Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! I really enjoyed it. It took me a few chapters to fully get into the story since mermaids aren’t usually my thing, but the character development and smooth storytelling kept me hooked.

Bastian—what can I say? Absolutely loved him. Aria is a spoiled princess, but at least she’s self-aware enough to recognize it, which made her character more compelling. The story delivers a strong message about the consequences of selfishness, and while it’s a clean read, the chemistry between the characters is undeniable.

Despite being set in a world of merfolk, it felt surprisingly relatable. I could have imagined a different ending, but I also see plenty of potential for a sequel!

I usually love a retelling but this one fell short. The writing was all over the place and I couldn't get invested in the plot nor the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

DNF

This being an enemies-to-lovers romance about a mermaid princess intrigued me, but I sadly overlooked this was in the "Christian Fiction" genre. With just the first 20% there were a lot of religious aspects that I did not enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

1/5 stars
I can’t remember when I last gave a 1 star review. But I didn’t like this book. The characters and plot was very flat. I’m not sure how to describe it but it felt off and weird.

I had really high hopes for this but unfortunately I really did not enjoy this at all.

I think the plot has great potential but sadly it was poorly executed in my opinion. I loved the cover but that's as far as I can go with positives.

very interesting read. one of my main faults was that none of the characters grew and changed. the world building wasnt really changing either :(

Intriguing story and characters and can definitely see the fairytale remake, which I'm loving right now.

It was a nice easy read!

Seems just AI made. Not worth it. Also, very very strong religious aspects throughout. POV was weak, I had strong expectations but it just wasn’t good.

*A Mermaid Tale of the Lost Empire* by Lily D. is a spellbinding fantasy that transports readers to the depths of a mysterious underwater civilization. D.'s evocative prose and intricate world-building make for a mesmerizing read, perfect for fans of mermaid lore and epic adventures.

Thanks to Netgally for the review copy. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that this book isn't for me. I always have mixed opinions about retelling and I liked the fact that it was supposed to be a retelling of The Little Mermaid. But to be honest, this book was exactly what I had imagined and so I can only say, unfortunately, it's not for me.

I tried to get through this book and it just wasn't for me. I appreciate that I got to get a copy of the book and I just couldn't get pass the first few chapters, nothing against the author I just didn't like it.

Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, wie ich dieses Buch bewerten soll, da ich es aufgrund relativ kurzer Ausleihdauer (ohne Verlängerung) nicht lesen konnte.

Such a fun, adventure through Atlantia with mermaid and fantastical creatures. It will keep you interested and will be a fun read--be sure to add it to your summer reading list.

2.75* really. Not bad retelling of Little Mermaid story. In my opinion good as early teen book as missing some depth for older readers. Nice writing style.

The cover is gorgeous and between it and being marketed as a “Little Mermaid Retelling” I was sucked in.

I had the hardest time getting into this book and enjoying like I hoped I would.

I had a hard time getting into this book. I started it, and just did not feel interested in the plot. The start was a bit slow, and I did not feel invested enough to continue. I did not finish it

I was eager to read this one as I love retellings and the story of "The Little Mermaid". I enjoyed the retelling aspects that were in the story. I found the story slightly slow moving with the plot and had hoped for a little more adventure throughout. Throughout the story, readers watch Aria go through some self-discovery. While her process isn't perfect, it validates young readers that they do not have to have the answer right away. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Not exactly what I expected, but a nice Little Mermaid /Atlantis vibe. There were certain things I didn't gel with but I don't discuss those in reviews. So I will rate it for it's qualities I appreciated--mermaids.

I wish it had been more upfront about being Christian fiction because it is not for me and I realized that more and more as I read it. DNF at 38%, no star rating

"A Mermaid Tale of the Lost Empire" by Lily D. is a charming and enchanting young adult fantasy that transports readers to a world of magic, mystery, and mermaids. D.'s novel is a delightful blend of adventure, romance, and mythology, offering a fresh take on the classic mermaid tale that will captivate readers of all ages.

At the heart of the story is protagonist Serena, a spirited young mermaid whose curiosity and bravery lead her on a quest to uncover the secrets of her underwater kingdom. As Serena embarks on her journey, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, from dashing merman warriors to cunning sea witches, each with their own role to play in the unfolding drama.

D.'s writing is lyrical and evocative, with vivid descriptions that bring the underwater world to life in vivid detail. From the sun-dappled coral reefs to the shadowy depths of the ocean floor, D. creates a richly imagined setting that sparkles with magic and wonder. Her prose is infused with a sense of whimsy and wonder that will transport readers to a world where anything is possible.

One of the novel's strengths is its imaginative world-building. D. draws inspiration from mythology and folklore to create a mythology that feels both familiar and fresh. The underwater kingdom of Atlantis is depicted with intricate detail, complete with its own customs, traditions, and political intrigue. As Serena explores this magical realm, readers are treated to a tapestry of fantastical creatures and breathtaking landscapes that will leave them spellbound.

Moreover, "A Mermaid Tale of the Lost Empire" is not just a fantasy adventure—it's also a story about friendship, courage, and the power of love to overcome even the greatest of challenges. As Serena navigates the treacherous waters of her kingdom, she must rely on her friends and allies to help her unlock the secrets of her past and secure the future of her people. Along the way, she learns important lessons about loyalty, sacrifice, and the true meaning of heroism.

In conclusion, "A Mermaid Tale of the Lost Empire" by Lily D. is a delightful and engaging fantasy adventure that will capture the hearts of readers young and old. With its imaginative world-building, charming characters, and compelling storyline, it's a book that will whisk readers away on a magical journey they won't soon forget. D. has crafted a captivating tale that celebrates the power of imagination and the enduring spirit of adventure.