the end!
All together I absolutely enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the sequel!

[Carla Vorstman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a phenomenal debut novel! From the first page it had me reminiscing of high fantasy novels like a Throne of Glass and Eragon, yet still standing on its own with an epic world and plot.

From the first page the world building and character design draws you in, and has you eagerly waiting for the next opportunity where you can read more. I still find myself thinking about the novel well after finishing it, and cannot wait for the next one! The story is somewhat similar to others in terms of being assigned a quest which involves travel to a different country, however it is a truly unique take on the FMC, the world building and the political systems. I read quite a few books, especially in the fantasy/ romantasy genre, and this one truly stands out. I have DNFd many other “popular” books because they are the same old song and dance. As a fellow South African, this makes me proud and makes me want to take pen to paper as well!

I do have some minor “issues” in the book and they are as follows:

* The journey to Nyvaris felt a bit “rushed,” and perhaps could have something more exciting/ ominous happen a long the way.
* The meeting with Luca and the day following could have been drawn out a bit, with more investigation done as to what this bond between them is. It felt a bit like meeting a ‘soul mate’ and not thinking much of it.
* I would have liked to know what the letter that Luca sent pertaining to the 3 way bond between them and Syraah said. The whole bond felt a bit random and had me feeling lost. It was also strange that they mainly use this magnificent bird to carry letters.
* I would also like more clarification as to why the king and queen of Nyvaris are happy to have trade/ treaty agreements drawn up if they know exactly who the king and queen of Thalorea are.

I understand a debut novel must probably be a certain length, but I wish it was longer! I cannot wait to see how the story progresses. Well done Taubin! You are an inspiration!
Thank you for sharing your amazing novel!

[Adele Elouise · Rating 4 out of 5]

An immersive read with rich world-building and a fantastic mermaid plot! The FMC’s emotional journey really resonated—you truly feel the heavy weight of her duties and the toll they take on her. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic brought great tension, and that ending plot twist had me on the absolute edge of my seat.
While the story flowed well overall, a few elements felt a bit predictable or rushed. Reave’s true identity as the Ocean Prince was obvious from the moment his physical description was given, taking away the element of surprise. I also struggled with the instant connection with Luca; happening in under 24 hours felt far too fast, though I hope that subplot gets more room to breathe in the next book. Additionally, after years of successful hunts, her leaving sloppy evidence behind on the ship felt a bit out of character just to drive the plot forward, and the timeline became hard to gauge once the setting shifted to Nyvaris.
Despite those minor pacing and plot hiccups, every character felt purposefully integrated without ever feeling out of place. Between the wild final twist, the mysteries surrounding her past lives, and the unresolved questions about Luca, this story leaves you craving the sequel!

[Ashleigh Kleinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Copy Review: Ocean Eyes

Wow. Just wow. This book had everything!

Compelling Protagonist: Kaida is an absolute powerhouse—tormented yet completely badass, smart, fierce, and brilliantly dark.

Heartfelt Dynamic: I completely fell in love with the company she travels with, and I found myself genuinely laughing and crying right along with them. I absolutely adored Messer!

Unpredictable Plot: The twists and turns kept me hooked the entire time. While I predicted a few plot lines along the way, others (no spoilers!) left my mouth HANGING OPEN.

Romance: It hits the exact right note with enemies-to-lovers tension and spice ;)

Taubin has built a truly captivating world that pulls you in from the very first page. Combined with incredible depth of character and an inner turmoil that is so beautifully and rawly articulated, this story lingers long after you finish the final chapter.

[Amber Schonert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to ARC this read. We will start with this 💁🏼‍♀️ I’m not a huge mermaid fan, but it really didn’t matter because the story drew me in anyway. If you’re an ocean-loving girly, this is right up your alley.

Kaida is a princess who’s been raised as her father’s weapon, cursed to turn into a mermaid the second she touches salt water. She’s sent to the rival kingdom of Nyvaris with one job: gain their trust and kill the Ocean Prince. What starts as a straightforward mission quickly turns into something messier involving ancient magic, forgotten history, political games, and a whole lot of “who can I actually trust?”

The side characters is where it’s at! I loved them!

Overall it hooked me. If you like fantasy with political tension, identity struggles, and a mermaid element that doesn’t feel like the whole point of the story, give it a shot. Ocean-loving readers will live this!

[Hannah Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Ocean Eyes by Taubin Dupavillon

If you thought your reading slump was bad, wait until you meet Kaida.

Every once in a while, a fantasy romance comes along that completely disrupts the genre, and Ocean Eyes by Taubin Dupavillon does exactly that.

Fresh, atmospheric, and utterly addictive, this book doesn't just pull you into its world—it refuses to let you go until the very last page (and even then, good luck recovering).

At the heart of the story, is Kaida. She isn't just a strong heroine; she’s a masterclass in multi-layered character development. She is a protagonist who instantly anchors the narrative with her depth, strength, and vulnerability.

Taubin crafts her with endless depth—balancing quiet vulnerability with fierce strength, guarded walls with deep capacity for love. Watching her navigate this world layer by layer makes her feel fiercely alive, complex, and deeply relatable. You don't just read Kaida’s journey; you feel every heartbeat of it.

But what makes Ocean Eyes a rare masterpiece is how masterfully every single side character is woven into the tapestry.

Enter Piper: an absolute breath of fresh air, radiating pure joy and acting as the perfect, vibrant foil to Kaida. And then there’s Messer—whose razor-sharp sarcasm and quick wit will have you grinning out loud and immediately adding him to your top-tier book boyfriend list.

The cast feels wildly distinct, wonderfully real, and effortlessly written.

And the romance? Breathtaking. It builds with the kind of exquisite, electric tension that keeps you turning pages until 3 AM, delivering high-stakes emotional payoffs that leave your heart aching in the best possible way. Pair that with seamless world-building, a plot that keeps you guessing, and an ending that will throw you completely off balance while leaving you begging for mercy... and for Book 2.

Watching Taubin’s raw talent shine through every sentence of this debut is an absolute privilege. She hasn't just written a book; she’s created a universe and a cast of characters that will live in my head rent-free for the rest of my life!

Consider this your official warning: pick up Ocean Eyes right now, because Taubin Dupavillon is about to become the next massive name in Romantasy, and you’ll want to say you were here first!

5/5 stars.

[Vespera · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

AAA OKAY LISTEN TO ME RIGHT NOW I AM LITERALLY SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP ON THE FLOOR OVER THIS BOOK 😭😭😭 OCEAN EYES BY TAUBIN DUPAVILLON JUST BROKE MY ENTIRE EXISTENCE AND I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN! NEVER!!

First of all, A CURSED MERMAID ASSASSIN WHO TRANSFORMS EVERY TIME SHE TOUCHES SALT WATER?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Kaida is officially my all-time FAVORITE morally grey Romantasy FMC, period. She is dangerous, chaotic, unhinged, and I would literally throw myself into the ocean for her.
And CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE TROPES?! 🗣️🗣️🗣️
★ ENEMIES TO LOVERS THAT ACTUALLY DELIVERS 🔪❤️
★ A PRINCE SHE WAS SENT TO LITERAL KILL (the tension... HELLO?!) Tension-filled sparring on the mat?! 👀 "GOOD GIRL" AND "MY GIRL" LINES THAT HAD ME COVERING MY FACE AND SQUEALINNNNG AT 3 AM ★AN ALMOST ONE-BED TROPE
★HIDDEN POWERS, FORGOTTEN PROPHECIES, AND FOUND FAMILY AT ITS ABSOLUTE FINEST 🕯️
AND THE YEARNING. THE YEARNINGGGGGG!!!! 💔
The slow burn was SO painfully exquisite that my soul completely left my body. Every single look, every touch, every teasing comment ("he is a total tease in bed" BYE 💀👋) had me holding my breath like I was submerged underwater myself! 🌊
Also, MOVE OVER DRAGONS!! 🐉🚫 EVERYONE IS OBSESSED WITH DRAGONS BUT GOBBLE THIS UP: KAIDA AND HER GIANT BIRD SYRAAH (AN ASHKARA) ARE THE MOST ICONIC DUO TO EVER EXIST!! 🦅✨ The bond between them is everything, and honestly? Having her horse approve of him too was just pure perfection.
The writing was so ridiculously immersive it felt like I was physically standing on the shores of Restitute Bay, traversing the Astmana Mountains, and sneaking through the Myranthen palace. THE PLOT. THE CHARACTER ARCS. THE WORLD-BUILDING. HOW IS THIS A DEBUT NOVEL?! Taubin Dupavillon wrote an absolute MASTERPIECE.
AND THE COVER?! IT IS SO ETHERIALLY BEAUTIFUL AND EPHEMERAL I WANT TO FRAME IT AND SHRINE IT ON MY BOOKSHELF FOREVER 🖼️💙
4/5 ⭐ (DEDUCTING ONE SINGLE STAR ONLY BECAUSE MY POOR HEART COULD NOT HANDLE THIS LEVEL OF EMOTIONAL DAMAGE AND ENDING WTF PLEASE GIVE ME BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW I BEG YOU I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED OR I WILL NOT SURVIVE)
Huge, massive thank you to the author Taubin Dupavillon and Olive Press Publishing for the eARC! I am utterly obsessed, totally wrecked, and making this entire book my whole personality now, THANKS BYE 🌊🪽💙

[charniedoveisreading_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

'Ocean Eyes' may be advertised as a mermaid fantasy, but it is so much more than that!
We follow our main character, Kaida, a cursed princess who is ultimately weaponised by her father to bring power and riches to her family and their kingdom. When her father issues her a new mission, to travel to the kingdom of Nyvaris under the guise of negotiating a trade agreement, Kaida knows that this mission may be the one that permanently soils her soul.

I really enjoyed the extensive world building and breakdown of the political landscape that the author provides us with in the early stages of the novel. While it does slow the pacing of the first half of the book a bit, it ultimately lays the foundation upon which the rest of the story unfolds. We really get a chance to ground ourselves in the world that the author is creating and I personally appreciated that element immensely- its very reminisce of high fantasy novels, without the expansive cast of characters.

But the story really starts to take off in the second half! So much happens in the second half, and the novel really leans into its fantasy, adventure feelings. We get to see Kaida in all her strength and power as she decides to take control of her destiny and do what she needs to do for herself. I love the found family element that develops between our characters, and the fact that they stand by Kaida through it all and ground her as she navigates the challenges she faces. Kaida herself is a flawed character who, despite her royal upbringing, tends to make really emotional decisions at time, but it makes her all the more likeable.

The ending of the novel had me gasping, and I devoured the last 20% of the novel in a heartbeat. Ending the novel on a cliffhanger has me frothing at the mouth for book two. While this is a long novel already, I genuinely wish we had another 100 pages or so at the end to see what happens next.

A really successful debut novel!

[Cheryl Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ocean Eyes may genuinely be the best debut novel I have ever read. I felt EVERY possible emotion reading this book. I was kicking my feet and giggling, wiping away actual tears, and at certain points so mad that I couldn’t believe the author would do that to me.

Kaida is everything I want in an FMC. She’s strong but feminine, loyal and funny, steadfast but soft. She has this quiet strength and goodness about her while still feeling like a real person, and I absolutely adored her.

And somehow, even with such a large cast, the side characters never felt like side characters. They were so incredibly fleshed out. Mess had me actually laughing out loud with his innuendos. Watching Piper grow in confidence and experience that sense of girlhood and friendship with Kaida was so sweet. And Kahan and Damiano brought this stable, steady presence that made me love them even more.

It’s so rare to find a book with THIS much actual storytelling while still having such rich descriptions and character development. There was so much happening, but I never felt like we lost those smaller moments that made me genuinely care about these characters.

By the end, I felt like I knew them. I was attached to them. Which, of course, made every betrayal hurt that much more.

And now??? I need to know what our beautiful mermaid is going to do after realizing just how deeply she’s been betrayed by the people she held closest.

I loved the gentle, loving turn this story took. I loved watching Kaida remain soft despite everything the world threw at her.

But for the sequel?

I want the opposite.

Give me the rage. Give me the consequences. Give me a mermaid who has HAD ENOUGH.

I’m ready.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ocean Eyes… I absolutely loved how this book begins. The writing is incredibly descriptive, atmospheric and immersive, and I loved how slowly we get to know Kaida. Rather than being given her entire history and motivations immediately, we’re almost as closed off from her as the people around her, which made her feel mysterious and intriguing. I found myself constantly forming opinions about her and then questioning them as more was revealed.

My only frustration was the passage of time. There are moments where quite a lot happens between chapters, and while I understand that the book is already a substantial read, I actually found myself wanting MORE. I wanted to sit in certain moments for longer and experience more of the journey rather than having time move forward so quickly. That said, the plot itself kept me guessing, and I genuinely struggled to predict some of the twists, which I absolutely loved. There’s something so satisfying about a fantasy book that doesn’t let you figure everything out immediately.

What I loved most, though, is that this felt genuinely different. I’ve been reading a ridiculous amount of fantasy lately, and I’ve started to notice how easily stories can begin to feel repetitive. This was nothing like anything I’ve recently read, which was incredibly refreshing. So grateful to be one of the first to read this locally South African, incredibly imaginative, beautifully descriptive noval and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to fall in love with the powerhouse that is Kaida! And if you’re a fantasy reader looking for something that feels different, I’d definitely recommend giving it a read.

[Centaine Grobler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless doesn’t quite cut it.
This was one of those books where your heart sinks when you realize you only have one chapter left… and then you’re hit with a twist so incredible that you’re practically screaming at the pages because you cannot believe what you’ve just read. And then comes the crying, not just because of the ending, but because now I have to WAIT for the next book.

Truly, this is one of the best books I’ve read in years. The story completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading, wondering what was coming next, replaying moments in my head and now that I’ve finished it, it’s somehow still sitting there in the back of my mind.
Taubin Dupavillon has an incredible talent for dragging you completely under the surface and just when you think you know where things are going, another unexpected turn comes along and leaves you questioning everything. The twists, the adventure, the characters… I was ALL IN.
And the characters? You will fall in love with them. You’ll root for them, worry about them, and probably yell at them too.

This debut novel is genuinely phenomenal. The perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, mystery, and characters you can’t help but become invested in.
10/10. Absolutely, wholeheartedly recommend.
If you love fantasy, adventure, unexpected twists, and stories that stay with you long after you’ve put the book down, you need to read this book.
I cannot wait to see what this incredibly talented author does next.

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me Ocean Eyes is the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. Taubin Dupavillon creates something deeply captivating, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant, drawing you into a world that feels both intimate and expansive. I ate this up in 2 sittings!

Dupavillon has written with a beautiful sense of depth throughout, making you feel every emotion that aided the imagery coming together in a way that gave me the most amazing experience as i felt immersed. The title itself feels perfectly fitting—the ocean becomes more than a setting or image it evoked serious mystery to me, alongside beauty, longing, and the vastness of human emotions 😭😭😭

What makes it stand out is the feeling behind it. There is a sincerity and sensitivity that makes it easy to connect with, while keeping me seriously engaged from beginning to end. It had a sort of soft quality that invites you to pause, reread, and reflect on what you've just read, then want to reread it to experience it again from a different perspective.

Taubin you deserves so much credit for creating something that is memorable & going to remain memorable to everyone who reads it.. This is not simply a five-star experience—it deserves an extra star for the atmosphere, emotion, and lasting impression it left behind for me. 👀😭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 6/5 stars.
Beautiful, evocative, and unforgettable. Ocean Eyes is truly a standout story.

[Lumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Olive Press Publishing for the ARC.

Plot 4/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4.25/5
Interest 4/5

Overall 4/5

-Thus book was a great story as a whole, it had an intriguing plot line with good characters to follow it through, and then add the side plots, it made a very good book. I would have liked to have more siren moments though, because I feel like the whole story is built on that but we don’t really see it.

-The characters were great. I liked Kaida, she was a sweet and caring character despite her being this supposedly deadly siren. The side characters were also really nice, though I feel like we could have seen and known the villains slightly better.

-The ending really surprised me. It’s exactly the type of ending I love, but, I feel like it didn’t really suit the characters well enough. I feel like it would have worked better for a way more toxic couple than what we were given. However, I still appreciate the suddenness and surprise.

[Blaise Twigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely gobbled this book up. I grew up reading the likes of Maria V Snyders Poison Study, Trudi Canavan, Brandon Sanderson and more recently the worlds of Sarah J Maas and Fourth Wing.
If you enjoy action adventure fantasy, with a strong leading female character (Kaida) a backdrop of kingdoms, politics, arduous journeys on horse and of course romance (the least interesting thing about this complex main character) then don’t skip this book.
This also has one of the most interesting religious systems I have read in a long while, I love when writers manage to still make ideas feel new even when every possible plot line has been written before.
10/10 read!!!!

[Zahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read was absolute MAGIC💖


Kaida is the morally grey FMC I have been waiting for! I loved seeing the tables turned and experiencing the inner turmoil that comes with our favourite trope. Getting to meet all her animals and watching her learn to make friends along her journey brought such warmth to my heart. Then, watching all the twists and turns unfold tore me apart.

I'm not sure what to do with myself now that it's all over. Between the world-building, character dynamics, politics, and romantic intrigue, this tale had the perfect balance of it all.

I cannot wait to see what's in store for the next one!!!