I really liked the premise of this book. I think bringing the story of The Little Mermaid into the real world and making it contemporary was genius. The author did a great job of weaving together the original fairytale and the real world aspects. Probably my favorite part of this book would be its focus on mental health. Many of the characters in the story suffer from depression and it was really interesting to see how all of the characters dealt with their mental illness in different ways. It was also really focused on recovery after a depressive episode or suicide attempt, which I wish was in more novels with mental illness representation. Overall, I liked the story. I found how the author wove together different "timelines" and "perspectives" to make the story a little less effective. I would've preferred if the perspectives had remained parallel rather than combining them. I also found the romance to be utterly useless and didn't add anything to the plot.

Coral is about her trying to blend in while fearing she has been afflicted with emotions. It's the disease of humans and one that took her sister.

Quite enjoyable. I hope to read more books by this author in the future.

I received a free electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I have many thoughts about this one, I think I need to reread to fully establish everything. But I really wanted to love this book, I mean look at the freaking cover! But for me in general this fell short.

I'm a sucker for a fairytale reimagining, Coral was absolutely wonderful and deserves to be in front of every reader who loves a richly woven world and wonderfully vibrant characters. There was so much emotion packed into this story. The author will keep you turning the page with plot twist after plot twist, only to break your heart. It's rare to find a book or author that can make you feel so many things with a single sentence... Shea Ernshaw is one, and I believe I just found another.

I LOVE The Little Mermaid, and the themes throughout this book -- especially the portrayal of humans and merpeople as wholly different at first (emotions are the Disease, humans are the enemy, etc) into the realization that, really, they are much the same -- are so profound and beautiful.

The multi-POV setup really worked for me, and I found myself lost in Coral, Brooke and Merrick's independent tales.

Beware, though -- it is dark, and it is heavy. Keep your eye out for the trigger warnings, for there are some weighty topics at its forefront and its centre.

Ultimately, though, CORAL is a captivatingly unique take on The Little Mermaid, and with its gripping, haunting twist on the classic tale, it definitely did not disappoint!

‘Coral’ by Sara Ella was a solid, darker, rawer reimagining of The Little Mermaid, that left me feeling all kinds of emotional. Beautifully done.

I love retelling of the Little Mermaid and this did not disappoint! I loved the addition of exploration of mental illness into the storyline.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it past chapter one. I could not get into to it. Maybe I'll try again later.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles.
I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!

It is really hard to balance three POV characters, and unfortunately I do not thing Ella managed it. I found it hard to engage with the characters meaningully. I do appreciate the trigger warnings!

I also tried reading this book multiple times. I read that first chapter at least three times, but I couldn't get into it. It just wasn't for me. That's why I waited so long to write a review. I hate to be negative. about someone's hard work.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Coral by Sara Ella.

This is one of those books that once you hit a certain point, you want to go back and read the whole thing again. What clever tricks the author played on us!

This is a light re-telling of The Little Mermaid, going so far as to cheekily give one of characters the name Grimm. Coral is the misunderstood mermaid, struggling to blend in with her sisters, all while dreading the "red tide" a disease that has taken one of her loved ones.

From there we meet other characters on land, and watch as they come to find each other, as well as themselves.

I truly thought that this was going to be a light hearted retelling of a beloved fairy tale, but it turned out to be much more. And the author did such a good job using metaphor to help the characters cope. Brava Sara Ella.

TW, CW: mentions of suicide

I am no longer interested in reading this book, but I am very thankful for the opportunity given to me to review it. I will not be leaving a review on any platform as it's not fair.

Thought the concept of the story was really interesting. While reading I discovered it just wasn't totally my cup of tea, but still 3.5 stars!

This book was a unique exploration of mental health issues. Trigger warnings for depression and trauma. Told through three POVs, this is an exploration of mental illness and trauma and how it presents. Including in mermaids. I neither loved it nor hated it, and found the way the POVs were intertwined to make sense once relieved. I feel very middle of the road about it.

Sorry, I gave it a solid chance. But I couldn't finish it. A big DNF, but a got about halfway through! I had a hard time with everything being SO sad and depressing. The dialogue felt a little forced, the multiple storylines were too confusing..... this book just did not work for me.

While I have read quite a few favorites retellings, this is my most recent reading and my current favorite read of the year. CORAL by @saraellawrites isn't your normal little mermaid retellings but I admire the author's bravery of addressing and bringing to light things that many of us suffer from and are afraid to admit or some things people just don't have a well enough understanding of because of bad stigma.

Coral is a very dark, heavy book. Dealing with topics that involve mental illness, suicide and depression. It takes the "Little Mermaid" elements and twists them into a dark storyline. I had a bit of trouble staying in this book. I had to force myself to read it at times. It may have been better for someone who appreciated that type of tale.

When I picked it up I expected much more "little mermaid" and much less mental health.
I have to admit I was not the ost excited going into this since I was absolutely not in the mood for mermaids and romance. But this book surprised me on all levels. (and reminded me why I requested it on netgalley - the mental health aspect). Yes, the plot was predictable and not too surprising, but I really admie how Sara Ella was able to paint a picture that can make the reader understand more about what it is like to live with depression. I really admire that and am appreciative of a book that teaches me how other people might experience the world without getting too preachy. Overall really solid book but needs to be picked up with caution if you are battling mental health issues that might be triggered. The other released a disclaimer and trigger warnings that I advise to read before picking up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a book that I started to review but unfortunately got very busy with work and forgot about it. With that being said, I then forgot what it was about.