Sea Witch Origin Story

I just got back from Hawaii and was craving more. When I stumbled upon this arc I was soooo super excited to see that it was a modernized Hawaiian mythology-inspired fairy tale. This twist was super interesting and I found myself really entangled while reading. The darker vibes this gives off is right up my ally.

There are a few qualms I have however.... The middle of the book lost my interest. We just have like normal life, nothing happening but then something happens and it is just kind of blown off as a shrug?
Idk some parts just felt like, how do I explain this, they build up build up and then the bass doesn't drop is the only way I can describe it.
I also am not really sure how to feel about the "romance" aspect honestly. It's really a love/hate relationship.

After the middle things pick back up and are back on track with the plot, thankfully.
HOWEVER.... Triton's believe in his father really just stunned me. Triton is rebellious, he knows his father is not a good man and yet he just believes him?? oifajsofiajsdofao you've got to be kidding me =.= I was seriously about to make my own fish bone knife.
*Sigh*

Honestly, I still really enjoyed the story and overall direction it was going. So even though I had some issues with it I still really liked it. If I could give half stars this would likely be 3.5 for me but I'll round up.

This is a fascinating villain origin story of Ursela! The book contains a mix of lore from Greek gods, Hawaiian gods, plus some hints at the story of The Little Mermaid, of course. This combination made for a unique fantasy world and interesting lore. The book is mostly set in modern day Hawaii, where Prince Triton of the Atlantic washes up on the shore of Oahu and is found by a Hawaiian goddess. While fantasy and romantasy books are getting more popular, I truly feel like we are missing out on more mermaid/siren stories, so I love that about this book!

This is a dark fantasy book and contains multiple scenes of sexual assault and violence towards animals. Please review other trigger warnings before reading.

Thank you to Steely Co. Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

Dark with twists and turns that leaves you rooting for the villain. I finished reading "Curse of the Nautilus" yesterday and had to take a day to process everything that happened.

This book draws you in and does not let go. I loved Triton and Anela's journey so much. I am afraid to say too much and give anything away. This is one you want to go in without a lot of spoilers and enjoy the ride. However, I will say that the story is captivating, and the characters are well developed. The plot is engaging, and I found myself unable to put the book down. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Actions have consequences, even small well-meaning actions. This theme is woven throughout the story and drives the plot. I love this book so much!

Check the trigger warnings!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

Wowowow. This is a an extremely dark take on Ursula and the little Mermaid and I loved every second of it. The prince of the Atlantic and a broken hearted sea nymph.... yes, please!

This is a villain origin story unlike any other I have read -- it takes place primarily in Hawaii, both in the ocean and on land. I found the mix of Greek and Hawaiian mythology to be very interesting and all of the characters have complicated family dynamics.

While the author provides beautiful descriptions of the ocean, sea, land and all of the creatures, she also does a great job moving the story along at a nice pace.

I really hope we get the continuation of this story, soon! Thank you to Netgalley and Ralynn Kimie for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

P.S. It is super thoughtful that both a closed door and open door version were offered. Check the trigger warnings.

4.5 Stars
Strap in tight for a this Hawaiian Roller Coaster ride!
"Curse of the Nautilus" blends Hawaiian and Greek mythologies into one epic, tragic, and downright beautiful villain origin story. Ralynn Kimie totally nails the mashup, crafting a world that's rich, characters you can't help but love, and a plot that's a fresh take on familiar tales.

Overall, "Curse of the Nautilus" is a fantastic read for anyone who loves a good mythological retelling. Just a heads up, though—check out the trigger warnings before diving in.

Release Date: 5/22/24
Thank you NetGalley, Steely Co. publishing and Ralynn Kimie for allowing me to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed reading about Hawaiian mythology and how several mythologies coexisted in this book. Such a different take by using a combination of Hawaiian culture with sea god Mythology. Hate to desire to destruction in a tragically beautiful tale of the origin of a villain.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ralynn Kimie, and Steely Co. Publishing for letting me read and review this ARC!

My rating is 3.5/5
This book was my first ARC ever, and it was very good! The Hawaiian mythology was interesting to read and I loved how the different mythologies co-existed in this novel. The writing was fantastic and I think this author has definitely established a name for themselves with this book.
I docked a couple points because I was not a fan of Triton's character. His character development towards being a "better person" felt forced and I did not sympathize with him or his growth. I also felt like Anela's character shift happened like a switch was flipped, which was not realistic to the things she had experienced. Because of the character shortfallings, I felt like their chemistry missed the mark for me. It felt uncomfortable and impractical based on the happenings throughout the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, it kept me intrigued and I wanted to know what happened next!

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC.

This book was such a new twist on the story of The Little Mermaid. It’s interesting to think about the villain’s perspective and their role in the story. This retelling did a great job at exploring the backstory and also adding unique elements to make it stand out.

*Please check all trigger warnings prior to reading*

The Spice:
3/5

The Good:
•The unique elements of the Hawaiian mythology was such an interesting twist and made the story stand out.
•I really enjoyed the comparison of the sirens to the sharks. I enjoyed the journey of trying to figure out who really was the villain of the story.
•The addition of the different species and creatures was done in a way that was easy to follow.
•The characterization of Anela and Triton. I felt that I was learning and growing with them throughout the book.

The Not Good:
•I wish we spent more time fleshing out Hi’iaka’s relationship with her daughters. I also would have enjoyed another chapter away with Pele.
•I feel like things with Brooke were just kind of left. There was build up about her having the prophecy and then nothing. This is something that could be explored if there was another book.

This is a book that I’m not going to be able to stop thinking about for a while.

Wow! This book sent me through so many emotions. Anger, sadness, frustration, disgust, joy, heartbreak, lust, it’s all there. Modern, Dark twist on a Villain Origin story. I found myself rooting for Triton and Anela even though they were so up and down. The descriptions made it easy to visualize the scenes I was reading. I could not put it down! I seriously cannot stop thinking about this book. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you Netgalley, Steely Co, and Ralynn Kimie for allowing me to read this book.!!!

Whoa…just, whoa. Contempt to lust to destruction in a beautifully, tragic villain origin story. And I am once again blown away by how brilliant of a writer Ralynn is. She flawlessly blends mythology with modern, and creates characters we care about. She morphs a shallow prince into one with humbled open eyes, and a strong, female lead into a broken shell. The attraction between Anela and Triton feels desperate and lustful…abandoning reason for stolen moments. Their back and forth is reminiscent of watching a relationship you know will end badly, even if the ones in it do care for one another. I also loved the development of both Triton’s, and Anela’s-both of which are trying to step out of their older sibling’s shadows, and realizing it may cost them greatly.

What I was not prepared for was how traumatic Anela’s transformation was going to be. It was gutwrenching, but completely believable-written in a way that breaks the reader’s heart.

I loved everything about this book. It was a fantastic take on the Sea Witch’s origins.

A dark prequel to The Little Mermaid, Curse of the Nautilus explores the origin story of the sea witch. A daughter of a Hawaiian goddess, Anela is charged with looking after Triton, the son of Poseidon after his banishment.

The plot is a strange one. Triton's journey is very clear - regain his triton and somehow reverse his banishment from his kingdom. Anela's not so much. We don't get a sense of what's important to her; what she's striving for. Is she hoping to develop her magic and evolve into her role as a Demi-God? Is she actively embracing her mortal life? We don't get any sense of this in the book sadly.

The concept behind the book is good, it just needs a bit more fleshing out.

4.25 stars!!

A villain origin story! A little mermaid retelling! Hawaiian mythology!! Greek mythology!! This book is a perfect amalgamation of all kinds of fun things!!

I love a villain origin story because I always go into it thinking...hmm not me I could never sympathize and then I walk out every single time and I'm like MAN if that was my circumstances, I could totally also go all villain on them. In this case, into the sea witch we all know and love and hate...Ursula, but with a Hawaiian twist.

Anela is the daughter of a Hawaiian goddess and a mortal, gifted with some special abilites (including turning into an octopus-like sea nymph). One fateful morning, her mother brings home Triton, siren Prince of the Atlantic, who has been banished from his ocean and is in danger just by existing anywhere near water. Mysterious things are happening in the water and on the land, and the strong pull the two have to each other brings them to helping each other try to protect their respective loved ones. However, not all is what it seems- and a mysterious shell filled with rage, horror, and all things bad in the world is being sought by a number of different parties- and can change the fate of the world as they know it.

This was such an incredible read, from the beautiful mythological stories interwoven to Anela's (rightful) descent into the sea witch. The author describes it best in her author's note at the end- this story brings Triton to understanding, but Anela to spiraling. I absolutely ate this up- and couldn't help by getting excited by all the fun little little mermaid references!!

Thank you so much to Ralynn Kimie and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. Check this out in May!

Villains are not born. They're made.


"Curse of the Nautilus" by Ralynn Kimie is a book I did not know I needed. I have never read anything from Ralynn Kimie before but after this read, I will absolutely keep her on my radar.

Hawaiin mythologie meets Greek Mythologie and collides straight into the modern world. If you loved The Little Mermaid as a kid, you will most likely devour this book as I did.

Triton, Prince of Atlantic and son of Poseidon, is banished from his home by his father for saving and protecting his sister. The mother, a goddess, of Anela, the female protagonist, saves and takes Triton in and that is where the story for the two begins.

My personal favourite part was Tritons journey to learn the truth about his father and to question his own character.

However, this book is not your typical love story, despite of the fated lovers trope that is occuring, despite the aspects of enemies to lovers and the beloved love triangle, and despite of the many sweet moments, it is THE origin villain story I have been waiting for.

Frankly, with the way the book ended, I do HOPE for the story to continue and to read more about it.

PLEASE, be mindful of the trigger warnings put up, they are there for a reason and a lot of sensitive topics are being mentioned and described very visually, if you are triggered by them, best not to endulge into the reason.

The book is to be released on the 22nd of May 2024.

Thank you NetGalley, Steely Co. publishing and Ralynn Kimie for allowing me to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you so much for providing me with a ARC copy of this book! Curse of Nautilus was such a unique read. This book is a villain origin story with lots of tension, suspense, and plot twists that draws the reader in and definitely has you rooting for the ‘villain’. It is very different to other mythology books I have read in the past, I loved the modern twist on Hawaiian mythology and how seamlessly the author was able to blend the two together. I would have loved to have found out more about the magic system and the Hawaiian goddess that Anela and her family follow and the consequences of using magic without permission. I would also have liked to find out a little bit more about the characters, especially Anela’s mother and her backstory/family. I think this would have added to the already great read a little more but regardless, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves to read mythology!

The backstory/history of The Little Mermaid that you didn’t know you needed until the little girl in you grew up.
A brilliant twist on the classic characters of a story we know and a love.
Just go read it, you won’t regret it, it fact you will thank me, you will thank Raye for writing it, you will kick yourself for sleeping on it.

Just check your trigger warnings.

***3.75 Stars***

(I received an Arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)

A dangerously dark and devastating villain origin story to the well-known tale of the little mermaid.
I especially enjoyed the inclusion of Hawaiian folklore as something I don't read often.
Fair warning that this isn't a story for happy endings tied up in neat little bows, It shows the spiralling of someone who is in a steep whirlpool into a darkness that is their undoing.
Venture at your own risk.

Curse of the Nautilus is an amazing villain origin story. The world-building, characters, magic, and overall plot were so well written I fell in love with this book instantly. It is such a unique take on a story a fair amount of people know about, with twists and turns, heartbreaking love and loss, it had my heart in a wreck while still hoping for the best ending. The relationship between Anlea and Triton is so back and forth but I still wanted to root for them. This book definitely casts a light on how actions have consequences and how those actions can drastically change a person. I am so glad I was able to read this book, it will have a special place in my heart as I've never felt so strongly while reading a book before.

Thank you, NetGalley and Steely Co. Publishing for giving me the honor of receiving an ARC for my honest opinion.

Woah…..this book definitely caused a roller coaster of emotions. I was warned and still wasn’t prepared.
This is an awesome villain origin story. I think we all are a bit obsessed with villains and Ralynn definitely knows how to write one.
The character arc of Triton and Anela is a thing of beauty. Each one of these characters goes through so many painful things. I think it being set in paradise (Hawaii) makes all the cruel things seem even more horrific.
The description of the ocean and the islands leapt off the page at me. I honestly found myself looking at Hawaiian hotels in the midst of reading this. Definitely the sign of a good author.
All in all I give this an enthusiastic 4.5/5 stars. And the only reason it wouldn’t be the full 5 is that it left me wanting more!! I need to know what happens next!!! (Can we please have a next?) oh what the heck I’m rounding it up to 5 just because honestly I haven’t read anything this original in a while!
(Be sure and read the trigger warnings before going into this…..if they bother you maybe hit up the PG13 version also available)
I received a ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

I just finished this book moments ago and my mind is on overload but I want to first say I absolutely love the authors writing style and didn’t want to put the book down! I read it so quickly and really really hope there will be a book two as I don’t think the story is complete.

This story was so different from anything I’ve ever read before but I devoured it! It makes me look at The Little Mermaid differently now. No one is 100% good or bad and you never truly know what drove someone to be the way that they are. The Author does such a good job of showing you the good and bad in people.

She wrote the characters so perfectly and made you understand them better and fall in love with them.

The world building and detail were also incredible and makes me want more of it. Shark boys, sirens, dolphins and more, it was all so fascinating to read!

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley, Steely Co. publishing and Ralynn Kimie for the arc!

“Curse of the Nautilus,” by Ralynn Kimie

Triton, Prince of the Atlantic, is banished from his lands by his father to the Pacific Ocean, all because he saved his sister’s life. A goddess saves Triton from being eaten by sharks when he was banished. Now the goddess’ daughter Anela has the babysit the obnoxious prince until he gave get his trident and go back to his sea.

OMG!!!!!!!! I was blown away by how much I absolutely loved this book. I can’t even write barely anything because I feel like even the smallest information might spoil it. I loved the characters so much! They were annoying and self-centered at the beginning but they all (almost all) did a 180 by the end of the book. The tension and bickering between Triton and Anela were perfect. The story line was flawless. I wish I could go back a re-read this book for the first time (I will be re-reading it even without the first-time effect). 5 out of 5 stars, this is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. Do check the trigger warnings because this book was a lot of traumas.

-Hawaiian Mythology
-Sea Nymph
-Witch
-Magic
-Multi POV
-Enemies To Lovers
-Greek Mythology
-Forced Proximity