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The Otherworld #3
Bride of the Sea
The Little Mermaid meets Irish Mythology in this retelling of the beloved classic… An Otherworld Series Companion Novel
Once upon a time…
Saoirse dreams of land. Her father has other plans, and intends to marry her off as soon as possible. When a ship sinks near her home, she carries the only surviving sailor to a faerie blessed isle and plans her escape. Who better to help her than a man with few scruples and little cares in the world?
Manus dreams of the sea. He spent every coin in his pockets to get back on a ship but never expected the vessel to sink. When a merrow saves him, he realizes the chance meeting is an opportunity. She could make him rich and become his good luck charm, so the legends say. Now, he just needs to get off the isle she’s trapped him on.
They intend to use each other, but find their souls drawn together bit by bit. Can either leave the isle and the sea without losing their hearts in the bargain?
Once upon a time…
Saoirse dreams of land. Her father has other plans, and intends to marry her off as soon as possible. When a ship sinks near her home, she carries the only surviving sailor to a faerie blessed isle and plans her escape. Who better to help her than a man with few scruples and little cares in the world?
Manus dreams of the sea. He spent every coin in his pockets to get back on a ship but never expected the vessel to sink. When a merrow saves him, he realizes the chance meeting is an opportunity. She could make him rich and become his good luck charm, so the legends say. Now, he just needs to get off the isle she’s trapped him on.
They intend to use each other, but find their souls drawn together bit by bit. Can either leave the isle and the sea without losing their hearts in the bargain?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2018
316 people are currently reading
3721 people want to read
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Emma Hamm
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
August 5, 2018
DNF at 50% because this isn't my thing at this point and because I'm having a strong, allergic reaction to both Saoirse and Magnus. Still...as far as gritty, Irish, mythology/fairytale versions of The Little Mermaid goes...the Irish mythology part was a nice twist.
THE GOOD
1) Can essentially be treated as a standalone from the Heart of the Fae duology...although I'll say I liked that duology's retelling better of Beauty and the Beast.
2) The beginning was kinda interesting as you see clear parallels to the Disney movie's take on the tale.
THE BAD
1) The moment we start introducing Saoirsea and Magnus on that isolated beach à la Circe -style was the moment I lost all hope for liking them. Magnus was apparently deliberately written as an initially unlikeable character but I'm not waiting around until the end of the book for his redemption.
And Saoirse? You silly, bland, too-stupid-to-function mermaid.
2) Overall absence of book chemistry after the 40-something percent mark.
FINAL THOUGHTS
After the mess that was The Surface Breaks, I'm not feeling any The Little Mermaid retellings at the moment...other than To Kill A Kingdom, of course.
THE GOOD
1) Can essentially be treated as a standalone from the Heart of the Fae duology...although I'll say I liked that duology's retelling better of Beauty and the Beast.
2) The beginning was kinda interesting as you see clear parallels to the Disney movie's take on the tale.
THE BAD
1) The moment we start introducing Saoirsea and Magnus on that isolated beach à la Circe -style was the moment I lost all hope for liking them. Magnus was apparently deliberately written as an initially unlikeable character but I'm not waiting around until the end of the book for his redemption.
And Saoirse? You silly, bland, too-stupid-to-function mermaid.
2) Overall absence of book chemistry after the 40-something percent mark.
FINAL THOUGHTS
After the mess that was The Surface Breaks, I'm not feeling any The Little Mermaid retellings at the moment...other than To Kill A Kingdom, of course.
February 17, 2018
I might be a little biased, but I sure think this is a 5 star book. Stay in touch below for more information and sneak peeks before publication!
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March 24, 2019
I was so looking forward to reading this twist/retelling of The Little Mermaid, but it just fell flat for me.
Manus, who has a tiny, tiny drop of Fae blood is a human ensnared by the ocean, it is his first love/obsession. Saoirse a merrow (mermaid), yearns for something more than the traditional merrow life deep in the sea, she has no desire to be bound to a male merrow – finding them hideous, and too often to be bitter brutes, due to the fact they are stuck in darkness of the deep floor of the sea. When she saves Manus from a shipwreck, she finds a man she wants, who symbolises all that merrow men are not
Manus in this book was an Ass, and a big Douche at times, I seriously did not get Saoirse’s fascination with him. He had me frowning in displeasure a lot. He seemed to view Saoirse more as a possession than an equal partner.
There was no real chemistry between Manus and Saoirse - I didn’t feel it throughout the book, there was a sense of emotional warmth in the epilogue but prior to that nada.
Also, I was expecting the merrow men to come looking for Saoirse whether it be to punish or drag her back, but they vanish from the story/book, and the disappearance felt odd.
The good thing is that this can be treated as a standalone from the Heart of the Fae duology.
The basis of this book had so much potential, but the main characters, their depiction and interactions meant that the execution just didn’t work for me.
Acquired via KU.
Manus, who has a tiny, tiny drop of Fae blood is a human ensnared by the ocean, it is his first love/obsession. Saoirse a merrow (mermaid), yearns for something more than the traditional merrow life deep in the sea, she has no desire to be bound to a male merrow – finding them hideous, and too often to be bitter brutes, due to the fact they are stuck in darkness of the deep floor of the sea. When she saves Manus from a shipwreck, she finds a man she wants, who symbolises all that merrow men are not
Manus in this book was an Ass, and a big Douche at times, I seriously did not get Saoirse’s fascination with him. He had me frowning in displeasure a lot. He seemed to view Saoirse more as a possession than an equal partner.
There was no real chemistry between Manus and Saoirse - I didn’t feel it throughout the book, there was a sense of emotional warmth in the epilogue but prior to that nada.
Also, I was expecting the merrow men to come looking for Saoirse whether it be to punish or drag her back, but they vanish from the story/book, and the disappearance felt odd.
The good thing is that this can be treated as a standalone from the Heart of the Fae duology.
The basis of this book had so much potential, but the main characters, their depiction and interactions meant that the execution just didn’t work for me.
Acquired via KU.
June 8, 2019
I loved the Irish mythology twist to this retelling of the little mermaid. The world building was absolutely gorgeous, but I couldn't stand the romance between Manus and Saoirse.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
Read
April 11, 2018I throughly enjoyed this book. I received a digital arc for an honest review and I loved this book.
It’s a The Little Mermaid retelling, I know Disney’s version isn’t all that accurate, but with this story, you get to see the real side of your decisions and the things you’d do for love.
It’s a dark story with some Irish Mythology but I absolutely devoured it. I finished it in two sittings.
I give it four stars because I was a bit slow to get into it, and struggled to understand some of the terminology(even though there’s a guide at the front of the book)
Overall, I recommend you read this book. It releases it early April and is available for preorder now! I can’t wait to hold a finished copy and I look forward to reading more work from Emma Hamm.
It’s a The Little Mermaid retelling, I know Disney’s version isn’t all that accurate, but with this story, you get to see the real side of your decisions and the things you’d do for love.
It’s a dark story with some Irish Mythology but I absolutely devoured it. I finished it in two sittings.
I give it four stars because I was a bit slow to get into it, and struggled to understand some of the terminology(even though there’s a guide at the front of the book)
Overall, I recommend you read this book. It releases it early April and is available for preorder now! I can’t wait to hold a finished copy and I look forward to reading more work from Emma Hamm.
April 17, 2018
Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
I knew that the tale of Manus was going to be told at some point! Following the first two books of the series (which are a Beauty and the Beast retelling), Bride of the Sea takes place few years before the first two books and tells the story of Saoirse, a merrow, and Manus.
Knowing that this was a Little Mermaid retelling, I feared that Emma Hamm was going to tear my heart out, since many retellings of the tale have really cruel endings, but in this book, I loved the descriptions, how the romance grew and how from Saoirse's eyes you can see the life and the world Emma Hamm has created for her characters!
At the same time, the designs of the characters in the book matched perfectly with the cover art! It's one of the few times when I am so excited for a cover that depicts the characters shown and it's easy to imagine them (also check out Emma's Instagram! She has commissioned art too!)
There is also a new secondary character whose story I am very curious to find out and mostly to discover more amazing stories from Emma! She is very talented and her books are hidden gems!
Emotional, lovely and heartfelt Bride of the Sea will sweep you away!
I knew that the tale of Manus was going to be told at some point! Following the first two books of the series (which are a Beauty and the Beast retelling), Bride of the Sea takes place few years before the first two books and tells the story of Saoirse, a merrow, and Manus.
Knowing that this was a Little Mermaid retelling, I feared that Emma Hamm was going to tear my heart out, since many retellings of the tale have really cruel endings, but in this book, I loved the descriptions, how the romance grew and how from Saoirse's eyes you can see the life and the world Emma Hamm has created for her characters!
At the same time, the designs of the characters in the book matched perfectly with the cover art! It's one of the few times when I am so excited for a cover that depicts the characters shown and it's easy to imagine them (also check out Emma's Instagram! She has commissioned art too!)
There is also a new secondary character whose story I am very curious to find out and mostly to discover more amazing stories from Emma! She is very talented and her books are hidden gems!
Emotional, lovely and heartfelt Bride of the Sea will sweep you away!
April 2, 2018
Another fantasy-filled adventure with the Celtic Fae, Hamm recreates "The Little Mermaid" with danger, intrigue, and romance. Lovely storytelling and the introduction of characters, like the devilish Declan, who I want to know much more about. This was my kind of retelling of a familiar tale with a touch of darkness and of the creepy that had me turning every page. Though seemingly star-crossed lovers, Manus and Saoirse are actually made for each other.
Recommended to all lovers of Celtic folklore and fantasy romance.
Recommended to all lovers of Celtic folklore and fantasy romance.
April 1, 2022
If you enjoy reading mermaid or siren stories, you will enjoy reading this one. For me, it was like every mermaid story except some other magical faes who had major part in the main character's decision. Also the male main character Manus is from the first book, he is the sailor who took Sorcha to the abandoned isle. It was nice to connect the dots.
This story takes place before the first book and maybe some would like to read this book first, but there is no order required specifically to read this one.
This story takes place before the first book and maybe some would like to read this book first, but there is no order required specifically to read this one.
May 23, 2018
1.) Heart of the Fae ★★★★★
2.) Veins of Magic ★★★★
The concept of this book was incredible. I mean of course it's another retelling of The Little Mermaid, but it bears little resembles with that original fairytale. This is a standalone book in The Otherworld series and you don't have to have read the first two books in this series to understand this one it's entirely separate. This book did make some references to the world where this series takes place in like Hy-brasil and the unruly prince which made me grin.
Saoirse is a merrow which is a sea creature from the Irish mythology. Her father intents to marry her to one of the marrow men who are repulsive to look at and only care about themselves. Saoirse saves a human man who she brings to an abandoned island in faerie land named Manus. Being as inexperienced as Saoirse she is drawn into him from the moment she meets him because he's different than any of the marrow men that she has known. She fall in love with him.
Surely this is the premise of every retelling of The Little Mermaid, but this is where the story starts to change. Saoirse is willing to leave everything behind so that she can follow her sailor to a place where only humans live.
Of course throughout the story we are met with plenty of magical creatures which we've already read about in the first two books, but we also meet some new ones like a Bean Síde and a the Cù Sìth. There are even mentions of Cú Chulainn in this one who is my favorite hero in Irish mythology and I've read quite a lot about him.
Still the thing that bothered me most about this book was Manus. I'm going to flatly admit that I didn't like all that much. I know that he was supposed to come off as shallow and kind of pigheaded but he didn't come of as a very endearing person to me. I don't mind that he was a flawed character because that's a real trait, but he wasn't charming to me at all. I found him to be rather dull and Saoirse deserves better than him. I also wasn't a fan of how their romance developed and especially passed the 50% part of this book because after that I started to dislike it even more and the plot wasn't exhelling either.
Still this is a great book if you want to read more about merrows and Irish mythology. For me this just didn't exactly work out.
2.) Veins of Magic ★★★★
The concept of this book was incredible. I mean of course it's another retelling of The Little Mermaid, but it bears little resembles with that original fairytale. This is a standalone book in The Otherworld series and you don't have to have read the first two books in this series to understand this one it's entirely separate. This book did make some references to the world where this series takes place in like Hy-brasil and the unruly prince which made me grin.
Saoirse is a merrow which is a sea creature from the Irish mythology. Her father intents to marry her to one of the marrow men who are repulsive to look at and only care about themselves. Saoirse saves a human man who she brings to an abandoned island in faerie land named Manus. Being as inexperienced as Saoirse she is drawn into him from the moment she meets him because he's different than any of the marrow men that she has known. She fall in love with him.
Surely this is the premise of every retelling of The Little Mermaid, but this is where the story starts to change. Saoirse is willing to leave everything behind so that she can follow her sailor to a place where only humans live.
Of course throughout the story we are met with plenty of magical creatures which we've already read about in the first two books, but we also meet some new ones like a Bean Síde and a the Cù Sìth. There are even mentions of Cú Chulainn in this one who is my favorite hero in Irish mythology and I've read quite a lot about him.
Still the thing that bothered me most about this book was Manus. I'm going to flatly admit that I didn't like all that much. I know that he was supposed to come off as shallow and kind of pigheaded but he didn't come of as a very endearing person to me. I don't mind that he was a flawed character because that's a real trait, but he wasn't charming to me at all. I found him to be rather dull and Saoirse deserves better than him. I also wasn't a fan of how their romance developed and especially passed the 50% part of this book because after that I started to dislike it even more and the plot wasn't exhelling either.
Still this is a great book if you want to read more about merrows and Irish mythology. For me this just didn't exactly work out.
February 28, 2018
This fairytale retelling is The little mermaid mixed with dark Irish mythology and was definitely fun from beginning to end. The little mermaid is one of my absolute FAVORITE fairytales so when I found out this was a retelling I was IMMEDIATELY on board! Now I know that the Disney version of this isn't entirely accurate, but I've grown up on Disney movies so a part of me was expecting something different. I was pleasantly surprised. I think my favorite part of this specific retelling is the fact that you don't exactly get the fun, colorful, always happy little mermaid. You get the slightly darker real version and when you mix in some Irish mythology and scruffy pirates it's perfect!
I did knock out half a star on this rating only because there were certain scene transitions that were a bit confusing to me. For example one minute they're in a cave (underwater) with treasures and the next they're swimming frantically up some kind of pipe to get back to shore. Where did the pipe come from? Was it always there? It all just happens so quickly that I lost track of the scene and I would've love more description. Other than that I loved this! I received this as an arc and it doesn't actually come out until early April but make sure to pre order this ASAP and put it on your tbr!
4.5 stars for me!!!
I did knock out half a star on this rating only because there were certain scene transitions that were a bit confusing to me. For example one minute they're in a cave (underwater) with treasures and the next they're swimming frantically up some kind of pipe to get back to shore. Where did the pipe come from? Was it always there? It all just happens so quickly that I lost track of the scene and I would've love more description. Other than that I loved this! I received this as an arc and it doesn't actually come out until early April but make sure to pre order this ASAP and put it on your tbr!
4.5 stars for me!!!
March 31, 2018
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
This retelling of a classic had me dying for more. Saoirse, a mermaid is being forced to choose a husband, but when she refuses, her father chooses for her. When Saoirse saves the life of Manus, a human, their worlds suddenly collide. Both Manus and Saoirse plan to use the other to escape their current lives, but fate has other plans.
Emma Hamm has splashed her way into my heart with this book. I absolutely adored this retelling and the twists she threw in. I am so excited to jump into her other books. Because if they are half as good as this one, I know I am going to love rest of The Otherworld.
If you like mermaids, love, and the open sea than this book is definitely for you. It has all you could want in a book, drama, love, and amazing characters. Saoirse will have you wrapped around her tail in no time.
4.5 Stars
This retelling of a classic had me dying for more. Saoirse, a mermaid is being forced to choose a husband, but when she refuses, her father chooses for her. When Saoirse saves the life of Manus, a human, their worlds suddenly collide. Both Manus and Saoirse plan to use the other to escape their current lives, but fate has other plans.
Emma Hamm has splashed her way into my heart with this book. I absolutely adored this retelling and the twists she threw in. I am so excited to jump into her other books. Because if they are half as good as this one, I know I am going to love rest of The Otherworld.
If you like mermaids, love, and the open sea than this book is definitely for you. It has all you could want in a book, drama, love, and amazing characters. Saoirse will have you wrapped around her tail in no time.
January 6, 2021
Terrible plot, terrible love story, terrible characters, and a predictable ending. Just, ... ew.
April 4, 2018
The first thing I want to talk about is that cover! Have you ever seen such a beautiful cover? I knew I was going to love this book from the day the of the cover reveal. It's gorgeous!I per-ordered the kindle version to read today (release day, obviously) but also had to order a paper back just for that cover. *sigh*
This book was very different. Good different. Emma Hamm writes deeply flawed characters who make mistakes. I find it a bit ironic that though some of Emma's characters aren't human at all, they're all more "human" than your average book hero or heroine. I love and hate it. Love it because it makes the characters so much more believable, and hate it because it makes me want to rail at them for making bad choices.
I am a sucker for Celtic mythology. I love all of the mythological elements of this story (and in the whole series). It was so fun to read about Merrows, Leprechauns and Faeries. I found myself hoping the next book belongs to a certain leprechaun prince in need of a happily ever after. :D
Saoirse and Manus are a uniquely interesting couple. They were rather thrown together Like many couples, all of their difficulties could've been avoided if they had just communicated with each other. Throughout the story they both learn some valuable lessons, and grow together. I really enjoyed their journey.
This book concluded beautifully. It does not end on a cliffhanger. The epilogue gives a lovely glimpse into the future. I do have to say though, when it was all said and done, I still wanted more. I don't believe that this is a reflection on the writing, but rather me just being greedy. I always want more. Especially from Emma Hamm.
Highly recommend this story for lovers of Celtic Mythology, Faeries, Merrows/Mermaids, New Adult, ect.
This book was very different. Good different. Emma Hamm writes deeply flawed characters who make mistakes. I find it a bit ironic that though some of Emma's characters aren't human at all, they're all more "human" than your average book hero or heroine. I love and hate it. Love it because it makes the characters so much more believable, and hate it because it makes me want to rail at them for making bad choices.
I am a sucker for Celtic mythology. I love all of the mythological elements of this story (and in the whole series). It was so fun to read about Merrows, Leprechauns and Faeries. I found myself hoping the next book belongs to a certain leprechaun prince in need of a happily ever after. :D
Saoirse and Manus are a uniquely interesting couple. They were rather thrown together Like many couples, all of their difficulties could've been avoided if they had just communicated with each other. Throughout the story they both learn some valuable lessons, and grow together. I really enjoyed their journey.
This book concluded beautifully. It does not end on a cliffhanger. The epilogue gives a lovely glimpse into the future. I do have to say though, when it was all said and done, I still wanted more. I don't believe that this is a reflection on the writing, but rather me just being greedy. I always want more. Especially from Emma Hamm.
Highly recommend this story for lovers of Celtic Mythology, Faeries, Merrows/Mermaids, New Adult, ect.
October 3, 2018
Indeed this book was something different, as the author mentions in the afterword. It is a little mermaid retelling, yet it took me quite a long time to realize how deep into the little mermaid story this one goes. I know well the original Andersen's version and the Disney version and although both of them deal with the issue of belonging somewhere and of girl changing her life drastically for love, in both cases another girl is the complication the mermaid has to solve. Not in this story where Saorise is the only woman in Manus life, yet her human existence is so difficult for her.
To be honest, I was not fond of Manus even at the end of the book. He indeed is quite selfish, overly materialistic and in direct opposition to Saorise, he seems to be unable to take another point of view into the account. For a great portion of the book, I was convinced Saorise choose an abusive man for herself. I know, she tried too hard to please him in any way, but his continuous claims that she is his wife were a serious red light for me. I was so happy for Declan being present in the story to keep an eye on a poor girl who was too late told how a loving and healthy relationship looks like.
To sum it up, this is a story about a woman whose destiny is to suffer and who has to nearly die to break free from this suffering. However foolish she behaves, it is from her own intent, which I appreciate. I enjoyed the emotions described and how even everyday situations were described so well that any part of the book didn't feel as redundant. It is not a story driven book, but a considerably deep image of a girl looking for her place in the world without a map.
To be honest, I was not fond of Manus even at the end of the book. He indeed is quite selfish, overly materialistic and in direct opposition to Saorise, he seems to be unable to take another point of view into the account. For a great portion of the book, I was convinced Saorise choose an abusive man for herself. I know, she tried too hard to please him in any way, but his continuous claims that she is his wife were a serious red light for me. I was so happy for Declan being present in the story to keep an eye on a poor girl who was too late told how a loving and healthy relationship looks like.
To sum it up, this is a story about a woman whose destiny is to suffer and who has to nearly die to break free from this suffering. However foolish she behaves, it is from her own intent, which I appreciate. I enjoyed the emotions described and how even everyday situations were described so well that any part of the book didn't feel as redundant. It is not a story driven book, but a considerably deep image of a girl looking for her place in the world without a map.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2019
This is a wonderful retelling of a classic story we have all come to love: The Little Mermaid. This story though has a darker side to it, with some Irish mythology and Faerie folklore weaved in between the lines.
I started reading Emma's books with Heart of the Fae and immediately fell in love with her style of writing and the originality of the stories themselves. I love a good retelling that involves my favorites: Faeries. This story has a different kind of Fae which I was enticed to read about because I hadn't seen them in other books: Merrows! I love a good story about Mermaids and I feel they are few and far between!
Bride of the Sea was a wonderful companion novel in her Otherworld Series and I cannot wait for the other companion novels coming out later this year! As for the story itself: Bride of the Sea is about Saoirse and her desire to find love and explore the land above her. When a ship crashes nearby she finds a sailor who has survived and Saoirse saves him by taking him to a Faerie island! This mysterious sailor dreams of the sea and the jewels sunken within but he has to find a way off the island. Saoirse and the sailor both plan to use each other to get what they desire but in the end they find it more difficult than anticipated as their souls begin to intertwine.
This was such a refreshing tale full of love and folklore. And a hot scruffy sailor? *swoon*
I highly recommend this story to all. It is light, and fun, and mysterious, but I also found myself gasping at certain times and fearful at others! It plays at your emotions, which is the best kind of story to me. The character development in this book is also superb. Character development is something I always gripe about so congratulations Emma, you impressed me with how much these characters not only learned about themselves but how they evolved because of the situations they went through.
This is my first 5 star review for one of Emma's books (I gave the others 4's), and it deserves nothing short of it! Wonderful book Emma.
I received this book as a beta read/ARC from Emma in exchange for an honest review :)
I started reading Emma's books with Heart of the Fae and immediately fell in love with her style of writing and the originality of the stories themselves. I love a good retelling that involves my favorites: Faeries. This story has a different kind of Fae which I was enticed to read about because I hadn't seen them in other books: Merrows! I love a good story about Mermaids and I feel they are few and far between!
Bride of the Sea was a wonderful companion novel in her Otherworld Series and I cannot wait for the other companion novels coming out later this year! As for the story itself: Bride of the Sea is about Saoirse and her desire to find love and explore the land above her. When a ship crashes nearby she finds a sailor who has survived and Saoirse saves him by taking him to a Faerie island! This mysterious sailor dreams of the sea and the jewels sunken within but he has to find a way off the island. Saoirse and the sailor both plan to use each other to get what they desire but in the end they find it more difficult than anticipated as their souls begin to intertwine.
This was such a refreshing tale full of love and folklore. And a hot scruffy sailor? *swoon*
I highly recommend this story to all. It is light, and fun, and mysterious, but I also found myself gasping at certain times and fearful at others! It plays at your emotions, which is the best kind of story to me. The character development in this book is also superb. Character development is something I always gripe about so congratulations Emma, you impressed me with how much these characters not only learned about themselves but how they evolved because of the situations they went through.
This is my first 5 star review for one of Emma's books (I gave the others 4's), and it deserves nothing short of it! Wonderful book Emma.
I received this book as a beta read/ARC from Emma in exchange for an honest review :)
February 18, 2018
Emma outdid herself. I think this is the best book she's written so far. The words and story flow in such a poetic manner that I felt like I was in a dream reading the book throughout.
The story is slightly similar to what we read if the little mermaid except this time, she gave it the correct ending.
Saoirse is a merrow who longs for a different life from that a merrow is usually confined to. She unintentionally saved Manus from a shipwreck and nursed him back to health. Manus, having grown up with hardships and the ugliness of man, is attracted to the innocence and kindness of his saviour. They fell in love and Saoirse abandoned her home to live with her love. Alas, Manus, who loved her deeply, did not know how to care for such a delicate creature of the sea. Their love slowly consumed each other where Saoirse tried very hard to be someone she's not to please Manus. Manus grew possessive and protective. In the process, he turned into someone different from whom she fell in love with.
The couple went through trials and tribulations before they managed to find their way back to each other for the HEA they deserved.
An excellent read and the writing really pulled at my heartstrings. It may be a fairytale but the struggles they go through are very real. Get the book as soon as you can!
The story is slightly similar to what we read if the little mermaid except this time, she gave it the correct ending.
Saoirse is a merrow who longs for a different life from that a merrow is usually confined to. She unintentionally saved Manus from a shipwreck and nursed him back to health. Manus, having grown up with hardships and the ugliness of man, is attracted to the innocence and kindness of his saviour. They fell in love and Saoirse abandoned her home to live with her love. Alas, Manus, who loved her deeply, did not know how to care for such a delicate creature of the sea. Their love slowly consumed each other where Saoirse tried very hard to be someone she's not to please Manus. Manus grew possessive and protective. In the process, he turned into someone different from whom she fell in love with.
The couple went through trials and tribulations before they managed to find their way back to each other for the HEA they deserved.
An excellent read and the writing really pulled at my heartstrings. It may be a fairytale but the struggles they go through are very real. Get the book as soon as you can!
July 26, 2020
This isn't really a romance novel because there isn't much of a romance. It IS dark fantasy. I liked it. It's refreshing.
Manus isn’t this perfect, God like hero. He’s handsome and strong but he’s also selfish, inconsiderate, and he doesn’t always understand his merrow bride or even try to. He makes a lot of really significant changes to their lives and brings in people from his past without consulting her or even talking to her about it. Two of the maids he hired for her were his “favorites” from a brothel and he never told her, never asked her. (Imagine being in that position!) He moved her into a house that he and his mother kicked out when he was a child, just so he could lord over it and the ghosts of his past, instead of making new memories and a new home with his wife.
I don’t find this book to be romantic at all, and I think that’s the point. Saoirse is treated like a prized possession, like the house and Manus’ newly acquired fortune. She’s less an equal partner and more a beautiful trinket for Manus to use to get back at those in his past who thought of him as nothing but a useless, dirty street rat. She’s an ego boost.
I have almost nothing positive to say about Manus, but honestly? It fits the mythology. Selfish man takes his beautiful mermaid bride out of the sea where she belongs. He doesn’t understand her and doesn’t even try to. He forces her to live in his world for as long as he can hold her there. That’s the tragedy of these stories. How dare this man remove her from her home and not even try to compromise to keep her happy? Or even listen to what she wants at all?
Saoirse has been raised to expect a life of unhappiness and disappointment and possibly even brutality at the hands of a husband. She's told that a merrow's life is always miserable. She finds the hint of a promise of a better life with Manus and she won't let go of it. You can even say she settles for it. He's the first man she sees that she's actually attracted to, the first man with any potential to love her. She accidentally binds herself to him and she cannot be apart from him for too long without dying. (The bond isn’t really explored much but it feels like a nod to the stories about fishermen who would steal a selkie’s skin and hide it so she would be forced to remain on land with him in her human form, although the bond isn’t Manus’ fault at all.)
Perhaps that is why she's so willing to put up with his crap. She has a scrap of love and happiness and she's not going to let go of it. Manus is not a good husband and Saoirse is told multiple times by two different people that she could do better, she could be happier. It's one thing to be told something and quite another to believe it. She doesn't believe it. She says Manus is the best man she know, and that true. To be fair, she doesn't have much to compare him to.
When she leaves him, to go to the ocean where she finally feels a bit sane again (though she’s still dying, apparently) he deserves it. But unlike the old tales where the abandoned husbands shrug their shoulders and say “Oh, well! I knew I couldn’t keep her happy! That’s the way it always goes!” Manus gets a chance to redeem himself. He finds her, apologizes to her and they find a way to both be happy. He actually seems to listen to her this time.
Manus isn’t this perfect, God like hero. He’s handsome and strong but he’s also selfish, inconsiderate, and he doesn’t always understand his merrow bride or even try to. He makes a lot of really significant changes to their lives and brings in people from his past without consulting her or even talking to her about it. Two of the maids he hired for her were his “favorites” from a brothel and he never told her, never asked her. (Imagine being in that position!) He moved her into a house that he and his mother kicked out when he was a child, just so he could lord over it and the ghosts of his past, instead of making new memories and a new home with his wife.
I don’t find this book to be romantic at all, and I think that’s the point. Saoirse is treated like a prized possession, like the house and Manus’ newly acquired fortune. She’s less an equal partner and more a beautiful trinket for Manus to use to get back at those in his past who thought of him as nothing but a useless, dirty street rat. She’s an ego boost.
I have almost nothing positive to say about Manus, but honestly? It fits the mythology. Selfish man takes his beautiful mermaid bride out of the sea where she belongs. He doesn’t understand her and doesn’t even try to. He forces her to live in his world for as long as he can hold her there. That’s the tragedy of these stories. How dare this man remove her from her home and not even try to compromise to keep her happy? Or even listen to what she wants at all?
Saoirse has been raised to expect a life of unhappiness and disappointment and possibly even brutality at the hands of a husband. She's told that a merrow's life is always miserable. She finds the hint of a promise of a better life with Manus and she won't let go of it. You can even say she settles for it. He's the first man she sees that she's actually attracted to, the first man with any potential to love her. She accidentally binds herself to him and she cannot be apart from him for too long without dying. (The bond isn’t really explored much but it feels like a nod to the stories about fishermen who would steal a selkie’s skin and hide it so she would be forced to remain on land with him in her human form, although the bond isn’t Manus’ fault at all.)
Perhaps that is why she's so willing to put up with his crap. She has a scrap of love and happiness and she's not going to let go of it. Manus is not a good husband and Saoirse is told multiple times by two different people that she could do better, she could be happier. It's one thing to be told something and quite another to believe it. She doesn't believe it. She says Manus is the best man she know, and that true. To be fair, she doesn't have much to compare him to.
When she leaves him, to go to the ocean where she finally feels a bit sane again (though she’s still dying, apparently) he deserves it. But unlike the old tales where the abandoned husbands shrug their shoulders and say “Oh, well! I knew I couldn’t keep her happy! That’s the way it always goes!” Manus gets a chance to redeem himself. He finds her, apologizes to her and they find a way to both be happy. He actually seems to listen to her this time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2018
3.5 stars
I buddy read Bride of the Sea with my always fantastic buddy reader Amy from A Magical World of Words. You should read her review here
This is a companion novel in the Otherworld universe by Emma Hamm and it can definitely be read as a standalone without having read Heart of the Fae and its sequel. Having said that, I did find that the world building of this one leaned heavily upon what I already knew about Ui Neill and the Fae of this universe although the stories of Sorcha and Ui Neill are simply in the same world and not connected to this book.
Bride of the Sea is described as "The Little Mermaid meets Irish mythology" and I loved the way that Emma managed to twist this one and come up with a completely original version of a well known fairy tale.
I've loved seeing Emma's writing grow and develop over time and this book was no exception. It's a luscious dip into a beautiful fantasy world under the sea with all the grittiness and atmosphere required to keep a reader enthralled. Emma's writing just keeps getting better and better and I loved seeing the small details through her eyes.
In contrast to the poetry of the prose of the narrative I did struggle a little with some of the dialogue feeling stilted and forced in places. Either it evened out a little towards the end or I became more accustomed to it - I'm not sure.
Saroise was a lovely character to follow - even though she is Fae and as such basically immortal, she was young for her kind and was quite naive about the ways of the world. I loved that Emma kept the classical 'Little Mermaid' vibe of OMG-everything-is-so-amazing!
Manus was a little more difficult for me to enjoy however I did like that I wasn't certain of his motivations for a good portion of the book. His character developed quite well though and I was feeling better about the romance by the ending of the book.
What I did really love about the romance was that it was so much more realistic than a fairy tale. It showed that a relationship can be hard work and compromise and sacrifice.
This is a completely character driven fantasy retelling and being a generally plot driven reader I did find it a more difficult read when the plot meandered and grew a little fluffy towards the middle. The message at the end however is so beautiful and heartwarming that any reader should give this one a try, especially those who are fans of fairy-tale retellings.
I buddy read Bride of the Sea with my always fantastic buddy reader Amy from A Magical World of Words. You should read her review here
“Captain?” his first mate asked again. “What in the name of God is that thing?”
“That is a faerie.”
“Faeries aren’t that big.”
“Some of them are. Some are terrifying and beautiful, others are just terrifying.”
This is a companion novel in the Otherworld universe by Emma Hamm and it can definitely be read as a standalone without having read Heart of the Fae and its sequel. Having said that, I did find that the world building of this one leaned heavily upon what I already knew about Ui Neill and the Fae of this universe although the stories of Sorcha and Ui Neill are simply in the same world and not connected to this book.
Bride of the Sea is described as "The Little Mermaid meets Irish mythology" and I loved the way that Emma managed to twist this one and come up with a completely original version of a well known fairy tale.
I've loved seeing Emma's writing grow and develop over time and this book was no exception. It's a luscious dip into a beautiful fantasy world under the sea with all the grittiness and atmosphere required to keep a reader enthralled. Emma's writing just keeps getting better and better and I loved seeing the small details through her eyes.
In contrast to the poetry of the prose of the narrative I did struggle a little with some of the dialogue feeling stilted and forced in places. Either it evened out a little towards the end or I became more accustomed to it - I'm not sure.
Saroise was a lovely character to follow - even though she is Fae and as such basically immortal, she was young for her kind and was quite naive about the ways of the world. I loved that Emma kept the classical 'Little Mermaid' vibe of OMG-everything-is-so-amazing!
Manus was a little more difficult for me to enjoy however I did like that I wasn't certain of his motivations for a good portion of the book. His character developed quite well though and I was feeling better about the romance by the ending of the book.
But above all else, Manus wished that she would stay with him just for a few moments longer.
Even if he didn’t deserve her.
What I did really love about the romance was that it was so much more realistic than a fairy tale. It showed that a relationship can be hard work and compromise and sacrifice.
He is the greatest man I have ever met. And not because of his decisions.” Saoirse grinned. “He makes horrible choices. But he loves me, and I love him.”
This is a completely character driven fantasy retelling and being a generally plot driven reader I did find it a more difficult read when the plot meandered and grew a little fluffy towards the middle. The message at the end however is so beautiful and heartwarming that any reader should give this one a try, especially those who are fans of fairy-tale retellings.
October 10, 2018
I went through so many emotions in this book, especially regarding Manus.
But let's start at the beginning. First off, I love how this author doesn't portray the fae as if they are all these devastingly beautiful creatures. These merrow men were the stuff nightmares are made of and their descriptions had me cringing. Seeing into the underwater world, with it's guardians and dreary lifestyle was so interesting.
Now to the romance... Although they were both kind of using each other in a way in the beginning, they developed a love for each other that was deeper than they both thought they were even capable of.
But Manus, Manus, Manus... He royally screwed up on multiple occasions. I would have had to strangle the life out of him, but Saoirse accepted him, faults and all, and saw the good man he was.
I was in a state of 'I WILL NEVER FORGIVE MANUS FOR THIS.', but I was won over in the end. I mean.... He did a damn big gesture to show his love.
Saoirse had to make so many hard choices in this book, to stay in the water and lose Manus, or follow him and forever lose her home. She had to choose exactly what she was willing to sacrifice for love, when she finally had to be selfish and consider herself.
Their romance was beautiful and I couldn't wait to see what their ending would be.
This was a good amount of action and it was so funny reading about a merrow adjusting to the human world.
The epilogue was so freaking sweet and everything I needed.
Now on to Faceless Woman.
But let's start at the beginning. First off, I love how this author doesn't portray the fae as if they are all these devastingly beautiful creatures. These merrow men were the stuff nightmares are made of and their descriptions had me cringing. Seeing into the underwater world, with it's guardians and dreary lifestyle was so interesting.
Now to the romance... Although they were both kind of using each other in a way in the beginning, they developed a love for each other that was deeper than they both thought they were even capable of.
But Manus, Manus, Manus... He royally screwed up on multiple occasions. I would have had to strangle the life out of him, but Saoirse accepted him, faults and all, and saw the good man he was.
I was in a state of 'I WILL NEVER FORGIVE MANUS FOR THIS.', but I was won over in the end. I mean.... He did a damn big gesture to show his love.
Saoirse had to make so many hard choices in this book, to stay in the water and lose Manus, or follow him and forever lose her home. She had to choose exactly what she was willing to sacrifice for love, when she finally had to be selfish and consider herself.
Their romance was beautiful and I couldn't wait to see what their ending would be.
This was a good amount of action and it was so funny reading about a merrow adjusting to the human world.
The epilogue was so freaking sweet and everything I needed.
Now on to Faceless Woman.
February 26, 2018
Disclaimer. The following is nothing but gushing praise for the wonderful Emma Hamm. It's so gushy I should be embarrassed but I'm not because this book is truly that wonderful.
Firstly, I want to say thank you to Emma for providing me with an ARC of Bride of the Sea, I think I would have burst if I had to wait for my pre-order to be delivered in April!
Secondly, to get straight to the point, if you are a fan of romance, fairytale retelling or mythology you must buy this book!
I discovered Emma's work late last year when I saw some bookstagrammers sharing about her then upcoming book, Heart of the Fae, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast merged with Irish mythology. After reading the synopsis I placed my pre-order instantly.
I adored Heart of the Fae, and it's sequel, Veins of Magic so when I heard that she was tackling the Little Mermaid next I knew I had to read it.
That said, as much as I loved Heart of the Fae and Veins of Magic, Bride of the Sea blew them out of the water. Pun intended. It's crazy that in such a short period of time it's possible to see the growth in Emma's work, her ability to weave a captivating tale continues to grow book after book.
I'm so glad that I found Emma's work when I did, I am certain that I will love each and every book from her in the future. I'm already salivating at the prospect of her next work in progress!
Firstly, I want to say thank you to Emma for providing me with an ARC of Bride of the Sea, I think I would have burst if I had to wait for my pre-order to be delivered in April!
Secondly, to get straight to the point, if you are a fan of romance, fairytale retelling or mythology you must buy this book!
I discovered Emma's work late last year when I saw some bookstagrammers sharing about her then upcoming book, Heart of the Fae, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast merged with Irish mythology. After reading the synopsis I placed my pre-order instantly.
I adored Heart of the Fae, and it's sequel, Veins of Magic so when I heard that she was tackling the Little Mermaid next I knew I had to read it.
That said, as much as I loved Heart of the Fae and Veins of Magic, Bride of the Sea blew them out of the water. Pun intended. It's crazy that in such a short period of time it's possible to see the growth in Emma's work, her ability to weave a captivating tale continues to grow book after book.
I'm so glad that I found Emma's work when I did, I am certain that I will love each and every book from her in the future. I'm already salivating at the prospect of her next work in progress!
June 21, 2018
Solid 4 stars!!!
I freaking love Mermaid stories. I love Emma's writing. I love mythical creatures and folk lore and legends. Emma does an AMAZING job of creating unique pieces in a familiar story.
I seriously loved all the different creatures involved. The mermen are gross. There is a leprechaun. A freaking Leprechaun. Who, in all honestly, I want more of. I think Declan needs his own story....ASAP.
Manus, one of the mc's, is kind of a d-bag. But he redeems himself at the end. This book really touches on sacrifice and love and self preservation.
Saoirse is the MC and she's just this lovely, spunky, innocent merrow. And she's great. You really feel her love and her grief throughout the story. Her love and resentment for her family/the way she was raised was heartbreaking. Again...mermen are gross.
I can't wait to read more of Emma's work!!!!
I freaking love Mermaid stories. I love Emma's writing. I love mythical creatures and folk lore and legends. Emma does an AMAZING job of creating unique pieces in a familiar story.
I seriously loved all the different creatures involved. The mermen are gross. There is a leprechaun. A freaking Leprechaun. Who, in all honestly, I want more of. I think Declan needs his own story....ASAP.
Manus, one of the mc's, is kind of a d-bag. But he redeems himself at the end. This book really touches on sacrifice and love and self preservation.
Saoirse is the MC and she's just this lovely, spunky, innocent merrow. And she's great. You really feel her love and her grief throughout the story. Her love and resentment for her family/the way she was raised was heartbreaking. Again...mermen are gross.
I can't wait to read more of Emma's work!!!!
March 7, 2019
Bride of the Sea is a standalone Little Mermaid retelling set in Hamm's wonderful Otherworld series and it, like the rest of the books in this series, is stunning in its world building and character creation.
Our Merrow Saoirse is beautiful and innocent and our Pirate Manus is..well everything you expect a pirate to be (Think of a character somewhat like Charles Vayne from the show Black Sails). They both experience wonderful character growth and their journey is an enjoyable one!
This is one story where I especially loved the folklore aspect of the Merrow people and how everything is in fact not better "down where it's wetter, under the sea", for the most part.
Do I recommend this book? of course I do because I'm a fan of the original fairytale, mermaids, folklore, pirates, love, adventure, and Emma freaking Hamm's books.
Our Merrow Saoirse is beautiful and innocent and our Pirate Manus is..well everything you expect a pirate to be (Think of a character somewhat like Charles Vayne from the show Black Sails). They both experience wonderful character growth and their journey is an enjoyable one!
This is one story where I especially loved the folklore aspect of the Merrow people and how everything is in fact not better "down where it's wetter, under the sea", for the most part.
Do I recommend this book? of course I do because I'm a fan of the original fairytale, mermaids, folklore, pirates, love, adventure, and Emma freaking Hamm's books.
March 3, 2018
I was gifted this arc to read and review for a book tour and I am so glad I did. Emma Hamm has created a marvelous world. It is a companion novel to her Heart of Fae series which I plan on reading next. You can read it without reading the other two. But man I can’t wait to dive more into her world. This book was magical and beautiful. Her characters lovely and dangerous. I loved the ride and couldn’t wait to read when I had to put the book down. Manus is amazing and I love pirates. Saoirse is just a wonderful mermaid. And I fell hard for this story. I am so sad it’s over. Thank you Emma for creating such a beautiful world.
June 25, 2018
AFTER TWO DAYS OF PURE BLESSING TO HAVE A CHANCE TO DISCOVER AND READ THE OTHERWORLD SERIES I JUST CAN'T FRICKING WAIT FOR THIS BOOK TO COME OUT!!
March 27, 2019
Highly enjoyable
I liked this twist of the little mermaid. I loved the characters and how the story was the same as the original but also different. I know an oxymoron, but that is the only way I can describe it. Either way, I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I liked this twist of the little mermaid. I loved the characters and how the story was the same as the original but also different. I know an oxymoron, but that is the only way I can describe it. Either way, I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 8, 2020
This wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. A little boring. Didn't like Manus. Really thought it wasn't going to end in Happily Ever After until I reread the beginning of Heart of Fae, although I can't say I know where the timeline fits. It didn't make much sense to me. Anyways, I'll continue to read this series because they're always unique and interesting.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
November 3, 2024
4,5 stars. I really liked this one! It is beautifully written, and I loved the story itself. I actually really liked the ending as well, which came as a surprise to me, because I'm not usually one for those kind of endings, but it fit the story very well. Awesome re-telling of "The Little Mermaid"!
September 26, 2018
For me this music says everything... This music is the torment between Saoirse and Manus...
This music is "Bride of the Sea"... perfection together!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Xol...
This music is "Bride of the Sea"... perfection together!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Xol...
May 25, 2019
4.25 stars
July 29, 2019
Not at all what I was expecting. Refreshingly flawed characters. Happy to read Manus's story.
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