Reviews

Of Song and Scepter: A Dark Little Mermaid Retelling by Liesl West

ellebecks's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark fast-paced

2.0

stephk23's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous

2.75

melyndaann's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

"Just because it's pretty, doesn't meant it's mine."

I read a review copy and I am sharing my honest opinion.

I couldn't put this debut novel down, and I wasn't ready when it was over!

This dark The Little Mermaid retelling starts off strong with compelling action paired with colorful world building. Even with our characters feeling familiar, the character development was delicious and relatable.

While the world building is limited by the length of this standalone novel, West did an amazing job ensuring the reader is immersed in this world even throughout scene changes. The world building is thorough and enjoyable, adding to the action.

Speaking of action, this novel packs it all in: fighting, magic, knives, and SPICE. If you're looking for any combination of these, you'll be pleasantly surprised! Warning that this is not for the faint of heart.

Lastly, the character development hits the spot with depth of emotion that brings each of these characters, good or bad, to life. West provides depth to even the most unlikable character, creating a dynamic of connection and strong feelings with and toward everyone we come across.

This novel could have easily been another 200 pages as the ending felt a tad rushed and I found myself craving more. Even so, the depth of character development in this novel leaves the reader with a sense of Happily Ever After making this page turner well worth the dive.

melyndaann's review

Go to review page

5.0

"Just because it's pretty, doesn't meant it's mine."

I read a review copy and I am sharing my honest opinion.

I couldn't put this debut novel down, and I wasn't ready when it was over!

This dark The Little Mermaid retelling starts off strong with compelling action paired with colorful world building. Even with our characters feeling familiar, the character development was delicious and relatable.

While the world building is limited by the length of this standalone novel, West did an amazing job ensuring the reader is immersed in this world even throughout scene changes. The world building is thorough and enjoyable, adding to the action.

Speaking of action, this novel packs it all in: fighting, magic, knives, and SPICE. If you're looking for any combination of these, you'll be pleasantly surprised! Warning that this is not for the faint of heart.

Lastly, the character development hits the spot with depth of emotion that brings each of these characters, good or bad, to life. West provides depth to even the most unlikable character, creating a dynamic of connection and strong feelings with and toward everyone we come across.

This novel could have easily been another 200 pages as the ending felt a tad rushed and I found myself craving more. Even so, the depth of character development in this novel leaves the reader with a sense of Happily Ever After making this page turner well worth the dive.

celioderso's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

sunshinne's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

shrayirene's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark hopeful sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Dark, spicy Little Mermaid? Yes please! This was a fun read, and I really enjoyed the world building (unlike the Little Mermaid, the prince was a Siren and there were no humans). I'll definitely be reading the next one!

amyacorn's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

lali_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Well, this was a lot of fun. If you like feisty, bad ass FMCs that can sprout a tail, this is for you.

It didn't read as a debut novel, so kudos to Liesl! The world has a lot of potential and I have some leftover questions that I wonder if they would be answered in later books. So I look forward to the next one already hahaha

My only negative comment is that the end felt a bit rushed and off when compared to the build up and pace of the book. I was expecting a bit more court drama (don't tell me that Lord Varik isn't fishy

thingsalixreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

0.5