Once Upon a Tide: A Mermaid's Tale

by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Princess Lana is the youngest ambassador ever to represent her underwater kingdom, Clarion, at the Royal Festival on land. And even though it means trading her mermaid tail for a clumsy pair of legs—and worse, spending a week with her mother, who chose life on land over her children seven years ago—Lana can’t wait to prove her political chops.
But once on shore, nothing goes as planned. The children of visiting dignitaries spread nasty rumors about Lana and her brother eavesdropping on humans’ thoughts just because they can communicate telepathically underwater—never mind that their powers don’t work on land. Lana’s mom is wrapped up in the king of a neighboring kingdom, who turns out to be her new boyfriend. And despite her ambassador status, no one will let Lana near a single important negotiation or meeting.
Then an earthquake strikes Clarion, and though Lana’s desperate to rush to the aid of her people, her father insists she stay away indefinitely. As the days on land add up, nothing her parents tell her about the disaster makes sense. Soon Lana uncovers signs that more nefarious forces may be at work—and they could spell war for her people. Can Lana uncover the truth about what happened and protect those she loves before it’s too late?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mermaids, Young Adult, Politics, Mystery, Childrens

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 14, 2021

About the author

Stephanie Kate Strohm is the author of Love a la Mode; Prince in Disguise; It's Not Me, It's You; That's Not What I Heard; The Date to Save; and Katy Keene: Restless Hearts. She grew up in Connecticut and attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where she was voted Winter Carnival Queen. Currently she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Her middle-grade debut, Once Upon a Tide: A Mermaid's Tale, will be released in September.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story with good characters

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t read much middle grade fantasy (when I go for a MG book it’s typically a contemporary) but this was a quick, cute read. It was predictable, and the main character could be kind of a brat at times, but I liked this little tale well enough.

[Karine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ this book was chosen because i liked the cover and how Lana the merprincess looks. This is so far my favorite book of the year !!! I enjoyed it so much I have chosen to be the main character Lana, as my Halloween costume for 2023 😀 She is so strong, compassionate, kind and powerful. I loved how the events happened and all the characters, I would love to have a second book to this ...

[Jessica (ThatDamFangirl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Lana's character development!

[Maddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was awful it didn’t display anything about being a leader although I’m a Disney fanatic, this book was worse than all of the 85 books I read in my lifetime I’m truly disappointed in this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Lana and half-mermaid and half-human, though she has lived most of her life with her father after her parents divorced and her mother left to go back to the surface. Lana is headed to land for the yearly Royal Festival and is excited at first because her father has made her an ambassador of Clarion - her underwater kingdom. Unfortunately, when she gets there, no one else seems to know that she's an ambassador, and every time she tries to go to the different events of the festival, she is shut down. Any time she tries to ask about the peace treaty that is being negotiated, her questions are redirected. To complicate things, not long after she has arrived on the surface, she gets word that there was an earthquake in her home kingdom and her trip to the surface is being extended indefinitely.

And now Lana is stuck on land with a mother she is still upset with abandoning her family, and who she doesn't know how to talk to, while also trying to navigate politics with the other teenage royals who are all bullying Lana and her brother Erav. And just when she thought things could get any worse, they do - so much worse than she could have thought.

Lana was so easy to identify with throughout the book. From her insecurities and anger with her mother, to her frustrations with being shoved aside from her ambassadorial duties, she faces so many struggles, and through the benefit of her POV and self-talk, it was so easy to connect with her. There were also times when, again, we were shown just how important communication is and how many problems it can solve or prevent.

I enjoyed this story so much, even more so because of the narrator's performance. Reba Buhr did a wonderful job with the narration that I felt like I was transformed right into the book. This was the first book I have heard her narrate, but it certainly will not be the last. The same is also true of books by this author. This was the first book by her that I have read/listened to, but I enjoyed her writing so I know it will not be the last.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an original take on being a mermaid. This is a story about Lana, a mermaid who is princess to the under kingdom of Clarion. She is also half human, her mother, being a princess of the hills, who ended up returning to being human. When Lana goes up to the surface, she learns that her human mom is getting remarried to a king.

Things that I absolutely loved about this book? I loved that there was a lot of interest in governing and leadership for the main character. Far too many princess books and almost every mermaid book I have seen focuses more on the magical aspects of being royalty and not enough about the actual nuts and bolts that comes from leadership and it was really refreshing to read. I also really liked that this story focused on How even if you have interest in ruling a country, real life issues can complicate that. Lana really struggled with her mother‘s relationship with king Pytre, which was compounded by the fact that she felt abandoned by her mom. I think a lot of of kids going through a divorce will feel a connection there.

I honestly didn’t like how much time it spent on land, but with the story, the author was trying to tell, I don’t think it could’ve been done any other way. There was a lot of attention to details on how this world would work that I really loved also, you cannot go wrong with all of the little jabs at the Disney The little mermaid film.

All in all, I would prioritize this book for any reader who is interested in mermaids, if only for the way in which actual leadership is a driving motivator for the main character.

[Julia Pika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & Disney-Hyperion for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. DNF at 50%, though I understand this is for younger audiences and I'm sure tween girls will enjoy this in particular, but I didn't feel like reading more of this.

Once Upon A Tide is about a half-mermaid half-human princess who's sent to live with her mother for a week during a Very Important Royal Festival that's on land. Problem is, Princess Lana hates living on land. Hates her mother's new """""Boyfriend""""". Hates that no one will take her seriously. How can Princess Lana be her kingdom's youngest ambassador when no one thinks she is?

Lana is the most infuriating and immature protagonist and is the main reason why I could not finish this book. I did get pretty far despite hating her the whole time, ha. She's very self-centered and I can't get how she thinks she'll be a great "ambassador" when she can't stop being mean to everyone every 5 seconds. It also doesn't help that her mother is pretty distant so I can see where Lana's coming from.

I'll still recommend this to younger girls who like mermaid stories, though. We could always use more serious mermaid stories that aren't about saving kittens.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide - Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review are completely my own. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book. A book with a Little Mermaid twist but completely different storyline. This time Lana, is appointed the ambassador of land and with being a mermaid, she is forced to grow legs and live on the land in which her mom chose instead of staying with her children and all of her mermaid instincts have been removed and do not work on land so she is depressed and in trouble. Then as things were bad enough, she finds out an earthquake hit on her home in clarion underwater and she is desperate to come home and save her loved ones from peril but her father banishes her indefinitely plus, she discovers that evil forces are coming for her family. I was so thrilled to read a new modern version on one of my favorite fairy tales. I know this book will have a following with our young readers and I can't wait to hear their thoughts.

We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Jacob Schmitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently, not all mermaids aspire to grow legs and walk on land among other "land-livers." So when princess Lana, a half-mermaid and half-human, is able to so and visit her Mom's kingdom on shore, it is evident that her heart belongs to her Dad's mermaid kingdom in the water. After all, her Mom left her and her brother for a life on land, and is too busy managing her kingdom to give the attention her children deserve. Lana will have to learn how to cope with the stresses of the land, such as her Mom's new boyfriend, her brother being bullied by "land-livers," and her miscreant best friend who has a penchant for pranks.

Although Lana is auspicious and politically savvy, she has much to learn in the areas of communication, tantrums, and responsibility; which may sound like a typical teen. Strohm provides the story for these moments of growth, and does a good job mending the relationship between a daughter and mother. Children of divorced parents will likely resonate with this book, for they may often feel like they are split between two different worlds... or kingdoms.

[Ashley- Ashleyreads13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

* READ AND REVIEWED IN THE VIEW OF TEACHING *

Once Upon a Tide is a Young Adult read that I hope becomes a series with other characters! Lana is a headstrong mermaid who has counted down to her fourteenth birthday in order to start taking classes on how to rule. These plans are snapped short as her father, the sea king, demands her to attend the Royal festival. This time as an ambassador, Lana is set to spend her time and rush back home. Yet with issues spiraling out of control back home, this princess will have to learn how what it is like to be on Earth for longer than she bargained for.

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and will be picking it up for my classroom library. It was a fresh take on mermaids, both on land and person, that didn't involve overt inappropriate messaging. I hope my students will enjoy this as much as I did.

Thank you Disney publishing and Hyperion audio for my arcs in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rafael Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I`ve read some reviews on Goodreads about this book, saying it is a turbo version of the Little Mermaid with a twist. However, the only similarity the readers will find is the Mermaid.
Sent up to the shore to take part in the kingdom`s annual festival, Lana and her brother Aarav, half-human half- merperson will have to learn to deal with a life that is not as wet as under the sea ( I`ve heard this line somewhere). As the Prince and Princess of Clarion try to adapt to their new roles, an earthquake hits the aquatic kingdom, leaving the Merpeople desperate. There are some pieces of evidence that the earthquake was not the work of nature, but some strange forces with some obscure reasons.
The story will keep you flipping your imaginary fins for hours.

On sale date: September 14, 2021

#disney #DisneyBooks #Mermaids #fantasy

[Larissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to be very honest in this review. I wanted to like this book a lot. I didn't. I felt that this book was very one note. Princess Lana was your typical angsty tweenaged girl. Who wanted to be apart of something more, but she never showed any ability to do more. She gets magical powers but really nothing seems to happen with that other then she does get to form a closer relationship with her mom due to it. Overall the book just was very lacking. Even as an early reader I would have wanted more. There was so much potential with this book. I know that this is only the first book in the series so I am very hopeful that Lana journey will still draw me in.

Thank you so much to Disney and NetGalley for allowing me to get an advance copy of this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy from Netgalley and Disney Hyperion
Original story about Princess Lana who lives in the sea with her father, the king of Clarion, but also can visit her mother on land, who is a Queen. Lana only visits her mother once a year for the annual Royal Festival. She prefers life in the sea. This year, plans get thwarted by a number of events and Lana must use all her diplomatic skills to set things right.
Magic, staying true to yourself, royal life, politics.

[Hanna Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this ARC from an Instagram giveaway from Stephanie Kate Strohm and was super excited because she is a YA author I can count on to make me LOL throughout her books. I likely wouldn’t have picked this up without the win since it is more of a middle grades book but it was cute and enjoyable. I think all the conflict and drama was age appropriate and the mermaid setting would likely be fun for younger girls.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mermaid tales. I love this book even more because it's a mermaid tale that makes references to The Little Mermaid while being a story about a mermaid trying to come into her own as more than just a young princess. She's got quite a lot on her plate with her mom trying to remarry and her best friend causing things he didn't intend to, but she handles it all while putting bullies in their place.

[Corinne Morier · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mermaid thing was cool but every single character in this book, adult and child alike, is stupid. The main plot happens because a room full of grown ass adults freak out over some bubbles and assume that they are under attack. And then the climax happens because the characters don’t just TALK to each other. It only escapes the dreaded two star rating because the mermaid stuff was cool so that gets an extra star. Most disappointing book of the year.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow and painful for much of it, obviously written for kids. Princess Lana is a bit of a brat, perceiving things to be about her and taking offense at any small slight possible. She grows up a bit and develops a little more character by the end, but it’s an arduous process. I like her little brother much more, he’s happy, optimistic, and loyal, very cute.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Tide by Stephanie Kate Strohm is an adorable, and fun children's book! I would highly recommend this book to educators and librians; as I believe the story and cover will appeal too many young children!

[Tammy Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this middle grade book was nice. Princess Lana was a down-to-earth type of mermaid that I could admire. She reacts to all her troubles with style, confidence, and grace. That's the kind of fairy tale girls need these days.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book is petty but cute. Lana is not very open to above ground until she’s realizes that it’s the same as below water, where she’s used to, just drier. This book is sure to be a fun book to read on the side or if you have time and need a short, amusing story.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was fun and adorable. THe characters were cool, and loved the imagery. It felt like The Little Mermaid

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Quick fun read that I wish was a bit more mermaid and ocean filled, but it involved mermaids so can’t it really be that bad.

[Stacey]

Didn’t like this story.

[Christen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be reading fairytales well into my 90s... especially ones that involve mermaids. Rounded up a bit but that’s the power mermaids have over me 🧜‍♀️✨

[Portia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle grade mermaid story is so much fun. It explores what it means to grow up, what it means to belong somewhere (two things I am still trying to understand). Stephanie is a master of great characters, fun banter, and absorbing plots. I have yet to read something of hers that I haven't loved, and this book is no exception. Definitely recommend for both you and the kids in your life.

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was split between 3 or 4...like 3.5 is good. Emily Windsnap fans sure to love. Felt on short side but stuck to the point and didn't expect plot to go that way.